Shili is testing the force that has been developed in Zhan Zhuang – the standing postures. It is Zhan Zhuang in motion. In Zhan Zhuang, power is developed through relaxation and imagery using yi (intention). The circulating qi that is cultivated in the standing postures directed by yiconnects the whole body together as a unit. Zhan Zhuang develops and places an emphasis on movement in stillness. The movement is the six directions comprised of three yin/yang pairs:up/down, forward/backward and left/right. These paired yin/yang directions are not limited to right angles to each other, but eventually include all directions and angles.

Shili converts the static postures into movement. It emphasizes stillness in movement. The power, relaxation and whole-body connection established in Zhan Zhuang must be maintained during the Shili movements. When embracing stillness in movementand movement in stillnessthe practitioner should be able to feel that he can't help halting when he wants to move and he can't help moving when he wants to halt. This movement and potential movement is like being suspended between yin and yang.There is no movement and no direction, but any movement and all directions are possible. With proper yi, the body feels highly energized. Because it is easy to generate physical tension at this time whether the body is stationary or moving, relaxation is critical. Tension is friction in regard to movement. It is like putting the brakes on when you are trying to move.

In Shili slow movement is better than quick movement, and gentle movement is better than violent movement. Slower movement requires a greater concentration of the mind. Practicing Shili slowly initially is also beneficial because any mistakes in executing the movements can be more readily observed than if moving at a faster pace. Of course, the practice of slow movements will lead to the practice of faster movements where the whole-body connection must still be maintained.

Although Shili begins with the feet in a stationary position, it is also performed with stepping. Here again all the attributes gained in Zhan Zhuang must be retained during Shili with stepping. The stepping is done slowly at first and then as ability and competence increase it is done with more and more speed.

If there are any errors when performing Shili, they can be corrected by going back to Zhan Zhuang.

In addition, although Shili is testing force by advancing the attributes of Zhan Zhuang into movement, Shili can also be done without movement in the standing postures.