Transforming Relationship with Money: A Journey Back to Abundance
November 1-7, 2025 near Shanghai, China
“Only love and understanding heal."
- Byron Katie
Transforming Relationship with Money:
A Journey Back to Abundance
Join us for a 7-day retreat at the Amazing Southern China Garden Retreat in YiXing, China, the birthplace of the famous Purple Clay Teapot
Discover the Transformational Space of West Garden in Yixing, China
Nestled in the serene landscapes of Yixing, China, West Garden is more than just a venue—it is a sanctuary for deep introspection and transformation. Originally built by a Ming Dynasty scholar, this historic retreat embodies a legacy of intellectual pursuit, and inner reflection. With its traditional Southern Chinese gardens, elegant pavilions, and tranquil surroundings, it provides the perfect setting for exploring The Work of Byron Katie, a practice that invites us to question our thoughts and find clarity and freedom within.
It is also the home for The Chinese Academy for The Work, and for the first time, we are opening it to all our Work friends worldwide to come and join us. Our vision is to create an international platform where Chinese- and English-speaking practitioners connect, learn, and grow together, as well as to introduce self-inquiry to all Chinese communities, especially teachers and students, starting with this upcoming special workshop in November.
November 1-7, 2025 near Shanghai, China
Intro Video
Where we will do The Work:
Workshop Overview
This seven-day workshop combines The Work of Byron Katie with experiential learning, cultural exchange, and practical exercises to transform our relationship with money and create an abundant life. Using a mix of The Thinking Project’s curriculum, group exercises, personal reflection, and outings, participants will explore how their thoughts shape their experiences with money and learn how to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance.
The workshop will be bi-lingual, with sessions in both English and Chinese. We’ll have moments of simultaneous translation, as well as separate sessions in each language. Participants will engage in shared learning, exchange ideas, and collaborate across language and cultural differences. Evening events will celebrate these differences and help us discover the common humanity that connects us all.
The ultimate goal of this workshop is for each participant to reconnect with their inherited abundance—the inner sense of wholeness, worth, and potential that is always available, regardless of external circumstances.
Workshop Facilitators:
Natalie Wen
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Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie
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Trainer, The Institute for The Work, for nearly 20 eCourses 2018-2024
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CEO & Trainer, The Chinese Association for The Work of Byron Katie, 2019-2024
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Founder, The Chinese Academy for The Work of Byron Katie
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Exclusive Instructor & Trainer for ZhangDeFen Space in China
Rachel Pickett
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Certified Facilitator of The Work of Byron Katie
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M.A. Curriculum and Instruction
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Co-Founder, Executive Director The Thinking Project
Program: (Subject to Adjustments）
We will begin each day with a morning walk at 7:30am, and end the evening around 8:30 pm.
Day 0: Check in, and An Evening Welcome Session
Day 1: Back To Being A Child:
Experiencing The Work of Byron Katie Through The Thinking Project Curriculum; Discovering Abundance Game 101
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Morning Session: 9:00am to Noon
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Afternoon Session: 2:00 – 5:30pm
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Evening Activity: Camp Fire Under the Stars sharing my experiences with The Work
Day 2: Money Beliefs and Mindset
Identifying deeply ingrained money beliefs through exercises and start shifting them using The Work; Discovering Abundance Game 102
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Morning Session: 9:00am to Noon
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Afternoon Session: 2:00 – 5:30pm
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Evening Activity: Cultural Exchange & Reflection: Begin exploring the idea of cultural identity and how it shapes our relationship with money.
Day 3: Exploring Money and Abundance
Exploring “Desired” Relationship with Money and What Abundance Means in One’s Life; Discovering Abundance Game 103
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Morning Session: 9:00am to Noon
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Afternoon Session: 2:00 – 5:30pm
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Evening Activity: Living Out Abundance
Day 4: Outing Day: Walking the Talk
Experiencing & Creating Abundance in the Real World Through Small Group Dynamics: A special journey to explore what abundance means and how one responds to unknown and participates in group decisions
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Full Day Outing
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Reflection and Inquiry at the end of the outing
Day 5: Money, Mother, and Abundance
Discovering the Connection between Mother and Money through Worksheets and Role Plays；Discovering Abundance Game 104
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Morning Session: 9:00am to Noon
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Afternoon Session: 2:00 – 5:30pm
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Evening Activity: Cultural Celebration: Share a song, dance, or story from each culture that signifies or represents abundance
Day 6: Living Turnaround: Abundance Beyond Money
Exploring Ways to Live Out Abundance in Real Life；Discovering Abundance Game 105
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Morning Session: 9:00am to Noon
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Afternoon Session: 2:00 – 5:30pm
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Evening Activity: Closing Ceremony – Celebration of Abundance
Day 7: Integration and Moving Forward
Embracing Life
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Morning Session: 9:00am to Noon (Workshop Ends)
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Optional Tour – Visit Yixing Purple Clay Teapot Museum, a traditional heritage dating back to the 15th century, or a local cultural attraction.
Where You’ll Stay:
Yixing Hongshanwu Resort Hotel, originally known as Jiangsu Hongshanwu Scenic Area, features 85 guest rooms. The Lake View (Garden View) Twin Rooms range from 30-35 square meters, while the King Bed Rooms measure 26-30 square meters.
Accommodations include:
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underfloor heating
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air conditioning
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smart room control systems
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smart toilets
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complimentary Wi-Fi.
Hotel facilities include:
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Dining services
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Multi-functional conference rooms
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Chess/board game room and tea lounge
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Boat tours
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Café
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Karaoke
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Fishing
Address:** No. 1 Zhuting Road, Nanmen Village, Zhangzhu Town, Yixing
Tel:** 18961531919 (Front Desk)
We will assist you with more detailed information or planning.
We will also offer optional local sightseeing tour before the workshop after you land in Shanghai if you are interested. If so, we will escort all on this tour via train ride to the venue on October 31, 2025. We can also help with the after workshop traveling arrangements if you so wish.
• You may fly into: Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport or Shanghai Pudong International Airport.
• From either airport, there are Metro or bus lines that can take you to the nearby station. It’s a 15-20 minute car ride from the station to the hotel.
• Hotel check in is at 3:00pm on October 31, 2025
• Dinner is on your own. You can choose from the many restaurants in town, or eat at the Hotel restaurant.
• Once signed up, we will assist you with any transportation arrangements.
Travel and How to Get There
Pricing Options
Pricing includes:
Lodging for 7 nights
Breakfast Buffet for 7 days
Lunch for 6 days
All activities
Single Sign-up $1950
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Pair-up Special $90 discount
$1860 per person
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Group Special (three people or more) $150 discount
$1800 per person
Above pricing is for accommodation at Hongshanwu Resort Hotel (Double Occupancy). Additional room charge at USD 30 daily for Single Occupancy.
Q&A:
1. What is the cancellation policy for this workshop?
Cancellations made before October 1, 2025, are eligible for a refund, with a $150 processing fee deducted per participant. After this date, unless we can fill your spot, no refund will be issued. If we are able to fill your spot, your payment will be refunded minus a $150 processing fee. If you cancel without prior notice, do not attend, or leave the workshop early, your payment will not be refunded and is non-transferable.
2. Visa Application and Border Entry:
Foreigners entering China must first apply for a visa at a visa office abroad. Upon entry, they must present the relevant documents to the border inspection authorities, complete the required procedures, and obtain approval before being allowed to enter.
3. I'm new to Byron Katie's "The Work," is this workshop suitable for me?
Absolutely! The workshop is suitable for both newcomers and those experienced with The Work. The facilitators will guide you through the process, and you will learn new skills and gain a deeper understanding of how to apply The Work in various aspects of your life and work to achieve clearer understanding, inner peace, ease, and happiness. Many newcomers have had the most profound experiences of their lives by the end of the event.
4. What will the weather be like?
The weather in Yixing, China, in November is quite pleasant, with temperatures typically ranging between 15-20 degrees Celsius. It is not the rainy season, though occasional rain may occur. Please check the weather forecast a few days before your arrival for the most updated information. After you register, we will send you a packing list to help you prepare for various weather conditions.
5. I don't speak Chinese, will this be a problem?
Not at all. We will have itinerary translations available, and you can download translation software in advance. If necessary, translation tools can be provided for a rental fee of RMB 200 for 7 days.
6. What will the food be like?
The hotel will provide breakfast with a variety of options including eggs, fruits, yogurt, and various Chinese dishes. Lunch will be served at the dining hall at Xiyuan featuring local Chinese cuisine, such as rice, stir-fried vegetables, meats, etc. Bread and salads will be served as well. Please let us know if there is any food allergies that we should be aware of.
We do not include dinners in the package pricing to allow you more food choices. You may still eat at the dining hall for a flat fee or enjoy the variety of menus the hotel restaurant offers, or order delivery from local restaurants.
If you have any particular comfort items you enjoy, we recommend bringing them along to make your trip more comfortable.
For any inquiries or registration assistance, please contact us via email at academy4TW@163.com.