For many years, I worked in the fast-paced world of finance, and later I built my own short-term rental company. I wasn’t what you’d call a spiritual person back then—life was all about efficiency, productivity, and success. But in 2015, everything changed when I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. This wake-up call made me realize that if I wanted to live, I needed to make drastic changes in my life.
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During my chemotherapy treatment, I discovered Qi Gong, an ancient practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and it quickly became a lifeline. Practicing Qi Gong, particularly the 4Times4Health routine, was a revelation. These four small breaks during the day, aligned with the organic clock, allowed my body to rest, regenerate, and heal. By following these natural rhythms, I discovered the power of simply pausing—letting my body and mind breathe and recover.
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At first, I thought these pauses were just about rest, but they turned out to be much more. As I integrated this routine into my daily life, I noticed my energy levels improving, my focus sharpening, and even my work performance getting better. More importantly, my health began to stabilize, and for the first time, I found a true balance between my professional and personal life.
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This transformation made me realize that I had to share what I had learned with others. It wasn’t just about surviving—it was about thriving. That’s when the idea of creating a meditation center in the Swiss Alps was born. I wanted to build a space where people could reconnect with themselves, heal through practices like Qi Gong, and discover the benefits of living in harmony with nature and their own rhythms.
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Today, the Lötschberg Zentrum is not just a retreat center but a place where people can learn to listen to their bodies, embrace stillness, and find balance—just as I did. It’s my way of giving back, of sharing what saved my life, and of creating a community where healing and growth are possible for everyone.
Brigitte Bürgisser, Director of The Shen Foundation