Retreat · 8–12 June 2027 · Montenegro
Returning to
Joy and Stillness
Five days in the mountains of Montenegro to slow down,
let go, and rediscover the quiet joy that resides inside.
£1,100 before 1 December 2026 · £400 deposit · Read the brochure (PDF)
An invitation
Some things can’t be rushed
Life asks a lot of us. We carry our histories into every relationship, with the people around us and with ourselves, and often we only notice the patterns when they knock us off balance.
This retreat is a pause from all of that. Five days away from the usual demands, held by the mountains, by daily practice and by a small group of people walking the same path. Join our expert guides to explore how the work of Gabor Maté and Dr Pang Ming can combine to support you in finding greater inner peace and joy.
What we will explore
Finding our way back to ourselves
Both Gabor Maté and Dr Pang Ming bring focus to the importance of relationship within their work. Relationship with ourselves, relationships with others, what these relationships trigger and reinforce within us, and how this is expressed through our emotions.
On this retreat, we will explore the role of relationship through the practices of Compassionate Inquiry® and Zhineng Qigong. Together, we will learn to recognise our relational patterns, meet them with greater awareness and care, and find our way back to ourselves. This journey can help us regulate our emotional landscape, deepen self-compassion, and create more space for joy and inner stillness.
Your days at ašuma
Practice, inquiry, rest and good food
Practice
Zhineng Qigong in the practice hall and outdoors, to settle the body and quieten the mind.
Inquiry
Compassionate Inquiry® offers a gentle way to look at what lies beneath our reactions, with curiosity rather than judgement.
Rest
Shared accommodation in glamping houses among the trees, and time in between simply to be.
Nourishment
Brunch and dinner are included: fresh food, shared at one table.
The place
ašuma retreat, nestled in the Lovćen National Park
A quiet retreat centre among rocks and trees, with a practice hall, an open pavilion and glamping houses in the woods.
Live online Q&A · Sunday 22nd November 2026
Meet John and Irina before you decide
This live, online session is offered in order to meet John and Irina and gain a better sense of what the Returning to Joy and Stillness retreat offers for you. We want to explore how the retreat will work for you and what benefits you can expect from your time with us.
John Millar
Zhineng Qigong teacher and researcher
Irina Sadakova
Certified Compassionate Inquiry® Practitioner
4–5 pm UK time (5–6 pm CET), in the live room of our online community.
Price
What it costs, and what is included
- £1,100 per person for bookings made before 1 December 2026
- £1,300 per person for bookings made on or after 1 December 2026
- A £400 deposit secures your booking. Full payment is due by 12 March 2027.
- The price includes all sessions, shared accommodation, brunch and dinner. Additional meals and bar drinks are available at extra cost.
Questions
How do I book?
Pay the £400 deposit using the button above and we will invoice you for the balance (which is due by 12 March 2027).
Where is the retreat?
At ašuma retreat, Bjeloši bb, Cetinje 81250, Montenegro.
Will there be time to enjoy the location and the venue’s facilities?
The programme (which is detailed in the flyer) is designed to be relaxed and adaptable. We provide time between sessions to relax, and we also factor in space for walks in the beautiful surroundings, time to enjoy the facilities and time to rest.
Do you cater for vegetarians?
All the food is vegetarian and freshly prepared. You can find out more about ašuma’s approach and facilities on their website and YouTube channel.
What’s the balance between practice, lecture, discussion and free time?
We don’t want to overwhelm you with theory. We prefer to take time in practice and discussion so that you can find the information that works for you. Typically, we aim for 2 to 3 hours of practice a day, with maybe 1 hour of lecture and lots of opportunities for discussion.
Will you be offering one-to-one tuition?
This is not something we plan for within the retreat, but our experience has been that there is space for private conversations and sharing of ideas and techniques within the flow of the day. These conversations are not charged as extra; they are part of the support we offer.
What will the evenings be like?
Our preference is for meditation, chatting around the campfire and keeping things quiet and relaxed, but there will be the option to liven things up should it feel right for the group.
How will the airport transfers work?
We will work with you to arrange suitable transport from both Podgorica and Tivat. The exact nature of the transfer (and the associated costs) will depend on how many people are able to share transport, and we will split the costs between those who use the transfers.
Do you need experience of Qi Gong to join?
No. We will be using simple forms of movement so that we can focus on the benefit of the movement rather than the accuracy or sequence of the movements. Anyone will be able to engage, and while some understanding will help you go deeper into the practice, a willingness to explore is all that is required.
What will I be able to take back into everyday life?
The aim is to provide you with applicable skills for both body and mind over the course of the retreat. Skills that do not require you to schedule time to practise, wear special clothes or buy specialised equipment.
Give yourself these five days
Places are limited. The lower price applies to bookings made before 1 December 2026.