I initially turned to qigong for healing and soon fell in love with the practice because of its Taoist connection to nature and the earth. The names of the movements tell the story: Cloud Hands, Standing Like a Tree, Dove Spreads Its Wings, Pushing the Wave–becoming like water. Qigong connects us with the natural world, the energy we share with the earth and with one another.

Through my training, I have come to understand the importance of relaxation in qigong. With consistent practice, a sense of ease naturally extended into other parts of my life. When I move with less tension and more softness, I can go farther and recover more easily. This awareness has helped me respond to my body with more kindness. I move through life with less physical tension and a stronger sense of peace and emotional well‑being.

This seemingly simple practice can have such a profound effect on the mind, body, and heart. When qi flows, the movements feel alive. The body relaxes, the joints open, and the breath becomes natural. As my teacher expressed, “That is when qigong becomes a living practice rather than a sequence of movements.”

There was a long stretch of my life when, as James Joyce wrote of Mr. Duffy in A Painful Case, that I “lived a short distance from my body.” Qigong helped me return to myself as I healed from chronic illness and complex trauma. With regular practice, it supported my nervous system, strengthened my resilience, and helped me feel comfortable in my body again. This experience inspired me to become a qigong teacher so I can share the gentle and restorative power of this practice with others.

I feel drawn to teach people who seek healing, regulation, and connection. Qigong is a joyful way to come home to the body and connect with nature, bringing more ease and peace into our daily lives, all while building strength and resilience.