Kinesthesia n. awareness of the position and movement of the parts of the body by means of sensory organs (proprioceptors) in the muscles and joints – kinesthetic adj. – Oxford American College Dictionary

 

Mentally induced kinesthetic perception is a primary Yiquan training measure.  It is an essential element of Yiquan relaxed standing (Zhan Zhuang, 站桩), trial and feel (Shi Li,  试力), discharge/release of power (Fa Li, 发力), and push hands (Tui Shou, 推手) exercises.  It is the means to re-pattern your mind-body into new habits of using whole-body force (Zheng Ti, 整体) and to cultivate the whole-body neuromuscular coordination for harmony of action and force (Xie Tiao, 协调).  While inseparable, there are two main categories:

 

1.         Isometric opposing force pairs (Zheng Li, 争力) is the visualization or “feel” of the mentally induced neuromuscular relaxation and tension exchanges between different parts of the body.  Visualize imaginary springs between body parts.

 

2.                  Perception of force transmission (Mo Li, 摸力) is your attempt to try to figure out (Chuai Mo, 揣摸) by “feel” how the force is transmitted through parts of the body.  Feel the concurrent sequential overlapping movement of each body elements: opening of joints, linkages, pivots, and twisting (Ti Ren, 体认) as you perform each maneuver.

 

In all cases, it is best to stay relaxed, use motionless movement or slow large Shi Li movement, use your mind-intent (Yi, 意) to guide your actions (Yi Yi Ling Li, 以意领力), and do not use brute force (Yong Yi Bu Yong Li, 用意不用力).