The Team
Brigitte Bürgisser
Executive Director
Brigitte Burgisser is an entrepreneur and founder of eShortRental.com, a booking platform providing furnished accommodation in the Geneva – Lausanne region since 2006. Her journey to creating eShortRental began in the late 90’s when she was an expat working in private banking for some of the leading International banks. After working in 3 continents, 6 countries and moving 10 times, she returned to Switzerland. She founded eShortRental.com, an online real estate portal with a personal touch and has helped many professionals, families and visitors find their homes in Switzerland.
Since childhood, she felt an urge that society should take more responsibility for its actions for the wellbeing of humanity. With all the knowledge and existing technology, she feels that the potential to achieve a more sensible and equal world for human and nature has yet to be reached. Brigitte is the executive director of The Shen Foundation and is responsible for the day-to-day operations.
Learning by doing testimony:
For many years, I worked in the fast-paced world of finance, and later I built my own short-term rental company (eShortRental).
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.
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. At first, I thought these pauses were just about rest, but they turned out to be much more.
As I integrated this routine in my daily life I became more calm and in harmony with myself. I learned that less is more and foremost I found my mission in life, to be here for others. This transformation made me learn to feel how my emotions and my thoughts have a direct impact with my health. I am now my own Sherlock Holmes of my thoughts, body and action. That’s when the idea to create a Community and Retreat Center, where 4T4H and mindful living with nature and with each other, came to life with a group of people with similar experiences.
Brigitte Burgisser, Director of The Shen Foundation
Lyell Parry
Director
Lyell McLean Parry has been involved in personal development and the healing arts since the age of 21. His journey began with the Inner Peace Movement, which led him to travel the world, giving lectures on various aspects of personal growth, and hosting a TV show in Nova Scotia, Canada.
Alongside this path, Lyell also worked as a landscape designer, a role that deepened his connection with nature and strengthened his commitment to environmental preservation. He is currently a director of The Shen Foundation and practices as a Shiatsu therapist in Sweden.
Learning by doing testimony:
In early March this year (2024), I experienced a severe case of urinary retention that caused significant damage to my kidneys. I had recently undergone an X-ray, suspecting kidney stones, when my doctor called urgently and instructed me to get to the hospital immediately if I wanted to survive. I followed their advice without delay. At the hospital, they were ready for me and removed four times the amount of urine the body should typically hold.
This excessive retention caused damage to my kidneys and stretched my bladder beyond the point where it could function properly. Initially, I was told the bladder had sustained too much damage to repair itself, and the prognosis for my kidneys was equally dire.
Fast forward eight months, and against the odds, my bladder is about 50% restored, with a similar recovery trajectory for my kidneys.
How did this happen? Every morning, I practice Qi Gong, focusing extra attention on my bladder and kidneys. I visualize both organs in perfect health, take powerful Chinese herbs gifted by dear friends, and work on strengthening the muscles surrounding my bladder.
In Chinese medicine, the five Virtues correspond to different organs, each linked to specific emotions. The kidney’s virtue is Wisdom, while its associated emotion is fear. Reflecting on this connection has sparked a profound journey of self-discovery, one that continues to unfold.
Lyell Parry, Director of The Foundation
Advisors
Advisor
Dr. Guo, born in China, combines 50 years of European practice in both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She founded The Shen Foundation in Scotland, dedicated to restoring the Earth’s harmony through ancient Daoist wisdom.
As the founder of The Shen Foundation, she continues to advise on the organization’s ongoing projects. Now in retirement, her work has spanned global seminars, research collaborations, and leadership training for over 1,000 individuals. She remains actively engaged in climate and sustainability initiatives across the medical, social and technology sectors.
Her published works include „Listen to Your Body – The Wisdom of the Dao“ and „Internal Alchemy - A New Perspective“.
Lady Cawdor
Patron
The Dowager Countess Cawdor has lived at Cawdor Castle since 1979. Her passions include care of the environment, organic farming and a host of other scientific interests. She engages in business activities and community development as well as art and cultural events.
A long-standing interest in consciousness studies has led her to develop close links with leading philosophers and scientists and she has consequently hosted a number of conferences that have brought world class leaders together.
The Dowager Countess Cawdor strongly supports the sustainable development vision of the Shen Foundation, both in Scotland, Sweden and worldwide
Advisor
W. Brian Arthur has been described by Fortune Magazine as “one of the US’s leading economic thinkers.” He was formerly Morrison Professor of Population Studies and Economics, and Professor of Human Biology, at Stanford University.
Arthur is one of the pioneers of the science of complexity and has had a long association with the Santa Fe Institute, (he has served on its Board of Trustees, and Science Board). He is currently Senior Advisor to the President of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore.
He is the recipient of the Schumpeter Prize in Economics (1990), the Lagrange Prize in Complexity Science (2008), and two honorary doctorates. Arthur grew up in N. Ireland, and has lived for several decades in California.
Advisor
Dr. Rasmussen is a medical doctor and the CEO for Infinitum Humanitarian Systems (IHS). He is also a Research Professor in Environmental Security and Global Medicine at San Diego State University, and an instructor in disaster medicine within the International Disaster Academy in Bonn, Germany.
Rasmussen has extensive experience in critical humanitarian support and has worked with highly vulnerable communities on five continents. Prior to IHS he served in the US Navy for 25 years aboard nuclear submarines, amphibious ships, and aircraft carriers before being selected as the Founding CEO of InSTEDD, a humanitarian NGO established from a TED Prize awarded to Dr. Larry Brilliant, then Executive Director of Google.org.