Bodhi Seeds Retreat 2021
Awakening Through Our True Nature
with
Jaime Howell, Juliana Griese & Andy Mcintosh
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
To learn and deepen the art of meditative self inquiry immersed in the beautiful nature of Wanagepeka mountains and valleys.
To build new relationships with other young people who are empowered to be a part of a communities of practice.
To experience a meditation retreat that will bring together gentleness, body work, periods of noble silence, nature inquiry. Facilitated by people who are inspired by the works of Bill Plotkin (Nature and the Human Psyche), Joanna Macy (Work that Reconnects) and Tarchin Hearn (Author of Breathing a Natural guide to Meditation) to name a few of the sources of innovative inspirers.
This is a Vipassana/Samatha retreat with increasing attention on the cultivation of tranquility. Tarchin Hearn offers an image of Samatha as…
“standing completely firm: solid and unshakably present in the midst of whatever is arising.” The Cycle of Samatha, https://greendharmatreasury.org
We know that this unshakable faith, in the midst of whatever is arising, is medicine for the world we are living in. It is from this place we may glimpse life inspiring insight into the true nature of our belonging. We will be emphasising gentleness, body work and integration through all of the senses and moving modalities.
The cultivation of insightful awareness is a primary capacity to realise human development in a healthy way; aware of the essential conditions of life, impermanence, interbeing and the primordial movement to harmony. We believe that cooperative wholesome self awareness is part of cultivating a thriving beautiful community of practice.
Jaime Howell is a musician, story teller, rite of passage developer and Meditation/Open Floor teacher. He is a graduate of a three year school of mindfulness/meditation who went on to spend another three years as the resident practitioner at the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre. He is a volunteer Director of the Rites of Passage Foundation and is the Director of Opening Minds, an organisation dedicated to nourishing the seeds of wisdom and compassion here in Aotearoa. Jaime has a Masters in Education.
Juliana Griese has been exploring and sharing progressively since 2007, contemplative practices for the development of consciousness and awakening; of love and clarity of thinking, feeling and acting, moved by a passion and doings in the area of nature and community care through the work in NGOs and research projects in Brazil. She is a passionate NVC practitioner and an enthusiastic supporter of community building.
Andy is a Meditation teacher and Feldenkrias awareness through movement instructor. For the past 15 years he has been Studying Meditation and Awakening under the guidance of, and attendant too, Tarchin Hearn and other inspired teachers. His exploration of Wisdom and Compassion, a deep appreciation of the natural world and regular sharing with others brings a grounded and practical approach to the question of what it means to live well and awaken in these times.
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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