Publications

Below is a curated collection of my latest work. Perhaps try reading with your heart.

Black and white pointillism of a condor above and eagle by Lauren Raine

Fiction: The Legend of Condor and Eagle: A Modern Retelling

Publication: Roses & Wildflowers Journal – February 2024

A tale of hope, love, and remembering as Condor and Eagle fly us into a new era built upon harmony, healing, and connection. It was inspired by an ancient South American prophecy that speaks of a 500-year period in which humanity splits in two:  the eagle represents the mind, technology and the masculine; the condor represents the heart, intuition and the feminine.  After that time, right about now, there would be potential for them to fly together and create an uplifted human consciousness…(art by Lauren Raine)

Fiction: Patterns at the Podium

Publication: Ren Xue International News – January 2024

“Follow along in this enticing performance of patterns as Stephanie Ross takes us through the inner workings of what may be even just a few seconds of patterns at work.  It is such a thought-provoking and entertaining example that many of us may relate to. “ (RXI News)

Lights dim, hushed audience awaits. A deep voice over the PA reminds them to turn off their phones, remove distractions. They wiggle in their seats vying for elbow space. A cough in the back, something falls to the floor. Finally, attention turns to center stage.

Prized speakers emerge from the wing. The first stomps towards the spotlight. Chest slightly puffed, dress shoes and jeans – a cape around his cardigan covered shoulders, mismatched gloves, baker’s hat and ‘Best Dad’ badge on his heart. Prepared for multiple roles, Mis-identification confidently takes his place at the podium, smiles in greeting, opens his mouth and ….

Harbour in Greece at sunset.

Poetry: Olives

Publication: Mediterranean Poetry – October 2023

olive trees lined desolate

hills along the shoreline

 

wrinkly branches hailing from land …

Poetry: Empty Hands

Publication: The Passionfruit Review – September 2023

empty to receive

heart filling 

expanding

to body, Universe

softening waves

       flowing…

Qigong Near Me

Publication: Ren Xue of the Americas Qiblog – September 2023

So, you’re interested in Qigong but unsure what it is or how to sort the results when searching ‘Qigong near me?’ Not to worry. This article demystifies ‘Qigong near me.’ You’ll learn how to find the right system and teacher to suit your body and lifestyle so that you can attain the health, emotional, spirit, and consciousness benefits you’re seeking. Qigong is a healing art…

Poetry: The Keys

Publication: Half Day Moon Journal, pg. 44 – August 2023

he handed me the keys

I hadn’t realized I’d asked

they didn’t feel like I’d expected

they smelled of fear

hold steady – look again, he said…

Ren Xue stylized red heart with words identity arising underneath.

Poetry: Identity Arising

Publication: Ren Xue International Newsletter – July 2023

wind whispers on waking

– go forth - be the new day

rising from slumber she

steps on bareness lain before her

naked as she wanders towards sunshine –

warmth greets her at the threshold

wind caresses her cheek, softness

envelopes the woman as she contemplates…..

Young child in open heart-based play on the grass with trees in the background. Carefree and happy.

Heart Based Teaching in Children’s Education

Publication: Ren Xue of the Americas Qiblog – May 2023

Why heart based teaching in children's education is so important and how it can support you and your family. Ren Xue teacher Stephanie Ross from Canada shares her experience with heart based teaching at her child's school.

My heart sang with happiness. It was working. My youngest was thriving. Some might say it was the innovative school pilot project making the difference. And yes, there are several factors making that true. But, at the heart of it all, I would say it’s the natural human qualities that profoundly touch us all that are making the real difference…

Close up of a dandelion head ready to spread its seeds out onto the grass

What is trust?

Publication: Ren Xue of the Americas Qiblog – April 2023

While exploring Yuan Qigong, I came across the simple but existential question: What is trust? This started a journey I could not predict.

More than a decade ago, I began practicing Ren Xue and the nine methods of Yuan Qigong. My most cherished practice is the seventh method – Tong Yuan. It’s a guided heart meditation, a still practice, and a form of learning that continues with me throughout my day enabling small changes moment by moment. My experiences with it change over time, unravel….

Phoenix rising in a red sky

Poetry: Fiery Sunshine

Publication: Ariel Chart International Literary Journal ~ April 2023

bubbling out of the blankets through softly lit rays

sunseeker sparks at the morning view

she slips quietly over to sleeping mom

her love letter arriving with encircling arms

scampering down the stairs with purring fur

she greets the day barefoot; laughing now

secret fairy house glints …

Poetry: Distant Lands

Publication: Ariel Chart International Literary Journal ~ April 2023

earth between my toes

loamy soil moisture cooling my feet

flaming midday sand awakening my pads

enraging tender insteps

 

land beckoning in the distance

across flat capped waves

glassy slickness inviting …

Qigong for Highly Sensitive Persons

Publication: Ren Xue of the Americas Qiblog ~ March 2023

Being a highly sensitive person comes with many challenges. Qigong has helped me deal with these challenges and learn to treasure the gifts highly sensitive people bring into this world.

My children spent their early years living and flourishing on a sailboat. Even two years after we had gotten our land legs back, I was often bemused by the knowledge, inspiration, and habits they had acquired at sea. For example, they still enjoyed…

 

Why I became a Qigong Teacher

Publication: Ren Xue of the Americas Qiblog ~ August 2022

Two and a half years into a South Pacific sailing journey, I docked our cutter in Nelson, New Zealand. A few weeks later a woman in pink gumboots handed me a book called Voyage to the Shore. Maybe it was the serendipitous title or the feeling of the book tingling in my hands, but either way I accepted her mini backyard Qigong lesson and then hid away reading for two days…

Poetry: Life in Nutritive Decay

Publication: Quail Bell Magazine ~ January 2023

needle 
spined peak 
standing tall above her sisters
age measured in height, rings – consciousness
bearing 900 years of wisdom in stillness
stories embedded in each bough swaying
as the wind wails and …

 
 

How to improve your Family Life with Qigong

Publication: Ren Xue of the Americas Qiblog ~ June 2022

When I discovered Yuan Qigong, my children were ages 3 and 5. I was an enthusiastic beginner and got up at 5:30 a.m. every day to practice. It helped me feel more energized, clear, and ready for whatever came next. Having a scheduled time of day helped ensure I did it. I loved that no matter how the day went after that, I had already done something good for me.

Over time, I learned to incorporate small practices throughout the day...

Yuan Qigong for Emotional Balance

Publication: Ren Xue of the Americas Qiblog ~ July 2022

BALANCE. We hear a lot about work-life balance these days. But what is balance anyway?

Let’s try looking at the concept of balance from a Ren Xue perspective. We’ll start with a physical example found in Yuan Qigong’s Third Method: Ren Yuan (Moving Qi)…

 
 

Higher Standards for a Restored Heart

Publication: Surging Tide Magazine, Issue Five ~ January 2022

A sentinel to the Sleeping Giant, its old red bricks define the rigid rectangular building dominating the marina. Each imposing brick laid a hundred years ago striving to represent higher values; elevated symbols of justice. Each brick falling flat in societal need for change.

It stood as an old courthouse with incipient foolishness winding up the ivy on its shady side….

How to Cope with Family Stress

Publication: Ren Xue of the Americas Qiblog ~ November 2021

Once upon a time, in a land much like this one, a young maiden sailed to the magical lands of Qigong. She stepped ashore and found a beautiful golden rock. She held the rock to her heart and wished for physical healing, eternal happiness, and a life of calm seas. Pouf. And it was so…