Today we’d like to introduce you to Reyna Lerma – Present Moment Living.
Reyna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Several years ago, I went to massage school where, in addition to massage techniques, we learned exercises to keep our tendons and ligaments strong for our line of work. The movements were deliberate and made you focus. We did these as warm-ups for the day. They were enjoyable, yet in massage school, we would also get a massage every day. So, we were all more interested in the massages and would whiz by the morning ‘stretches.’ This was my first experience with what I later came to know as Qigong. Soon after I came across Qigong as a volunteer at hospice. The hospice was having ‘volunteer appreciation day’ and there were several booths for us to enjoy. In one booth, we were led outside and began practicing Qigong. We were again doing the deliberate movement, but this time was different. We happened to be on a cliff overlooking Mission Valley, and I felt the wind and sun like I had never felt before. Something about the movement was making me become quieter, and in that quietness, I was becoming more aware. Not only was I more aware of what was happening outside but also what was happening within me — in my mind and body. In that instant, I knew I was meant to teach others what I was learning. I had met the purpose of my life.
I found a local teacher named Fay McGrew and I embarked on a nine-year teacher training with her. I also sought out Master Teachers in a specific system of Qigong which is called Zhineng Qigong. My husband was so fascinated by my transformation that he began practicing Qigong as well. Together we traveled throughout the United States, Europe, and China. We became diligent students. I have completed over 2,000 retreat hours and have practiced over 5,000 personal hours in my 13-year Zhineng Qigong journey. In 2013 I became a certified instructor and have been leading classes since then. In 2017 I became a certified Hunyuan Qi energy therapist. I now lead workshops and retreats in the US and abroad. I also make sessions available to those who want to work on an individual basis with me.
This is a short walk through the story of my Qigong career. But what is of the most value to me is what I learned and who I became because of this practice. I learned to be more relaxed and peaceful and to allow myself to enjoy life. As I discovered thoughts and beliefs that no longer served me, I learned to release them and focus on what I wanted to create in my life moving forward. I have more influence over my thoughts, my physical movements, and my ability to be more conscious of my mental state. And I now understand that my mind shapes my perception. I openly share the gifts Zhineng Qigong offers with my students, and together we have created a community that supports each other as we learn and grow.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I was quite surprised that doors were opening very easily for me, and I was welcomed by several teachers to study under them. I saw this as a sign that I was on the right path. My personal growth accelerated which was quite challenging. As I immersed in retreat after retreat, I found that I had to face myself – physically, emotionally, and mentally. Being in these deep trainings brought up past traumas, and I had to have an open heart and an open mind to navigate through states of suffering as I transformed the grip the past had on me. Those times were difficult for me. But I never even considered leaving my practice, because I knew the practice was the tool helping me heal.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Qigong is a branch of Chinese Medicine and is classified as a merging of meditation and exercise. I think of myself as a consciousness coach using the tools of Zhineng Qigong.
Zhineng is the type of Qigong. Take yoga as an example. There are different types of yoga, and there are different types of Qigong. The one I teach is called Zhineng which translates to ‘Wisdom Mind.’ Qigong can be translated as ‘cultivation of life force.’ Therefore, Zhineng Qigong is translated as the ‘cultivation of life force through the Wisdom Mind.’
I focus on teaching the spectrum of possibilities through my curriculum. Whether someone is brand new or a seasoned practitioner, I offer classes, workshops, and retreats that will meet them where they are in their journey.
One of my specialties is Hunyuan Qi Therapy which is the healing aspect of Zhineng Qigong. Depending on what challenge someone is experiencing (physical, emotional, and/or mental), together we create a plan to support their healing.
I would say that my greatest accomplishment in the world of Qigong is becoming an international teacher and having colleagues from around the world. When you have an international community of not only colleagues but true friends, it is such an uplifting feeling. The love and support we provide for each other, as we, in turn, support others, is endless.
I am currently expanding my offerings to two groups that are dear to my heart. I have lived in the US since I was three months old but was born in Mexico. I know that my Spanish brothers and sisters could also profoundly benefit from this work, and I am preparing a series for Spanish speakers. I am also a certified end-of-life doula and use Qigong as a tool to support those on the threshold of death as well as their families.
Pricing:
- $7 – $14 individual weekly classes
- $90 private session
- $75 – $1200 workshops retreat (ranging from 1 – 10 days)
Contact Info:
- Email: iam@presentmomentliving.org
- Website: presentmomentliving.org
- Instagram: @present.moment.living
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/presentmomentlivingqigong
