Mindfulness, the art of accessing the power of the ‘now’, is a wonderful way of calming your body, replenishing your energy, and cultivating joy and well being. If you have the tendency to lose yourself in over-thinking, or would simply relish time for balance and restoration, join me in this beautiful and supportive setting for a blend of mindfulness meditation and qi gong practices.

Qi gong is an ancient Taoist system designed to improve the flow of energy in the body, create vitality and concentrate the mind. The qi gong practices we will learn include qi gong warm ups, qi gong self-massage, a compassion practice, and a beautiful fluid moving form. These will be practices you can take away and use at home to relax and revitalise your body and mind.

You are welcome to join as much or as little of the scheduled programme as you wish; this is a retreat in which none of the usual social expectations are placed on you. It offers you a very rare chance for you to come home to the OK-ness of yourself, just as you are. We will begin each morning with stretches and meditation before breakfast, and finish each evening with a qi gong "sounds" practice to relax the organs of the body and to prepare for sleep. There will be time out for reflection and walking, and vegetarian meals and snacks are all provided. The retreat will be mostly in silence for participants, as an aid to coming home to yourself, though there will be times for questions and sharing reflections/insights.

We begin with a light meal at 6pm on Friday 14 August, and finish after lunch on Monday 17 July. You may arrive any time from 4pm on the Friday.

There is no religion, dogma or belief systems proposed in this retreat. Emphasis is given not to theory, but to your own experience. The retreat is suitable for beginners, and for those with experience in mindfulness meditation and qi gong.

Benefits:

• More vital energy (qi) flowing in your body
• Greater awareness of the ways you block your inherent happiness
• Opportunity to let go, relax and unwind
• Better sleep and improved well being
• Improved mental/emotional balance.

You will learn and practise:

• The art of being present, in stillness and movement
• Qi gong warm ups and stretches
• Sitting and walking meditation
• Taoist self-massage for energy and to prepare for mindfulness practice
• Self-compassion meditation ("the inner smile")
• Qi gong practices that you can take home and use as practical tools for well being and stress reduction.

Please note that a single room can be ensured with a surcharge of $45 ($15 per night).