Mindful Dragon Qigong

Mindful Dragon Qigong is a five-day qigong workshop at Omega Institute in Rhinebeck, NY, led by Mimi Kuo-Deemer. It pairs the coiling, spiraling dragon forms of qigong with mindfulness practice and quiet meditation, offering a way out of overwhelm and toward balance, strength and clarity. All levels are welcome, and no prior experience is needed.

In Chinese culture, dragons change, adapt and overcome obstacles. They are guardians and rainmakers, at home in deep water and open sky, and they breathe clouds rather than fire. The workshop takes that image as a teacher: how to meet difficulty with steadiness and turn a hard situation into insight.

What to Expect

Each day weaves together hands-on practice, talks and guided meditation. You learn a series of standing and seated qigong dragon forms that develop adaptability, clear vision, confidence and kindness, and protection from harmful thoughts and emotions. Seated and standing meditations steady the heart and settle the mind, and dharma teachings run alongside the movement. The tone is playful as well as focused. Expect to swim through the seas, soar through the skies and breathe a few clouds.

The workshop begins on Tuesday at 9:00 a.m. and runs through Sunday. Most days have a morning session from 9:00 a.m. to noon and an afternoon session from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday is the exception, with a morning session only. Check-in is on Monday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with rooms available after 5:00 p.m., and check-out is at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday after the final morning session. Commuters can check in on Tuesday between 8:00 and 8:45 a.m. The schedule may change at the faculty's discretion.

About Mimi Kuo-Deemer

Mimi Kuo-Deemer is an author and teacher of qigong, meditation and internal martial arts. In this workshop she shares her love of qigong's dragon forms together with the mindfulness and dharma teachings that have shaped her own practice for more than 25 years. One participant describes her teaching as coming from "a place of wisdom, grounding, presence, sacredness, and fun."

The Setting

The workshop takes place on the Omega Institute campus in Rhinebeck, New York. Participants can stay on campus or commute. Housing is booked separately and includes meals and use of campus facilities, such as optional classes, recreation, walking trails and parking. Options are:

- Single and double cabin rooms with heat, air-conditioning and ceiling fans, plus a single cabin room with a bath shared with the adjoining room
- Dorm singles with a shared hall bath
- Single and double tent cabins with screened windows and canvas roofs, a nearby bathhouse, and no heat or air-conditioning
- Camping, with limited availability and no stoves, campfires or recreational vehicles

Double rooms and double tent cabins are for those registering with a companion. Commuters receive all meals and facility access, without accommodation.

Before You Go

People of all levels, identities and interests are welcome. The workshop is taught in English. Tuition covers instruction with Mimi Kuo-Deemer, the qigong forms and meditation practices, and the dharma talks. Meals are included for both on-campus guests and commuters. Accommodation is the one thing not included.

Bedding varies by lodging. Cabin rooms include linens. Dorm guests bring their own sheets and towels. Tent cabin guests bring sheets or a sleeping bag and towels, or rent them from Omega. Campers bring a tent and all camping gear. Accessible rooms are available, and the registration team can advise on them.