Exercise: Hug a Tree
As you begin to practice Hug a Tree, pay attention to the feeling of your head floating upward, as everything else in your body releases downward, stretching your spine.
This feeling of settling down into your legs, in a relaxed and centered manner, is something you want to continue to feel as you practice the Tai Chi postures and form.
The goal is to learn to stand (and later to move) with a still mind, an upright posture, and supple joints.
Exercise: Sitting Left, Sitting Right
Practice shifting your weight from left to right and settling the weight down into the feet.
Tai Chi Posture: Opening
Stand like Hug a Tree, but lifting the arms up and pressing back down.