Dear friends,
I recently posted a very personal update on my Facebook profile.
Since it’s difficult for me to separate my personal and professional lives, I decided to summon up my courage and share this update with all of you as well.
I want you to know what’s been happening in my life, and where I’m headed.
I have 3 announcements for you today.
Announcement #1
First, it’s with deep sadness that I announce a change in my relationship status. Akemi and I have been working hard for over a year, both together and separately, in order to flush out the next stage of our relationship.
In 2018 it became clear that the romantic leg of our journey was over. Despite great effort, getting all of the pieces to fit into place doesn’t always work out.
There were no betrayals or anything like that, so please don’t let your minds wander there. We have simply decided to take separate paths.
The marriage matured me in countless ways over the last 12 years. It has given me access to a totally new dimension of healing, both for myself and my students. I’m grateful. My commitment to the healing arts is stronger than ever.
I’m not ready to share any more details at this time. Though I welcome loving thoughts and support, I would ask you to please respect our privacy.
Give us time to heal and also space to process this massive change in our lives.
Announcement #2
There’s another big change happening in my life. Starting in April, I will be going on an odyssey.
I purchased a campervan, and I’ll be traveling around North America as a digital nomad.
My plan is to visit friends, teach, write, meditate, and spend lots of time in National Parks. I want to take in the stunning scenery and the amazing qi as I clear my head and heal my heart.
Announcement #3
And here’s my final announcement: I am now on Instagram. Woohoo!
Find me on Instagram here: @flowingzen
Here’s why you might care, even if you’re not on Instagram.
As I travel around in my campervan, I’ll be shooting lots of photos and videos. I plan to share those on Instagram, which will act as a record of my travels.
I’ll also be micro-blogging on Instagram. You can see a few examples on my profile now. Rather than write long, 2000-word essays on my blog (which I’ve done for a decade), I will be playing with shorter, bite-sized posts on Instagram.
And of course, I’ll be sharing photos of my best friend, Sgt. Pepper!
Check my Instagram feed for tips, thoughts, pupdates, and inspiration. You don’t even need an Instagram account to look (but it’s more fun if you interact).
This Instagram campaign is part of my ongoing effort to reach more people with qigong, especially the younger generation.
No offense to all you old farts, but millennials desperately need qigong.
You may not know this, but there’s an epidemic of depression afflicting millennials. The research overwhelmingly suggests that this spike in depression is caused by social media.
My plan is to use social media to help them get off of social media. Fight fire with fire!
Don’t worry. I’ll also continue to blog and work on my book. If anything, I hope that this new lifestyle will give me more time for writing.
While going through this year of challenging transitions, soul-searching, and healing I have found a renewed commitment to Flowing Zen. Teaching these ancient, life-changing arts and bringing them to the people who desperately need them is where my heart is, and where I want my time and energy to go in this next phase of my life.
My students are my family. I hope to meet up with many of you as I travel. Workshops, casual meetups, retreats — I’ll be doing more of these in the near future.
If you like where my path is taking me, then I hope you’ll connect with me and follow my journey. Find me on Instagram, join our Facebook group, or subscribe to my YouTube channel. Or you can just stay on my email list and I’ll send you periodic updates about my travels.
Thanks for your kindness and understanding. It means a lot to me. Best regards, Sifu Anthony 
I’m Anthony Korahais, and I used qigong (pronounced "chee gung") to heal from clinical depression, low back pain, anxiety, and chronic fatigue. Today, I'm the director of Flowing Zen, an international organization with students in 48 counties. I've been teaching qigong since 2005, I've served on the board for the National Qigong Association, and I’ve helped thousands of people to use qigong for their own stubborn health challenges. If you're ready to get started with qigong, there's no better way than my best selling book, which comes with free videos and meditations. The sooner you read my book, the sooner you can start healing! Click here to see my book on Amazon.
Sgt. Pepper is adorable. Looking forward to seeing more of him on your journey around America. Bon voyage.
That’s some great adventure you’ve planned. I hope that amongst the adventure and inspiration your heart finds healing and peace and I’m sure that your students will be with you in spirit.
It’s Tuesday today but do you know what Sifu, this turns out to be gratitude Tuesday because I’m Grateful to find myself part of this wonderful qigong community / family that you have created. When I signed up, I never expected to receive so much and to feel such a part of it all, which is down to your commitment – and all that wonderful heart energy.
Have a wonderful adventure – be well and be happy,
Old fart? Me?? You’ve met me then – spot on assessment. Lol. 😊
Dear Sifu Anthony
I have just read your blogpost and I wanted to connect with you as it was watching your video of Lifting Up the Sky that got me started with Qigong and reawakened health in my body again and the belief that perhaps the healthy part of my life was not over after all. I have gone on and am now training to be a Zhineng Qigong facilitator because like you I believe that it is the older generation that could do with support for ageing healthily. 🙂
So I wanted to honour what you have shared and share with you from my own history that having a practice is such a comfort when going through such a powerful life transition. Whilst I hear your sadness I also feel very excited for you as you are doing what I myself intend to do. I am at the very beginning of my journey and still training and building a website. 🙂
So I wish you and Sgt Pepper well on your travels and I will follow you with a smile in my heart and deep gratitude for your courage and commitment.
Lead the way….. 🙂
Erica
LOL…pupdates!
I wish you well in this new chapter of your life! I’m very excited to see how life on the road goes. Seeing our beautiful country and traveling to all our national parks is something I’ve always wanted to try. This may even inspire me to get an Instragram account. One benefit of being an “old fart” is the National Park Pass. The best deal ever. I got mine when they were still $10.
Thanks! And you don’t need an Instagram account to view it on a laptop. You can just scroll through all the pretty pictures!
Deep Bows Anthony –
I am a new follower and love your sincerity.
I am about to embark on the van life exploration. I’m curious which van you finally chose?
I am now focused on Ram Promaster – perhaps Hymer Aktiv.
Hope you get to enjoy a Qiburger in Paradise.
Best wishes
John
Hey John. I chose a Coachmen Galleria. But a friend has a Hymer Aktiv and loves it. You can probably get a good deal now with all the Hymer troubles.
I wish you well in the healing of your heart and your journey of the soul as you move forward with your passion for Flowing Zen. Sounds Awesome!
Many blessings,
Silvia
God speed on your journey. It is obvious that you have been ‘Directed’, although you may think it is your idea, I feel there are other forces at work here. Enjoy! and Keep in the Flow. Blind Brian Bourne UK.
Best of luck and smooth journey!
Hi Sifu! Really kind of you to share your vulnerability as well as your enthusiasm with all of us. I know that our hearts are with you. You have done nothing but give to us, and our love flows back to you in return.
I am one of those old farts that you have mentioned in your write up. So the truth is that I have never heard of Instagram, and I don’t go to Facebook because it strikes like a downtown traffic jam. But if you ever pass through southwest New Mexico, I live on 50 acres within the Gila National Forest. (someone owned this piece before it became a national forest). So if you want a really nice quiet place away from it all, just to meditate and rejeuvenate, I can set you up here in a private little cottage by the stream. and give you all the freedom and privacy that your heart desires. Best wishes Bro! You are a great example for me in terms of sharing what we have for the upliftment of others. Love you, Ishan
Wishing you peace and wonder on your adventure, Sifu Anthony! May good things come out of this hard time.
On behalf of all us geriatrics, good luck and much strength on your journey, young man.
Your journey over the years has been an inspiration for my own in ways. How to overcome, start again, rebuild life better than ever. I know this next chapter will be just as rewarding and educational. Thank you for letting us into your life and for sharing this great healing art. I for one appreciate qigong more each day and in ways appreciate life more. You are a good soul. <3
Hey Sifu,
Look forward to following you and Sgt Pepper on you journey. How about I do the driving so you can write, meditate, play with Pepper and sight see. I am a great puppy sitter too!!! Hope you like frozen dinners cause I don’t cook or do dishes! Oh well, it was a nice thought while it lasted. I’m sure you and Pepper will enjoy all the fun and memories you will share as daddy and son. : ) Safe travels.
Hi dear.
Too many, really too many “my” in your [update].
My.
Best luck for everything, turning off spotlights from the self.
Sincerely
You touched my heart with the words ” My students are my family “.
great! sounds like alot of growth is happening for you.