If someone had told me a few years ago that moving slowly could change the way I live my entire life, I probably would’ve smiled politely and reached for another coffee.
But here I am, years into my Qi Gong practice, realizing that those graceful, mindful movements have become some of my greatest teachers, not just for my body, but for my mind, my health, and my heart.
Today, I want to share some of the lessons Qi Gong has taught me (and continues to teach me, because let’s be honest — I’m still a work in progress).
1. Slow Doesn’t Mean Lazy; It Means Being Fully Present
Let’s start here — because this one hit me hard.
I used to be one of those “faster is better” people. You know, the kind who measures productivity by how many things get crossed off a list by 10 a.m. Slowing down used to feel… wrong. Like I was cheating on my goals.
Then came Qi Gong.
The first few times I practiced, I thought, “This can’t be doing anything. I’m barely moving!” But something started to shift. I realized that “slow” doesn’t mean easy; it means intentional. It means focusing on what’s happening in your body, your breath, and your thoughts.
Now, when I move slowly, I notice everything: my heartbeat, my posture, my emotions. It’s a kind of awareness I never had before. And the funny thing? It’s not about slowing life down; it’s about actually being in it.
2. Presence Changes Everything
One of the first gifts Qi Gong gave me was the ability to be present, really present.
Not halfway here while mentally writing tomorrow’s grocery list. Not checking my phone between breaths. Just here.
During practice, presence means feeling the weight of my feet, the softness of my breath, the warmth in my hands. But that awareness doesn’t stay on the mat (or in my living room). It’s slowly seeping into my life.
Now, when I cook, I cook. When I listen, I listen. When I teach, I show up fully.
And, of course, there are days when I completely forget all of this, when I multitask, overthink, and rush. But then I breathe, remember my training, and come back.
Presence is like a muscle: it strengthens the more you use it, and forgives you when you don’t.
3. Discipline as Self-Accountability
Here’s a confession: I’ve never been naturally disciplined. I’m great at enthusiasm… for about three days.
Qi Gong has been my patient teacher here. It taught me that discipline isn’t about control, but it’s about commitment.
It’s not about perfectly scheduled routines or 5 a.m. alarms (I am not an early bird!). It’s about showing up for yourself, even when you don’t feel like it. And also knowing when rest is what you truly need.
Some days I practice for 30 minutes; other days, it’s five slow breaths before bed. Both count. The important thing is that I keep returning to the practice and to myself.
Do I still struggle with consistency? Absolutely. But every time I do show up, I’m reminded that keeping promises to myself feels really, really good.
4. Self-Care Is Non-Negotiable
This was a big one. Like many women, I used to treat self-care as a reward — something I “earned” after taking care of everyone and everything else first.
Qi Gong flipped that story for me.
It reminded me that I’m the most important person in my life. That’s not selfish; it’s sacred.
If my energy is depleted, I can’t give my best to anyone else — not to my work, my students, or the people I love.
Now, my daily Qi Gong practice isn’t optional. It’s my reset button. My way of saying, “I matter.” Even on the busiest days, even if it’s just five minutes — that time is mine.
And you know what? When I honor that space, everything else in my day flows better too.
5. Respecting My Body as the Vehicle of My Soul
Qi Gong has taught me to respect my body not for what it looks like, but for what it does for me.
It’s the vehicle of my soul, the bridge between my inner and outer worlds. And it speaks to me all the time.
For years, I ignored its whispers — the fatigue, the tension, the “please slow down” signals — until Hashimoto’s forced me to listen. Now, I hear the messages more clearly. My body tells me when to move, when to rest, when to eat, and when to breathe.
That awareness has changed everything. Respect isn’t about perfection, it’s about relationship. I don’t boss my body around anymore; we collaborate. (Though sometimes we still argue, mostly about chocolate.)
6. Compassion for Myself and for Others
This might be the most beautiful lesson of all.
Qi Gong has softened me. It’s taught me compassion, first for myself, and then for others.
There are days when I’m tired, grumpy, or far from “my best self.” And that’s okay. Life happens. Healing isn’t linear. Sometimes you show up gracefully, sometimes you show up messy. What matters is that you do show up.
And when it comes to others, I’ve learned that we never really know what someone is carrying. Everyone’s fighting invisible battles, and we all respond to life in different ways. Compassion makes space for that truth.
7. Consistency creates transformation
When I first started Qi Gong, I was inconsistent and, honestly, skeptical. But the more I practiced, the more I noticed small shifts: calmer mornings, steadier energy, fewer Hashimoto’s flare-ups.
It’s not magic; it’s momentum. Consistency compounds.
The days you don’t feel like practicing are the ones that matter most because that’s when the practice becomes part of you.
Now, Qi Gong isn’t just something I do, it’s who I’m becoming: more present, more patient, more connected.
Qi Gong keeps reminding me that slow is not weak, softness is not fragile, and listening to your body is the bravest thing you can do.It’s not about being perfect, but about being aware.
So if life feels too fast, maybe try slowing down, not to escape it, but to actually feel it. You might be surprised by what you learn when you finally give yourself permission to move at the pace of your own breath.
If this article resonated with you and you’d like to keep exploring the gentle connection between body, mind, and energy, I’d love to stay in touch. Every Sunday, I send out a slow, soulful newsletter with reflections and practical tools on health, self-care, Qi Gong, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and the art of living in tune with your body. Think of it as your weekly pause — a moment to breathe, learn, and reconnect with yourself.
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Let’s keep walking this path of awareness and transformation — one mindful step (and one gentle breath) at a time
You might also be interested in my book Take It Slow: The Slow Revolution for Deeper Connection and Mindful Living, available on Amazon.
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