A drop in an ocean of time – the last 200,000 years from the bottleneck to now
We will be learning about the development of the human body plan and mind over the course of the last 7 million years (and in deference to our fish ancestors, out to 300 or so) and how this accelerated over the past 2 million especially. This evolutionary history helps to explain why we are shaped the way we are, and gives clues to the origins of some of our difficulties in coping with modern life.
This will be combined with mindfulness breathing meditation and Chi Gung exercises to help bring about harmony in movement/whole body relaxation. This all connects through “dancing with ink” – doing large scale paintings with black ink and sponges (both arms at the same time with the whole body involved). There will be opportunities to work alone and in small groups to explore some of the ideas presented as well as some experiential exercises.
The course can be done as a 2 day course, with the 3rd and 4th days available for those with the space.
Costs:
Non-Members: $284 plus dana
Members: $260 plus dana
or weekend only:
Non-members: $152 plus dana
Members: $140 plus dana
About Duncan Mackay
Duncan has a strong interest in connecting earth, planet, history, and events to the human story and condition. The unfolding of the planet (and the local solar system), over several billion years is central to how we as humans relate to ourselves, others and our home. Throughout this time there have been immense changes to the atmosphere and continents, with life itself playing a central role in shaping all of this (plate tectonics, mineral species, atmosphere). Duncan has a current interest in the evolution of our species over the past 200,000 years, and this retreat will focus on this most recent part of our journey.
Duncan grew up in Central Otago on a dry, hilly sheep station, surrounded by nature and people interested in the natural world around them. Family legend has it that Duncan was picking up rocks (and keeping them) from the age of first walking. This led to degrees in Geology at Otago University and a decade of work in mineral exploration.
Duncan creates contemporary styled jewellery and sell in galleries throughout New Zealand. He has also studied acrylic and watercolour painting, life drawing, pottery making (raku), stained glass work and pen/pencil drawing. There has been a strong interest in health/diet and wellbeing for the past 30 years, part of this has been a Tái Chi practice begun in 1990 and continues to this day.
Duncan’s interest in Dharma began with hearing someone reading out a letter from Tarchin detailing travel experiences on the Amazon River. This led to traveling with Tarchin and Mary and a group of others throughout Central America and Mexico, and meeting up with Namgyal Rinpoche part way through. This led to many retreats at the Wangapeka Centre with Tarchin and others through the 1980’s. Duncan and his partner Diane are both very involved in the Bonni Ross teaching programme happening in Nelson and the Wangapeka over the past 3 years.