I was proud to present again this year at the End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI) International Conference on Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, and the Cycle of Justice which occurred April 1 – 3 in San Diego. (#EVAWI2024)
This year, we did a 100 percent interactive Qigong session. We did a brief introduction and then got right into some breathwork and Qigong. The session was part of EVAWI’s objective of providing wellness and self-care related programming during the conference as a benefit to attendees while at the conference, as well as to inform them of modalities they can investigate when they get home.
I heard from so many attendees and participants in my session that they enjoyed the session AND are looking to bring this type of practice into their work with survivors, as well as into the wellness programs they have begun to offer within their organizations.
Our first responders (law enforcement, fire / EMS, advocates, nurses, etc.) have to show up every day and deal with the worst kinds of crimes and assaults, as well as their aftermath. In their commitment to serve victims and hold perpetrators accountable, they may often neglect their own health and wellbeing. It’s not uncommon to suffer from cumulative and post-traumatic stress from this type of work, and many are interested in establishing an effective, consistent self-care and wellness program.
Nurturing Resilience
Our theme this year was “Nurturing Resilience: An Ancient Framework for Modern Living”. The resources we provided to attendees included a program based on the Five Elements (Wu Xing) Framework of Classical Chinese Medicine. The framework serves as both a diagnostic and prescriptive tool in my work as a Doctor of Medical Qigong. It also provides a profound and fascinating method of understanding one’s own physical, mental, and emotional strengths and weaknesses, as well as a roadmap for overcoming challenges.
The way we teach it (and how I leverage it in my work with clients) can help you:
- Develop resilience in the face of adversity, challenges, and traumatic experiences;
- Feel healthier and more energetic;
- Stop stressing and start living!
Testimonial Time
“Hi Karen,
THANK YOU for presenting and exhibiting with us this year [at the EVAWI Annual Conference]. Your class was fantastic and I heard really amazing feedback about it. In fact, one woman told me that she hasn’t taken a yoga or breathwork class in over 20 years because she associated it to some past trauma. She said she finally felt safe enough to participate in your class and loved it.
Thank you!”
–Jacque Bassett, Chief Operating Officer, End Violence Against Women International (EVAWI)
If you’re interested in learning more, visit the Mind-Body Resilience site. You can sign up for an online Five Elements / Wu Xing course here. You can also contact me at karen@resilientedgewellness.com.