Written by Nicole Lee, Qigong Devotee, Mentor & Guide
Nicole Lee is an experienced Qigong Teacher, Practitioner and Holistic Health mentor. After delivering thousands of classes and workshops and over a decade of devotion to Qigong, she specialises in training others to share this subtle, yet powerful modality.
A friend recently asked me, “Do you ever find yourself avoiding healing yourself at times when you need it most?” Heck yes, People might assume that because I advocate, teach, and train others in Qigong, I always make the best decisions for myself at the right moments. I don’t. Sometimes I avoid Qigong and other practices that would be helpful to my healing or elevating my state of being.
The misconception of perfect practice
Sometimes I wallow. I scroll. I find myself procrastinating and engaging in distractions instead of pursuing activities that would help. I sometimes struggle with the same dedication I encourage in my students.
There’s no walking away from yourself — ever. You’ve probably heard the saying that you are, in your true essence, a soul having a human experience. You can numb yourself with any manner of distractions, substances, relationships, entertainment, and other ways of bypassing the Self.
Ultimately, you are the one who will be with yourself through this life, at the end of this life, and in the return to all that is. Over the past 15 or so years, I’ve found that doing the work of self-development and inner growth is HARD. But I’ve also seen it’s worth it.
Understanding the Dao of the heart
Qigong and Daoist practices are my chosen ways to do the work of the Self. The work on oneself is what is referred to as the Dao of the Heart. A collection of techniques that integrate Qigong forms and movements with breath-work, meditation, and reflective, contemplative study. The movement aspect helps me embody my experience of life and express my feelings somatically. The philosophies guide me to safeguard my Qi and nurture my well-being — body, mind, and spirit.
Yet, it's crucial to acknowledge that healing and inner growth are not linear journeys. We face ebbs and flows. There are days when showing up for oneself feels effortless, and then there are days when it feels like an insurmountable challenge. It's in these challenging moments that our commitment to ourselves gets tested.
One of my realizations has been the importance of self-compassion.
The role of self-compassion in practice
When I catch myself avoiding the practices I know would help me, instead of spiralling into guilt or frustration, I try to approach myself with kindness. I remind myself that it’s okay to be imperfect. It’s okay to struggle. What matters is the willingness to start again and be devoted to oneself.
This is where approaching Qigong in a contemporary way becomes essential. As I’ve discussed in other musings, the classical or traditional practice of Qigong often requires a significant investment of time. Modern life isn’t spacious for most people; there’s way too much happening in a day for the average person to take an hour of their time for a well-being practice.
Incorporating Qigong into modern life
Maybe once or twice a week they get this amount of time for themselves, but probably not every day. I’ve found that bringing small rituals and short practices into my daily routine helps bridge the gap during those tougher times and the times when I’m more likely to avoid or dissociate by scrolling through social media or downing a margarita. Simple acts like full torso breathing, a Qigong Quickie practice, standing in Basic Qigong Stance on the earth, or a brief moment of conscious stillness can create space for healing and reconnection.
Another key aspect is community. Surrounding oneself with supportive, like-minded individuals can provide the encouragement and accountability needed to stay on track. Teaching Qigong has not only allowed me to guide others but also to learn from my students. Their resilience and dedication often inspire me to push through my own barriers.
Teaching and embodying Qigong
When I lecture and train individuals who aspire to teach and guide others in Qigong, we focus on the importance of personal practice and embodiment of the Qigong forms and philosophies. We discuss how deeply integrating these practices into one's own life is essential for developing the proficiency and authenticity needed to be an effective teacher. This personal engagement not only enhances one's skill but also provides the framework for a deeper understanding and connection. In the end, the Dao of the Heart is an ongoing process, a dance between effort and ease, discipline and grace. While we may stumble and falter, each step, no matter how small, contributes to uncovering more of our true Self. The journey of self-discovery and healing is deeply personal, and it’s essential to honour our unique paths and rhythms.
Embrace imperfection and begin again
So, the next time you find yourself avoiding the practices that nurture your soul, remember that it’s part of being human. Embrace the journey, with all its imperfections, and know that every moment is an opportunity to begin again. Your dedication to balancing the polarities of Yin and Yang, to cultivating and nurturing your well-being, no matter how inconsistent they may seem, helps to forge resilience and to connect, heal, and awaken to joy.
If you’d like to bring Qigong into your self-development and healing repertoire then download my free Discover Qigong Video Series here.
Nicole Lee, Qigong Devotee, Mentor & Guide
Nicole Lee is an internationally certified Qigong teacher, with training encompassing both Modern and Classical Qigong styles. Over a span of more than ten years instructing Qigong, she has witnessed the transformative impact of this gentle practice on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Nicole approaches Qigong with reverence, advocating for a modern and contemporary perspective to make this ancient healing art accessible to those leading busy and demanding lives.
