08/17/2026
Ba Duan Jin Move of the Week: Draw the Bow — Relaxation
This week we’re looking at Draw the Bow through Relaxation.
Draw the Bow contains real effort. As the arms pull in opposite directions, we create purposeful tension through the upper body while the legs support the stance.
Relaxation does not mean removing that effort. It means learning the difference between useful tension and unnecessary tension.
Keep the strength needed to draw the bow. Let go of extra tension in the neck, jaw, and by keeping the shoulders down.
That is an important More Life Tai Chi skill: use what the movement needs without tightening everything else.