New Moon Greetings November 9th, 2026
Discovering Qigong
I discovered qigong over 30 years ago with a practice called The Eight Pieces of Brocade. I was immediately intrigued by a practice named after a woven fabric. And I think it illustrates one of the principles of qigong, that everything is interconnected. Interestingly traditional Chinese wellness practices figured this out more than 1,000 years ago, but Western medicine is just now piecing it together.
That was just the beginning for me. The more I learned and discovered (through teachers, reading, and research) the more committed I became to a dedicated daily practice. Finally, In 2017 I began my training to become certified as an instructor with the Institute of Integral Tai Chi and Qigong (Yes – it’s a mouthful! – IIQTC for short.) I now lead qigong practice at Bluff Lake Nature Center in Denver and also with an online group through Global Healing Circles. I love sharing it with others.
My Why of Qigong
There are many things to love about qigong. But I’ll start with the fact that it is an invitation to be present in our bodies in the here and now. Whether it is the movements, breath work, meditations, or tapping, it is all about being present. There is so much information about mindfulness and being in the moment and yet for many people it becomes an intellectual exercise. People try to let go of thoughts or focus their thoughts on a particular healing affirmation. Those aren’t bad things, but they are also not being fully present in the moment. We are in bodies in three dimensional space moving through the world (also three dimensional). Operating from just a mental perspective leaves out a significant part of who we are. Qigong helps us come home to our bodies.
Qigong is a mindfulness practice because we focus our attention on the movement, but it is more than a mindfulness practice. If you are doing qigong correctly you are tuned into your body and beginning to sense qi energy.
So What is Qi?
Qi is the energy that animates the world. There are energies in and around us. Our bodies have a bio-electric field. We are impacted by gravity and other forces. We exist in a field of qi through which all those energies flow. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes most illnesses to a disruption in qi energy. Practicing qigong helps that energy to flow freely and keeps our whole being in tune. Qigong is proactive, another one of my “whys” of qigong. It provides a way to nourish our whole being, body, mind, emotions, and spirit. Once you begin to feel the benefits it is easy to maintain a daily practice.
Qigong & the Green World Connection
Another thing I love about qigong is that it evolved in a time and culture that understood our connection to the natural world. Movements were created that tapped into the flow of energy in and around our bodies and emulated movements of animals and plants. There is also an understanding of how the rhythms of seasons and daylight affect us. And additionally, how we might stay in better balance with those rhythms.
Simple Qigong Movements Can Be Profound
Even the simplest of qigong practices can be profound. (And yes there are many complicated forms but you don’t have to go there.) This means it is accessible to people at many different levels. It can be practiced sitting or even lying down. It can be adapted if someone has injuries or limited mobility. When we remember that the goal of the movements is to help qi energy to flow, we realize that can happen in many different ways. And when we are aware of the flowing energy that animates our bodies in the present moment, it can be transformational.
Find Your Why
If you are looking for a practice that nurtures and heals body, mind, and spirit, consider qigong. There are more resources here. There are also a host of You Tube videos to get started. I’m happy to answer any questions or point you in the right direction. Just ask!
About this Blog Post & and Qigong Practice
This post is part of my lunar blog series. I post each new moon as it is a great time to begin projects and set intentions with the increasing light. Topics are related to plants and ideas featured in my book, Growing Mindful. Other topics are related to mindfulness, gardens, qigong, and intentional living. For more details and a list of past lunar blog posts, click here.
About Qigong – I lead qigong at Bluff Lake Nature Center in Denver on the last Sunday of each month. You can find the schedule in announcements on the home page. I have also partnered with other graduates of the IIQTC (Institute of Integral Qigong and Tai Chi) to offer virtual HeART of Body Compassionate Self Care Practice Circles based on qigong and tai chi. Check out the information here: Global Healing Circles or contact me if you need more information.
