Investing in Loss (in tai chi)

In tai chi, investing in loss usually refers to absolutely refusing to use strength during push hands. How do you push someone using four ounces of strength? When you give up using strength, you tend to lose the game for a long time... Then a new understanding appears in that empty space where once you used strength. Something new appears.

Here is some verse to think upon.

Investing in Loss.
8/28/09

Investing in loss is
the tough choice
of choosing
to give up
something you want
to see what happens
when you don't get it.

It is an action
you choose
to do
then feel
then experience...

Then you decide
if what you lose
is worth the price
of what you gain

or if what you gained
is worth the price
of what you lose

Invest in loss is
blood guts sweat and tears
shame and pride.
Your body must do it
as does the mind.

It may be MIRACULOUS, too.
It may open doors
unseen before and locked
Now they swing wide open.

So choose carefully,
wring the towel dry
of all hope of getting something
in return

(because pretty words will never get you there,
no matter how inspiring...)