Awakening Intimacy
with
Ross Inness-Mcleish & Camila Nieuwlands
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Intimacy is a sense of deep connection, belonging, and relatedness. Whether we find it in the green beauty of a forest, through the joy of movement, in the depths of our heart or in caring connection with another, intimacy is an authentic encounter that brings us home. It nourishes, heals and holds us, it unites us with the mystery of life. It is the balm that soothes the sense of separation, loneliness and alienation that can often colour our experience. Whilst it may sometimes seem unattainable, intimacy is not something we must struggle to achieve or force our way into. It is, in fact, always accessible. Intimacy is the invitation of our true nature, we need only respond to the call.
Join friends and co-facilitators Camila and Ross for a 4 day exploration into the arts and mysteries of intimacy. Flowing between stillness and movement, inner and outer, solitude and togetherness, we offer opportunities to give, receive, and savour experiences of authentic connection with yourself, with others, and with the natural world.
Held by the forests, hills, and halls of the beautiful Wangapeka Retreat Center, and supported by practices of mindfulness, yin yoga, conscious communication, contact improvisation, restorative massage, nature connection and more, together we will co-create a playful and caring space to nourish our bodies, express our gifts, and bring loving attention to the wounds of our heart. There will be ample opportunity for rest, reflection, and embodied connection.
We invite you to show up just as you are – however nourished or depleted you feel your intimacy cup is. There will be treasures of intimacy to experience and share with the others who join this retreat, and for you to bring home with you into the living tapestry of your community and daily life.
Ross is an holistic educator exploring the intersection of embodiment, sustainability, and psycho-spiritual transformation. Since his late teens Ross has been fascinated by how we might restore a balance to people through nature, and a balance to nature through people. This inquiry has led him through work in organic horticulture, whole food catering and nature-based education, a decade long practice in meditation and Contact Improvisation, and training in ecology, religious studies, transpersonal counselling and herbalism. He draws upon this diverse background to facilitate transformative group experiences that include movement, mindfulness, and open-hearted connection.
He lives with his partner and their 3 year old son in Motueka, Te Tau Ihu, and is currently training as a counsellor, a Focusing professional, and in mindful and somatic approaches to trauma healing.
Camila is a full spectrum human, a gifted communicator and holistic healer who weaves their cumulative years of study, teaching and experience in Yoga, Possibility Management and Myofascial Massage into a rich tapestry of next culture offerings. Recently described as an “extraordinary, funky, big hearted cultural rebel”, Camila’s passion is to create and hold sacred spaces of connection, discovery and evolution where non-dual perspectives become embodied. Their style of facilitation draws forth the wisdom within each person so that learning and growth is a shared experience with no single teacher or teaching, instead all are invited to bring their wisdom to the communal circle.
Camila lives in an ever enriching relationship with the whenua and community of humans, animals and plants at Treesong in the Motueka Valley.
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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