Date: 2025／09／13 (Sat) 10:00-18:00
Location: The Barn Muzha, Taipei, Taiwan
Level: All levels are warmly welcomed
Category: Inspire & Connect
*Inspire & Connect provides retreats that help us pursue inner happiness, peace, freedom, and personal growth through wellness group activities. Here in a safe space, together we discuss ideas without judgment, and share stories we've never told a soul.
*The retreat will proceed with a minimum of 6 attendees. If there are fewer than 6 attendees, we will notify you and issue a full refund one week before the retreat starts.
*Please note that this is an adult-exclusive retreat available to 16-year-olds and over.
Spend a day on the weekend in the company of gentle therapy dog and embark on a journey of emotional awareness — connecting with yourself and with this loving companion.
The day begins with soft, mindful stretches. Then, we slowly and quietly tune in to our inner rhythm. Together, we’ll practice observing the flow of emotions, noticing the difference between watching and thinking, and gently explore how to stay grounded with care in everyday life.
In the afternoon, a special companion — therapy dog — will join us. It doesn’t communicate through words, but with subtle gestures, soft eyes, and quiet presence, they have a way of reflecting and connecting with our emotions.
In those shared moments of interaction, the dog’s pure and steady presence becomes a mirror for our own emotions. By connecting with them, we begin to uncover the unspoken needs and quiet longings that often lie beneath our feelings.
Next, the therapy dog will gently guide us through a journey of exploring our relational patterns. Free from the complexities of human projection, animals allow us to more clearly see our own habits — helping us rediscover how we show up in relationships and within a group.
Finally, we’ll share a moment of quiet meditation with the therapy dog. Held in their calm presence, we return to each breath, each feeling in the present moment. No words are needed — every emotion is welcomed, held, and allowed to simply be.
May this journey shared with the therapy dogs become a gentle moment of self-understanding and inner peace.
What To Expect
Wear your most comfortable clothes and bring environmentally friendly tableware.
Put down your phones and communicate with the world attentively.
Stay weird and stay unique.
Stretches and Mindfulness of Emotions：Krystal
In this retreat, Krystal will guide us through stretching, meditation, and calming breathwork. With simple and clear awareness practices, we’ll gently slow down and begin to understand our emotions more deeply.
“Yoga takes on an important role in building confidence and allows us to experience the purest form of energy within ourselves.”
Krystal graduated from New York University with a Photography and Imaging Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree. Her passion for travel changed her perspective of the world and inspired her in different aspects that she will carry into her yoga sessions.
As a yoga instructor, Krystal strives to inspire and lead yogis by engaging the mind and body. She ensures that everyone is comfortable on the mat and teaches essential postures that are safe and useful for daily practices.
*Professional Credentials
/ Certifications /
20-Hour The Science of Well-Being with Professor Laurie Santos (Yale University via Coursera)
2019: 25-Hour Tokyo Japan Teacher Training with Maty Ezraty (Yoga Tree)
2018: 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training with Rachel Tsai (Fresh Yoga)
2017: 30-Hour Immersion with Richard Freeman & Mary Taylor (Space Yoga)
2015: 200-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher Training with Adarsh Williams (Space Yoga)
/ Affiliations /
Yoga Alliance, E-RYT200, Member-2017-Present
Insta: @kwiztoe
*This session will be held in Mandarin
*This session can also be held in English and Chinese. Please contact @soulbarn official LINE account at least one week in advance if you need this service.
Healing Dog and Inner Connection : SIH-YING
In this retreat, SIH-YING will gently help us in learning to feel seen and accepted — simply through the quiet presence and pure gaze of the dogs. With them, we’ll explore what it means to be in connection, and begin to reimagine the shape of our relationships.
Drawn by a deep curiosity about people, she became a counseling psychologist a decade ago. She has listened to countless stories of struggle, walking alongside many in search of meaning. But it was her first dog, Piu Piu, who showed her the quiet power of animals — how they can be present without words, without judgment or pressure to change. Just pure, unconditional presence — holding space for our vulnerability and longing.
And so, she stepped into the field of animal-assisted therapy. In 2022, alongside her partners, she co-founded Taiwan’s first psychological counseling center dedicated to animal-assisted interventions. Along the way, she has witnessed some of the most moving, healing moments between humans and animals.
And may we, in the eyes of the therapy dogs, meet a version of ourselves that is softer, wider, and more whole.
*This session will be in Chinese
Eevee
Candle
Àicǎo (艾草)
Mocha
Furry Companions: Therapy Dog
Therapy dogs are a type of working dog specially trained to participate in psychological counseling settings, supporting individuals as they face inner emotional challenges and trauma.
Unlike guide dogs, hearing dogs, or mobility assistance dogs, therapy dogs are part of Animal-Assisted Intervention (AAI) and focus specifically on emotional support.
Each therapy dog embodies three essential qualities:
1. Psychological Stability
Therapy dogs are naturally affectionate, obedient, and emotionally stable. They are accompanied by professional handlers in their daily routines, receive consistent training, and undergo regular supervision from certified dog trainers.
2. Physical Health
All therapy dogs receive routine health check-ups, internal and external parasite prevention, and necessary vaccinations (including rabies and Lyme disease). Their medical and hygiene care ensures each interaction is safe and worry-free.
3. Uniqueness & Bonding
Every therapy dog shares a strong emotional bond and mutual understanding with its professional handler — a connection known as the Human-Animal Bond. At the same time, they retain their individual personalities, enriching the diversity and adaptability of the services they provide.
The four furry friends shown in the photo each have between 800 and 3,300 hours of therapy experience.
Note: One of these four therapy dogs will be present at the event. The actual attending dog will be arranged based on the day’s schedule.
Space
The Barn, a place where we all belong.
In the busy city of Taipei, The Barn is created as a safe place where you can have some isolated time to enjoy inner peace and balance. It is more than just a space in Taipei; it is a community built around the idea of providing a sanctuary for individuals seeking peace and solace amidst the hustle and bustle of city life. The atmosphere is designed to be warm and inviting, with a focus on creating a sense of belonging and inclusivity.
Here, we strive to support individuals in their journey towards inner peace and balance. You can expect to be welcomed with open arms by a friendly and supportive community. Whether you're seeking a quiet place to reflect or a space to connect with like-minded individuals, The Barn is a safe haven where you can let your guard down and simply be yourself.
A place that is more than just a building; it is a space of connection, growth, and healing - whenever you want to recharge, The Barn is always open for you.
Nourish
Nestled in the alleys of Muzha, this local restaurant and wine bar is home to a passionate team dedicated to cooking with the freshest, most delightful ingredients. The chefs prepare each dish with care, preserving the natural flavors of the ingredients while enhancing them with a rich array of seasonings. The result is a series of delicious international dishes served before us, satisfying both our heart and palate, leaving us with wonderful memories.
Mindful Table: The Rooftop Lunch
Fresh Fruit and Yogurt Salad
Refreshing Vegetable Stew
Spinach Cream Cheese Risotto
Parmesan Truffle Fries
Special Vegetarian Soup
*Please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or specific dietary requirements.
*The private kitchen will customize the dishes for us, which will change with the seasons and provide you with the freshest ingredients. Therefore, it may not be all as shown in the photo.
Transportation
Distance from MRT Muzha Station
15 minutes by walk
6 minutes by bus
Distance from MRT Taipei City Hall Station
15 minutes drive
Distance from MRT Xiangshan Station
10 minutes drive
*Transportation details will be told one week prior to the event
Retreat Includes
Morning Stretches and Meditation
Mindfulness of Emotions
In this exercise, we gently steady the breath and allow the mind to settle. From that stillness, we begin to observe our emotions rising and falling like tides — and reflect on how this awareness can be carried into the rhythm of everyday life.
Meet Your Healing Dog!
How can we find a pace of interaction that feels safe and comfortable for both humans and dogs? With gentle guidance, this session invites a tender moment of connection.
Healing Dogs and Inner Emotional Awareness
Just like us, dogs have rich and genuine emotions. In this session, therapy dogs become gentle mirrors, helping us explore what unspoken needs or desires may be hiding beneath each emotion as it arises.
Human-Animal Bond and Interaction
Through lighthearted interactive games, therapy dogs will help us gently notice patterns in our relationships — such as the roles we tend to play or the behaviors we often repeat with others.
Q&A Time
Mindfulness with Healing Dogs
To close the retreat, we return to the present — side by side with the therapy dogs. As they quietly settle beside you, what do you feel? In this wordless meditation, simply be fully connected to the moment, together.
Sharing Circle
Freely share and deeply listen to each other's stories.
Music and Snacks
Mindful Table: The Rooftop Lunch
A Great Opportunity to Unplug, Experience and Connect
*The Internet is required to be turned OFF during the event, yet photos are allowed to be taken during the entire time. (Please let us know if you need internet access, and we will arrange it for you.)
Retreat Price
Early bird tickets are limited, only 2 spots available.
Early Bird - 4,200 TWD per person（fully booked）
Standard - 4,880 TWD per person
Wellness Club Members - 4,140 TWD per person
(Learn more about our Wellness Club Members)
Soul Barn will provide our Stay Grounded Yoga Mat for attendees to use in the retreat.
If you wish to purchase your own yoga mat, please select “Add-on Stay Grounded Yoga Mat” or “Add-on Flow & Balance Yoga Mat” in our Reservation Form.
How To Book?
RESERVATION FORM:
Reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis. Please click the “Book now“ button to fill in the reservation form, and wait patiently while we process your request.REQUEST PROCESSED:
You MUST add us on LINE (@soulbarn) and send a message providing the following information :Full Name:
Event date:
Reservations are taken on a first come first serve basis, and they do get sold up really quickly. Our team will provide our bank account information as soon as we receive your message.
P.S. If you do not have a LINE account, please contact us through Facebook @soulbarn.
PAYMENT PROCESSED:
Please proceed with the payment at your earliest convenience no later than 3 days after you receive our bank account information. Without receiving your payment, the booking system will cancel your reservation automatically. Don’t forget to provide the last five digits of your bank account number and the total amount you have transferred.RESERVATION COMPLETED:
Please wait patiently as our team members contact you shortly. The reservation is completed once the payment is received.
* The Pre-Departure Notice (including the venue's address, the detailed schedule, and the recommended packing list. ) will be sent through our Official LINE one week prior to the event.
* To ensure the accuracy of information, please make sure all companions fill out the form as well.
Add Soul Barn Official LINE
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations made 14 days or more in advance of the event date will receive a 100% refund.
Cancellations made between 2 - 13 days of the event will receive a 70% refund.
Cancellations made within 2 days of the event will receive a 50% refund.
Cancellations made on the day of the event or during the event are non-refundable unless an emergency occurred and is provided with proof.
However, the booking can be transferred to a different person if you’re unable to attend.
