Mindfulness and Nature Association (MANA)

A not-for-profit organisation. MANA is a community group located in Australia, concerned about the state of nature and the health of the people and the planet.

Founded with a profound sense of purpose, MANA provides meditation support groups, ecology, gardening and nature education. Join us in our journey to make a difference—because together, we can create a brighter future for all.

Events

At MANA, we curate a diverse array of both online and in-person events designed to nourish your mind, body, and soul. What sets MANA apart is our passionate community of Mindfulness Industry Professionals and dedicated volunteers, who generously share their expertise and guidance to facilitate transformative experiences. Join us as we cultivate mindfulness, foster connection with nature, and co-create a more conscious world, one event at a time.

Photo Credit // John Julian

Up Coming Event

Four-Day Cup Weekend Retreat

Join us in a Four Day Practice Retreat where we will explore meditation, mindful movement/yoga/qigong, mindful walking, and more… 

Join us in a Four Day Practice Retreat where we will explore meditation, mindful movement/yoga/qigong, mindful walking, and more… 

When: Friday 1st  (or Saturday 2nd if you wish) – Tuesday 5th November 
Start Time: 11am Friday Close Time: Monday 3pm 
Where: Cape Paterson Community Hall 
The hall is a short 6 minute walk to Cap Paterson Beach 
Small Retreat: Maximum 8 people 
Trainers: John and Joanna 
Price: $600 pp (MANA Members $500) plus accommodation ($60 per night (MANA Members $50) or organize your own accommodation. The price includes training fees, daily lunch, morning and afternoon tea and dinner on Saturday night. It is proposed that we go out to dinner on Sunday or Monday night. The price excludes a fee for John, who no longer charges for these retreats. 

During the Retreat our focus will be on nature, nature skills and mindfulness practice. Talks will be limited to 20 minutes for each session (am and pm sessions). Practices will include body scans, sitting meditations with breath instruction, qigong, nature observation and walking.  

There will be times when we will engage in mindful (nature) walking activities. A question-and-answer session will be held each day, and interviews will be offered on each major day. 

The retreat formally commences Saturday, 2nd, at 10 a.m. and includes an evening session (with time out during the day to organise/get settled into your accommodation). Saturday ends with a dinner so that everyone can get to know each other. It will close on Tuesday at 3 p.m., allowing everyone to get back to Melbourne in daylight hours. 

For further information on all programs or to sign up and attend the Nature Retreat, contact MANA by email at committeemanainc@gmail.com or John by text on 0439 901 795. 

  • Weekly MANA Meditations

    Join us every week for a transformative journey of self-discovery with MANA's Weekly Mindfulness Meditations. Whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, everyone is welcome to join our inclusive and supportive weekly gatherings. Join us and experience the power of mindfulness in your life.

    Sign Up Now

  • Join us for Upcoming Events

    Ready to immerse yourself in meaningful experiences that nurture your connection to nature, community, and yourself? Explore our upcoming events and discover opportunities to engage, learn, and grow with MANA. Join us in our journey to make a difference—because together, we can create a brighter future for all.

    Explore Events with MANA

  • Join the MANA Community

    Are you passionate about cultivating a deeper connection with nature, read to cultivate passionate relationships, and make a positive impact in your community? Then come join our vibrant community of like-minded individuals with a shared vision of creating a world where people and nature thrive together.

    Become a MANA Member

The very concept of connecting "Mindfulness" with (increasing) knowledge of "Nature" in all its aspects, and particularly with all its present-day problems, is a giant step forward from a mere rational discussion of nature to a mental and physical experience of the oneness with the embattled "nature" we are all part of.

Nature Program - Tidal River Retreat

Join the MANA Community:
Where Connection and Growth Flourish

Are you passionate about cultivating a deeper connection with nature, nurturing compassionate relationships, and making a positive impact in your community? Then you're in the right place! At MANA, we're more than just an organisation—we're a vibrant community of like-minded individuals united by a shared vision of creating a world where people and nature thrive together.

Support MANA through a DANA Donation

MANA is a registered not for profit charity association dedicated to the wellbeing of the planet and its myriad life forms. We are exclusively run by volunteers.

  • A DANA donation is where you decide how much you wish to donate to the MANA not-for-profit organisation. Regardless of size, any amount you can donate to MANA will be of the utmost value and deeply appreciated.

  • Your donation will help us to grow, and support MANA’s varied activities including free meditation sessions, social justice related subsidies on selected courses and retreats, our running costs and out of pocket expenses.

  • There are two ways you can donate to the MANA organisation.
    Donate your chosen amount via bank transfer details are on our events page or alternatively via Square.