The 70% Rule - opening yourself to the new and unexpected

In Tai Chi class, the first thing we learn about is the 70% rule. It is at the heart of the Tao philosophy, and how we approach every movement, every thought.

In a society where we are always used to giving 110% of our energy and effort, in Tai Chi, we are taught to use only 70% of our potential capacity. This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t use our full effort, but it means that we shouldn’t constantly be straining ourselves. We follow this rule in order to allow the mind and body to relax and soften.

When I think about this in everyday terms, the push for 110% often drives us towards over-scheduling, over-tiring, and into a perpetual state of anxiety. Moving at 70% is about maintaining a balanced lifestyle, not over-exhausting and damaging your health, and being able to build enough energy to be open to new and unexpected things around you.