In an effort to overcome her lifelong fear of all things water, Lea takes up the challenge of surfing at forty years old. Even in the clear, shallow waters of Cocoa Beach, with her friend and avid surfer Mersea at her side, she struggles to catch her breath in waist-deep water because of her intense fear. But, using tai chi and qigong breath work techniques, she is able to calm her breathing and quickly realizes surfing is a lot like tai chi. Although going mostly unnoticed, breathing is the key to not only Lea’s surfing success but also living a healthy, vibrant life. She explains how a healthy breath creates mind-body health. She also teaches us that the opposite is true: a panic, fear-based breath creates a life of anxiety. Each chapter begins with words from the primary Taoist text, the Tao Te Ching, and then uses those principles to explore surfing as a form of Taoism. Lea provides evidence of how chi arts can help heal many individual, societal, and environmental diseases in a cost-effective manner. Lea recognizes “spirit” as a simple, natural energy, not out of the ordinary. For complete health, people need harmony of mind, body, and spirit. Interwoven throughout her surf story is the need for self-responsible daily choices in order to achieve balance and harmony. You will be left with a sense of empowerment and the knowledge of simple chi arts techniques that have profound personal and planetary health impacts. "There's a tremendous amount of accessible yet profound wisdom. . . . Paradigm-shifting ideas in a non-threatening, non-judgmental way." "Absolutely a heartening, inspiring journey and ending. . .This is clearly not a vanity project." - Dr. Taj A. Mahon-Haft, Sociologist, Founder of The Humanization Project "Surfing and Taiji both focus on energy (氣 Qi in Chinese), they teach human beings how to absorb it from the environment and turn it into healing power. Lea's story is a clear example of this; she used the 'Qi' of waves to overcome her deepest fear. Her book is a fascinating, intimate story, one that opens a new chapter in waveriding as a form of meditation." - Nicola Zanella, author Children of the Tide, coach Chinese National Surf Team I'm so very grateful to you for purchasing a copy of Surfing the Sea of Chi and writing a brief review on Amazon.  I want to know what you think about the work and if it's had any kind of impact on your life.  Thanks for taking the time to speak up and share your thoughts. Your voice matters :) "How does one explain the Tao? In this book, Lea gives the reader a clear understanding of the Tao by telling her story of learning to surf, from a terrified newbie on a surfboard to an experienced hang-fiver at peace with her environment. By relating surfing, Tai Qi Quan, and the Tao, Lea clearly shows the reader how a mast can say, "It's all the same." - Grandmaster Jeffrey B. Cook (ShiFu, JaiYu) Lea Williamson is a longboard surfer, shifu (expert) of qigong, certified tai chi and qigong instructor, licensed clinical massage therapist, and Reiki master who has been practicing daily tai chi and qigong for over twenty-five years. A Florida Space Coast native, she teaches workshops and private and group sessions in the beautiful parks of Brevard County and elsewhere. It is her mission to share the ancient healing arts of tai chi and qigong so many more can experience their lasting benefits. Surfing the Sea of Chi ABIS BOOK Indigo River Publishing