“ I enjoy the softness, the slow pace, the stillness of this practice.

I am also learning how to train, how to expand to then contain in my core and protect my energy. I realize what it means to contain and not waste it, but use it with necessary.”

載營魄抱一，能無離乎？

專氣致柔，能如嬰兒乎？

滌除玄覽，能無疵乎？

愛民治國，能無知乎？

天門開闔，能為雌乎？

明白四達，能無為乎？

生之、畜之，

生而不有，

為而不恃，

長而不宰，

是謂玄德。

《道德經》第十章

Morning light rises over the tea fields of Wudang, as I learn how to absorb 陽氣 (Yang energy) from the sun, and try to understand what “effortless movement” and “being like water” mean.

During this 氣功 (Qì Gōng) practice I realize that stillness might be the hardest movement of all.. and that real strength is found in softness. I reflect on my current state of weakness and understand that strong emotions drain vital energy.

Along the way, I meet Yuan Yuan — a fellow practitioner that mirrors my own purpose. She reminds me that simplicity itself is the path, the 道 (Dào). Through our conversation, I begin to see that there are concrete ways to cultivate one’s energy and preserve this precious life force that we all have within, the 氣 (qì).

There is a beautiful notion in Chinese spirituality known as 修行 (xiū xíng) — a way of training and discipline that helps purify the heart (修心 xiū xīn), restore balance and harmony, and open the way towards inner liberation. Martial arts is one such path of 修行.

“You try to hold onto fragmented parts of your memory, not seeing that - everything is being constantly created - and vanishing - through this eternally transforming breath.

Listen to the whispers of silence. Let the present moment inspire you. Let the present moment give you the answer.”

天下皆知美之為美，斯惡已；

皆知善之為善，斯不善已。

故有無相生，難易相成，

長短相形，高下相傾，

音聲相和，前後相隨。

是以聖人處無為之事，行不言之教。

萬物作焉而不辭，生而不有，

為而不恃，功成而弗居。

夫唯弗居，是以不去。

《道德經》第二章

What if your morning walk could awaken the energy of the universe within you? In this episode, I share my first 氣功 (Qi Gong) class with my martial arts teacher, Master Gu. A morning by the lake that transformed how I perceive the subtle life force that flows through all things..

We explore his Taoist morning routine: walking in nature at dawn, standing meditation to absorb universal Qi, and gentle meridian exercises rooted in traditional Chinese medicine. I reflect on how these ancient practices release what’s stuck in the body, calm the mind, restore inner balance and and reconnect us with nature’s healing rhythm.

One step at a time, I begin to understand how Taoism isn’t just a philosophy, but a way of living in harmony with the cosmos. “Nature is the best hospital, and you are the best doctor.” - that day I had a huge realization that will later lead me to seeking healing through medicinal plants in Peru..

Red lantern path, tea ceremony, ancestral blessings and martial arts performances.. Let me bring you to an outdoor wedding in the middle of the forest, in the mystical Wudang valley. The ceremony was filled with symbolism and ancient rituals, one of those authentic and intimate immersions in rural China that I’m very happy to share with y’all..

The more I travel around the world the more similarities I see that we all share across cultures.. The need for love, the importance of community, and the sacredness of reunion. But also how annoying our drunk uncles can be, and how universal it is for a wife to scream at her husband for blocking the car in the ravine. Because yes, even for Tai Chi masters, no family gathering is ever truly peaceful.. lmao

September 2024. After years of studying Chinese language and reading taoist Classics, I finally make it to the Wudang mountains.. sacred mountain range that gave birth to 太極拳 (Tai Chi) and 武當功夫 (Wudang kung fu) ! The Wudang spirituality emphasizes inner cultivation, internal energy movement, and inner alchemy, over brute strength and spectacular figures. Many practitioners visit the mountains for retreats & training, or pilgrimage.

In this short episode I share my first impressions as I arrived there: meeting with my teacher Gu, attending a local birthday party, and reflecting on how much I need to transform my life from fatigue and imbalance to health and vitality… After months of a draining lifestyle and emotional turmoil, I feel depleted. This journey is about finding inspiration through ancient Chinese wisdom and practices, to learn how to rebuild my strength and become a healthier person.

First travel in the Chinese jungle, bordering Myanmar and its buddhist traditions. In this episode, we share some of the discussions me and my father had as we were wandering around the forests, temples, and rice fields. Enjoy :)