MY PATHWAY TO QIGONG

For most of my life, I have lived with high-functioning anxiety. I wasn’t even aware it was anxiety until a few years ago when it occurred to me that persistent heart palpitations and shortness of breath should not be considered normal. As is often the case with anxious people, I also struggled with anger, fatigue, and various health issues.

Even before the realization of my constant anxiety, I have always been driven by a deep desire for inner peace and health, and I have spent the past 20 years exploring various healing techniques and spiritual teachings. My journey began with a focus on nutrition, followed by yoga, meditation, satsang, and various holistic modalities. Although this nourishment of my body and soul provided many benefits, my anxiety and fatigue persisted. Many times in the past I would return from a spiritual retreat feeling rejuvenated and rested, only to find myself filled with panic and anger within minutes of getting back to “reality”. Something was always missing; there was a puzzle piece that I hadn’t yet discovered and didn’t even know I was looking for.

A healing workshop I attended had a qigong component, and my visceral response to this ancient practice of moving energy was immediate. It was if my body had come home, and it could finally relax. I found the missing piece.

Within weeks of practicing qigong my anxiety, fatigue, pain, and anger diminished. I felt calmer, more energized, more excited about life, and more present in my relationships.

It didn’t take long for me to realize that I not only wanted but needed to share this amazing gift that had such a profound effect on my life. I have never before felt such a strong calling, and I immediately signed up for a teacher training program.

As part of my self-care routine, I now practice qigong daily. It is not always easy to find the time, especially while raising a family and working, and I know I am not alone in living a busy life. I believe the key is to have a practical approach; be kind to yourself, and practice grace with everyone around you.

I see myself as a facilitator, more than a teacher, and I am guided by these words by spiritual teacher Jeff Foster:

“A true teacher does not teach you; she simply reflects back your own inner knowing.”

I feel so fortunate to be able to share my love of qigong and to foster gentleness, forgiveness, acceptance, and self-love.

In addition to sharing my love of qigong, I work part-time as a bookkeeper and property manager. My passion is spending time in nature and I feel blessed to be living in one of the most beautiful places on earth, Salt Spring Island, British Columbia.