There are three main things I have noticed. They work in conjunction with one another and allow for a better understanding of rising. They are:
1) Rising and falling (relaxing) together. Rising is done only through the spine. But this does not mean the entire body should feel like its rising. No. The rest of the body should be relaxing. Feet, hands, legs, arms, back, chest, head and glutes should feel as though they are relaxing downwards. This dual inversion takes a bit of time to get used to.
2) The same sharp intention that one uses in one’s fingers during chi sau is the very same process one should apply to rising up through the spine. The intent that one uses in pointing – that intensity – should be applied to rising as well. One must understand what intensity there is and maximize it. The level or state of intensity depends on how strong one’s concentration and awareness is.
Now link the two intentions together. Combine the sharp intention going upwards with the sharp intention going outwards.
3) Make a triangle with the spine as the base. The arms and legs are the sides of the triangle. Whilst imagining (and working through) this, make a very thin triangle with the base of the spine being the base of the triangle. The sides of the triangle are the sides of the spine. The tip of the triangle is the top of the head. This gives rising a much more concrete focus.
These three ideas should be acted upon together. It definitely takes a bit of time as there is much to focus upon. But as time progresses and there is consistent effort, one will find it easier to accomplish and combine [these tasks].
So in conclusion, one should rise and link through the spine with the same sharp intention one exhibits through chi sau via the fingers, whilst accommodating the thinking of a very thin triangle while simultaneously relaxing (falling) all other body parts. The backing or base of the triangle is important to imagine as it will provide support. There are two bases. One is the entire spine – for the front portion of the body. The other is the base of the spine for rising up.