standing
my 2 pence:
standing has helped me to connnect my body, thus putting me on the path to MUCH better rooting than before i started standing. it has also helped me calm the mind, so i don't forget my forms when i have been lazy to practice. it has helped my push hands immensely--my listening/sticking/following is WAY better these days. i think that with daily practice, one would eventually develop a high degree of sensitivity to touch and of touch. on a general note, i've done the sporadic standing bit, and the dedicated standing bit, and i have to say that in addition to the benefit to my taijiquan, i notice that my entire life is more enhanced with standing--less stress, more energy, better mood overall. my routine for the past 4-4 1/2 years has been 25-40 min/day, unless i'm REALLY tired or i'm sick.
my strong opinion is that one gets more benefit with regular practice: 10 min/day is preferable to 60 min once per week...
i was taught not to change posture during the session, although i have heard of that approach. as far as depth of stance, i like to start high in my stance--i tend to sink as the session progresses.
keep at it--you'll see results with time. remember that the internal work takes years!
Originally Posted by Lee Chiang Po
You then walk backwards, forcing him off his feet and then drag him by the eye socket and lips. You can pull so hard that the lips tear away. You will never hear such screaming.