I came to Qigong practice in 2020 when I discovered the work of Master Lee Holden. Having practiced mindfulness meditation for over a decade, I was looking for a form of mind-body exercise that would be sustainable and complement my mindfulness practice. Qigong was exactly what I was hoping to find.
I spent five years practicing with various teachers online, and received my first certification in 2025 from instructor Nick Loffree. Studying with Loffree was a life-changing experience. I discovered the incredible depth of Qigong practice and tradition, and developed a strong desire to share what I’d learned with others.
In 2025, I encountered the work of Dr. Robert Putnam through the Netflix documentary "Join or Die”. Putnam’s research has illuminated the decline in civic and social engagement in contemporary western culture and the ill effects that have resulted for both individuals and communities. We’ve stopped gathering and engaging with one another, and it’s making us increasingly sick and distrustful.
This idea has informed my intentions as I’ve begun my role as an instructor. The internet is an amazing thing, and there are many, many resources for learning Qigong online. While I’m extremely grateful for this, I also believe that it’s time for us to gather together more. This is why I’m committed to bringing people together in person to practice Qigong.