191 Cragsmoor Road, Cragsmoor, New York 12566, USA
March 27 - 29, 2026
About this Retreat
Bob Blanton has over 47 years of experience in the martial arts, 33 of which have been dedicated to the study and practice of Tai Chi and QiGong. For over 20 years Bob has devoted his time to a deeper study of the principals and forms of these arts. His dedication to his daily practices is the foundation and the pillar for all the other activities of his life.
Madalina Blanton is a Reiki Master Teacher, Family Constellation facilitator and spiritual artist with a private practice based in Maplewood NJ. She has been certified as a Reiki Master Teacher and Spiritual Counselor after a 550 hours program at the Open Center in NY, taught by the late Margaret Ann Case. Madalina has been prcticing and teaching since 2006.
After a successful career as a designer of children's books Madalina decided to dedicate her time to healing practices. Through her personal healing journey, she learned that lasting transformation happens when we bring awareness to all aspects of our being and fully engage our soul energy. She brings gentle care, compassion and deep attention to her clients, blending her knowledge of the visual arts, her passion for energy work, homeopathy and nutrition to help her clients and students reawaken their own source of creativity, expanded energy and ultimately their well-being.
www.soultoearthhealing.com
Details of this retreat
RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
Sometimes peace can seem elusive—but the practices of Qigong and the Reiki System of Healing nurture an inner calm and innate wisdom that together can generate holistic wellbeing.
Both traditions draw their roots from Buddhist teachings and practices. While Qigong practice helps you improve the function of your internal organs by cultivating personal Qi (energy), Reiki enables you to channel universal energy, recreating an internal order that in turn facilitates self-healing. Both foster directed, focused awareness that amplifies self-knowledge and self-regulation, the basis for creating peace within and without.
"Bob’s passion for his practice makes his teaching very engaging and easy to understand. His presentation and exercises were something I can take home with me."
"Reiki with Madalina is always a healing experience, and the information she shared was deeply insightful. I really liked that she provided an overview of the scientific evidence for Reiki."
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
By combining the practices of qigong and reiki, this program provides a holistic set of tools—philosophy, background, and exercises—designed to bring ease during times of stress, anxiety or confusion.
Qigong (pronounced “chee-gong”) is an ancient Chinese practice that combines gentle movement, breath control, and focused awareness to cultivate and balance the body’s vital energy—known as qi (or chi). The word “qigong” literally means “energy work” or “skill in working with energy.” Both a mind-body exercise and a philosophy of living, qigong may help reduce stress by lowering cortisol, improve balance and coordination, boost your mood and mental acuity—even enhance your immune function.
Over this weekend, you will learn how to move and circulate the Qi in your body and how to cultivate and nurture different kinds of Qi. You will be introduced to “Five Animals Frolic”, “Small Celestial Circuit”, “Xi Sui Jing” (Bone mearrow cleansing).
Reiki (pronounced “RAY-kee”) is a Japanese healing modality that uses gentle touch or hands held near the body to promote relaxation, stress reduction, and overall wellbeing. It is based on the idea that a subtle life force energy flows through all living things. When this energy is strong and balanced, people experience better health and emotional harmony; when it’s weak or blocked, illness or stress may result. By encouraging the natural flow of energy, a Reiki practitioner helps the body’s own healing processes. People describe the process as deeply calming, often comparing it to meditation or energy-based relaxation therapy.
This weekend will offer an introduction to Reiki history, Reiki principles and you will receive an attunement and learn to channel Reiki for the self care protocol. This is not Reiki level 1, but it offers the beginning step into personal care.
How Reiki and Qigong Each Foster Wellbeing
Aspect
Reiki
Qigong
Origin
Japan (developed by Mikao Usui, early 1900s)
China (roots over 2,000 years old, part of Traditional Chinese Medicine)
Meaning
“Universal life energy” (Rei = universal, Ki = life force)
“Energy work” or “skill in working with life energy” (Qi = life energy, Gong = skill/cultivation)
Core Method
Hands-on (or hands-above) energy healing; typically performed lying or sitting still
Gentle movement, breathing, and mental focus; can be standing, sitting, or moving
Main Focus
Channeling universal energy to support healing, balance, and relaxation
Cultivating and circulating your own internal energy for health and vitality
Experience During Practice
Deep stillness, warmth, tingling, calm; feels meditative and nurturing
Flowing, grounded, energized; feels meditative yet physically engaging
Physical Activity Level
Passive (you receive or give energy)
Active (you move the body with intention)
Spiritual Element
Emphasizes compassion, and mindfulness
Focuses on harmony between body, breath, and nature
Health Benefits (Research-Linked)
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Promotes relaxation and sleep
- Supports pain management
- Enhances emotional well-being
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Improves balance and coordination
- Supports heart and lung function
- Boosts mood and immune health
For Stress Relief
Excellent for calming the mind and releasing emotional tension
Excellent for grounding the body and calming the nervous system through breath and movement
For Energy & Vitality
Helps restore balance and gentle rejuvenation
Builds lasting energy (“Qi”) and physical strength
For Sleep & Relaxation
Deeply soothing; often leads to restful sleep after a session
Relaxing yet energizing; may help regulate sleep patterns over time
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS
Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
Qigong practices
Reiki instruction
Guided meditations
Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
Extensive library of dharma books
Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna and walking trails
OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for all.
SCHEDULE
(subject to change)
Friday, March 27
3:00 PM
Check in begins
6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner
7:15-9:00 PM
Welcome and Introduction
Discussion on Retreat Mind
Introduction to the Weekend Material
10:00 PM
Lights Out
Saturday, March 28
7:00-8:00 AM
Qigong Practice: 5 Animals Frolic
8:00-8:45 AM
Breakfast
9:00-11:30 AM
Reiki Teaching and Meditation
11:30 AM-12:00 PM
Qigong Practice: Small Celestial Circuit
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00-2:00 PM
Personal Time
2:00-2:30 PM
Reiki Attunement
2:30-4:00 PM
Reiki Teaching: Selfcare Protocol
4:00-5:00 PM
Personal Time and Practice
5:00-6:00 PM
Qigong Practice: Xi Sui Jing
6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner
7:00-8:00 PM
3 Diamonds Reiki Meditation
8:00-10:00 PM
Fire Pit, optional (weather permitting)
10:00 PM
Lights out
Sunday, March 29
7:00-8:00 AM
Qigong Practice: 5 Animals Frolic
8:00-8:45 AM
Breakfast
9:00-10:00 AM
Qigong Practice: Xi Sui Jing
10:15-11:15 AM
Reiki Circle
11:15 AM-12:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Q&A
12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00 PM
Checkout and Departure
Verified
