Beginning Now! An Introductory Meditation Retreat
Friday 12th September 5pm, to Thursday 18th September 2025 2pm.
Where do I start?
I’ve never done a retreat before.
There is so much going on in the world. How can meditation really help me and others?
I wish my busy mind could be quieter and calmer.
Silent for 6 days – how could anyone do that?
Beginning Now is now in its 12th year at Wangapeka and s a wonderful opportunity to develop or refresh a regular meditation practice in a genuinely supportive retreat environment. For those new to meditation, it is an opportunity to build your confidence, receive encouragement, and ask questions. For people with experience, it provides an overview, context and skillful tools to enhance your existing practice.
Together we will study and practice the very effective meditation on Breathing. This is a rich meditation, and one of the oldest, that has been taught and practiced continuously since the time of the Buddha. This meditation is founded on and naturally supports a commitment to living an ethical life, providing a practical path for those who aspire to live in the world more wisely and compassionately. Through developing focus, calm and clarity of mind the breathing meditation supports our understanding and experience of inter-connectedness. It is designed to lead us gradually and skillfully full the experience of healing and freedom.
The course will be predominantly silent and includes clear meditation instruction, time for individual practice, opportunities for questions and sharing in the group as well as space to enjoy just being at the Wangapeka Centre – a truly beautiful environment. To support the meditation participants will be guided in gentle movement classes, bringing ease to body and mind. Taking some time to retreat is a true gift for yourself and others and this course will equip you with the confidence and the skills to practice well in the midst of your daily life.
The facilitators, Kath Mitchell and Mark Schrader, are experienced meditators who bring their creativity, care and skills to this retreat.
About Kath & Mark
About Mark Schrader:
Mark has appreciated co-facilitating various Community-led Courses at Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre and has an extensive background in meditation and continues to keep a regular daily meditation practice spanning many years. He has a respectful style of teaching that encourages each person to touch into their own inherent wisdom. He teaches with humour and kindness. Mark began working in the field of Mental Health about 20 years ago and currently works as a counsellor in Nelson where he lives with his partner, Kath.
About Kath Mitchell:
Kath completed her first meditation retreat with Tarchin Hearn in 1989. She has studied Dharma with Bonni Ross for over twenty-five years and continues to cherish this precious opportunity. Kath is a teacher and offers meditation retreats, workshops and meditation instruction at Wangapeka and in Nelson. She loves to practice Dharma and study in community, because the wisdom of the group is a powerful and beautiful path to transformation; and that is always a joy to witness and experience together!
Costs for the Course
The course fee includes food, accommodation, cooks fee, and a resource fee
Non-members – $684 plus dana/koha
Members – $624 plus dana/koha
The Teachings are offered freely although you are invited to offer the facilitators dana/koha.
Dana
The Teaching is offered freely although you are welcome to offer the facilitators dana as an expression of your openhearted generosity and support for the Teachings. Dana translates as ‘generosity’ – an act that empowers giver and receiver – and is at the core of everything that happens at the Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre. You can bring cash if you wish to make this as a financial offering.
Information and Registration
For more information please contact: Mark Schrader (Course Manager) – schrader.mark@gmail.com
To register please fill out our online registration form
Payment
Payment details are included on the Registration Form. Thank you.
If using Paypal please add 5% of the total cost and include with your payment to cover Paypal’s fees.
Please consider becoming a Wangapeka member – click here for details.
Image Credit: Photo by Peace on Unsplash