Nestled a few feet from the serene Mediterranean, the retreat center provided a transformative setting that encouraged both mindfulness and community. The air was filled with birdsong, a gentle reminder not only to live but to truly feel alive.
Morning Practice and Connection
Our group practice began at 7 am, with practitioners from around the world gathering on a rooftop deck overlooking both the sea and the rolling hills. Protected from the sun by sail-like shades, we moved through a powerful, hour-long session. With each movement, we embraced teachings that reminded us of the interconnectedness of our minds and bodies—everything from mental adjustment techniques to the flowing Hold Qi Up, Pour Qi Down practice. This morning ritual cultivated a vibrant group qi field, amplifying our collective energy and focus.
After practice, we walked together down a spiral staircase to a breakfast of traditional Mediterranean foods. With a long table set for the 23 of us, breakfast became an opportunity to connect beyond the movements and techniques, sharing stories and laughter with people from nine different countries. The diversity enriched our experience, creating a foundation of unity that continued to grow throughout the retreat.
Full-Day Immersion in Hunyuan Qi Therapy
Following breakfast, we enjoyed time to reflect, integrate, and connect with the natural surroundings before training resumed. The structured daily schedule, with sessions from 9:30 am to 12 pm and 2:30 to 5:30 pm, guided us through intensive Hunyuan Qi Therapy practices. These sessions allowed us to dive deeply into energy work, exploring both personal healing and the principles of Qi. In the evenings, from 7:30 to 8:30 pm, we practiced Qi treatments with each other—a powerful way to embody the day’s teachings and offer healing support to fellow participants.
Building Community Through “Happy Time”
A unique and heartwarming aspect of the retreat was “Happy Time.” This tradition, part of every Hunyuan Qi Therapy gathering, encouraged participants to share something meaningful with the group—a song, a poem, a story, or even a short video. It created a space for vulnerability, self-expression, and deepened connections. Sharing our journeys, reflections, and creative expressions allowed each of us to feel seen and supported. We weren’t just learning Qi practices; we were building a community based on mutual respect and the shared goal of transformation.
Closing Thoughts
Training to become a Hunyuan Qi Therapist involves a comprehensive curriculum that blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience in Qi healing. Participants learn the foundational principles of Hunyuan Qi, which emphasizes the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. The training includes a variety of practices such as Qigong movements, meditation techniques, and the art of sending and receiving Qi (energy). Students also engage in deep self-reflection and personal healing journeys to cultivate their abilities and understanding of their personal Qi dynamics.
The training process is immersive, featuring hands-on practice, group discussions, and opportunities for peer feedback, which fosters a supportive community among participants. In addition to physical techniques, therapists are educated on the emotional and psychological aspects of healing, enabling them to provide holistic support to their clients. Graduates emerge not only with practical skills but also with a profound understanding of their own healing journeys and the transformative power of Qi.
As I reflect on this experience, I find myself processing a profound shift. This retreat wasn’t just a learning experience—it was a new beginning, a path to fully embracing the principles of Hunyuan Qi Therapy in my own life. In my next post, I hope to share more insights, delving into both my own and others’ experiences and the unique transformations this retreat has inspired.
