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Have you ever felt like your creativity is blocked—but you know the problem isn’t your ideas, your schedule, or even your writing practice? What if your nervous system holds the key to unlocking the stories inside you?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jay DeMaio, a trauma-aware Internal Martial Arts teacher based in Charlottesville, Virginia. Together, we explore how Qigong—a gentle, meditative movement practice—can enhance creativity, help regulate your nervous system, and bring your body into deeper harmony so your writing can flow more freely. We also dig into my struggles with rest and boredom when doing things I know are good for me. Grab your pen, open your heart, and discover why slowing down might be the medicine your writing life truly needs.

Episode Highlights

• 0:47: What is QiGong
• 5:03 How QiGong Changed Jay
• 15:00: The Impact of Grief and Fear on Our Energy 
• 17:00 Qi Resourcing Exercise 
• 32:00 The Somatic Writing Process
• 34:00 Boredom and the Fallow State
• 41:00 Bringing Curiosity to Our Discomfort
• 44:00 Capitalizing on Summer Energy

Resources Mentioned During this Episode: 

• QiGong: What You Need to Know
• More on QiGong and Its Benefits 

Jay’s Bio: Jay DeMaio is a trauma-aware Internal Martial Arts Teacher based in Charlottesville, VA. Jay holds a five-year certification in QiGong, Qi Healing and Internal Alchemy Meditation from Blue Willow World Healing Center. He has been training for over 15 years via direct transmission from Daoist QiGong Masters from the Dragon Gate Lineage School and the Mt EMei Lineage School. Through his online classes and in-person workshops, Jay guides gentle, empowering QiGong practices that connect the body to its innate healing wisdom and inner medicine. His therapeutic approach is informed by 5 Element Chinese Medicine and psychosomatic science while staying rooted in trauma awareness, deep presence, and compassion.

Connect with Jay:  

• Website: www.jaydemaio.com
• Instagram and X: @ altar_native_medicine

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Produced by Espresso Podcast Production