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.

Weekly Meditations

Monday

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

Thursday

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

Tuesday

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

Wednesday

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

Wednesday

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

Friday

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

Saturday

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

Sunday

9:00AM - Melbourne AU (AEST)
4:00PM - 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.

Four-Day Cup Weekend

Mindfulness and Nature Retreat

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. 

Bi-Monthly
Events

Day of Mindfulness

Approx. 6 hours, including meal breaks
Where: In-person and Online
St. Stevens Anglican Church Café,
111 North Rd, Brighton, VIC, Australia, Victoria
Facilitators: John and Joanna

Day/ Time
Saturday 21st of September 2024
10AM (AEST)
3:00PM (PST Friday)
Location: St Stephens, North Brighton

Day/ Time
Day of Mindfulness, including general and Nature methods of mindfulness and meditation
Saturday 16th of November 2024
10AM (AEST)
3:00PM (PST Friday)
Location: St Stephens, North Brighton

Nature, Permaculture and Food

Where: In-person
898 Sheepways Road Krowera
(John’s place)
Includes at least two nature mediations and mindful walking
Facilitators: John contact 0439 901 795

Day/ Time
Saturday 17th of August
10AM (AEST) to 3:00PM (PST Friday)
Approx. 6hrs - Includes at least two nature meditations and mindful walking, gardening demonstrations, and tour and talk.

BYO food to share
Location: Krowera
(10km South of Loch in Gippsland)

Note: The August Permaculture Day will be the last to be held at Krowera, as John will put the property on the market around this time.

Day/ Time
A Restful and Mindful Day in Nature
Saturday 19th of October
10AM (AEST) to 3:00PM (PST Friday)
Approx. 5hrs - Includes at least two nature meditations and mindful walking, and tour and talk

BYO food to share
Location: Maroondah Reservoir Park, Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777

Day/ Time
A Restful and Mindful Day in Nature - Proposed Day of Nature Mindfulness and MANA Christmas Party
Saturday 19th of October
10AM (AEST) to 3:00PM (PST Friday)
Approx. 5hrs - Includes at least two nature meditations and mindful walking, and tour and talk

BYO food to share
Location: Maroondah Reservoir Park, Maroondah Hwy, Healesville VIC 3777

Attend some of our live events FREE

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

Most MANA events are FREE  
When events do have a cost the $ amount and payment method will be included in the description.
If you would like to give a donation (Dana) this is welcome at any time.

DONATIONS TO MANA
There are two ways for you to donate (non-tax deductible) to MANA:
Bank transfer directly to MANA account (helpful to MANA as there are no %-based transaction fees):

Account Name: MANA Gift Fund Savings Account
BSB: 633000 Account Number: 212940506 

Make an online payment via Square using a credit card or Google Pay by clicking on ‘MANA Donation’ at the end of this paragraph.
(The dollar amount is decided by the payee (i.e. you). This method is helpful for people located overseas):  MANA Donation

  • 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