with
Kath Mitchell
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Kindness is the deep foundation of who we are – a natural source of goodness, already present within our hearts.
When we remember and touch this essence of kindness, and we cultivate a connection with simple goodness, the world opens—we can feel and express our full humanity. This is a precious gift we offer ourselves and share with all who we encounter.
Living in these challenging times, we face many uncertainties, personally and collectively. We can feel alienated from this natural good-heartedness, by becoming harsh and judgemental, or sad and discouraged.
This weekend offers supportive circumstances to invite healing, confidence and connection with our natural goodness; to restore our ability to rest in a natural loving presence, and to meet our difficulties with love and deeper understanding.
We will do this through exploring the classical meditation on Loving Kindness, as a path to whole-hearted freedom, offered by the Buddha over 2600 years ago and practiced by millions of people from then until the present day.
This universal style of meditation is accessible for anyone wanting to allow the natural heart of loving kindness to unfold in their lives.
Our meditation will be supported by creative activities and the beauty, healing and uplifting energy of the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre.
Costs:
This covers Food, Accommodation and Resource Fee.
Members: $212 plus Dana
Non-Members: $232 plus Dana
Dana
Dana is the principle of generosity. It means joyfully giving or generosity. When we give it opens us to receive. Dana strengthens the giver and supports the receiver. The Dana offered is determined by the person offering.
Kath offers this course freely. You are invited to give Dana to her to support the Teachings. It is customary to offer Dana before the course begins. If you wish to offer Dana, you can bring cash and place it anonymously in the Dana bowl in the main hall.
More information
Register below, or for more information contact the Course Manager Lucy: [email protected]
Kath has been studying and practicing Dharma for over 30 years. She has studied with many inspirational Teachers who generously offer her the most precious gift of life-changing teaching. Kath has been offering meditation and mindfulness courses at Wangapeka and in the Nelson community for several years. She enjoys the beauty of collaboration and community wisdom and remains deeply committed to supporting well-being, healing and freedom for all beings.
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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