Between Earth and Sky – a journey of human unfolding
with
Chani Grieve
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
What is it to be a human being, on this earth, at this time?
How can we bring all our natural intelligence and inheritance to bear, to walk through this life deeply rooted, clear-eyed, and open-hearted?
We are, and have always been, between Earth and Sky. We have always belonged, and always will, to this Earth and to each other. Can we bring that ‘deep grain of love’ to the surface?
This retreat will explore fundamental principles of human unfolding that are written into our skin, flesh and bones. Embedded in this body is our entire personal, ancestral, evolutionary and planetary history. Our very form, our way of moving and being, reveals the story of how we became, who and what we are,
and what is possible for a human life.
Let’s remember a way of being that is firmly embedded in natural sanity, clarity and love, and give our full humanness to this life,
“as a guardian of nature,
as a healer of misery,
as a messenger of wonder,
as an architect of peace.”
Let’s delight in the beauty of the world, the wisdom of the body, and the dignity and decency of the human spirit.
Through movement, meditation and creative enquiry, we will gently explore, listen, remember, and attune, and ask our deepest, wisest knowing of life to light the way.
In this retreat you will be supported by :
- connected movement sessions using Feldenkrais, chi gong, and gentle somatic practices
- guided meditation, suitable for beginners and those with experience
- creative enquiry and contemplative explorations of the theme
- skilful guidance and the emergent wisdom and experience of the group
- ample time for rest and personal practice
- delicious vegetarian food
- the healing beauty and support of the Wangapeka whenua
This retreat is suitable for adults of all ages. It may be of particular interest to those in healing/education/environmental/scientific/ creative professions, people with health challenges needing a gentle, attuned and embodied approach to healing, and anyone curious about how the body can guide our natural unfoldment into wisdom and compassion
From “School Prayer” by Diane Ackerman
Chani Grieve was born into a dharma community in Tasmania, and has been a dedicated practitioner of meditation and body-centred modalities for over 18 years, sharing her experience since 2012. She graduated from the 4-year Feldenkrais Professional Training Program in Melbourne in 2013, and has been weaving movement and meditation together ever since. She works as a Feldenkrais Practitioner and Embodiment Trainer/Facilitator, and is passionate about sharing with people the power of working with the body to liberate our creativity, joy and full potential, by accessing the natural laws of growth and unfolding encoded in our bodies. Chani lives in Nelson with her partner and their 4 year old daughter, and is now living the beautiful challenge of integrating the essence of our world’s wisdom teachings into the nitty gritty of everyday life.
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.
More Upcoming Events
9th Annual Dzogchen Retreat
FULL
A perfect opportunity for Dharma practitioners—both seasoned and new—to gather for a one-month Dzogchen retreat guided by Lama Mark Webber. Accommodation for this retrea...
Chimé Shore teaching at Wangapeka
Registration Open
The retreat is residential and the dates span Easter 2026. Chimé has also indicated that the community are welcome to attend, on a daily basis, on Easter Saturday (4th April) for teaching on...
The Fives Retreat
Entering the Mandala of Wisdom Buddhas
Five wisdoms, five activities, five families - investigating awakened nature while learning and unlearning what obstructs liberation in predominantly silent retreat at Wangapeka.