Qigong and meditation retreat
a week-long personalised retreat
A 7-day residential retreat, with over 4 hours of tuition each day on the fundamentals of qigong and meditation. This will be an opportunity to really immerse in these ancient, gentle, deeply energising practices. Meditation can be practiced sitting, standing or walking. Some traditions even regard expressions of love and love-making as meditation. Seated, standing and walking meditation is often practiced before or after movement practices like qigong. These two are complementary and are often practiced together. Qigong is a Chinese phrase that means the cultivation of energy. It has evolved over thousands of years and is now practiced all over the world in varying styles. There are reportedly over 7000 qigong forms and movements in the world today. On this retreat we will focus on about twenty to thirty fundamental forms and exercises. Over time, with frequent practice, many people find that moving from stillness into movement, and back into stillness becomes a seamless transition. During our week together, you will receive highly personalized tuition, as the group is limited to a maximum of six participants. All levels of ability and experience are welcome. We will learn the foundational movements and postures taught in many qigong traditions, and hone your sensitivity towards cultivating your personal energy field. Even for those who may have difficulty standing for extended periods, we will learn ways to practice qigong seated. For those with a regular qigong practice, this will be a chance to revisit the foundational postures, movements and principles of this tradition. We will also learn movements for stimulating meridians in the body. We will also spend time practicing out in nature – in the woodland or on the beaches nearby.
Time to explore the local attractions
There will be free time each day for you to explore the beautiful region of lower Normandy. We are an easy drive to monuments such as Mont St Michel, the Bayeux tapestry, the WW2 beaches and war memorials, the historical village of St Malo to name a few. There are also many nearby villages with their local charm, history and crafts. There is also an expansive stretch of pristine beach on the atlantic coast, free from the carnage of war, which is a 30-minute drive from our door. You will be spoilt for choice. Remember that you can also take this free time for your personal rest, inspiration and reflection.
The programme
This week-long retreat, running from Saturday to Saturday, is only conducted once a month. Please consult the calendar for availability or contact us. We require a minimum of two participants to conduct the retreat. The dates are entirely to your choosing, subject to availability. The arrival day is on a Saturday, and departure is the following Saturday.
Day 1: Saturday 2pm onwards arrival & check-in
Tour of the grounds
Qigong
Dinner
Meditation
Daily programme for days 2 to 6
7:15-9:15am seated meditation followed by morning qigong
Breakfast
10:15-11:30 morning class
Free time
6:15-7:15pm evening class
7:30pm dinner
Day 7 – Saturday, departure day
7:15 -9:15 Morning meditation and qigong
Breakfast
Check-out
Treatments and additional classes are available on request at extra cost. These include vocal lessons, personalized breathing practices, extra private meditation or movement classes, acupuncture, foot reflexology, sound healing and massage. A menu and price list will be provided when your booking has been confirmed. We have a network of very experienced therapists in these disciplines in the local area to provide these services on site.
Package prices
Couple in double room: €1680
Single participant in private room: €1080
Non-participating partners and teenage children can attend at a cost of €480 per person. Subject to availability.
For the moment, we are not providing the option for single participants in shared accommodation.
About our home La Porterie
La Porterie is situated in the quiet village of Soulles, 20 minutes from Saint-Lô, Normandy. We sit on just under 2 hectares of land, surrounded by hayfields and dairy farms. We have an orchard and we grow our own vegetables. Our bees and chickens provide honey and eggs, as well as doing their part in pollination and keeping bugs and insects under control.
The original farm house, locally called a “longère”, dates possibly back to the 17th century. The adjoining barns were converted in the 1970s and updated circa 2006. The guest accommodation comprises four rooms in total: two rooms with double beds, suitable for a single person or a couple and two shared rooms, one of which can be used as a double or triple. All rooms have ensuite shower rooms. Click here for more photos of our home La Porterie.
Given that we have dogs and bees on the property, please inform us of any allergies or phobias when booking your space on the retreat. Please also alert us to any other pre-existing medical conditions and allergies that you may affect your comfort during your stay. Remember to pack your medication, and necessary emergency items such anti-histamines, an epi pen or inhaler.
MEALS
Breakfast and dinner will be provided each day. We endeavor to cater to all dietary requirements. All meals are prepared on site, with local ingredients wherever possible. We make our own bread and cakes. We often top up the spread with a few items from our excellent local bakeries. Depending on the time of year, vegetables will be from our own garden, or from a local organic farm. Our local market hosts a range of artisan organic dairy producers from whom we buy our cheese, cream and yoghurt. Meat, if served, will be from local organic producers. The area is famous for its fish, oysters and shellfish. Depending on the time of the year, the menu will include these local delights fresh from the ocean. Fruit, cheeseboard and bread will be available throughout the day, along with coffee, tea and fresh drinking water.