Wangapeka Study and Retreat Centre
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Garden of Mindfulness
Families Course 2004-5
by Karen Joblin
From the March 2005 Newsphere
Photos of the course also available
The Garden of Mindfulness has been and gone for another year and I would have to say it has been the best yet. I tend to say this every year, but it just gets better! "Interbeing" was the theme and I felt a lot of community and support developed throughout our ten days together. For a group of 30 or so people, of all ages, to cope so well living in close quarters while it rained, and rained, and rained, was truly astounding. The course was once again managed by Mark Schrader who does an amazing job. I was fortunate enough to be part of the four-person steering committee. I say fortunate, because I felt I was so much more involved, aware and challenged! Perhaps this helped it be the best GOM yet?
What also helped was people's willingness to make effort, to function so well in a community. There was a great willingness to participate in what was to offer on the programme and to help out with the day-to-day domestic side. As I reflect now many things come to mind that capture the whole GOM experience for me: watching someone's first steps, cooking for thirty people, rain, laughter, concert night where many talents were revealed, river crossings for cake, morning puja that "does get in", sharing that gave new insights, and the many interactions with kids and adults.
So, yes, it was the best one yet, and this having been our seventh GOM, who knows what the tenth one will be like? Thank you to all who organised and participated. Looking forward to seeing you all again.
Sarva Managalam - All is Blessing