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Beginning Again

An Introductory Meditation Retreat

with

Chani Grieve, Kath Mitchell & Mark Schrader

Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre

An Introductory Meditation Retreat for All (beginners and those with experience) at the Wangapeka Centre – a beautiful environment for learning to meditate, refreshing practice, and living wisely and compassionately.

Where do I start?
I’ve never done a retreat before.
There is so much going on in the world. How can meditation really help me and others?
I wish my busy mind could be more quiet and calm.
Silent for 5 days – how could anyone do that?

Want to learn to meditate? Perhaps you’ve tried and need some more skills as well as some extra encouragement? Possibly, you already have meditation experience and wish to refresh and deepen your practice. If this sounds like you, then this 5-day retreat will support you to explore this.

For those new to meditation, it is an opportunity to build your confidence and ask those questions you think everyone else already knows the answer to. For people with experience, it provides an overview, context and skilful tools that will enhance your practice as well as supporting you in any further retreats that you attend.

Together we will study and practice the meditation on breathing, one of the oldest and most effective practices, and one that was taught by the Buddha. It is a rich meditation that supports our experience of inter-connectedness with all of life by developing focus, calm and clarity of mind. It is designed to lead people from wherever they are, wherever they begin, to the full experience of healing and freedom made possible through meditation.

The course is predominantly silent and provides the opportunity to learn, strengthen and enliven your individual practice of the breathing meditation. To support the deepening of practice participants will also be guided in gentle movement classes as a group, bringing relaxation and ease to body and mind. There will be opportunities for sharing and questions as well as time for individual practice; including space to enjoy just ‘being’ at the Wangapeka Centre – a truly beautiful environment.

This retreat is offered as a practical path designed for those who aspire to live in the world more wisely and compassionately.

*Note – Those who have completed this retreat in previous years are most welcome to attend again.

Facilitators

Chani is a Feldenkrais Practitioner who has been weaving together meditation and body-centred modalities for over 16 years. Chani has shared movement practices in the Introductory Retreat since it began 8 years ago. She enjoys the collaborative approach to teaching that this retreat offers, as it celebrates the wisdom of the group and enriches the experience for all involved. A student of Bonni Ross, she maintains a dedicated personal practice that is the central inspiration for her work. She offers classes, workshops and retreats in New Zealand and Australia.

Photo of Chani Grieve

Kath completed her first meditation retreat with Tarchin Hearn in 1989. She has studied with Bonni Ross for over twenty five years and continues to cherish this precious opportunity. Kath and her husband Mark share a deep commitment in the Dharma and enjoy practicing and teaching together.

Kath teaches meditation in a collaborative style. She offers courses and retreats regularly at Wangapeka and in Nelson. She loves to practice Dharma in community because the wisdom of the group is a powerful and beautiful path to transformation; and that is always a joy to witness and experience together!

Photo of Kath Mitchell

Mark has appreciated co-facilitating Community Courses at Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre, the introductory meditation retreats – Beginning Now & Don’t Just do Something-Sit There, and the Transforming our Emotions course. He has an extensive background in meditation and has had a regular daily practice for many years.

Mark has a respectful style of teaching that encourages each person to touch into their own inherent wisdom. He teaches with humour and kindness. He began working in the field of Mental Health about 20 years ago and currently works as a counsellor in Nelson.

Photo of Mark Schrader
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

7 - 12 Jan 2022 17:00 - 14:00
6 days residential retreat
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Register Now

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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