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Wuji (Wu Chi) – Infinity Posture

A basis of traditional Chinese thought is the belief in a single energy-filled cosmic universe called qi. In the beginning, the universe was an endless void known as wuji. From this void arose activity expressed as yin and yang. In tai chi, wuji is the posture of infinity, corresponding to the neutral universe. A main purpose of wuji is posture awareness, where we allow ourselves to mentally scan our body, discovering our physical and mental needs and desires.

Yin and yang are sometimes thought of as aspects of the feminine and masculine, but this is incorrect. It’s the other way around. Yin and yang are the whole, representing the opposites that exist throughout the universe. All opposites are aspects of yin and yang. Light and darkness, day and night, earth and sky, water and fire, the feminine and the masculine are typical aspects. Yin and yang are represented by the double fish symbol.

External aspects of Wuji

In traditional qigong and tai chi practice, the wuji posture is used as a resting position before starting the exercise and is sometimes placed between other movements. It symbolically represents the “great void” of the original universal void. Tai chi classics say that wuji gives birth to tai chi, where emptiness is transformed into activity. We practice tai chi to develop our ability to understand and use the energy of the universe.

To stand in wuji, start with your feet shoulder-width apart. Relax your whole body. Your weight should be evenly distributed on the three balance points of your foot: the ball of the foot, the point at the base of the little toe, and the heel. Make sure your knees are loose. Bend your elbows, drop your hands to your sides, and let your shoulders drop. Do not block any joint.

Keep your spine straight without being stiff (song). Tilt your pelvis slightly forward and push your chin back slightly to straighten your spine. Imagine that your head is suspended above your body by a rope from the ceiling. Allow your eyes to close without pressure and bring each breath to the danien energy point, approximately three inches below the navel. Proper alignment opens the doors of the body for proper qi flow.

Progressively relax your body from top to bottom. Look ahead and relax your eyes without focusing on anything. Relax your jaw, neck, and shoulders. Relax your arms and hands, letting them hang loose. Allow your breath to gradually deepen and expand your diaphragm.

Internal aspects of Wuji

The first step is to relax the posture for a few moments. Stay as still as a tree and pay attention to whatever sensation you feel. Don’t try to change anything. Just pay attention to the sensations.

Visualize a rope connecting the top of your head to the sky, lifting you up and stretching your spine. Let your mind travel throughout your body. Continue with deep breaths for several minutes. Use your breath as a point of focus. If your mind wanders, bring it back to your breath. Calm and empty your mind. A calm mind can feel the flow of qi better.

Be aware of any feelings of comfort or discomfort. Be on the lookout for any muscle tension. These are neither good nor bad. They simply are. Do not judge. The goal is to develop your ability to feel what is happening in your body. Your body awareness develops your self-awareness.

Standing in wuji is the ideal posture for balanced flow of qi. All the places where the qi does not flow become apparent. Areas of poor qi flow become uncomfortable or even painful. Discomfort when standing reveals places where your body is not working properly. Your natural instincts are to move when you feel uncomfortable. Move your body to eliminate painful postures, but try to hold the posture when it just feels uncomfortable.

One method of eliminating discomfort is to imagine your breath moving into the area of ​​discomfort. Imagine that your breath enters and leaves your body in that area. With each inhalation, bring the healing qi into your body. With each exhale, expel stagnant qi and remove tension and pain. Allow the healing qi to wash away the discomfort.

Another method of eliminating discomfort is to imagine the discomfort falling through your body to the ground. Let it fall through your feet and fall to the ground. When discomfort leaves your body, it must be replaced by a feeling of comfort.

Try to stand in wuji for a few moments every day. It seems very simple, but it will be very difficult the first few times you try this. Time will go on seemingly forever. Boredom will drive you crazy. Be persistent and these feelings will pass. Over a period of several weeks, gradually increase the amount of time you spend on your feet. However, remember that quality is more important than quantity. Don’t force yourself to stand up when you are distracted.

With practice, you can develop the ability to reach the same state of mind at any time, even when you are sitting. This can improve your health by helping you cope with stress. Apply the principles of body awareness and Dan Tien breathing to develop calm.

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