First Annual Spring Nature Retreat-- Early Spring 2007

We know it’s still cold out, but think spring. The weekend of May 19-20 BTC is reserving Essex Conference Center and Retreat near Crane Beach on Cape Ann for our first ever tai chi and chi gung get-away.

To ensure that we have the entire center to ourselves—all 19 rooms and 18 acres of it—we need at least 20 to sign up by March 1. Newcomers and long-time practitioners alike are welcome. With Melinda, Alan, and Dan teaching, the study part of the event will focus on what comes naturally in a setting that includes Japanese ponds, waterfall, woodland trails, and gardens—learning to connect to the environment. Taoist breathing, opening and closing the body, and feeling energy flow will be basic for newcomers, along with circling hands movements. For the more experienced, we will break into focus groups that may work on circular breathing, advanced pulsing, and deepening the energetic connection between body, earth, and trees. After study, the center has a wood-fired sauna, 10-foot hot tub, “fire circle,” and excellent cuisine, both vegetarian and otherwise.