Principle #4 - Differentiate Between Empty and Solid.

The 10 Essential Principles of Tai Chi If the whole weight of the body is over the right leg, then the right leg is solid, and the left leg is empty. If the whole weight is over the left leg, then the left leg is solid, and the right leg is empty. Differentiating between empty and solid one of the core concepts of Tai Chi. Only by clearly knowing which leg is bearing weight (full) and which is relaxed (empty) can your movements be agile coordinated and stable. This is essential for realizing the principles of 'using stillness to control motion' and 'using softness to overcome hardness'. If you cannot differentiate between full and empty either by distributing weight equally on both legs or being unclear in your stance which leg is full and which leg is empty your movements become heavy, your stances are unstable and you will struggle to shift your weight. if you can change direction gracefully, without losing your balance then you’re differentiating between empty and solid. The real trick is to keep the waist loose (see Essential #3) while differentiating between empty and solid.