Zhineng Qigong A Ticket to Freedom Imagine being trapped by circumstances beyond your control—burdened by grief, mounting bills, and a body that refuses to heal. Ten years ago, when my wife passed away, I was left not only with heartbreak but with a house full of pets to care for, a daunting mortgage, and a severe case of Lyme disease that had left me unable to walk for years. Overnight, my world shrank, and the future seemed impossible. My pressing concern was, “How can I possibly move forward in this state of restriction?” So, I turned to the Universe and struck a deal. “Show me I can trust you!” I pleaded. And my part, “I’ll do what is required to unleash myself from this perceived confinement.” Shortly thereafter, an email appeared announcing a 7-week online course introducing a scientifically proven healing system known as Zhineng Qigong, also called Wisdom Healing. I wondered if it could heal my feet and ankles—my foundation, regardless of the condition deemed “unhealable” by Western standards. I resonated with the program description and enrolled almost gleefully. My “yes” to this opportunity has taken me down a glorious path of discovery and liberation from the confines of life circumstances. My life changed in this moment. Zhineng means “wisdom ability”; the process of transforming automated conditioning into autonomous wisdom. The Qi of qigong is the life force energy that animates and permeates all of existence, and it is utilized by the body, for instance, in the beating of our hearts. It is invisible, follows “where the mind goes”, yet has a profound effect upon our bodies. Gong is the effort required to receive the benefits and develop skills through practice and perseverance. Qigong has been time-tested for health maintenance and enhancement. Its origin dates back to ancient China, some 5000 years ago. As I discovered, it is truly ancient wisdom for the modern world. I was no stranger to qigong, having practiced a variety of systems and forms and studied with various qigong masters and instructors. It all began in 1992, when my beloved bride taught me the long-form, Yang-style of Tai Chi Chuan, a branch of qigong with martial applications. It was truly a gift. I was immediately hooked. I savored the flowing movements of the postures and the self-esteem I gained through the self-discipline required to develop mastery and to realize the holistic benefits—physical, emotional, and spiritual. All levels.