Recalling the second United States Breathing Conference 2025 in Rochester, Minnesota
Reflections from the Second Breathing Conference in Rochester, Minnesota
September 20–27, 2025
What an incredible week of learning, connection, and deep practice. From September 20th to 27th, 2025, I had the honor of attending the Second Breathing Conference in Rochester, Minnesota, where both locals and visitors from across the country gathered to study under two Grand Masters and a visiting instructor from South Korea.
Throughout the week, we explored profound aspects of breath, energy, and awareness – blending traditional wisdom with personal discovery. The atmosphere was alive with curiosity and reverence as practitioners came together to share insights, laughter, and quiet moments of transformation.
In the Instagram posts below, I’ve shared glimpses of my reflections and experiences during those seven days – the moments that inspired me, grounded me, and reminded me of the power of collective practice. Each post captures a different facet of what this conference meant to me: presence, renewal, and the subtle yet powerful flow of Seokmun Hoheup breathing.
I invite you to scroll through, pause where something resonates, and perhaps take a mindful breath with me as you do. 🌿
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David C. Turnley Photographer. Yoga with Gail Pickens-Barger
David Turnley is considered by many to be one of the best documentary photographers working today. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, two World Press Photos of the Year, and the Robert Capa Award for Courage, he has photographed the human condition in some 75 countries around the world.
Turnley was a Detroit Free Press staff photographer from 1980 to 1998. He was based in South Africa from 1985 to 1987, where he documented the country under Apartheid rule. He has been a dear friend of the Mandela family for the last thirty years and photographed Nelson Mandela and the South African struggle over these last three decades. He was based in Paris from 1987 to 1997, covering such events as the Persian Gulf War, revolutions in Eastern Europe, student uprisings in China, and the disintegration of the Soviet Union.
He has published seven books of his photographic work including his last, Mandela: In Times of Struggle and Triumph, from his extensive time over the last twenty-five years photographing the evolution of South Africa, and Nelson Mandela and his family.
David has Directed and Produced three feature-length Documentaries. The Dalai Lama: At Home and in Exile, for CNN; La Tropical, called by Albert Maysles “the most sensual film ever shot in Cuba”; and his recently released, four years in the making, epic story of Shenandoah, located in the tough coal region of Pennsylvania. Shenandoah, which is available to view on Netflix, was named by The New Filmmakers Los Angeles as “Best Documentary Film” and David was named “Best Director” for the year 2013.
David is an Associate Professor at his alma mater, the University of Michigan School of Art and Design, and Residential College. He studied filmmaking at Harvard on a Nieman Fellowship and has Honorary Doctorates from the New School of Social Research in New York and from the University of St. Francis in Indiana. He received a B.A. in French Literature from The University of Michigan and has also studied at the Sorbonne in Paris.
The proud father of two children, David lives with his wife Rachel and family, in Paris France.
Empowering Veterans: Weekly Online Movement Classes with Gail Pickens‑Barger
Join me on the Veterans Yoga Project Online Studio, via the WellnessLiving platform, for free weekly classes designed to enhance strength, flexibility, balance, and resilience. These accessible sessions offer physical, emotional, and mental support for Veterans across the nation. In 2024, 76% of participants reported decreased distress, and 72% saw reduced pain.
Chair Tai Chi with a Splash of Yoga with Gail PB
📅 Wednesdays — Alternating: Chair Tai Chi & Gentle Yoga for Back Care
Every other Wednesday (1:00 PM CST / 12:00 PM PST), I alternate two foundational classes:
🔹 Chair Tai Chi for Beginners
A 45 to 60-minute seated class that blends:
Yang-style Tai Chi forms, Shaolin muscle-sinew exercises
Qigong detox movements, mobility drills for fingers, hands, eyes
Acupressure and gratitude-based breathwork relaxation
Benefits:
Helps relieve chronic pain
Enhances posture, balance, strength, and sleep
Boosts circulation, lymph flow, digestion, and emotional regulation
Gear needed: Just one sturdy chair
Gentle Yoga for Back Care Beginners Class on Veterans Yoga Project Online Studio
🔹 Gentle Yoga for Back Care
This 60-minute class is designed for all levels and especially beneficial for people with back pain, arthritis, or joint limitations.
What to Expect:
Gentle yoga stretches and flows, either seated or on the mat
Tools and techniques that support spinal alignment and mobility
Breathing practices for stress relief and better circulation
Helpful Props:
Yoga strap, block, mat or chair
Optional: blanket, wall, or table for support
Fall Prevention Yoga Class. Using Two Chairs, Yoga Strap and Block for Improving Strength and Balance
✅ Fridays — Chair Yoga for Fall Prevention
Join me every Friday at 1:00 PM CST / 11:00 AM PST for this energizing 60-minute session designed to improve balance, body awareness, and strength in a safe and supportive way.
Key Features:
Chair-supported balance exercises
Strength-building movements to reduce fall risk
No floor work required—great for people with limited mobility
Mindful breathing and body awareness to calm the nervous system
What You’ll Need:
Two chairs (one for movement, one for support)
Strap, yoga block
Optional: TheraBand, blanket, wall
💬 Side Note: Recent Student Reviews
Here’s what students are saying about these life-changing classes:
⭐ “I was experiencing level 6 pain in my hip and leg… After Gail’s class, my pain dropped to level 1. So grateful!” — JA, July 25, 2025 – Fall Prevention Chair Yoga
⭐ “Gail PB is amazing! I’ve had two knee replacements and still get a great workout.” — RM, July 24, 2025 – Gentle Yoga for Back Care
⭐ “Fantastic teacher! The practices make me feel better after class. The 3-step is really helpful—thanks Gail!” — LC, July 12, 2025 – Fall Prevention
⭐ “Gail’s Chair Tai Chi is wonderful—good for both body and mind. Would love to see even more of these classes!” — NW, July 16, 2025 – Chair Tai Chi
⭐ “I love Gail’s classes. They challenge me to get stronger and improve my balance. I’m thankful these are free.” — DA, multiple reviews from June–July 2025
⭐ “Gail’s knowledge is deep, and she presents with humor and warmth. Her Chair Yoga is one of my weekly must-do’s!” — DL, July 2, 2025 – Chair Tai Chi
🧘 Why These Classes Matter
Free for Veterans: Sponsored through the Veterans Yoga Project & VA partnership
Accessible and inclusive: No need to get on the floor
Safe and effective: Gentle movements adapted to your body’s needs
Whole Health support: Stress relief, pain reduction, emotional balance
I’m excited to share that I’ve officially set up my fundraising page for Veterans Gratitude Week 2025 — and I’d love your support!
Each year, Veterans Yoga Project hosts this special week-long event, bringing together movement teachers from around the world to offer donation-based classes in support of veterans, active duty service members, and their families. It’s the organization’s largest fundraiser of the year, and it’s always an honor to be a part of it.
This year, I’ll be teaching two unique class offerings leading up to and during Veterans Gratitude Week:
🌀 Beginner Yang 12 Short Form Tai Chi – 6-Week Series – Online Class
If you’ve ever wanted to try Tai Chi, this is a great place to start! This beginner-friendly series introduces you to the fundamentals of the Yang 12 Short Form. It’s gentle, flowing, and perfect for building balance, strength, and mindfulness — no experience needed.
🪑 Seated Chair Tai Chi BALL Qigong – Online Class
This fun and accessible class can be done right from your chair! We’ll use a small, soft ball (or even a stuffed toy or sports ball) to enhance the practice. Great for all mobility levels, and especially helpful for those looking for a gentle way to connect breath and movement.
These classes are offered by donation, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Veterans Yoga Project to support their mission of empowering veterans through mindful resilience-building practices.
How You Can Help:
✅ Join a class ✅ Make a donation ✅ Share the fundraiser with your community
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