It has now been over two decades since I first started my study and practice of tai chi.. Many of those years were under the guidance of my teachers. But a large portion of this time span has been self-study along with self-correction.

This path of self-study, is challenging and risky to say the least.  The enthusiasm to continue daily practice at the absence of peer support from classmates can and often wanes over time. Maintaining one’s practice stimulated is a task few accomplish after instruction from a teacher ceases. There is also the risk that one continues to practice incorrectly and over time develop habits not easy to break.

But what is one to do should a teacher not longer be available? Stop practicing? Of course not. In the following, I would like to propose to you that a deeper understanding of tai chi and the various levels of accomplishment attained by masters of old, are readily available to anyone regardless of whether a teacher is available or not.

Think of tai chi as a free software application downloaded from the internet which has numerous features. However, the free version of this software is limited in usage and should the user wish to employ the full software a “key” or “code” would be provided once the application has been purchased. In other words, the software on your desktop already has the full version and you are allowed to use a limited number of features until you pay and then the “key” opens up the full potential and usability of the program.. 

So what is the Tai Chi Code? you ask. Practice! Uninterrupted, concentrated practice with undivided attention. But what if I practice wrong? No such thing.. The only wrong one can do is to not practice. It is within the programming of the tai chi software to self-correct with time and prolonged practice. All the needed data is already stored within the form and our body’s database is gradually populated through usage or practice.

But, as with any software application, its usability is dependent on the user’s needs and the interaction between the program and the operator’s input. First, we should define what is the purpose or what needs are to be met through the tai chi program. A few come to mind:

1. better health
2. improved sleep
3. digestion
4. emotional balance
5. flexibility
6. strength
7. martial applications
8. meditation

Once a need is identified, the application is customized to meet the user’s needs.  Let’s take item #6. strength, as the current application for the tai chi software. A well written program would inquire from the user what interaction is to take place. For example, the software may ask the user what part of the body needs strength. The user responds by indicating the legs need strength. The software may respond by instructing the user to practice the form with the knees bent deeper and to slow down the practice. It may also suggest that more standing meditation be included in daily practice..

Let’s take item #3. digestion. The software may suggest to practice after 30 past dinner or lunch thus improving peristalsis and stomach emptying. If improved sleep, item #2 is the current need, the software may suggest to practice early in the morning and 30 minutes before retiring for the night.

And we can go on with numerous examples on how tai chi practice parallels software applications.