Testimonials
“ You have changed my life with your training. Your guidance has been a beautiful gift in my life. “
-Dr. Manly
“After sitting long hours in retreat and feeling very tired, I joined a small and silent group to do chi-gong with Viviane. As the class began, I immediately noticed that Viviane's presence deepened the space we all shared and, at the same time, brought a sense of joy and sharp clarity. We were introduced to a healing and opening meditation through the body and mind at once. It was a wonderful compliment and enhancement to our meditation practice, and we continue to be grateful to Viviane for her sparkling teachings.”
-Esteban Hollander
Executive Director, Pundarika Foundation
“I am so grateful for your teaching and your friendship. It feels as though you were born to bring light, beauty, and Eastern wisdom into the world.”
-Sara Lu
“It’s been a joy getting to know you. Your soft, gentle spirit and your deep understanding of resting within awareness are truly special. Your kindness, compassion, and rare gift bring such calm and clarity to those around you. The slowness and stillness you guided us into each week helped me settle, and remember that less is more. I’m deeply grateful for your time, your presence, and your beautiful spirit.”
-Richard M.
“Viviane is a heart-centered empath who helps people discover their natural ability to heal. Her approach is kind, soft and gentle--and she touches the hearts of many with her authentic wisdom.”
-Monica Parikh
School Of Love NYC
在过去的十年里，我一直在进行内在的修行——学习以更诚实、更温柔的方式面对自己。可近两年，我明显感到自己似乎到了停滞点：明明懂得如何处理情绪，也保持觉察，却始终有一种力量，在困住我的生活和状态。
我能感受到我需要一些更深层的改变，但不知道如何去进行，这个时候我遇到了Viviane。第一堂课里，她带着我去聆听身体，和身体对话。我们花了近半节课，只是在练习如何“真正地”坐下——松、稳、自在。我的身体由于骨盆不正，常年单侧受力，因此落下了很多毛病和疼痛，随着Viviane的引导，我慢慢温柔地和身体对话，身体里那些长久的紧绷、偏侧重与习惯，也随之开始松开。我感受到了一种温柔和释放的力量，而不是去对抗。升起一种允许一切经由我的平静感。也在这堂课上我领悟到了原来平静的力量就在我们的心神身体里，一个人只要时时刻刻保持中道，身体的中道，念头的中道，就可以获得平静。在随后的两周里我每天都写日记，记录和回溯我过去所有的经历，也试着在人群里以最简单的方式——舒服的坐着，来保持自己的觉察，让自己时时处于自己的中道。我第一次真切体会到“安全感是从内心长出来的”，甚至在人群中，我也能保持自己的存在，慢慢地，我感觉到自己变得柔软而有力量，像是终于回到了自己内在。
非常感恩在我修行与生活的瓶颈期遇见 Viviane。她的教学温柔又深刻，让我在不知不觉中完成了重要的转变。我也期待在接下来的课程里，继续探索更深的内在觉察，迎接生命中流动的能量。
“Over the past decade, I’ve been devoted to inner cultivation—learning to meet myself with honesty, tenderness, and presence. Yet in the last two years, I began to feel unmistakably stuck. I understood how to process emotions and stay aware, but something deeper—some unseen force—was quietly holding my life and my state of being in place.
I sensed I needed a profound shift, yet had no idea how to make it. That was when I met Viviane.
In our very first session, she guided me to truly listen to my body—to have an honest, compassionate dialogue with it. We spent nearly half the class simply practicing how to “really” sit: relaxed, grounded, and at ease. Because of long-term pelvic misalignment and years of uneven tension, I had accumulated many patterns of pain. Under Viviane’s gentle guidance, I softened for the first time. As I followed her cues, old habits slowly unwound, and I experienced such an enlightenment from our session—an embodied understanding that arrived quietly through equanimity.
What I felt was not resistance, but release. A calm strength rose from within, inviting everything to flow through me naturally. In that moment, I felt so free and bright. I realized that true peace lives within our body, mind, and spirit. When we return to the Middle Way—when we center in body and mind—we return to ourselves.
In the two weeks that followed, I wrote in my journal every day, retracing past experiences with new clarity. Even in social settings, I practiced something simple: sitting comfortably aligned while remaining fully present. For the first time, I truly understood that “a sense of safety grows from within.” Even in a crowd, I could stay anchored—soft yet strong—as if I had finally come home to myself.
I am profoundly grateful to have met Viviane at a moment when both my practice and my life had reached a bottleneck. Her teaching is gentle yet deeply transformative, guiding me through an important inner shift almost without my realizing it. I look forward to continuing this journey with her, exploring deeper awareness and welcoming the living energy that flows through each moment of life.”
-Yiting Liu
Artist
"Tai chi with Viviane is exceptional ... a game-changer for your life! It's meditation, improved breathing, learning how to move gracefully, and keeping your body young. In addition to the Tai chi form and breathing exercises, Viviane applies her incredible knowledge to everyday life. Tai chi is great for students of any age, but I have found it's astounding for making the aging process as good as it gets!"
-Ann Fishman
“Whether one embarks upon Viviane Chen’s Qigong and Tai Chi Practice course from the initial vantage point of the physical (body health) - addressing essential awarenesses that support lifelong health, decrease of pain or tension, flexibility, strengthening and balance or through the lens of spiritual well-being and illumination (the relationship between mind- heart-spirit with that which is beyond self), those individual pathways ultimately merge. Additionally, importantly, Viviane’s Qigong course through the China Institute has been conducted within the context of loving community with whom we share and learn.
Through practice, the student becomes opened to the relationship of one’s own self-body to the universal in what I describe as “parts to whole relationships” or a thrumming “feedback loop” of expressivity and receptivity. That is, the student proceeds on a journey of discovery, establishing harmony, balance, and energy flow within the body, as well as in relation to Nature’s opposing forces, gravity and the human condition. As Viviane says, paraphrased: “feet and legs rooted in the earth,” “the portal at the top of the head open to the sky,” “the gate of life (the lumbar) open.” One learns and becomes keenly aware that the essential architecture of the human body (and life itself) revolves around and is supported by the spine and breath and how, in creating a loving, aware, supportive relationship with breath and the spine through these ancient and beautiful movement forms, one is propelled outward to ever-expanding connections, consciousness, and compassion.
-KM
Gateway to Dao course participant
“Thank you so much for your kind and comprehensive instruction.
The holistic nature of our classes has been particularly appreciated and has given a far deeper understanding of our practices.
I have experienced tangible benefits from the course. Your wisdom and deep knowledge has shone through.”
-Ken Barrie
“Thank you for offering so many beautiful ways to practice. Your online courses are wonderfully convenient, and I always look forward to seeing everyone and sharing together. Attending your recent in-person classes was especially meaningful—practicing in the same space, and then sitting together afterward over tea, created such a deep sense of connection and heartfelt exchange.
Your one-on-one guidance opens a deeper sensitivity—posture softens, energy flows, and the whole being begins to remember ease. I feel so fortunate to receive your teaching. Your teaching is truly transformative and healing.
I continue to appreciate and benefit from the way you guide the foundational practices of grounding, letting go, and reconnecting. You helped me release so much. I came to class feeling uncomfortable and stiff, yet through your gentle instruction—letting the water flow from inside to outside—I began to feel real ease. Trusting your voice allowed me to experience a release I had not been able to find on my own.
Thank you, from my heart.”**
-Sandra Power
Gardener & Life Explorer
"I have known Viviane for years as a wonderful educator and as a dear friend. Multi-talented, Viviane brings personal expression and her passion of life through the lenses of Chinese culture. From cultural workshops for young children learning about Chinese New Year to meditative classes for adults seeking health and calmness in a fast-paced world, Viviane radiates in front of students of all ages and makes everyone at ease. Her presence reminds me of a classical Chinese poetic line, "润物细无声" (rain drops in spring cultivates all lives in silence), yet her interactive teaching approach builds a great connection between her and her students. I would recommend anyone who's interested in exploring the courses to learn with Viviane. "
-Shenzhan Liao
SVP, Education; Head of the School of Chinese Studies,
China Institute
"In January, we attempted the challenging work of creating an online course for our undergraduate business students. At the end of the course the students reflected on the cultural experiences we did online, and for many of them, learning some Tai Chi was the most meaningful part of the entire course. One student wrote about how hard it had been for everyone in his family to relax for the past year of the pandemic and how Viviane's lesson reminded him what it was like to feel at ease again for an hour. Another student spoke of the two biggest problems in her daily life being fatigue and stress, and how the class opened her eyes to what it means to settle both her body and mind – "the Tai Chi lesson really opened my eyes up to a way of relaxing not only my entire body but my mind as well in a short period of time a day so I could still keep up with my workload". More than one student spoke about the "unwritten rule" that time spent slowing down is time wasted. Viviane taught them that there is an entirely different approach to life - this was a revelation, and several of the students now incorporate some Tai Chi into their daily lives.”
In one hour, these students encountered a teacher they found warm, patient, and positive. She explained things in a non-judgmental way, she made students feel at ease, and she didn't let the electronic format of the course prevent us from learning why she is so committed to tai chi practice and teaching. Viviane not only showed the students exercises; she opened them to a Tai Chi philosophy and experience that these business students found transformative. We are grateful."
-Dr. Pamela M. Buckle Ph.D.
Adelphi University
“今年一月初的時候，我確診新冠肺炎，身體很不舒服，晚上睡不好，甚至請醫生幫我開安眠藥。剛好在詹梅桂老師的‘自我照顧課程“中，上了Viviane老師的“自我放鬆”課程，晚上就使用這個方法，放鬆之後非常容易入睡。完全不需要安眠藥了！ 有時白天我沒空午休，就坐在椅子上自我放鬆10分鐘，精神就恢復了。真是太神奇！太美好了！感恩感謝！“
-薛婉華, 照護者
"At the beginning of January this year, I was diagnosed with COVID. I was very sick and couldn't sleep well at night. I even asked the doctor to prescribe sleeping pills for me. In Ms Jan’s Self-Care Course at CaringKind, Viviane taught us how to practice "deep-relaxation"; I used the method at night, and it's easy to fall asleep right after. Sleeping pills are not needed at all! Sometimes I don't have time to take a lunch break during the day, so I sit and relax on the chair for 10 minutes and quickly recover. It's incredible and wonderful! I am grateful. Thank you so much!"
-Angela Lo, Caregiver
"I was injured four years ago in an accident. Doctors tried to give me pills and injections. Viviane showed me a healing stance that would promote health. I did it every day; in the process, I learn to differentiate mental and physical pain and began to feel hopeful. I soon began to take her Qigong and meditation classes. People have commented on my positive energy. I am now a different person, and I am sharing my practice with my students."
-Lisa Rosado
P.S 321 Teacher
"I am very grateful for knowing and learning with Viviane Chen; it has enriched my life in many ever-deepening ways. Over the years, I have experienced her tai chi, her tea ceremony, compassionate communication work, and other meditative practices. All that she shares seems to flow from a common wellspring of inner peace and love. Most of all, working with Viviane has helped me to enjoy every day more open in my heart and less fixated in my mind. But better than anything I can say here, go find out for yourself! You will be more than grateful that you did!"
-Dr. George Morgano
Clinical Hypnosis and Self-Inquiry
"Viviane Chen is a remarkable teacher. Over the years she has taught me simple, powerful techniques for navigating and healing many life challenges, from difficulty sleeping and racing thoughts to muscle pain and stress. She has helped me cultivate awareness of blockages in my mind-body and activate my natural abilities to heal.
In her work, Viviane draws on a wide range of healing traditions and practices: chi gong, many forms of meditation, feng shui, to name a few. Through them, she has created a unique methodology to help her students live in balance, flow, and joy.
She is a gem."
-Sally Schneider
Award-winning Journalist & Author
Founding Editor of Improvised Life
“十年前认识Viviane，对我而言，她是来自地球另一端的微弱灯火，每当我无助或绝望之时，这盏灯火就会变成一束强光照进我的生活，让我从泥潭里爬起来。我完全不记得我从一天开始正式跟她学习，我也很难概括我们课程的内容（我并不是适合气功或者太极的学生）从佛学到自我链接，从panayama到meditation，从身体的疼痛到情绪的困扰，我感受到身心得到全方位的照顾和关爱，我并不能回忆起她是怎么悄无声息地做到的。这种因材施教，因地制宜，润物细无声的交流方式是非常神奇的体验。她是一个神奇的存在，是上天给我的礼物。三年不间断的学习至今，我仍然会期待每一次课她能带给我的新体验。”
-廖晓玲
艺术总监/设计师。上海-洛杉矶
“I met Viviane ten years ago. To me, she was like a gentle light from the other side of the earth. Whenever I felt lost or in despair, that faint light would grow into a radiant beam, shining into my life and lifting me out of the darkness.
Though I was never the typical student for Qigong or Taichi, through her guidance—from Buddhist teachings to self-connection, from pranayama to meditation, from physical pain to emotional struggles—I have felt my body and mind cared for and nourished in every way, with deep compassion and love. I still can’t quite understand how she manages to do all this so quietly and naturally. Her way of teaching—attuned to each person, adapting to each moment, and nurturing like gentle rain—is a truly magical experience.
Viviane is a wondrous being, a gift from heaven. After three continuous years of learning, I still look forward to each class, knowing she will bring me a new experience each time—a deeper sense of peace, awakening, and joy.”
-Xiaoling Liao
Creative Director & Designer Shanghai-LA
"I interacted with Ms. Viviane Chen on Pranayam Breathing practices during my visit to US in 2020. I have watched her doing Pranayam with great skill and focused attention. I am personally aware of a person who benefitted for her lower backache problems by Taichi practices for alignment of spine and muscles taught by Ms. Viviane Chen. Viviane Chen is innovative, loving and compassionate, which make her a good listener and a great teacher. I am sure the society will benefit greatly by her teachings on Health, Healing and Tranquility."
-Dr. Pralhad Ron
Atomic Scientist/Yoga Teacher, India
"Viviane is a very patient and loving teacher. Her sessions include time to check in with our emotional and physical state, and then she adjusts her lessons to address particular issues students have identified. She is exemplary in her ability to be present to her students. Thanks to Viviane, my own practice has become a morning routine that brings me energy, peace, confidence, and joy."
-Heather Sisk
"There is no day that I do not remember Viviane Chen and her competence, kindness, patience, and passion. This is going ahead of my story. Please allow me to go back to the beginning.
More than ten years ago, I started suffering from back pain. Well-meaning friends advised me to try Qi Gong. I followed this counsel, after reading up on this ancient Chinese martial arts and philosophy. I was convinced it would help me with my physical ailments. The challenge was looking for the right professional practitioner who will guide me find my own rhythm in mastering Qi Gong. I must have tried four teachers before China Institute sent me an e-mail with the information of its forthcoming Qi Gong classes under Ms. Chen. Something told me that I found the perfect — and I do not use that word loosely — teacher. Come first day of our class and my instinct was substantiated. She was everything I wanted in a teacher. I kindly ask you to go back to my first sentence to get my point.
As fate would have it, a few months after our classes ended, I had to undergo a major surgery in my neck that rendered my movements minimized considerably. My surgeon encouraged me to seek for a physical therapist to expedite my healing. I did not heed his advice because I believed in my heart that all the movements I have learned from Ms. Chen were more beneficial — and I was right. After a few months of regularly doing Qi Gong, my movements went back to normal. During one of my regular follow-up visits with my surgeon he was surprised of the speed of my healing process. I told him the truth: I did forego seeing a physical therapist and instead I practiced Qi Gong. He was so pleased he told me to continue practicing Qi Gong, which, to these days, I do. I am a writer by profession and I need to take a break every hour, when I am working on my computer, to do an exercise and that exercise is always Qi Gong. This goes without saying that every time I do Qi Gong I am reminded of the best Qi Gong teacher I have ever had: Ms. Viviane Chen.
I cannot encourage you enough to try one of Ms. Chen's classes. You will be thanking me for the rest of my life."
-Benedicto Marinas
Vegan Chef, Food Photographer
Culinary Researcher and Published Author
"Viviane's classes have been essential to my successful negotiation of the challenges of this past year. I find my mind and body much more relaxed and attuned. Her excellent instruction and caring, individualized attention to each student are consistent reinforcement for me to continue re-joining the classes."
-Elizabeth M.
“Viviane is an absolute delight of a teacher and a human being. She is a deep and sincere practitioner with a lot of knowledge and experience. You can see it in her embodiment of the principles. She is also sensitive, caring and gifted as a teacher.
I highly recommend studying taiji and qigong with Viviane!”
-Adam Kane
Writer, Instructor & Translator of Tibetan Buddhism
“人，從出生就已被分類，而最幸運的是被分到“本質純，善”的這一類，妳就是。這種人是給有心學習的人直接學習的對象。我就是一生都在學習的人。感謝讓我遇見妳！“
-薄茵萍, 藝術家
“There are different types of human nature, and the most fortunate are the ones ‘pure and kind’. You are. This kind of person is the object of direct learning for those who are interested in learning. I am someone who has been studying all my life. Thanks for letting me meet you!"
-Po Ying Ping, Artist
"Well worth the investment, for Peace of Mind!
Viviane, is a capable, caring professional.”
-Robert From 9th Street
"It has been a great pleasure to participate in the work of Viviane Chen. Viviane has the capacity to create a calm and relaxed environment (even on ZOOM) which sets the tone for her deep and transformative work. Viviane is a clear and thoughtful instructor. She is genuinely interested that her students understand the practice and are able to embrace the work from the very start. Viviane makes the work easy and enjoyable. She is simply one of the best instructors that I have had the good fortune to know."
-Nancy Lee Hendley-Branscomb,
Dementia Care Coach
"I am very grateful for Viviane's classes because she teaches at a gentle pace that helps me learn easily. Ever since I started taking her classes, I feel more balanced and grounded, calmer, more present, and happier. Thank you, Viviane!"
-Christa G.
“I have been studying Qigong and Meditation with Viviane Chen once a week for three months now. I am already experiencing many benefits from this practice. Viviane is a very calm, open, and responsive teacher. She has taught me to enjoy just slowing down and to listen to all the feelings in my body. She individualizes each class to suit where we are on that day. The meditation practices are wonderfully soothing and centering. I find myself naturally slipping into the breathing techniques at times of stress during my workday, and they are very helpful. The most important thing I have come to realize so far is that I tend to be hunched over and leaning forward with my head jutting out--perhaps from years of working at a computer screen when I think I am centered. My old pattern was throwing me off balance and causing pain in my knees, shoulders, and neck. I am learning to notice when I am misaligned and that simply breathing, expanding, lifting, and centering in a relaxed way makes all the difference. My balance and posture are much improved in my daily activities.”