Retreat Overview

The Permaculture design concept is an abundant, integrated and practical method of developing the external ecosystem. Yoga is the inner ecology of living consciously, spiritually, and harmoniously in the world. Both concepts complement each other and blend together to develop a sustainable lifestyle within one’s inner self and the outer environment.

This course is the standard residential International Permaculture Design Certificate curriculum, taught in an integrated hands-on way, culminating in a comprehensive land-use design project. Yoga, deep relaxation and meditation sessions will be woven into the daily schedule bringing you a unique course combining inner ecology (yoga) with the outer ecology (Permaculture).

This 19 day course includes practical skill building activities, mini-design exercises, and visits to inspirational properties that demonstrate Permaculture in practice. It takes place in an intentional eco yoga community and incorporates the exploration of ”Deep Ecology” (with Inna Alex), the connection to nature and element themed yoga practices aimed at enhancing personal sustainability that extends out into the wider community.

Upon completion, a Permaculture Design Certificate will be issued by the Institute of Earthcare Education Aotearoa.

The Permaculture Course Program broadly covers:

• Permaculture ethics, design principles and implementation
• Organic growing methods (vegie gardens, herbs, fruit)
• Rural land management (orchards, pastures, trees, water systems)
• Integrated animal systems
• Water harvesting & storage, grey-water & ‘waste’ recycling,
• Ecological building
• Renewable energy systems
• Social permaculture / Invisible Structures
• Full Permaculture Design Process
• Deep Ecology

Find out what Course Instructor, Robina McCurdy along with Anahata’s own Swami Karma Karuna have to say about How to Live a Sacred Life by Honouring Gaia >

The Yoga Program includes:

• Hatha Yoga
• Mantra Meditation
• Yoga Nidra- deep relaxation for inner sustainability
• Guided meditation
• Kirtan (singing mantras to music)
• Havan (ancient Vedic Fire Ceremony to honour the elements)
• Times of silence

Course Location:

Anahata Yoga Retreat is located in a spectacular natural environment, near the Abel Tasman National Park in Golden Bay. Permaculture design certificate courses were among the first offerings at Anahata with the permaculture concepts being integral to its development. Anahata runs on solar power, has four different examples of straw bale and earth buildings, an extensive natural waste water system, organic gardens and orchards. As a work in progress, all who come to the continuing development of this sacred space, whilst learning valuable life skills for the health and wellbeing of individuals, communities and society as a whole.

Start Time: 9am Thursday, 4th Oct – arrival/registration
Finish Time: 11am Monday, 22nd Oct
Complimentary pick up: 5.45pm Wednesday, 3rd Oct, Golden Bay Visitor Centre
Complimentary drop off: 11am Monday, 22nd Oct, back to Golden Bay Visitor Centre
A discounted stay rate of $75 applies for the night before the retreat begins (3rd October).

Teachers

Robina McCurdy is the founder of the Institute of Earthcare Education Aotearoa, co-founder of Tui Land Trust & Community in Golden Bay, NZ and pioneer of the S.E.E.D (Schools Environmental Education & Development) programme in South Africa and Brazil and has been engaged in community development, organic growing, permaculture design and tutoring on a global scale for the past 25 years. To hear more about the course and her personal connection to Permaculture read our latest interview with Robina.

Sn Atmavidya honours the great wisdom traditions, sharing ancient practices of Yoga and Meditation that continue to help unfold the natural inherent goodness, wisdom, beauty, harmony, kindness and delight in our lives. She facilitates easeful discovery of the different ways that practices can be experienced, to liberate energy for well-being of body, mind and spirit. Atmavidya has depth of experience in the teaching of yoga and meditation in yoga centres, ashrams, retreats, primary, secondary schools, tertiary institutions, businesses, Not For Profit and rehabilitation organisations, mainly in New Zealand. Atmavidya has been a student of yoga and meditation for the last 27 years.

Inna Alex is a trained Environmental Planner and Landscape Architect. Living at Tui Community, she aims to integrate her Permaculture knowledge by co-ordinating and co-teaching some of Earthcare’s Permaculture Education Programmes, living actively in intentional community, teaching yoga and tending the garden. Inna’s main focus in teaching on the PDC is Deep Ecology, as she is passionate about facilitating access to and sustenance of our internal motivation and capacities to heal our world.

Guenther Andraschko is an experienced workshop facilitator and permaculture and landscape designer.  He has over 25 years experience in designing and creating unique outdoor environments utilising permaculture principles, both in New Zealand and Australia and in a diversity of environments. He brings a wealth of practical knowledge and experience and enjoys supporting others to realise their own permaculture projects and aspirations.