Day 4 didn't go to plan whatsoever. My husband needed surgery that evolved into a much more complex situation. So unfortunately, my lesson and day 4 was missed. However, I found myself often focusing on breath, on SONG, to relax, and let go. These tools gave aid a very difficult and stressful day. Day 5 may be difficult as well as tomorrow requires another early return to the hospital. But one day, one breath, one challenge at a time.

Retirement (for me) has proven to be more than just a condition you find yourself in.... I was born in Lubbock Texas,, ( THE PANHANDLE ) raised on and taught Cowboy ethics,, (God, Family, County and State) but also that ALL PEOPLE COUNT!!! That a Man or Woman's worth and value is measured on his or hers commitment and honor shown to All the Above and to how,, WORK AND PROVIDE THEIR FAMILY'S.. I've WORKED ( HARD,, AN HONEST) over 56 years,,, THEN CAME RETIREMENT!! I still wake up at 3:30 am. BUT have NO JOB to go too.... I HAVE NO JOB !!! The EMOTIONAL STRAIN of that STATEMENT has been HARD on me!! I HAVE CONTINUED TO " DO SOMETHING QI EVERYDAY" And it has helped,, a lot!! But also HAD to learn the difference between "I DON'T HAVE A JOB" and "I DON'T NEED A JOB" also that "SOCIAL SECURITY AND PENSION IS NOT CHARITY" NOR ASSISTANCE FOR THE UNEMPLOYED,,, BUT A MONETARY RETURN ON ONE'S LONG TERM SELF-INVESTMENT!! NOW THAT'S ("RUNNING OFF AT THE MOUTH") SORRY GUYS AND GALS,, BUT I NEEDED TO GET OUT OF MY SYSTEM!!! "I'M BACK"!!! PLEASE ACCEPT MY APOLOGIES FOR MY SILENCE AN ABSENCE FROM THE GROUP!! "LET'S DO SOMETHING QI TODAY,, EVERYDAY" AND BELIEVE ME WHEN I SAY,,, "SOMETHING WONDERFUL IS HAPPENING"!!! SOMETHING WONDERFUL HAS HAPPENED FOR ME!!!

First of all, thank you to everyone who participated in the New Year, New Qi 10-Day Challenge! Your consistency, presence, and genuine effort were incredibly inspiring to witness. This challenge truly showed what it means to practice as a community — with curiosity, dedication, and an open student’s mind. 🏆 Here are the winners🏆 🥇1st - @Santi Escriu Prize Includes: - $100 Gift Card - Premium Handmade Tai Chi Stick - Custom Rooted Alchemy Hoodie - 30-Minute Private Practice Session with Sonny 🥈 2nd - @Benedetto Manzella 🥉 3rd - @Davida Smith Prize Include: - Premium Handmade Tai Chi Stick - Custom Rooted Alchemy Hoodie - 30-Minute Private Practice Session with Sonny And we're not done yet.... 🎁 We have surprise gift for all participants! 🎁 Because this challenge was so inspiring and your commitment did not go unnoticed, we’d like to give EVERYONE who joined the challenge a custom Rooted Alchemy T-shirt as a small token of our gratitude. Your diligence, sincerity, and willingness to show up truly embody the spirit of practice. ⚠️ I will personally direct message all participants to arrange the prizes and surprise gift, so PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CHECK and expect a message from me ⚠️ We’re excited to continue creating meaningful experiences, challenges, and gatherings that support your Tai Chi & Qigong journey and deepen your practice. Thank you for being part of this growing, supportive community — we can’t wait to practice together again soon🌿

Hey Rooted Alchemy family 🌿 We’re always looking for ways to improve the quality of this community and the live sessions we share together. Today we had almost 20 people on the live call, which is really special to see. As we continue to grow, we want to make sure these sessions stay intentional, valuable, and supportive of your practice. Your honest feedback helps us do that. If you have a moment, we’d love for you to answer the quick poll below and, if you feel called, leave a comment as well. Quick check-in How satisfied are you with the live sessions so far? 💡 Optional reflection (comment below):If there’s anything you’d love to see more of or improved in future live sessions, feel free to share. For example: - Quality of streaming or audio - More time for Q and A or Chi Talk - Longer or more structured practice - More interaction or discussion - Encouraging more cameras on - Timing or pacing of the session No pressure to write anything long. Even a short note helps us continue shaping these lives in a way that serves you best. Grateful to be practicing alongside you 🙏

The Friday Qi/chat was very interesting and very informative. I took some notes that I know will be helpful to me throughout this year's practice. The "Standing Posture /Body Alignment" was a plus for me because I now understand that different standing postures might emphasize different internal effects depending on one's intent. Also, I have a better understanding of the "Dantian" and the 3 centers: awareness, breathing and activation. The future direction looks great and I'm looking forward to a year of focus, energy, intention and a new awareness. Thank you, Sonny, and thanks to our community for staying strong and committed to Taichi/Qigong 🌱♥️