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A Little Mountain Air, a Lot of Qi:

Our 2026 Swiss Alps Retreat

By Dr. Mao Shing Ni

There’s something about the Swiss Alps that makes you want to take a deep breath, slow down, and forget about your to-do list. Perhaps it’s the crisp mountain air, the spectacular peaks, or the peaceful rhythm of life. Whatever the reason, I can’t think of a better place to spend a few days cultivating health, happiness, and a little wisdom along the way. That is why I keep coming back to this magical place!

This year, we returned to the beautiful Hôtel Balance for our 2026 Taoist retreat, bringing together a wonderful group of people eager to recharge their batteries, learn something new, and reconnect with themselves. Our theme was Activate Qi: Healing from Within, but the experience was about much more than learning Qi Gong. It was about remembering how good it feels to simply be alive!

Imagine waking up surrounded by mountains, beginning the day with gentle movement, deep breathing, and meditation, followed by delicious, nourishing food and open-hearted conversations. No frantic schedules, no endless emails, and, best of all, permission to do absolutely nothing once in a while.



Of course, we did plenty of things, too!



We practiced Tai Chi, Dao-In, and Five Element Self-Healing Qi Gong, learning how simple movements can help us release tension, improve energy, and restore balance. We explored the Five Elements and discovered how our personalities, emotions, and physical health are interconnected.

And those who joined the special Eight Treasures Qi Gong pre-retreat training led by Master Instructor Claire Cunneen ventured into the fascinating world of the Eight Extraordinary Vessels—the deep reservoirs of energy that Taoist masters have cultivated for centuries.

Another special highlight was Yu-Shing’s teaching debut, guiding participants through Dao-In exercises that combined gentle stretching, mindful movement, breathwork, and meditative postures to awaken and harmonize Qi and calm the Shen (spirit). It was a joy to see the next generation carrying forward our Taoist traditions with fresh energy and enthusiasm!

One of my favorite parts of these retreats is watching people discover that Taoist practices don’t have to be mysterious or complicated. Sometimes a simple stretch, a few conscious breaths, or a quiet moment beneath a tree can change how we feel.

Speaking of trees, our Tree Meditation gave everyone a chance to connect with nature on a more personal level. We also explored Taoist talisman calligraphy, turning our intentions into meaningful symbols, and enjoyed contemplative exercises designed to help us peel away old habits, worries, and expectations.

Our guiding invitation was “Peel Off Layers. Reveal the Truth.”

And somewhere between the Qi Gong, the meditations, the mountain scenery, and the shared meals, something wonderful happened. People begin to relax, conversations become more meaningful, and laughter comes more easily. We remember that life is not meant to be one long exercise in getting things done.

There was plenty of time for friendship, reflection, and simply enjoying the beauty around us. After all, the Tao teaches us to live in harmony with nature, and the Swiss Alps provide a pretty convincing classroom!

As a doctor, I spend much of my time helping people recover their health. But I believe our greatest opportunity lies in learning how to cultivate wellness before illness takes hold. That is what these retreats are really about: taking ancient wisdom out of the books and bringing it into our everyday lives.

More than a wonderful experience, the retreat left everyone returning home with greater clarity about what truly matters and a commitment to making meaningful changes—whether improving their health, practicing daily Qi Gong, or letting go of old habits. After all, the real transformation begins when we put these insights into everyday life. What good is finding inner peace in the Swiss Alps if we lose it the moment we open our email inbox?

Why Wait for Next Year? Your Journey Can Begin Today!

The good news is that you don’t need to travel halfway around the world or wait another year to begin your own transformation. The Tao is available to us wherever we are! Start with ten minutes of Qi Gong, a daily meditation, healthier food choices, or simply making time to reconnect with yourself. Small changes, practiced consistently, can lead to profound results.

And you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We have a wealth of resources to help you along the way. Explore my books, guided meditations, and instructional audio and video downloads at TaoStar.com. Deepen your practice through classes and workshops at the College of Tao, or discover the healing wisdom of Chinese medicine through programs at Yo San University. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned practitioner, there’s always something new to learn and experience.

Remember, the purpose of a retreat is not just to feel wonderful for a few days. It’s to inspire a way of living that helps us feel better every day. Your next chapter of health and happiness can begin right now, right where you are.

Shall We Do it Again in 2027?

Absolutely! Mark your calendar for September 23–26, 2027

If you’ve ever dreamed of spending a few days in the breathtaking Swiss Alps while learning practical ways to feel healthier, calmer, and more energized, I hope you’ll consider joining us next year. You don’t need to be an experienced meditator, know anything about Taoism, or be able to twist yourself into a pretzel. Just bring comfortable clothes, comfortable shoes, an open mind and heart, and a little curiosity. We’ll provide the teachings, the practices, the camaraderie, and a beautiful setting in which to rediscover yourself. The mountains will take care of the rest. We do, however, cap attendance at just 25 participants to preserve the intimate experience, so once those spaces are filled, latecomers go on the waitlist.

Come for the mountains. Stay for the Qi. Return home with a little more joy, vitality, and peace.

Visit ChiRivers.com for information about our 2027 Swiss Alps Retreat, and register now to secure your space. And in the meantime, don’t wait to start living a healthier, happier life. The journey begins today! I hope to see you there!



2026 COT Shrine & Retreat Center

Retreats at the Tao Guan (Spiritual Retreat)

A Tao Guan is a place, though it literally means to observe your life objectively. ...Positive endeavors can originate in and flourish from the spiritual nurturing found in a Tao Guan. ...always centered around a shrine, it invites harmonious interchange with natural spirits and deities. It also gives recognition to such human qualities as morality, decency, sanity, independence, mellowness, love of nature, universal love and other positive virtues.

Workbook for Spiritual Development, Hua-Ching Ni, 244

Comments from our Retreat participants:

"A quiet, secluded setting, wholesome nutrition, and the company of like-minded people—all of this allows for rest, recovery, and rejuvenation. The subtle energy of the mountains, the infinitely beautiful sky, and the light of the stars—all these elements foster deeper practices. Each year, I come to know myself a little better; I observe and I do the work. This depth is boundless, and the very process of self-discovery and self-mastery is fascinating. Thank you." ~Elena Babienko



"For me, spending time at the Oregon Retreat Center is always a deeply moving experience.

Living, practicing, and working in the silence of this place, with its incredibly powerful yet gentle energy, brings me closer to my roots and my true origin. 

Spending time together and sharing experiences, with people who follow the Integral Way of Life is very enriching for me.

I wrote a little poem about how it feels to be there.

"Silent, yet alive,

Infinite abundance.

I feel open-hearted,

Egg-shaped, spiraling,

Giving and receiving" ~Pia Schibler

"The 50 Step Harmony Tai Chi Retreat and the Tao Guan experience is the experience of Heaven on Earth. It cannot be put into words. You have to experience it for yourself. And you can quote me on this." ~John Horvath

"I look forward to this retreat each year as a time to refine myself, and learn with others these amazing tools of self discovery. And in a beautiful valley that holds us while we work. Thank you for the opportunity." ~Jason Moskovitz

"I always find a deeper level of Harmony Tai Chi every time I attend the Harmony Tai Chi retreat in Oregon. Dr. Mao shows us all hidden treasures to advance and expand our own personal spiritual practice.



The camaraderie is also very enjoyable." ~Curt Callison

"Orienting to the North Star and Big Dipper, communing with the sky realms while on this beautiful land, facilitates a deep integration. The Shrine nourishes both our inner alchemy and our spiritual connection to one another. We gather in this friendly place with the shared focus of self-improvement. Practicing among such sincere companions is truly a joyous blessing.

The purity & wisdom of OmNi is present everywhere. The Guardians watch over us. “The Encourager of Great Harmony” and Yo San Ni are a tangible presence. Working so closely with Dr. Mao, Peter, and every participant deeply nourishes my development. Together we refine our dedicated lives in service to the Integral Way.

Each return here, humbles me. I am grateful for the opportunity, privilege, and honor to serve and to receive such rich benefits. Being here renews, recalibrates and revitalizes. Returning to our root, we rest in deep quietude and calm." ~Amira Kusala

"If you yearn for the sound of natural silence, the retreat center in Oregon is the spot! Perfect oasis for a city dweller like myself. During the day – a beautiful grounding silence. And I mean silent! Perhaps a distant falcon cry or a crow in the distance could be heard. Crickets at night. In such a remote location, the evening stars are too many to count – a heavenly treasure chest.

The shrine house is aligned with the North Star, allowing easy reference and connection during the day. Perfect for the objective and practices of this “Great Harvest of the Whole” retreat!

Unlike the other wonderful College of Tao retreats with larger groups, the small number gathered in Oregon enabled a deeper level of spiritual focus and quietude.  Every participant being a seasoned practitioner of the Integral Way enabled us to enjoy more emphasis on practice with less instruction necessary. I’ll be back!" ~Bill Cribben

"I express my gratitude to the Ni Family - Omni, Dr. Mao, and Dr. Dao and the College of Tao for the use of the Shrine and Retreat Center for our Autumn retreats and for all your teaching of Tao. And to Yo San Ni and Chen Te Yi for the transmission of their spiritual wisdom during our immersive studies. 

To my spiritual friends who made the journey to cultivate in Great Nature, thank you for your help and support of this unique property that allows cultivators to enhance their spiritual progress and the progress of the world. And to the Pure Spirits of the natural energy environment, I give gratitude for your presence, teaching and protection. 

With support of All, these retreats can be continued. With respect to the Great Heart," ~Peter Stege

Join us for 2027 Oregon Retreats

We gather at the beautiful College of Tao Retreat Center in Oregon yearly during the Late Summer and Autumn for the Sister's of the Universal Heavenly Way, Harmony Tai Chi, and other retreats. Consider spending time to retreat into the unique and pristine energy of this Tao Guan.

European Online Classes

The Dao-In and Harmony Tai Chi classes started this past week.

If you wish to join in and catch up with the recording,

feel welcome to enroll now. 

Harmony Tai Chi - Online

7 Tuesdays, 6 - 7pm CET, Oct 27 - Dec 8

Info & registration

Dao-In, Taoist Yoga & Meditation - Online  

6 Thursdays, 6 - 7:15pm CET, Oct 29 - Dec 3

Info & registration

Sunday, November 1, 2026

American Daylight Savings Time Ends

Note: Spiritual Renewal Ceremony Nov. 1, 7:00 am PT

Complimentary Zoom Offerings

from the College of Tao Community

Open to All

Traditional Chinese Medicine Nutrition Course

for individuals and professionals

First, help yourself

then become certified

to help others.

Monthly Live Zoom Class

Self-paced

Open Enrollment

Eat as though your life depends on it.



Yo San University

Offerings

2026 YSU Graduates -

Enroll for January 2027 & Receive 30% Off DAOM Tuition!

All YSU Alumni Receive 15% Off Tuition

"After each weekend of classes I always felt like there was something I had learned during the weekend where I could use in my daily practice." - Dr. Ramona Deonauth (DAOM)

New CEU Classes every month!

“This book is dedicated to the Undivided Oneness of the Universe

and to those seekers of Truth who choose to be like a mirror

reflecting its exquisite, immortal nature.”~OmNi

Dedication from the I Ching.

Taoist Astrology

November brings us to the threshold of winter. The vibrant colors of autumn begin to fade, daylight grows shorter, and nature gradually withdraws its energy beneath the surface. Trees have released their leaves, animals prepare for the colder months, and the earth becomes quieter. This seasonal transition reminds us that rest and renewal are essential parts of life.

In Chinese astrology, November enters the Ji Hai (己亥) month—Earth over Water—within the Bing Wu Fire Horse year. Ji represents Earth, the fertile soil that nourishes and supports life. Hai represents Water, the element of winter, wisdom, adaptability, and our deepest reserves of vitality.



This combination is quite different from October’s strong double-Earth influence. October encouraged us to strengthen foundations and complete unfinished business. November introduces a more fluid and introspective quality. Earth provides structure and stability, while Water encourages us to move inward, reflect, and conserve our energy.

Brothers of the Integral Way

October 2026

“If you think you know something but are unable to do it in your life, then you have not attained true knowledge.”

~Hua-Ching Ni,Eternal Light, 91



 This teaching is a big issue for students of Tao, for they may fall into the trap of treating spiritual development the same as intellectual learning. Spiritual development is not about knowing, it is about embodiment. Surely, intellectual understanding is the first step, and students must proceed to the next step, which is making the knowledge live. Then, a teaching is no longer just an idea that is mulled over intellectually, it is a truth that is realized in you.

Our next meeting is November 1st, 10:00 am PT.

To join us, please email Rob Bruce:

RBTBRC@yahoo.com

"Before touching the formed, I rest in the unformed."

Sisters of the Universal Heavenly Way

"Only by realizing my pristine nature

can I fulfill the true significance of life.”

~Hua Ching Ni

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