Lately I have been taking one of the core Tai Chi principles and using it while lifting weights. The idea of empty and full has been a game changer for my back training. When I do any pulling movement like rows or pull ups, I apply it like this: At the bottom of the rep I get full. I take a deep breath into my lats. I expand my chest. I let the air fill that whole side of my body. It feels like I am shifting energy into the muscles I want to activate. As I pull myself up I empty. I let the air out on the effort. The exhale helps me contract harder, pull cleaner, and stay connected to the movement. I have been training my back for a long time with no real strength increase or visible improvement. No changes in food, no changes in form, no changes in volume. The only thing I changed was this empty and full breathing technique, and my back activation finally clicked. It made me realize how much Tai Chi and Qigong can transfer into other areas of our life. How are you using Tai Chi or Qigong principles outside of practice? Is it with your fitness? Your mobility? Your mental health? Your daily routine? Your breath? Your relationships? I would love to hear how these arts are showing up for you. Which area of your life have you applied Tai Chi or Qigong principles to the most?

Hey everyone, If you don’t know me, my name’s Josh. I know there are a lot of new faces here, and I haven’t posted for a couple of weeks, so I just wanted to reintroduce myself. I’m one of the admins here and help with the production and strategy side of things, making sure this community keeps growing in the right direction alongside Sonny, Maya, and my wife Jayda. About 12 weeks ago, Rooted Alchemy was just an idea. Now there are over 60 of you here, learning, growing, and transforming together, and that’s incredible to see. First and foremost, thank you. Every comment, every session you join, every post you make, it’s all helping this community become something real and meaningful. As we grow, our main goal is to make sure the community continues to serve you better. That’s why we’re rolling out a few updates: - New tier options to make Rooted Alchemy more accessible for everyone at different stages of their practice.(If you’re already a member, your price stays the same.) - Personalized form reviews for those who want Sonny’s feedback and more accountability. - A weekly newsletter to keep everyone connected with live sessions, new courses, and updates.(And yes, you can opt out anytime if you prefer fewer emails.) Now I’d love your input. What do you feel would help you the most in your Tai Chi and Qigong journey? Your feedback really helps shape where we go next. I’m so glad you’re all here and enjoying the journey so far. Rooted in balance, Josh & The Rooted Alchemy Team

Hey everyone, I’m curious to see where everyone’s at with the 7-Day Challenge. I completed it once, then fell off a bit, but I’m getting back into the rhythm and want to hear from you. Who here actually made it through all seven days? Are you still practicing, or planning to restart? As an admin, I can see that some of you powered through the whole thing while others never really got started, and that’s okay. We’re all moving at our own pace. Your feedback helps us improve the community experience and future challenges, so please take a moment to answer the poll below. Let’s keep growing together. 🌱

Yin Yang Qigong Is Now Available! Yin Yang Qigong is a foundational practice that bridges stillness and movement through breath, awareness, and gentle flow. In this course, Sonny will guide you step-by-step through each part of the sequence — from grounding in standing posture to exploring open and close (Kai He), separating, changing, and swirling Yin & Yang, and finally grounding and closing. You’ll also dive into key concepts like Wu Ji to Tai Ji, Zhong Ding (central equilibrium), and the 5 Curves of the body to deepen your internal alignment. Happy learning, everyone! Classroom Link https://www.skool.com/rootedalchemy/classroom/afb4df42?md=ba2259910ca54a5d93db9d057e4e3418

Every practice begins with a first step, and this is ours together. In the comments, tell us: 🌍 Where you’re tuning in from 🌱 If you’re brand new or already on the path 🎯 What you hope to grow or discover here Your voice adds to the energy of this community ✨