Stories, practices and old ideas for every day

Slow movement, quiet breath, a still mind.

I’m James. I live in Taipei and have practised qigong since I was a child, learning from my grandfather, who never missed a morning. Here I write short pieces on qigong, breathing and the old Daoist ideas behind them: stories, simple practices, and things to carry into your day. More about me

A woman practising qigong at a tall window, arms raised, a bare tree outside

Latest

A new piece every week or so.

A scholar bent over paper at a low table beside a bamboo window

Daoist idea3 min read

The Painter Who Threw Down His Brush

A Daoist idea for the moments when you’re trying too hard to get it right.

My books

Everything here grows out of these. Each article links to the one it comes from.

Cover of The Qigong Way: A Guide to the Philosophy Behind the Practice

A Guide to the Philosophy Behind the Practice Cover of The Qigong Way: Twenty Stories of Slow Movement, Quiet Breath, and a Still Mind

Cover of The Qigong Way: Twenty Stories of Slow Movement, Quiet Breath, and a Still Mind

Twenty Stories of Slow Movement, Quiet Breath, and a Still Mind Cover of The Qigong Way: Legends Behind the Practice

Cover of The Qigong Way: Legends Behind the Practice

Legends Behind the Practice Cover of The Qigong Way: Heal Yourself

Cover of The Qigong Way: Heal Yourself

Heal Yourself Cover of Xuanxue: The Lost Daoist Philosophy of Effortless Action

Cover of Xuanxue: The Lost Daoist Philosophy of Effortless Action

Xuanxue

Cover of Breathe and Heal: The Science of Breathwork

Breathe and Heal

A letter from James

A short letter, every Saturday.

The week’s new pieces, with a few words from me. Unsubscribe anytime.