Winter 2024: Embracing Transformation
Greetings from Greenstone Retreat, where nature and nurture meet on the wild West Coast of New Zealand! As we transition out of winter and into the warmer months, we’ve been busy breathing new life into the heart of our retreat – and we’re excited to share the updates with you. Whether you’re a local who joins us for holistic workshops and yoga, or a visitor exploring the coast’s untamed beauty, we invite you to come and experience the magic happening here.
A Fresh Look for the Historic Villa
This winter, the Historic Villa received some well-deserved love! Local painter Paul Borham (021 02296148) worked his magic both inside and out, bringing fresh life to the space. With the help of some traditional window repairs and replacements, we’ve preserved the charm of this old building while letting in even more natural light. You’ll also notice new lighting in most of the rooms, enhancing the warm, inviting atmosphere. The result? A space that feels as cosy, fun and enchanting as ever, with a few extra rays of sunshine streaming in from recent tree removals!
Enchanted Gardens & Bird Paradise
In our quest to blend nature with the healing environment of Greenstone Retreat, we’ve been creating new enchanted fairy gardens and bird paradises around the property. These spaces are still a work in progress, but they’re already attracting visitors – of the feathered kind! It’s a place where you can sit, relax, and feel completely connected with nature. The firewood project at the back of the property continues, and a few working bees have been an amazing success. If you are wanting some beautiful hot long burning gum firewood, please reach out.
The Retreat has taken on a gardener and maintenance person this summer which will make all the difference. It will always be a little wild, just slightly less feral!
Winter Workshops, Yoga & More
This season has also been full of incredible workshops, sound healing sessions, cacao ceremonies, and live music. The energy in the retreat has been as vibrant as ever, thanks to our visiting facilitators and local healers. We’ve seen so many of you
come through our doors, leaving lighter, brighter, and more balanced. On the yoga front, Kate has been hard at work with her Level 2 yoga teacher training and is close to completing her studies. She’s now offering even more private sessions, including holistic tools for handling life’s stresses, yoga, breathwork, sound healing, and spiritual guidance. If you’ve been seeking personalized support in your wellness journey, now is the perfect time to book a session with Kate. There are so many amazing events popping up a the time. Keep an eye out for something that your heart said YES to, and we will see you here! https://greenstoneretreat.nz/workshops-retreats/
A Quieter Morning
And finally, you might notice it’s a little quieter around here in the mornings. Our resident roosters have moved on, and while they’ll be missed, the peaceful mornings they’ve left behind are a welcome change! The new baby chicks add a cuteness factor, just ask Kate to introduce you.
Stay a While…
Whether you’re craving a few days of total relaxation or want to take part in one of our many offerings, we invite you to book a stay at Greenstone Retreat. Our beautiful accommodation options are available for all – whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or with friends. Take a few extra days to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the comfortable rooms and all the nature that surrounds us. Come experience the West Coast’s untamed natural wilderness, unwind in the fairy gardens, and immerse yourself in holistic wellness offerings. At Greenstone Retreat, we’re “in the middle of everywhere and away from it all,” waiting to welcome you
with open arms.
SPECIALS
There are some awesome mid week accommodation specials for stays until the end of October.. Pick a few dates Tuesday to Thursday and get a nice surprise! You may be keen of catching some whitebait, exploring the West Coast Wilderness Trail
before it gets busy, or just taking some time to be.. https://greenstoneretreat.nz/specials/
YOGA. For the regular yoga students, there is a multi class pass. Buy 5 classes and get $5 off the next class, or buy 10 for $150 and get a free class! Join Kate and a mix of regulars and visitors for a weekly yoga experience. Suitable for beginners and
more experienced yogis, classes will combine postures/asana, breathwork, meditation and sound healing ad eave you in a state of blissful serenity!
FREE GIFT: Kate is exploring recording some meditations and mindful moments. When you next have a spare 20 minutes, please enjoy this guided meditation. Not suitable when driving! Reconnect to now, this time, this space and your place guided
meditation https://youtu.be/PQpn0xx1ZoA
How to Align with Spring:
Tips for Embracing the Season
- Embrace the Rain
Spring showers bring life to the rainforest, and while getting outside during a downpour may be the hardest part, it’s also the most rewarding. Throw on your waterproof gear and step into the magic of the wet wilderness. The symphony of raindrops and the lush greenery are something to experience first-hand. And when you return, those hot showers and a steaming cuppa will feel all the more satisfying! - Make a Small, Positive Shift
Got 10 spare minutes? Use them to create a small, but impactful, positive change. Whether it’s clearing out a cluttered corner, doing a quick meditation to recharge your mental energy, reaching out to a friend in need, or working on a creative project that brings you joy – stop scrolling and procrastinating, and take that small step. Little shifts add up to a bigger sense of well-being. - Tune Into Nature’s Details
As the season changes, so do the small details of your favourite outdoor spaces. Take a moment to really notice the budding flowers, the songbirds returning, and the new growth all around you. Learn the
names of the birds, appreciate the shapes of tree blossoms, and stay curious about the interconnectedness of nature. Hug a tree, sing to the birds, bless the water, and nurture the land – everything we do has an effect on the world around us. Enjoy the beauty of the present moment! - Clear Out the Old, Welcome the New
Spring is the perfect time for a physical and emotional reset. Open your windows, let the fresh air in, and take the time to declutter your surroundings. As you clear your space, you’ll also clear your mind, making room for fresh energy and new opportunities. This season is all about renewal – let go of what no longer serves you and make space for what’s to come. - Move Your Body with the Season
Spring is a time of movement and growth. Align yourself with the energy of the season by getting active! Whether it’s a gentle yoga flow, a walk in nature, or simply stretching outside in the fresh air, allow your body to move in harmony with the earth’s awakening. Feel the shift in your energy and let it inspire you. - Plant Seeds, Literally and Metaphorically
As flowers bloom and the earth reawakens, it’s a great time to plant seeds – not just in your garden but also in your life. What intentions do you want to grow this season? Whether it’s a new habit, a relationship, or a creative endeavour, now is the time to nurture your dreams and goals, giving them the attention they need to thrive. - Happy spring! At Greenstone Retreat, we welcome you to come and embrace the new season with us. Take a moment to reconnect with nature, nurture yourself, and enjoy everything this beautiful time of year has to offer.
Namaste. “The Divine within me, bows to the Divine within you” Kate & Team
