New Year's Retreat on Quadra Island

New Year's Retreat on Quadra Island 2019/2020

Dec. 28, 2019 - Jan. 3, 2020 - 6 nights

Practice Tao Yoga, Qigong and Meditation
for an amazing awakening and rejuvenating experience.
*Inner Alchemy couples masculine and feminine energies
within to grow your lifebody.
* Purify and open the meridians.
*Super charge your creativity and meditation.
*Winter is the best time to meditate, when nature returns to its roots.

Clear the past and open to the future.

the view from Quadra Island Harbour House in the winter

About the Retreat

We will delve into the full spectrum of self-transformation,
embracing Sexual, Emotional and Spiritual Alchemy.

* When we consciously live our undivided, radiant presence,
we open our hearts and minds to infinite, spontaneous possibilities. This alleviates suffering and brings fulfillment to our life purpose.

* When we devote ourselves to the cultivation of goodness, truth and beauty, when we love our Being with acceptance, we begin to accelerate on the Way. Then meditative practice and subtle energy movement becomes natural and graceful.

* When our primordial spirit returns to our body and soul
we can come back to our natural state any moment of our life.

* To support awakening our healing and inspiring light,
we will engage in Meditation, Yogic Breathing, Tao Yoga, Qigong and Dialogue.

* We will unwind the past year and cultivate our vision for the New Year in the meditative state.

* Since silence nurtures our inner peace and self-inquiry,
periods of social silence will be respected.

Retreat Theme: Inner Alchemy

Universal Healing Tao system awakens the internal flows of our subtle bodies. Learn healing and rejuvenating exercises to generate and sustain your energy. We will practice the fundamentals, including the Inner Smile and the Microcosmic Orbit.

Soul Alchemy uses neutral force and creative intention to “fuse” high soul qualities into compassion.
Open the “Extraordinary Vessels” for energetic protection and refinement.

Inner Alchemy reverses fire and water to “cook” your essential energy. The alchemical “steam” infuses and opens the light body. It nurtures the “pearl” or seed of your immortal Being.
Primordial Chi Kung profoundly connects you with the creative universe.

Preparation: Please inquire how you can best prepare for this retreat. Recommended previous study of Tao Basics and Fusion of the Five Elements. Related Books and CDs are available.

Primordial Qigong is a powerful spiritual Qigong form from 800 years ago, created by Chong Song Fong, the creator of Tai Chi Chuan. Dr. Zhu revived himself with this practice during starvation conditions after the war in China.
This form will empower your journey to your primordial Self.

Schedule
7 am Meditation & Chi Self Massage
8:45 Breakfast
10 Dialogue
11 Tao Yoga & Yogic Breathing
12:30 pm Lunch
3 Qigong
4:30 Break
5 Meditation
6 Dinner
7:30 Bone Breathing & Unwinding
8:30 Healing Sounds

Enjoying a silent dinner

Facilitators

Minke de Vos is a Senior Universal Tao and Inner Alchemy Instructor, certified by Mantak Chia. As Director of Silent Ground Retreats she has devoted over 25 years to practicing meditative, healing and movement arts. She draws inspiration from a broad base of disciplines, incluidng Dance, Eurythmy and Acupressure. Following a series of Kundalini awakenings, her encounter with Taoist teachings confirmed the universality of her experience. She is a Medical Qigong Master Therapist. Practioners of all levels benefit from her creative teaching style, with its focus on living a vital, loving and passionate life.

David Gyurkovics Universal Tao Instructor, has studied and practiced Taoist internal arts for over 18 years. He is a practitioner of Medical Qigong and Acutonics Sound Healing and enjoys teaching people how to breathe.

Comments from previous participants...

"The bell sounds and we gather to gain further insight into ourselves. Healing practices, supportive environment and bright smiles. All my New Year's dreams came true after the retreat on Quadra. So, far, I have broken through blockages on this enchanting retreat and I look forward to the many gifts to come."
Alison Burdett, photographer

" In the past few years I have experienced different types of spiritual retreats. This one was a true silent journey into the body, into the soul. Personality had put aside and was not getting in the way for truths to rise above. The insights I had while we were doing the work had changed my life. (It's big words and I stand behind them.) I was able to connect to my heart and to other parts of my body and "see" clearly what it is that hinders me. I have now more tools to curve through my path, to bring more light and wholeness, more of the true self alive. Although it's hard work, Minke was beautifully containing and showering us with joy and ease, keeping us with curious excitement all the time and making hard things look easy and possible. This is a gift. Thank you Minke for all! (The food was excellent too! Thank you Dave.)"
Tsofia, dancer

"At Silent Ground, Minke has created an enchanted place of personal magic where people can relax into their true nature and tap into deep sources of creative energy. Minke is an inspiring teacher whose gentle and dedicated approach leads to great trust and love. Her amazing voice and versatile imagination has created extraordinary guided meditations in the taoist practices. After four weeks of chi kung, tao yoga, breathwork, and guided meditations, I feel profoundly relaxed and rejuvenated."
Sukumar, writer

In silent ground of being,
trees grow, water rushes,
light smiles, I am.

Accommodations & Meals

www.villagebaylakehouse.com/

We will serve you healthy, creative, and delicious vegetarian meals.

Travel
Dates include arrival and departure days,
arriving around 4 pm and leaving at 11 am.
Please let us know if you can offer or need a ride.

Fees
$1200 registration by Dec. 14, $1297 afterwards, plus 5% GST
Fees include 6 nights accommodation, meals and tuition.

There are double rooms and private rooms.
Private rooms are an extra $100, if available.

Reserve your spot with a deposit of $400
Please make your cheques out to
Silent Ground
#12 - 1601 Comox St.
Vancouver, BC, V6G 1P4

Payment by Paypal, cheque (Canadian or equivalent in USD, Euro or pounds), cash, INTERAC etransfer, money orders or credit card cheques. Sorry, no credit card.

For paypal send funds to: minkedevos@gmail.com
We will consider deferred payment plans and a sliding scale,
if the fees are an obstacle for your training.

Cancellation Policy
A refund is available less a $50 processing fee, until Dec. 14.
No refund is available therafter but credit can be applied to another retreat.
If the course is canceled for any reason, you will receive a full refund.

Registration
We would appreciate it if you would please register as early as possible as space is limited.

a sunny winter day on Quadra Island,
overlooking Rebecca Spit

Qigong on Rebecca Spit - we mostly practice indoors since it is winter time but if its a nice day we will go to the beach, if possible.

Please write us briefly about your background and motivation for the retreat. Registration Form
To reserve your place please send a deposit of $400 (or equivalent US dollars). Please write cheques to “Silent Ground” and send to:

Minke de Vos
#12 - 1601 Comox St., Vancouver, BC
Canada, V6G 1P4