​What is qigong?

 

Qigong is an ancient Chinese art form concerned with the conscious and balanced cultivation of qi, or life force energy. As a practice, it consists of a series of meditative movements, known as ‘forms’, paired with focused intention and awareness of the breath. It can also include body scans, visualization, and meridian massage. It is fun, relaxing, and can be adapted to a variety of circumstances and health situations. When practiced regularly, it can support harmonious energy flow throughout the mind and body, as well as improve and refine coordination and communication between different parts of the body and the nervous system. It also helps teach us in our modern world to rein in excessive effort, not take ourselves so seriously, enjoy the little moments, and let life do more of the heavy lifting!​ 

​

I welcome all bodies and ages to practice with me.

​​

Benefits

 

Regular practice can offer a wide array of benefits in every area of your life. While these will vary depending on the person, the following list offers a taste of what you might experience:

​​

Improved joint mobility and stability

More expanded range of motion

Deeper and more complete breathing 

Increased circulation through the body

Better synchronization and communication between the left and right hemispheres of the brain

Reduced stress

More restful sleep

Greater flexibility and balance in the nervous system

Mood improvements

A sense of ease and well-being

Mindfulness and presence in everyday life

Improved posture and balance

More embodied expression of your authenticity in the world

Closer alignment between your values and your lifestyle

Access to faith and trust in oneself and in the larger movements and forces of life

Balance between being and doing​

More confidence in yourself and your abilities

Feeling more rooted in your being and your life​

​

My teachers
 

I have been fortunate to have two exceptionally skilled, insightful, compassionate, and relatable seed teachers, Bryan Isacks and Mimi Kuo-Deemer. Though they have different backgrounds—with Bryan also involved in many other martial arts and a practicing acupuncturist, while Mimi focuses on embodiment, with a particular emphasis on the principles of nature—they are both gifted at relaying the art of energy cultivation in a way that makes sense to our contemporary perspectives and lifestyles. I continue to take classes with them as well as other teachers when I can.

​

Classes

Weekly classes over Zoom - starting in February, Dates TBD

 

All times are US Eastern. Note that the classes are only offered live, they are not recorded.​​​

​​​

I currently offer two opportunities to practice together as a small group- one shorter class during the week (Wed at 4pm) and a longer class on the weekend (Sat at 11am). The class content will vary each week, and I am open to suggestions. Some topics we might cover include: the elements (wood, water, fire, earth, metal), sacred guardians, particular sets like the Silk Brocades, foundational movement forms, standing meditation, embodiment principles. 

​​​​​​​

Wednesdays, 4pm 

25 minutes

Suggested donation: $5-15

No one turned away for lack of funds.​​​​​

​

Saturdays, 11am

45 minutes

Suggested donation: $15-25

No one turned away for lack of funds.​​​

​​​​​​​​

 

To attend a class:

Please register your interest via email (theresilientessence@yahoo.com​​​). I will send out the Zoom link to all who register prior to the class. Please make a donation via Venmo (@theresilientessence - or visit https://venmo.com/theresilientessence) or PayPal (link) only if you are able to attend live. I do not offer refunds for no-shows, though you are welcome to transfer your registration to a future class if you let me know beforehand.​​​

​
 

1:1 sessions (Zoom)

​

These sessions are for anyone interested in learning qigong or exploring a particular aspect their existing qigong practice. Wherever you are on your qigong journey, we will take time to understand your individual needs and structure the conversation through movement and meditation accordingly.

​​

If you are very new to qigong: In the beginning, we will work more with foundational poses and principles and slowly add in other forms and variations as your system is ready to take in more. There is delight and discovery in this process, and rushing through undermines the purpose of practice. Qigong emphasizes learning how to sense what is happening in our experience, rather than striving for surface achievement. On the other hand, taking our time helps seed the practices more deeply and comprehensively into our systems, respects our body’s needs, and helps us feel steadier and more capable as we move forward. Plus, it can be extremely rewarding to take time to see how other parts of your life begin to shift as you practice more regularly.

​​

50 mins $55

25 mins $35

​​​

*If this is our first session together, please plan to spend an extra 10-15 min (add $5). This will give us time to review your health history, including any concerns or challenges, as well as your vision and hopes for your practice to make sure we start on the right foot and don't miss something essential.

​

Note: I offer a 15% discount (after the initial session) if you want to purchase a set of 6 sessions in advance (mix/match length). There is no expiration date, but they are non-transferrable.​