Dedicated to improving the consciousness of ALL people. His motto “If I can do it. YOU can too!” Chris Shelton has dedicated his life to boosting health, happiness and healing-transformations.
Over 30 years ago Qigong, an ancient holistic health modality that combines traditional Chinese medicine with movement, breath and visualization, saved his life. Chris’ belief in the healing powers of Qigong is rooted in first-hand experience. As a teenager, he suffered from a devastating back injury that left him in constant pain and nearly crippled.
In a 10 year period, he went from not being able to walk to a martial-arts champion to a renown healer. Chris attributes his full recovery to Qigong, a holistic approach perfect for people who want non-invasive, affordable, and empowering healthcare.
He’s helped thousands of people across the United States and around the world reclaim their health and enjoy lives free from chronic pain. Chris has worked with Special Olympics teams, professional athletes, and celebrities looking for deeper meaning in their lives.
Chris’ work has appeared in newspapers and magazines and been featured on radio and television. He is the founder of Morning Crane Healing Arts Center in San Jose and Los Angles, California, and the author of Qigong for Self-Refinement.
Negative emotions are the leading cause of inflammation and disease and there are simple yet profound practices that anyone can do to process trauma and reverse the disease process.
What were the top three mistakes you made publishing your book what did you learn from it?
Going through Balboa Press because they didn’t support my work and cost us a lot of money. I learned that self-publishing gets a better quality of product, have more control and you make more revenue from the book.
The title could have been more simplified. I learned that not many people are google searching “self-refinement,” and the adage that less is very true.
The first edition had some typos, which is why we published a second edition. I learned the importance of triple checking my work.
What must happen for you to consider your book(s) a success? and when do you predict it will happen?
For my book to be considered a success I want to be selling millions of copies in several different languages, all around the world. I predict that will happen in the next few years when my TV show gets picked up.
Start with an outline. Research and find an editor that you work well with that emphasis your voice, responds to your drafts quickly, and is easily accessible. Make sure that editor has published books before. There is a difference between someone who simply writes and someone who has actually published a book.
What is the one thing you wished you knew before publishing your first book?
I wish I knew how long it would take and the best marketing steps to get the book out there.
We have a great publicist who gives me opportunities to promote my book in articles such as this. Also, this book is a foundation text book for my teacher training and medical course, which helps market and promote the book.
- Qigong Teacher Training with me
- Story Brand with Donald Miller
- Instant Authority with Leanne Regalla
Please tell us about your company – what is Morning Crane/Shelton QiGong all about?
Morning Crane/Shelton QiGong’s purpose is to empower people to understand that they can reverse the disease or chronic pain process. On a mission to blend ancient and modern healing modalities in ways that are practical, accessible and obtainable.
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you started your company?
I had a heart attached at age 18 from a drug overdose. After my second heart attack, I realized I had to change my path or I would end of dead, in prison, or both. I put myself into Tae Kwon Do to change my path, and one night before a match, I was kicked in the back which nearly paralyzed me, and led me to my first Qigong teacher. After seeing the benefits of my health improving from doing these practices. I realized there must be something to Chinese or Eastern medicine. I went to school to study. At the time, when I got a chance to get into a clinic in Los Gatos, CA, I was a single father of two kids and I was a meat-manager. I didn’t know how I was going to go from cutting up dead cows all day, and managing rough guys, to healing people as my profession. But, I took a chance. As my clinical practice grew, with patience and students, I cut back my hours as a butcher until I was able to retire from the food industry, and, the rest is history.
What are your plans, how do you plan to grow this company?
I’m almost finished with my second book on back pain, and how to fix it from home. When my TV show is picked up by a major network, it should direct more people into our teacher training program, as well as to our regular online class membership, “The Qi Club.”
What were the top mistakes you made starting your business and what did you learn from it?
At the time I started my business, I got married to a person who enjoyed the money but hated the business. I learned to make sure that my partner is 100% on board with any business, and ideally (like in my situation now) someone who works alongside in the business and has the same vision. Working 6-7 days a week, with both knowing the end goal.
I trusted certain people who said they can help me grow my business. They didn’t have the same passion and led me down some dark alleys that cost me time, money, and energy. I learned to make sure to get everything in writing, have a good attorney that know contracts, and, most important, to trust your intuition and gut.
I almost let nay-sayers take the wind out of my sails (including some family members and instructors.) I learned that believing in oneself carries beyond nay-sayers, and, it will carry one through when times are slow or waves are rough.
How do you separate yourself from your competitors?
My focus is on emotional wellness and how it shows up as disease. Most of my competitors are focused on the relaxation or mindfulness aspect of Qigong.
What is one thing that you do daily to grow as an entrepreneur?
I do mirror talk, which helps to co-create with God and myself to accomplish the outcomes and opportunities that I want to have happen. I also do mind mapping and journaling as a way to visualize and create desired outcomes.
What are three books or courses you recommend for new entrepreneurs?
- Silva Mind Control – Jose Silva
- Think and Grow Ritch – Napoleon Hill
Final thoughts
If you have a passion to do something – go after it. Every step I took was scary because I didn’t have much money or support at the beginning. If you believe you can achieve. Perseverance is key.
How can we get in touch with you?
You can visit my sites SheltonQigong.com; MorningCrane.com; and find us on social media YouTube, IG, FB @ChrisSheltonQigong Twitter @sheltonqigong.
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