The importance of group classes

Before my Qigong journey about four years ago, I’ll be honest, I wanted nothing to do with group settings. I preferred being alone, doing things by myself. When I first started classes on Zoom, it felt safer. I could turn my camera off, mute myself, and stay unseen. It wasn’t that I didn’t want connection, it was fear. Fear of judgment.

Sometimes my Master would invite people to share their experiences. I would immediately disappear. Every time. Until one day, with hundreds of people in the class, I was called on. I was panicking. But once I spoke, for once I let myself be seen, something surprising happened. It actually felt good.

At that point in my life, I had already done Reiki, gone live on TikTok, and spent time in online spiritual spaces. And like many people, I had absorbed the idea of “negative energy," that people could take your energy, harm it, drain you, and that group settings were dangerous. Did I fully believe all of it? No. I knew some people aren’t good for you and can dampen your energy. But the fear of “they will take it," quietly limited my growth more than I realized. It became a subconscious belief.

Because in my Qigong classes, the experience told a different story. The energy was powerful. With my Master guiding and many people practicing together, the Qi field was undeniable. It could feel intense, and it was incredible. I noticed I could drop into meditation faster, go deeper, and stay present. My thoughts would quiet. I wasn’t trying to meditate, I was just there.

Still, in the early months, social media planted doubt. I worried about people sending negative energy or taking mine. Looking back now, that fear feels disconnected from the truth of what I was actually experiencing.

As my practice deepened, my understanding changed. Especially when I traveled to Cyprus and practiced with a group in person. I was the youngest there. Everyone was in different stages of life, dealing with their own health challenges, their own stories. But everyone wanted to be there. You build connection. You begin to genuinely want healing for others, even people you wouldn’t normally cross paths with or call up for a chat. The fear around groups completely disappeared.

That’s why group practice matters. It strengthens healing not just for you, but for everyone involved. When fear drops away, what remains is presence and care. Love, without forcing it.

Many of you have probably noticed that practicing alone doesn’t always feel the same as practicing in a class. That’s because group settings are powerful. Think of a protest one voice is strong, but many voices together are louder. And at the same time, one voice still matters. Practicing alone is important too. When you can build a strong Qi field by yourself, it only deepens what’s possible in a group, as well as for own well being.

I wanted to speak on this because many people still fear group classes. I teach the same way I was taught, within a shared Qi field where only clarity and care can come through. Judgment toward others turns inward. Hatred toward others is hatred toward yourself. At that point, it’s no longer Qigong, and it can even interfere with your ability to practice.

A Qi field is not the same as the Western idea of an aura that’s fragile or easily invaded. When you know who you are and are rooted in yourself, you cannot be swayed by others’ intentions or actions. Of course, having a method to clear and settle your energy outside of class is important and that’s normal.

So to be clear: no, the Qi field is not an energy-harvesting space. It’s not something anyone takes from you. It’s a space that holds us where no one carries it alone. Like a forest: it’s not just one tree benefiting the land, but the entire ecosystem supporting itself.

Worrying about others’ intentions creates tension within your own growth. Sending love and staying present allows you to move forward. This applies beyond formal practice too. Even when I’m out shopping or moving through the world, I’ll take five minutes to settle and clear my Qi, simple, quick, and then I carry on.

This is why community matters. You’re not meant to do this alone. Having a space where you can express yourself without fear of judgment, where others can support you, offer perspective (when wanted), or share techniques, that’s growth, and healing. Nor are my classes where I throw you into the spotlight either, if you feel called to speak you can. Want to stay muted, and off screen please feel free to. My classes are not the typical zen, peaceful (thats usally during practice.) Instead it's move at your own pace, feel whats right for you. If you feel called to share I encourage it. We make things fun, and welcoming for newcomers.

So no, the Qi field is not something to fear.

It’s a space of support, depth, and becoming.