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 meditation, gentle movement, breath work, and spacious periods of rest. Qigong—a form of moving meditation—will be woven throughout the retreat to encourage ease, focus, and the smooth circulation of energy. 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. Read more...

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. Read more...

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.

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:

• 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!

• Birch Bay State Park - A popular campground located 15 minutes south of Cannery Lodge. Sites book up so make reservations ASAP.

• Airbnb/Short-term rental options - Search Blaine, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo Split

Travel Tips:

• Venue is 30 minutes from Bellingham International Airport

• One hour from Vancouver International Airport (must have passport and cross border)

• 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.

We invite you to join us

on the shores of Boundary Bay

between the spaciousness
of Sea and Sky

to align yourself
with the Sacred Alchemy of Nature.

Rest
Reflection
Renewal

Cancellation Policy

In order to guarantee your space in class, a $75 non refundable deposit is due when you register. Full tuition is due one month prior to retreats. A 50% refund will be offered if you cancel one week prior to class. No tuition refunds will be made within a week of class or once a class begins