with
Kath Mitchell
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Begins 6pm Friday June 19th, ends 2pm Sunday June 21st
We all have the same innate, boundless loving capacity. Kindness is a beautiful gift we can cultivate to nurture and give to ourselves and others.
Loving-Kindness is the foundation of our continued existence and is always present in every being. The heart-centred, Loving-kindness meditation is a doorway to rediscovering this natural state of love and gentleness. It leads to insight and freedom from suffering— an authentic, rich presence, with whatever is arising.
In daily life we sometimes lose touch with this essence of kindness and find ourselves feeling disconnected. This can lead us to behaving judgementally towards ourselves and others and feeling anxious, isolated, lonely, angry or sad.
We are all living with so much uncertainty today. Many of us are asking questions like “What is most important and valuable in my life and for the world?”
The meditation and contemplation on Loving-Kindness is an age-old practice, taught by the Buddha, that helps us reconnect and rest into the natural state of kindness. We rediscover our simple goodness, we recognise and appreciate this quality in ourselves and in others. As we learn to trust this kindness within our hearts, we open more fully to a gracious flow and friendliness —an ability to stay present and loving amidst the uncertainty, changes and decisions we face in life.
Together we will explore Loving Kindness through meditation, group sharing, creative activities, and simply by being in the constant beauty, nurture and kindness of the whenua—the natural environment of the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre.
This retreat is suitable for beginners and people with meditation experience.
Costs:
This covers Food, Accommodation and Resource Fee.
Members: $182 plus Dana
Non-Members: $202 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.
Kath has been studying and practicing Dharma for over 30 years. She has studied with many inspirational Teachers who have given her the invaluable 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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