Welcome to a rich world of archetypes and play.
Explore the timeless magic of Pan (Peter Pan/Mr Tunmus) and Artemis (Wonder Woman/Diana) along with lots of fun mindfulness adventures in the magical Wangapeka forest. Fairies and nature sprites apply within!
Enhance your and your family’s wellbeing through play and nature exploration.
A morning class will give the adults time to learn and practice a range of meditations, while the children enjoy fun activities with our children’s co-ordinator.
In the afternoon families will have time to practicemindfulness and kindness together as well experiencing the joy of a range of nature archetypes and fun activities, such as forest walks, river swims, home made water slides, badminton and bubble play.
The Garden of Mindfulness is a family retreat for all ages. Inclusive of all families, it is an opportunity to become familiar with the benefits of being in the present moment and unfolding through play and exploration. GOM offers a rare opportunity to share a retreat space with our families.
This year GOM will run for 7 nights from 6pm 28th December 2018 to 2pm 4th January 2019. We ask that people attend the whole retreat if possible. If you have any skills or talents you would like to contribute please let us know. We look forward to sharing this retreat with you and your family. For further information, contact Course Manager Lara: laracusdin@yahoo.co.nz
Following the previous four years of successful teachings, Mira Riddiford will be leading the the morning adults’ classes and afternoon family explorations.
About Mira Riddiford, the Mindfulness Teacher
Mira is a meditation teacher who runs ongoing classes, retreats and professional workshops throughout Australasia, and her online classes have participants joining in from Europe, Asia and North America. With over 20 years of daily practice, she has been trained through retreat work, study and apprenticeship. Mira has taught mindfulness in education at primary and secondary level, as well as to school teachers. Her modern, warm and engaging style breathes life into these meditation teachings. Mira is respectful of diversity, is LGBTQI friendly, and her family will also be participating on the retreat. She looks forward to meeting and meditating with you.
Our Children’s Co-Ordinator is Azin
Azin is a 25 year old, Iranian-German. Always curious about the wonders of life and nature, Azin studied Business Administration and Tourism, and used to work in marketing for a German tourism company in Frankfurt before she came to New Zealand. Azin loves creative writing, painting, cooking and baking. Studying teachings of Rumi, Pema Chödrön, Eckhart Tolle and Thich Nhat Hanh gives her energy. Fresh from attending the Young Adults Retreat before GOM she looks forward to inspiring your children.
Our Course Manager is Lara Cusdin
Lara has been involved with Wangapeka and Buddha-Dharma for almost 20 years. Along with Mira, Lara is continuing the tradition of the family mindfulness retreat embracing all family types. Lara is passionate about conscious parenting, recognizing our children’s unique nature and allowing them to shape us as parents and grow into better people for them and for the planet. As a solo mum, Lara attributes a lot of her growth to her daughter.
Lara is studying counselling and has a background in psychology, care work and holistic health care. Lara will be attending this retreat with her daughter and looks forward to co-creating this retreat with you.
Retreat Fees 2018/19 (includes accommodation, food and resource fee). Please bring cash for Teacher’s Dana/Koha/Donation
Retreat Fees 2018/2019 (includes accommodation, food, cooks fee and resource fee).
Adults (per person): $537
Children (per person) 6 -14 years: $204.50
Children (per person) 4-5 years: $134.50
Children (per person) Under 4 years: free
Member price:
Adults (per person): $495
Children (per person) 6-14 years: $204.50
Children (per person) 4-5 years: $134.50
Children (per person) Under 4 years: free
If finances are an obstacle for you and your family attending GOM there is the Sangha Support fund.
The Sangha Support Fund is available for anyone needing financial assistance with accommodation in order to attend retreats at Wangapeka.
For more information on applying please contact Faith: wangapekacentre@gmail.com
Dana for the Mindfulness Teacher: So people from different income brackets can benefit from this retreat, no set fee is put on Mira Riddiford’s teachings. Please give generously according to your means, taking into account Mira has a family to provide for. You could use as a guide $20 – $60 per day (with the understanding that everyone’s circumstances are different).
Have further questions? Contact Course manager Lara Cusdin laracusdin@yahoo.co.nz for further information.
If using Paypal please add 5% of the total cost and include with your payment to cover Paypal’s fees – many thanks.
To register please fill out our online registration form, please fill in one form per person
*Please consider becoming a Wangapeka member – click here for details.