with
Mark Schrader & Kath Mitchell
Wangapeka Study & Retreat Centre
Transforming our emotions – a Doorway to Relating Compassionately in the World
with Mark Schrader and Kath Mitchell
Friday 16 (5pm) – Tuesday 20 July (2pm)
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 in new and wholesome ways together with openness in our communication.
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.
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.
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!
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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