Classroom Use

Using Qi Gong in the Classroom (pronounced Chi Gong):

From Andrea Olsen and Nükhet Kardam, Embodied Intelligence project hosts.

These videos have been created by Lee Holden for Middlebury College as part of the Embodied Intelligence project, made possible by the Fund for Innovation (FFI). They are available for classroom and personal use for the global Middlebury community and others interested in mindfulness practices in education.

Learning Objectives:

The Embodied Intelligence project encourages self-responsibility for stress levels. By introducing this Qi Gong practice, you are offering resources for clearing stress and tension, energizing the body-mind, and focusing attention to increase learning potentials.

Suggestions for Classroom Use

10-Minute Energize Video:

  • Can be shown in a lecture hall, regular classroom, or studio.
  • Can be shown at the beginning of class to focus the group, or after a break to re-energize.
  • Students stand and participate together with the video.
  • The verbal instructions are clear and concise.
  • No special clothing or props are needed.
  • No special introduction is required.
  • If done regularly, this practice deepens through repetition. It also encourages on-time arrival to class and focuses and energizes the group.
  • Additional Holden videos are available in the college library and on line.

What you might say:

–Today we are experiencing a Qi Gong practice session created for Middlebury by Lee Holden.

-The practice encourages self-responsibility for stress levels. It gives you resources for managing your own energy.

-Before we begin, notice how your body feels right now—take a baseline reading of the state of your body-mind. (Have the students write, say, or inwardly reflect on one or two words describing a baseline of how they feel before the practice. A few examples from past classes include: tired, hungry, calm, stressed out, awake.)

-Now, let’s do the practice together. Begin by standing, arms down to your sides, with a wide grounded stance. Feel your feet on the floor.

After the practice:

  • When you are finished, take just a few minutes with the classroom reflection sheet to reflect on how the practice relates to your course content. This can be done in writing or verbally (with a partner or with a short group discussion, using the classroom reflection sheet to guide the conversation).
  • If you want to give more context, you can include the Overview of Qi Gong sheet verbally or as handout, including the video website and resources list.
  • Drop the sheets into campus mail to Michael Dola, President’s Office, Service Building, and he’ll get them to me. Thanks for participating!

Overview of Qi Gong Basics (30 minutes) and Relax and Clear Stress (20 minutes) are longer videos, and more suitable for individual use, unless they relate directly to your course material or are a timely addition to a stressful period on campus. Do recommend the additional videos in the library to encourage deep sleep, recovery from injury, energy boosts, and more in-depth instruction.

The Embodied Intelligence project sponsoring these videos is made possible by the Ron and Jessica Liebowitz Fund for Innovation (FFI) at Middlebury College, hosted by Professors Andrea Olsen and Nükhet Kardam on the Middlebury, Vermont and Monterey, California campuses.