Qigong

Who This Event Is For: This monthly event is exclusively for trans men (18+).

This event is free. [time listed is PST]

Qigong, meaning “Energy Work,” is an ancient practice originating in China, rooted in Daoism, and often associated with Buddhism. Sometimes referred to as the “grandfather” of Tai Chi, it is more accurately described as its ancestor. The key distinction between the two lies in their focus: Qigong is a slow-moving meditative practice designed to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, while Tai Chi is a martial art rooted in combat and self-defense. Researchers theorize that Qigong may have originated from the dances of early Wu Shamans.

Qigong is accessible to all, no experience or religious/spiritual affiliation required.

Randi first discovered Qigong in the summer of 2023 during a week-long retreat. Inspired by the immediate benefits, Randi embraced it as a regular practice. At the time, Randi had been experiencing chronic shoulder pain for over a year, and Qigong provided relief when other methods had failed. Over six months, Randi began each morning with a 15-30 minute sitting meditation (often accompanied by coffee) followed by Qigong Set 1, a sequence learned during the retreat.

This routine became a cornerstone of Randi's mornings, fostering physical healing and a sense of grounding and readiness for the day. The shoulder pain significantly diminished, to the point where it became unnoticeable most days. Today, Randi continues to practice Qigong regularly, valuing its lasting benefits to body, mind, and spirit, and looks forward to sharing these practices during online sessions.

More about teacher Randi Reinhold:

Randi is a flawed, yet mindful human and progressive, anti-bias educator living in Denver, Colorado. He strives daily to strike a balance between tending to modern society’s necessary but often distracting “To Do” list and his ever-evolving quest for deeper meaning and personal growth. Taking a mindful approach to living honors his body’s needs for stillness and movement, his mind’s needs for quiet contemplation and imagination, and his soul’s needs for connection and purpose that reaches beyond much of what modern society deems important for leading a successful life. Although he often struggles to meet his own multifaceted expectations, Randi identifies with the term “Renaissance Man” and sees it as no mistake to have been presented with both the advantages and challenges that come with his uniquely neurodiverse operating system of a brain. He enjoys creating music, visual art, and DIY furniture and inviting others to smile.