Compassionate Relating
The Power of Compassionate Communication
with
Mark Schrader & Kath Mitchell
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
We are always in relationship, we are constantly communicating both verbally and non-verbally with friends, partners, whanau, colleagues, shop assistants, pets and other creatures, earth, food, breath, sleep, our minds… everything. Our question is: How can we be with all this and keep a sense of well-being?
This course is for anyone interested in developing wise and compassionate communication. We will explore compassionate relating, and wholesome connecting–with ourselves, and with others. In relationship, is it possible to continuously meet life with kindness? This is a question we will delve into and explore deeply.
As a group we will share and explore interpersonal skills to help us expand our friendly connections. Alongside this, we will bring our intrapersonal environment into focus, to deepen our presence and relationship with ourselves.
There will be periods of silence and individual reflective time to allow you to connect more fully with your own inner wisdom. There will be creative opportunities to engage with the themes of the course.
Together we will study and practice the beautiful Sadhana of “Chenreizig”, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This is a rich meditation that supports our experience of inter-connectedness with all of life.
Our shared search is set in the awesome beauty of the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre. The facilitators, Mark Schrader and Kath Mitchell, are experienced teachers who bring enthusiasm, humour, creativity and care to the group.
Mark has appreciated co-facilitating past Wangapeka Community Courses and more recently the Young Adults’ Retreat at the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre. He has an extensive background in meditation spanning over forty years and continues a daily practice and discipline. Mark has a respectful style of teaching that encourages each person to touch into their own inherent wisdom and often with a sense of humour and kindness. Kath and Mark are married and have been sharing their spiritual journeying for over 20 years. Mark began working in the field of Mental Health about 16 years ago and currently works as a counsellor in Nelson at the local District Health Board.
Kath has been studying Dharma for 27 years, and completed her first meditation retreat with Tarchin Hearn in 1990. She has studied with Bonni Ross over 21 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 23 years.
Kath taught drama for 16 years and worked as an actor for 10 years. Drama and Dharma go together in a special way; she loves them both and has frequently combined them, by offering teaching at the annual Garden of Mindfulness Community retreat and Young Adults retreat.
Kath has a special interest in communication and collaboration. 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!
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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