Rise and Renew Transform your Year with the Power of the Breath - IMMERSIVE WEEKEND RETREAT
Feb
21
to Feb 23

Rise and Renew Transform your Year with the Power of the Breath - IMMERSIVE WEEKEND RETREAT

  • Sandhana Retreat Space (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Following the soulful and transformative experience of our last retreat, Donna and I are excited to invite you to Rise and Renew with us as we step into a new year on the beautiful Waiheke Island. This retreat is designed to ignite your energy, lift your spirit, and set the tone for transformation and possibility in the months ahead.

Through the powerful practices of breath-work and contrast therapy, we’ll guide you on a journey of renewal—releasing the weight of the past and rising into clarity, vitality, and purpose. In our soul circle, you’ll connect deeply with yourself and others, cultivating a sense of presence and empowerment to carry into the year. Contrast therapy will enhance this experience, bringing balance and harmonising your energy, leaving you refreshed and recharged.

This retreat is not only about transformation; it’s also about embracing fun and play. You’ll have space to relax, unwind, and explore some of the stunning surroundings of Waiheke Island, adding more joy and laughter to set the tone for your year. We’ll nourish our bodies with nutritious, locally sourced food, lovingly prepared to fill our bellies and fuel our journey of renewal.

If you’re ready to embrace a fresh start and rise into your full potential, this retreat will offer you the space and tools to transform your year with intention and inspiration. Let’s come together to breathe, connect, and rise into the possibilities of the new year.

RISE & RENEW Retreat: What Awaits You

  • Rise Together as a Community
    Discover what it means to rise, not just as an individual, but as part of a collective. Through shared experiences and connection, we’ll explore how our personal transformations are interwoven with the growth of the group.

  • Movement & Ceremony

    Experience movement as medicine, a sacred practice to release what no longer serves you, renew your spirit, and embody the fullness of your being. Through ceremonies with roots in the ancient wisdom of the Andes, lovingly passed down to us by our teacher, Rochelle Scheik, the creator of Qoya, you’ll be guided into a journey of experiencing more of who you are. These practices honour the interconnectedness of all things, inviting you to move with intention, connect with your soul’s truth, and embrace the divine within yourself and the collective.

  • ACTIVITIES INCLUDED

    Breath-work, Qoya, Ceremony, Yoga, Mindful Walks, Ocean Swims, Sauna, Cold Plunge and Hot Tub. Wholefoods healthy melas will be provided.

  • WHAT TO BRING

    Just bring yourself, dressed in comfortable loose clothing to practice yoga in and a water bottle. All yoga mats and props, plus towels for the water activities and sauna, will be provided.

  • ACCOMMODATION

    Accommodation is also provided both onsite and nearby. Early bird pricing for the full weekend begins at $1,333 and then it increases to $1,555 for a shared room (where you will be sharing a double or queen sized bed) and $1,777 (increasing to $1,999) for your own room. Be sure to get in early for this special deal which is only available until the 3rd of February.

This retreat will guide you through these experiences, allowing you to rise higher and renew as part of a supportive and uplifting community. 🌟

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FULL DAY HAWA BREATH-WORK
May
10
9:00 AM09:00

FULL DAY HAWA BREATH-WORK

The Full HAWA Day Breath-work experience is a profound journey into the depths of consciousness, offering participants the opportunity to breathe deeply into their own being and hold space for another's transformative process. Created by the gifted teacher Andrea Anstiss, founder of HAWA, this method is inspired by the holotropic breathwork roots pioneered by Stan Grof. HAWA takes these foundations and expands them into a unique modality that honours the interconnectedness of all beings, the wisdom of the body, and the sacredness of shared human experience.

This day-long experience allows participants to engage in two roles: the breather and the sitter. Breathing is an invitation to explore non-ordinary states of consciousness, bypassing the chatter of the mind and tapping into the body’s innate capacity for healing and integration. Through intentional, rhythmic breathing, participants may access deep-seated emotions, memories, or insights, experiencing release, clarity, and profound connection. For some, this journey is cathartic, while for others, it is deeply grounding a reconnection to the essence of who they are.

Equally transformative is the role of the sitter. To sit for another person’s experience is a privilege and a practice in presence and compassion. As a sitter, you are entrusted with holding space for another, creating a container of safety, trust, and non-judgment. This act of witnessing can be just as healing as the breathing itself, offering profound lessons in empathy, humility, and the beauty of simply being there for another in their raw and authentic process. The connection between the breather and the sitter becomes a sacred exchange, reminding us of the power of human connection and the importance of being seen and supported. Stanislav Grof’s theory of the sitter highlights their sacred role in creating a safe and supportive container for the breather’s journey into non-ordinary states of consciousness. The sitter acts as a stabilising, empathetic presence, offering unconditional acceptance and trust, which allows the breather to surrender fully to their process. Grof likened the sitter’s role to that of a symbolic parent, embodying qualities such as patience, compassion, and non-judgment. This dynamic can help repair internalised patterns of insecurity or mistrust, providing a reparative experience akin to secure attachment. Far from being passive, the sitter engages in their own growth, as witnessing another’s transformation often sparks self-reflection and personal insight. Grof viewed this relationship as a profound, interconnected exchange, where both parties experience healing in a shared journey.

What makes the Full HAWA Day so unique is its ability to weave individual healing with collective experience. Participants are not only given the chance to delve into their own inner world but are also deeply moved by the honour of holding space for another. This shared journey highlights the interconnectedness of healing—that as one person breathes through their pain and finds clarity in their journey, those witnessing are also transformed. It is a beautiful testament to the truth that healing is not a solitary act but one that resonates outward, touching everyone it encounters.

Investing in your healing is a commitment to reclaiming your wholeness, nurturing your inner strength, and embracing transformation.

LIMITED TO 14 PEOPLE

WHERE: TBC in Auckland

Investment in you: $555 (Payment plans available) - Please reach out if you are experiencing financial hardship

INC: Light healthy Snacks

To enquire further please email Anita

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YOGA NIDRA & EVENING BREATH WORK
Jan
30
6:00 PM18:00

YOGA NIDRA & EVENING BREATH WORK

Start your year with intention and connection—join us for an evening of breath-work in a heartfelt space designed for healing and self-discovery. Guided by three qualified and experienced breath-work facilitators. This is your invitation to explore altered states of consciousness via the breath and to step into the year with clarity, openness, and purpose, reconnecting with what matters most to yourself. Whether you're seeking to ground yourself, cultivate inner peace, or embrace transformation, this is a time to nurture your body, mind, and spirit as you set the tone for the months ahead. All are welcome as we embark on this journey together. Donna, Morgan and myself look forward to providing a safe sacred space for your experience.

INVESTMENT : $111

Email Anita to purchase tickets directly

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Dec
6
6:00 PM18:00

HAWA EVENING BREATH WORK

Come join us for the final evening of breath workshop of the year, a heartfelt space for healing and connection. This is an invitation to those who are ready to experience themselves more fully, open to deep transformation, and reconnect with what truly matters. Whether you’re seeking inner peace, clarity, or simply to feel more alive, this is a time to nurture yourself and close the year with intention and love. All are welcome.

WHEN: FRIDAY DEC 6TH

WHERE: LIFE CENTRE PONSONBY

INVESTMENT: $88.00

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Nov
16
9:00 AM09:00

FULL DAY HAWA BREATH WORK

Join us for a transformative full-day breath work session designed to access deep altered states of consciousness. This immersive experience inspired by holotropic principles, will guide you through breathwork that facilitates healing, self-discovery and profound transformation. You will alternate between roles of breather and sitter allowing for both personal exploration and the opportunity to hold space for another.

Through the breath, you can release stored emotions, expand self awareness, gain insight into unresolved issues, stored trauma and patterns that no longer serve you. It also acts as a gateway to heightened creativity, unlocking new ideas and perspectives, while opening the deeper channels for transformation.

In a safe and supportive environment, you will connect to your inner wisdom fostering clarity, healing and personal growth. Wether your seeking emotional balance, creative breakthroughs, or a shift in consciousness , this day will offer a profound journey within. No prior breathing experience needed :) - just an open heart and willingness to explore the depths of your being.

Find out more about the experience here

Where : Green Bay Community Centre

Investment : $222

Maximum of 14 people

Bring your own lunch

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Oct
19
10:00 AM10:00

THE TRANSFORMATIONAL MAGIC OF BREATH

Discover the Transformational Magic of the Breath

We’ve found that the breath is one of quickest access points inwards, to connect back into ourselves, to release layers of conditioning, to give us the courage to face our shadow selves. And yes it can be challenging, but the rewards reaped are far greater.

It’s a place where you can truly meet yourself. Even after years of trying different practices and modalities this is one of the few places we’ve met ourselves fully, without judgement. We’ve experienced the essence of ourselves, in this space where pure love exists. A place where words will never quite do it justice, but it is revolutionary to discover.

Together Donna and I will hold a fun and transformative space, This upcoming workshop will explore the powerful combination of Hawa breathwork and contrast therapy, offering an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and experience deep inner healing.

10am ~ Opening Sacred Sharing Circle, with Cacao and Meditation. Here we come together as a collective and set our intentions from this heart opened, expansive state.  

10.30am ~ Learn more about the immense health benefits of consciously breathing along with an introductory breathwork session.

12pm ~ Movement Practice. We move to stoke our inner fire and melt away any stagnant waters within and anything else that needs to be shifted. It’s when we drop out of minds and into the body that we remember the essence of who we are, and discover the innate wisdom resides within.

1pm ~ Lunch. It’s time to replenish the body with a nutritious nourishing lunch made with fresh seasonal and ingredients which are locally sourced and organic where possible. 

2pm ~ Yoga Nidra. Designed to invoke a deep sense of relaxation, regeneration and replenishment of the body, whilst stilling the mind and resetting the nervous system. We will be working more deeply with intention (Sankalpa) to plant the seed deep within your mind (and neural pathways) for what you’re calling into your life.

2.30pm ~ Breathwork. In the rhythm of our breath lies the key to unlocking our deepest sensations. When we embrace it fully, our breath becomes a gentle yet potent force, moving us from within. As we surrender to its flow, tensions melt away, paving the path for newfound spaces within us to blossom - an invitation into curiosity and expansion.

3.30pm ~ Tea and snacks.

4pm ~ Contrast Therapy session. Now it’s time to meet yourself in the ice. There is nothing like a cold immersion to meet your mind where it’s at and we’ve found there’s nothing quite like this experience to bring you into pure present awareness. The combination of breath and cold immersion has been scientifically proven to reduce inflammation in the body, which is the root cause of many health issues, including auto immune diseases. This is followed by an infrared sauna session that detoxifies the body, along with numerous other benefits. And then if you’re feeling brave there is the opportunity to face the cold once again. We do this for the brown fat activation, which is the good fat that we need more of! This is what stokes our metabolism and helps to prevent diabetes and heart disease.

5.00 pm ~ Fire ceremony and closing circle. Having ignited our fires within, it is time to light a literal fire, with the chance to offer anything up that you may wish to release or transform. This could be in the form of written words, artwork or offerings from this earth.

Please note that this itinerary is a guide to give you indication of what to expect for the day and could potentially be moved around a bit. Timing can vary depending on how much people share in the beginning circle, for example, but we will ensure the day has come to completion by 5.30pm so that those needing to get the 6pm ferry home can do so. We highly recommend extending your stay here and booking a night or two to really integrate the learnings from the day.

WHEN: SATURDAY OCT 19th

WHERE : WAIHEKE ISLAND at Sandhana

INVESTMENT: $250.00 lunch included please reach out if you are struggling financially

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Oct
11
6:00 PM18:00

EVENING OF BREATH WORK

Join us for an evening of connection through breath work. In this sacred space, you’ll be guided to explore the power of your breath to access an altered state of consciousness in this place you can release tension, clear your mind and reconnect to your inner self.

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Sep
19
6:00 PM18:00

EVENING BREATH WORK

Join us for an evening of connection through breath work. In this sacred space, you’ll be guided to explore the power of your breath to access an altered state of consciousness in this place you can release tension, clear your mind and reconnect to your inner self.

WHERE: LIFE CENTRE PONSONBY

INVESTMENT: $88

(please reach out if you are under financial struggle)

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EVENING BREATH WORKSHOP
Apr
12
6:00 PM18:00

EVENING BREATH WORKSHOP

EVENING HAWA BREATH
This is a short breath work session of just over an hour with no sitter, this will be an individual experience in a group setting and is a good intro to the longer usual 2.5 - 3 hour experience with a sitter

WHO: Anyone who feels the call to explore via the breath 
WHEN: Friday, April 12th arrival 6 pm - 8 pm
WHERE: Central Auckland, 100 West End Road at Seven Senses
BRING: Yoga mat, pillow, blanket, and anything else for your comfort,
COST: $69
Book your place here

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HAWA BREATH WORK - FULL DAY
Mar
9
8:30 AM08:30

HAWA BREATH WORK - FULL DAY

HAWA BREATHWORK FULL DAY WORKSHOP
Breathwork has always been a profound and transformative experience, it has played a pivotal role in my healing journey and continues to do so. This amazing modality has been recognized by many to create altered states of consciousness, facilitate self-discovery, and promote overall well-being.

The concept of using breath to access non-ordinary states and promote healing has roots in various ancient traditions and has been integrated into modern therapeutic practices. Many people, myself included find that conscious breathing allows them to tap into a deeper connection with themselves, release emotional and physical tension, and even reframe their perspectives on life.

In one of my breathwork sessions, I met myself without judgment I felt completely whole and became overwhelmed with love for myself where I was not separate from anything that existed, this experience is reflective of the transformative power that can be attributed to altered states of consciousness achieved through breathwork. These states may open up new pathways for healing, allowing individuals to explore and address deep-seated issues, feel expanded states of emotion and so much more.

This truly is the breath that brings you home, home to yourself.  
Hawa in Arabic means ‘the breath that brings you home’  This breathwork has been developed by one of my beautiful teachers Andrea Anstiss a transpersonal psychotherapist, who has been deeply inspired by Holotropic Breathwork. Holotropic was developed by Stan and Christine Grof in the 1970s.  Stan Grof is one of the founders of transpersonal psychology for non-ordinary states of consciousness. He worked with psychedelics to access the subconscious however when these substances were banned, he and his wife created Holotropic. He turned breathwork into a psychedelic and the benefits & healing potential are profound. 


Hawa Breathwork combines deep breathing with evocative music in a sacred setting, this combination allows participants to enter a non-ordinary state of consciousness, similar to what can be experienced during a shamanic journey. In this expanded state one can gain insights into emotions, patterns, beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors, change neural pathways, and integrate past experiences, giving a greater awareness into one's life and spiritual journey. Where positive changes can be made. 
Find out more about the structure and experience here 


A little bit more about your facilitators:


Morgan, a qualified Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner and Reiki Master with a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling Theory, has considerable training and an abiding passion for embodiment healing modalities. Her own arduous 14-year journey with traumatic health challenges has led Morgan to practice Holotropic breathwork (HBW) with international experts since 2015 and to pursue training in many modalities such as Gestalt, Hawa Breathwork, Somatic Mindful practices, and Quantum Touch.  “Every time I breathe, sit, or hold space for HAWA/holotropic Breathwork journeys, I’m exceedingly moved by the incredible depth of the transformations and healings that occur. This has inspired me to assist others to access deeply rooted programmes, enabling powerful shifts leading to significantly better balance, health, and harmony." 


Anita is a Certified Arvigo Therapist, Holistic Pelvic Care Practitioner & Qoya Teacher. She has trained in Massage with NZ College of Massage, Arvigo Therapy with Rosita Arvigo, Holistic Pelvic Care with Tami Lynn Kent, and trained as a Teen Youth Mentor with the Shine within Academy & pursuing training in Hawa Breathwork. Breathing since she was born :) and Holotropic breathing since 2016.
For years she has been dedicated to teaching and advocating for the wisdom of the body.  Anita discovered the power and wisdom of her body through her 13-year fertility journey.  She knows how to love herself and her body among the ascents and descents of life.  Anita teaches us how to have a deeper connection and love for our bodies so we can trust them as our personal guide to deep knowing.  Anita will hold a fun, loving, open-hearted safe space where you can lean into trusting your inner healer and the wisdom of your body through non-ordinary states of consciousness.

Together Morgan and I will be providing a safe space for participants to explore altered states of consciousness. 
“This seemingly simple process, combining breathing, evocative music, and other forms of sound, bodywork, and artistic expression, has an extraordinary potential for opening the way for exploring the entire spectrum of the inner world,” Stan Grof 
Much love  

Morgan and Anita 

If you are at all curious and feel the call, email directly to enquire and find out more about the workshop here
WHO: Anyone who feels the call to explore via the breath 
WHERE: GREEN BAY COMMUNITY CENTRE
INCLUDES: Materials, Light snacks.
COST: EARLY BIRD $250 from Feb 26th, FULL COST $299

WHAT TO BRING: Your Lunch & Water

If you have any financial concerns please reach out or if you need a payment plan.
Please know that this is a small container, so bookings are essential.

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TEEN BODY WISDOM
Feb
25
10:00 AM10:00

TEEN BODY WISDOM

This workshop is offering young teen a way to know and love the magic of their bodies. 

Gathering together we will create an intentional space for teens (limited to 13 attendees & recommended age range of 9-13 years) to find a sense of ownership with their own bodies.

In a playful and light environment, we will emphasize fun and getting curious about the body and the signals she is giving us. To understand and respect our body’s boundaries in any situation we need to trust our feelings as a source of reliable information.

Together this small group will learn about the wonder of female anatomy, MCA Menstrual Cycle awareness (Including ‘What is that wet patch in your knickers?’) We will explore what one might feel with each hormone during the cycle phases/our inner season.  Body Boundaries, Intro to Consent, Tools for Anxiety, fun activities to express, Celebrate & love how UNIQUE we all are.

Let’s discover through talking, imagery, movement, art, writing, and group discussion.

These teens will find safety and ease talking together about the wisdom of their bodies, the magic of their cycle, and how to tap into a deeper understanding of their body and how to trust it.

Date: Sun Feb 25th 10am - 2pm

Where: Cox's Bay Pavillion

Price: $79

Includes: Handout Notes and snacks

Please bring: A drink bottle and wear clothes that are comfortable and easy to move in.

To register: Email Anita directly to chat and sign up to participate at hello@anitad.co.nz

Please share with anyone who would benefit from this teen body wisdom workshop

Facilitators

Anita Dempsey is a Certified Arvigo Therapist, Holistic Pelvic Care Practitioner & Qoya Teacher. She has trained in Massage with NZ College of Massage, Arvigo Therapy with Rosita Arvigo & Holistic Pelvic Care with Tami Lynn Kent.  For years she has been dedicated to teaching and advocating for the wisdom of the body.  Anita discovered the power and wisdom of her body through her 13 year fertility journey.  She knows how to love herself and her body among the ascents and descents of life. Through her 7 years as a Practitioner listening to so many women’s journeys – she knows what many wish they knew as teens.  Anita teaches us how to have a deeper connection and love for our bodies so we can trust them as our personal guide to deep knowing.  Anita will hold a fun, loving, open-hearted safe space where you can lean into trusting and loving yourself and the wisdom of your body. 

Sherea Rose Baxter is a qualified massage and Arvigo therapist. She grew up in the beautiful Bay Of Islands, surrounded by a family who had great interest and knowledge in the healing ability of the body.  As a young child she had a love for health, nature and the ocean. Her passion for working with girls and women was sparked from her own journey during the ebb’s and flows of her adolescent life. She has learnt to connect with the wisdom of her womb and has gained strength by being surrounded by empowered women and loved getting to know her body better.  Sherea has witnessed the magic of working with clients as they regain their own healing power, she acknowledges that the human body is amazing and when we take time to listen to its gentle whispers we can learn so much about ourselves.  Sherea is excited to share the knowledge she wished she had known when she was younger.  It will be a joy for her to connect with teens and she will hold a nurturing, open and safe space. 

* This workshop  is ALL inclusive, for anyone identifying as a female, a person who menstruates, BIPOC, LGBTQI

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