About this Event
Einstein said: "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift."
With the busyness of everyday life we often become disconnected from our intutive minds, from our true selves and sense of the divine. Our rational minds take over and we can be overwhelmed by the endless chatter that can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression and stress.
On this weekend retreat there is an opportunity to bring yourself back into balance by calming the rational mind and recconnecting with your intuitive mind, with nature and other people.
The reflections and meditations offered on this retreat are simple and practical, without dogma or belief, and focused on you enjoying and meeting yourself in presence.
This retreat suits people who are looking for something deeper in their lives, or who have already found that and are wanting to nurture it.
Learn to deeply trust your own experience and wake up to the inherent natural love.
Whether you have never meditated before, are a beginner or an experienced meditator, this retreat offers you everything you need to experience the benefits of the silent meditation retreat environment.
The retreat will comprise of guided meditations, walking meditation, meditation teachings and an opportunity for question and answers. It will give participants a variety of practical meditations which can help to reduce stress and increase well being in everyday life.
Part of the retreat, from 9am - 2pm Saturday, will be in silence to allow participants to settle deeper into themselves without having to think about engaging with others.
This retreat is tech, alcohol and drug free.
"It fulfilled my needs. It was calming, informative and made people feel safe."
Heinke, Dunedin
"It was an exceptionally valuable experience. The pace was just right and the teaching was excellent. It was a very gentle way to feeling good about yourself and your place in the world."
Liz Owen
"I enjoyed the relaxed but knowledgeable approach and the chance to meditate In a relaxed and supportive group."
Grant , Dunedin.
Your Meditation Teacher - Kovido Maddick
Kovido has over 40 years experience in mindfulness and meditation and spent 10 years training as a Buddhist Monk, in the Thai Forest Tradition, under Ajahn Sumedho.
He has been teaching Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction programmes since 1996. He is a certified teacher and coach with Mindfulness Works. He was also a co-facilitator of the Dunedin Men’s group and a Hakomi Graduate.
Although his training is primarily Buddhist he is very eclectic, drawing on the wisdom of many different traditions and contemporary teachers including Rumi, Osho, Ajahn Chah, Ram Dass, Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, Jeff Foster and Thich Naht Hanh. Probably his greatest teachers have been his two foster children, Mason and Savannah, who could take him from love, joyand delight to rage and frustration and despair on a daily basis.
For many many years, Kovido tried to get enlightened, improve himself, get better at meditation but constantly failed. Gradually his focus has changed to more self-acceptance, trusting his own intuition and being with life as it is on this wonder-full and mysterious journey as a human being.
Two years ago he walked the 800km Camino de Santiago, an ancient pilgrimage route in Northern Spain, which has greatly affected his attitude to meditation practice and life. This year he attended the Himalayan Yoga training where he learnt about Kriya yoga, a combination of breathwork, movement and sound which he intends to bring into his teaching.
Retreat Schedule
Friday 20th November
7.00pm Introduction and Guided Meditation
8.30pm Home time
Saturday 21st November
9.00am Sitting and walking meditation
10.30am Morning tea
11.00am Sitting and walking meditation
12.30pm Lunch , rest, free time
2.00pm Sitting and walking meditation
3.30pm Afternoon tea
4.00pm Sitting and walking meditation
5.30pm Home time
Sunday 22nd November
9.00am Sitting and walking meditation
10.30am Morning tea
11.00am Closing ceremony
12.00pm Retreat ends
Part of the retreat, from 9am - 2pm Saturday, will be in silence to allow participants to settle deeper into themselves without having to think about engaging with others.
There will be activities outside, in the grounds of Port Chalmers School and on the harbourfront. Participants are asked to take responsibilty for theirown safety and well-being.
What is included.
- Comphrensive Meditation Instructions
- Buffet lunch on Saturday
- Tea, coffee, herb teas, and refreshments throughout the retreat
- Useful techniques and information to help you keep your connection with yourself after the retreat has finished
Event venue & nearby stays
Port Chalmers School, 30 Albertson Avenue, Dunedin, New Zealand
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