Woman's Strength and Ancestors Retreat for Women at Menla

Join us for a transformative womens circle experience designed to reconnect you with your inner strength and ancestral wisdom. Taking place on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the serene Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, NY, this womens circle event brings together expert teachers to guide you through meditation, energy healing, and sacred ritual. This intimate womens circle gathering honors the lineage of women before us while awakening the power within you today.

Led by Harvard-educated meditation teacher Elizabeth Pyjov and Qigong master Mingtong Gu, this womens circle retreat creates a safe, nurturing container for women to explore their strength through both ancient practices and modern wellness techniques. Whether you're seeking spiritual deepening, community connection, or healing, this womens circle event in Phoenicia offers a rare opportunity to step away from daily life and reconnect with what matters most. The energy in the room will be palpable—a blend of reverence for those who came before us and celebration of the powerful women gathering together.

What to Expect

From the moment you arrive at the retreat center, you'll be guided into a state of presence and calm. The day flows naturally from grounding meditation practices led by Elizabeth Pyjov, through mindful movement and Qigong energy work with Mingtong Gu, to communal sharing and ritual within the womens circle. You'll experience guided meditation that quiets the mental chatter, flowing Qigong movements that awaken dormant energy channels, and sacred circle time where women's voices are honored and heard.

Expect to feel held throughout the day. The retreat space is designed to support deep work—think soft lighting, comfortable seating, plenty of time for integration, and nourishing breaks. By the end of the day, you'll leave with renewed clarity, activated energy, and a deepened sense of connection to both your ancestors and yourself. This womens circle retreat is as much about internal transformation as it is about belonging to something larger than yourself.

About the Artists

Elizabeth Pyjov, Meditation Teacher
Elizabeth Pyjov holds three Harvard degrees, including a Juris Doctor and Master of Theological Studies, and has lived across seven countries while mastering five languages. She has taught over 10,000 people to meditate, bringing both intellectual rigor and genuine compassion to her practice. Her unique ability to translate complex meditation philosophy into accessible, transformative experience makes her a beloved guide for women seeking clarity and peace.

Mingtong Gu, Qigong Master
Mingtong Gu is a renowned Chinese Qigong master and founder of the Chi Healing Institute, dedicated to bridging ancient energy practices with modern wellness science. His work guides students globally toward health, vitality, and spiritual awakening through the practice of moving and still Qigong. Mingtong's gift is making the invisible visible—helping women feel and work with the life-force energy that flows through their bodies.

Venue & Location

Menla Retreat and Dewa Spa in Phoenicia, NY is a sanctuary nestled in the stunning landscape of the Catskill Mountains. The retreat center is thoughtfully designed with natural materials, healing spaces, and an atmosphere that immediately shifts you out of daily stress into a state of calm. Located about two hours north of New York City, Phoenicia offers easy access for women traveling from the Hudson Valley, NYC, and surrounding regions. The venue includes comfortable seating areas, meditation halls, and spa facilities to support your full retreat experience.