Tai Chi Principles
松 Sōng and 静 Jìng
松 Sōng (pronounced soong) represents one of the most important principles to build into our practice of tai chi and qigong.
Sōng has many meanings, such as, to relax, to loosen, to open, to release tension. Sōng, counter-intuitively describes an active state of relaxation. Not as some people think to relax like a ‘sack of potatoes’.
We often use an analogy from archery of the perfectly tensioned bow. Not too slack. Not too tight. Just right. Full of potential energy just waiting for the archer to draw and release.
Which brings us to a second, yet equally important principle, that pairs nicely with Sōng, called 静 Jìng.
Jìng, like Sōng, has many meanings, such as, stillness, motionless, silent, quiet, peaceful, calm and tranquil. When applied to the practice of tai chi Jìng describes a quiet heart-mind, 心 xīn.
An anonymous Tang Dynasty Daoist classic called the Qīngjìng Jīng – The Classic on Clarity and Tranquility (清靜經) describes the quality of Jìng as a person free from worries and naturally at ease. (Link: The Taoist Experience Chinese Philosophy Culture by Livia Kohn, 1993)
One could say that in order for a person to have Jìng they must also have Sōng. We could also say, that without Jìng, a tranquil heart-mind, we will find it difficult to experience Sōng. Each principle, or quality, supports and relates to the other, like the balance of yin yang, which form the familiar diagram of Tàijí 太极.
Tàijí 太极
Through our practice of tai chi and qigong movements we begin to realise the meaning and quality behind well known sayings, such as, ‘movement with stillness’ and ‘when the wind blows the whole tree moves’.
Sōng and Jìng represent very real felt qualities. It can take a little time to get a feel for them. At first we may get a glimpse, just for a moment, as we practice a sequence or movement. With some patient practice each day we may find our feel for Sōng and Jìng start grow quite naturally, like the unfolding of a beautiful blossom in spring.
What do Sōng and Jìng feel like?
Well, remember the archer and bow analogy? As we become more familiar with a few tai chi or qigong movements we start to release tension from our heart-mind and in our bodies. As we find and release all those tensions we begin to feel more able to open, loosen and relax in body and mind.
We have started to develop Sōng – active relaxation. Further more, as we practice some sequences each day we find that quality of Sōng carry into our day to day activities also.
Many people practise tai chi or qigong without ever hearing about, let alone getting the opportunity to practice the principles that underpin these movement arts, especially, Sōng and Jìng.
With Jìng and Sōng present we realise how they relate to, and act, as the key to unlock the door to the other tai chi principles, such as, 沉 Chén - meaning to sink, to settle, to feel heavy, rooted to the earth; and 活 huó - meaning suppleness, agility, elasticity and resilience.
With these principles, or qualities, in place we can really get a feel for the controlled transfer of our weight from one leg to another and the rhythm for the slow, continuous, flowing movements we aim for when we practice.
沉 Chén - to sink, to settle, to feel heavy, rooted to the earth
Tai Chi Benefits
As we get a feel for these principles we find the health benefits really begin to kick in. We begin feel more at ease and alert, calm and focused, with more energy for our day to day tasks. We might find we have greater physical and mental strength, stability and balance.
With our continued practise we can feel a real sense of happiness, contentment and feeling uplifted.
Tai chi ought to feel good. If you don't get to practise some movements you begin to miss it. Finding a good community class can really help keep you motivated as you learn the movements and it’s a great way to make friends.
Tai Chi in Cliffe Castle Park, Keighley.
You know you've found good class when you encounter a happy and relaxed atmosphere with lots of laughter present. If you find a class like that you'll know the principles of Sōng and Jìng are present too.
We hope you like this introduction to some of the most essential tai chi principles. Do get in touch if you have some questions, we're here to help.
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Thank you for visiting, all the best,
Phil & Helen
