Windvane

Channeling our natural energies, activating their power

Jacqueline H. Chan

About Jacqueline H. Chan Reflect and Practice Learn More

Professional Biography

Jacqueline H. Chan is a research staff in the SickKids Research Institute as well as a member of The Mindfulness Project Team at The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). She is an instructor of Qigong (pronounced “chi-gong”). Jacqueline grew up in a Qigong school within the lineage of Master Weizhao Wu and Master Teresa, and has shared this peaceful traditional Chinese healing art in symposiums and conferences. Jacqueline has been providing Qigong to SickKids staff for over 2 years and is an active participant in Wellness programming provided by Occupational Health at SickKids. Qigong is a gentle and serene form of moving meditation, a kind of Mindfulness in motion that integrates one’s body and mind. She is dedicated to having a diverse and LGBTQ2+ inclusive space. Jacqueline Chan is currently studying for a Masters of Pastoral Studies, in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, at The University of Toronto. She has a MA in Early Childhood Studies and a BA in Psychology.

Learn more at www.ChiwithJacqueline.com

Reflection Questions

What does the concept of ’embodied cognition’ make possible for you?

How can learning about qi expand Western understandings of health?

How did you feel after doing some qigong exercises? What did you notice in your body?

What are some practices or activities you already engage in that could be enhanced through the wisdom that qigong provides?

Using imagination to help move energy is a way of uniting mind and body in qigong. In what other areas of your life do you use your imagination? Can you understand these uses as uniting mind and body?

Why is it important to have a loving attitude while generating body awareness? What effects might this attitude have?



Further Resources

Explore Jacqueline’s blog to read some reflections on her practice and teaching of qi gong.


Introducing Jacqueline H. Chan

Listen to Jacqueline talk about growing up with Qigong and learning from her mother and Grandmaster Wu. She also introduces her educational background and explains her interest in integrating her cultural heritage with psychotherapy.

Embodied Cognition with Qigong

Jacqueline explains that ‘qigong’ refers to cultivating our life force energy. It has roots in traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, and the martial arts. It is very much a mind-body practice, as it teaches us about how our emotions influence our bodies and vice versa. In this way, Qigong develops ‘interoceptive awareness,’ which can benefit our health in many ways.  

Some Basic Qigong Practices

Jacqueline describes qigong as ‘dynamic meditation’ or ‘mindfulness in motion.’ She then leads us through a few different qigong practices. 

Energy and Imagery in Qigong

Jacqueline explains the concept of qi (life force energy) and its important role in healing. It can be helpful to engage our imaginations to bring in the qi of the universe and allow it to flow through us. Imagery engages our minds while also sending relaxation signals to our bodies. Experiencing the qi within us fosters a sense of interconnectedness with all life. 

Cultivating Body Awareness with Qigong

Jacqueline talks about practicing qigong with a nurturing and loving attitude to move stuck energy out of the body. With this approach, qigong gently guides us into more curious awareness. Having an experimental attitude is also important, as it allows moments of stillness to become places of creativity. Lastly, Jacqueline emphasizes the importance of practicing regularly in order to see all the ways qigong can enhance your life.