with
Kath Mitchell
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Kindness is natural and unconditional, you don’t have to deserve it, or earn it. Kindness is already here, within you. What a relief to remember this and know that love is always present and available. The gentle face of loving kindness is only a remembrance away.
Each moment that we recognise Loving Kindness, we reconnect with this source of nourishment. The present moment transforms into a nurturing space, increasing our capacity to be with whatever we are experiencing.
Many of us find it easier to be kinder to others than to our ourselves, and what arises in our minds can be challenging and painful. Through cultivating kindness, we can strengthen our minds and allow our hearts to open; to be present with whatever is happening, in the changing world and in our relationships with ourselves and others. This experience is one of wholeness and interconnectedness.
In this weekend retreat we will learn a traditional Loving Kindness meditation and explore other creative ways to connect with Loving Kindness. As we attune our hearts to kindness, we learn to rest into this gentle way of being.
This course is open to anyone who is interested in having more kindness present in their life – no previous experience in meditation is needed.
Kath completed her first meditation retreat with Tarchin Hearn in 1989. She has studied Dharma with Bonni Ross for over twenty-five years and continues to cherish this precious opportunity. Kath is a teacher and health worker. She offers meditation retreats, workshops and meditation instruction at Wangapeka and in Nelson. She loves to practice Dharma and study in community, because the wisdom of the group is a powerful and beautiful path to transformation; and that is always a joy to witness and experience together!
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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