George Thompson - Movement as Meditation
On this episode of The FitMind Podcast, filmmaker and Tai Chi teacher George Thompson shares how ancient Taoist practices like breathwork and mindful movement can transform the mind, heal the body, and deepen conscious awareness.
You can also listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other major podcast platform. Here it is in video format if you prefer:
Episode Overview
Tai Chi master and filmmaker George Thompson joins the podcast to explore how mindful movement can serve as a powerful tool for mental and physical transformation. Drawing from his early training with a Taoist monk in China, George shares how Tai Chi became more than just a martial art; it became a way to access deeper states of awareness, heal chronic knee pain, and develop a meditative relationship with the body.
We discuss the science and philosophy behind practices like breath awareness, pattern recognition, and the “emptiness” described in Taoist thought. George also shares daily routines that blend Internal Family Systems, breathwork, and movement-based mindfulness, offering practical ways to rewire thought patterns and cultivate internal balance. His approach bridges ancient wisdom with a modern understanding of the mind-body connection.
George reflects on the challenges of living a life of service and integrity in the modern world, and how staying grounded in these practices has helped him remain resilient. We also discuss his documentary The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself, which captures this journey and invites others to explore the healing potential of embodied awareness.
P.S. — If you’re serious about starting or deepening your meditation practice, check out the FitMind meditation app.
George Thompson Bio
George Thompson is a British filmmaker, Tai Chi teacher, and communicator of Taoist philosophy. After experiencing a personal crisis, he embarked on a transformative journey that led him to the Wudang Mountains in China, where he became a disciple of Master Gu, a 15th-generation Taoist master. Immersed in the study of Tai Chi and Taoist principles, George found healing and a renewed sense of purpose.
Through his filmmaking, George aims to make ancient Taoist wisdom accessible to modern audiences. His YouTube channel has garnered over 250,000 subscribers and millions of views, reflecting a growing interest in his unique blend of storytelling and philosophy. His documentary, The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself, explores the intersection of personal transformation and our connection to nature, offering viewers insights into achieving balance in their lives.
In addition to his films, George offers online courses through his Wayfinder Academy, where he teaches practices rooted in Taoist philosophy aimed at fostering personal and collective well-being. His work inspires individuals seeking harmony within themselves and with the world around them.
Show Notes
0:00 | Intro to George Thompson
9:58 | Meeting Master Gu
12:56 | Tai Chi Training
15:45 | Healing Knee Pain
20:12 | Breath Awareness Exercise
22:09 | How Taichi Transforms Thought
29:40 | Emptiness Described
34:10 | Taoist Origin Story of the Universe
38:26 | Patterns
41:55 | Daily Practices
47:58 Breathwork Practices
50:04 | Applying Daily Mindfulness
56:10 | Internal Family Systems - Labeling Parts
57:47 | Documentary Message & Inspiration
1:01:02 | Consciousness
1:10:00 | Facing Challenges
1:15:33 | Life of Service & Integrity
1:21:25 | Where to Find More on George
🎥 Watch George’s documentary The Subtle Art of Losing Yourself here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KArWcMldPM
🌿 Learn more about George’s retreats and teachings: https://www.balanceispossible.com/ & https://www.taoistwellness.online/