NOTE: Use coupon code: RETREAT at checkout to get $10 off when you purchase tickets for the September 12th and the October 3rd Qi Gong retreat.

Date and Time: Saturday, October 3rd, 10am- 1pm (optional bring your own picnic 1-2pm)

Location: Welcome to the Historic Haw River Sanctuary, a 30-acre hilltop farm where history and nature meet. Surrounded by magnolias and century-old pecan and walnut trees, the land opens into wildflower meadows, a spring-fed pond, and pastures with grazing horses. Here along the Haw River, you'll find a welcoming space to gather, learn, and be inspired - a place where the beauty of nature and light filled architecture invite you to step back in time, relax and reconnect.

Maximum number of participants: 12

Join Rachel in this 3-hour experience as we begin the inward journey into Autumn and explore breath and living in harmony with the seasons. We will continue our journey with the Five Elements of Traditional Chinese Medicine through the lens of Qi Gong, Five Element Qi Gong practices, and a deeper dive into the metal element associated with Autumn. Enjoy this experience indoors while surrounded by nature through many windows. There will be opportunities to spend time in outdoor spaces before and after the workshop and during breaks. 

Optional picnic 1-2pm. Bring your favorite picnic foods and drinks to enjoy the expansive indoor or outdoor spaces after the workshop.

Bio:

Rachel is a Holden QiGong Certified Teacher with a background in Physical Therapy for Inpatient Rehabilitation. Through Qi Gong, Rachel is committed to helping you awaken your body's energy and find balance. Rachel teaches in-person and Zoom group and individual classes. She invites you to join exactly as you are, in inclusive community.

Email: [email protected]

Policies:

This workshop is limited to 12 students. Cancellations by My Muses Card Shop will receive a full refund. Cancellations made 1 weeks or more before the event may receive a full refund. Cancellations made up to 3 days before the event can receive a 50% refund. No refund or exchanges for cancellations less than 3 days before the day of the class. By registering you agree to the above terms and conditions. 

Description of event including any supplies needed by participants:

• Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and settle into the space.
• The Qi Gong practices for this class will primarily be taught in standing positions, but students are always welcome to sit if needed. Please wear comfortable clothes that allow mobility. You may choose to be barefoot, or wear shoes or grip socks for practice based on your own preference. If wearing shoes, shoes with a flat sole (heel and toe of even thickness) are preferable to connect and balance evenly through the feet.
• Please bring water/tea/drink and snacks as needed, optional lunch for picnic after the workshop. Ideally, it is recommended to wait an hour or more after eating to practice Qi Gong, but please listen to you body and have a light snack if needed.
• Optional: bring paper and pen for notes/journaling. 
• Bathrooms are available along with folding chairs and yoga mats for sitting options. You may choose to bring your own yoga mat and/or sitting pillow for the talking/seated portion of the experience.
• Practices will incorporate a variety of movements and postures including deep breathing, warm up and stretching exercises, as well as relaxing, flowing movements. Qi Gong is like a moving meditation that mirrors nature. Through release of stagnancy and tension as well as cultivation and circulation of energy, Qi Gong practice can bring vitality to the body, balance to the emotions, and calmness to the mind.
• Qi Gong (pronounced "chee-gong") is an ancient Chinese practice that decreases stress and increases energy, supporting physical and emotional balance "Qi" refer to animating life force energy that exists within us and all around us. "Gong" mean work or skill. 
• No experience required, but you may want to try a regular weekly class at the My Muses Gallery first to get familiar with the practice and teaching style. You do not need to have participated in previous retreats to attend this one. Participants are encouraged to tune into their own body and adjust movements and positions to be comfortable.