Explorations and Mindfulness on the Nature of Wangapeka
with
John Massey
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
The intent or purpose of this retreat is both simple and multidimensional. Here is yet another opportunity to focus on the foundational practises of Compassion, Wisdom and Non-clinging Awareness through this eternal relationship between ourselves and the natural world we inhabit.
We can develop compassion for All Life and all life forms and so overcome the tendency to like just what we like!
The ‘Book’ of nature is the greatest book. Antonio Gaudi said: "Nature is a book, read it"!
It is also a great skill to develop the senses so they have the ability to allow impressions of nature to ‘touch oneself’ on deep and lasting levels. Such ‘touching’ could be said to be at the root of healing or becoming more whole, as in being non-separated from our true natural essence. To assist this healing and becoming more whole, we will use some mysterious practises that sometimes seem alien to 21st-century living.
Simple practices such as slowing down, developing stillness, becoming more mindful, and noticing the amazingly intricate wonder and beauty of nature. As we slow down and develop more stillness we naturally become more curious and more interested in the life around us. As I write this, the world of humans is full of uncertainty and fear. I believe these moments are opportunities to re-immerse ourselves in more simplified ways of living and in the ‘corner’ of the earth we might call our garden or our home. No previous experience of any kind is needed, just a willingness to be present and to be deeply interested in life.
I have been deeply interested in nature and in particular the plant world for a long, long time as a gardener; the term of which covers a multitude of facets or applications.
Much more recently and as I get older, gardening has become not only a place of doing, but also a place of non-doing.
In non-doing I become more of the silent watcher or observer. I become more attuned to other lives and let them ‘touch’ me, in a sense.
This ‘work’ is never ending. It is a realm that is specifically available to the young or the aged, but not necessarily so.
When I sense there is deep interest in connecting to the natural world, I love to; in a true gardening way, cultivate that interest.
Wangapeka through its many years of mindfulness practises is a perfect place to cultivate more mindfulness of the natural world.
Discovering the rich ‘gardenness’ of Wangapeka while being on retreat or by giving Dana to the land (over many years) has helped to give me more insight into the world outside of Wangapeka, opening windows to the gardens of the earth. This is the essence of my work.
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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