with
Jaime Howell
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
A four-day residential course introducing people of all walks of life to the foundations of mindfulness at the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre located on the fringes of the Kahurangi National Park near Nelson. (Weekend option is available).
Mindful awareness can bring self-kindness, more calm, confidence and energy into one’s work and living. Attending a retreat provides the opportunity to charge the batteries of mindfulness, giving people motivation and momentum to practise at home. On retreat, distractions are reduced, practice is deepened through the presence of a supportive group, the natural environment, clear and insightful teaching and healthy food.
The course will introduce participants to mindfulness of the body, breathing, thoughts and feelings. It will explore skills to be with difficult thoughts and emotions. We will use terms from neurobiology, the science to understand how awareness shapes the body/brain in wholesome ways.
Jaime has a Masters in Education, he is a qualified MBSR teacher. He helped develop the Mindful Aotearoa Mindfulness in Schools Project. Jaime lives and works practising and teaching mindfulness in a range of community settings and is currently a practitioner in residence at the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre. He is the director of Opening Minds.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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