Paying Attention and Being Focused in Tai Chi Play

In Tai Chi, focus is a key element that enhances the practice and deepens the benefits. The primary focus in Tai Chi revolves around three aspects:

1. Body Awareness: Tai Chi emphasizes a heightened sense of body awareness. Practitioners focus on the alignment, posture, and movements of their body. By paying attention to the subtle sensations, practitioners can refine their movements and develop a better understanding of their body’s capabilities and limitations.

2. Breath Control: Breath control is an essential aspect of Tai Chi. Practitioners focus on the quality and rhythm of their breath, coordinating it with their movements. Deep, slow, and relaxed breathing helps to induce a state of calmness and relaxation, allowing for better flow of energy throughout the body.

3. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is at the core of Tai Chi practice. Practitioners strive to maintain a focused and present state of mind. This involves observing thoughts and sensations without judgment and bringing attention back to the present moment whenever the mind wanders. By cultivating mindfulness, practitioners can enhance their overall awareness and concentration during Tai Chi practice.

By combining these aspects of focus, Tai Chi practitioners aim to achieve a state of harmony between the body, breath, and mind. This integrated focus helps in reducing stress, improving balance and coordination, promoting relaxation, and enhancing overall well-being. 

Attentional focus (APA dictionary definition of attentional-focus
https://dictionary.apa.org/attentional-focus) in Tai Chi plays a crucial role in achieving a mindful and meditative state during practice. The primary focus in Tai Chi is on cultivating a deep sense of body awareness and developing a calm and focused mind. Practitioners are encouraged to concentrate on their breath, the sensations of their body, and the movements they perform.

There are two main types of attentional focus in Tai Chi:

1. Internal focus: This involves directing attention inward, focusing on the physical sensations, energy flow, and alignment within the body. By paying close attention to the movements and sensations, practitioners aim to enhance their body awareness and develop a deeper connection with their own body.

2. External focus: In this approach, attention is directed externally to the environment or the surrounding space. Practitioners may focus on their surroundings, such as the flow of energy around them or the connection to the natural world. This external focus can help practitioners expand their awareness beyond their own body and foster a sense of harmony and connection with the environment.

Both internal and external attentional focus are integrated to create a balanced practice in Tai Chi. The goal is to achieve a state of relaxed concentration, where the mind remains calm and focused while the body moves gracefully. This mindful state helps practitioners experience the numerous physical, mental, and spiritual benefits associated with Tai Chi.