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Transforming our Emotions

Relating Compassionately in the World

with

Mark Schrader & Kath Mitchell

Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre

Is it possible to harness the intelligence of our emotions so we can connect, relate and live more fully? Emotions can create both difficulty and beauty in our communication – leading to ill feeling and confusion; harmony and mutual understanding. Is it possible to meet all of our emotions, with kindness and interest so as to reveal the wisdom aspect of the emotion to guide us – to bring forward healing and an openness in our communication in new and wholesome ways.

We are always in relationship, constantly communicating both verbally and non-verbally with friends, partners, whanau, colleagues, shop assistants, pets and other creatures, earth, food, breath, sleep, our minds… everything. Our question is: how can we be with all this and maintain a sense of well-being?

This course is for anyone interested in developing wholesome relating and communication; to ignite greater compassion in your experience of life. It is about kind and deep listening within yourself and with others.

Together we will practice meditation to help develop deeper calm and insight, and to reveal our interconnectedness with all of life. There will be periods of silence and individual reflective time to allow you to connect more fully with your own inner wisdom as well as creative opportunities to engage with the themes within the group.

Our shared search is set in the awesome beauty of the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre. The facilitators, Mark Schrader and Kath Mitchell, are experienced teachers who bring enthusiasm, humour, creativity and care to the group.

Facilitators
Mark Schrader

Mark appreciates co-facilitating a variety of courses and retreats at the Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre. He has an extensive background in meditation spanning over many years, continuing a daily practice and discipline. Mark has a respectful style of teaching that encourages each person to touch into their own inherent wisdom with kindness and often with a sense of humour. Kath and Mark are married and have been sharing their spiritual journeying for over 20 years. Mark began working in the field of Mental Health 20 years ago and currently works as a counsellor in Nelson at the local District Health Board.

Photo of Mark Schrader
Kath Mitchell

Kath has been studying Dharma for over 30 years. She completed her first meditation retreat with Tarchin Hearn in 1990 [at Wangapeka] and has studied with Bonni Ross for over 20 years. She continues to cherish this precious opportunity. Kath and her husband Mark share a deep commitment in the Dharma and have been practicing together for many years. Kath has a special interest in communication and collaboration. She loves to practice Dharma in community because the wisdom of the group is a powerful and beautiful path to transformation; and that is a joy to witness and experience together!

Photo of Kath Mitchell
Essential Information

To register for a retreat or programme, participants must complete the online registration form or contact our office directly. Registration is confirmed upon receipt of the required deposit.

  • All fees are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD) and include GST unless otherwise stated.

  • A non-refundable deposit is required to secure your place.

  • Full payment is due at least one week prior to the start date unless otherwise arranged.

  • We accept payment via bank transfer, credit card, and other specified payment method

Dana is the practice of generosity, a gift freely given with no strings attached. In keeping with ancient wisdom traditions, the facilitators offer their teaching freely, and no fee for their facilitation is included in the course costs. The retreat fee covers accommodation, meals, and course resources, but not compensation for the teachers.

You are warmly invited to offer Dana as a gesture of appreciation and support for the teachings and those who share them. This is an offering from the heart, given according to your means and circumstances. There is no expected amount—Dana is about generosity of spirit rather than a prescribed fee.

Traditionally, Dana is offered at the beginning of the retreat by placing an envelope in the Dana bowl or box. However, there are many ways to express generosity, and if you'd like to explore other forms of Dana, please feel free to ask.

If cost is a barrier to your participation, Wangapeka has a Sangha Support Fund available, and you are welcome to apply for assistance to attend. If you are experiencing financial hardship and would like to participate, please contact the course manager to discuss possible options.

If cost is a barrier to your participation we encourage you to consider applying for sangha support. Funds have been donated to Wangapeka to offer support for people who want to attend retreats and are unable to afford it. Sangha Support is for accommodation costs only and up to a maximum of 50% of those costs. More info can be found on our costs page. To apply contact the Wangapeka Office Caretaker [email protected].

Please remember to bring sufficient cash to cover your dana to the teacher (if you are attending a group retreat).

  • Bedding (pillow, pillowcase & 2 blankets are provided)

  • Towel

  • Personal items, toiletries, medication

  • Alarm clock

  • Torch (with spare batteries)

  • Easy slip-on shoes as all shoes are left outside buildings

  • Raincoat and/or umbrella

Winter

  • Hot-water bottle

  • Extra bedding

  • Warm clothing

Summer

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Sun hat

  • Swimming gear

The Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre is located about an hour and a half drive SW of Nelson, New Zealand. Nestled in the foothills of the Southern Alps it, overlooks the beautiful Wangapeka River.

If you require transport advice or assistance or, please let us know when you register.

During your stay at the Centre you are invited to abide by five precepts of skilful living:

  1. to refrain from harming others

  2. to refrain from stealing

  3. to refrain from sensual misconduct

  4. to refrain from unskillful speech

  5. to refrain from taking substances that cloud the mind and hide the openness of the heart

We understand that sometimes plans change, and we are happy to offer a refund for cancellations made at least 30 days before the start date.

If a person cancels within the month before the course starts:

  • The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for another retreat within 6 months

  • Fees paid are fully refunded if cancellation is at least a week before the course starts

If a person cancels within the week before the course starts:

  • The deposit is non-refundable

  • If cancellation is due to illness, all fees paid are fully refundable on request

  • If cancellation is for any other reason, 50% of fees paid are refundable on request

If a person leaves the course for reasons beyond their control (e.g., illness, death in the family) during a retreat:

  • The deposit is non-refundable

  • 50% of the balance of any fees paid for the missed days are refundable on request

  • If a person leaves the course for any other reason, no refunds will be provided

In the rare event that Wangapeka cancels a course:

  • All deposits and fees paid will be fully refunded, or

  • Participants may choose to transfer their payment to another course within 12 months
11 - 13 Sep 2020 17:00 - 14:00
3 days residential retreat
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
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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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