In Tai Chi practice one moves while keeping the centre low at all times. This centredness and grounding also have corresponding emotional and mental states. The tan tien energy, guided by the mind, directs all movements. The whole body aligns with gravity feeling the head as if suspended from the stars above. Standing straight, the weight equally distributed over the feet is called perfect balance between the Heaven and Earth forces.
Breathing is both a voluntary and involuntary function of the human body.
How we feel consciously or not affects the way we breathe. If the breath is calm, even and steady the mind experiences these same qualities. Conversely, if the breath is laboured, rough or uneven, the mind is affected by all sorts of wavering feelings and emotions. Tai Chi practice is always done with abdominal breathing - which simply means keeping the abdomen relaxed while breathing. This breathing helps keep the centre of gravity low and massages the internal organs.