From Shamanic Breathwork at Greenstone Retreat to the Lush Forests of Bali

At Greenstone Retreat, many of you have experienced the power of the breath — in quiet moments in the wild gardens, while puffing up the last hill on your bike, on the mat during yoga classes, and in our Serenity on Sunday sessions and workshops. For me, breathwork has always been more than a technique. It’s a sacred portal — a way to access deep meditative states and connect to something greater.

But this path didn’t begin in Bali. It was sparked right here in New Zealand — through my Level 1 and 2 yoga training with My Health Yoga, the teachers who’ve held workshops here, and Shamanic Breathwork sessions with Jane Anthony and Kathy Guidi, both at NZ Spirit Festival and in sacred gatherings at Greenstone Retreat. It reminded me that the breath is not just a tool — it’s a guide, a messenger, a medicine.

I’d been blessed to attend a few Shamanic Breathwork sessions — and in the first half of them, I spent most of my time in my head! Eventually, I allowed myself to feel more deeply and open doors that had long been hidden.

It all began with a vision during one of those journeys — a vivid sense of a girl called Layana and a waterfall. I didn’t know if it was real. But when I followed the feeling and did some research, I discovered that Layana Waterfall does exist — nestled in the lush forests of Bali. That was the moment I knew I was on the right path. It was also close to a Shamanic Breathwork retreat being run by Levi Banner and Jane Anthony.

So in March, I followed the call to Bali to attend a retreat with Venus Rising (shamanicbreathwork.org). It deepened my personal practice, transformed my understanding of healing, and allowed me to visit Layana Waterfall. A place of poetry, coincidences and messages!

I didn’t know what to expect — only that my soul was yearning for a deeper connection with breath, spirit, and the healing rhythms of the Earth. And that I needed to bring this medicine home to Greenstone Retreat.

What unfolded was beyond words — but I’ll do my best to share.

A Journey Through the Elements

Bali was a beautiful contradiction — of beauty and rubbish, peace and chaos, sunshine and rain.. At Yogis Garden, surrounded by rice fields, jungle sounds, water purification temples, and sacred offerings, we entered deeply held spaces of healing and transformation.

Shamanic Breathwork is not always easy. It brings both light and shadow. It allows the unconscious to rise into the conscious for healing, clarity, and change. For some, it’s pure love and light. For others, it stirs up old trauma or grief that’s ready to be seen. For me, it’s done all of that — and more.

It was challenging beyond belief. I uncovered past wounds and unconscious patterns. But I’m proud of myself — it takes strength and courage to face this work. I also experienced deep joy — dancing, laughing, playing like a child, and making soul-level connections.

We worked with the elements — Water, Earth, Fire, Spirit, and Air — not just as metaphors, but as living forces within us. Breath became the bridge to release what no longer served, to connect to our higher selves, and to awaken ancient truths.

Silent Integration

After Bali, I was blessed to attend a silent meditation retreat with Leigh Marsden — the perfect opportunity to integrate what I had experienced. In that stillness, I found the space to listen, to ground, and to receive clarity on what’s next.

I’ve dreamed of hosting silent retreats at Greenstone for a long time, and now with this fresh inspiration, that dream feels closer than ever.

This journey wasn’t just a retreat — it was an initiation. And now, I feel even more passionate about weaving more breathwork and meditation into my yoga teaching. All lead us inward. Tools that help us find balance, awareness, and healing.

Since returning home, I’ve been integrating this quietly. I feel lighter, more connected, and less afraid of the shadows. I’ve already begun sharing parts of this work in our Spirals of the Heart workshop — and more will come, in the right timing. Some relationships in my life are deepening. Others are shifting. And I can feel the spiral turning. The retreat is guiding me forward. Change is here — and it’s all positive.

The Vision for Greenstone Retreat

What’s emerging is a clearer vision than ever before. I want Greenstone Retreat to be a sanctuary of healing — a place where people feel safe to explore, connect, and try something new.

Whether it’s someone’s first yoga class, a pulsing treatment from our massage team, a nourishing workshop, or simply choosing to add a bike to explore the West Coast Wilderness Trail — this is a space for rest, discovery, and self-care.

Soon, we’ll launch a new booking system to make it easier to book classes, events, treatments, cacao, packages, and private sessions. There will be more chances to work with me and with our amazing visiting therapists and facilitators. The “Stay Longer Save More” 10% discount continues for stays of 2 nights or more — so you don’t need to rush.

Creating your own mini retreat has never been easier:
✅ Book a stay
✅ Add breathwork, sound healing, massage, yoga or cacao
✅ Enjoy nature, journal, walk, rest, and connect with yourself.

What This Means for You…

We already offer gentle breathwork, meditation and sound healing within our yoga classes and workshops — but after Bali, I feel called to go deeper.

This November, I’ll return to Bali to complete the Shamanic Breathwork Facilitator Training, and from the end of this year, I’ll be offering safe and guided journeys for those ready to explore their inner world, heal old wounds, and reconnect with their soul’s truth.

Even more exciting: in 2026, Greenstone Retreat will become the West Coast home of Shamanic Breathwork trainings and retreats. If this work is calling you, there will be opportunities ahead — to heal, to learn, and to transform. Stay tuned.

With Gratitude

A massive thank you to the beautiful team who held space at Greenstone Retreat while I was away. Your support made this journey possible.

To everyone who comes to Greenstone Retreat — whether for rest, adventure, inspiration, or deep healing — thank you for being part of this path.

The breath is calling us all forward — one conscious inhale at a time.

With love,
Kate
Greenstone Retreat
“In the middle of everywhere and away from it all.”