What Does Imagination Have to Do With Intention?

Have you been told that in Tai Chi you should imagine walking like a cat (lion or tiger)? This advice actually comes from the Tai Chi Chuan Classic. But what does it mean? It indicates that you should be walking softly, lightly, and quietly while transferring your weight from a full (substantial) foot to an empty (insubstantial) one and back. But no pouncing!!! Like the flow of a stream or river, it’s continuous and smooth.

The other phrase you may frequently hear is like “pulling silk from a cocoon”. Where does your imagination take you now? Movements that are gentle? Circular? Slow, cautious pressure in order to prevent breakage? Continuous, for sure! This is a great analogy and description of Tai Chi at its best!

According to Harvard Medical School Guide to Tai Chi, “research shows that positive intention and imagery can significantly influence the brain and many physiological functions.” Imagining a movement actually engages the same parts of your brain as actually moving! Therefore, mental training or rehearsing (even without physical movement) can improve performance, as well as change brain function and structure and muscle activation and function. Western mind-body research shows that intention affects movement and neuromuscular physiology. Therefore, even better results were demonstrated by incorporating both imagery and intention along with body (muscle) movements.

Imagination and visualization help us remember the moves in the form, as well as conceptualizing the path of a meridian or channel. It is important to realize that this is different from intent.

Imagination uses a different part of your brain than intent. We can imagine many “different aspects of our energy”. However, keep in mind that when using imagination, your mind more or less pretends to move the Qi and there is little to no blood flow. The mind (intent) is what is needed to move the Qi energy/flow.

One downfall of imagination or visualization is that what is being created by your mind may not match reality. Students often imagine their feet or body parts are in the correct position and find that they are not. It is also possible to incorrectly lead your energy. Unfortunately, if one overdoes imagination, this may prevent actual mind/body connection and we can get caught up in our heads. Therefore, it is important to use imagination or visualization only as a guide. It is very important to always be aware of your body’s sensations and what it is experiencing.

If you use intent but not imagination, you can integrate sensory information called “catching the feeling of Qi”. Some experts feel that this is essential for controlling Qi energy flow throughout the body. Richard Leirer of the Qigong Academy feels that imagination inhibits Qi discovery and the process of Qi movement. It is important to consciously direct our energy. Of course, in order to master Qi energy manipulation, you must have a clear perception of the Qi.

Qi energy is considered a force of nature that needs to be felt. Catching the feeling of Qi can be either easy or complicated depending on your Qi sensitivity. Qi can feel electrical or like pressure or flow running through your body. Qi has also been described as a hot or cold feeling, or even like something in your body is moving you. Some practitioners feel it almost immediately, while for others it may take years. In reality, most practitioners fall somewhere in the middle. Once you feel it, you can fairly easily guide it throughout your body on most days. There will most likely be other days that for some reason, your Qi may feel blocked or sluggish! This may have to do with your emotions, your health, or various other issues. Do not give up! Keep positive and it will most likely return.

By now you may wonder, what does imagination have to do with intention? They interact!

It takes intention, awareness, visualization and imagination to create a true mind/body connection. Skill directing energy requires conscious awareness of it. Once conscious awareness is achieved, we can truly sense and direct our Qi.

Keep in mind that it is important to know when and how to use awareness, imagination/visualization, and intention in your practice. Here’s a brief (hopeful helpful) guide: First have awareness of the energy, then use visualization or imagination in order to know where you want to direct that energy, and now use intention to “gently” lead the energy.

Obviously, all of this takes practice and patience. Enjoy the journey. It is truly worth the effort!

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