The combination of proper physical structure and relaxation enables the body to be both solid and flexible, which are primary qualities of T’ai Chi Chuan. More, with correct body structure and relaxation (or Song), weight naturally flows downwards and creates an even more firm physical foundation, which is vital in T’ai Chi as well.
The relationship of a relaxed and structured body mirrors the properties of water gathering in earth like a lake: the body must be open and unobstructed so that the weight can flow smoothly to the ground. With minimal physical tension and an evenly balanced body, overall circulation is smooth and unimpeded and the weight cascades down to the feet. This physical stance firmly anchors the body, which T’ai Chi calls “rooting.” Any tension in the structure or in the muscles compromises the foundation and uproots the body. Relaxation—or Song—is the primary ingredient of rooting.
Relaxing and rooting are not difficult in times of ease and calmness; the difficulty comes in times of stress and adversity. The more complex issue is how to break the habit of responding with tension or counter-force when faced with difficulty or an obstacle. Again, the lesson of flowing water is illuminating: if we can stay soft when we encounter obstacles, then we will be in a better position to understand the situation and find a way forward. And since water naturally flows downward, to be like water is to allow ourselves to remain grounded despite adversity and then we can respond appropriately to the situation, which Taoism calls “wu wei.”
Learning to be like water is the essence behind the two person drill of Immovable Mountain where one person pushes and the other person absorbs and redirects that force down into the ground thereby not only neutralizing the push but also using the energy of the other person constructively to solidify the stance. The immovable mountain exercise emphasizes how T‘ai Chi can have the softness of water and the solidity of a mountain—and yet not be passive. It is an act of dynamic responsiveness built upon relaxation and rooting.
A classic saying discusses the relationship of water and mountain this way: T’ai Chi should be still as a mountain and yet flow like a great river. While this maxim is rich in so many ways, it is especially insightful regarding how the symbiotic relationship of relaxation and rooting are interrelated. Our stance or structure should be like a mountain rooted into the earth while our body should be soft and supple and move like water. The lower half of our body should be like a still mountain and the upper half should be like water. Rooting and relaxing. Stable and supple. Flowing and yet solid. A mountain-like foundation allows for our bodies to be soft and flowing.
If we are able to ground ourselves and still be able to move smoothly, our tai chi practice will be deeper. The same principles apply to everyday living as well, and if we can remember to use the dynamic relaxation of water flowing into earth, our daily life will achieve a more harmonious balance since we are not adding additional force and resistance to a situation but rather finding a way to move with it.
The lesson of water and that of mountain—of relaxation and rooting—is quite profound and it has the potential to extend well beyond tai chi practice.