There are five important rules in tai chi pushing hands. Today I would like to try to explain the first rule.
Below is the first paragraph of the original masterpiece on this topic.
Click to read the Chinese original version
My translation:
"If you can't be calm, then you can't be attentive and you lose the control of your arms. It's hard at the beginning, but you have to realize your opponent's trend and you don't move without any idea on where he goes. Always try to start before he does and even both of you are not using any strength, your attention to the changes during the pushing hands is still ahead of the game. Be mindful on where his strength on and don't try to disconnect your hands with him and meanwhile, don't be too nervous to keep relaxing and sensitive. To achieve this level, you need to practice around a year. Remember, all you need is your mind, not the strength. After a certain period, you may easily control your opponent instead of being controlled."