Situated on the boundary of the Abel Tasman National Park, Anahata Yoga Retreat looks out over Golden Bay from the vantage point of Birds Clearing. It’s a long windy and narrow gravel road to the sanctuary on the top of the hill above Clifton. It is clear that for anyone drawn to Anahata this is part of the journey, the path which must be taken. As I drove up and up I eventually found myself quite literally high in the clouds (& the meditating hadn’t even begun!). Like something out of a Lord of the Rings movie, Anahata is a misty mystical place of beauty.
Greeted warmly with a cup of ginger and lemon tea I joined the weekend group who had come together to take part in a course: ‘managing the mind and emotions’. Anahata has a number of permanent residents and operates with ashram-like principals- a rather unique community in New Zealand. The grounds are surrounded with nature. The meditation/yoga halls, organic vegetable gardens, compost toilets and solar run yurt buildings are tucked in among native beech forests. In this place of peace and harmony anyone is welcome to stay as long or as short as they like.
I spent 3 days at Anhata where I focused on my inner state, providing some much needed perspective and recharging the spiritual batteries for the year ahead. I could have easily spent longer in this scenic spot with only the birdsong and baa-ing of the sheep to keep me company. There is something special about spending time alone, to know yourself and listen to your own heart song. This is not your average yoga retreat, and definitely not what i was expecting on signing up. Much less physical yoga practice and much more about a yogic way of life. In operation for over 18 years this community provides a simple yet sustainable lifestyle for yogis from all walks of life and all corners of the world.
In this place, days consist of rising to the sun and using Hatha Yoga to awaken and energise the body. This is followed by either chanting or meditation to get the vibrations following through the energy centres of the body. Simple vegetarian meals are provided during your stay, these are served with love and devotion and sourced from the abundant seasonal gardens on the property. Another form of yoga which is performed daily at Anahata is the practise of karma yoga. This is a way to be mindful
and aware in everyday activities and tasks.
To the ‘novice yogi’ be prepared for the vedic tradition embedded at Anahata. Chanting Kirtan and performing Havan fire ceremonies and rituals can be overwhelming to those of us who are new to these ancient practices. If you are searching for a physical yoga retreat I suggest you look elsewhere. Otherwise prepare yourself for deep emotional, mental and spiritual learnings whilst resting and relaxing the physical body. As far as locations go, Anahata will be tough to beat. This is where I have found my centre and am now ready to embark on the next step of my yoga journey. Shortly I will be off to Bali on my next adventure. I will be taking part in my teacher training on the small tropical island of Gilli Meno. 2015… year of the yogi! Namaste.
SPIRITofSAMMY 