Coming Home To Self, A Restorative Weekend Exploring The Innate Wisdom of Self Care and Compassion

Escape into profound self-discovery at Coming Home To Self, an immersive mindfulnes retreat designed to reconnect you with your innate wisdom and capacity for compassion. Taking place November 20–22, 2026, at the serene Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, NY, this restorative weekend offers a rare opportunity to step away from daily demands and return to the quiet strength within. Led by internationally renowned Qigong master Mingtong Gu, this mindfulnes event in Phoenicia blends ancient energy practices with contemporary wellness approaches, creating a sanctuary where healing and self-care become acts of profound respect for yourself.

This isn't a high-intensity workshop or a rigid curriculum—it's an invitation to slow down and listen. Over three days, you'll experience guided practices, contemplative sessions, and spacious time for personal reflection in one of the Hudson Valley's most tranquil settings. Whether you're seeking stress relief, deeper self-understanding, or simply permission to prioritize your wellbeing, this retreat meets you exactly where you are. The atmosphere balances gentle structure with freedom, allowing your nervous system to genuinely relax while your mind finds clarity.

What to Expect

Imagine arriving on a cool November afternoon, leaving behind the noise and complexity of your regular life. You'll be welcomed into Menla's peaceful grounds, where the Catskill Mountains create a natural sanctuary. After check-in, the first evening opens with a gentle orientation and grounding practice led by Mingtong Gu, easing you into a deeper state of presence.

Throughout the weekend, expect a rhythmic flow of morning Qigong sessions, afternoon teachings on self-compassion and innate wisdom, and restorative practices designed to help your body remember how to rest. You'll move through candlelit spaces, sit in silence, and engage in practices that warm the spirit without demanding performance. Meals are mindfully prepared and eaten communally, creating natural connection without pressure. By Sunday afternoon's closing ceremony, you'll have created new neural pathways around self-care—ones rooted in genuine wisdom rather than willpower.

About the Artists

Mingtong Gu is a globally respected Chinese Qigong master and founder of the Chi Healing Institute. With decades of training in classical Chinese medicine and energy cultivation, Mingtong brings a bridge between ancient practices and modern scientific understanding. His gift lies in making profound healing accessible—students consistently report feeling tangible shifts in energy, clarity, and emotional resilience after his sessions.

Venue & Location

Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa sits on 43 acres of pristine Hudson Valley landscape in Phoenicia, NY—a mountain village known for its natural beauty and creative community. The retreat center's architecture and design honor Tibetan and Asian contemplative traditions, creating an atmosphere that naturally supports deep inner work. Parking is available on-site, and the location is approximately two hours from New York City. The spa facilities, natural surroundings, and thoughtfully designed meditation halls make this Phoenicia venue ideal for a genuine weekend away.