I’ve been an artist in New York City for 30 years and believe that learning and creativity nurture our core and our spirit. I use the power of imagery and metaphor in my art, meditation and teaching practices… It’s the visual imagery of Qigong that continues to inspire me after 25 years.
I poked around Yoga and Buddhism through the 1970s and 80s—without much consistency or discipline—but I would always return to it. Then, in the mid-1990s I fell in love with a rigorous martial art from Japan and trained in it for 18 years: Amagure no Sato Ryu Ninjutsu. I retired in 2013, but still depend on the discipline, clarity and focus it distilled in me. In 1999 I expanded my martial training with the Qigong, Neigong and Taiji of Universal Healing Tao (UHT) and was elevated to a Senior Instructor in 2019. I’m also the only American instructor of TaoZen, a Zen influenced version of UHT.
The practices of UHT are transformative: They healed my chronic back pain and balanced my hormones; They strengthened and rooted my physical body; They grounded my emotional life and allowed me to shed patterns that had burdened me for years. Most of all, they offered a lens through which I could view my life and the universe in a way that embraces nature, spirit and my human heart.
After many years learning these methods for myself, I expanded my practice to others. First with teaching, then with energy healing and medical qigong. I hold a Masters of Medical Qigong Degree, a Master Teacher Certification in Usui Reiki and a Clinical Certification in the Meridian Tapping of EFT.
My personal practice, mentoring and teaching are always evolving. About 4 years ago, I found that I desired more outward connection to the Earth and a deeper connection to my ancestors and ritual. All were so important to the original Tao path yet have been minimized in the western version. Since then, I’ve embraced training in Animism, Ritual and Ancestral Lineage Healing and it has vibrated through all my other work. It has provided a path to turn outward from the inner world of body and mind healing and reach backward through time to connect and heal those that came before us.
Immerse yourself in a transformative six-day wellness retreat in Portugal, focused on breath, movement, and visioning. We'll call the serene Sintra National Park home as we combine the ancient practice of Qigong with contemporary movement techniques to foster deep connections between body, mind, and the natural world.
Begin each day with invigorating Qigong sessions, enjoy nourishing meals, and engage in special classes that include dream practices and interactive learning. You’ll also experience the healing power of the ocean with optional surf lessons and beach activities, ensuring a harmonious blend of relaxation and personal growth.
This retreat promises not only a rejuvenation of the spirit but also an insightful journey into self-awareness and elemental harmony, all in the beautiful and inspiring setting of Portugal. Say yes to this life-changing experience, where you can release, heal, and grow in peace.
-Welcome to your serene retreat in Portugal, a journey designed around helping you harmonize with the elemental forces within and around us. Day 1 begins with your arrival in the vibrant city of Lisbon, where the group will be greeted and promptly transferred to our tranquil retreat location.
-Upon arrival, check into your accommodation and take some time to unwind from your journey. From here, we’ll gather for our first session, an invigorating afternoon of movement. This initial gathering is not only a chance to stretch and move but also to meet fellow participants over some light, nourishing snacks.
-After introductions, enjoy some free time to explore the surroundings or simply settle into your new space.
-As evening falls, we'll reconvene for a communal dinner, where you can connect with the group over delicious, healthful dishes before an evening class focusing on Qigong practices that encourage healing and connection with our elemental selves.
-Rise and shine to peace and tranquility, and start your morning with a refreshing Qigong and movement session. This practice sets a peaceful tone for the day, followed by a communal breakfast, where you can enjoy a variety of nutritious options while engaging in thoughtful conversations with your fellow retreat participants.
-Enjoy some leisure time to reflect, journal, or simply relax in the serene environment of our sanctuary of peace before we reconvene for a morning class, diving deeper into techniques and practices that align our internal energies with the natural world.
-After lunch, participate in an innovative afternoon class that includes a group nap and dream practice, an opportunity to explore the subconscious connections between our dreams and our elemental selves.
-When the sun sets, gather again for dinner followed by an evening class focusing on integrating the day's learnings and preparing for the transformative experiences yet to come.
-Day 3 unfolds with a delightful blend of structured activities and personal exploration, starting with our morning practice of Qigong and movement. After invigorating your spirit, join the group for a wholesome breakfast.
-Take advantage of some free time to perhaps meditate, read, or enjoy the natural surroundings before we gather for a morning class.
-After lunch, the retreat moves to the beach where you can engage in a dynamic afternoon session. Additionally, optional surf lessons are available for those eager to blend the art of balance and flow with the healing powers of the ocean. If surfing isn’t for you, feel free to bask in the sun, read, or simply relax by the sea.
-After returning from the beach, dinner is served, followed by our evening class to prepare for a stellar night’s sleep.
-Wake up with a smile and get your body and mind moving with Qigong, followed by another delectable breakfast.
-Our day follows the same rhythm of the others, with free time for pampering or relaxation, morning and afternoon classes, and a communal dinner.
-Close out the night with our evening practice – a time to breathe, release, and reflect.
-On our final full day at the retreat, we’ll start our morning as usual with a revitalizing Qigong and movement session, followed by a nourishing breakfast.
-Use your free time to soak in the tranquil environment, meditate, or prepare for the day’s activities.
-Mid morning, we’ll come together for our morning class, which lends itself to a fresh, wholesome lunch.
-This afternoon, we’re headed back to the beach! This session offers a perfect blend of learning, optional surf lessons, and free time to explore or relax by the ocean.
-Conclude your last full day with a delightful farewell dinner, followed by an evening class. This final evening session is designed to integrate all the teachings and experiences of the retreat, setting the stage for a continued journey of personal and elemental connection beyond our time together.
-Day 6 marks the conclusion of our enriching wellness retreat. Begin your final morning at Shamballah with one last session of Qigong and movement, allowing you to center your spirit and gather energy for the journey home.
-After breakfast, proceed to check out of your accommodation, taking a moment to reflect on the personal and collective transformations experienced during the retreat.
-At 10:00 am, the group will transfer back to Lisbon Airport. The journey ends here, but the benefits and memories of this unique experience will resonate long into the future. Safe travels and be well!
