Embodied Awakening: Coming Home to the Wisdom of the Body at Menla

Embodied Awakening: Coming Home to the Wisdom of the Body is a transformative yoga retreat designed for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to their physical body as a gateway to spiritual wisdom and healing. Taking place Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the serene Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, NY, this yoga retreat event in Phoenicia brings together ancient practices and contemporary wellness science in an immersive mountain setting. Under the guidance of Mingtong Gu, a renowned Chinese Qigong master and founder of the Chi Healing Institute, participants will explore how embodied awareness bridges the gap between modern stress and timeless wellness traditions.

This yoga retreat combines mindful movement, energy cultivation, and somatic awakening in a day-long journey designed to help you return home to your body's innate intelligence. Rather than treating the body as something to be pushed or perfected, you'll learn to listen to its subtle messages, honor its rhythms, and access the profound healing wisdom it holds. The atmosphere is grounded, welcoming, and deeply restorative—perfect for both seasoned practitioners and those new to yoga retreat experiences.

What to Expect

Arrive at Menla as the morning unfolds, and you'll immediately sense the mountain sanctuary's calming embrace. The day begins with a gentle centering circle where you'll meet fellow seekers and set intentions for your practice. From there, you'll move through carefully sequenced sessions that weave Qigong principles with embodied yoga, creating a natural flow between structured teaching and intuitive body exploration.

Each segment builds upon the last, guiding you deeper into sensation and presence. You'll experience guided energy work that awakens dormant vitality, moving meditations that quiet the thinking mind, and restorative practices that anchor new awareness into your tissues and nervous system. Sensory details matter here—the cool mountain air on your skin, the grounding feeling of earth beneath your feet, the soft glow of natural light filtering through retreat spaces.

Throughout the day, you'll receive teachings on how ancient wisdom traditions understood the body as a map of consciousness. Lunch and breaks provide time for reflection, nourishing meals, and informal community connection. By day's end, you'll depart with practical tools for maintaining this embodied awakening in your daily life, a renewed sense of home within yourself.

About the Artists

Mingtong Gu is a Chinese Qigong master and founder of the Chi Healing Institute who has spent decades bridging ancient energy practices with modern wellness science. His signature approach teaches students worldwide how to cultivate, balance, and direct vital life force through simple yet profound techniques accessible to all bodies and ages. Mingtong's gentle mastery creates a safe container for deep transformation, making this yoga retreat event in Phoenicia truly unique in its integration of Eastern energetic principles.

Venue & Location

Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa, nestled in Phoenicia, NY, is a sanctuary designed for healing and renewal in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. The retreat center features serene natural surroundings, comfortable accommodations, and dedicated practice spaces that support deep inner work. Located just a few hours from New York City yet worlds away in atmosphere, Menla offers the perfect balance of accessibility and seclusion for a meaningful yoga retreat experience.

The property includes peaceful gardens, forest trails, and spa facilities that complement your practice. Ample parking is available on-site, and the peaceful energy of the location makes the journey itself feel like part of your awakening. Whether you're a local or traveling from afar, Phoenicia's mountain setting provides the ideal backdrop for embodied transformation.