Basics

Too often we are obsessed with learning new things. New information comes at us at the speed of light these days it seems and in some ways that is good. In other ways it is not so good. We need basics. Every art or science has basics and if you understand the basics well enough then the advanced work becomes simple. When we hear the word basics we often think: Oh, beginner stuff I already know this so I can forget it. This is never the case.

In Tai Chi and other martial arts there will be basic exercises. Most people want to do forms or sparring and they neglect these because they are boring. They require repetition and hard work. In Tai Chi it is eight energies and five steps. The 13 postures. It is standing meditation. It is opening and closing. This is the basic work. Without these things the form is a dead mess. Another dance.

Today, no matter what you do pay attention to the basics because they are the foundation of all the advanced work in any matter. Never be bored. You can always practice the basics.