Mahjong & Mindfulness
A Weekend Retreat
March 20th-22nd, 2026
Cold Spring, New York
*PRICES INCREASE FEBRUARY 1- BOOK NOW!*
A playful, peaceful weekend of Mahjong, movement, creativity, and nature.
Step away from the bustle of daily life and immerse yourself in a rejuvenating weekend where strategy meets serenity. Our Mahjong & Mindfulness Retreat blends the joy of game play with grounding practices designed to restore your body, mind, and spirit.
Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned player, this unique weekend has something to offer for every level of experience, with unparalleled instruction and fun mini-tournaments, all coordinated by our onsite Mahjong expert!
Held on a stunning property in the Hudson Valley—just about an hour from NYC, Fairfield County, and Westchester—this retreat offers the perfect balance of fun, stillness, connection, and community.
A Weekend of Mahjong — From Beginner Basics to Friendly Competition
Throughout the weekend, Mahjong will be woven into the retreat with something for everyone—gentle, beginner-friendly instruction for those eager to learn the tiles and rhythm of the game, and engaging mini-tournament play for experienced players who want a fun, spirited challenge. Whether you’re just starting or already love the strategy and camaraderie of Mah Jong, you’ll enjoy plenty of time to play, connect, and immerse yourself in this timeless game.
Whether you're craving community, hoping to learn Mahjong, eager to deepen your existing practice, or simply longing for a mindful getaway, this retreat offers:
- Joyful connection -
- Skill-building through play -
- Personal reset and renewal -
- Space to unwind in nature -
- A warm, welcoming community -
Join Us This March
Come for the Mahjong. Stay for the mindfulness. Leave feeling restored, inspired, and a little more you.
Ready to reserve your spot?
Registration is now open.
LOCATION
Glynwood Center - Cold Spring, New York
Set on a 225-acre working farm in the heart of the Hudson Valley, Glynwood offers a serene escape — a place where rolling pastures, wooded paths, farmhouses and barns meet quiet countryside. A beautiful, historic working farm, Glynwood began as a private estate in the early 20th century and has since evolved into a nonprofit hub for sustainable agriculture, while preserving the natural beauty and pastoral charm of the land.
With expansive meadows, quiet woodlands, open skies, and open land — the setting invites deep breath, reflection, and connection with nature. Ideal for quiet walks, meditative moments, and simply soaking in calm surroundings.
Guests stay in charming, private accommodations, making Glynwood a warm, welcoming retreat destination.
The mixture of open land, quiet corners, and cozy gathering spaces makes Glynwood an ideal backdrop for mindfulness practices, creativity, rest — and for connecting with others during games, meals, and shared experiences.
In short, Glynwood offers the perfect blend of bucolic stillness, natural beauty, rustic comfort, and thoughtful stewardship of land. As a retreat location, it gently invites you to slow down — to play, reflect, create, and connect — all in an environment that feels both removed from everyday stress and deeply rooted in tranquility.
Conveniently located in Cold Spring, New York, this retreat is easily accessible from both New York City Connecticut, and Westchester, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway. The Cold Spring Metro-North station, just a quick cab ride away from the property, provides a seamless travel experience for guests.
This unique haven offers the perfect balance of luxury, tranquility, and connection with nature.
Come, unwind, get your game on and find your calm!
Retreat Activities
Mahjong
Whether you’re brand-new or already loving the game, enjoy guided instruction for beginners and relaxed open play for experienced players.
Sound Baths
Experience the healing vibrations of sound baths, where crystal bowls and other instruments create a tranquil atmosphere for deep relaxation.
Time in Nature
Immerse yourself in the healing energies of the woods with a guided forest bathing session, promoting calm and a deeper connection to the natural world.
Meditation and Movement
Begin each day with centering practices to cultivate inner peace and clarity.
All Meals Included
Savor a farmhouse breakfast; and a healthy, lovingly prepared lunch and dinner, from our private Ayurvedic chef. Locally sourced and nourishing ingredients are prioritized in all meals.
Meditative Art
Enjoy relaxing arts-and-crafts inspired activities that spark creativity and mindfulness. A soothing way to unwind, express, and reconnect.
Community Building
Engage in group activities and discussions that foster a sense of belonging and connection with fellow participants.
Meet Your Retreat Team
Diane Barnett
Diane Barnett, founder of Grounded Meditation, spent over two decades practicing law in New York City before following a quieter calling—one rooted in stillness, healing, and inner peace. In 2009, she stepped onto a new path and began to teach yoga and meditation at New York City studios. A few years later, she relocated to Connecticut, where her passion for mindfulness and well-being continued to grow.
In 2019, Diane founded Grounded Meditation with the motto “Find Your Calm”—a heartfelt mission to make meditation and related practices more accessible, inclusive, and approachable for all.
Today, Diane specializes in Sound Baths , Sound Healing Therapy, and Meditation Instruction, weaving these deeply restorative modalities into retreats, workshops, private and corporate wellness events.
Diane is a graduate of Cornell University and CUNY School of Law, and holds an array of certifications in teaching meditation, yoga, Yoga Nidra, sound healing, tapping (EFT), pranayama, and Reiki. She is also a certified Forest Bathing guide and trained Dancing Mindfulness facilitator—always exploring new ways to help others reconnect with their bodies, their breath, and the present moment.
Diane believes that everyone can meditate, everyone deserves to heal, and that something powerful happens when women gather with intention. Her retreats are a reflection of that belief—safe, soulful spaces to pause, breathe, and begin again.
Catherine Barrett
Catherine Barrett began her meditation journey years ago as a healthy coping mechanism for everyday stressors, as well as way to discover inner peace through mindfulness. She strongly believes meditation to be one of the most profound forms of self-care and is deeply passionate about guiding each student on their own unique path to develop a practice that suits them. Catherine supports Grounded Meditation’s premise that meditation should be accessible to people from every background and walk of life. She facilitates her classes, workshops and private sessions with that premise in mind.
Certificates in teaching the Shamatha style of meditation as well as in Sound Healing, Reiki and Pranayama (breath work) round out Catherine’s knowledge and ability to provide user-friendly instruction to all. She leads meditation workshops, sound and energy healing sessions with Grounded and volunteers at Silver Hill Hospital, where she teaches meditation to the inpatient adolescent population and those in the Executive/Professionals Program. Catherine received a BS in Sociology from Sacred Heart University.
Elva Grosman - Mahjong Instructor
A dedicated Math and Special Ed High School teacher for 15 years, Elva brings her love of teaching and connecting with others to every Mahjong game. An empty nester now living in Putnam Valley, she cherishes her memories of learning Mahjong while growing up on the Jersey Shore.
Since Elva was 12, she and her sister have been captivated by this ancient game, a passion passed down through generations of family gatherings filled with laughter and friendly competition. They even made their house the neighborhood Mahjong destination in their teenage years.
Now, this lifelong player are has turned her love for Mahjong into a unique experience for others. Combining her teaching expertise with infectious enthusiasm, Elva makes learning Mahjong fun, engaging, and memorable - like a party with your closest friends!
Iraimer Ruiz- Chef
A Native Puerto Rican, with a Spanish-French-Creole heritage, Iraimer Ruiz is an Ayurvedic Chef and wellness practitioner dedicated to nourishing body, mind, and spirit through conscious cuisine and holistic care. Trained in Ayurveda and the art of Ayurvedic diagnosis, Iraimer creates vibrant, healing meals tailored to each client’s unique constitution and seasonal needs. Beyond the kitchen, Iraimer serves their community through yoga, somatic breathwork, Marma Therapy, and mindful living practices—offering a sanctuary of warmth, wisdom, and wellbeing for all who seek balance and joy.
Retreat Benefits
*Learn Mahjong from an experienced, enthusiastic instructor! Learn to play or use your present skills in friendly yet challenging games with other experienced players.
*Enhance your mindfulness and meditation practice.
*Reconnect with nature and yourself.
*Build lasting connections with like-minded individuals.
*Experience holistic healing through sound, movement, nutrition, and community.
*Leave feeling rejuvenated, inspired, and grounded.
This weekend retreat promises a holistic experience that will nurture your body, mind, and spirit. Whether you are seeking relaxation, personal growth, community, or simply a couple of days of peace and quiet, this retreat offers a unique opportunity to explore and deepen your practice in a supportive environment. Join us for an unforgettable journey of self-discovery and well-being.
Weekend Schedule
Schedule subject to change and adjust as we do!
Friday
Arrivals at 3:00
Opening Circle, introductions, games begin
Chef-Prepared Dinner
Sound Bath & Yoga Nidra deep rest meditation
Optional play
Saturday
Gentle Yoga/Somatic Movement & Meditation
Breakfast
Instruction and Games
Free time, optional services
Lunch
Silent Meditative walk in surrounding woods
Meditative Art Activity
Games/Instruction
Chef-Prepared Dinner
Expressive Movement/Dancing Mindfulness Session
Optional play
Sunday
Gentle Yoga & Sound Bath
Breakfast
Games/Instruction
Closing Circle
Box Lunch to go
Accomodations
All rooms are meticulously appointed with comfortable beds and furnishings. Rooms are in the main inn - Perkins House or in the charming Appledore Cottage. Linens, blankets, towels, and robes are provided.
Shared bathrooms are shared with one other bedroom.
All meals, snacks, instruction and activities are included.
Queen Bed with Private Bath in Perkins House
(one remaining)
$1,750 for one person
or $1,250 per person to share- (must be booked together if sharing)
RESERVED
Queen Bed with Shared Bath in Perkins House
$1,650 for one person
or $1,200 per person to share-
(must be booked together if sharing)
Shared Room with
Two Beds & Private Bath in Perkins House
$1,600.00 per person
(two shared rooms remaining)
per person for two people- (must book together)
RESERVED
Queen Bed with Private Bath in Appledore Cottage
$1,700.00 for one person
or $1,200 per person to share- (must be booked together if sharing)
PRICES INCLUDE:
RESERVED!
Two Full Beds with Shared Bath in Appledore Cottage
(one room available)
$1,500.00 per person
per person for two people (must be booked together)
RESERVED!
Queen Bed with Shared Bath in Appledore Cottage
(one available)
$1,500.00 for one person
or $1,200 per person to share (must be booked together if sharing)
- Two nights accommodation in your choice of room
- All meals- nourishing and delicious dinners on Friday and Saturday; breakfast on Saturday and Sunday; lunch on Saturday and lunch to-go on Sunday.
- All activities, including Mahjong instruction for beginners and guided mini-tournaments (with prizes!) for experienced players.
- Carefully curated "swag bag" with weekend theme-related items.
- Healthy snacks, tea, water throughout the weekend.
***Optional private Sound Healing and/or Reiki sessions will be available during free times for an additional charge.
Booking & Payment
*PLEASE NOTE THAT WE CANNOT HOLD A ROOM WITHOUT A DEPOSIT!*
Reach out to us at groundedmeditationstudio@gmail.com or (203) 717-4777 for any retreat-related questions and registration information.
OR:
Submit The Registration Form
Please fill out the booking form with your contact details, room preference, and any relevant notes or requests.
Be sure to indicate your level of play- beginner (in need of instruction) or experienced!
Send Your Deposit
A $200 deposit is required to reserve your room.
Send payment via:
Choose Your Payment Plan
You may choose to:
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Pay in full upfront, or $200.00 initial deposit to reserve your room.
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Half of remaining cost of room due within ten days
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Balance (second half) due within 10 days after first half is paid.
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Accommodations booked after February 1st must be paid in full within five days after initial $200.00 deposit. Bookings after February 15th must be paid in full at time of reservation.
PAY WITH VENMO:
Scan the QR Code below with your venmo account
Retreat Cancellation Policy
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All other funds are:
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Fully refundable 60 or more days prior to the event
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50% refundable if canceled 30–60 days prior
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Non-refundable if canceled within 30 days
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If you cancel within 30 days and we are able to fill your spot, you will be eligible for a 50% refund
Please Note: Our standard event cancellation policy does not apply to this retreat.
