QI GONG - NUTRITION - BODY WORK
yang sheng - to nourish life
PORTUGAL | 14.4 – 20.4.2024 |
Human follows Earth - Dao follows Nature
Reconnect with your Body and your true Self
"Yang Sheng" is a practical science and a way of life. It shows us the fundamentals of human health, strengthens the body, prevents illness, prolongs life and teaches people to look after their health.
We are very happy to invite you to the Portugal Spring Retreat "Yang Sheng - Nourishing Life" - a learning and recovery workshop aimed at everyone - beginners and advanced Qi Gong practitioners, as well as those interested in Eastern healing arts.
The retreat takes place at Monte da Orada, Portugal, where we are surrounded by alive nature, by the elements, lots of sunlight, lots of green vibrant life, overwhelming silence, and an amazing night sky.
Monte da Orada, an ancient sanctuary, is a haven for individuals seeking to immerse themselves in the breathtaking beauty and tranquil serenity of nature. It invites guests to embark on personal journeys of growth and self-discovery while embracing the transformative power of their surroundings. The Center is situated within the heart of the Odemira woods in Alentejo, South West Portugal, near the border of the Algarve.
During spring, Yang energy is increasing. It is a time of rebirth and growth. It’s an expansion and regeneration of new energy all around us and we experience the same energetic changes in our bodies. Like the early morning, this is the perfect time to practice Qi Gong, awaken our body after winter and welcome the fresh spring energy
Spring is the season of abundance. It’s the time when nature is strongly felt and comes to life. The flowers blossom. The trees grow new leaves… and we all start getting outside again.
Our body in its originality is 100% nature and is nourished, renewed and healed in nature, through natural rhythms and natural movements. Simple exercises, a regular daily schedule, good food and fresh air will connect us with our body, our perception and our naturalness.
The Practice
In addition to the daily morning exercise/meditation, we will learn and experience effective Qi Gong exercises and get to know practical healing tools to look after our health and well-being
The practices will be based on Pai Da (Tapping Massage), Zhan Zhuang (Standing Qi Gong), Fang Song Gong (Relaxing and Letting Go) and Dong Gong (Movement Practice).
In the evening, we will close the day with an easy-to-do Bodywork-Session. We will learn and practice a soothing and relaxing treatment to take care of each other, prepare and refresh for the next day.
Whenever possible, we will work outdoors to connect with the environment and the harmonious Qi of nature by incorporating the fresh air and natural light into our exercises.
Besides the Qi Gong training and Bodywork experience we are very happy to have Paulina Danielak on board for this retreat. Paulina will share with us her scientific and psychological perspective on our practice. These very interesting lectures will help us to better understand our practice and methods from a western mind and point of view.
Please read what she would like to offer us:
“The path of my training in psychosomatic work tells the story of the search for lost contact with the body. From trying to work everything out cognitively (the school of cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy), through techniques of working with the body (training such as Tension Releasing Exercises® and Somatic Experiencing®), to the moment of learning about the practice of Qi Gong with Path of Dao. These explorations taught me that nothing happens in isolation in human health. Each element influences the other and only by combining different approaches can we show our full potential.
In the workshop which I will have the pleasure of leading, I will introduce you to a holistic view of building your health. We will learn ways to regulate tension and ways to grow.
- You'll learn how your nervous system works and why it's so important to include your body in your daily self-care.
- You will learn techniques that support working with the nervous system.
- I'll tell you about the vagus nerve, its connections to the gut (Do you know why stomach problems arise under stress?) and how to get out of the constant fight, flight or freeze response.
- You'll learn how to deal with tension cognitively and somatically...in other words, what to do when your head is flooded with negative thoughts and your body signals that it's had "enough."
- You will delve into the secrets of tension regulation. You will learn how to build your mental resilience and how to act in the face of stress.
- You will practice conscious mindfulness, which will help you feel stable and present in your life.
- Paulina Danielak
Extra
FOOD
Oradians have always possessed an unwavering passion for health, nutrition, and the art of cooking.
Orada has published their own cookbook, which is considered one of the finest collections of retreat menu recipes. Years of invaluable experience have allowed their Chefs to refine the menu into a harmonious blend of balanced, tasty, and nourishing dishes.
The meals are a soulful, colorful, and delicious experience, lovingly prepared by talented chefs. The food is plant-based, demonstrating Orada’s responsible attitude towards the environment. It not only benefits the planet but also promotes better health.
Carefully prepared whole foods energize participants, aid digestion, and provide a delightful culinary experience.
Massages and Eastern Medicine treatments
Due to the injury of our masseuse, massages will be handled by our friendly therapist Sebastian Zielinski. In addition to massages, Sebastian offers treatments to aid recovery and the healing process, such as acupuncture, chiropractic, moxa, and consultation.
If you would like to learn more about Sebastian, please visit his Center's website at medycynawschodu.pl.
FREE TIME
Besides the beautiful program we will also have an extra afternoon trip to an astonishing Portugues Beach where we could swim, relax or even try 2 hours surfing with local teachers (transport to the beach will be provided but surfing is an extra).
There will also be plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful landscape by taking a stroll enveloped by the sound of the birds and the creek streams, to take a bath in the refreshing biopool or to swim in the canal. By car you can reach the Atlantic ocean in a 10 min drive.
Schedule
We start our week on Sunday evening with dinner and an evening introduction practice. The following days will be structured as follows:
| 6:30 – 8:00 | Morning practice |
| 8:30 | Breakfast |
| 10:30 – 12:30 | Practice/Lecture |
| 12:30 | Lunch |
| FREE TIME | |
| 18:00 – 19:00 | Evening Practice |
| 19:30 | Dinner |
With 4,5 hours of daily practice we have the opportunity for intense learning and practicing.
During free time in the afternoon we can enjoy the Monte Da Orada and beautiful surroundings. There is also a chance to visit the local beach with your own car.
We will close the week on Saturday after a morning closure practice and a common breakfast.
Practice and lectures will be conducted in English. Polish or German translation can be provided if needed. Please let us know in google form.
Price
Accommodation in Monte De Orada *
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Premium suite 2 persons with own private bathroom €1290
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Main house premium suite 2 persons with shared bathroom €1250
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Extraordinary lotus tent experience for 3 persons €1150
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Adventure tree house experience for 2 persons €1150
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Bungalows 4 persons bedroom with own bathroom €1050
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Main house standard shared rooms (max 4 persons - Creek Studio, Loft Dorm, Bunk Dorm - coeducational) €990
* check accommodation on orada.eu adn the bedroom plan.
Price includes:
- Qi Gong classes, Yang Sheng lecturing and Bodywork course (shiatsu) with Ron Timm
- 2 lecturing/workshop with Paulina Danielak
- accommodation with full 3 meals
- one afternoon bus trip to astonishing Portugal beach (during our long break)
* Retreat price does not include insurance, flights and bus from the airport. Participants are asked to self-insure from accidents.
Transport
Participants need to organize their own transport. Unfortunately we don't have enough interested people for a group shuttle to book a private bus. It would be too expensive.
As we are staying 15 minutes via car from the beach we highly recommended renting a car.
There are great options to come by local bus or train. We recommend checking connections from Lisbon and Faro:
- Train to Santa Clara Saboia (about 30-40 minutes from Monte De orada, then take a cab) https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/
en - Bus to Zambujeira do Mar, Odemira or Sao Teotonio https://rede-expressos.pt/.
- Number for local cab driver +351 968 332 307 (you can text/call via whatsapp)
Installment
To register, please fill out the google form and transfer an installment of 300 euro (you will get instructions in a confirmation email). First priority is determined by the order of payments.
We are deeply touched to have the opportunity to offer this special retreat in such an incredible place. Don’t hesitate and sign up right away, places are limited!
Feel invited!
If you have any questions: info@path-of-dao-qigong.ch
