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A Wellspring of Rest Retreat

with

Chani Grieve

Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre

Our human bodies are the doorway to a wellspring of nourishing energy and genuine inspiration. This wellspring is always flowing, always fresh, and always available when we know how to recognize and tap into it. All it takes is a moment of awareness, of direct experience, to return to the home we never left. Right here in our bodies, we can learn to gradually soften into what His Holiness the XVII Karmapa describes as “the most beautiful rest we’ve ever had”.

It can take time to get underneath our genuine fatigue, to have the space to deeply rest and honour our “noble tiredness”. It takes practice to quiet the inner voices who prod us to “do something” out of restlessness or anxiety. We must turn our gaze to a deeper seeing, and do this with eyes of love.

Deeply resting. Gently Moving. Clearly Seeing. Naturally Being

The body invites us to slow down, to listen, and to approach life in a spirit of ease and play. This allows us to first, see clearly what is going on, and second, open ourselves to the creative energies that can bring about something truly new for ourselves and for our world.

In this retreat we will apprentice ourselves to the body as teacher. Gentle, intelligent movement sequences, explored with awareness, foster a new understanding of ourselves. Respecting our natural timing, the body responds with gratitude, and long-held tensions begin their willing release. This makes space for delightful and healing qualities to emerge, leaving us refreshed and wholesomely energised. We re-discover how to truly nourish “the more beautiful world our hearts know is possible” (Charles Eisenstein).

Participants will be supported by group movement classes, opportunity for one-on-one guidance, simple meditation practices to deepen our embodiment, nourishing vegetarian food, ample time for rest and reflection, and the healing beauty of the Wangapeka land.

This retreat is suitable for adults of all ages. It may be of particular interest to those in the healing/education professions, people with health challenges needing a gentle and attuned approach to self-care, and anyone curious about how the body can guide our natural unfoldment into wisdom and compassion.

Weekend and part-time attendance is possible, as long as participants begin on the 17th. Preference will be given to those who can attend the full retreat.

Facilitators
Chani Grieve

Chani Grieve is a Feldenkrais Practitioner and has been a dedicated practitioner of meditation and body-centred modalities for over 15 years, sharing her experience since 2012. Her principal meditation teacher is Bonni Ross, and she also acknowledges the influence of Leander Kane whose masterful approach to bodywork inspired her to undergo the 4-year Feldenkrais Training Program in Melbourne graduating in 2013. She loves seeing people discover for themselves the power of working with the body to awaken our innate freedom, and supporting each person’s unique experience of the process. She teaches classes, workshops and retreats in Australia and New Zealand.

I believe that embodiment practices are utterly essential for our time. In this age of distraction, our practice is to keep returning home, and eventually to never leave. Our own bodies and senses are the doorways that lead us to where true healing can take place. By learning to inhabit our bodies again, we reclaim not only our own personal healing and freedom, but we will also be agents for the healing of our planet.

Photo of Chani Grieve
Essential Information

To register for a retreat or programme, participants must complete the online registration form or contact our office directly. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit.

  • All fees are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include GST unless otherwise stated.

  • A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.

  • Full payment is due at least one week prior to the start date unless otherwise arranged.

  • We accept payment via bank transfer, credit card, and other specified payment method

Dana is the practice of generosity, a gift freely given with no strings attached. In keeping with ancient wisdom traditions, the facilitators offer their teaching freely, and no fee for their facilitation is included in the course costs. The retreat fee covers accommodation, meals, and course resources, but not compensation for the teachers.

You are warmly invited to offer Dana as a gesture of appreciation and support for the teachings and those who share them. This is an offering from the heart, given according to your means and circumstances. There is no expected amount—Dana is about generosity of spirit rather than a prescribed fee.

Traditionally, Dana is offered at the beginning of the retreat by placing an envelope in the Dana bowl or box. However, there are many ways to express generosity, and if you'd like to explore other forms of Dana, please feel free to ask.

If cost is a barrier to your participation, Wangapeka has a Sangha Support Fund available, and you are welcome to apply for assistance to attend. If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to participate, please contact the course manager to discuss possible options.

If cost is a barrier to your participation we encourage you to consider applying for sangha support. Funds have been donated to Wangapeka to offer support for people who want to attend retreats and are unable to afford it. Sangha Support is for accommodation costs only and up to a maximum of 50% of those costs. More info can be found on our costs page. To apply contact the Wangapeka Office Caretaker [email protected].

Please remember to bring sufficient cash to cover your dana to the teacher (if you are attending a group retreat).

  • Bedding (pillow, pillowcase & 2 blankets are provided)

  • Towel

  • Personal items, toiletries, medication

  • Alarm clock

  • Torch (with spare batteries)

  • Easy slip-on shoes as all shoes are left outside buildings

  • Raincoat and/or umbrella

Winter

  • Hot-water bottle

  • Extra bedding

  • Warm clothing

Summer

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Sun hat

  • Swimming gear

The Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre is located about an hour and a half drive SW of Nelson, New Zealand. Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps it, overlooks the beautiful Wangapeka River.

If you require transport advice or assistance or, please let us know when you register.

During your stay at the Centre you are invited to abide by five precepts of skilful living:

  1. to refrain from harming others

  2. to refrain from stealing

  3. to refrain from sensual misconduct

  4. to refrain from unskillful speech

  5. to refrain from taking substances that cloud the mind and hide the openness of the heart

We understand that sometimes plans change, and we are happy to offer a refund for cancellations made at least 30 days before the start date.

If a person cancels within the month before the course starts:

  • The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for another retreat within 6 months

  • Fees paid are fully refunded if cancellation is at least a week before the course starts

If a person cancels within the week before the course starts:

  • The deposit is non-refundable

  • If cancellation is due to illness, all fees paid are fully refundable on request

  • If cancellation is for any other reason, 50% of fees paid are refundable on request

If a person leaves the course for reasons beyond their control (e.g., illness, death in the family) during a retreat:

  • The deposit is non-refundable

  • 50% of the balance of any fees paid for the missed days are refundable on request

  • If a person leaves the course for any other reason, no refunds will be provided

In the rare event that Wangapeka cancels a course:

  • All deposits and fees paid will be fully refunded, or

  • Participants may choose to transfer their payment to another course within 12 months
17 - 23 Oct 2019 18:00 - 14:00
1 week residential retreat
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
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The Wangapeka Retreat Experience

Whenua Land

The retreat takes place on the beautiful Wangapeka whenua nestled in stunning native forests with expansive views down the Wangapeka valley. The land itself provides a healing sanctuary surrounded by mature trees and offering the perfect environment for reflection and reconnection with nature.

Kainga Accommodation

Accommodation is included in the price of the retreat, with all rooms being comfortable and well-appointed with single beds and electric heating. Shared bathroom facilities are conveniently located close to all rooms.

Kai Food

All meals are included in this retreat to support the your well-being and focus. Our kitchen team prepares nourishing vegetarian food to sustain and delight you throughout your stay. Specific dietary requirements can be accommodated and self-catering is also possible if you prefer to bring and prepare your own food.

Whare Wānanga Teaching Space

This teaching room is beautifully crafted and has been used for a wide variety of teaching for over 20 years. It has a wooden parquet floor and a pot belly stove to keep away winter chills. Set amongst beautiful mature trees, it offers a charming view looking down the Wangapeka valley, creating an inspiring environment for movement and meditation practices.

Whare kai Main Hall

The original building at Wangapeka, the Main Hall serves as the heart of community life with its combined living and dining room, library, and welcoming wood burner. Tea, coffee, and snacks are freely available here throughout your stay. Whether you choose to relax in the cosy interior or step out onto the porch to enjoy the expansive views, this space invites connection and contemplation. The hall also houses the kitchen, bathroom facilities, and laundry for your convenience.

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