Cristaiji on Nostr: Tai Chi - ‘Song’ is a game changer 🤔 The concept of song was introduced to me ...

Tai Chi - ‘Song’ is a game changer 🤔

The concept of song was introduced to me initially as simply relaxation - the idea that the more that we can relax with good structure and alignments, the better results we will get in training.

But it wasn’t until years later where I started to hear the term ‘song’ and the concept was explained as something like ‘release’ or ‘letting go’ of tension.

Then through practice my perspective and understanding changed.

Yes song in its basic sense means to release tension from the muscles.

But I began to see it as a kind of equanimity and letting go in the face of physical force or even confrontation. A mental state - not attaching to a specific outcome, content to accept what ever forces are placed onto the body.

And overriding the natural ‘fight or flight’ response where the muscles would naturally contract.

So song can also be thought of as maintaining an open attitude of non resistance, non fight, non contraction.

In push hands (tuishou) being ok with taking a step rather than fighting to maintain ones stance even if in competition that might mean losing the point. Chen Man Ching called this ‘investing in loss’.

At higher levels song starts to become ‘Hua’ which means neutralising force and this is where the practitioner doesn’t need to move very much if at all to maintain structure when faced with the strength of the opponent or training partner. This is not the same as bracing however.

This is a tricky subject and can only make any kind of sense through regular practice both solo and with a partner.

However the rewards are well worth the effort. Increased skill, increased power and ultimately building song in Tai chi will mean being more relaxed in daily life, less stressed, healthier and happier. 🙏😎

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