RETREATS

dynamic chi gung™ and taoist meditation retreat

Joshua Tree - California

HEAL AND STRENGTHEN YOUR BODY
DEVELOP VIBRANT ENERGY
ATTAIN EMOTIONAL BALANCE, MENTAL CLARITY, AND SPIRITUAL GROWTH

Join Andrew Popovic for a life-changing week of ancient Taoist self-development work in the magnificent and spiritually powerful setting of the High Mojave Desert.

During this retreat you will learn to:

•  Clear energy blocks at will
•  Heal and strengthen your physical body
•  Balance your emotions and develop your clarity
•  Connect with the energies of nature and the cosmos

The Dynamic Qigong system has been created by Andrew Popovic as a means of teaching the powerful and life-enhancing Taoist inner arts (Neigong) in a way that is coherent, practical and relevant to the needs of modern life - Qigong for the 21st Century.

It integrates the health and self-development benefits of all the Taoist Qigong sets, as well as of the three internal arts of Tai Chi, Hsing-I and Bagua.

Beginners will find that they grasp the essence of the Taoist inner arts quickly and easily, experienced practitioners will find that their understanding and ability deepens considerably.

Inherent in the Dynamic Qigong system are powerful methods of Taoist meditation, which allow you to become aware of and work with the energies of your surroundings.

Working with the energies of the mountains, waters, atmosphere, trees, and the stars and planets is a core part of higher Taoist energetic and spiritual practice.

Through this connection, you are able to transform your own inner energies and rapidly develop your practice.

The location for the retreat, Joshua Tree, in California's High Mojave Desert, is renowned for its extraordinary energies, which allow you to achieve a profoundly spacious, calm and clear mind, along with vibrant energy.

This is an extraordinary opportunity to make a huge leap forward in your personal development, thanks to the combination of these practices and the unique environment.

About the Location

Joshua Tree is located in the High Mojave desert (3,000ft elevation) 45 minutes drive from Palm Springs and 2.5 hours drive from Los Angeles.

It is renowned as a place of natural beauty, with a famous national park of the same name. People travel from the world over to hike its magnificent scenery, rock climb and just soak up the desert vibes. Life's tensions tend to melt away just being there.

The boundless space, rugged mountains and starry skies have to be experienced!

Accommodation is plentiful, with many reasonably priced motels in the area.
There are inexpensive restaurants and cafes within easy reach.

All modern conveniences are on hand nearby, in the town of Yucca Valley.

Being high desert, the weather is relatively temperate, but naturally the sun is strong almost every day of the year. In September the average daily temperature is a pleasant 80°F, and there is very low humidity.

About the Retreat

The retreat will start on the afternoon of Sunday 20th Sep. with an introduction and first session. It will end at 12pm on Sat. 26th.

Andrew will personally teach for 6 hours a day at a beautiful 5 acre private location high on the mesa, with magnificent views of the surrounding mountains.

The morning sessions will run from 8.30am to 12pm.
Excellent healthy lunch is available for around $8, just 5 minutes away, with a choice of two natural food cafes:
http://www.crossroadscafeandtavern.com and http://www.ricochetjoshuatree.com
There is also excellent Thai and Mexican food within 5 mins.

Before the afternoon session begins at 4pm, you can rest, practice, or explore the local area, including the world famous Joshua Tree National Park (entrance just 3 miles away). If you are a keen photographer, you will be in for a treat!

Afternoon teachings will run from 4pm until 6.30pm, followed by the stunning desert sunset viewed from the vantage point of the retreat venue, which has 70-mile visibilty.

At night you may want to rest or practice, or just lie back and watch the incredible starry skies - you're almost guaranteed to see shooting stars. If you are in need of a little entertainment, there is colourful local flavour and great music at: http://www.pappyandharriets.com (Robert Plant sometimes drops in and plays!) and http://www.thejoshuatreesaloon.com

As an added bonus, there may be a fun and exciting opportunity to learn and engage in outdoor skills with accomplished wilderness guide Ben Gilbert (Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society - and Qigong Instructor). (Depending on Ben's schedule this year)

It's set to be a profound and life-changing week, and also a great time in a wonderfully unique and beautiful place. Simply being here is a liberating and uplifting experience, and you'll feel the stress of daily life effortlessly melt away...

Travel

From Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is an easy and direct 2.5 hour drive east on the I-10 freeway.

Flights to Los Angeles from the UK are twice daily on several airlines. Virgin Atlantic, British Airways and Air New Zealand are major carriers on that route.

Car hire is reasonable and plentiful from the major hire companies, all located at the airport (LAX) in LA. Budget, Alamo, and National usually give the best rates. Also, Auto Europe may offer a good package deal including insurance.

It is essential to have a car as there is no public transport from L.A., or in the Joshua Tree area. Participants are encouraged to carpool, please email for details.

Accommodation

The following links are to a selection of local accommodation:

www.sacredsands.com         www.joshuatreeinn.com    www.joshuatreemotel.com

www.deserthideaway.com     www.oasisofeden.com      www.bestwestern.com

Retreat Fees

To give people flexibility for accommodation and food, and to keep prices low, the pricing of this retreat is on a tuition-only basis. Accommodation should be arranged independently by retreat participants - of course we are happy to advise.

Further Information

There is lots of information on the web about the Joshua Tree area.

For advice on travel & accommodation or any further questions please feel free to email.

WORKSHOPS

Workshops       Retreats       Talks

Book Now to Ensure Your Place

Workshops, Retreats & Public Talks led by Andrew Popovic and his team of highly trained and experienced Instructors.
Please note that in order to maintain the highest standards of training at these events, participant numbers are strictly limited. Early booking is recommended.

HEAVEN & EARTH Qigong Workshop

HEAL NECK, BACK AND JOINT PROBLEMS
ACHIEVE DEEP PHYSICAL AND MENTAL RELAXATION
OPEN YOUR ENERGETIC SYSTEM AND RELEASE BLOCKAGES

Considered the most powerful single-movement Qigong ever created, this is a deep and highly effective Taoist Neigong (inner work) system, yet simple to learn. You will learn to release your spine and spinal ligaments, pulse your joints and internal spaces of the body, gather and release macrocosmic chi and develop the microcosmic orbit of your energy. Its name comes from the practice of unifying the energies of Heaven and Earth in your Tantien energy centre during this practice.

Heaven and Earth Qigong leaves you highly relaxed both mentally and physically, with a great sense of physical comfort. It is extremely effective for healing back and neck problems, and joint disorders. Suitable for all.

This workshop will focus on the deep relaxation and releasing of your body and Chi flow.

Suitable for all.

Workshops, Retreats & Public Talks