Qigong Class Schedule: April 6 - 12, 2026
Relaxation without Collapse: The Power of the 松 song principle
Dr. Yang Yang, a highly respected master teacher and publisher of evidence based Tai Chi and Qigong programs, wrote this recently: “What makes…transformation possible? Many things---consistency, community, time. But at the root is one principle that makes everything else accessible: 松 song (Release. The deliberate letting go of tension, physical and mental.)”
Dr. Yang Yang’s impressive traditional lineage is greatly enhanced by his PhD in kinesiology, earned here in the states. It allows him to move beyond traditional frameworks in explaining how Qigong and Tai Chi work to relieve pain and build strength and mobility. This is my approach to teaching, as well. It makes sense. It’s also endlessly AMAZING how new studies continue to “prove” ancient wisdom.
Many of us appreciate the “70% rule”: to use 70% (or less) of the effort you know you could expend when performing a movement. This “rule” is a gateway into the heart of the 松 song principle, where we focus on using only the necessary muscles and using them only as much as needed. This allows deep, honest relaxation without collapse. It’s quite an interesting challenge, and always feels authentic and very good. Here’s how Dr. Yang Yang explains it:
“In Tai Chi practice, we cultivate 松 song in three stages: first in stillness, then in slow movement, and gradually into the activities of daily life. Relaxation learned in stillness becomes available in motion. Relaxation in motion becomes available at the desk, in the car, in difficult moments.”
We practice this progression in each class: First, in the standing posture Wuji, where we sense how lining up our skeletal structure with gravity allows our muscles to begin to let go of surplus tension. Then, as we move through increasingly complex movements, we continue to apply the principle of relaxed alignment, which facilitates the strong, clear flow of energy within us. In time—and this is why we practice---the power of 松 song will enter everything we do, in and out of Qigong class!
Schedule for April:
Please note: Online Zoom Qigong class cancelled April 19, 21, and 23 as I will be travelling.
Next Millbrook Library Free In-person/Zoom Qigong: Friday, April 17th, 10 - 11am. Please register for this class by contacting Millbrooklibrary.org. The library will send you a reminder a few days ahead of time.
Save the Dates:
“Qigong for Spring” at Hotchkiss Library, Sharon CT: Saturday, May 9, 10:30-12. Please register for this free, in-person workshop by calling (860) 364-5041
Qigong for Spring: “Stretch Like a Tiger, Twist Like a Dragon” at Innisfree Gardens, Saturday, May 23! Time to be announced closer to the day.
“Qigong for the Summer Solstice”, Innisfree Gardens, Millbrook. Sunday, June 21. Stay tuned for details to come.