Qigong and Meditation classes
Qigong Teacher Training
Qigong Retreats in 2026
Qigong classes
Join me for a weekly Qigong and Meditation class at the Bloedel Donovan Park Pavilion in Bellingham, on Electric Ave
Tuesday nights at 6:30pm. Next session begins March 3, 2026. Register for this 8 week session thru the Bellingham Parks and Recreation dept. (cob.org) $120
Qigong is moving meditation and refers to the theory and practice of working with the energy or natural force that fills the universe. Possibly the most essential aspect of Qigong in reference to health is its emphasis on mental and emotional well being. Using breath and gentle movements we become calm and focused on our internal landscape. This short practice time will relieve stress by changing our blood chemistry and shifting our brain waves from Beta to Alpha.
“When internal energies are able to circulate smoothly and freely, and the energy of the mind is not scattered, but focused and concentrated, illness and disease can be avoided” The Yellow Emperor
Life and Health are said to be dependent on the harmonious flow of Qi within the body. The mental and physical exercises of Qigong help to ensure the correct conversion of Qi, or life force energy.
Benefits of Qigong Practice
Qigong:
-Reduces Stress and shifts blood
enzymes to a healthy ph
-Slows aging
-Strengthens the Immune System
-Enhances Emotional Well Being
-Relieves depression and anxiety
-Reduces pain and allergies
-Creates strength and flexibility
-Speeds the healing from any
illness
-Increases one’s capacity to take a
full breath
-Promotes restful sleep
-Reduces fatigue and mood swing
-Is appropriate for all ages
Bring a Yoga mat and meditation cushion. Wear comfortable Clothing.
Instructor Caryn Diel has been teaching Qigong classes internationally for over 30 years.
"Every day connect with Nature, (Tao)
and do less.” Lao Tze
Qigong Teacher Training
Next session begins May 10, 2026
Are you interested in becoming a Qigong Instructor? Or in simply deepening your personal practice?
This 5 part curriculum will cover the history, research, ancient and current and benefits of Qigong. Classes include practice, lecture and meditation. Between classes there is reading, practice and journaling.
25 hours of class time and daily practice with movement and journaling of your personal experiences over 6 months. Use this training to become a teacher, or to deepen your personal awareness and support your overall health.
You will learn to awaken and develop a strong chi field for self healing and enhanced intuition.
We will practice a variety of forms and look at the wisdom of Chen Tuan's seasonal forms, including the practice of Tao Yin. Learn how to incorporate various meditations and the I Ching into your daily practice and your teaching.
Class Location: Bellingham, Washington and Zoom
To Register: Phone: 505-670-3538 or Email: WhiteCloudNM@aol.com
Class dates: May 10, July 12, September 13, November 15. December 20. Tuition: $850 tuition
Class begins in Person on May 10 in Bellingham and continues the next 4 months via Zoom.
May 10 class is 9am-5pm. Zoom classes will be from 9-12 PST.
Instructor Caryn Boyd Diel is the founder of White Cloud Institute and has been teaching Qigong workshops, weekly classes and Retreats for 30 years. She has studied with many Qigong and Meditation teachers around the world and developed a Seasonal practice of Qigong which harnesses the wisdom of Nature. Caryn has been studying various martial arts and healing practices since the early 1970s. She has produced several Qigong and Meditation CDs, DVDs, Videos and is the Author of 3 books on Daoist studies. A lifelong teacher, Caryn enjoys being with students of all skill levels. She is currently writing a 90 day Qigong Journal/Workbook for inner transformation.
Recommended Reading
Qigong
The Healing Promise of Qi, R. Jahnke
Taoist Qigong, Hon
Qi Gong Therapy, TK Shih
Swimming Dragon Qigong, TK Shih
A Complete Guide to Chi-Gung, Daniel Reid
Qigong for Living, Yanling Lee Johnson
The Way of Qigong, Ken Cohen
Fire Dragon Meridan Qigong, Zhongxian Wu
Vital Breath of the Dao, Zhongxian Wu
Sunrise, Daoist practices for Women, Caryn Boyd Diel
Riding the Phoenix to Penglai, Jill Gonet
Your Personal Qigong Journey, Caryn Boyd Diel
Tao Yin
Dao In Hua, Ching Ni
Energy Balance through the Tao, M. Chia
Caryn Diel, You tube channel
I Ching
Complete I Ching, Alfred Huang
I Ching Bagua, C. Diel and K. Waters
Meditation
The Taoist alchemy of Wang Liping, Vol. 1, Nathan Brine
Cultivating Stillness, Eva Wong
Websites
The most important part of cultivation in your daily life is that it purifies your chi
Qigong and Mediation Retreat
September 25-27, 2026
Between Sea and Sky
Sacred Alchemy & Renewal
3-day Qigong and Meditation Retreat in the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy guided Daoist practices and walks along the shores of Boundary Bay.
Join Caryn Boyd Diel and Wren McLaughlin for a three-day retreat by the sea at Semiahmoo, September 25–27, 2026. This retreat is designed to support rest, reflection, and nervous system renewal within the quiet beauty of the coastal landscape—where land, sea, and sky meet.
We will gather on land that was once home to a Semiahmoo village. For thousands of years, the Straits Salish people of Semiahmoo lived in close relationship with this place, their lives shaped by the seasonal arrival of fish and birds, the cycles of wild plants, and ceremonial observances marking the passages of life. In our time together, we will honor this lineage by continuing an observance of nature and the changing seasons, approaching the land with gratitude, respect, and care.
Our time together will include lectures and guided meditations, seasonal Qigong forms, and opportunities to connect deeply with nature. Specific practices will include bone breathing Qigong, Incense Qigong, swimming dragon, meditations to support the organs and endocrine system, Tao Yin, and strengthening of the lower Dantian. We will also introduce Daoist sun and moon practice and shamanic shaking Qigong. These simple, accessible practices support emotional balance, reduce stress, and invite the body into a more restorative state.
The weekend will conclude with a shared potluck gathering, offering time to connect, reflect, and celebrate the community formed over our days together.
This retreat is open to adults of all ages and levels of experience.
Meet your Facilitators
Dr. Wren McLaughlin (she/her)
Wren McLaughlin is a Physical Therapist whose work centers on embodiment—cultivating a felt sense of home within the body. She has studied East Asian movement and contemplative practices since 1996 and has been devoted to Qigong since 2012. Wren guides others toward greater health and wellbeing with care for the whole person, honoring the fullness of lived experience within a shared and evolving story.
Caryn Boyd Diel (she/her)
Caryn Boyd Diel is the founder of White Cloud Institute and has been teaching Qigong through classes, workshops, and retreats for over 30 years. Drawing from decades of study with Qigong and meditation teachers around the world, she has developed a seasonal Qigong practice rooted in the wisdom of nature. Caryn is the author of three books on Daoist studies and a lifelong teacher who delights in supporting students of all experience levels.
Registration Details
Cost: $700 for 3-day retreat
Save $100 Early Bird discount if paid in full by April 15th, 2026
Use code EARLYBIRD100
As another option, you may hold a space in the retreat with a $75 non-refundable deposit, with full tuition due by registration deadline, August 25th, 2026.
Limited to 25 participants. Retreat fees include daily morning, afternoon and evening sessions as well as snacks and tea throughout each day.
Work trade position available, please inquire. Ask about a Couples Discount
Location
Semiahmoo Park Canary Building
9261 Semiahmoo Pkwy, Blaine, WA 98230
Located within Semiahmoo County Park on the spit
Logistics
Sessions: Morning, Afternoon, and Evening Sessions (approximately 9am – 8:30pm daily with lunch and dinner breaks provided
Meals: Meals are on your own. Daily snacks and tea provided. There is a microwave and refrigerator at the venue for storing and reheating food. We will also provide an option of ordering from local restaurants throughout the weekend and additional instructions for our potluck meal on Sunday.
Accommodations:
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Semiahmoo Resort - A beautiful resort walking distance from Cannery Lodge, has pool, hot tub and sauna as well as on-site restaurants and free bicycle use!
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Birch Bay State Park - A popular campground located 15 minutes south of Cannery Lodge. Sites book up so make reservations ASAP.
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Airbnb/Short-term rental options - Search Blaine, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo Split
Travel Tips:
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Venue is 30 minutes from Bellingham International Airport
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One hour from Vancouver International Airport (must have passport and cross border)
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Two hours from Seattle, Airport Shuttle to Ferndale, WA (30 minutes from venue)
Once you have registered, we will help facilitate ride and accommodation sharing communication between retreat participants.
Do you have a desire to quiet your mind for a few days and breathe in the sea air? Or a curiosity about the how Qigong and Meditation practices will be of benefit to your health? Don’t miss this opportunity to relax in the Pacific Northwest during a golden time of year and anchor yourself in Daoist qigong.
Two experienced teacher/practitioners who practice self cultivation and take qigong and meditation into their healing practices.
Make the commitment today as space is limited.
"Qigong, when practiced regularly, is great medicine to help you maintain balance and a sense of wellbeing in your life" Master Zhongxian Wu
Register from the following link
https://bodymindrestoration.com/qigong-retreat-2026
