Cameron's Staff Pick
Qi Medicine: A Silent Qigong and Tea Ceremony Retreat
Cortes Island, Strathcona, BC, Canada
October 11 - 15, 2025
Retreat Highlights
- Active daily qigong session, using the Taoist 5 Qigong set (outdoors when possible)
- Daily tea ceremony
- Yin yoga or meridian stretching practice and guided meditation/inquiry
- Silent meditation and gentle healing sound meditation practices
- Learn the 3 basic qigong principles of how to structure your individual qigong sequence at home
About this Retreat
Stephanie Nosco is a psychotherapist, somatic educator, and dedicated practitioner and student of Qigong, yoga, Chinese medicine, Buddhism, and depth psychology. Residing on the beautiful Vancouver Island, she draws inspiration from her dreams, nature, and the wisdom of the five elements to explore the complexities of the human experience. Her teaching approach weaves together ancient wisdom and modern practices, making abstract concepts relatable and accessible. As a teacher on Glo (formerly YogaGlo), she shares Qigong practices with a global audience and leads silent Qigong and meditation retreats worldwide. Stephanie is also the author of "Follow Your Tao," a book that introduces the physical, psychological, and spiritual functions of the five primary organs in Chinese medicine. Additionally, she conducts comprehensive teacher training programs in Chinese energetics, equipping yoga instructors, bodyworkers, and therapists to work more deeply at the spiritual level of health.
@stephanienosco | www.stephanienosco.com
Catherine (Cat) Reynolds is a Tea Ceremonialist and Nature Mystic. She is an Animist, a follower of the Way, and a daughter of the Mystery. She is a writer, a poet, a storyteller, and often has green-stained fingers and dirt on the soles of her feet from being out in the garden or foraging in the woods. Cat has a Master's degree in East-West Psychology with an additional certificate in Spiritual Counseling. Her work is focused on ecopsychology, connecting people with the animate Earth and sparking remembrance of what it means to be a part of (and not separate from) Nature. Alongside weekly community Tea ceremonies, she also holds one-on-one Tea Journey™ and Deep Listening™ guidance sessions both online and in person.
@the.wildhearted | the-wildhearted.com
Details of this retreat
Experience the medicine of qigong, tea, and nature on this transformative inner journey back to yourself.
Join Qigong teacher, author, and psychotherapist Stephanie Nosco, alongside Tea Ceremonialist and Eco-Somatic guide Catherine Reynolds, for this special silent retreat exploring the art of Qigong and the medicine of Tea Ceremony. We will practice in social silence, encouraging the Shen (mind/attention) to drop deeper into the body, allowing us to listen to our intuitive capacities and increase our potential for healing. Nature will be foundational during our time together, acting as both teacher and sacred container as we engage in outdoor Qigong practice and sit in Tea Ceremony honouring the land and the season.
Held over the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, this immersive retreat draws from the wisdom of Chinese Medicine, Medical Qigong, Five Element theory, and Buddhism to support this seasonal turning point. It is an invitation to release what no longer serves and to honour the harvest of the year with gratitude. As we transition toward winter, we gather to remember our connection to the land, the body, and the deeper cycles that hold us all. Rooted in the animal forms of Qigong, our movement practice will help awaken the instinctual intelligence of the body. Through the playful and grounded shapes of the bear, deer, crane, and seal, we’ll explore how the body mirrors the natural world - teaching us how to shed, rest, and renew.
Each day will include guided Qigong practices, silent meditation, meridian stretching, and self-acupressure, alongside a daily Tea ceremony featuring intentionally selected wild and living teas. These practices are designed to harmonize the themes of the retreat, offering space for stillness, reflection, and integration.
You will leave our time together with embodied tools for daily practice and a deepened relationship with your own rhythms, the land, and the quiet gifts of the season.
Program Highlights
Active daily Qigong session, using the Animal frolic forms (outside where possible)
Daily Tea Ceremony (outside where possible)
Yin yoga or meridian stretching practice and guided meditation/inquiry
Both silent and gentle healing sound meditation practices
Learn the basic Qigong principles of how to incorporate qigong into your daily life
Poppie
Catherine's certified service dog, Poppie, will be on campus for the duration of the retreat.
Testimonial
"I was dealing with some grief and stress and doing Qi gong and sharing tea in a beautiful place felt like it would be just what I needed. It turned out even better than I imagined. I was held by silence and the whole program. I couldn’t recommend more highly!"- Doren Day
Daily Schedule
A detailed schedule will be emailed to you about 30 days prior to your program. Click here to view a sample program schedule.
Accommodation
A variety of accommodations are located throughout our lush campus, ranging in price to suit most budgets. Choose from private, beachfront or ocean facing rooms, dorm-style lodging or cabins that nestle in the quiet seclusion of the forest. Our beautiful campsites are also available, with a cedar bath house conveniently located for your use.
Room fees include all Hollyhock basics, like stimulating presenter evenings, delicious, organic meals, morning yoga/meditation classes, guided naturalist walks and tours of the garden, as well as luxurious soaks in our ocean-view hot-tubs. Telephones and wireless Internet are centrally located.
Room Options Include:
Single: 1 Person
Twin: Couple or Friends, 2 beds.
Couple: Couples or Friends sharing 1 bed.
Family/Friends: 3 or more adult friends or family /2 beds
Dorm: Up to 6 people/bunk beds
Tenting with full-service bath house (bring your own tent and bedding)
Roommates can be assigned, upon request, in twin and dorm rooms only.
Private Cabin Oceanfront
This prized cabin includes one queen bedroom, a common area with fireplace and couch, mini-kitchen, private bathroom, and deck overlooking the ocean. Located on our water's edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi.
Single w/ensuite Oceanfront
Located on our water's edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. These rooms include a queen bed and your own private bathroom. The building has a shared kitchen and living space, with a large deck on the ocean side.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Single w/ensuite
Spacious rooms with a queen bed and private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Single w/shared bathroom
These cozy private rooms have a shared bathroom, and some rooms have a small desk.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Couple w/ensuite Oceanfront
Located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound. These luxurious rooms include your own private bathroom. The building has a shared kitchen and living space, with a large deck on the ocean side.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Couple w/ensuite
These spacious rooms have a queen bed with a private bathroom. Enjoy your own space immersed in nature and the surrounding views.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Couple w/shared bathroom
These cozy private rooms have a queen or double bed and a shared bathroom. Some rooms have a small desk.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Twin w/ensuite oceanfront
This room has two double beds and will be shared by two people. Your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know. The room is located on our water’s edge with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding Desolation Sound, and includes a private bathroom. The building has access to a kitchen and living space with a large deck on the ocean side.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Twin w/ensuite
These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. They are spacious and modern with a queen bed, twin bed, or sofa pull out, and include a private bathroom.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Twin w/shared bathroom
These rooms have two beds and will be shared by two people. You can share with someone you know or your room mate will be chosen at random based on gender. Nested in ferns and blackberry bushes, these cozy and rustic rooms have a shared bathroom. Please be advised some have an external bathhouse.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Three-share w/shared bathroom
These rooms have three beds and will be shared by three people. Your room mates will be chosen at random based on gender, or you can request to share with someone you know.
This comfortable room surrounded by lush green forest has one double bed and two twin beds. A small kitchenette with a small fridge is available. The bathroom is shared with another room.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
Women Dorm
Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom. This option is for female-identified people only.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds.
In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise.
If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.
Men's Dorm
Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 4 people and has its own washroom. This option is for male-identified people only.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds.
In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise.
If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.
Mixed Dorm
Open to all! Rustic and cozy, our dorms are our most economical room option. This dorm can accommodate up to 6 people and has its own washroom.
We have property wide complimentary WiFi, the signal varies from room to room.
All dorm beds are assigned, please ask the reception desk first if you would like to switch beds.
In consideration of other participants in your dorm, if you require an alarm clock, please bring a battery-powered one with no audible noise.
If sound may keep you awake, we recommend bringing ear-plugs with you to ensure a good-night’s rest. If you are a loud snorer, the dorms may not be suitable for you.
Tent Site Single
For nature lovers, set up your tent near cedars and reconnect with nature.
Bathhouse nearby with showers and toilets. Bring your own tent, towels, and all appropriate camping gear. Due to fire safety, cooking on campsites is not permitted. Three meals a day from the Hollyhock kitchen are included in your total cost.
Please be aware that this area is accessed by walking paths only. There may be uneven terrain in the forest.
Stoves, campfires, and recreational vehicles are not allowed on campus.
Tent Site Couple
For nature lovers, set up your tent near cedars and reconnect with nature.
Bathhouse nearby with showers and toilets. Bring your own tent, towels, and all appropriate camping gear. Due to fire safety, cooking on campsites is not permitted. Three meals a day from the Hollyhock kitchen are included in your total cost.
Please be aware that this area is accessed by walking paths only. There may be uneven terrain in the forest.
Stoves, campfires, and recreational vehicles are not allowed on campus.
*For couples attending separate programs, please advise in the comment section. Your reservation will be adjusted and you will receive an updated confirmation.
Commuter
Staying off-site. Includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, and unlimited use of the property’s facilities. If you prefer to have no breakfast or only lunch, please check the appropriate box in your registration form under the commuter question. Lunch is $31 and Dinner is $63 per day, plus tax. Your package and pricing will be updated manually and you will get a second confirmation when we have updated your package. Please call us if you have any questions or would like a different meal arrangement: 1.800.933.6339
Cameron's Staff Pick
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