About Mark
Working as a Professional Psychotherapist, in the UK, specialising in Suicide Prevention, having practised Qigong for a number of years himself, Mark decided to train as a Qigong Teacher.
Volunteering mostly with Stamp Out Suicide (SOS), a UK based charity, for almost a decade, it became most apparent that people frequently required more than simply talking therapy, but many wished and needed to incorporate a daily movement practise also, to achieve and maintain good mental health.
In response, Mark started Wild Swan Flowing River Qigong, as a voluntary organisation to offer people free Qigong classes and lessons to support them in whatever way they required; including the elderly, those with mental health issues, and generally anyone who feels Qigong would benefit them and are curious to explore this incredible ancient discipline, locally.
Having left his career in Financial Services in his twenties, returning to University to complete a Post Graduate In Education (PGCE) as a Secondary School Mathematics Teacher, Mark worked for over twelve years, across the County teaching and working with children from various backgrounds, both in mainstream, and Special Needs, Children in Care, at the hospital school, and later Behavioural capacities. It is during this time that he decided to return to University part time for three years to train as a Psychotherapist.
Mark fully understands the pressures of the modern world, work and education (also holding a Degree in Engineering and a Masters Degree in Business) and mostly has stepped away from the corporate world, institutions and the 9-5, in favour of a peaceful simple life, being in nature, and helping others.
He has been a practitioner of Buddhism for over two decades, in the Tibetan, Zen/Chan and Theravadin traditions, supplemented with his investigation, study and practises from Taoism and also Advaita/Non-Duality. He spent three years as both Director and Company Secretary of a residential Buddhist Centre. He too has spent many times on retreat, both in Buddhist practise and additionally much time at Christian monasteries, such as Douai Abbey, Boars Hill Carmelite Priory, and Alton Abbey.
Mark has two teenage children from previous relationship. As well as Qigong he also enjoys traditional archery, weight training, nature, walking, and cultivating and creating bonsai trees. Mark has been vegetarian for over 30 years. He lives in the area of outstanding natural beauty (AONB) in the Chiltern Hills, in the Thames riverside town of Marlow (UK), hence the name Wild Swan Flowing River Qigong.
MARK’S QIGONG BIOGRAPHY
Classical Qigong Sets
The classical forms of Qigong that Mark has received formal teachings on include:-
As part of His Previous Teacher Training Program:
- Five Elements – 1 and 2 (including Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with Meridians and Acupoints).
- The Three Treasures (San Bao).
- Microcosmic Orbit (Inner Alchemy).
Also,
- Swimming Dragon.
- Blue Dragon.
- Silk Reeling.
- Eight Pieces of the Silk Brocade (Ba Duan Jin).
- Piercing the Veil (Qigong Master Lee Holden’s New Form).
- Four Seasons Qigong (Autumn, Winter, Spring, Summer).
- White Crane.
- Yin Yang Qigong (Qigong Master Lee Holden’s New Form).
- Iron Shirt Qigong (Shaolin Soft Style).
- The Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi).
- Healing Sounds.
- Taoist Sexual Inner Alchemy.
Classical Medical Qigong
Mark has also undergone separate training programs and workshops for specific conditions, in line with Chinese Medical Qigong:-
Qigong For:
- Better Sleep.
- Healthy Digestion.
- Emotional Balance.
- Stress and Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Healthy Bones.
- Mindfulness Through Movement.
- Five Element Energy Flow.
- Energy and Vitality.
- Longevity.
- Healthy Heart.
- High Blood Pressure.
- Headaches.
- Seated Qigong.
- Arms, Wrists and Hands.
- Healthy Joints.
- Better Balance.
- Better Breathing.
- For Seniors.
- Upper Back and Neck.
- Low Back.
Deeper Taoist Qigong / Neigong Study
Mark is currently undergoing further thorough advanced training in:-
As Part of His Advanced Teacher Training (Tier 2):
- Tao Yin (The Earliest Form of Qigong).
- Inner Alchemy – The Pearl of Consciousness.
Also,
- In Depth Breathwork Training.
As well as attending regular general classes (live) with Lee Holden.
Mark maintains his annual Teacher commitment of a minimum of 20 hours of new study and Professional Development with Holden Qigong, every two years.