Returning to Center
A Qigong Retreat to Replenish Body, Heart, and Spirit
Fri Oct 16th - Sun Oct 18th, 2026
Sonoma, CA
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Join us for a restorative weekend of movement, stillness, nature, and community at beautiful Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma.
No prior qigong experience is necessary.
Many of us are feeling the strain of living in challenging and uncertain times. The pace of the world can feel relentless, and the constant stream of news, conflict, and change can leave us feeling depleted, overwhelmed, and disconnected from ourselves.
This weekend offers a chance to step away from the noise and settle into a quieter rhythm—one that creates space to breathe, rest, reflect, and renew. For a few precious days, you’ll have the opportunity to put down the demands of daily life and simply be.
Surrounded by the beauty of Westerbeke Ranch, nourished by delicious meals, and held in a warm and welcoming community, we’ll explore the ancient practice of Wild Goose Qigong through gentle movement, stillness, meditation, and mindful awareness. Whether you are completely new to qigong or have been practicing for years, you’ll be invited to meet yourself exactly where you are.
Together, we’ll create space to restore our energy, reconnect with what matters, and return to a deeper sense of presence and aliveness.
We believe that replenishing ourselves is not an indulgence—it is part of how we cultivate the resilience, clarity, compassion, and strength needed to meet the world with greater care.
Step away from the noise...breathe...move...rest.
Come spend a weekend returning to center, returning to yourself.Â
Guided by Experienced Qigong Teachers
Your retreat experience will be guided by Kirstin Lindquist and Gail Whang, two highly experienced qigong practitioners and teachers who bring decades of practice and teaching experience to their work.
Kirstin practiced Chinese medicine and Wild Goose Qigong for more than 30 years. As the founder of Energy Matters, making the world of energy medicine accessible and practical has been central to her life's work. "What is essential is invisible to the eye."
Gail brings 30 years of experience as an educator, along with extensive experience practicing and teaching Wild Goose Qigong. "Through qigong, IÂ have learned about the power of energy. I find myself focusing on positive energy and consequently generating positive energy."
Both Kirstin and Gail trained and were certified by the late Master Hui Liu of Wen Wu School.Â
Together, Kirstin and Gail create a teaching environment that is both deeply rooted in the tradition of qigong and accessible to people at every level of experience. Whether you are completely new to qigong or have been practicing for years, you will be in skilled, attentive hands.
Details:
Who:
Open to all: experienced qigong practitioners, brand-new "I've never done qigong" students, and everyone in between. This is a retreat for anyone who is longing to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and be nourished by time in nature and good company—whether or not qigong is already part of your life.
When:
Fri Oct 16th 4pm - Sun Oct 18th 3pm
Where:
Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma - less than 90 minutes from Oakland!
Teachers:
Gail Whang and Kirstin Lindquist
Cost:
$945 Includes workshops and practice sessions, delicious fresh, local and sustainable chef-prepared meals (dietary needs cheerfully accommodated) Friday dinner through Sunday lunch, shared cabins (no singles available), and use of the beautiful facilities, including hot tub, pool (unheated), walking trails, garden, labyrinth, tea and coffee service between meals, fun gift shop, fire ring, and more. Massage sessions can be arranged for an additional fee with local practitioners.
What last year's participants had to say:
"A lovely event that was well thought out and planned. I'll always cherish it - and I want to be the first to sign up for next year!"
"I'm so full of goodness yet I'm grounded enough to not float away!"
"Each teacher had something wonderful to offer. I learned in every workshop."
"I loved the kindness of the community."
Retreat Schedule
FAQs
Cancellation Policy
FAQ's
“Can I request my friend as a roommate?”
“Can I request a single room?”
“Do you have a payment plan option?”
“Can the retreat center accommodate my dietary restrictions?”
Retreat Schedule
(Tentative - there may be slight changes)
Fri Oct 16th
4pm Check in
5pm Orientation with Westerbeke Manager
5:30 Practice Group
6:30 Dinner
7:45pm-9pm Full Group Opening Circle followed by Silent Meditation
10pm Quiet time/lights out
Sat Oct 17th
6:30am Seated Meditation Circle
7am Qigong Practice Group
8am Breakfast
9:30-11:30am Track A and Track B Workshops
11:30-12:30pm Free time
12:30pm Lunch
1:30-3:30 Free time with optional activities
3:30 - 5:30pm Track A and Track B Workshops
6:30 Dinner
7:45-9pm Full Group Circle followed by Silent Meditation
10pm Quiet time/lights out
Sun Oct 18th
6:30am Seated Meditation Circle
7am Practice Group
8am Breakfast
9am Pack up/vacate cabins
10am-noon Track A and Track B Workshops
12:30pm Lunch
1:30-2:30pm Full Group Closing CircleÂ
3pm Depart
Cancellation Policy
We understand that life happens. If you need to cancel your retreat registration, the following policy applies:
- Cancellations before August 16th, 2026:
Full refund minus the $50 administrative fee. - Cancellations between August 16 and September 16, 2026:
50% refund of the total retreat fee, unless we can fill your spot from the waitlist. If your space is filled, you will receive a full refund minus the $50 administrative fee. - Cancellations after September 16, 2026:
No refunds unless we fill your spot from the waitlist. If your space is filled, you will receive a full refund minus the $50 administrative fee.
Retreat Cancellation
If we must cancel the retreat due to unforeseen circumstances, you will receive a full refund of your registration fee. We are not responsible for any other costs incurred, such as travel or lodging.
