By a Western practitioner　　　

　　Like many Westerners, I've had a long term interest in Eastern philosophies and holistic practices, including acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tai Chi, qigong, and the mind/body connection. I wanted to understand the purpose of life, to live in harmony with nature, and to have a long and healthy life. I think that the ancient culture of China, with all its wisdom and knowledge, has a lot to teach us about how to live in harmony with nature and with each other.　　

　　I feel that Falun Gong is the crown jewel of the traditional culture of China. Oriental medicine teaches that to have a long and healthy life, "You have to have a clean heart and few desires." Falun Gong teaches us how to have a clean heart and few desires. It's not about looking for external solutions to one's problems or illnesses. It's about goodness, about cultivating our character.　　　

　　I've practiced for a little more than three years and I've experienced profound changes in my outlook, understanding, and health. I teach in the difficult environment of a public high school where it's easy to become judgmental and impatient with students. Falun Gong practice helps me stay balanced and calm and to turn the difficulties into opportunities to cultivate Truthfulness, Compassion, Forbearance, the core principles of Falun Gong. Our children, our schools, and every aspect of society would be greatly improved if we restored these principles to their proper place in our hearts.