Active Hope
Deep Ecology & Yoga Retreat
Golden Bay, NZ
A 4-day immersion into the Work That Reconnects supported by yogic practice and a stunning natural environment.
With Inna Alex & Swami Karma Karuna.
24-27 October 2025
Active Hope
OR
How to face the mess we're in without going crazy
We are alive at an extraordinary moment in time. It is a time of growing uncertainty, yet also time of great possibility when creativity, courage and collective action can help cultivate change. This is a time when many of us are seeking ways to reconnect to one another and to the living Earth.
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Deep Ecology is a holistic approach to facing the current challenges on Earth that brings together thinking, feeling, spirituality and action. It involves moving beyond the individualism of Western culture also seeing ourselves as part of the Earth. This leads to a deeper connection with life, where Ecology is not just seen as something ‘out there’, but something we are a part of and have a role to play in.
In this retreat, we will draw on the work of Joanna Macy, John Seed and Arne Naess. We will use theories and interactive practices from the Work That Reconnects to reconnect to out own true nature, the web of life, and to our human community.
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This work supports us to experience first hand that we are larger, stronger, deeper, and more creative than we have been brought up to believe. Opening our hearts and our minds to the love, the grief we feel for our world, empowers us to act on behalf of the Earth.
We intend that a combination of Work That Reconnection and Yoga will empower you to act on behalf of Earth with clarity, love and direction.
Lauren
I felt really connected to all of my emotions and safe to express them in a safe contained space. I felt more connected to my purpose, passion and my mission here on Earth… Inna is a beautiful soul who leads with such grace, presence and love for all Beings. She is wonderful at creating a safe container for everything, all feelings, emotions and people, to be welcome.
Fleur
I did not really know what Deep Ecology was, but I felt like it was something I had been needing to connect with for a while. It tackled many thoughts and feelings I had inside me that have been there for ages but had not had the right space to be let out. It made me want to find ways of giving to the world - something I had never thought I needed to do but I realized the importance of.
Thomas
Highly nurturing, food for body, mind and soul. Highly recommended it, but only with an accompanying 'health' warning: "It might change your life!"
Just to express my gratitude to Inna, as a wonderful, compassionate and intuitive facilitator. A strong and aware woman, who does not need to compromise and still able to create a loving, caring and intriguing space to be in, to feel safe in and to grow.
Program
This retreat combines the transformational journeys of Deep Ecology and Yoga under the guidance of experienced facilitators in a nurturing and safe environment.
In the Deep Ecology sessions, you will be guided through the four stages of the spiral of the The Work That Reconnects in a journey of experiential practices, poetry, ritual, song, movement and silence. We explore and deepen our connections to Self, each other, and all Life, in order to take part in the Healing of our World.
Yoga brings us into balance and harmony, giving us the ability to enjoy life, fulfil our potential and find our true identity. We will be practicing traditional yogic practices including Asana, Pranayama, Yoga Nidra, Havan and Meditation, guided by Swami Karma Karuna. These yogic practices will encourage us to tune into both the universal nature alongside our own.
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No previous experience in either Yoga or Deep Ecology necessary.
Cost & Logistics
Start Time: 2pm Thursday, 24 April 2025, arrival / registration
Finish Time: 3pm Sunday, 27 April 2025
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Retreat Cost
Shared accommodation: NZ$540-690*
Camping: NZ$490-640*
Early Bird Discounts: Take $50 off, if payment is completed by Oct 2nd.
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*Prices include: admin fee, shared accommodation (unless camping), all meals and the full retreat programme. BYO bedding, or hire bedding at additional charge.
Payment is due in full within 3 days of booking, unless arranged otherwise.
Cancellation policy: Any payments are refundable until 10 days prior the event, minus a $50 non-refundable admin fee. No refunds from 10 days prior the event or less.
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Special Dietary Requirements: All meals provided are vegetarian. Vegan, Dairy-Free & Gluten Free can be provided for. Please advise us at time of booking.
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Contact: innaevolution.nz@gmail.com for more information. OR phone: +64 (0)27 970 9077. Click the link below to book via the registration form.
Your Facilitators
Inna Alex is a passionate community organiser, environmental educator, deep ecology facilitator and yoga teacher. Living at Tui Community, Golden Bay, NZ, she integrates her Permaculture knowledge by co-ordinating and co-teaching some of Earthcare’s Permaculture Education Programs, coordinating women’s gathering and an annual educational community festival, living actively in intentional community, teaching yoga, parenting her daughter Kiva and tending her garden. Inna has been teaching Deep Ecology workshops around NZ for over 10 years, having studied both with Joanna Macy and John Seed.
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Swami Karma Karuna, founding member and director of Anahata Yoga Retreat, NZ, is an engaging, intuitive yoga teacher with more than 25 years of training and experience. She specialises in therapeutic applications of yoga, yoga nidra relaxation and pranic practices and shares in a simple and practical way, inspiring people to access and apply yogic practices in their own lives.
The Venue
Anahata Yoga Retreat - Birds Road, Golden Bay
We are fortunate to be able to immerse ourselves in a quiet, pristine natural setting for this four-day retreat: Anahata Yoga Retreat, situated in the midst of native beech forest with spectacular ocean views bordering the Abel Tasman National Park, offers a supportive and inspiring environment that welcomes everyone regardless of age, background and level of yoga experience. It is a residential eco-yoga retreat using alternative power, composting toilets and nutritious organic vegetarian meals. Accommodation options include shared accommodation in eco-buildings or camping. www.anahata-retreat.org.nz
