Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center is a place of natural beauty, ideal for realigning yourself with the force of nature. Rolling hills, prairies, and woods invite guests to connect with nature as a theater of grace. Guests can hike on five miles of trails, venture out on the marsh walk (a 425-foot floating walkway overlooking Chub Lake), meditate/read/relax in the gazebo, walk the outdoor meditation labyrinth, swim in the heated indoor pool, experience spa living in the whirlpool and sauna, observe wildlife through the observation blind, or enjoy conversation over a fire on the spacious patio. Wildflower and rainwater gardens, scattered throughout the grounds, highlight the retreat center’s natural beauty and commitments to land preservation.

The Cornell House at Mount Olivet features simple, elegant hotel-style rooms, each with two full-sized beds, a table and chairs, and a private bath. Sheets, towels, linens, pillows, and a hair dryer are provided.

Single room

Join us to learn the art of non-forcing, relax the ego, and realign with your natural self.

Taoism can be described as the -ism of life. The book of Taoism, the Tao Te Ching, is an attempt to describe what life is and how it works. As humans, we have a tendency to become unaligned with the rhythm of life, and the Tao can help us realign. You may already have a copy of the Tao Te Ching, but one will also be included in your welcome bag upon arrival.

The term wu wei is the central principle of Taoism, and it refers to the ability to flow with life, not struggle against it. It is the art of non-forcing. It is a certain way of being. One that is relaxed, clear, focused, grounded, un-pressured, un-self-conscious, and fueled by the energy of the present moment, rather than by the ego. This way of being will be the central focus of our retreat. During our time together, we will practice this way of being through a combination of the following:

- Present Meditation: Guided group meditations led by Charles and Saqib, inspired by the Tao.

- Present Speech: Present-based discussions led by Charles and Saqib, inspired by the Tao. We will encourage all speech during the retreat to come from the present (i.e., from the Tao).

- Present Movement: There will be opportunities for mindful movement practices, including walks through the surrounding trails, as well as optional yoga and tai chi exercises.

- Present Creation: There will be opportunities for creativity both formally and informally. You are invited to create and express in any way you like (e.g., poetry, art, music, etc.)

- Present Eating: Our meal times will be an opportunity to connect with each other, but also a chance to presently experience the miracle of food entering, nourishing, and becoming the body.

- Present Silence: Throughout the weekend, you are invited to use silence as a teacher and friend.

An in-person retreat can impact your life in a way not many other things can. When you genuinely invite the Tao into your life, powerful things tend to happen, because you begin to flow with the force of the universe at your back, instead of at your front. The cost of this power is the letting go of feeling like you are in control of life. We can help with this.

Life is in control. But you can learn to flow with it. Wu wei.

This retreat is for anyone seeking to deepen their connection to the universe (i.e., the Tao), relax the mind and body, and access intuition and flow. Whether you are completely new to Taoist concepts or have been exploring them for years, the practices and teachings are timelessly relevant and will meet you where you are.

Who is this retreat for?

No prior experience is necessary. In fact, no experience might even be a benefit. You will receive a copy of the Tao Te Ching upon arrival, along with a notebook and pen, a copy of the schedule, and a few other goodies.

Do I need prior experience with Taoism?

Bring comfortable clothing, an open mind, and a willingness to live, speak, and act from the present moment. You are also encouraged to bring a creative project along (e.g., art, writing, even a business idea that feels authentic). More detailed information will be provided after registration.

What should I bring to the retreat?

Beginning on April 11, 2025, participants will be invited to complete the 83-day Tao Te Ching Mastery course on Insight Timer as a group, ending one day before the retreat begins. This way, we can have a shared experience leading up to our time together in person. This is totally optional and not required.

How can I prepare for the retreat?

It's natural to feel hesitation before stepping into something new. The wu wei approach is to honor where you are and allow your intuition to guide you. This retreat is about gently loosening resistance rather than forcing acceptance. Feel free to reach out if you have any concerns or questions.

What if I’m feeling hesitant or unsure about attending the retreat?

It is both. While we will have guided sessions, group discussions, and much opportunity for deep interpersonal connection, there will also be plenty of time for individual personal reflection, meditation, and simply being. The retreat is designed to balance communal experience with individual contemplation to suit the kind of experience you'd like to have.

Is this more group-based or individual-based?

Through guided practices inspired by wu wei (effortless un-forced action), meditation, and body-based awareness, you’ll learn to relax the mind and body, allowing intuition and natural flow to arise spontaneously. This retreat emphasizes moving away from overthinking and stepping into direct experience.

How will this retreat help me access intuition and flow?

This retreat is not religious but rather focuses on practical wisdom drawn from the Taoist tradition and specifically from the readings of the Tao Te Ching. The practices are designed to enhance well-being, awareness, and natural presence, regardless of one’s religious or spiritual background.

Is this retreat religious or spiritual in nature?

You are encouraged to explore the material with an open mind, but there is no requirement to accept anything presented. And if you disagree, this would be lovely fodder for present-based discussion. The Taoist approach values direct experience over rigid beliefs, so feel free to take what resonates and leave the rest. The retreat is a space for discovery, not conformity.

What if I don’t agree with some of the teachings?

Creative expression is essential to the human living experience. When you become genuinely present, there is a tendency to access a reservoir of creative intuition. So, if it's of interest, we encourage you to bring along a creative project. This could be anything. It could be something you've been working on for a long time, or that you just started, or that you've been wanting to start but have been putting off. Or it could just be an intention to see what creativity arises during the retreat.

What do you mean by opportunities for creativity?

English

Fresh, nutritious meals are served daily at Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center. Food plays a large role in nurturing and sustaining us in mind, body, and spirit, and the staff takes pride in nourishing guests with delicious and healthy meals during their stay.

Full-meal service as well as a 24/7 beverage and snack bar are offered to guests during their stay. The kitchen uses ingredients from their on-site garden and locally-sourced foods whenever possible. The on-site chef sets the menu for each day so guests experience a variety of dishes and flavors during their stay.

Meals are served cafeteria or buffet style with an 8am breakfast, 12pm lunch, and 6pm dinner. The beverage and snack bar, located in the dining room, is available to guests 24/7 and features fresh coffee, a selection of teas, lemonade, fruit, yogurt, trail mix and other snack items.

The kitchen can also accommodate special dietary requests, such as gluten-free, lactose-free, nut-free, vegetarian, and vegan, with advance notice. Special diets should be communicated to our staff at least two weeks prior to your visit. Please note we do not maintain a gluten-free, lactose-free, or nut-free kitchen environment.

Charles Freligh, PhD

Minneapolis, MN, USA

Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center

Farmington, Minnesota, is a charming city located in Dakota County, known for its friendly community and small-town appeal combined with convenient access to the Twin Cities. With its roots dating back to the 19th century, Farmington boasts a rich history, evident in its well-preserved historic buildings and landmarks. The city offers a variety of parks and recreational areas, providing residents and visitors with ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking. Farmington is also home to a number of community events throughout the year, fostering a strong sense of local pride and togetherness. Its schools and family-friendly amenities make it an attractive place for families, while its growing business community and proximity to major highways offer opportunities for professionals. Overall, Farmington provides a welcoming and vibrant environment, blending the tranquillity of rural life with the conveniences of urban living.

Mount Olivet Conference & Retreat Center, 257th Street West, Farmington, MN, USA

Here's the timing of things:
The first day, Thursday, 7/3, will be a half-day beginning in the afternoon, where you will sign in and receive a welcome bag (including a copy of the Tao Te Ching, a notebook and pen, a copy of the schedule, and likely some other goodies). Then you can settle into your room and get acclimated to the retreat space before our introductory group session followed by a group meal.

The next two days will be full days that will look like the sample schedule below. 

And then we will have one more half-day on Sunday, 7/6, including breakfast and a final closing group session and integration experience.

Sample daily schedule:
- 7:30-8:00am: Optional Morning Meditation
- 8:00-8:45am: Breakfast
- 9:00-11:00: Group Session 1: The Tao
- 12:00pm: Lunch
- 1:00pm: Optional Movement Practice
- 3:00-5:00pm: Group Session 2: Wu Wei
- 6:00pm: Dinner and Celebration of the Day

Importantly, any unscheduled time is still very much a part of the retreat, as we don’t want you to feel overwhelmed by scheduled activities. The main active ingredient may just be time and space away from the busyness of daily life to help you recenter and reset before reengaging into daily life with a renewed and refreshed sense of self. You may also wish to bring along a creative project you’ve been meaning to give more time and energy. This could be the perfect opportunity to allow space for your creative intuition to come through.

Twice now, I've participated in retreats with Charles and Saqib, and found them so restorative. As teachers, they're insightful and supportive. As people, they're warm and funny, with such great chemistry. Beyond learning a lot about my own mind, I came out of each retreat feeling grounded and inspired. Thank you, Saqib and Charles!

Trish S.

I've had the privilege of being guided by Charles and Saqib two years in a row, and both experiences were nothing short of profound. Their sessions are deeply insightful, inspiring, and transformational, creating a space for true connection and growth. Each time, I left the retreat feeling more aligned, present, resilient, and open. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone seeking meaningful transformation.

Miguel R.

I went to a weekend retreat with Charles and Saqib and had an incredible experience. It was such a joy to see teachers with such different experiences and backgrounds come together to create a seamless experience as they co-lead the various sessions. It was such a restorative and fun weekend. Looking forward to the next one!

Roe S.

I attended a retreat led by Charles and Saqib last year. What stood out to me was the intentional nature of the various exercises and conversations we took part in throughout the weekend. I simultaneously felt fully at ease and out of my normal comfort zone. I certainly came away from the weekend with newfound perspectives and more peace of mind, and I would strongly encourage anyone to experience it for themselves.