The Recovery Journey: A Return to Balance
Qicovery was born in 2024 as a result of our desire to introduce the transformative power of qigong to those in recovery and share how it continues to help us in our recovery Whether you are recovering from an injury, managing a chronic illness, or seeking relief from the stresses of daily life, qigong provides tools to support your journey.
Our purpose is to help anyone seeking to recover from any addictive behavior as well as loved ones of those in recovery.
Each week in our Qicovery meetings we read a passage from a different book. Sometimes they are specific to recovery and sometimes they are, you might say, recovery adjacent. Regardless they always help to ground the meetings and many times inform the qigong that we practice during that meeting.
In recent weeks we have been blessed by words from Pema Chodron, the Dalai Lama, Lao Tsu, Byron Katie as well as Russel Brand. We’ve also started writing our own unique content that we may ultimately publish, but for now just help us to refine the mission and objectives of Qicovery.
Just as Alcoholics Anonymous was based on many Christian principles practiced by the Oxford Group, Qicovery is based on many Taoist principles and lessons that we learned during our training with Lee Holden to become Certified Qigong Teachers. As a result we have created a unique approach to recovery that we offer with grateful hearts - for free - every Saturday.
Together we have learned that recovery is not just about fixing what feels broken; it’s a journey back to harmony with yourself and the world around you. In qigong and Taoist philosophy, this process is not a battle—it is a flow. Healing comes not from fighting against our struggles but from learning to listen, adapt, and realign with the natural rhythms of life.
Imagine a river that has been obstructed by fallen branches and debris. The water cannot flow freely, and tension builds as it presses against the barriers. But the river does not stop. Instead, it gently finds its way around the obstacles, wearing them down over time. In the same way, recovery is about removing blockages—not through force, but through patience, awareness, and consistent movement.
In qigong, the body’s energy, or Qi, is like that river. When it flows freely, we feel balanced, vibrant, and at peace. But when stress, trauma, or unhealthy habits create blockages, we feel disconnected and out of sync. Recovery begins when we recognize these blockages and commit to clearing them—not all at once, but gradually, with compassion for ourselves.
Taoism teaches us the concept of wu wei, or effortless action. It’s a reminder that true strength doesn’t come from resistance, but from aligning with the natural order of life. In the recovery journey, this means embracing where you are today without judgment. It’s okay to feel lost or overwhelmed; these feelings are not signs of failure, but signals guiding you back to your center.
Through practices like qigong, we reconnect with the breath, the body, and the present moment. Each movement teaches us that healing isn’t linear; it’s about finding flow even in the midst of struggle. Similarly, in Taoism, the yin-yang symbol reminds us that darkness and light coexist. Recovery isn’t about erasing pain but integrating it into the wholeness of who we are.
As you walk this path, remember that each small step matters. Every deep breath, every mindful movement, every moment of stillness is a declaration: I am here, and I am healing. Recovery is not an end point; it is a way of living, one that honors the beauty of your own resilience and the quiet power of nature’s wisdom.
Step by step, breath by breath, you are rediscovering yourself—not as someone who is broken, but as someone who is whole and learning to flow again.
We invite you to spend an hour with us this Saturday - or any other Saturday - starting at 10:30am ET / 7:30am PT. Just click the link below.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88025646203?pwd=0V9aOKa5yLuiSvuJMiU2SRuSiOaIWJ.1
880 2564 6203
Passcode: qicovery
