The purpose of this residential retreat is to rest the usual disturbances of the mind and be absorbed into the feeling awareness of our own being. Through mindful attention and sustained inquiry, this process orientates us to our real identity as life itself, prior to the concerns of our everyday personality. It is a simple, natural and profound way to free ourselves from stress, self-doubt and anxiety, and to be moved by love, gratitude and wisdom.

This silent retreat will consist of group sessions along with free time for retreatants to move with their own rhythm. Daily sessions include instruction, sitting and walking mindfulness meditations and an enquiry period. This retreat is suitable for people who are new to the practice as well as those with previous experience of mindfulness.

Venue
The venue for the retreat is the beautiful Tushita Hermitage in Peria Valley, Doubtless Bay, Northland. Set amongst the sub-tropical Northland vegetation, the Tushita Hermitage provides a unique and safe sanctuary with plenty of space, shared communal areas and also places where you can spend time alone, should you wish.

Accommodation and Meals
On-site accommodation and meals are provided for you. Accommodation is in shared rooms. Some single rooms are available on application, for an extra $20/night. There are modern and clean showers and toilets.

Who is it Suitable For?
This retreat is suitable for:

• Absolute beginners with no mindfulness experience
• Experienced mindfulness practitioners and meditators
• Those currently teaching or wanting to teach mindfulness
• Anyone wanting to deepen their experience of life

Price
This retreat is $540 plus dana/koha for Nyanaviro. The $540 covers all your meals, accommodation and venue facilities. Nyanaviro’s fee is not set and consists entirely of your Dana offering. Dana (meaning generosity) invites each person to offer according to their means and what the retreat has been worth to them. Dana payment is given at the end of the retreat. This can be in cash, cheque or by internet banking – an account number will be provided. (Please note: there is no Eftpos at Tushita Ashram)

Retreat Facilitator – Nyanaviro (Stephen Archer)
Nyanaviro is a mindfulness educator. He is passionate about creating contexts where people can explore mindfulness and discover how it can assist them to realise sustainable wellbeing and generate new and transformative perspectives. Nyanaviro has been involved with mindfulness for over 35 years.

Since 2006 he has been studying with Yanchiji at Tushita Hermitage, Northland. He originally began practicing mindfulness meditation while completing a degree in Eastern religions and then trained for 13 years as an ordained Buddhist monk in the Thai forest tradition.

Nyanaviro facilitates mindful leadership and workplace programmes, and offers residential retreats and professional supervision for other trainers and practitioners.
He is Director of Mindfulness Training www.mindfulness-training.co.nz and an associate of Mindfulness Works www.mindfulnessworks.co.nz

“The Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand strongly endorses mindfulness as a useful way to improve positive mental health and resilience. We recommend Stephen Archer (Mindfulness Training) as an experienced mindfulness practitioner.” – Hugh Norriss, Director of Policy & Development, Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand