Beyond Colonial Entanglements: Embracing Daoist Philosophy & Qigong for Liberating the Mind

Abstract: Introduction of the entangled mind principles. Exploration of how one can embody Daoist philosophy to unravel colonial mindsets. Furthermore, we will explore the path to liberation through the Qigong movements. The audience can watch or follow along with guided meditations & simple movements uniting the breath with Qi. The participants will experience a transformation leading to a deeper understanding of interconnectedness and harmony. Then we will close with an opportunity to share the experience & reflect.

Presenter bio: Dao Shr Suzy Balliett is an ordained Daoist Priestess. She is a Medical Qigong Doctor, researcher & author. Her paper "Daoist Talismans for Healing" is published in the Journal of Daoist Studies volume 15, 2022. She is a licensed Occupational Therapist & board certified Tai chi instructor. She is the founder of the Biomagnetic Therapy Association and Dipper Healing Arts School. She is interested in Praxis the direct experience method of teaching. Kathleen McGoey has a BA from the University of Notre Dame and a Masters in International Peace and Conflict Studies from the University of Innsbruck, Austria. Following an eleven-year career in nonprofit leadership, Kathleen now offers training, consultation, and facilitation for groups that seek to transform conflict and create more respectful relationships. She is a Qigong practitioner & Daoist Priestess. Central to her journey as a peacebuilder is embodiment, experiential learning, and integration. She has published two books Kathleen published her first book, Harmonizing Heavens and Earth: A Daoist Shamanic Approach to Elicitive Peacework (Lit Verlag) in 2013. She co-authored her second book, The Little Book of Restorative Teaching Tools (Good Books, 2020). Maureen Momo Freehill, MFA in Asian Performance from University of Hawaii, is Founder/Artistic Director and performer of DailyDance, Butopia Retreat Center and Gene Keys Movement; offering nature- based retreats, performances & intuitive somatic wellness training (DailyDance.Us). She is also lead facilitator and board member for the non-profit, NatureMoves (www.naturemoves.org) dedicated to nurturing embodied creative intimacy between humans and the natural world. She served for many years as creative member of The Conciliation Project. (www.theconciliationproject.org) whose mission is to promote, through dramatic work, open and honest dialogue about Racism and Oppression in America in order to repair its damaging legacy.