Hi, I’m Jennie.
And I’m delighted to share my love of qigong with you!
Perhaps my journey began when I first fell in love with dance as a 3-year-old in an elephant ballet costume. Or maybe it was when I discovered the joy of spinal undulations as a belly dancer or the release of pigeon pose in yoga. For qigong specifically, I can trace back to an evening in 2018 shared with one of my brothers and a dear friend. Chatting about philosophy and energy work, they expressed curiosity about qigong, and my brother shared a video of Mimi Kuo-Deemer’s 8 Brocades practice. That was all it took; I was hooked!
First, it was the mechanics of the practice that captivated me. I was able to tap into isolations, forms, and expressiveness that I had previously cultivated in belly dance and yoga. However, qigong welcomed me to enjoy these as a deeply personal practice, a practice that specifically encouraged me to meet myself in the moment, whatever that moment might be.
Then came the qi tingle! My practice crossed a line, evolving from mechanics to energetics. As my body internalized the qigong forms, I felt energy begin to course through my system. I finally understood what was meant by ‘flow state.’
Qigong became a way of moving through the world rather than an isolated practice. And the timing could not have been better. As COVID hit, I was learning how to balance myself. Of course, I was not unaffected, but I felt more able to cope than I previously would have been, and all I could think was: Why don’t we all do more qigong?!
At the end of 2021, I circled back to my brother and friend, offering a weekly qigong session. I also sought teacher training opportunities in the hopes that I might one day share this delightful and inspiring practice with others.
And here you are! I am so pleased you dropped by, and I can’t wait to see you in class!
I live…
…in the luscious Pacific Northwest, in the countryside outside of Portland, Oregon, US. My partner and I are joined by our doggy, kitty, bunny, and a collection of chickie personalities. When I’m not practicing ‘chicken qigong,’ I’m likely to be found poking around the garden, cooking something up in the kitchen, or continuously discovering the forest around me.
Qualifications
150+ hours of online & in-person qigong instruction
I have been privileged to lead online small group sessions on a weekly basis since January 2022. Beginning in 2024, I began collaborating with various studios, wellness centers, and gyms to bring this revitalizing practice to my local community. I have also had the pleasure of working 1-on-1 with private students in both online and studio settings.
Mimi Kuo-Deemer's 2024 Teacher Mentorship Program
Having followed Mimi since the beginning of my qigong journey, I was delighted to be accepted into her 2024 Teacher Mentorship Program. Participants receive guidance from Mimi each month and connect with their study groups between sessions. (I have been gifted with an amazing study group located across the west coast of the Americas.) Mimi’s (excellent) book Qigong and the Tai Chi Axi serves as the manual. Mimi’s Mentorship Program is certified through the International Guild of Complementary Therapists (IGCT).
Holden QiGong 200-hour Teacher Certification
5 Elements & 3 Treasures: Completed in January 2024
Between May 2022 and January 2024, I completed the 16-module core curriculum for Lee Holden’s Tier 1 Teacher Training, and met the certification requirements, passing both written and practical exams. The foundation of Tier 1 training is built on the 5 Elements with perspectives on Daoist cosmology and includes in-depth studies of the 3 dantians, the 3 forces, and the microcosmic orbit.
Mimi Kuo-Deemer's 30-hour Teacher Training Certificate
Qigong and the Chinese Five Elements: Completed in 2022
Mimi’s immersive course guided participants through the relationships among the Chinese 5 elements/phases, Daoist philosophy, basic anatomical mapping, and the somatic expression of specific qigong forms. In Mimi’s characteristic style, participants were equally nurtured and challenged while being invited to deepen personal practice and present concepts through teaching each other.
Study and mentorship with Rose Allen
Ongoing since early 2020
Seeking out in-person training opportunities, I came upon Rose’s beautiful practice. Having trained in the MogaDao lineage, Rose’s qigong forms have always provided visually robust metaphor and resonant energetic development. I am honored that Rose has made herself available to me when I have had specific questions or wished to dive deeply into her welcoming teaching style.
Online study with Marisa Cranfil’s Yoqi library
Ongoing since early 2019
Early in my qigong journey, I discovered the extensive video library created by Marisa Cranfil. I have found her online instruction to be a friendly companion throughout the seasons of my qigong development. She models strong online instruction characteristics in visually stunning settings.
Beyond Qigong
Study and student performances with Ashley Lopez
Belly dance & yoga (+ various fitness classes): 2007-2019
Rachel Brice’s 8 Elements Level 1 Intensive Belly Dance Training
Completed 2015
Personal Practice: Yoga & Belly Dance
Beginning in 1998
I have had the pleasure of studying with an array of inspiring teachers, including Shahravar, Sedona Soulfire, Vanessa Kuly, Esperanza Hempel, Beverly Bachoo, Heather Powers, and many other talented teachers who have crossed my path.
M.A. Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
San Jose State University, completed 2014
B.A. Linguistics
San Jose State University, completed 2010
