- Can I change my choice of retreat after I’ve signed up?
Yes, it’s no problem to change retreats within any one session to one of the other retreats happening simultaneously. You can also change between sessions, i.e. move from Week 3 to Week 8. Out of respect for the instructors and those planning housing & meals, we ask that you notify us as far in advance as possible (minimum one week, preferably several weeks, please!). We also know that Change Happens, and sometimes emergencies require last minute changes.
On rare occasions, someone finds themselves in the wrong retreat and asks to switch to a different retreat after classes have begun. After retreats have started, you must ask permission of the instructor teaching the course that you now wish to take, if its OK to start late. If they agree, there is no penalty for switching.
- Can I arrange private healing sessions at Heavenly Mountain?
Yes. We attract world class healers from many different modalities who come to refine their energetic skills. Many offer private sessions during breaks and in the evenings in the special healing rooms we set aside for this purpose.
Call our registrar to check what is available each week and make your reservation in advance for popular teachers. Energy healing, Chi Nei Tsang deep organ massage, Energy Psychology, private tai chi, tao yoga, & bagua lessons, spiritual crisis counseling, Life Destiny fengshui/astrology readings, etc. are samples of what is offered at different times.
- What should I wear/pack for Heavenly Mountain?
A suggested packing list will be sent to you after you register. Generally it is an extremely comfortable summer climate, warm and sunny by day (t—shirt/shorts) – around 80 degrees F. At night it cool to about 70 degrees F.
You will be living at 4000 feet elevation (1300 meters). In the hot summer people from the rolling piedmont below and coastal areas flee to these mountains to cool off and get recharged. You’ll find people from Florida to Wash DC driving up here. But please note the global climate is changing. Mountain weather is also changeable, it may get cooler if we hit a rainy spell. So bring a sweater/jacket to be safe.
- Will my cell phone or laptop work at Heavenly Mountain?
Verizon cell phones will work from most locations, other services will not. Payphone will be available. Hookup for laptops will be made available, either by router or wireless. Long term residents may consider having Bell South activate the private phone line that already exists in each room (you’ll need to bring or buy a phone).
- Can I stay at Heavenly Mountain without taking a course?
Yes, you are absolutely welcome to do so. You may come to do a private retreat and share meals at the same room & board package costs listed above. You don’t have to be doing Taoist practices. You must respect the quiet and schedules of those taking retreats.
You will likely find the people taking the courses to be stimulating company at meals. Or the dining room is huge, and we will have a “Silent Table” for those who don’t want to socialize.
- Can I bring children?
Yes. Sometimes a spouse comes along to watch the child. There is no room/meal charge for infants 3 or under. Children age 4 to 14 are half price for room/board. We cannot guarantee babysitters, but are always investigating availability. For older children, the area is safe to roam and play without supervision. There is virtually no traffic at Heavenly Mountain, we are in a 1000 acre private resort with locked gates that ensure privacy and safety.
- I’m new to Qigong, Tai Chi, and Tao. What is the best way to find out more?
Start with the Frequently Asked Questions on the HealingTaoUSA.com site. Then read the homestudy/course descriptions for more depth, all accessed on the homepage.
In the beginning, it is fine to focus on just getting more healthy and learning to feel energy for the purpose of healing yourself or others. Many of the retreats have NO PRE-REQUISITES and offer very quick results. When you begin to consciously feel the chi flow, you have already gone beyond belief and are working directly with the Life Force.
The essay “Overview of Taoist Self-Cultivation System” offers a concise summary of the inner alchemy formulas of the Taoist hermit One Cloud. This describes a high level path that takes many years. But it gives you an idea of the potential depth of this Way.
