The acme of taiji, we’re told, is for three things to move in concert: Shadow (mind), Shape (body), and Qi.

I don’t know that anyone else refers to the trio as “shadow, shape, and qi”, but it rolls nicely off the tongue in english, and it captures the essence in my opinion.  Also, the sequence is wrong.  But I wonder.  At early training stages, is it more important to do everything just right as we see listed and detailed in various sources?  Or to simply try to work upon the key elements in a basic way that might bring improvements in what we’re doing anyway?

Just a rhetorical question.  I can think of a handful of answers ranging from, “You’re wasting your time, Bub!” to “Very intriquing, perhaps you’re onto something here Jack!”.  It doesn’t really matter.  Only processes and results, gains and losses, sowing, tending, and reaping, these things matter as time goes by.  So: Shadow, Shape, Qi… moving as one, maybe not this time; but am I aware of all three, and are they somewhat in tune?