Deepening Our Relationship to Practice at Menla

Join us for Deepening Our Relationship to Practice, a transformative mantra event designed to reconnect you with the sacred foundations of your spiritual journey. Held on Friday, October 2, 2026 at the serene Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, NY, this intimate gathering brings together two world-class teachers to guide you through the ancient practices of mantra chanting and qigong energy work. Whether you're a dedicated practitioner or exploring these traditions for the first time, this mantra event in Phoenicia offers a rare opportunity to deepen your relationship with transformative practice in a supportive, mindful environment.

This curated mantra event features Bibi Lorenzetti, an intuitive yoga teacher known for her grounded, accessible approach to embodied practice, and Mingtong Gu, a renowned Chinese Qigong master and founder of the Chi Healing Institute who has spent decades bridging ancient energy practices with modern wellness science. Together, they create a unique fusion experience that honors both Eastern traditions while meeting contemporary practitioners where they are. The atmosphere at Menla—nestled in the stunning Hudson Valley—provides the perfect backdrop for this journey inward, combining nature's healing presence with the sanctuary's renowned commitment to holistic wellness.

What to Expect

This mantra event unfolds as a guided journey through sound, breath, and energy cultivation. You'll begin with settling practices that attune your nervous system to receptivity, moving gradually into sacred mantra chanting and devotional music that awakens the vibrational frequencies within your body. Mingtong Gu will lead qigong sequences designed to circulate and balance your chi, while Bibi Lorenzetti's yoga teachings help anchor these practices into your physical form.

Expect a deeply experiential day that engages all your senses. The sound vibrations of mantra will resonate through the retreat center's peaceful spaces; you'll feel your breath becoming rhythmic and spacious; your body will move with intention and ease. The schedule allows for both guided instruction and silent practice, creating moments of profound stillness alongside dynamic movement.

By the event's conclusion, you'll carry not just knowledge but embodied understanding—a renewed relationship with practice that extends far beyond this single day in Phoenicia.

About the Artists

Bibi Lorenzetti brings warmth and wisdom to every teaching she offers. With years of experience in vinyasa, yin, and restorative yoga, she creates accessible pathways for students to connect with their breath and body. Her intuitive, authentic style makes complex practices feel natural and nourishing, making her an ideal guide for this mantra event.

Mingtong Gu is a lineage holder of ancient Chinese Qigong practices and founder of the Chi Healing Institute, serving students worldwide through both in-person retreats and digital programs. His unique gift lies in translating millennia-old energy wisdom into frameworks that modern practitioners can understand and apply immediately. Through his work, countless students have experienced the tangible health benefits of chi cultivation, making him a trusted voice in bridging East and West.

Venue & Location

Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa occupies a serene 43-acre sanctuary in Phoenicia, NY, nestled in the heart of the Catskill Mountains. The retreat center is specifically designed to support deep spiritual practice, with meditation halls, yoga studios, and tranquil gardens that invite introspection and renewal. The Hudson Valley location provides easy access from New York City while offering the restorative power of nature—expect towering trees, mountain air, and genuine quiet.

The venue features comfortable accommodations, farm-to-table dining, and world-class spa facilities, allowing you to extend your retreat experience if desired. Parking is available on-site, and the peaceful surroundings create an ideal container for this mantra event's transformative work.