A Physical Therapist, Guild Certified Feldenkrais PractitionerCM, and Master Healing Qi Gong Teacher, I have been practicing the healing arts for nearly 37 years. Originally, I trained as a Physical Therapist, quickly to discover that my role as a healer/guide was going to require a more integrative and holistic paradigm. I maintain a full-time, self-designed healing arts practice in Seattle, and offer regular classes and workshops.
Additionally, I recently released The Walking Way: Stepping Into Awareness , where I weave together the very old Chinese practice known as Qi Gong with a 20th-century system of movement education called The Feldenkrais Method®. The Walking Way is a truly original method you can use to increase well-being while cultivating awareness.
I consider myself to be a continuous seeker of a fully embodied life. My personal practices include 26 years of Qi Gong and Tai Chi practice, 25 years of core Shamanism study, over 26 years of mindfulness meditation, and a lifetime of respect for and connection to the sacred cycles of Mother Nature.
As is the case with most healers, my studies influence my approach to healing. I believe that healing is truly transformational, even alchemical. Truly alchemical healing involves spontaneous and concurrent change on all levels—physical, emotional, and spiritual. Change must be rooted in support and respect for the sacredness of Nature, as well as for our environment and for our communities.
I believe that each of us is on a path of continual growth. We are here to become more vital and embodied beings. I believe that my experience with Feldenkrais, with Qi Gong and Tai Chi, with Mindfulness and meditation, and with Earth-based Shamanic practices can assist you to develop your sense of curiosity for and deep connection to all of Life. This allows you to pursue a personal, graceful learning experience as you become a more vital, resilient and embodied human.
I. Ling Gui International Healing Chi Gong School, Portland, OR. Certified
Master Qi Gong Teacher. 2010.
During my training with Ling Gui Healing Qi Gong School, I have learned numerous forms. A few examples are listed below. For the entire list of forms I am certified to teach, please see www.linggui.org.
Yuan Shen (Kidney Tonification) Qi Gong;
Ling Gui (Spiritual Turtle) Qi Gong;
Hulu Gong (Squash Form) Qi Gong;
Jade Body (no translation) Qi Gong; and
Jade Woman (no translation) Qi Gong
Five Animal Frolic Qi Gong
Eight Treasures Qi Gong
II. Xin Qi Shen Dojo. Seattle, WA. 2000 – 2009.
Completion of Master Tchoung’s Double Form Tai Chi Chuan (Yang Style).
Martial Qi Gong related to Master Tchoung’s Double Form.
Still an occasional participating student.
III. Feldenkrais Practitioner Certification. Chicago, IL. 1994.
IV. University of Oklahoma. B.S. in Physical Therapy. 1985.
V. Shamanic Studies: My foundational study in the innate following of Mother Nature’s cycles began when I was a child, in the dirt of my grandfather’s garden. To this day, I nurture a permaculture garden at in my home. My formal training includes:
Michael Harner’s Institute for Shamanic Studies. Esalen Institute, CA (and additional locations). 1998 to current.
Independent travel to study with indigenous Shamans in the Mayan, Toltec, and the Amazonian and Andean traditions. Guatemala, Mexico, and Ecuador. 2008-present.
Sweet Medicine Shamanic Path. Seattle, 2009-present
In my spare time, I can likely be found digging in my garden, carrying a pack in the remote wilderness, or in deep connection with Earth’s community of others. I derive spiritual renewal, creative discovery and an embodied connection to the flow of Life through these life processes and events.
Check out my classes and workshops.