I didn’t plan on Qigong becoming part of my life. It kind of found me. At the time, I’d been meditating in a traditional way for years, but suddenly, sitting still and trying to quiet my mind made me feel very uncomfortable. I know it works beautifully for so many people, including myself and my clients, but at that time, it didn’t do me any favours.
So I tried approaching yoga as a moving meditation, which I still love and practise, but something still felt like it was missing. And then I stumbled across Qigong.
I can’t explain it in a dramatic, life-changing, lightning-bolt kind of way, because it was much quieter than that. It just felt… natural. Like my body and mind both started flowing with it. That was the moment things started to shift.
What Is It
Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice that blends gentle movement, breathwork and focused awareness. The word itself gives a clue: “Qi” refers to life energy, and “Gong” means practice or cultivation. So at its core, Qigong is about working with your energy – balancing it, strengthening it, and becoming more aware of it.
But beyond definitions, Qigong feels like a bridge between movement and stillness. Between body and mind. Instead of forcing stillness, it invites you into it through movement. And I loved that.
How I Teach
When I discovered it for myself, I quickly realised how powerful this work could be for others, too. That’s what led me to train as a teacher. In my sessions, I don’t focus on perfection or performance. I teach it as an invitation to listen to your body, and let your mind follow the movement.
I often think of Qigong as meeting people exactly where they are. Whether you’re feeling stressed, disconnected, tired, or simply curious, there’s space for you in my Qigong classes.
What Are the Benefits
While some of the benefits can show up quite quickly, others build over time. With regular practice, people often notice:
Less stress
Better sleep
Improved focus and memory
Increased energy
Why It Is Safe
For some people interested in mindfulness, traditional meditation can be a struggle. Especially if we’re dealing with stress, anxiety, ADHD or trauma, sitting still and turning inward can feel overwhelming, or even unsafe.
When I realised I was also going through that chapter in my life, Qigong offered me another way in. It gave my body something to do, while gently guiding my mind towards presence. There was no expectation to get it “right.” Just slow, intentional movement and breathing. That created space where I felt grounded and reconnected again.
My Practice Today
Fast forward to today, and I find myself preparing to teach a Qigong class on Monday morning – something that would never have happened if I hadn’t struggled to sit still in meditation. I’m so grateful I didn’t give up on finding what worked for me, and for others.
I should add, Qigong doesn’t replace any of my other practices. I’m back to sitting meditation too. But Qigong has become my grounding practice, the one I return to again and again.
If you’ve ever felt like traditional meditation isn’t for you, it’s not that you’re doing something wrong. Maybe you just haven’t found your way in yet. For me, that way was Qigong.
Mindfully,
Jo xx
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