Return to Centre - Qigong/Yoga in the Countryside (Chi Gung)

Take a breath. Step out of the city.
Join us for a nourishing long weekend of Chi Gung, nature, community, and deep connection.

(2 hours from London Paddington)

What to expect:

Over 3 days we’ll explore breath, movement, and body awareness practices designed to improve health, mobility, and connection to self and other.

We will have daily Chi Gung sessions, cook and eat in community, relax by a woodland fire, surrounded by nature and with access to a sauna. 

Who’s it for: 

No experience is needed, this retreat is for anyone curious about: 

• Embodiment and movement practices
• Dynamic Yoga
• Internal martial arts
• Slowing down and tuning in
• Being in community

The practice: 

Led by Tao Chi Kai, we’ll move through a variety of practices focused on softening, strengthening, and finding peace in the body.

In addition to Chi Gung we will explore:

• Guided Meditation: walking and sitting.
• Massage: Kai will share some of his dynamic massage techniques,  influenced by traditional Chinese and Vietnamese healing.
• Conscious breath and dynamic movement.

About the teacher:

Tao Chi Kai is a holistic massage therapist and Chi Gung teacher based in London. In his practice he draws from his family lineage (Ly Chi Gung) that is deeply rooted  in traditional Chinese and Vietnamese healing. For more than ten years he has been exploring and teaching breath- and bodywork, holistic massage and moving meditation. His adaptive approach is intuitive, and deeply human, something that has helped many people connect more fully to their own bodies.  

Kai's teaching is specific and grounded, yet playful and open. He doesn’t just teach forms, he invites you on a journey.

The space:

The retreat takes place on the beautiful Selgars property, an idyllic space nestled in the Devon countryside (2 hours from London Paddington). The sessions will take place outside in nature and can be moved into The Barn if the weather turns. 

The main house contains several rooms with 2-4 persons bedrooms.

Other facilities:

• Woodland fire pit
• Indoor and outdoor practice spaces
• Plenty of space to rest, walk, and just be

Schedule:

Timing may alter slightly as we adapt to the flow.

Thursday 

• 12-2pm Arrival
• 2:30pm Opening circle
• 3:30pm Session 1
• 5pm Dinner prep / chill time
• 7pm Dinner
• 8:30pm Evening session

Fri & Sat 

• 7:30 Wake up
• 8am Morning practice
• 9am Breakfast
• 10am Session 1
• 12pm Lunch prep / chill time
• 1pm   Lunch
• 3pm Session 2
• 5pm Dinner prep / chill time
• 7pm Dinner
• 9pm Fire, light workshop or chill time

Sunday: 

• 7:30 Wake up
• 8am Morning practice
• 9am Breakfast
• 10am Session 1
• 12pm Lunch prep + space cleaning
• 1pm Lunch
• 2pm Final session - closing circle
• 4pm Leave
   

Transport:

• Train: Tiverton Parkway (2 hours from London Paddington). We will likely be able to collect you from the station
• Car: Selgars Mill EX15 3DA

Cost:

£260 - Includes all sessions, food, and accommodation.

This is a non-profit event. Your contribution goes directly to the venue, food, and teacher.

If finances are a barrier, please reach out. 

Organisers:

Joel:

I’ve been practicing Chi Gung over the past 10 years. It helps me land in my body, connect with my breath, recover from injury, and move towards a healthier life. I love going on retreats with teachers I resonate with. Kai is one of those teachers and during this weekend I'm curious to learn more whilst sharing with others.

Lody:

I am an embodiment facilitator and an avid practitioner of Contact Improvisation and Authentic Relating. As part of the organization of this weekend I invite slowness, deep listening, and presence in the moment. My intention is to tune in: connect to the body’s wisdom, nature and community.

Why are we doing this?

We both experience the benefit of a healthy body mind connection. Bringing teachers and practices into community is what we' re excited about. We’ve enjoyed many retreats and co-created events over the years and the format that resonates with us is non profit, based in a beautiful space full of new learning and a sense of community.

Want to join?

Spots are limited (22). Get in touch with any questions.