In this episode, Yulia talks with Elina Kieft, a Qigong teacher, a shamanic practitioner, dancer, and anthropologist.

They explore the body as a place of knowing, a bridge between self and nature. Elina shares her journey from dance and anthropology to Qigong and shamanic work, and how movement, breath, and imagination connect us to the life force that flows through all things. The conversation touches on animism, embodied consciousness, empathy, archetypes, and the wisdom of trees and animals as teachers.

00:00 The Body as a Place of Knowing
05:40 Dance, Nature, and Early Curiosity
10:30 Remembering Lost Senses and Intuitive Knowing
15:40 Sensitivity, Pain, and Living in a Human Body
20:05 The Alchemy of Qigong
26:15 Animals, Elements, and Seasons as Teachers
31:10 Shape-shifting and Embodied Empathy
34:20 Archetypes as Patterns of Energy
37:25 The Body’s Literacy and Ways of Perceiving
43:30 Learning Through the Body
45:30 Simple Practices to Reconnect — The Wisdom of Trees

About the guest:

Elina Kleft is a shamanic practitioner, dancer, anthropologist, and Qigong teacher. Born in the Netherlands and having lived across Europe and Africa, she brings together movement, nature connection, and embodied awareness. Her work explores how breath, body, and imagination can open us to a deeper relationship with the world. She teaches Qigong, mentors individuals, and leads programs that draw on movement, archetypes, and the natural elements.

→  Eline on Substack: https://elinekieft.substack.com/

→  Eline’s webpage: https://www.elinekieft.com/

Stay in touch:
→ The Breath of Life on Substack
https://yuliabogdanova.substack.com/about

→ Berlin Breath Walks
Slow walks using breath and forest presence to recalibrate your nervous system.
https://yuliabogdanova.substack.com/p/berlin-breath-walks

→ Nature Flow Lab
Outdoor, experiential sessions for teams to approach complex challenges through engaging with nature and a shift in mental state.
https://natureflowlab.com/