Philosophy
Philosophy: Balance
An implicit part of the Taiji symbol’s 
meaning is balance. Though each opposing force does exist, it cannot occur without implying its opposite. Put another way, if you wait long enough, the rain will eventually stop. Or if you are sad, you will soon be happy again. “This too shall pass” is what we say to give hope to someone in need or trouble; it reminds us that nothing lasts forever: not life, not emotions, not natural forces in isolation. If we remember the transitory nature of forces and states of being, it becomes easier to see the whole without needlessly worrying about the present. The key idea here is to work for a state of balance or equilibrium within the totality of your life and activities. Psychologically, spiritually and physically, we should seek to find the most balanced use of all our capabilities by constantly returning to "center."
Such powerful effects in mind and body led the old masters to the name “Taijiquan,” which strictly translated means, “The Great Extremes Boxing.” The constant shifting from one state to another, from up to down, from in to out, from hard to soft, (the Great Extremes of experience) over time produces a dynamically balanced sense of ease and flow. Many practitioners describe it as a calm, almost meditative state in which the body is relaxed yet ready, the mind calm yet alert.
As you will discover, the Taiji player experiences physical opposites and their resolution as part of the practice. For every shift of weight to the left in your body, you will eventually shift to the right. If you squat down, sooner or later you will rise. In one moment you open your arms or turn your head; in the next, the arms are closed or the head returns to center. Likewise, but at an inner, psychological level, you will experience a sense of ease and relaxation. Taiji refreshes the mind as it quiets the stream of inner chatter that we experience in everyday life.
The physical and psychological benefits of Taiji within your own body mirror the great balancing forces of Nature. Taiji is ultimately an expression of the highest levels of motion and energy (as symbolized in the Taiji diagram) that the world and the universe possess. Through Taiji, we are modeling the macrocosm with the microcosm of mind and body.
Taijiquan is very concerned with both outer and inner attitude as you move. This is a common approach in various Eastern cultures to the question of human performance training. The human being is seen as a system within itself as well as within the greater, universal system. How our minds move within the body movement is important.