Tash shares with us a little about what qigong is and how it can support us. We have an array of qigong classes as part of the 21-day calm series which you can begin on any Sunday of the year.

What is Qigong?

Qigong (pronounced 'chee-gong') is an ancient Chinese practice that blends gentle movement, breathing, and focused intention to help balance energy (or 'qi') within the body. I like to Imagine it as a moving meditation, like a cross between yoga and Tai Chi. It’s all about cultivating your life force, grounding yourself, and inviting a calm state of being.

Could you tell us about your personal journey with this modality and why you’ve weaved it into your wonderful yoga classes?

I first stumbled upon Qigong during a particularly busy and a particularly ‘stuck’ place in my life. I was already familiar with yoga and loved its calming effects, but I wanted to explore other practices that focused more directly on cultivating energy and stillness. And more importantly allowing that ‘stuck’ energy to flow more freely. Qigong felt like this beautiful, gentle addition that allowed me to drop even deeper into a sense of flow. I loved how accessible it felt, with soft, mindful movements that didn’t require intense flexibility or strength, just presence and intention.

Qigong is also deeply connected to nature, drawing inspiration from the rhythms and cycles of the natural world. Its movements often mirror elements found in nature (like flowing water, rooted trees, or the quiet strength of mountains). It’s a beautiful reminder that, like nature, we too have our own rhythms and energies that we can honour and cultivate.

I started weaving Qigong into my classes because I saw how powerful it was for grounding and calming the nervous system. Plus, it pairs perfectly with yoga. Combining the two creates this holistic experience where you can tune into both the physical body and the energetic flow within. It’s been amazing to see how these two practices complement each other!

How will elements of Qigong assist us in our 21-Day Calm Series?

In our 21-Day Calm Series, the Qigong elements are here to help you slow down, feel grounded, and become more aware of your breath and energy. These practices are perfect for gently releasing tension, calming the mind, and promoting a sense of centeredness that can carry you through each day. By weaving in Qigong, you’ll get a little extra help finding moments of ease, even when life gets hectic.