It is not uncommon to see people practicing Tai Chi - or to give it the full name Tai Chi Chuan. Usually their movements look graceful and sometimes powerful but unless you have tried Tai Chi, it looks at least a little bit weird. What are they doing?  They look happy enough but what are they actually up to?

I believe that this question should be a friend to the serious Tai Chi player. What are you doing? If you already practice, then think about that for a moment. If you keep a notebook for your Tai Chi, why not spend a few minutes writing down what you are hoping to achieve with your practice.

If you have not had a go at Tai Chi yet, just have a think about it. What are these people doing?

Don't worry about getting the answer wrong - it's not possible. Your practice is what you define it to be.  Not anybody else's definition. If, though,  you can introduce some clarity into what you are trying to achieve with Tai Chi, you are a lot more likely to get there.

After you have had a think, take a look at this diagram. In it, I am giving a few ideas of what Tai Chi can mean for you and perhaps help you to focus more on what you want to get out of it. It is not definitive and other people have different ways of understanding Tai Chi. Have a think and see where it gets you.