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2026 Swiss Alpine Retreat
A Little Mountain Air, a Lot of Qi: Our 2026 Swiss Alps Retreat
By Dr. Mao Shing Ni
There’s something about the Swiss Alps that makes you want to take a deep breath, slow down, and forget about your to-do list. Perhaps it’s the crisp mountain air, the spectacular peaks, or the peaceful rhythm of life. Whatever the reason, I can’t think of a better place to spend a few days cultivating health, happiness, and a little wisdom along the way. That is why I keep coming back to this magical place!
This year, we returned to the beautiful Hôtel Balance for our 2026 Taoist retreat, bringing together a wonderful group of people eager to recharge their batteries, learn something new, and reconnect with themselves. Our theme was Activate Qi: Healing from Within, but the experience was about much more than learning Qi Gong. It was about remembering how good it feels to simply be alive!
Imagine waking up surrounded by mountains, beginning the day with gentle movement, deep breathing, and meditation, followed by delicious, nourishing food and open-hearted conversations. No frantic schedules, no endless emails, and, best of all, permission to do absolutely nothing once in a while.
Of course, we did plenty of things, too!
We practiced Tai Chi, Dao-In, and Five Element Self-Healing Qi Gong, learning how simple movements can help us release tension, improve energy, and restore balance. We explored the Five Elements and discovered how our personalities, emotions, and physical health are interconnected.
And those who joined the special Eight Treasures Qi Gong pre-retreat training led by Master Instructor Claire Cunneen ventured into the fascinating world of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels—the deep reservoirs of energy that Taoist masters have cultivated for centuries.
Another special highlight was Yu-Shing’s teaching debut, guiding participants through Dao-In exercises that combined gentle stretching, mindful movement, breathwork, and meditative postures to awaken and harmonize Qi and calm the Shen (spirit). It was a joy to see the next generation carrying forward our Taoist traditions with fresh energy and enthusiasm!
One of my favorite parts of these retreats is watching people discover that Taoist practices don’t have to be mysterious or complicated. Sometimes a simple stretch, a few conscious breaths, or a quiet moment beneath a tree can change how we feel.
Speaking of trees, our Tree Meditation gave everyone a chance to connect with nature on a more personal level. We also explored Taoist talisman calligraphy, turning our intentions into meaningful symbols, and enjoyed contemplative exercises designed to help us peel away old habits, worries, and expectations.
Our guiding invitation was “Peel Off Layers. Reveal the Truth.”
And somewhere between the Qi Gong, the meditations, the mountain scenery, and the shared meals, something wonderful happened. People begin to relax, conversations become more meaningful, and laughter comes more easily. We remember that life is not meant to be one long exercise in getting things done.
There was plenty of time for friendship, reflection, and simply enjoying the beauty around us. After all, the Tao teaches us to live in harmony with nature, and the Swiss Alps provide a pretty convincing classroom!
As a doctor, I spend much of my time helping people recover their health. But I believe our greatest opportunity lies in learning how to cultivate wellness before illness takes hold. That is what these retreats are really about: taking ancient wisdom out of the books and bringing it into our everyday lives.
More than a wonderful experience, the retreat left everyone returning home with greater clarity about what truly matters and a commitment to making meaningful changes—whether improving their health, practicing daily Qi Gong, or letting go of old habits. After all, the real transformation begins when we put these insights into everyday life. What good is finding inner peace in the Swiss Alps if we lose it the moment we open our email inbox?
Why Wait for Next Year? Your Journey Can Begin Today!
The good news is that you don’t need to travel halfway around the world or wait another year to begin your own transformation. The Tao is available to us wherever we are! Start with ten minutes of Qi Gong, a daily meditation, healthier food choices, or simply making time to reconnect with yourself. Small changes, practiced consistently, can lead to profound results.
And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We have a wealth of resources to help you along the way. Explore my books, guided meditations, and instructional audio and video downloads at TaoStar.com. Deepen your practice through classes and workshops at the College of Tao, or discover the healing wisdom of Chinese medicine through programs at Yo San University. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, there’s always something new to learn and experience.
Remember, the purpose of a retreat is not just to feel wonderful for a few days. It’s to inspire a way of living that helps us feel better every day. Your next chapter of health and happiness can begin right now, right where you are.
Shall We Do it Again in 2027?
Absolutely! Mark your calendar for September 23–26, 2027
If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a few days in the breathtaking Swiss Alps while learning practical ways to feel healthier, calmer, and more energized, I hope you’ll consider joining us next year. You don’t need to be an experienced meditator, know anything about Taoism, or be able to twist yourself into a pretzel. Just bring comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, an open mind and heart, and a little curiosity. We’ll provide the teachings, the practices, the camaraderie, and a beautiful setting in which to rediscover yourself. The mountains will take care of the rest. We do, however, cap attendance at just 25 participants to preserve the intimate experience, so once those spaces are filled, latecomers go on the waitlist.
Come for the mountains. Stay for the Qi. Return home with a little more joy, vitality, and peace.
Visit ChiRivers.com for information about our 2027 Swiss Alps Retreat, and register now to secure your space. And in the meantime, don’t wait to start living a healthier, happier life. The journey begins today! I hope to see you there!