Who We Are

Tez Sawicki

Founder, Director, Master Teacher

Tez Sawicki is a Master Practitioner in Biodynamic Meditation, Daoyin Qigong and Taiji Qigong. He teaches Level 2 and 3 classes, runs workshops and the bi-annual retreat with Ewan and offers free weekly meditation classes.  

His transformative and powerful teachings are a testament to decades of ongoing, focused dedication to applying the coherent skills inherent within an embodiment practice.

Tez also works as a Craniosacral Therapist at Gathering Essence and has a degree in Acupuncture. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife and creates visionary art in his spare time. 

Ewan Kenny

Director, Manager, Master Teacher

Ewan is a Master Practitioner in Biodynamic Meditation, Daoyin Qigong and Taiji Qigong. He teaches Level 2 and 3 classes and co-runs the retreats with Tez.

Ewan has spent over 20 years working with groups and individuals in therapeutic and meditative contexts. His down-to-earth, inclusive, and warm-hearted teaching style makes his online and in-person classes popular with beginners and more advanced students alike.

As well as teaching, Ewan is responsible for the day to day running of Gathering Essence and has a busy Craniosacral Therapist practice.

He lives in Edinburgh with his wife Emily and has 3 grown up children. When he has the time, Ewan likes playing with sound.

Linda-Jane Simpson

Level 1 Teacher

Linda-Jane Simpson runs the Gentle Sunday Qigong class.

L-J is an advanced qigong practitioner who has worked with Tez and Ewan over many years. She completed her Teacher Training with Tez in 2014 and has been awarded advanced training certificates since then. She is also a qualified Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and Reiki Master.

Since 2019 she has enjoyed running weekly qigong classes and is a fantastic teacher who brings a kindness and attentiveness to her classes, along with a sense of humour.

Stu Lee

Level 1 Teacher

Stu teaches the Tuesday evening Level 1 class.

Driven to develop a relationship to embodiment, functionality and aliveness, his path crossed with Tez and Ewan in 2007, when he began attending classes at Gathering Essence and has been developing his Qigong and Taiji practice for over 20 years now.

He runs a successful clinical practice as a massage therapist and bodyworker with nearly 20 years’ experience. Stu’s passion to work with people and share skills and understanding of how we all have the potential to navigate life’s ebbs and flows through embodiment, has naturally transitioned into wellness coaching.

Stu has been running movement and meditation workshops since 2012. He lives with his wife and family in East Lothian.

Forests, mountains and beaches are his medicine.

Emily Gibb

Creative Director,

Communications, Assistant teacher,

Emily is Creative Director at Gathering Essence and has been instrumental in the development of our new website and the ongoing shaping of the business as it unfolds. She is also responsible for Communications. 

Emily has been a serious student with us for over 20 years and is an assistant teacher in Stu’s Level 1 class and Ewan’s Level  2 class. Over the years she has developed depth and wisdom whilst also focusing on bringing up her three children and working.

She is an experienced Homeopath, Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapist and a qualified yoga teacher.

In her spare time Emily likes being in nature and making things…