Beginning Again! An Introductory Meditation Retreat for All
For beginners and those with experience
Tues 31 Jan 5pm, to Mon 6 Feb 2023 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 more quiet and calm.
Silent for 6 days – how could anyone do that?
This annual retreat, now in its 10th year, is an opportunity for anyone wishing to develop or refresh a regular meditation practice in a supportive retreat environment. For those new to meditation, it is an opportunity to build your confidence, receive encouragement, and ask those questions you think everyone else already knows the answer to! For people with experience, it will provide an overview, context and skilful tools that will enhance your existing practice as well as supporting you in any future retreats you attend.
Together we will study and practice the meditation on breathing, one of the oldest and most effective practices known, that has been taught and practiced continuously since the time of the Buddha. It is a rich meditation that supports our experience of inter-connectedness with all of life by developing focus, calm and clarity of mind. The practice is founded on, and naturally supports, a commitment to living an ethical life. It is designed to lead us gradually and skilfully from wherever we are right now, to the full experience of healing and freedom made possible through meditation.
The course is predominantly silent and provides the opportunity to learn, strengthen and enliven your individual practice of the breathing meditation. There will be practice instruction and opportunities for questions and sharing in the group, which are a rich source of learning for everyone. There will also be time for individual practice, including space to enjoy just ‘being’ at the Wangapeka Centre – a truly beautiful environment. To support the deepening of practice participants will also be guided in gentle movement classes, bringing relaxation and ease to body and mind.
This retreat is offered as a practical path designed for those who aspire to live in the world more wisely and compassionately. Taking this time for retreat is a true gift for yourself and others, and will equip you with the confidence and skills to practice well in the midst of your daily life.
The facilitators of the course, Chani Grieve Kath Mitchell and Mark Schrader, are all experienced meditators who bring their creativity, care and skills to this retreat.
*Note – Those who have completed this retreat in previous years are most welcome to attend again.
Costs
Course fee – includes food, accommodation and a resource fee.
Non-members – $684 plus dana/koha
Members – $624 plus dana/koha
Camping option – $546 non-members / $516 members plus dana/koha
Dana/Koha – the Teachings are offered freely although you are invited to offer the facilitators dana/koha as an expression of your generosity and support for the Teachings
About Chani, Kath & Mark
Chani is a Feldenkrais Practitioner who has been weaving together meditation and body-centred modalities for over 17 years. Chani has shared movement practices in the Introductory Retreat since it began 9 years ago. She enjoys the collaborative approach to teaching that this retreat offers, as it celebrates the wisdom of the group and enriches the experience for all involved. A student of Bonni Ross, she maintains a dedicated personal practice that is the central inspiration for her work. She offers classes, workshops and retreats in New Zealand and Australia.
Kath completed her first meditation retreat with Tarchin Hearn in 1989. She has studied with Bonni Ross for over twenty five years and continues to cherish this precious opportunity. Kath and her husband Mark share a deep commitment in the Dharma and enjoy practicing and teaching together.
Kath teaches meditation in a collaborative style. She offers courses and retreats regularly at Wangapeka and in Nelson. She loves to practice Dharma 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!
Mark has appreciated co-facilitating Community Courses at Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre, the introductory meditation retreats – Beginning Now & Don’t Just do Something-Sit There, and the Transforming our Emotions course. He has an extensive background in meditation and has had a regular daily practice for many years.
Mark has a respectful style of teaching that encourages each person to touch into their own inherent wisdom. He teaches with humour and kindness. He began working in the field of Mental Health about 20 years ago and currently works as a counsellor in Nelson.
Information and Registration
For more information or to register please contact Kath the Course Manager: mitchell.kath@gmail.com
To register please fill out our online registration form
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.
Banner image from Open Clip Art
