Connecting with the Earth to Connect with Self at Menla

Discover a transformative spiritual workshop designed to deepen your connection to the natural world and, in turn, to yourself. Held at the serene Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, NY, this intimate gathering on Thursday, October 15, 2026 brings together seekers and practitioners for a journey into earth-based healing and inner awareness. Led by Mingtong Gu, a renowned Qigong master and founder of the Chi Healing Institute, this spiritual workshop event in Phoenicia offers a rare opportunity to learn ancient energy practices rooted in Chinese wellness traditions while grounded in modern scientific understanding.

Mingtong Gu is celebrated globally for his ability to bridge millennia-old Qigong techniques with contemporary holistic health. His teachings emphasize how connecting with the earth's natural rhythms and energies can restore balance to the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you're new to energy work or an experienced practitioner, this spiritual workshop in Phoenicia provides accessible yet profound guidance into how grounding practices can awaken your inner wisdom and resilience.

The atmosphere at this spiritual workshop event will be one of gentle introspection, reverence for nature, and supportive community. Expect a carefully curated experience that honors both the wisdom of ancient traditions and the needs of modern seekers searching for authentic spiritual connection.

What to Expect

Your journey begins the moment you arrive at Menla's peaceful grounds, where you'll be welcomed into a calm, intentionally designed space. The workshop flows from opening centering practices through guided Qigong instruction, with moments of stillness and reflection woven throughout. You'll move through guided earth-connection exercises, learning techniques that activate your body's natural healing systems while deepening your sense of belonging to the living world around you.

Sensory experiences anchor the day: the feel of your feet grounding into the earth, the rhythm of coordinated breathing with fellow practitioners, the gentle guidance of Mingtong Gu's voice as he unveils the principles behind each movement. You'll leave with practical tools—breathing techniques, movement sequences, and mindfulness practices—that you can integrate into daily life to maintain that earthed, centered feeling long after the workshop concludes.

The pacing honors both active learning and receptive rest, ensuring you arrive refreshed and depart with lasting insights into your own capacity for healing and presence.

About the Artists

Mingtong Gu is an internationally recognized Qigong master whose Chi Healing Institute has touched thousands of lives across the globe. With decades of practice rooted in classical Chinese energy medicine, Mingtong brings both scholarly depth and warm accessibility to his teaching, making ancient wisdom feel relevant and immediately applicable. His unique gift lies in translating the language of qi, meridians, and energetic anatomy into frameworks that resonate with contemporary practitioners and those new to these concepts alike.

Venue & Location

Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa sits nestled in the beautiful Hudson Valley town of Phoenicia, NY, a region celebrated for its natural beauty, clean mountain air, and welcoming spiritual community. The retreat center is designed as a sanctuary—with natural materials, ample gardens, and spaces that encourage both introspection and gentle social connection. Located in a neighborhood rich with creative practitioners and nature lovers, Phoenicia offers easy access to hiking, local cafes, and accommodations ranging from rustic to luxe.

The venue's thoughtful architecture and grounds create an ideal setting for this spiritual workshop, as the building itself seems to support the work of reconnecting with earth and self. Parking is available on-site, and the retreat is accessible for those traveling from New York City or other regional areas.