Fang Song

[Linda Heenan]

I have recently asked this question of people and two of them thought it would be good to post in the forum, so here it is:



We all know that developing Fang Song is a very important part of our Taijiquan practise. What methods do you use for developing it?

[Marko Kohv]

Use your mind:)

[Linda Heenan]

Thanks Marko. Could you please be very specific? What exactly, do you do with your mind? Some people reading this may not even know what Fang Song is. It would be good if we could write our answers as a reference resource for future students.



Linda

[iglazer]

Recognizing when you are clentching you muscles is a major first step. Most people stumble about not even realizing the amount of musclar tension that they put into their own body. This recognition has to be done, not just during your practice, but constantly. In the kitchen, when you are cutting something, do you tense your shoulder? When sitting on a bus, do you clentch your fists? Learn to recognize self-created tension and you have come a long way to removing it.

[Seitch]

Speaking of Fang Song, how does one reconcile Fang Song with the need to hold the kneecaps up while performing taiji? The way you hold the kneecaps up is by tensioning the thigh muscles.

[Roland Tepp]

Speaking of Fang Song, how does one reconcile Fang Song with the need to hold the kneecaps up while performing taiji? The way you hold the kneecaps up is by tensioning the thigh muscles.

First of all - Fang Song is not about releasing all your muscles and becoming limp. It is much more about letting go of all unnecessary tension. Not just body - the mind as well needs to learn to Fang Song.



And iglazer is right - you need to do that all the time. Not just when practicing or resting. When reading a book or waching a movie, when excited about something, when you're sad or angry, even when You're chopping wood or lifting a furniture, walking or running - there is always some tension in your body to let go of...



Good news is - You don't really have to do much to fangsong. You won't look silly while doing it. Most people will not even notice that. You can do it any time and any where. Just recognize the tension and let it go. Release it. Dop your sholders. Unclentch your fists or jaw. Let go of your pride. Trust yourself.



Everybody knows how to release the tension ... you just need to recognize it first...

[Tashi James]

I find it helpful to think not only of physical tension yet mental and emotional tension also. This was mentioned earlier in the discussion too.



So during form practice and throughout the day if I have any tension physically or from irritation or craving. It is at those times I consider fangsong and work on releasing the tension that has arisen.



Tashi