with
Chani Grieve, Kath Mitchell & Mark Schrader
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
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 quieter and calmer.
Silent for 6 days – how could anyone do that?
This annual retreat, now in its 11th year, is an opportunity for anyone wishing to develop or refresh a regular meditation practice in a supportive retreat environment. For those new to meditation, it is an opportunity to build your confidence, receive encouragement, and ask those questions you think everyone else already knows the answer to! For people with experience, it will provide an overview, context and skillful tools that will enhance your existing practice as well as supporting you in any future retreats you attend.
Together we will study and practice the meditation on breathing, one of the oldest and most effective practices known, that has been taught and practiced continuously since the time of 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. The practice is founded on, and naturally supports, a commitment to living an ethical life. It is designed to lead us gradually and skillfully from wherever we are right now, 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. There will be practice instruction and opportunities for questions and sharing in the group, which are a rich source of learning for everyone. There will also be time for individual practice, including space to enjoy just ‘being’ at the Wangapeka Centre – a truly beautiful environment. To support the deepening of practice participants will also be guided in gentle movement classes, bringing relaxation and ease to body and mind.
This retreat is offered as a practical path designed for those who aspire to live in the world more wisely and compassionately. Taking this time for retreat is a true gift for yourself and others and will equip you with the confidence and skills to practice well in the midst of your daily life.
is a Feldenkrais Practitioner who has been weaving together meditation and body-centred modalities for over 17 years. Chani has shared movement practices in the Introductory Retreat since it began 11 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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