IMMERSIVE BERKSHIRE: A Holistic Retreat

IMMERSIVE BERKSHIRE: A Holistic Retreat

Where the earth meets your feet, and the sky meets your soul.

Every weekend, we offer a sanctuary for the soul, departing from New York City to the serene landscape of the Berkshires. This is more than a getaway; it is a intentional pause—a chance to trade the city's noise for nature's symphony and reconnect with your deepest self.

A Journey Curated by Nature
We believe in the wisdom of the seasons. Our activities are thoughtfully chosen to harmonize with the rhythm of the natural world, ensuring a unique experience every time. Your retreat may include:

• Summer's Bloom: Lakeside meditation, waterfall swims, bird watching, and farm festivals.
• Autumn's Glow: Forest hiking amidst the fall colors, plenty air painting, and harvest gatherings, Gentle qigong in blooming meadows, gardening workshops, and mindful walks.
• Winter's Silence: Snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and cozy pottery workshops by the fire.
• Spring's Awakening: Gentle qigong in blooming meadows, gardening workshops, and mindful walks.

Nourishment from the Ground Up
Our TCM culinary philosophy is rooted in holistic healing. Each seasonally-inspired meal is prepared with locally-sourced, intentional ingredients designed to support your well-being. Whether you need cleansing, grounding, or rejuvenation, our menus are crafted to nourish your body and complement your transformative journey.

Your Circle of Transformation
To ensure a deeply personal and connective experience, we intentionally keep our circles small. Each retreat is limited to eight women. This allows for genuine connection, personalized attention, and a safe space to be fully present.

We invite you to switch your phone to airplane mode, forget the demands of city life, and fully immerse yourself in a weekend of nature, art, and healing.

Pre-Retreat Preparation: Setting Your Intention

To prepare for your journey, we will guide you every step of the way.

• 🧘‍♀️ Intake Form: We’ll confirm any dietary needs or allergies to ensure your meals are perfectly nourishing.
• 🎒 Packing List: You’ll receive a curated list of essentials to bring you comfort (e.g., journal, cozy scarves, hiking shoes, a reusable water bottle).
• ✨ A Token of Connection: Please bring one small curiosity from nature (a stone, a feather, a leaf) to share your story with the circle.
• 📖 Pre-Reading: To settle your spirit into the landscape, we will send you a beautiful poem about the Berkshires to read on your journey north.

”The mountains are calling, but the heart answers first."

We look forward to welcoming you.

A Retreat to Root & Rise: Berkshire Wellness Weekend

Investment in Your Wellbeing:

• Single Bed Accommodation: $555
• Queen Bed Accommodation: $888

Your all-inclusive retreat package encompasses:

• Lodging for 3 nights in serene Sheffield, MA.
• All Nourishing Meals & Beverages according to seasons and TCM Cooking
• Guided Wellness Practices: Sound therapy with acupuncture, water meditation, Qigong/Taiji/Yoga, tree bath and hugs.
• Unique Experiences: Morning bird awakening, farm market connection, botanical garden exploration, and evening fireside circles.
• A Supportive Community: The gift of connection, shared stories, and heartfelt hugs.

Your Journey: A Three-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Friday – Arrival & Unwinding

• Afternoon: Arrive in Sheffield, MA. Settle into your accommodation after your journey, whether you joined the group train ride to Wassaic or drove yourself.
• Evening: Enjoy a light arriving dinner, allowing your body and mind to begin decompressing. Spend a sweet, relaxed evening gathering your roots and settling into the peaceful surroundings.

Day 2: Saturday – Connection & Flow

• 7:00 AM | Dawn's Awakening: Greet the day with the gentle sounds of birds and a soft bell. Enjoy a breakfast of herbal tea, multi-grain salad, congee, nuts, edamame, eggs, and fresh fruits.
• 9:00 AM | Grounding Movement: Awaken your body with gentle stretching, mindful breathing, and a barefoot walk on the grass. Practice the "Flying Crane" Qigong sequence to open your energy channels.
• 11:00 AM | Farm Market Connection: Explore the GB Farm Market. Sample local honey and foods, and pick one seasonal item that "calls to you." Afterwards, enjoy optional self-guided exploration of the town: find a sentence in a bookshop, browse local gift shops, or discover a piece of art that speaks to you.
• 1:00 PM | Nourished Roots: Savor a lunch prepared by a TCM specialist. We will practice mindful eating, taking the first bite in silence to fully notice the flavors.
• 2:00 PM | Wandering Wonder: Embark on a self-guided “choose-your-own-adventure” at the Berkshire Botanic Garden. Find a favorite plant ally, wander by the lotus water fountain, and enjoy 1.5-2 hours of peaceful exploration.
• 5:00 PM | Water Wisdom: Journey to Umpachene Falls for waterside meditation, or a "Wading Reflection"—standing in shallow water to ponder, "What needs to flow freely in me?" This is followed by breathing and vocal yoga (chanting Om, Ma, Home).
• 6:00 PM | Self-Serve Supper: A shared picnic-style dinner featuring your market finds and a curated menu.
• 7:00 PM | Fireside Circle: Gather around the fire for a sound bath and guided journey, imagining roots growing from your feet and wings from your back. In our sharing circle, reflect on: "Share an adventure that changed you—or one you’re ready to begin.”
• 9:00 PM | Lodge & Let Go: Retire to your accommodation with a sleep ritual of lavender sachets and a whispered “Let go…” as gentle bells chime.

Day 3: Sunday – Deepening & Flight

• 7:00 AM | Dawn’s Gift: Breakfast is served with another wholesome and energizing meal to start the day.
• 9:00 AM | Nature's Embrace: Begin with a nature walk, listening for birdcalls and noting one sound that resonates. Pause at a vista to reflect: "What do you see now that you couldn’t from the city?" Continue with Qigong, a barefoot walk, and the joyful practice of hugging trees. Our movement concludes with sound chanting (Om- Ahhh-Home).
• 10:00 AM | Trail Exploration: Embark on a hike along a section of the Appalachian Trail, learning to recognize and connect with the local plants.
• 1:00 PM | Earth’s Feast: Enjoy a final lunch together, savoring the flavors of the earth.
• 3:00 PM | Acupuncture & Sound Bath: Experience deep restoration as acupuncture needles are gently placed at key points (like Four Gates and BaiHui) while the resonant vibrations of a gong bath wash over you, helping you listen to the earth's breathing and feel grounded.
• 6:00 PM | Farewell Dinner: A final nourishing meal together.
• 7:00 PM | Closing Circle: Our journey culminates in a final fireside circle. We will share reflections on the questions: “What seed will you take home? What thought will you bring back?” followed by joyful dancing around the fire.
• 9:00 PM | Bell-Lit Dreams: Enjoy a final bedtime under the stars, lulled into rest by the soothing sounds of a bell or sound bath.

Day 4: Monday – Return with Renewal

• 6:30 AM | Leisurely Breakfast: A final meal of tea, coffee, eggs, bacon, fruit salad, and more before you depart.
• 8:28 AM | Departure: The group will take the train from Wassaic, arriving at Grand Central Terminal at 10:43 AM, carrying your renewed sense of peace back home.

Nourishing Roots Retreat: Culinary Journey

Our menu is intentionally crafted by TCM specialists to support digestion, cleanse heat-dampness, and nourish your yin. Each dish is designed to be as healing as it is delicious, using fresh, local, and seasonal ingredients.

Guiding Principles:

• Digestive Support & Eliminating Waste: Light cooking methods (steaming, stir-frying) and specific ingredients aid digestion and help the body shed metabolic waste.
• Cleanse Heat-Dampness: Foods that clear excess heat and dampness from the body, often associated with inflammation and sluggishness.
• Hydration & Yin-Nourishing: Soups, congees, and specific desserts replenish fluids and nourish the body's deep, cooling yin energy.

Theme: Digestive Support and eliminate waste;Cleanse heat-dampness;Hydration & Yin-Nourishing

Day 1 (Saturday)

Lunch (主餐)

• 蒸鱼 (Steamed Fish) – Light ginger-scallion seasoning
• Side Dishes (自助小菜)
  • 木耳姜蒜炒西芹百合 (Wood Ear Mushroom, Celery & Lily Bulb Stir-fry)
  • 冬瓜排骨汤 (Winter Melon & Pork Rib Soup)
  • 米饭 (Steamed Rice (white, brown or red) with Farro
• 甜品：绿豆西米枸杞红糖汤 (Mung Bean, Tapioca Pearls, Goji & Red Can Sugar Dessert)

Breakfast/Dinner (自取)

• Multi-Grain Salad (Quinoa, millet, roasted veggies, sesame dressing)
• 甘麦大枣枸杞山药粥 (Sweet Wheat, Red Dates, Goji & Yam Congee)
• Fresh Edamame (Lightly salted)
• Roasted Nuts (Almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, flaxseeds )
• Soft-Boiled Eggs
• Seasonal Fruit Platter (5 types, e.g., apple, kiwi, berries or cheers, pear, papaya, HuoLongGuo, GuiYuan)

Day 2 (Sunday)

Lunch (主餐)

• 三文鱼 (Grilled/Salmon) – Light soy-mirin glaze or steamed with herbs
• Side Dishes (自助小菜)
  • 苦瓜炒蛋 (Bitter Melon stir-fried with eggs,garlic)
  • 清蒸南瓜 (Steamed Pumpkin)
  • 米饭 (Steamed Rice (white, brown or red) with Farro
• 甜品：银耳莲子百合大枣汤 (Snow Fungus, Lotus Seeds, Lily Bulb & Red Date Soup)

Breakfast/Dinner (Self Serving 自取)

Repeated Healthy Options (Same as Day 1 for consistency):

• Multi-Grain Salad / Congee / Nuts / Eggs / Fruits/Fresh Edamame/Veggi
• Farm to table local seasonal food cooking

Balance & Wellness

1. Protein Variety: Fish, eggs, nuts, and legumes (edamame) cover plant/animal sources.
2. Digestive Support and eliminate waste: Pumpkin, Bitter melon, wood ear, and winter melon eliminate waste support weight loss.
3. Hydration & Yin-Nourishing: Both desserts (绿豆汤, 银耳汤) cool the body and replenish fluids.
4. Self-Serve Flexibility: Guests can cooking or adjust portions to their needs.