5. Is it correct to practice the art fast or to practice it slow?

The earth rotates at a constant and specific rate. Similarly, Taiji should not be practiced too slowly or too fast but should be practiced comfortably. The human body must be moved naturally otherwise there would be weaknesses. If the practice is too fast, breathing is affected resulting in uneven respiration, breathlessness and the heart pulsating too fast. If the practice is too slow, the limbs and the joints become stiff. Qi is blocked and is locally stagnant: intent or consciousness is employed but the Qi is not flowing. Internal force and Qi must be synchronized. Internally, there is the harmony of the libido, energy, Qi and spirit while externally, the mind, consciousness (or intent) and body are also harmonized and in turn both the internal and external harmonies are synchronized. Muscles must be relaxed and all parts of the body are naturally without tension. It is not possible therefore to say practicing fast is correct or practicing slow is correct as this has to be based on the standard or level of achievement of the student. One must practice until the whole body is relaxed and comfortably balanced. Once there is internal and external synchronization, then the question of slow and fast in practice is unimportant. At this stage, one gets the feeling that the upper portion of the body is like the drifting of clouds and the lower portion is like the flowing of water. Consciousness is continuous and is harmonized with movement. All parts of the body are natural and are unified. There is then no question of being fast or slow.