Mindfulness in Nature Retreat Weekend

The weekend will be an immersed experiential learning of mindfulness and mindful movement skills and practices which are trauma informed. Clients attending will be able to use meditation and contemplative practices in a natural setting gaining an appreciation of the therapeutic benefits of calming and grounding through connection with nature by the sea and in native forest. Through the cultivation of various practices clients will experience a well-researched and tested approach for cultivating attention, awareness and wise action.

Where: Moanariri Retreat, 224 Russell Rd, Glenledi/Akatore, South East Coast, Otago
When:

• Fri, 5 Dec 2025 – Sun, 7 Dec 2025,
• Fri, 20 Feb 2026 – Sun 22 Feb 2026,
• Fri, 10 Apr 2026 – Sun 12 Apr 2026

Time: Arriving 4:00 pm Friday and finishing 12:00 pm Sunday
Accommodation: Individual small cosy rooms with shared bathroom facilities between three.
What is provided: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner/Tea & Coffee provided
What to bring: An open heart, journal, water bottle, loose warm clothes for inside and outside jacket and hat, inside socks/shoes
and outside good walking shoes/boots, small backpack optional, personal requirements and medications.
Group size: 6 participants
Who can attend: Aged 18+ and who identify as female. There is an expectation that those attending a weekend will have attended a
DBT Group, Equine Therapy, ACT group, Trauma Informed Yoga or Mindfulness in Nature Day and are willing to engage in regular mindfulness practices.

Disabilities: The group can be adapted to meet the needs of clients with a range of disabilities who are stable in the therapeutic relationship
ACC approvals: 1x SCSGTT – Triage for Group-based Therapy,
16x SCSGT – Group-based Therapy

Programme

Friday Session 1 4:00 pm – 7:30 pm Housekeeping and safety, opening, ice breaking and guided practices.
Saturday Session 2 9:30 – 12:30 pm Variety of movement and other practices to explore limits and cultivate concentration, strength and flexibility of mind and body.
Saturday Session 3 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm Mountain practice and contemplation time in nature.
Saturday Session 4 7:00 – 8:30 pm Reflective meditation consolidating skills, various breathing exercises, body scan.
Saturday Sunday Session 5 9:00 – 12:00 pm Consolidation of practices in nature, loving kindness and closing session.