For most of my life, I thought I would always be anxious and on edge. As the eldest of four kids in a first-generation Filipino American family, I carried the weight of expectations and overthought everything. That stress manifested physically in ways doctors couldn’t explain.

I longed to feel at home in my body, to move through life with ease instead of tension. I caught glimpses of that peace through hiking, reading, and biking—but I didn’t know how to hold onto it.

Then, in 2007, I met my mentor, who introduced me to Wudang holistic wellness arts. Through these teachings, I found grace, balance, and a sense of belonging within myself. Now, I share this practice so others can experience the same transformation.