Below, our fellow Qi-ster Glenna generously shares the story of how she first discovered Qigong, and how it helped her recover from a serious medical crisis. The only thing I would add to this inspiring story, is that Glenna has been notably consistent in her practice, which helped her build a strong energy foundation and supported her recovery. She attends our Zoom classes, purchases videos of the classes she finds especially helpful, and uses them to practice with between sessions or when travelling. The reward? Robust immunity, improved strength, respiration, flexibility and balance, as well as emotional resilience and peace of mind. Consistency is the secret sauce.
Glenna’s story reminds us that Qigong evolved originally as preventative movement “medicine”. Current science is finally catching up to this gentle, enjoyable mindbodyspirit practice. So,brava,Glenna! Thanks for carrying the message!
Qigong and Me
by Glenna Shearer
In 2020, at the height of the global Covid pandemic, I was living in a senior retirement complex in southern California. To avoid contact, our isolation was almost complete: three meals a day delivered in disposable paper bags and all group activities, including exercise classes, curtailed. The situation led me to look for on-line zoom exercise classes. Somehow I stumbled upon qigong and Cris Caivano who taught qigong classes on zoom three times a week.
Intrigued, I decided to give qigong a try. At first, qigong struck me as strange — was this really exercise? It seemed too simple, too easy. Nonetheless, I decided to continue to learn more about this exotic (to me) form of movement. In addition, our teacher, Cris, taught with love, knowledge, and no rigidity. As a dance major and performer, injuries led her to try other forms of movement which led her to qigong; it is gentle, yet strong where injuries are not endemic. The practice deeply affects the body, heart and mind
— truly a complete practice: grounded body, open heart, and clear mind. Also, people can do qigong well into old age (I am 84). I was hooked. Night owl me was willing to attend the 9:30am EST class at 6:30am PST.
In May 2026, I had the Whipple Procedure, a complicated and long surgery to remove pancreas cysts (fortunately all non-cancerous). The physical healing exceeded expectations, but I was left with deep fatigue that I had never previously experienced; I would sit down in a chair and immediately fall asleep. By September, estimating that I had recovered about 75% of my energy, I was excited to return to qigong class; it felt like coming home. After the hour-long class, I was thrilled because I was energized and felt marvelous. With qigong, I know I will recover my pre-surgery energy level and thrive. For me, qigong is a forever practice.
