News from the Main Hall
It has been a great opportunity for lots of pats up here for me! One day we had two classes of 12 and 13 year-old Steiner school kids overnight. They were having a great time exploring the centre’s grounds and playing lots of games. They also learnt meditation from Jaime and like magic 17 kids calmed into peacefulness. We are also farewelling Jaime, after three years of living at the centre. See you soon Jaime, as he will be back teaching and participating in retreats.
Then the Young Adults arrived, about 15 of them. Kath, Mark and Jamie were there as well so it was good to see some familiar faces. I reminded myself that although it was only in June with Bodhi Seeds that I saw many of them last I’ve known a good few of this bunch from when they were the same age as the Steiner kids, 12 and 13. Thoughtful kids, coming back to me so often.
This group had such good fun together. Seemed like they were working hard to get to a deeper awareness of their spiritual beings. Artistic bunch with good voices and some interesting musical talents. Some days I decided to skip my afternoon naps to see the performances they put on.
One day, an odd sight, Patrick appeared weighted down and obscured by some trees. He threw them into the car and went off. I heard him talking to Irene about their fundraiser to sell some of the wildling pines. Get your orders in early for next year because I reckon we have enough pine wildlings on the property to give everyone in Nelson/Tasman area a Christmas Tree. Then the very next day Patrick stumbled down the path with an even bigger pine tree, people commenced placing all sorts of interesting objects and lights all over it. Topped with a big gold star, I was curious to take a closer look when no-one would be watching!
Tables decorated with tablecloths, crackers and holly. The beams with colourful decorations and lights. I have to confess that once finished the room looked fabulous. In the evening lots more people arrived and that night we had a real party. Games, good food, not to my taste as they forgot the meat, laughter and dancing into the night. No wonder the next day everyone lay around and took it easy under the cherry tree.
Then the Garden of Mindfulness, Clensing the Senses, Family Retreat started and more little hands came to pat me, I even got to stay in some of the rooms overnight curled up in their arms. There were two classes a day in restorative mindfulness meditation taught in good humour by Mira and a lovely sit in the evening. Lots of young children and their parents all saying what a great time they were having, with water slides, swimming, hikes in native bush and lots of crafts. Jenny and Miles helped the kids even build a viking ship out of flax sticks, with lots of little mini flotillas which were set sail down the Wangapeka river. Irene was the fantastic cook, and was an absolute powerhouse with her volunteering around the centre clearing scrub – and boy she can sing! We were all really impressed with everyones performances during the New Years Eve play.
Bonni and Mathew arrived and I purred with delight seeing all the meditators go into deep retreat. Then further delights when Leander returned again. Gosh I love her retreats so many relaxed bodies for me to sleep on.
So now I’m back in the Main Hall on my new comfy armchairs sleeping on lots of laps that can remain still for hours!
Hope to see you soon, Love Rastus! The Wangapeka Community Cat 🙂
