New Zealand Retreats

About

Affordable mindfulness retreats that help alleviate stress, anxiety, depression and increases the feelings of relaxation and well-being

Story

Erna has had a personal meditation practice for more than 40 years. She grew up in a small village called Thaba ‘Nchu, living among the Tswana and Sotho tribes, learning from these uncomplicated people that happiness comes from living life simply yet abundantly.

Pulling up roots and immigrating to New Zealand 20 years ago and the break-up of a happy marriage after the recent Christchurch earthquakes are two events that have emphasised to her the value of stillness, being with experiences, and letting go. Erna is a tertiary-educated scientist and teacher. For 13 years she worked with families that have either a baby or other family member with a hereditary disorder. She has also written about and lectured on human genetics. In New Zealand, she taught children with learning difficulties before changing her career to therapeutic massage.

Erna currently has a massage practice in Darfield, where she combines massage and trigger-point therapy with mindfulness. She has found that clients have a far better response to treatment when they are ‘present in their bodies’ and able to let go of ‘what should be’.

Attending silent retreats under tutors David Wakeling and Jeremy Logan has helped Erna to gain deeper insight into the value of mindfulness practice and living in the present moment.

Erna enjoys exploring nature, researching pain release techniques and playing the piano.