There is "sticking to the opponent" (connection to the opponent) in Tai Chi but why is it so important for the mind "sticking" (mind-body connecting) to the solo movements of the body? Hint...it's more than you think. Students think I am thoughtlessly relentless in keeping them on track, but there are reasons that you probably have missed. You know it is not easy but don't you wonder why Master Stephen Hwa says Tai Chi is so enjoyable? My student Jason tells me he has tried meditation but never been able to do it for more than 20 seconds because it’s too boring and his mind wanders to more interesting aspects of his life.
Even as a very long time practitioner, I still, fortunately, experience what is called "Cognitive Load" and it is that which prevents my mind from flitting around here and there. I have to get full concentration but I have no Master Stephen Hwa to see if I am not moving precisely. So I have to have a "sticky" mind and think precisely about body movement, every little detail. This "stickiness" (mind-body connection) keeps me from thinking about stress such as COVID 19, health, and/or family conflicts. This cognitive load prevents my mind from wandering. "Calming the body sends signals to the brain that complement the re-appraisal that comes from not being able to think about stressful aspects of life. Tai Chi lowers stress by regulating emotions as well as by diverting thoughts"
There is a more advanced stage that still has a "connection" and cognitive load but for the most part, works subconsciously. This is called the "Evolvement of Mind". Beginners struggle to engage the mind and body with no clear goal for their Form training. "The goal is to make ALL movements internal originating from the body core. The eventual goal for Form training is that during form playing, all movements are internal and are fully integrated with the limbs to achieve "using internal movement to direct external motion". Internal energy will circulate in the body continuously without break. At this stage, the advanced practitioner should be able to play the Form without thinking, entirely subconscious.
Also, one should be able to integrate internal moves into everyday life, naturally, without effort.
The mind-body relation starting from the intense struggle and engagement of the beginner's stage progresses to total disengagement. The mind is now free to enjoy the pleasurable sensation of stretching and energy circulation in the body during Form practice as if the mind belongs to an independent observer. This last state of mind is indistinguishable from motion-induced Qi Gong exercises. This is when Tai Chi and Qi Gong exercises become one."
References
Hwa, Stephen, May 12, 2012 Uncovering the Treasure, Tai Chi's Path to Internal Energy & Health
Thagard, P. 2020 Why does Tai Chi Feel Good Psychology Today
Huston, P., & McFarlane, B. (2016). Health benefits of tai chi: What is the evidence? Canadian Family Physician, 62(11), 881-890.
Wang, C., Bannuru, R., Ramel, J., Kupelnick, B., Scott, T., & Schmid, C. H. (2010). Tai Chi on psychological well-being: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Complement Altern Med, 10, 23. doi:10.1186/1472-6882-10-23
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