Movement From The Heart
with
Chani Grieve
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
For many reasons we develop habits of protection that are reflected in our bodies and the way we move. Despite our best intentions, these patterns can obscure our innate sense of connection, with ourselves and all of life.
This retreat will explore the natural process of unfolding that takes place when we deeply inhabit the body. Through gentle but profound movements, using the power of awareness, we will land ourselves in the richness of our direct experience. We will learn the art and skill of awareness through movement, infusing our experience with heart-full presence. This heart-centred approach to movement and enquiry fosters a playful and inclusive learning environment – one in which we can begin to unfold, and to thrive.
Participants will be supported by guided group movement classes, opportunity for individual guidance, and body-centred meditation practices to deepen our awareness. Immersed in the inspiring natural environment of the Wangapeka Retreat Centre, this will be a week of true nourishment of body, heart and mind.
Everyone is welcome!
Weekend and part-time attendance is possible, as long as participants can start on Friday 11th. Preference will be given to those who can attend the full retreat.
Costs for this retreat are:
- Units/Huts – $384 members / $420 non-members; $64/$70 per night
- Camping – $336 members / $354 non-members; $56/$59 per night
This includes all meals and accommodation, cooks’ fee and contribution to teachers’ travel fee. It does not include Dana for the facilitator.
I was born in Tasmania, Australia into a dharma community, and was exposed to the teachings of Buddhadharma from a very early age. Observing my parents and the "grown ups" around me, I remember having a strong sense of the goodness of people, and saw the effectiveness of meditation practice in transforming lives for the better. Travelling around the world as a young adult I came to the conclusion that I needed to investigate this for myself, and I began to practice meditation. 15 years of dance training and various sporting interests had ignited a strong interest in human movement, and I went on to study natural medicine and remedial massage.
I met my teacher, Bonni Ross, in 2009, after repeatedly asking life for a spiritual mentor. That same year, when I encountered Leander Kane’s masterful approach to bodywork on a retreat at Wangapeka, I thought clearly “This is how I want to be able to work with people”. I embarked upon the 4-year Feldenkrais Training Program in Melbourne the following year.
Over recent years, I’ve been able to combine my two great passions, meditation and movement, to support and now facilitate retreats and workshops in Australia and New Zealand. Under the guidance of my principal teacher, Bonni Ross, I continue to deepen into a lifelong commitment to sharing the joy of living with others. I am inspired to facilitate people to discover for themselves the liberating power of working with the body.
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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