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?

Hello everyone - sorry for my radio silence lately; I’ve been away, working in Africa for the past couple of weeks and my usual routine has gone out of the window. However, I have been keeping up with my daily practice and couldn’t resist taking advantage of the incredible surroundings - including a little outdoor session while on safari in South Africa 🤓 I find it amazing how your physical environment can inspire and support my Qigong! I’m back in London now, it’s absolutely freezing and the savanna scene has been replaced by my living room! But I still have @Kirby Mannon as my constant guide 👍🏻 Hope everyone out there is well and enjoying their practice… and a warm welcome to all the new Rooted Alchemy members - you’re gonna love it here 🤟🏻

Thank you to everyone who showed up and supported us, especially those who came from our community. We honestly didn’t know what to expect, but you all blew us away with your energy and presence. This is just the beginning. Stay tuned for more in-person events and gatherings—we’d love to bring the experience to a city near you soon. https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82586538046?pwd=OCMvLjzFfhVB4nILvcjWDbWLsGcBwt.1 https://youtube.com/live/xGcSHkyS89U?feature=share

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. 🌱

Hi All - sorry, I’ve been a little quiet here lately. I have been doing my daily practice and loving the new lessons, thank you! I’m currently up in Scotland visiting my mum to celebrate her 80th birthday… and today she joined me for 30 minutes of Qigong, and loved it. @Kirby Mannon has a new fan!