Events

Welcome to the vibrant world of MANA, Mindfulness and Nature Association, where community, connection, and conscious living converge. At MANA, we curate a rich tapestry of both online and in-person events designed to nourish your mind, body, and soul.

Immerse yourself in our diverse array of offerings, ranging from serene meditations to hands-on permaculture and food cooking classes, as well as engaging mindfulness day events. Our meditation sessions encompass various topics and typically span 1-2 hours, while our other enriching activities extend over 4-6 hours, allowing ample time for deep exploration and learning.

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. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or just beginning your journey toward mindfulness and sustainability whilst building a sense of community, you can be sure there's something here for everyone.

Join us as we cultivate mindfulness, foster connection with nature, and co-create a more conscious world, one event at a time.

Explore our upcoming gatherings and embark on a journey of self-discovery and collective empowerment with MANA Mindfulness and Nature Association.

Upcoming 2-3 Day Urban Retreat: Nature and Mindfulness

Thursday 24 April - Sunday 27 April 2025

Location: Anglican Church, Marysville
Participants: Limited to 9 people
Cost: $510 plus your accommodation costs, etc. The fee includes all tuition, rent, and food for lunch each day, and dinner on Saturday night at the venue. Food is vegetarian.
Note: This retreat takes place over the long weekend, so book now to secure your spot!

Reconnect with nature and yourself during the Nature and Mindfulness Urban Retreat, a special 2.6-day experience led by John Julian and Joanna Walz.

This retreat features:

  • Morning Qi Gong or nature walks to start the day with mindfulness.

  • Guided meditations, reflective writing, and ecological identity exercises.

  • A serene Labyrinth Walk, offering an unforgettable meditative journey.

  • Plant-based lunches provided daily and a group dinner on Saturday.

Upcoming Events

A Day of Mindfulness: Aspirations & Intentions for the New Year

📅 When: Saturday, 18 January
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
📍 Where: St. Stevens Anglican Church Café,
111 North Rd, Brighton, VIC, Australia, Victoria
💰 Cost: By donation

Start the year with clarity and purpose at this peaceful Day of Mindfulness. Instead of rigid, outcome-driven resolutions, this retreat invites you to explore aspirations and intentions—gentle, values-based guides that inspire and sustain you throughout the year.

What You’ll Experience:

· Reflect on how aspirations connect to your deepest values.

· Discover how intentions can guide your daily life with compassion and flexibility.

· Learn ways to set meaningful directions for the year ahead.

The day includes guided meditations, journaling exercises, and a calming nature walk to support reflection and renewal. Whether you’re new to mindfulness or an experienced practitioner, this retreat offers a supportive space to pause, breathe, and align with your values.

🔗 For more information or to RSVP, contact us at committeemanainc@gmail.com or visit www.mindfulnessandnature.com.au/events.

We hope you’ll join us for this special event! 🌿

Weekly Meditations

All online events are in the MANA Zoom room: please email MANA for this link (Click here to email)

Monday

12:00PM - Melbourne AU (AEDT)
5:00PM - Sunday (PST ad Day)
Where: Online
Facilitator/s: John and Joanna
Session Time: 1 hour

Thursday

12:00PM - Melbourne AU (AEDT)
5:00PM - Wednesday (PST ad Day)
Where: Online
Facilitator/s: Volunteers
Session Time: 1 hour

Tuesday

12:00PM - Melbourne AU (AEDT)
5:00PM - Sunday (PST ad Day)
Where: Online
Facilitator/s: Volunteers
Session Time: 1 hour

Wednesday

12:00PM - Melbourne AU (AEDT)
5:00PM - Tuesday (PST ad Day)
Where: Online
Facilitator/s: John
Session Time: 1 hour

Wednesday

8:00PM - Melbourne AU (AEDT)
1:00AM - Wednesday (PST ad Day)
Where: Online
Facilitator/s: John, Joanna or Paola
Session Time: 1 hour

Friday

12:00PM - Melbourne AU (AEDT)
5:00PM - Thursday (PST ad Day)
Where: Online
Facilitator/s: John
Session Time: 1 hour

Saturday

12:00PM - Melbourne AU (AEDT)
5:00PM - Friday (PST ad Day)
Where: Online
Facilitator/s: Volunteers
Session Time: 1 hour

Sunday

11:00AM - Melbourne AU (AEDT)
3:00PM - Friday (PST ad Day)
Where: Online
Facilitator/s: John and Joanna
Session Time: 2 hours

Note: Daylight Saving will change these times in Australia on 10th March and 7th April, bringing the Australian times earlier one hour each time. This table will be adjusted each time.

  • 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

  • Incredible benefits of a regular mindfulness based practice to overall well being. Life and it’s challenges may not change but your ability to hold them can sometimes seem as though there is more space, less reactivity and more access to your wise self. Even if this is on my own some days!

    Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Course (MBSR)

  • The program relates to our everyday life. It offers useful information and the opportunity to use this information in our daily lives.

    Nature Program - Tidal River Retreat

  • This program has helped us to broaden our awareness on aspects of climate change, to give more thoughts on action planning ie. gradually personalising and adapting our daily lives so we can continue to enjoy and live in nature.

    Nature Program - Tidal River Retreat

  • John and Jo were beautiful, thoughtful and incredibly knowledgeable presenters. I have read extensively in all areas related to psychology and gained more in terms of personal growth and peace from this course than any book or technique have ever explored, my gratitude for the introduction of mindfulness as a more regular practice in my life is profound. Thank you

    Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)

  • Lovely opportunity to connect, learn, and appreciate nature.

    Nature Day

  • The program inspired me deeply to evaluate, understand and deepen my relationship with Nature. It provided me with effective tools to evaluate and change my day to day behaviours and shift my attitudes so that I was more accountable for my role in protecting the environment. The most impactful for me was that the content and practices that we engaged in gave me the confidence that I too can inspire and engage with my community, family and friends to educate themselves and mindfully enhance their relationship with Nature, Ecological issues and their Health/Wellbeing. Shabira Verjee

    Nature Program - Online

  • This program identifies definite actions one can take in their everyday life to bring you closer to nature and be active in its protection as a daily routine.

    Nature Program - Online

  • I am grateful to have participated in the 9 week workshop and for the knowledge gained concerning how my actions impact the planet and how I can make a difference. "Those that contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts." - Rachel Carson, Silent Spring.

    Nature Program - Online