07 - Harmony Within: Nurturing Vitality through Qigong

Have you ever wondered what the ancient Chinese practice of Qigong is really all about? In this podcast episode, Elizabeth Mintun, a psychotherapist and mindfulness coach, reflects on her journey from a life of stress to one of peace and vitality through her encounter with the ancient Chinese practice of Qigong. Elizabeth explains that the word “Qi” in Chinese means “energy” or “aliveness” and “Gong” refers to the skill or ability to work with that energy. Qigong is intended to help the body become both more relaxed and stronger and focuses on transforming stress itself into vitality. The practice combines acupressure, sounds, breathwork, and meditative movements. Elizabeth shares her personal story of attending powerful and life-changing workshops and then enrolling in a Qigong teacher program that changed her life. Elizabeth encourages listeners to find activities and practices that “fit” for them, which may not necessarily be Qigong, but can offer them greater peace and vitality in their lives. She reminds listeners that their version of a life-changing practice of self-care is possible for them to find, too. Key Takeaways: Qigong is a practice that is intended to transform energy into vitality and offers great relaxation. Finding a sustainable self-care practice to integrate into daily life is key to enhancing energy and vitality. Even simple practices can turn into life-changing experiences. Resources: Holden Qigong: https://www.holdenqigong.com/