The Three Pillars of Self-Care: An Enhanced Qigong Retreat (Level 1-2) with Taoist Meditation & Lifestyle Practices
with Donna MacKenzie
October 26 - 31, 2025
The Importance of Self-Care
To live a healthy and peaceful life is to have a relaxed body and a peaceful mind. When the body is relaxed and at ease, energy will flow naturally. When the mind is still, it will embrace qi and strengthen the body. In the Taoist arts of health and longevity, qigong simultaneously cultivates both a peaceful body and a peaceful mind.
How do we achieve this? By understanding and practicing self-care with awareness and gentleness. In the modern world, where demands are ever-increasing, self-care is more important than ever. It allows us to meet the challenges of life with ease, to appreciate the simplicity of good living, and to experience the gifts of health and well-being.
The Three Pillars of Self-Care: Qigong, Meditation, & Lifestyle
Qigong, meditation, and lifestyle—these are the Three Pillars of Self-Care. When the body is relaxed, energy flows. When the mind is calm, it strengthens the body. When we live simply and in harmony with nature, both physical health and mental clarity arise.
Learning Self-Care
Whether you wish to begin your journey toward better physical health and mental well-being, revisit the teachings of Qigong Levels 1-2, or dive deeper into a more enriched environment where qigong, meditation, and lifestyle teachings intertwine, this program is for you.
Techniques for Health, Well-being & Longevity
In this program, we will explore:
•Cultivating the Body: Learn six classic qigong techniques to relax the body, along with two standing postures that gather internal energy. We’ll also engage in the Nine Self-Massage and Twelve Devas Tendon Changing System—methods for enhancing flexibility, strengthening bones, tendons, and muscles, and repairing physical injuries.
•Meditation: Practice Taoist meditation to cultivate a peaceful and intelligent mind, using internal observation to understand and transform your consciousness.
•Lifestyle: Delve into Taoist guidelines for balancing the various aspects of life—public, domestic, private, and spiritual—and the energetic impact each has on our well-being.
•Walking with Awareness in Nature: Explore Taoist practices to sharpen your senses and deepen your connection with the natural world at Dorje Denma Ling.
Qigong for Health and Longevity
Qigong is a form of gentle, relaxing exercise designed to strengthen the body, calm the mind, and promote longevity. It integrates movement, breath, and qi—internal energy—to enhance flexibility, stimulate circulation, and clarify the mind. The practice of qigong helps us understand that physical health and mental well-being are closely aligned. As the body becomes more relaxed, qi flows more freely. As the mind becomes still, it nourishes the body and strengthens qi.
Levels 1 & 2: A Journey of Health and Well-being
This week, we will focus on Levels 1 & 2, which are always taught together.
•Qigong Level 1: Learn six classic techniques to relax the body, and two postures of standing qigong that gather internal energy.
•Qigong Level 2: Discover how to guide qi through the body using the Nine Self-Massage techniques.
•Twelve Devas Tendon Changing: Finish the program by learning this powerful qigong practice, which is renowned for its ability to repair physical injuries and strengthen the musculoskeletal system.
There are no requirements. If you wish to get started on improving your physical health and mental well-being, this program is for you.
This is a rare opportunity to receive instruction in two unique qigong lineages, the Pre-Celestial Limitless Gate School (Xiantianwujimen) and the Yiquan School. Xiantianwujimen was founded in the Song dynasty (circa 10th 
to 12th centuries) by Daoist sage Chen Xiyi, who is recognized as “the father of qigong.”
Who Should Attend
This retreat is open to everyone who is interested in experiencing the benefits of Qigong practice.
Graduates of Levels 1 and 2 may continue their journey with Level 3 – 5, which are offered regularly at various practice centres. However, there is no need to continue through the levels: Levels 1 and 2 provide significant health benefits if practiced on a regular basis.
Costs
All prices are in $CAD. Please consider paying by e-transfer, cheque, or cash. Saving transaction fees helps us keep the Centre going.
Tuition & Meals: $625
Lodging: Extra: varies by type. Visit the Registration Form or this page for a list of options and pricing.
Generosity Policy: We have a donor-supported pay what you can policy and scholarships available. If you need financial assistance in order to attend, please complete this form and our Finance Director will contact you. If you have questions or would like to set up a payment plan, contact our Finance Department at finance@dorjedenmaling.com.
Covid Considerations
Please read the full details of our Covid policy here.
Registration and Cancellation Policies
Please take note that our registration and cancellation policies have been updated. You can read our registration and cancellation policies here.
Useful Links
About the Leader
Donna MacKenzie
Donna began studying with Dr. Eva Wong in 2010. She is a Zen Buddhist practitioner, taught yoga for 14 years, currently works as an ecologist and a cook, plays music, and spends her time between Southern Ontario and Nova Scotia.
Learn more about Donna MacKenzieCategories : Featured Events, On-Land Programs & Events, Public Program