Five Elements Qigong Retreat
12-16 August 2026 The Mill Retreat Centre, Northern France
Join us for a deeply nourishing, five-day Qigong retreat set in the lush and tranquil landscape of Northern France.
At The Mill Retreat Centre, nestled in 30 acres of woodland, riverbanks, wetlands, and a 10-acre lake, you will reconnect with the rhythms of nature and the energies of the Five Elements — water, wood, fire, earth, and metal — through gentle yet powerful movement, meditation, and reflection.
What You Will Experience
- Elemental Qigong Practices
Twice daily Qigong sessions designed around the Five Element framework, each tailored to cultivate balance, vitality, and harmonious flow. - Mindful Learning & Reflection
Guided discussions that explore how the Five Element system maps onto our personality, health, and life path — helping you understand how to align your inner landscape with the cycles of nature. - Nourishing Simplicity
Enjoy wholesome, simple, and nutritious meals (with options for dietary preferences), prepared mindfully to support your energy and well-being. - Deep Connection
Through group sharing, and community practice, you’ll forge meaningful bonds with like-minded participants. - Nature Immersion
Ample time for walks, quiet reflection, and spontaneous exploration across the retreat’s stunning grounds — the lake, river, and woodland provide a living backdrop for deepening connection.
- Personal Transformation
Learn to apply the wisdom of the Five Elements in your daily life — to create balance in relationships, harness your creativity, navigate change, and foster inner resilience.

About the Venue — The Mill Retreat Centre
Set on a serene 30-acre estate, The Mill Retreat Centre is a sanctuary for the soul. Its natural habitats — lake, river, wetlands, woodlands — support a rich ecosystem, offering a quiet refuge for rest and reflection. The centre includes a spacious meditation/qigong room, cozy common areas, and comfortable accommodation.
Getting there is very accessible: from Paris, you can take a train to Aumale station, then a short taxi ride to the retreat, or maybe just an uber from the airport. It is even possible to drive from the UK via the Eurotunnel, or take your car on the ferry.
The Five Elements & What They Bring You
The retreat is based on classical Chinese Five Element theory — a powerful and elegant lens to understand energy, behavior, and life cycles. Over the course of the retreat, you’ll learn how each element expresses in:
- Water — deep wisdom, stillness, and creative flow.
- Wood — growth, purpose, and directional drive.
- Fire — openness, self-expression, and connection.
- Earth — groundedness, nurturing stability, and support.
- Metal — clarity, refinement, and letting go.
By embodying and balancing these energies, you can cultivate a life of greater harmony, resilience, and joy.

Who This Retreat Is For
This retreat is ideal for anyone who is:
- Curious about Qigong and wanting a comprehensive, foundational introduction
- Already practicing Qigong and ready to deepen their insight
- Looking for peaceful time in nature to reflect, reset, and reconnect
- Interested in understanding themselves at a deeper level
- Seeking community, connection, and shared growth
- Wanting a structured yet gentle retreat experience with plenty of personal space
The Qigong practices are gentle to moderate, and adaptable – guided by an experienced teacher to suit a variety of levels and needs.

Daily Rhythm (Sample Schedule)
| Time | Activity |
| 6:30 am | Sunrise meditation & breathwork |
| 7:00 am | Qigong session |
| 8:00 am | Breakfast |
| 10:00 am | Discussion / learning session on the elements |
| 1:00 pm | Lunch |
| 3:00 pm | Free time or optional Q&A / group discussion |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner |
| 8:00 pm | Sunset Qigong practice. |
The rhythm is structured yet spacious, giving you time to practice, rest, and integrate. There may be adjustments to this schedule to best fit the needs of the group.
Meet Your Guide

John Munro
Your retreat leader is John Munro, founder of Long White Cloud Qigong, with over 25 years of teaching experience. John has trained hundreds of Qigong teachers around the world and is deeply committed to making the wisdom of Qigong accessible, practical, and transformative. He has served in leadership roles in international Qigong associations and authored several books on the practice.
Practical Details
Location: The Mill Retreat Centre, Northern France
Map link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/9N2DGHzGrdMwaqWg6
Dates: 12–16 August 2026
Cost: £880pp single occupancy, £730 shared occupancy — includes accommodation, meals, and all sessions. Does not include personal expenses and travel arrangements.
Meals: Nutritious, simple meals; dietary needs accommodated
Travel: Easy access by train from Paris; taxi from Aumale station. Can drive from UK
What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, walking shoes, journal, water bottle, etc.
READY TO JOIN US?
This retreat offers the rare opportunity to step into a space of peace, wisdom, and natural beauty — supported by a likeminded group and guided by an experienced teacher.
If you are ready to reconnect with your body, quiet your mind, and deepen your understanding of the Five Elements…
Email us at info@longwhitecloudqigong.com
Spaces are limited and retreats often fill early.
