Live Meditation Retreat with Dr Mao Shing Ni
Eremito, Italy
September 23-26, 2021
An immersion in Taoist self-healing practice
at Eremito, Umbria / Italy
Guide: Dr Mao Shing Ni, anti-aging specialist, bestselling author, master coach,
and lineage caretaker of the 75 generation Integral Way tradition
Our changing world
A whole new cycle is birthing, a time to extend our roots deep in a solid foundation and not be swept up by
our world coming through difficult times.
a covid-safe event
This retreat will be led in English.
The retreat - Re-uniting with the source
Nourished by the beautiful setting of Eremito, and guided by Dr Mao in sitting or moving meditation, I Ching or Feng Shui practice, Qigong energy healing, and self-transformation, we experience a deeper reality, an integral oneness with Nature. Our energy, vitality, understanding and goals are renewed, broadened and strengthened and we may come to enjoy deeper peace, happiness and health irrespective of the ever changing external circumstances of life.
Symbiosis with Nature is the theme of this multi-faceted retreat. Dr Mao will guide us in Sun, Moon or Starlight meditation, Directional and Elemental meditation, exploring our relationship with the plant kingdom, Wu Tao contemplation for deep regeneration, I Ching for life guidance and other contemplative experiences from the broad scope of the Integral Way approach.
All practices presented during this retreat have been explored by meditators and healers for thousands of years and have proven to be both safe and effective. The secular tradition of the Integral Way recognises the importance of natural diversity and emphasizes “self-cultivation” or self-development through each individual’s unique dedication. Dr Mao will therefore guide us so that each can discover the practices and make them blossom within the sincerity of their own being.
Meditation, self-reflection, Qigong Energy practice, I Ching, Feng Shui,
and Taoist transformational healing
Dr Mao Shing Ni
Benefits
You will profit from Dr Mao’s clear and updated transmission of these ancient treasures as well as his kind supportiveness of the personal learning path of each participant.
A companion skill for healers and anyone engaged in stressful lives, Taoist Integral Way practice releases the human being from ego-centered isolation to unite with the environment, our natural world and expanding universe and cultivate a harmonious co-evolution with all of creation. The practices are known to revitalize the body, mind and spirit and help you on the road back to complete health physically, emotionally and spiritually.
99% of all disease is either caused by or exacerbated by stress. Thousands of years of case studies and several decades of modern scientific evidence show that healthy stress management skills like Qi movement & meditation are a crucial part of personal health and longevity.
Historically, these Integral Way meditative practices were the seeds that blossomed into the treasures of Traditional Chinese Medicine, including the modalities of acupuncture, herbology and Qi Healing. If you are a healthcare provider, whether you care for others through allopathic or energy medicine, counseling or other modalities and services, these self-regulating practices are an effective tool to replenish your personal vitality and avoid compassion fatigue, burn out, or depression.
Eremito’s beautiful and naturally secluded setting will provide an ideal environment for this immersion in life-enhancing energy. The retreat will help you take your life to a new level of depth giving you an opportunity to refresh your relationship with the natural world and bring you back to ease and balance.
Scientific benefits of meditation
About Dr Mao Shing Ni
Co-founder of Yo San University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and of Tao of Wellness, Dr Mao Shing Ni is a 38 generation practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, leading authority on the Taoist Arts and Taoist anti-aging medicine, and author of many books and DVDs on integrative health. Dr Ni is regularly featured on American television, newspapers, and blogs and teaches internationally meditation, Tai Chi and Qigong, Feng Shui and the I Ching, Taoist Psychology, Chinese medicine and more. Beside his healing work, Dr Mao, like his father Hua-Ching Ni, is an acknowledged master of all aspects of Taoist arts and practice and the current caretaker of the Integral Way tradition.
Digital detox
Eremito is situated in a remote location. Participants will be able to connect via cell phones. However, be prepared to be more or less “off the grid” for the duration of the retreat.
Q & A about the retreat
Q: I worry the program may be too much for me, can you clarify it?
Don’t feel intimidated: our focus will be gentle, personable and warm, following a natural variation of quiet activities. Everything will be done with ease, with no practice done for too long. Rather than quantity, we focus on depth and meaning and flexibly adapt to personal needs. In one day, we may spend time taking in the sun’s healing energy, listening to a lecture, having a cup of tea, following some simple Qigong movement or follow a self-reflection assignment, taking a walk in the woods or resting in one’s room, practice guided meditation together, socializing, sharing a silent dinner together and contemplating the stars before retiring for the night.
Q: I have difficulty sitting on the floor, or sitting for long periods of time, could I still take the program and benefit from it?
Yes, you can. No rigid rule is applied. We will alternate movement and stillness in our activities and you can choose to sit on a chair or on the floor as you wish during sitting meditation. Guided meditation will last within a natural time frame – not too long, not too short.
Q: I have no experience with meditation or Qigong, is this program too advanced for me?
No, the program is an excellent introduction to chi movement and meditative practices and will respond to the individual needs of each participant. Just bring an open mind, be ready to explore something a little different in your life and you will be certain to reap many fruitful experiences from the retreat.
Q: I have been meditating or practicing Qigong or Tai Chi for years, will this program respond to my needs?
Yes, this retreat can certainly help deepen your personal practice. In the depth of life, we are all growing children of nature. These four days together will help you nurture a profound link between mother nature and your advancing meditation and Chi cultivation practice, whether you wish to look for new input or explore a new approach, resolve a particular blockage, receive support to clarify your vision, strengthen your purpose or open the way to reap greater rewards from your diligent efforts.
Q: How can I use this retreat - I am skilled in a branch of the Taoist Arts, as a Feng Shui or TCM practitioner, or a Qigong or Tai Chi teacher? Symbiosis of Nature is one Pillar of the Taoist Arts - you will deepen this pillar as it applies to all aspects of Taoist natural science, whether in Chinese medicine, Feng Shui, Taoist meditation or Qi movement arts. Sometimes, by discovering other avenues of a similar integral approach, we end up with great empowerment of our skills.
Schedule - September 23-26, 2021
Thursday, September 23: 5-10 pm
Fri-Sat, September 24-25: 7-8, 9-1 pm, 2-5:30 pm, 6-10 pm
Sunday, September 26: 6-8, 9-1 pm, lunch & departing
About Eremito
Eremito is situated in the heart of a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. An ancient hermitage converted into an eco hotel with all the modern amenities while respecting monastic traditions (monastic cells transformed into hotel rooms), our retreat location is a remote place of deep peace and quietude nestled within the Umbrian valleys, their natural spirituality enchanting the eyes and the soul.
See Eremito
Dining
The food is vegetarian, simple and delicious, with a lot of fresh vegetables and herbs coming from Eremito’s own organic garden. Please mention when booking if you have any food intolerances and Eremito will make all efforts to accommodate you.
Covid-19 public health requirements for a safe and healthy retreat
Our retreat and Eremito hotel will conform to all safe public health guidelines in effect. We will provide CPR tests and all participants will take a rapid Covid antigen test at the onset of the event. We ask that you bring your own mask(s) as some situations may still require mask wearing; hand sanitizers will be available, thermometers will also be available to confirm body temperature below 37,5 degrees Celsius, many of our activities will be outdoors, and we are limiting the numbers of participants to below 20.
Covid travel restrictions - Covid Certificate
Here is the link to the Italian website keeping current with the latest public health guidelines for traveling (in English). Before registering, make sure to understand and verify current public health requirements for traveling from your country to Umbria, Italy. Contracting travel insurance may be advisable. We will extend a refund (minus a CHF 60 registration fee) in case of changes in public health requirements preventing you from traveling to the retreat. Please review the Covid travel requirements when you make your airline reservation and just before traveling as we cannot guarantee that our sources of information will apply to your situation.
Travel
Very conveniently located about 2 hours by car from Rome’s Fiumicino (international) or Ciampino airports, Firenze airport and about 1½ hours from Perugia airport (London connection). Airport car rentals are very affordable. Eremito can also be accessed by train all the way to Fabro Ficulle station. Eremito staff picks you up at the station. Eremito - location & travel information
Visiting Umbria
Umbria is a beautiful region of southern Italy, with Assisi at its heart. St Francis, (1181-1226), the founder of Assisi, is traditionally known as the openhearted patron saint of animals & the natural environment and the patron saint of Italy. Other noted cities are Perugia and the small medieval town of Gubbio. Travel tips to Eremito
From previous students:
““An amazing opportunity to learn from a teacher with priceless experience, teaching ability and generosity.” MJ
_________
“Studying with Dr. Mao has been life changing. I feel that I am home.” PB
_________
“Integrates the earthy and practical with the subtle and sublime. . . . highly recommended” PS”
Special note for all participants:
In order to maximize your experience, we recommend you diminish or forgo smoking, alcohol or coffee intake during the Intensive. If applicable, each participant should also discuss with their healthcare provider about the appropriateness of this retreat given their mental or physical health situation. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
CEU - ASCA, RME: 36hrs
Retreat, meals & lodging fee in one of the 4 categories of lodging:
- single room with private bath, CHF 1493.- per person
- couple room (1 queen bed) with private bath, CHF 1259.- per person
- double room (2 beds) with private bath (2 rooms left), CHF 1259.- per person
registration
Due to the pandemic, we will extend a refund (minus a CHF 60 registration fee) in case the public health requirements in effect at the time of your registration change and prevent you from traveling to the retreat.
Payment options
Wire transfer, credit card or Paypal
