What is Qigong?
Qigong is an ancient energy practice, thousands of years old. It is just what we need in our stress-filled and fast-paced modern world. It helps us balance our energy by releasing blocked energy and restoring the flow of energy, thus allowing the body to heal itself. Qigong originated in ancient China and is based on the principles used in traditional Chinese Medicine.
It is a mind body practice that combines the elements of relaxed, slow, deep breathing; easy and gentle movements; and focused attention and visualization using the mind. Qi means air, breath, vitality and Gong means practice or cultivation. Qigong is the practice of cultivating and mastering your life force energy.
When you learn to relax and let go, you can reduce physical stress and tension and quiet your thoughts and mind. With the practice of qigong, you can open up the flow of energy in the body and the body can restore and balance itself. Any physical symptoms in the body or mind or emotional distress can be reduced and alleviated because it addresses the root causes of any symptoms in the body, which is the imbalance of energy. Qigong includes ancient principles of energy, the practice of slow movements or exercises, meditation and energy healing techniques.
Qigong is a holistic practice which integrates the mind, body and spirit. It assists in connecting to universal energies allowing us to flow with natures everchanging energies so our body can self-regulate and we can reach our full potential. We can be free. When you combine qigong principles along with continued practice, it can become a new way to live life. You can experience how to live the principles of qigong and apply them directly to your life situations. You will know you are making progress when something happens in your life that normally would cause you stress and cause you to react, and you find yourself not reacting. You can simply breathe, let go of your emotions, choose to see things from a different perspective and not react or get triggered as you might have in the past. You learn to integrate your mind, body and spirit, process your emotions, calm your thoughts, release excess energy from your body, mind and emotions and balance your energy. You feel calmer, more peaceful and relaxed as you walk thru the journey of your life.
Many people practice Qigong simply because it makes them feel better, have more energy, and assists them in reaching their optimal health.
Who We Are
The Qigong Connection is a non-profit organization whose mission is: To educate, hold the space and support the community in the healing and wellness benefits of Qigong. We ascribe to build awareness of and connect to other energy-based modalities while deepening our connection as a community to universal healing energies of love for the highest good of all.
The Qigong Connection was created by Qigong Healer and Teacher, Mary Zelmer. She was approached by a group that wanted to deepen their practice in the loving support of community. The Qigong Connection was founded on February 12, 2011 and became a nonprofit organization in 2014.
The Qigong Connection is guided to create and strengthen a strong group heart through the energy it shares with each other and the planet. We continue to grow and hold the healing space for each other and this beautiful planet through guided movement, breath, and meditation.
The Qigong Connection believes to achieve a vibrant, joyful and loving planet, we are all being called to come forward and offer our unique energetic imprint for the greater good in the context of community. There is no experience more beautiful and empowering. We hope your heart leads you here.
Mary Zelmer
In 2011, Mary was asked to create an inclusive Qigong community. Today, she continues as our Program Director, QC Leader & Founder. Click her image and her bio will open below.
Mary Zelmer
Leadership and Program Director, Founder
Mary Zelmer
Program Director, Leader, and Founder
In 2011, Mary Zelmer was asked to create an inclusive Qigong community. She was given strong spiritual guidance to do so and the Qigong Connection was born. She continues to lead, teach, organize and create new programs for the Qigong Connection to assist people in broadening their knowledge, experience, and practice of Qigong. Her interest in community- based work led her to complete her B.S. in Community Education at Minnesota State-Mankato.
Mary’s focus is centered on healing. She has studied and practiced Qigong for over 20 years and is recognized as a Qigong Master Healer and teacher. She believes that, Qigong is more than a practice: it is a way to live a balanced and powerful life. Mary also created the Qigong Odyssey to work with and support individual clients and groups through life changing processes by balancing one’s inner energies and then connecting to benevolent universal energies.
Mary has led numerous large group healing meditations and retreats, organized conferences, created educational programs, and laid intentional groundwork for healing communities and organizations, both locally and internationally. Mary has also been requested to appear as a guest healer and presenter at workshops, conferences, colleges, high schools. She assists clients on their unique path to wellness. Her passion is to transmit the healing power that arises from the energetic connection between the heart and nature.
The Qigong Connection is an adventure unto itself and can lead you to places and people you may not have otherwise had the opportunity to experience. Mary hopes you will join us and promises – it may change your life!
“I’m guided to hold the space for ancient practice and also to hold the space for new energy” – Mary Zelmer
To see Mary’s full list of degrees, training, experience, and other qualifications, CLICK HERE
Mary Zelmer
Program Director, Leader, and Founder
In 2011, Mary Zelmer was asked to create an inclusive Qigong community. She was given strong spiritual guidance to do so and the Qigong Connection was born. She continues to lead, teach, organize and create new programs for the Qigong Connection to assist people in broadening their knowledge, experience, and practice of Qigong. Her interest in community- based work led her to complete her B.S. in Community Education at Minnesota State-Mankato.
Mary’s focus is centered on healing. She has studied and practiced Qigong for over 20 years and is recognized as a Qigong Master Healer and teacher. She believes that, Qigong is more than a practice: it is a way to live a balanced and powerful life. Mary also created the Qigong Odyssey to work with and support individual clients and groups through life changing processes by balancing one’s inner energies and then connecting to benevolent universal energies.
Mary has led numerous large group healing meditations and retreats, organized conferences, created educational programs, and laid intentional groundwork for healing communities and organizations, both locally and internationally. Mary has also been requested to appear as a guest healer and presenter at workshops, conferences, colleges, high schools. She assists clients on their unique path to wellness. Her passion is to transmit the healing power that arises from the energetic connection between the heart and nature.
The Qigong Connection is an adventure unto itself and can lead you to places and people you may not have otherwise had the opportunity to experience. Mary hopes you will join us and promises – it may change your life!
“I’m guided to hold the space for ancient practice and also to hold the space for new energy” – Mary Zelmer
To see Mary’s full list of degrees, training, experience, and other qualifications, CLICK HERE
Master Connectors
Meet our “Master Connectors” who are grateful and excited to assist and guide you at the monthly meetings. Click on them and their bios will open below their image.
Rob Muir
Community Liaison & Active Exercise Leader, QC Master Connector
Barb Palmer
Meditation Leader, Volunteer & Events Organizer, QC Master Connector
Jane Larsen
QC Master Connector, Healing Tree Leader
Mary Zelmer
Program Director, QC Master Connector, Leader, and Founder
In 2011, Mary Zelmer was asked to create an inclusive Qigong community. She was given strong spiritual guidance to do so and the Qigong Connection was born. She continues to lead, teach, organize and create new programs for the Qigong Connection to assist people in broadening their knowledge, experience, and practice of Qigong. Her interest in community- based work led her to complete her B.S. in Community Education at Minnesota State-Mankato.
Mary’s focus is centered on healing. She has studied and practiced Qigong for over 20 years and is recognized as a Qigong Master Healer and teacher. She believes that, Qigong is more than a practice: it is a way to live a balanced and powerful life. Mary also created the Qigong Odyssey to work with and support individual clients and groups through life changing processes by balancing one’s inner energies and then connecting to benevolent universal energies.
Mary has led numerous large group healing meditations and retreats, organized conferences, created educational programs, and laid intentional groundwork for healing communities and organizations, both locally and internationally. Mary has also been requested to appear as a guest healer and presenter at workshops, conferences, colleges, high schools. She assists clients on their unique path to wellness. Her passion is to transmit the healing power that arises from the energetic connection between the heart and nature.
The Qigong Connection is an adventure unto itself and can lead you to places and people you may not have otherwise had the opportunity to experience. Mary hopes you will join us and promises – it may change your life!
“I’m guided to hold the space for ancient practice and also to hold the space for new energy” – Mary Zelmer
To see Mary’s full list of degrees, training, experience, and other qualifications, CLICK HERE
Rob Muir
Community Liaison & Active Exercise Leader
Rob trained in classical Chi Kung/Qigong while attending college and continued his passion for Qigong after moving to Minnesota. He started his Spring Forest Qigong (SFQ) studies in 2005, and has completed Levels 1-4, the SFQ Qi~ssage course, and the Chow Medical Qigong Intensive Level 1 Certification training. Rob assisted with the development of the Spring Forest International Guild Reach-Out Program and served as a Co-Director of the program. Since 2007, he has been involved in the SFQ Hopkins, Minnesota, Qigong Practice Group and currently leads the group. Rob also played an active role in the success of the Qigong Connection sponsored “Healing the Earth Conference”, where Grand Master Dr. Effie Chow and Chow Qigong was introduced to the community.
Rob is a native of North Dakota and is a devoted husband, father and friend.
Barb Palmer
Meditation Leader, Volunteer & Events Organizer
Barb joined the Qigong Connection as a Master Connector in 2014. She is a Spring Forest Qigong Master Healer and has completed all 5 Levels of SFQ and Qi~ssage, studying and practicing since 1997. Barb has worked at the SFQ Wellness Center as a healer and co-taught SFQ classes with Master Chunyi Lin at Normandale Community College. She has completed the Chow Medical Qigong Intensive Level 1 Certification Training and is a Reiki Master.
A volunteer at Pathways (a nonprofit Health Crisis Resource Center in Minneapolis) since 2002, she teaches qigong and guides practice groups. Barb teaches qigong in the Twin Cities and is adjunct faculty at Anoka Ramsey Community College in the Integrative Health and Healing Degree Program.
As a speaker and instructor, meditation leader and guest healer at conferences, events, meetings and as the Presentation Services Coordinator for the SFQ International Guild Reach Out Program, Barb has learned to work with the energies of many people. She feels privileged to work with people from around the world who want to learn qigong, meditate, heal and balance their energy.
Barb enjoys being in nature, flower gardening and travel. She has a B.S. in business from St. Cloud State University.
Founder & Master Connectors
Meet our Founder & “Master Connectors” who are grateful and excited to assist and guide you at the monthly meetings. Click on them and their bios will open below their image.
Mary Zelmer
Program Director, QC Master Connector, Leader, and Founder
Mary Zelmer
Executive and Leadership Director, QC Master Connector
Mary’s focus is centered on healing. She has studied and practiced Qigong for over 20 years and is recognized as a Qigong Master Healer and teacher. She believes that, Qigong is more than a practice: it is a way to live a balanced and powerful life. Mary also created the Qigong Odyssey to work with and support individual clients and groups through life changing processes by balancing one’s inner energies and then connecting to benevolent universal energies.
Mary has led numerous large group healing meditations and retreats, organized conferences, created educational programs, and laid intentional groundwork for healing communities and organizations, both locally and internationally. Mary has also been requested to appear as a guest healer and presenter at workshops, conferences, colleges, high schools. She assists clients on their unique path to wellness. Her passion is to transmit the healing power that arises from the energetic connection between the heart and nature.
The Qigong Connection is an adventure unto itself and can lead you to places and people you may not have otherwise had the opportunity to experience. Mary hopes you will join us and promises – it may change your life!
To see Mary’s full list of degrees, training, experience, and other qualifications, CLICK HERE
Rob Muir
Community Liaison & Active Exercise Leader, QC Master Connector
Rob Muir
Community Liaison & Active Exercise Leader
Rob Muir has served as a Master Connector (aka Pillar) of the Qigong Connection since 2013. He has an AAS Degree from the North Dakota State College of Science, and brings to the organization an extensive Qigong background, a talent for training, and the gifts of warmth and openness. “The Qigong Connection has given me opportunities to explore new ways to continue to grow as a person and to develop my talents.”
Rob trained in classical Chi Kung/Qigong while attending college and continued his passion for Qigong after moving to Minnesota. He started his Spring Forest Qigong (SFQ) studies in 2005, and has completed Levels 1-4, the SFQ Qi~ssage course, and the Chow Medical Qigong Intensive Level 1 Certification training. Rob assisted with the development of the Spring Forest International Guild Reach-Out Program and served as a Co-Director of the program. Since 2007, he has been involved in the SFQ Hopkins, Minnesota, Qigong Practice Group and currently leads the group. Rob also played an active role in the success of the Qigong Connection sponsored “Healing the Earth Conference”, where Grand Master Dr. Effie Chow and Chow Qigong was introduced to the community.
Rob is a native of North Dakota and is a devoted husband, father and friend.
Barb Palmer
Meditation Leader, Volunteer & Events Organizer, QC Master Connector
Barb Palmer
Meditation Leader, Volunteer & Events Organizer
Barb joined the Qigong Connection as a Master Connector in 2014. She is a Spring Forest Qigong Master Healer and has completed all 5 Levels of SFQ and Qi~ssage, studying and practicing since 1997. Barb has worked at the SFQ Wellness Center as a healer and co-taught SFQ classes with Master Chunyi Lin at Normandale Community College. She has completed the Chow Medical Qigong Intensive Level 1 Certification Training and is a Reiki Master.
A volunteer at Pathways (a nonprofit Health Crisis Resource Center in Minneapolis) since 2002, she teaches qigong and guides practice groups. Barb teaches qigong in the Twin Cities and is adjunct faculty at Anoka Ramsey Community College in the Integrative Health and Healing Degree Program.
As a speaker and instructor, meditation leader and guest healer at conferences, events, meetings and as the Presentation Services Coordinator for the SFQ International Guild Reach Out Program, Barb has learned to work with the energies of many people. She feels privileged to work with people from around the world who want to learn qigong, meditate, heal and balance their energy.
Barb enjoys being in nature, flower gardening and travel. She has a B.S. in business from St. Cloud State University.
Jane Larsen
QC Master Connector & Healing Tree Coordinator
Jane Larsen
Healing Tree Coordinator
Morgan Swanson
Soon to come..
Morgan Swanson
Coming soon…
Serving Board Members (View Last Board Meeting Minutes)
Our board brings us bountiful skills, knowledge and ideas. Click to learn a little more about who they are.
Lu K Bjornoy
Chairman of Board
Maryellen Mueller
Secretary
Margaret Barrisford
Treasurer
Anthony Sawyer
Executive Director
Lu K Bjornoy
Chairman of Board
The value of community is becoming clearer to me. From moving to a very small town, helping family, to being on the board of my spiritual community, the Qigong Connection.
My heart is opening and I am grateful to contribute to the direction and growth of this precious group. My vision for this community is as a lifeline while we move into a brave new world that we co-create. Now that’s exciting!
Maryellen Mueller
Secretary
“My vision: I see the Qigong Connection continuing to be of service through the Healing Tree volunteers, and being part of the evolution of the Qigong Group Heart.”
Margaret Berrisford
Treasurer
I am serving as a Board member because I want to be with people that are deeply committed to Qigong and energy work in their lives.
My vision for Qigong Connection is to promote Qigong for healing oneself, healing others and healing the planet.
Anthony Sawyer
Executive Director
As Executive Director
Serving Board Members
Our board brings us bountiful skills, knowledge and ideas. Tap to learn a little more about who they are.
Lu K Bjornoy
Chairman of Board
Lu K Bjornoy
Chairman of Board
The value of community is becoming clearer to me. From moving to a very small town, helping family, to being on the board of my spiritual community, the Qigong Connection.
My heart is opening and I am grateful to contribute to the direction and growth of this precious group. My vision for this community is as a lifeline while we move into a brave new world that we co-create. Now that’s exciting!
Maryellen Mueller
Secretary
Maryellen Mueller
Secretary
“My work as secretary of the Qigong Connection requires me to listen deeply for the sense of what is spoken. As secretary, I create an historic record of the Qigong Connection’s Board discussions. The minutes from our meetings reflect the evolution of the group.
“My vision: I see the Qigong Connection continuing to be of service through the Healing Tree volunteers, and being part of the evolution of the Qigong Group Heart.”
Margaret Berrisford
Treasurer
Barbara Harper
Treasurer
Volunteering as the financial steward for the Qigong Connection affords me the opportunity to maintain, share and energetically enhance my skills and gifts.
My vision: For the group to continue to support the Qigong and energy healing communities through group events and activities.
Anthony Sawyer
Executive Director
Margaret Berrisford
Board Member at Large
I am serving as a Board member because I want to be with people that are deeply committed to Qigong and energy work in their lives.
My vision for Qigong Connection is to promote Qigong for healing oneself, healing others and healing the planet.
Mary Zelmer
Executive Director
As Executive Director, I hold the space for the Qigong Connection’s growth, spiritual guidance and the Board’s creative energy. The guidance and vision that I receive and give the board acts as a bridge for many who seek healing physically, mentally and spiritually. It is an honor and privilege to be part of this process.
My vision: I have been spiritually guided from the time that I received the vision to start this group. I see our future growth and work together as creating one true group heart that will open many doors. Our work together will continue to honor individual energetic imprints. I see this process as bright, powerful and beautiful.
Communications & Design Team
Meet our communications and design experts who keep you engaged and make timely connections by keeping you updated on our meetings, classes and events.
Susan Peterson, Certainly Creative, LLC.
Art Director and Graphic Designer
Morgan Swanson
Social Media Manager, Web Updates
Ryan Kieffer
Web Developer
Lucimae
Healing Mascot
Morgan Swanson
Social Media Manager, Website Updates
My vision for the Qigong Connection is for it to have a wider reach than it has now. For it to grow, help more people evolve, while spreading light and love. I see the Qigong Connection covering the planet and beyond.
Communications & Design Team
Meet our communications and design experts who keep you engaged and make timely connections by keeping you updated on our meetings, classes and events.
Susan Peterson, Certainly Creative, LLC.
Art Director/Graphic Designer
Morgan Swanson
Social Media Manager, Web Updates
Morgan Swanson
Social Media Manager, Website Updates
My vision for the Qigong Connection is for it to have a wider reach than it has now. For it to grow, help more people evolve, while spreading light and love. I see the Qigong Connection covering the planet and beyond.
Ryan Kieffer
Web Developer
Lucimae
Healing Mascot
Qigong Connection, founded on February 12, 2011, incorporated as a nonprofit with the State of Minnesota April 17, 2012, and received 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status with IRS August 22, 2014.