Our very first retreat is in the books, and what a wonderful weekend it was!
When I first imagined creating a retreat, autumn in the Berkshires offered the perfect setting for what I had in mind: hiking through beautiful fall landscapes, enjoying fresh air and sunshine, excellent dining experiences, a cozy, intimate inn, Qi Gong, and the pleasure of sharing it all with a great group of people. And all of this within a comfortable drive from home!
The retreat was inspired by Yang Sheng, the Chinese art of nourishing life. Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and philosophy, Yang Sheng is about cultivating health, vitality, and emotional well-being through the way we live. It encompasses practices such as Tai Chi and Qi Gong, nourishing foods, physical activity, restorative sleep, a deeper connection to nature and adapting to the changing seasons.
With this philosophy in mind, I designed each part of the retreat to bring Yang Sheng to life.
We arrived in Lenox on a rainy Friday afternoon and settled into our rooms for the weekend. Our inn was a beautifully restored Victorian home built in 1882. With just 12 rooms in the main house, it was cozy and full of character. Each room had its own unique personality. We each had our own room and bathroom!
It was lovingly run by owner and innkeeper, Maureen, whose warm hospitality, incredible homemade breakfasts and baked treats were a highlight.
Friday evening, we enjoyed dinner at an elegant restaurant in Lenox with a creative and distinctive menu. I even ventured into some new culinary territory, trying foie gras and pork cheeks! Our table was beside a beautiful, frosted window, where the soft silhouette of ornamental grass swaying in the wind created a pretty backdrop.
Saturday morning, after a delicious breakfast, we gathered for a Qi Gong workshop to explore natural, efficient breathing from a Qi Gong perspective and sensing our Qi. In traditional Chinese medicine, autumn is associated with the Lungs, making it a particularly meaningful time to explore the breath.
The way we breathe influences our physical health, nervous system, emotional balance, and deepens our Tai Chi and Qi Gong practice. We explored what natural, efficient breathing feels like in our bodies, how the breath gently expands the ribs, lower back, and abdomen (known in Qi Gong as kidney breathing).
The retreat was the perfect setting for this practice. We had the time, nowhere to be or rush to, and nothing to handle. There were no movements to memorize or perfect, just the opportunity to turn our attention inward and experience something so fundamental to our health and Qi Gong practice in a deeper way.
After our workshop, we grabbed our backpacks and hiking gear. Our private driver arrived to take us on our adventures for the day. It was nice to be driven around. We got to enjoy the scenery, and chat with one another without having to worry about driving, navigating, or finding parking.
Tucked away in the mews of charming Stockbridge, we had lunch at a cozy little restaurant serving some truly exceptional food. I had the best butternut squash bisque I've ever tasted, along with an incredible autumn salad and delicious desserts.
After lunch, we enjoyed a scenic drive to Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary for our guided afternoon hike. Our hiking guide, Jeff, led us along a specially planned route through woodland trails, over boardwalks, and past peaceful ponds with mountains in the distance. It was cold, but we were geared up for it. The sun had come out to reward us with a beautiful golden-hour hike. The afternoon light illuminated the colorful hillsides and woodlands, making the scenery especially beautiful. Along the way we saw a beaver lodge!
After our hike, we stopped at Olivia's Overlook for one more beautiful view of the Berkshire landscape before returning to the inn for a little rest.
Saturday evening brought another memorable dinner, this time in a beautifully converted railroad station.
The restaurant had such a great atmosphere, with reminders of its history, including the original ticket window and an old-fashioned cash register. Delicious food, great drinks, and good company made for the perfect end to our day.
One thing I particularly appreciated about all our dining experiences was that they emphasized fresh, locally sourced ingredients and menus that reflected the season.
Sunday brought glorious weather. It was warm, with not a cloud in the brilliant blue sky! Our hike through Kennedy Park offered a different experience and scenery from the day before. The highlight was reaching the summit, where we were rewarded with sweeping mountain views and the chance to sit, rest, and take it all in.
The hikes were an important part of our retreat. Hiking is great exercise! Walking on varied natural terrain challenges our balance, strength, and coordination, engaging muscles in ways that walking on flat surfaces doesn't. And unlike exercising in a gym, we're surrounded by beautiful scenery, breathing fresh air, soaking in sunshine, and enjoying great company. I slept incredibly well afterward, and for days my body had that satisfying feeling of having done something substantial, in the best possible way.
After our hike, we made a quick stop at a local farm to browse its farm store and visit the cows before returning to the inn for a private farewell lunch. It was a lovely way to enjoy one last meal together before heading home.
One of the best parts of the weekend was the people who came. What a wonderful group we were! Conversations flowed naturally, there was plenty of laughter, and everyone brought something special to the experience. It was lovely to see the sense of community that developed over just a few days. We already have a reunion dinner planned for January!
I couldn't be happier with how our first retreat went. It was filled with memorable moments and new friendships.
I'm so grateful to everyone who joined me, and I'm already looking forward to making our autumn Yang Sheng retreat an annual tradition!
Want to see more photos from our retreat? Click here to view the full album
