Join us for a restorative weekend of movement, stillness, nature, and community at beautiful Westerbeke Ranch in Sonoma.

No prior qigong experience is needed.

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. You’ll have the opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life and explore the life-affirming and health benefits of qigong. 

Inspired by the beauty of Westerbeke Ranch, nourished by delicious meals, and surrounded by a warm and welcoming community, we’ll explore both Wild Goose Qigong and Pai Da Gong: gentle movements, stillness, meditation, and mindful awareness.

Whether you are completely new to qigong or have been practicing for years, you'll be supported in your learning process by our skilled teachers.

 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. 

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. We are offering two tracks: Track A workshops are for those new to Wild Goose Qigong; Track B workshops for those with prior experience. See the Retreat Schedule below for more details. 

Kirstin has practiced Chinese medicine and Wild Goose Qigong for more than 30 years. She is the founder of Energy Matters Acupuncture & Qigong; 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 nearly two decades of practicing and teaching Wild Goose Qigong. "Through qigong, I 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. 

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: brand-new "I've never done qigong" students, experienced qigong practitioners, 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 with 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, 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."

Fri Oct 16th
4pm Check in
5pm Orientation with Westerbeke Manager
5:30 Qigong Practice
6:30 Dinner
7:45pm-9pm Full Group Opening Circle including Pai Da Gong lesson #1 followed by Silent Meditation
10pm Quiet time/lights out

Sat Oct 17th
6:30am Seated Meditation Circle
7am Qigong Practice
8am Breakfast
9:30-11:30am Track A (new to Wild Goose Qigong) and Track B (experienced Wild Goose students) 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 including Pai Da Gong lesson #2 followed by Silent Meditation
10pm Quiet time/lights out

Sun Oct 18th
6:30am Seated Meditation Circle
7am Qigong 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 Circle 
3pm Depart