I found the practice of Qigong while attending a psychotherapy conference in Washington, DC many years ago. Master Chunyi Lin was there teaching during the “self care day” prior to the main events. I was coming in from North Dakota and signed up for this experience. I had always had “back issues” and tension in my body and thought it might help. Our first practice was working with our liver/immune system of the body. This is where emotions such as frustration, stress and anger collect. I knew there was something powerful about Qigong and purchased the CD’s and book to continue my study. I was also able to have a small group session with him that evening where I experienced feelings of positivity and lightness. This was the beginning; but when I got home, the information went on the shelf. It took many years. a build up of stress and finally a physical injury and diagnosis to wake me up to something new. Coming from the “suck it up” “when the going gets tough, the tough get going” mentality my body gave me loud signals that all was not well. I had a choice to make radical changes or let the body age,become limited and decline.

Qigong drew me back and covid years allowed the online training. I became a certified practice group leader in 2021 and began teaching in our community center a couple months later. It has been quite a learning curve given my background and midwest mindset. Learning to discern what you have appreciated about the past and what you know longer need was part of that choice to empower and improve myself….finding the strategies to “clean you own house.” The rewards of practicing Qigong and this re-modeling of your mind/body can lead to prevention of illness, faster healing and a positive mental attitude, There is potential in all of us to live with vitality, energy and longeviity not to mention a rich and full life. Sounds good? We all have the potential within. Making a choice to try something new is a great first step.