Qi Gong movement and meditation practice

Movement, breath and awareness

What Is Qi Gong?

Pronounced: Qi = “Chee” | Gong = “Gung”

Qi means life force, aliveness, or the vital energy that flows through all things in the universe.

Gong means a skill cultivated through practice.

Qi Gong is a way of cultivating energy, increasing vitality, and promoting and maintaining physical and emotional health and overall well-being.
— Lee Holden

Inside the practice

What We Explore

Class structure and content are grounded in the study of the Five Elements and may include:

The Five Elements and Three Treasures
Microcosmic orbit practices
Breathwork, meditation and healing sounds
Gentle movement, stretching and flowing postures
Inner smile, color and awareness practices
Poetry, reflection and mindful listening

A welcoming class experience

What Do We Do in a Qi Gong Class?

Standing or sitting, we move with no impact as we breathe, direct, store, circulate, exchange, and balance our qi. Warm-up, activation, stretching, flowing movement, postures, breathing, and meditation are typically included in every class.

At times, the class may include specific meditations, the inner smile, healing sounds, or color practices. We also make space to read and listen to poetry.

No experience is necessary. A beginner’s mind can be incredibly refreshing, open, and spacious.

A practice for body and mind

Benefits of Practicing Qi Gong

Some benefits may be experienced within the first class, while others develop gradually through consistent practice.

Warmth

A warming sensation may be experienced as circulation improves and energy begins to move.

Grounding

The body may feel calmer, centered, rooted, and more naturally aligned with gravity.

Expansiveness

Joints open, the back body lengthens, and the heart may feel more spacious and open.

Vibration

Tingling or pulsing may be noticed in the hands and fingers as qi circulates through the body.

Additional benefits may include:

Improved sleep patterns
More efficient breathing
Increased strength and flexibility
Improved balance and coordination
Better digestion
Increased vitality and libido
A calmer, more focused mind

Your instructor

Classes with Leigh Schickendantz, LCPC

Leigh is a certified Qi Gong teacher through Holden Qi Gong and has been a licensed trauma therapist for nearly three decades. Her work focuses on trauma, grief and loss, and tending to the many complex experiences that accompany daily human life.

Supporting people in cultivating the skills needed to live a more easeful and peaceful life makes fundamental sense to her. Leigh and her life partner, Mark, are Co-DojoCho of Two Rivers Aikido, Co-Directors of Two Rivers Consulting, and Co-Founders of Braided Way Peace Collective.

Begin your practice

Discover a More Grounded Way of Moving Through Life

Learn more about upcoming classes, schedules, and opportunities to practice with the Braided Way Peace Collective.

View the Calendar

Learn more: Chant as Medicine Retreat- May 21–23, 2027

Qi Gong