Harmony and Balance: A 4-Day Retreat with Mimi Kuo-Deemer

Harmony and Balance: A 4-Day Retreat

A Qigong and Meditation Experience with Mimi Kuo-Deemer

Step into the Spring Equinox with practices to support unity of body, mind and spirit

Topanga, CA // March 19–22, 2026

At the heart of qigong and Chinese medicine lies the balance of Yin and Yang. When these energies come into harmony within us, we can sense the wholeness and ease that are always present—within and around us.

As the Spring Equinox brings the Earth into balance between day and night, it offers a time to pause and notice how balance moves through our own lives. Where might we be leaning too far in one direction? How can we align more fully with what supports greater steadiness and clear direction?

Join Mimi Kuo-Deemer for four days of qigong, meditation, and reflection during this potent time of renewal. Through Wood-focused qigong practices, Daoist and Buddhist wisdom, and guided meditations, we will cultivate stability and spaciousness in body, mind, and spirit.

Together, we will attune to the energies of nature through playful explorations and deepening practices. Get ready to grow your resources for balance, unity, and joyful presence. All levels are welcome.

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Retreat Schedule & Details

Check In: Arrive between 1:00pm and 3:00pm on Thursday.

Thursday, March 19
3:00pm - 4:00pm: Welcome
4:00pm - 5:30pm: Qigong and meditation
6:00pm - 7:00pm: Dinner
8:00pm - 9:00pm: Free time

Friday, March 20
7:00am - 7:30am: Fruit, Tea, Coffee
7:30am - 8:30am: Sunrise Equinox Meditation & Gentle Qigong
8:30am - 9:30am: Breakfast
10:00am -12:00pm: Morning session (discussion, qigong, meditation)
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm - 4:00pm: Free Time to Hike, Swim, Sauna, Cold Plunge & Nap + Fresh Bread & Snack Spread
4:00pm - 5:45 pm: Afternoon session (discussion, qigong, meditation)
6:00pm - 7:00pm: Dinner
8:00pm - 9:00pm: Satsang (community sharing, questions/comments)

Saturday, March 21
7:00am - 7:30am: Fruit, Tea, Coffee
7:30am - 8:30am: Meditation & Gentle Qigong
8:30am - 9:30am: Breakfast
10:00am -12:00pm: Morning session (discussion, qigong, meditation)
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch
1:30pm - 4:00pm: Free Time to Hike, Swim, Sauna, Cold Plunge & Nap + Fresh Bread & Snack Spread
4:00pm - 6:00pm: Afternoon session (discussion, qigong, meditation)
6:00pm - 7:00pm: Dinner
8:00pm - 9:00pm: Satsang (community sharing, questions/comments)

Sunday, March 22
7:00am - 7:30am: Fruit, Tea, Coffee
7:30am - 8:30am: Meditation & Gentle Qigong
8:30am - 9:30am: Breakfast
10:00am - 12:00pm: Morning session (discussion, qigong, meditation)
12:30pm - 1:30pm: Lunch

Check Out: Depart after lunch. Topanga is full of epic hikes and cool little local shops, plus the beach is just 20 minutes away! Ask us for recommendations.

Commune Topanga is located off Old Topanga Canyon Road. Directions will be provided with your ticket purchase.

Questions? Email us at [email protected].

Evening practice at the lookout from our last retreat with Mimi!

Meet Mimi

Mimi Kuo-Deemer, MA, is the author of Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis and Xiu Yang: The Ancient Chinese Art of Self-Cultivation. A sixth-generation lineage holder in Baguazhang, she teaches qigong, meditation, and internal martial arts that weave together Buddhist and Daoist wisdom. Her work explores how movement and embodiment can become expressions of these living philosophies. Authorised to teach Insight Meditation by Martin Aylward, Mimi supports students in transforming conceptual understanding into lived, felt experience.

Originally from the United States, she spent 13 years in China before making her home in the British countryside with her husband, their dog, three cats, five chickens, and some 60,000 bees.

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Our Playground

At the end of the end of the end of a road, perched atop a remote valley of the Santa Monica mountains, sits Topanga Commune: 10 acres of meandering paths, oak trees, palms and gardens abutting state land. You won’t believe you are less than an hour from the heart of LA.

The property has a main house, a guest house, four tea house private rooms, three sweet A-Frame cabins, and plenty of space for camping. Sleep on organic mattresses and linens and enjoy the bounty of LA’s best local farmers for every home-cooked meal.

The property also has a sauna, hot tub, plunge pool, basketball, badminton, and a plethora of hammocks.

Songwriter Neil Young lived on this property for many years and was deeply inspired by this magical spot. If there is anywhere in the world to find “a heart of gold,” it may be here.