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Awaken Your Potential! | London

February 22 - 26, 2026

London, United Kingdom

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Hosted By

George Thompson

476 followers

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5 days

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20 person retreat

Highlights

  • Held at Chisenhale Dance Space, a renowned community arts venue tucked beside the canal in East London — a peaceful yet vibrant location.

  • Intimate group size of just 20 participants, allowing for deeper connections and a more personalised experience.

  • Focused embodiment and movement practices guided in a fully equipped professional dance studio.

  • Designed for city-dwellers — a powerful reset without needing to leave London.

  • Accessible format — no need to take a week off or travel far. Just three immersive days of deep inner work.

  • Guided by George Thompson, committed to personal and collective transformation.

Details

Step away from the noise of daily life and immerse yourself in a weekend of self-exploration, movement, and transformation right in the heart of London. This retreat offers a unique blend of deep inner work and practical tools to help you reconnect with yourself in a peaceful, yet accessible urban setting. Held in a beautiful East London studio, just a short walk from Victoria Park, the retreat provides the perfect space to explore Daoist wisdom, breathwork, and embodied practices in a supportive community. Through guided sessions, you’ll learn how to quiet the mind, release limiting beliefs, and cultivate inner strength, all while surrounded by like

Location

London, United Kingdom

London, the vibrant capital of England and the United Kingdom, is a city that seamlessly blends centuries of history with modern innovation. As one of the world’s most iconic cities, it is home to legendary landmarks such as the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. The River Thames winds through the heart of the city, connecting its diverse neighborhoods, from the historic charm of Westminster to the trendy streets of Shoreditch and the cultural hub of Southbank. London is a global center for art, fashion, finance, and education, boasting world-class museums like the British Museum and Tate Modern, as well as prestigious institutions such as the University of London and Imperial College. Its rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its diverse population, making it a melting pot of traditions, cuisines, and languages. Beyond its historic and cultural significance, London is a city of endless energy and creativity. The West End dazzles with its world-renowned theater productions, while Camden Market and Portobello Road offer eclectic shopping experiences. Green spaces like Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Hampstead Heath provide tranquil escapes from the urban hustle, showcasing the city’s commitment to preserving nature amidst its sprawling metropolis. London’s culinary scene is equally dynamic, ranging from traditional pubs and afternoon tea to Michelin-starred restaurants and global street food markets. With its efficient public transport system, including the iconic red double-decker buses and the Underground, London is a city that is both easy to navigate and endlessly explorable. Whether you’re drawn to its history, culture, or modern vibrancy, London offers something for everyone, making it a truly unforgettable destination. At the heart of the street lies the renowned Chisenhale Gallery, a contemporary art space that has gained international acclaim for showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions and supporting emerging artists. The gallery is a cornerstone of the local arts community and often hosts events, workshops, and talks that engage both residents and visitors. Nearby, Victoria Park, one of London’s most beloved green spaces, is just a short walk away, offering a peaceful retreat with its sprawling lawns, lakes, and tree-lined paths. The area is also home to a variety of independent cafes, restaurants, and shops, reflecting the neighborhood’s creative and multicultural vibe. With its blend of artistic heritage, community warmth, and urban convenience, Chisenhale Road embodies the unique spirit of East London.

Venue

Chisenhale Dance Space

4.6 49 Reviews

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Chisenhale Dance Space (CDS) has been making space for artists to lead, experiment, and create for over 40 years, serving marginalised dance artists from Tower Hamlets, London, and across the UK. We support an Artist Community that spans all ages and roles within experimental performance, including performers, choreographers, teachers, curators, producers and advocates for sectoral change. We prioritise the needs of those who have been historically marginalised, including artists of Global Majority heritage and disabled/neurodivergent artists. Our programmes are artist-led, centred on the belief that artists best understand their needs and are key drivers of change in the sector. We offer a responsive framework of opportunities and peer support tailored to the challenges artists face.

Fitness Center

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Yoga Studio

Bathroom

Bathroom

Accommodation

Retreat Access without Accommodation

Participants to organize their own lodging or commuting.

$800 USD total

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Meals

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Meals provided

Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegan

All meals at the retreat are vegan, nourishing, and prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Thoughtfully crafted by a local chef, each meal is designed to support energy, balance, and well-being throughout the retreat. Meals are enjoyed in community, creating space to connect and reflect between sessions. If you have any dietary requirements or allergies, please let us know in advance, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

Schedule

The retreat follows a structured yet spacious flow, balancing movement, self-inquiry, and deep reflection. Each day begins with morning practice in Victoria Park, offering a peaceful start through breathwork and movement. Throughout the day, we’ll engage in transformative workshops, guided exercises, and interactive discussions, exploring Daoist wisdom, mindfulness, and self-development. Sessions are designed to help release limiting beliefs, build resilience, and reconnect with your inner clarity. Between sessions, we’ll share nourishing vegan meals, fostering connection and grounding. Evenings offer space for integration, reflection, and connection, bringing the day’s insights into focus. This retreat is a deep dive into self-discovery, offering tools and practices that you can carry with you long after the weekend ends.

Testimonials

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George's practical knowledge of the Dao and his unique and playful approach to sharing it with others made this experience unforgettable. The emotional alchemy practices along with meditations, silence, Qi Gong, and Tai Chi sessions were so well timed, relaxing, and transformative. The organic food, music, and storytelling sessions in that beautiful and magical location made the four days go by very quickly, but also with a relaxing intensity that is paradoxical.

JT, United Kingdom

I really loved the vibrant, playful, and joyful energy George brought to this retreat. The delivery of the in-depth teachings was graceful and light, peppered with wonderful stories and humour. I am returning home energised, excited to practice, and with a different outlook on my values and my priorities.

Elena, United Kingdom

I loved everything about the retreat, especially the way George taught in a playful way. It brought an energy of light and playfulness to something that I would normally take quite seriously. This helped me to take myself less seriously and have fun. I would recommend it to anyone who has a curiosity about the Dao, Qi Gong, or Tai Chi.

Paula, United Kingdom

This retreat was enormously transformational for me. George seamlessly wove together movement practice with meditation and insightful self-growth discussions. I came away rejuvenated, with so many lessons to implement from the simple to the profound. I can’t think of a single person who wouldn’t greatly benefit from this retreat whether you’re interested in Qi Gong or simply expanding your inner world.

Hugh, United Kingdom

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Host

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George Thompson

Hampshire, England, United Kingdom

George is a dedicated filmmaker, Tai Chi teacher, and communicator of Daoist philosophy: the Way of Nature. His films have been watched by millions and over 200,000 subscribers have joined for the ...

1 language

English

Teaching for 2 years

Joined Insight Timer in Aug 2023

What's Included

All workshops and guided sessions led by George Thompson

Morning practice in Victoria Park (breathwork, movement, and meditation)

Transformative exercises and group discussions

A supportive community experience with like-minded participants

Delicious vegan meals prepared by a local chef (lunch and dinner included)

All retreat materials needed for workshops and practices

A peaceful and accessible retreat space in East London

Not Included

Accommodation (this is a non-residential retreat)

Breakfast (only lunch and dinner are provided)

Travel to and from the retreat venue

Personal expenses or additional snacks

Travel insurance (recommended but not required)

FAQs

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 90 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 90 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 90 days before the retreat begins.