This phrase sometimes carries the implication of fruitless, random activity that results in frustration and wasted energy. But with circles being such a central focus of t’ai chi, these beautiful shapes inform and enrich all aspects of the practice and the way we move.
Consider this visualization/movement warmup using the idea of walking in circles:
Stand with your feet about hip distance apart, then find your central “plumb line” that connects you from the top of your head, along the length of the spine, and then sinks below the ground via the “bubbling well,” that spot where your weight rests and from which your chi emanates, just behind your big toe on each foot.
Next, without lifting your toes or heels, slowly rock the weight from heels to toes and back again. Think about the big bowl of your pelvis rocking gently forward and back, along with this movement. Soften the knees and ankles as well, finding space in all the joints so that the whole lower part of the body moves in a gentle, open curved way.
Then, take some gentle medium-size steps forward, feet parallel and hip distance apart, keeping the attention on the movement of your weight from heel to toe. See if you can have a soft foot that moves in a curved shape from heel to toe.
Now, shift your attention to a well-known work of art: Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vetruvian Man. This is a pen and ink drawing of a male figure with hands and legs outstretched, within a circle and a square. Take a little trip in your imagination. What if there was a whole sphere surrounding the figure, and each step he took followed the lower curve of the sphere? The mass and energy of the circle would surround him on all sides, and he would always be in perfect balance because the circle would move beneath his feet. Forward, back, side or diagonal, there would be support in all movements.
And…the circle is transparent, maybe with just a little color, like a soap bubble. It expands and retracts a little with your movement, just enough to support you and give your own movements a tiny energy boost.
Now, take a few more steps in parallel, inside your circle. Sense the circle’s energy in front, behind, and out to the side…this could be chi in motion. Wherever you go, it supports you and brings the flow to the movements.
Throughout your t’ai chi practice, this image can be a versatile, enjoyable and powerful companion. Sometimes, particularly if a practitioner does the form every day in the same space, the movements can become a little bit linear and narrow. The circle visualization might soften some of those hard edges.
Try it outside as well – it helps to smooth out some of the uneven ground surfaces you might encounter, and can provide a buffer to distractions. You can involve your arms in this exercise as well, drawing the shapes and connecting with the rebound effects in places like Seven Steps or the kicking section. With both the upper and lower body, the circle, through visualization and actual movement, supports and stabilizes your t’ai chi. Try your own experiments and variations, or just tuck the idea gently away in your mind. In any case, have fun!
