Beginning Now
An Introductory Meditation Retreat
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 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? Or possibly, you wish to deepen your practice and simply drop into a full week of meditation. If this sounds like you, then this week of retreat will support you to explore this.
For those new to meditation, it will build confidence and answer many of those questions you think everyone else knows the answer to. For those with experience, it will provide an overview, context and a bunch of skilful tools that will enhance this retreat and any that you may do in the future.
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. This 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 week is predominantly silent and offers you the opportunity to learn, strengthen and enliven your individual practice of breathing meditation. To support the deepening of practice participants will also be guided in gentle group movement classes, 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 will start you on a practical path designed for those who aspire to live in the world more wisely and compassionately. The facilitators of the course, Chani Grieve Kath Mitchell and Mark Schrader, are all experienced meditators who bring their enthusiasm, creativity, care and skills to this retreat.
Chani is a Feldenkrais Practitioner who has recently relocated to Nelson from Australia. She has been passionately practising meditation and body-centred modalities for over 15 years, and weaves these together so people can discover for themselves the liberating power of working with the body. Chani has shared movement practices in the Introductory Retreat since it began 6 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.
Kath has been studying Dharma for 28 years, and completed her first meditation retreat with Tarchin Hearn in 1990. She has studied with Bonni Ross over twenty years and continues to cherish this precious opportunity. She and her husband Mark share a deep commitment in the Dharma and have been practicing together for 25 years.
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’s a joy to witness and experience together!
Mark has appreciated co-facilitating Community Courses at Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre and then more recently the Young Adults’ Retreat, the Introductory Retreat & the Compassionate Relating courses. 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 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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