Mindfulness, Conscious Dance and the Hero’s Journey
with
Jaime Howell
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
This is four day retreat will deepen ones knowledge and understanding of meditation in the context of ordinary living. We will balance meditation instruction and practice with conscious movement (guided and supported dance) as a safe, complementary mode of inquiring into questions such as; How can I move well with in this busy modern world, in the realms of self, family and community? How can I learn to relax deeply, to feel at home in this body and mind?
Exploring the hero myth/story is an engaging way to inspire a journey towards integration and wholeness. Do we hear the call to live a saner life, a life less divided, fragmented? We will learn skills to explore a sense of belonging and refuge. We will explore this Hero myth as it relates to modern people looking to live with more easefulness and contentment. This is time to deepen your meditative practice with the support of skilful teachings and supportive environment. Rejuvenated and refreshed, we return to our lives more able to embrace the fullness of what it means to be human.
Costs
$360 This includes everything. (Wholesome food for four days, accommodation and teaching).
Jaime honours the valued tradition of dana and service to community. He has volunteered for over a decade every year to support the development of a contemporary rite of passage programme for young men and their families. He has also devoted a huge amount of time and energy to the development of Bodhi Seeds, a six week residential education programme of wholeness education for young adults. The teaching charge for this retreat includes materials and will help support the ongoing costs of volunteer work to co-create awake vibrant communities.
Jaime is a graduate of a three year mindfulness study and retreat based in the Southern alps of New Zealand. He has been studying and practicing mindfulness daily for over fifteen years and has a Masters Degree in Education. He has been supported and encouraged to begin teaching by Tarchin Hearn. He continues to train and practice with a number of wide awake teachers around the world while living at the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre.
Jaime is the founder and director of Opening Minds and creator of Calm Clear Creative a programme that teaches mindfulness to children, teachers, parents and organisations. Jaime helped Grant Rix develop the Mindful Aotearoa, a nationwide mindfulness in schools project offered by the Mental Health Foundation. He is a trained MBSR (Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction) teacher and an assistant director for the Tracks Rite of Passage Event. Jaime is training to teach Open Floor, a music, movement mindfulness based therapy.
www.openingminds.co.nz
Mobile: 021 0264 4351
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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