In the world of internal arts, the physical movement is often the first thing that catches the eye. We see the slow, deliberate grace of Tai Chi or the rhythmic flow of Qigong and admire the strength and coordination required. However, as I recently explored in a profound conversation with Sifu Katherine Davis of New York, the physical form can be the gateway to a much deeper, spiritual, and meditative landscape.
Our dialogue serves as a bridge between cultures and traditions, illustrating that while the languages of healing may vary, the underlying energy—the life force—remains a universal constant.
A Meeting of Disciplines
Last year, I was invited to teach at a retreat in Palenque, a history Mayan site in lush Yucatan Peninsular, Mexico along with 9 other instructors. In addition to teaching our own expertise course, all instructors had the option to take other instructors’ courses — after all, there are thousands of Qigong forms and there is always more to learn even for long-time practitioners and senior instructors.
I felt so relaxed and at the same time rejuvenated after I took Sifu Davis’ session. Her teaching is very meditative; she led us through the different parts of the body and organs with such a calming presence.
Katherine Davis is no stranger to the multifaceted nature of healing. A graduate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, she is certified in diverse forms including Soaring Crane, Jade Essence, and Turtle Longevity. She integrates postures with “healing technologies” to create a comprehensive approach to self-care.
The Universal Language of Energy
One of the most compelling parts of our discussion centered on the commonalities between various global healing traditions. Katherine’s background is a tapestry of modalities: Japanese Reiki, African traditions like Dagara and Dogon, American Indigenous healing practice, and the wisdom of the Maya and Aztec cultures.
When asked if one modality is superior to another, Katherine offered a linguistic analogy. “I look at it as if I were speaking five different languages,” she explained. “It sounds different, but you are saying the same thing in each. The foundation of reality is energy and spirit. Depending on the culture, it manifests differently, but they all reinforce each other.”
She noted that even ancient Qigong and Tai Chi have shamanic roots. Before these arts were formalized into the systems we recognize today, they were intuitive practices used to perceive and direct the body’s energy—something that cannot be seen under a microscope but can be felt through refined perception.
The Practitioner as a Conduit
A key distinction arose when discussing the role of the “healer.” While many Qigong instructors see themselves as teachers who empower students to heal themselves, Reiki practitioners are often viewed as healers. Katherine clarified this by describing the Reiki practitioner as a conduit.
“Your body is more like a straw. You are the conduit, and the energy comes through. The person you are working with determines what they need, and you are simply facilitating that flow from the universe.”
This “spiritually guided life force energy” is what the Chinese call Qi. Whether drawing from the earth, the cosmos, or the four directions, the goal remains the same: to tap into the vitality that allows everything to breathe and thrive.
Listening to the Ancients
This sensitivity to energy led to a memorable moment during their retreat in Mexico. While visiting Mayan ruins, the group briefly lost sight of Katherine, only to find her lying on the ground. The group thought she was ill. But actually she was making the connection with the ancestors and she looked grounded and relaxed once she got up.
“When I go to a place that is very ancient, I can seep into the energy that was there thousands of years ago,” Katherine shared. “It’s like sitting under the sun and feeling the heat. In a city, you feel discordance and chaos. In an ancient site, you pick up a rich, grounding energy that makes you incredibly calm.”
Representation and the Healing Arts
The conversation also touched on the social landscape of the internal arts in the United States. There is often an underrepresentation of minority groups, particularly within the African American community, in Tai Chi and Qigong circles.
Katherine, an African American woman who has taught for over 35 years—including a long tenure at the multi-racial Riverside Church in New York—reflected on this shift. She noted that after the George Floyd incident, there was a heightened awareness and a more intentional effort by large organizations to seek out diverse practitioners.
“People gravitate toward a familiar face,” Katherine said. “More Black people or women might be attracted to me because of a cultural resonance. But awareness is growing on both sides, and it’s helping bring people from different cultures into these practices.”
The “Heart of Mind”
Beyond her healing art practice, Katherine has hosted the radio program “Heart of Mind” on WBAI 99.5 FM in New York for over three decades. The show explores the intersection of consciousness, spirituality, and health.
The title itself is a nod to the Traditional Chinese Medicine concept of the “Heart-Mind” (Xin). Katherine argues that the intellect alone is insufficient for full consciousness. “The mind has so many sinkholes—ego, wounding, and history. We need to move through the heart to understand who we truly are. You cannot be truly healthy in the body while carrying unaddressed emotional wounds.”
The Immortal Sisters: Giving Back
Katherine and I are deeply committed to the Immortal Sisters of the Tao, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing healing arts to disadvantaged communities. Through scholarship programs, they provide training to those who might not otherwise have the financial means or the comfort level to enter a traditional “dojo” environment.
“These ancient practices can help people save their own lives,” Katherine emphasized. “Stress-related ailments are prevalent in challenged communities where healthcare access is limited. Teaching someone to heal themselves is a beautiful gift.”
Looking Ahead: The Year of the Fire Horse
This year the online benefit event will be held on May 9th. Six instructors including Kathryn and myself will present various healing subjects. Kathryn’s focus will be on “Qigong Self-Care,” specifically tailored to the energetic demands of the current “Fire Horse” year.
According to Katherine, the energy of the Fire Horse is fast-paced and transformative. While it offers the stamina to make great progress on long-delayed projects, it also carries a high risk of burnout. The upcoming session will teach techniques to moderate this intense energy, ensuring it acts as a fuel for progress rather than a cause of exhaustion.
Conclusion
The dialogue with Kathryn reminds us that the internal arts are more than just a series of movements; they are a holistic system for living. By balancing the physical with the spiritual, and the mind with the heart, we can navigate even the most turbulent times with grace and groundedness.
For those interested in experiencing Katherine’s insights firsthand, her program Heart of Mind airs Fridays at 11:00 a.m. EST on at 99.5 FM wbai.org. You can also listen to archived episodes at https://wbai.org/archive/. For information regarding the Immortal Sisters scholarships and the May 9 Benefit Event, you can click their official website https://ImmortalSisters.com.
Disclaimer: I was one of the founding members of the Immortal Sisters of the Tao and currently a Council Sister of the Board.