Health & Wellness
Aug 20, 2024

Guide Spotlight: Qing is making friends around the globe

Guide Spotlight: Qing is making friends around the globe
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Several years ago, Qing, a 54-year-old retiree living in Beijing, encountered an older gentleman practicing Tai Chi in a park. Intrigued by the ancient Chinese discipline of meditative movements, she struck up a conversation and soon began taking lessons herself. This initial interest expanded to include Qigong, another meditative practice focused on cultivating and balancing "life energy." Qing became a dedicated practitioner, eventually joining the Beijing Xi-cheng District Qigong Team, where she enjoyed performing in competitions and making new friends.

Discovering a New Platform with GetSetUp

In June 2021, GetSetUp launched its Mandarin program and began seeking Mandarin-speaking Ambassadors to share their knowledge with learners worldwide. When Qing learned about the platform from the Mandarin program manager, she eagerly participated in several classes before deciding to host her own class in Qigong. Qing was drawn to the idea of older adults teaching their peers, which aligned perfectly with her passion for sharing her knowledge.

"I've learned a lot from GetSetUp. Besides my class, I also attend other Mandarin classes. For example, Flora's gardening classes. Yesterday, she talked about herbs. I asked her questions, and she answered very patiently. I'm amazed at the expertise of the GetSetUp Guides."

Building International Friendships

Although Qing primarily teaches her sessions in Mandarin, she anticipated that some English-speaking learners might join her class. To accommodate them, she researched how to say all the Qigong movements in English, ensuring that everyone felt included.

Her first session was a resounding success, with more than 15 learners attending from the United States, Canada, Australia, and China. As Qing hosted more sessions, she connected with learners from Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan.

"I've met many new friends. I don't have much contact with people from other countries in my everyday life, but with GetSetUp I can meet people from around the world. Everyone is very friendly and gives us a lot of support and encouragement."

Empowering Others through Qigong

Understanding that many of her students are new to Qigong and may find the practice unfamiliar, Qing encourages them to stay motivated and not get discouraged.

"When I first learned Qigong, I didn't quite understand it. I felt like I was doing school exercises, and I felt that these movements were nothing. But after half a year of practicing, I felt less stiffness in my joints."

Qing also recognizes that some older adults may struggle with posture and confidence when trying new exercises, but she reassures them that persistence pays off.

"After learning Qigong, there is a feeling of standing upright from heaven to earth. You gain more confidence in daily activities and in interacting with people. We are like a team, everyone encourages each other, and we can all keep it as a habit."

Qing has inspired two of her friends, Sophia and Yanzi, to join GetSetUp as well, expanding their social circles and enriching their lives through shared learning experiences.

Explore GetSetUp’s Mandarin Classes

GetSetUp offers a range of Mandarin classes, including Qing's Qigong sessions, where learners can experience the benefits of this meditative practice and connect with others around the globe.