Cameron's Staff Pick

Eliminating Obstacles Through Reconnection with the Five Elements

Name: Eliminating Obstacles Through Reconnection with the Five Elements
Start: 2026-05-21
End: 2026-05-24
Location: Menla
Rating: 4.8

4.8020 reviews

375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States

May 21 - 24, 2026

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Bair

Details of this retreat

Rejuvenation & Self-Healing Through Ancient Tibetan Wisdom

This retreat aims at Eliminating Obstacles (Geksel) through reconnecting with the Five Elements, Five Chakras, and Five Inner Lights, which help us to understand our nature and supports us in meeting life’s challenges with clarity, balance, and awareness. Rooted in the wisdom of Tibetan Buddhism and Sowa Rigpa (Science of Healing), participants are guided to explore their unique elemental constitution and to understand how the Five Elements — Space, Wind, Fire, Water, and Earth — guide body, energy, and mind.

Through experiential teachings and meditative practice, this retreat offers an accessible yet profound introduction to Tibetan Medicine, suitable for both experienced practitioners and those new to meditation. The intention is to cultivate a deeper connection with one’s true nature, supporting self-healing and the healing of others, emotional balance, and embodied understanding through the integration of ancient wisdom and contemplative practices.

Thursday, May 21

3 - 6 pm Arrival and Check-in
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Welcome Program: The Philosophy of Sowa Rigpa

Friday, May 22

7 - 8 am Early Morning Program (Tibetan Yoga)
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm The Five Elements: Subtle and Gross Elements, Elemental Cycles, and the Five Internal Elements
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3 pm Break / Integration Time
3 - 5:30 pm The Three Humors
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Evening Program: Shanglon Practice

Saturday, May 23

7 - 8 am Early Morning Program (Tibetan Yoga)
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Discovering Your Body and Mind Constitution
12:30 - 1:30 pm Lunch
1:30 - 3 pm Break / Personal Practice
3 - 5:30 pm Introduction to Eliminating Obstacles Practice
6 - 7 pm Dinner
7:30 - 9 pm Eliminating Obstacles Meditation Practice

Sunday, May 24

7 - 11 am Check-out of Rooms
7 - 8 am Sang Offering to Shanglon
8 - 9 am Breakfast
9:30 am - 12 pm Eliminating Obstacles Practice & Questions
12:30 – 1:30 pm Lunch & Departure

*Please note this schedule is subject to change.

Getting Here

Menla, 375 Panterkill Road PO Box 70 Phoenicia, NY 12464 United States

Accommodation

Deluxe Queen

Deluxe Queen Room with Queen Bed and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Queen Rooms are Available in Lhasa Inn and Kathmandu House * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations

Deluxe Double (Shared Room)

Deluxe Double Room with Two Full Size Beds and Private Bathroom Free Phone and Hi-Speed Wifi Internet Access Available Air Conditioning All Rooms in Lhasa are Handicap-Accessible, Including Four Rooms with Wheelchair Accessible Showers. Deluxe Double Rooms with Private Bathrooms are Located in the Lhasa Inn * Please note rates include meals and accommodations. This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You a Roommate if You Do Not Register with One.

Economy Premium Single - Shared Bath

Standard Premium Single Room with a Queen or Full Bed and Shared Bathroom Up to 10 guests share two large bathrooms. Each bathroom has two shower stalls and two toilets. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Upper Level Of Conference Center. All calls are free of charge This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Single - Shared Bath

Standard Single Room with a Twin Bed and Shared Bathroom Bathroom is Shared with One to Six Other Guests on Your Floor. A phone is not available but high-speed WiFi is available in the room Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note rates include meals and accommodations.

Economy Double - Shared Bath (Shared Room)

Standard Double with Twin Beds and Shared Bathroom The bathroom is Shared with other rooms on the same floor. High-speed Wi-Fi is available in the room. Phone Access Available in Nearby Conference Center and also Lhasa in Business Center. All calls are free of charge. This Lodging Type is not ADA Compliant. * Please note that rates include meals and accommodations * Please note: this is an open door policy room, meaning there are no keys to lock the door (we have lockers you can use at Lhasa if needed) * This booking is for one bed in a double shared room: We May Assign You Roommates if You Do Not Register with others

Customer Reviews

4.80 out of 5.0 average rating

Maya • Mar 04, 2026

5.0

Verified

Peace and serenity

I really enjoyed my stay at menla. I slept well and I liked the classes. The grounds were beautiful too. It reminded me of college. I liked the food and the people were nice too. I think it’s a great place to go if you want to unplug and get away from it all.

Kate • Feb 25, 2026

5.0

Verified

A long weekend retreat in February

The setting was beautiful and the food was healthy, delicious, and plentiful! The housing and meeting rooms were beautifully colored and airy.
The staff was helpful and pleasant, but didn't overwhelm.
I would definitely come back to Menla for another retreat.

Colleen • Feb 25, 2026

5.0

Verified

Love my time at Menla

This was my second visit to Menla and it did not disappoint. The accommodations are lovely and comfy, the food is delish, the staff super friendly and the grounds are simply breathtaking. The retreat, Healing with the Elements: Breathwork, Yoga & Nervous System Reset, and the programs led by Sheila and Jackie were amazing and a little life-changing :)
I spent the whole weekend filled with peace and serenity. I cannot wait to go back!
Colleen R.

Victoria • Feb 25, 2026

5.0

Verified

Winter retreat

The serenity and beauty of a winter retreat can't be understated. The staff were kind and helpful and the food was amazing.
I had a Thai massage in the yurt that was exceptional. My room as cozy and comfortable in the conference center building- everything you need. The hot tea station was much appreciated.

Helen • Jan 22, 2026

5.0

Verified

An amazing experience, as always!

Menla impresses me year after year. The feeling is like none other. Spiritual, safe, calm, even when the outer world is chaos. The staff are not just friendly, but make Menla feel at home and the event seamless, no matter the weather or obstacles that seem to pop up. My members had an incredible experience. We will continue to come back year after year to host the retreat in this magical place!

Eliminating Obstacles Through Reconnection with the Five Elements

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Bair Manzarkhan, LMT

Details of this retreat

Getting Here