Inspirational stories of people's transformational journeys
Client Appreciation
Carolyn Kan
I feel full of energy, the vitality, and the liveliness. The most powerful take away are all the amazing tools that Stephanie has intentionally given us that we can use day to day. So it's not just for 5 days to feel fantastic, but everyday afterwards. I would 100% recommend this to everybody. And for anyone who's not sure, what have you got to lose? Not only will you learn tools that will help you for a wonderful and healthy life, but it's so much fun!
Dazza Wong-Sjarif
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.
Diana Britt
Stephanie brings in these amazing cultivated experience with sound healing, chakra balancing, and qigong is going to be my new practice. If you want something that's holistic, healing, and nurturing, please come!
Olga Radomska-Leon
Stephanie is a spiritual being with a lot of energy around her. The way she talked about spirituality, energy, impact of different elements on our energies really resonated with me. It made me feel it to believe it. I really enjoyed that journey with Stephanie.
Recharge Retreat
Julia Genoyer
Titien
Chef Cynthia Louise
William
Fizah D
Špela Urbanc
Abi Tasker
Jordan Oliver Lin
Cher Lynn Tan
Stephanie curates a soul-nourishing retreat full of treats and surprises. Learning, fun new experiences and camaraderie all in one - the whole package!
The retreat brings together a unique combination of qigong and lifestyle meditation paired with essential oil therapy and backed by the ancient wisdom of healing techniques such as Chinese medicine and energy healing. During the retreat we got a chance to learn, explore and practice combining these new skills and knowledge so that we can apply them to elevate our daily lives.
Sharing her own journey with such an open heart, Stephanie created a safe space for us to be vulnerable and share our own stories and lives with each other. We arrived as individuals with such varied stories and our own struggles, and by the end of the retreat had formed close bonds and memories to last a lifetime.
Kristin Giacopelli
Ayu
Claudia Pietrantoni
Diana Beauty
Jan Webb
Trish Green
Vanessa Rea
Anne Aobdia
Pauline Tjoa
Paula Neron
Lily
Leila
Joeke Lee
Yolanda Bridges
Desiree Bonau
Melanie Jones
Shalu Samtani
Catherine Djumadi
Rika Traxler Tuikolongahau
Martina Sfiligoj
"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."
Katrin Bonk
"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."
Judit Pach
"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!"
Andre Roberts
"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. For those looking for a week of mindful and nourishing experiences… just do it. Go with an open heart and be willing to share and receive. There was so much good energy it was palpable."
Hema Patel
"The Way of 5 Elements is much more than a retreat—it’s truly transformational! A safe space to connect with strangers who will become lifelong friends from all over the world, while offering a true sense of community and a feeling of belonging. You will have many healing experiences that help you connect with your true essence and empower you to learn invaluable skills that make life easier. Replenish your energy with amazing local food from the region, immerse yourself in personal growth, and enjoy so much more—all of this while supporting the local community and all delicately guided by Stephanie with daily Qigong practice in the most beautiful of settings. It’s a week-long escape—or a sense of coming home—where all of your senses are awakened, leaving you feeling renewed, inspired, and deeply connected: to nature, to others, and, most importantly, to yourself."
Carolyn Iwasaki
"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!"
Marsh Engle
"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!"
Michael Klose
"This retreat clearly exceeded my expectations. I came to mainly learn more about QiGong and to spend some energizing time with like-minded people, but I got so much more. The whole retreat was so well-crafted with a broad variety of experiences, yet still deep learnings in each of them. Stephanie is an amazing and knowledgeable teacher and guides in such a loving and charming way. I could clearly feel that her whole heart is in there."
Yvonne Lim
"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."
Jessi Chia
"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. Steph is a beautiful, caring soul who has been through so much, learning from her experiences are so enriching and I just feel so blessed to have been able to make it to this retreat!"
Suei Ru Wong
"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."
Pebble Sia
"The retreat was absolutely amazing, uplifting, eye-opening, peaceful and calm. I met loads of new people. I was really happy as I learned so much about myself, and Stephanie taught us so much. I'm feeling very empowered. I benefitted so much from the retreat and I know my friends would benefit from it too."
Eileen Low
"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."
Alicia Nam
"Magical and Wondrous. A profound journey of inward and outward landscape discovery. I’m learning that nature has a lot to give, and I am here and ready to receive it. And it was the people around me that made it the best. You have everything you need to feel healthy and happy on the retreat, and you have the perfect guide."