"I arrived without any clear expectations, but with an open heart and an open mind. And I left transformed, with a deep connection to my true self. I’m filled with heartfelt gratitude and wonder at what just one week can create. Stephanie held not only the most beautiful and safe space and frame, but miraculously and emphatically helped us to grow from a group of mainly strangers to a group of friends, their hearts wide open to one another. In that week, both, hearty laughter and crying, sometime at the same time, seemed like a natural remedy for all we were carrying. Since leaving, I feel not only transformed, but held by an invisible bond that connects us, no matter where we are."

"Stephanie’s The Way of 5 Elements Retreat in Nozawaonsen was a truly unique and precious experience. Among a wonderful group of kind and beautiful souls, we dived into daily Qi Gong practice, learned about different wellness concepts from a holistic perspective, and explored Japanese traditions in various ways. I will never forget the sense of connection, kindness, and authenticity throughout the week. Stephanie flawlessly fulfills her many roles as a retreat facilitator, sharing her deep knowledge of Qi Gong, TCM, aromatherapy, acupressure, lifestyle medicine, and sound therapy, while ensuring the excursions are perfectly organized and bringing her passion and mindful energy to the group. Thank you so much for sharing your light with the world and for following your Ikigai."

"For a first time “retreater” and complete newbie to Qi Gong (or any of the wellness practices offered) my cup was 100% filled by this experience. The mindful practice of Qi Gong and the many associated sessions was expertly instructed and coordinated by Stephanie, and the people participating made the retreat a truly treasured experience. For anyone stumbling across this opportunity by Googling (like me) and worried about taking a leap of faith… rest assured…Stephanie’s engagement quickly allayed any concerns. Come with an open heart, as everyone did. We all left nourished by the experience."

"If you had asked me before arriving what the biggest highlight would be for me, I would have guessed forest bathing. Now I see that the entire retreat IS THE biggest highlight for me. Being in Nozawaonsen, learning about important lifestyle practices, participating in cultural activities, and most importantly meeting so many supportive and incredible individuals made a profound impact on me and helped to shape a new perspective on life. The retreat was an awakening of my senses, mind, body, and soul; allowing me to see and experience beauty in the world and all who live in it again. Thank you Stephanie and everyone for being a part of a very precious and life changing event for me!"

"This was my first retreat with A Gracious Life, and I know already that I will be back for more. Stephanie curated every single piece of this experience. Each activity, lesson, and practice enabled you to have meaningful connections, and Stephanie helped foster a safe sense of community among everyone. The container held by Stephanie was truly special. She seemed to flow graciously, with an energy quite hard to summarise in a short paragraph. She facilitates from the heart and is ever-present while she seamlessly moves the whole group from activity to activity, emotion to emotion as we process our feelings and reconnect with ourselves. She enabled everyone in the group be their most authentic selves. The overall atmosphere was one of calm, peace, healing, and, most of all, LOVE."

"The Way of the Five Elements Retreat provides an immersion into the culture and the countryside of Japan. Daily Qigong sessions create a wonderful blending of movement, integration, and spiritual experience … designed for those without prior experience and for any age. Stephanie merges lifestyle teachings and wellness guidance with creative activities and nature hikes … giving way to a memorable, life-enhancing retreat experience … I highly recommend and am so very glad I said YES!"

"The retreat was just perfect for really tuning inwards. Since then I’m feeling much more balanced, more present and more conscious. Qigong has definitely changed my life and I see a very clear steady improvement since I’m doing my little five element exercises every morning. I started to implement some little things we talked about and it really improved my quality of life and well-being. I’m super grateful to Stephanie due to all this. One way or another Stephanie’s retreat will deeply impact your life and touch your heart. I’m sure it will put you on the right track by giving you the tools you need. Maybe it will not happen immediately but eventually you’ll incorporate all the knowledge and wisdom she is sharing in such an amazing and loving way and it will for sure change your life to a better!"

"Biggest takeaway I've learned that everybody is on a different journey and path to improving yourself. You have to discover what works for you and now we have the tools to do that. I'm excited to take that on and implement some of those things in my life, and take my own journey to self improvement and self discovery. Just do it! If you're thinking about it and you want to try something different, definitely try this retreat. It is one of the easiest decision you'll make. Come with an open mind and heart. You'll be surprised at the things you'll go away with."

"This retreat combines both practical elements for our daily lives together with working emotionally on healing within. It was an absolutely beautiful retreat meeting people who came together to care and support, learning new things and experiencing the most beautiful healing nature I have ever seen. The energy carries after it's over back into our lives and I cannot be more grateful for the self worth, confidence, courage and flow I am watching now unfold after the retreat."

"I absolutely loved The Way of Five Elements Retreat. I would recommend anyone with the means, the time, and the desire to take it. It was a life changing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for the world. All I can say is the retreat brought me back into alignment, and made me realise what life I could invite into being. It helped take me from a “life is happening to me” to a “I create the life I want” state."

"It was very easy experience, everything was planned for us. You don't need to have prior experience to come on this retreat. I learned a lot for my body, mind, and spirit. Biggest takeaway is to have strength and the power to go for what you want to improve in your life. If you are trying a purpose in your life and you don't know what that is, or if you're going through any uncertainties in your life or stuck, join this retreat and you'll be surprised with the outcome - the people you'll meet, the things you'll learn, and what the Universe presents to you."

"The retreat was not like any other. It is a selfless sharing and imparting of knowledge. It is a safe space where lifelong friendships were forged. Stephanie’s sincerity and passion really shows through the program and one could tell that she puts in her genuine thoughts and love for each and everyone of us at the retreat. Thank you so much for this once in a lifetime experience."