Kate Dixon, co-founder, coordinator and facilitator of Forest chi
My passion for learning in nature has led me to Scotland, Wales, Canada, Norway and back home to Devon, pursuing a career as a Countryside Ranger, environmental educator and wilderness trip leader . Along the way I have gathered skills and tools to help people get connected with nature including earth education, storytelling, music and land art. I am a qualified Forest School leader and wilderness camp leader. I have a Bsc in Botany and over 30 years experience of working with people of all ages and all walks of life.
My passion for learning in nature has led me to Scotland, Wales, Canada, Norway and back home to Devon, pursuing a career as a Countryside Ranger, environmental educator and wilderness trip leader . Along the way I have gathered skills and tools to help people get connected with nature including earth education, storytelling, music and land art. I am a qualified Forest School leader and wilderness camp leader. I have a Bsc in Botany and over 30 years experience of working with people of all ages and all walks of life.
Kate's training in Tai Chi, Qigong and body work
My first experience of Tai Chi was in 1989 when I was 24 years old. Since then I have been inspired by various kinds of body work, especially The Alexander Technique which I have studied for over 20 years. I have been fascinated by the way that both Tai Chi and the Alexander Technique have taught me how emotion can be held as tension in the body and how the body and mind are connected. Through my study of these two practices, I have learned to release these tensions and emotions, healing myself from years of chronic back pain. I am now passionate about sharing this knowledge and skill with others and creating a healing and transformative space for people.
Tai Chi and Qigong
I have studied Tai Chi and Qigong with Angus Clark since 2009 , focusing on the Dr. Chi version of the Cheng Man Ching, Yang style short form. I also practice the long form, san shou, straight sword, pushing hands and the White Crane Qigong. His teaching has been, and still is, a vital part of my journey into body awareness.
I have been lucky to meet and learn with Andrew Heckart from America, who spent 15 years studying with Master Tao as well as with Ben Lo and William Chen. His teaching on softness and strength in pushing hands is an inspiration.
I am a qualified instructor with the Tai Chi union of Great Britain.
Wilderness skills and Native traditions
I have lived and worked in Canada with First Nations (Native Americans) including the Cree and Nuxalk, becoming trained in their wilderness skills through the Rediscovery International Foundation project and working with disadvantaged youth and families as a wilderness trip leader. In the year 2000 I co-founded RAMP - Rediscovery Norway, and led wilderness camps for youth, including refugees from many countries including Russia, Armenia and Iraq. This also led me to Finmark in Northern Scandinavia to work with the Sami people.
Living with Native peoples on their sacred lands has inspired my journey of connection - with nature, with myself and with all things.
My first experience of Tai Chi was in 1989 when I was 24 years old. Since then I have been inspired by various kinds of body work, especially The Alexander Technique which I have studied for over 20 years. I have been fascinated by the way that both Tai Chi and the Alexander Technique have taught me how emotion can be held as tension in the body and how the body and mind are connected. Through my study of these two practices, I have learned to release these tensions and emotions, healing myself from years of chronic back pain. I am now passionate about sharing this knowledge and skill with others and creating a healing and transformative space for people.
Tai Chi and Qigong
I have studied Tai Chi and Qigong with Angus Clark since 2009 , focusing on the Dr. Chi version of the Cheng Man Ching, Yang style short form. I also practice the long form, san shou, straight sword, pushing hands and the White Crane Qigong. His teaching has been, and still is, a vital part of my journey into body awareness.
I have been lucky to meet and learn with Andrew Heckart from America, who spent 15 years studying with Master Tao as well as with Ben Lo and William Chen. His teaching on softness and strength in pushing hands is an inspiration.
I am a qualified instructor with the Tai Chi union of Great Britain.
Wilderness skills and Native traditions
I have lived and worked in Canada with First Nations (Native Americans) including the Cree and Nuxalk, becoming trained in their wilderness skills through the Rediscovery International Foundation project and working with disadvantaged youth and families as a wilderness trip leader. In the year 2000 I co-founded RAMP - Rediscovery Norway, and led wilderness camps for youth, including refugees from many countries including Russia, Armenia and Iraq. This also led me to Finmark in Northern Scandinavia to work with the Sami people.
Living with Native peoples on their sacred lands has inspired my journey of connection - with nature, with myself and with all things.