What participants are saying.....
The Courage Way: Remaining open to possibility - Tauranga - 12 November 2022 - a Courage & Renewal day retreat
This was my first Courage & Renewal retreat. The day offered a guided, extremely well-facilitated examination of areas of one's life. The 'shoe box of collected items' activity was very powerful. I leave feeling enlightened about some of my life choices. I very much enjoyed this retreat. The forthright, honest participation of the group was a gift.
J.B., Auckland.
Participating in a Circle of Trust is almost like an intervention in your life, but in the most gentle, honouring, reciprocal kind of way, where you feel a sense of unity, resonate with people's journeys, delve into your own, and find little seeds of wisdom, joy and reflective hopes for what is to come.
I'm looking forward to the next one. You hold this space so beautifully, Mennie. Thank you.
Michelle Woolley, Tauranga.
Courage & Renewal work has been a deep well of nourishment, refreshment and community for me. I sense the many seeds that have been planted in me are emerging into a garden - something I can share with others.
Thank you, Mennie, for your ground-breaking, tilling, sowing, tending, harvesting work in this good soil. Your work, this work, has been a real gift in my life.
Kathryn Overall, Spiritual Director & Coach, Tauranga.
This was my first Courage & Renewal retreat. The day offered a guided, extremely well-facilitated examination of areas of one's life. The 'shoe box of collected items' activity was very powerful. I leave feeling enlightened about some of my life choices. I very much enjoyed this retreat. The forthright, honest participation of the group was a gift.
J.B., Auckland.
Participating in a Circle of Trust is almost like an intervention in your life, but in the most gentle, honouring, reciprocal kind of way, where you feel a sense of unity, resonate with people's journeys, delve into your own, and find little seeds of wisdom, joy and reflective hopes for what is to come.
I'm looking forward to the next one. You hold this space so beautifully, Mennie. Thank you.
Michelle Woolley, Tauranga.
Courage & Renewal work has been a deep well of nourishment, refreshment and community for me. I sense the many seeds that have been planted in me are emerging into a garden - something I can share with others.
Thank you, Mennie, for your ground-breaking, tilling, sowing, tending, harvesting work in this good soil. Your work, this work, has been a real gift in my life.
Kathryn Overall, Spiritual Director & Coach, Tauranga.
Navigating Life's Changes with courage & integrity - Tauranga - 20/22 May 2022 - a Courage & Renewal weekend retreat
Thank you so much for a fabulous weekend. I love the Circle of Trust approach, and what YOU bring to it.
At 'Navigating Life’s Changes with Courage and Integrity’ you created a safe and unthreatening place for participants to share as little or as much as they chose. The exercises, material and questions we were offered so aptly invited deeper thinking, creating a clearer path to navigate the changes I am presently facing. The insights gleaned over the weekend continue to gently percolate as I work through the thought provoking questions that were offered to me.
Chris Earp, Tauranga.
Thank you so much for a fabulous weekend. I love the Circle of Trust approach, and what YOU bring to it.
At 'Navigating Life’s Changes with Courage and Integrity’ you created a safe and unthreatening place for participants to share as little or as much as they chose. The exercises, material and questions we were offered so aptly invited deeper thinking, creating a clearer path to navigate the changes I am presently facing. The insights gleaned over the weekend continue to gently percolate as I work through the thought provoking questions that were offered to me.
Chris Earp, Tauranga.
Courage begins with Uncertainty - Tauranga - 10 August 2021
- a Circle of Trust day retreat for NZ Rugby High Performance Coaches
My thinking has been provoked and I go forward with new awareness and reminders of how I want to be .....
Bruce Blair, High Performance Development Manager, NZ Rugby.
A psychologically safe environment in which people are invited to share their ideas, hopes, fears and vulnerabilities with a view to personal growth and deep connections. I really liked the use of poems, quotes and excerpts from various authors to prompt discussions.
Alex McKenzie, Coach Accelerator, High Performance Sport New Zealand.
I came away with the understanding that courage comes from a deep trust in ourselves. Know oneself. The framing of open & honest questions has real relevance to my current role. Skilfully facilitated.
Evan Crawford, Senior Manager, Regional Game Development, NZ Rugby.
- a Circle of Trust day retreat for NZ Rugby High Performance Coaches
My thinking has been provoked and I go forward with new awareness and reminders of how I want to be .....
Bruce Blair, High Performance Development Manager, NZ Rugby.
A psychologically safe environment in which people are invited to share their ideas, hopes, fears and vulnerabilities with a view to personal growth and deep connections. I really liked the use of poems, quotes and excerpts from various authors to prompt discussions.
Alex McKenzie, Coach Accelerator, High Performance Sport New Zealand.
I came away with the understanding that courage comes from a deep trust in ourselves. Know oneself. The framing of open & honest questions has real relevance to my current role. Skilfully facilitated.
Evan Crawford, Senior Manager, Regional Game Development, NZ Rugby.
The Wisdom of Winter: Making time for rest & renewal
- a Circle of Trust day retreat - Auckland - 7 August 2021
One of the most distinctive features of the Circle of Trust approach is the respectful way of listening to each other and making room for one's own inner teacher to show up and speak.
I loved every single activity and felt that the whole day was well staged and structured. It was a day of rest - a very nourishing day. I loved your facilitation style and the quality of your handouts, generosity of resources, etc.
Angelika Halstead, Auckland.
I was acutely aware of a real sense of ease, joy and spaciousness. I did not feel the world come crashing in with demands as usual! So from this perspective, the workshop had a lovely and unexpected side effect!
Tilda Bostwick, Auckland.
- a Circle of Trust day retreat - Auckland - 7 August 2021
One of the most distinctive features of the Circle of Trust approach is the respectful way of listening to each other and making room for one's own inner teacher to show up and speak.
I loved every single activity and felt that the whole day was well staged and structured. It was a day of rest - a very nourishing day. I loved your facilitation style and the quality of your handouts, generosity of resources, etc.
Angelika Halstead, Auckland.
I was acutely aware of a real sense of ease, joy and spaciousness. I did not feel the world come crashing in with demands as usual! So from this perspective, the workshop had a lovely and unexpected side effect!
Tilda Bostwick, Auckland.
We're all in this together: Renewing our capacity for connection & community
- a Circle of Trust weekend retreat - Tauranga- 19-21 February 2021
For me, the weekend was about embracing our connectedness and beginning to explore what that means in how we live. I learned about walking and talking together, and came away with some excellent poems to open my heart and an understanding of the provocation of good questions and attentive listening.
Stuart Shepherd, Auckland.
In a Circle of Trust the focus is on the things that really matter, using poetry, time for stillness and reflection, the valuing of every person's contribution and respectful facilitation.
The food was beautifully prepared - eating together with such care being taken is a very helpful thing.
Peter Bowden, Auckland.
I want to acknowledge the strength of Mennie's facilitation in bringing people with diverse backgrounds together, with a common focus, and sharing the achievement of each member of the group.
Liz, Tauranga.
This retreat was safe, spacious and empowering. I'm deeply grateful to you Mennie for your call to this profound work.
J.B., Auckland.
This was an immersive, deep and transformative retreat with a sense of deep connection, deep listening and sharing, and being held.
Tracey Carlton, Street Kai, Tauranga.
- a Circle of Trust weekend retreat - Tauranga- 19-21 February 2021
For me, the weekend was about embracing our connectedness and beginning to explore what that means in how we live. I learned about walking and talking together, and came away with some excellent poems to open my heart and an understanding of the provocation of good questions and attentive listening.
Stuart Shepherd, Auckland.
In a Circle of Trust the focus is on the things that really matter, using poetry, time for stillness and reflection, the valuing of every person's contribution and respectful facilitation.
The food was beautifully prepared - eating together with such care being taken is a very helpful thing.
Peter Bowden, Auckland.
I want to acknowledge the strength of Mennie's facilitation in bringing people with diverse backgrounds together, with a common focus, and sharing the achievement of each member of the group.
Liz, Tauranga.
This retreat was safe, spacious and empowering. I'm deeply grateful to you Mennie for your call to this profound work.
J.B., Auckland.
This was an immersive, deep and transformative retreat with a sense of deep connection, deep listening and sharing, and being held.
Tracey Carlton, Street Kai, Tauranga.
The Courage Way: Reflective practice in community
- a Circle of Trust day retreat - Auckland - 14 November 2020
I would describe the Circle of Trust approach as authentic, inviting, non-judgmental, respectful, deep and candid. I came away feeling deeply encouraged and with an understanding of the importance of embedding reflective practice into the rhythm of life.
Joseph Janiszewski, DP, Horizon School, Snells Beach.
This retreat series has been an absolute gift to me this year. Thank you for the way you have facilitated the groups and also for the conversations we have shared. I have loved every moment. The work you are doing is so very important.
Sandy Robertson, Chaplain, Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland.
Any time we nurture true self, we do it for ourselves and also for the others around us. You, Mennie, are a delight and a gift to this world. Thank you.
Anon.
I love your leadership and facilitation. And I love your authenticity.
Karen Morrison-Hume, Chief Executive, Anglican Action, Hamilton.
The Circle of Trust retreat offers an experience of spacious hospitality that invites curiosity in a safe, non-judgmental and gentle process.
I loved the 'journeying' metaphor.
Anon.
A powerful, honest and meaningful investment of time. I came away with the understanding that deep self-reflection will yield better long-term results. Thank you for such a refreshing approach.
Anon.
- a Circle of Trust day retreat - Auckland - 14 November 2020
I would describe the Circle of Trust approach as authentic, inviting, non-judgmental, respectful, deep and candid. I came away feeling deeply encouraged and with an understanding of the importance of embedding reflective practice into the rhythm of life.
Joseph Janiszewski, DP, Horizon School, Snells Beach.
This retreat series has been an absolute gift to me this year. Thank you for the way you have facilitated the groups and also for the conversations we have shared. I have loved every moment. The work you are doing is so very important.
Sandy Robertson, Chaplain, Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland.
Any time we nurture true self, we do it for ourselves and also for the others around us. You, Mennie, are a delight and a gift to this world. Thank you.
Anon.
I love your leadership and facilitation. And I love your authenticity.
Karen Morrison-Hume, Chief Executive, Anglican Action, Hamilton.
The Circle of Trust retreat offers an experience of spacious hospitality that invites curiosity in a safe, non-judgmental and gentle process.
I loved the 'journeying' metaphor.
Anon.
A powerful, honest and meaningful investment of time. I came away with the understanding that deep self-reflection will yield better long-term results. Thank you for such a refreshing approach.
Anon.
The Courage Way: How to embrace paradox & transform conflict
- a Circle of Trust day retreat - Auckland - 1 August 2020
An extremely well prepared and thought-through program, with a highly skilled facilitator. I came away from this retreat with the understanding that paradox is a rich lens onto the complexity that shapes all our lives. It offers the possibility to explore personal and professional dynamics and attend to conflict compassionately.
I love the use of poetry and the liberal arts to articulate the language of the soul. Such a treasure.
Karen Morrison-Hume, Chief Executive, Anglican Action, Hamilton.
- a Circle of Trust day retreat - Auckland - 1 August 2020
An extremely well prepared and thought-through program, with a highly skilled facilitator. I came away from this retreat with the understanding that paradox is a rich lens onto the complexity that shapes all our lives. It offers the possibility to explore personal and professional dynamics and attend to conflict compassionately.
I love the use of poetry and the liberal arts to articulate the language of the soul. Such a treasure.
Karen Morrison-Hume, Chief Executive, Anglican Action, Hamilton.
The Courage Way: How to live & lead with integrity
- a Circle of Trust day retreat - Auckland - 16 November 2019
The drawing exercise gave me a huge sense of life appreciation, that everyone's story matters, and listening is a great way to soothe and heal self and others. I am taking away a sense of self-gratitude and gratitude for others, and in general for the life I am blessed with. Thank you.
Shahla Damoory, Centre Leader, AUT Early Childhood Centre, Auckland.
The Circle of Trust offers safe space where judgement stays at the door and we learn to communicate in ways that fuel connection. I liked that it was invitational. My most important takeaway from the day? Be yourself, stay true to your values and most importantly, be kind to yourself. You have everything you need within you. Just trust yourself and the process of life.
HL, Auckland.
Thank you Mennie. I appreciate your artful facilitation, rich and articulate writing skills, your gathering of poems and evocative images. This is valuable work. I valued this day. Kathryn Overall, Tauranga.
Thank you - this is nourishment for my soul.
Sandy Robertson, Chaplain, Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland.
This retreat was about Courage - what it is and how we manifest it in ourselves to become more human, with integrity. I will reflect on the questions again and again in the future - How will courage be part of my life and work?
Tabassum Rasi, Auckland.
- a Circle of Trust day retreat - Auckland - 16 November 2019
The drawing exercise gave me a huge sense of life appreciation, that everyone's story matters, and listening is a great way to soothe and heal self and others. I am taking away a sense of self-gratitude and gratitude for others, and in general for the life I am blessed with. Thank you.
Shahla Damoory, Centre Leader, AUT Early Childhood Centre, Auckland.
The Circle of Trust offers safe space where judgement stays at the door and we learn to communicate in ways that fuel connection. I liked that it was invitational. My most important takeaway from the day? Be yourself, stay true to your values and most importantly, be kind to yourself. You have everything you need within you. Just trust yourself and the process of life.
HL, Auckland.
Thank you Mennie. I appreciate your artful facilitation, rich and articulate writing skills, your gathering of poems and evocative images. This is valuable work. I valued this day. Kathryn Overall, Tauranga.
Thank you - this is nourishment for my soul.
Sandy Robertson, Chaplain, Diocesan School for Girls, Auckland.
This retreat was about Courage - what it is and how we manifest it in ourselves to become more human, with integrity. I will reflect on the questions again and again in the future - How will courage be part of my life and work?
Tabassum Rasi, Auckland.
The Courage Way: Reflective practice in community
- A Circle of Trust day retreat - Tauranga - 19 October 2019
This retreat series has taught me so much about myself. Given me confidence, reduced and/or took away my fears and settled me down so I can experience some peace in myself.
AD, Tauranga
A Circle of Trust offers the experience of being in a community where trust is built so that deep sharing and reflection become possible. It truly is a source of renewed courage.
Mary Rose, Tauranga.
In a Circle of Trust I value the holding of safe space for each other through silence, using open questions, and no advice-giving. I value the chance to explore my own inner truth in the presence of others who respect it, by abiding by the touchstones.
Kathryn Overall, Tauranga.
A Circle of Trust retreat offers uplifting, refreshing, nurturing, reflective space - a safe space where everyone can be themselves. I love the sharing of real life stories, the opportunity to listen and be listened to.
Tracey Carlton, Street Kai, Tauranga.
The Circle of Trust approach helps you hear that quiet voice within you - the one already loaded with the wisdom and advice you long to hear.
Michele C., Auckland.
- A Circle of Trust day retreat - Tauranga - 19 October 2019
This retreat series has taught me so much about myself. Given me confidence, reduced and/or took away my fears and settled me down so I can experience some peace in myself.
AD, Tauranga
A Circle of Trust offers the experience of being in a community where trust is built so that deep sharing and reflection become possible. It truly is a source of renewed courage.
Mary Rose, Tauranga.
In a Circle of Trust I value the holding of safe space for each other through silence, using open questions, and no advice-giving. I value the chance to explore my own inner truth in the presence of others who respect it, by abiding by the touchstones.
Kathryn Overall, Tauranga.
A Circle of Trust retreat offers uplifting, refreshing, nurturing, reflective space - a safe space where everyone can be themselves. I love the sharing of real life stories, the opportunity to listen and be listened to.
Tracey Carlton, Street Kai, Tauranga.
The Circle of Trust approach helps you hear that quiet voice within you - the one already loaded with the wisdom and advice you long to hear.
Michele C., Auckland.
The Courage Way: How to listen deeply & question well
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Tauranga - 4 May 2019
I came away from the day with a love of questions. I love my new focus of asking questions to help people get to know themselves better, and not for my curiosity. I’ve already shifted my questions with people and it has allowed for a deeper enquiry and a deeper connection.
Thank you for an amazing day of soul searching, deep questions and lovely listening.
You are a gifted facilitator. You hold a beautiful space with your energy and focus.
Thank you for the gift you share with the world and today you shared with us.
Feeling blessed.
Vanessa Davey, Leadership Coach, Tauranga.
It was a privilege to experience Mennie's leadership of a Circle of Trust at this The Courage Way retreat. I believe that many others would find value in such supportive spaces in which they can be deeply heard and enabled to process what is important to them. I would love to see this valuable work made available more freely throughout the country.
Thank you Mennie for your gracious, authentic guidance and presence with us.
Helen Pearson, Principal, Auckland.
For me, the most important and distinctive feature of the Circle of Trust approach is the ecology of it. The inter-connectedness of the touchstones; the echoes of each of the touchstones in the others; this means that the process is quite infinite and gentle and beckoning - inviting me to float between the shallows and the deep and back and forth (as James Finley puts it). The process of creating a stillness in each day of retreat allows a deepening awareness of others and self.
What I learned is that deep listening will make a huge difference in my relationships.
Mark McLay, Teacher, Auckland
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Tauranga - 4 May 2019
I came away from the day with a love of questions. I love my new focus of asking questions to help people get to know themselves better, and not for my curiosity. I’ve already shifted my questions with people and it has allowed for a deeper enquiry and a deeper connection.
Thank you for an amazing day of soul searching, deep questions and lovely listening.
You are a gifted facilitator. You hold a beautiful space with your energy and focus.
Thank you for the gift you share with the world and today you shared with us.
Feeling blessed.
Vanessa Davey, Leadership Coach, Tauranga.
It was a privilege to experience Mennie's leadership of a Circle of Trust at this The Courage Way retreat. I believe that many others would find value in such supportive spaces in which they can be deeply heard and enabled to process what is important to them. I would love to see this valuable work made available more freely throughout the country.
Thank you Mennie for your gracious, authentic guidance and presence with us.
Helen Pearson, Principal, Auckland.
For me, the most important and distinctive feature of the Circle of Trust approach is the ecology of it. The inter-connectedness of the touchstones; the echoes of each of the touchstones in the others; this means that the process is quite infinite and gentle and beckoning - inviting me to float between the shallows and the deep and back and forth (as James Finley puts it). The process of creating a stillness in each day of retreat allows a deepening awareness of others and self.
What I learned is that deep listening will make a huge difference in my relationships.
Mark McLay, Teacher, Auckland
The Courage Way: How to live and lead with integrity
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Tauranga - 3 November 2018
The wise, safe and supportive approach of the Circle of Trust is the best I have ever experienced. This retreat was like an oasis. All I needed was available and I was in the company of fellow travellers who also contributed to what I received and had to take away.
C.R., Hamilton.
I found the Circle of Trust experience to be a place where over time I can learn to develop more trust in my own wisdom in a supportive environment and be able to gain courage to act on what I sense is right for me .
Mandy Cunningham, Puhoi.
The Circle of Trust approach is gentle, non-judgmental and enlightening.
A.D., Tauranga
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Tauranga - 3 November 2018
The wise, safe and supportive approach of the Circle of Trust is the best I have ever experienced. This retreat was like an oasis. All I needed was available and I was in the company of fellow travellers who also contributed to what I received and had to take away.
C.R., Hamilton.
I found the Circle of Trust experience to be a place where over time I can learn to develop more trust in my own wisdom in a supportive environment and be able to gain courage to act on what I sense is right for me .
Mandy Cunningham, Puhoi.
The Circle of Trust approach is gentle, non-judgmental and enlightening.
A.D., Tauranga
The Heart of Teaching & Service
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Auckland - 13 March 2018
The most distinctive and important features of the Circle of Trust were the openness and honesty, the silence and waiting, and lack of commentary or judgement or fixing. This is such a change from usual life! I loved the gentle pace of the day. It gave me time to breathe.
Sandy Robertson, Diocesan School for Girls.
The reflection time was a lovely gift! The way in which the circle was established made it a safe, respectful and listening space. Thanks for a really worthwhile and helpful day. Great resources and learning that I will be able to continue to use and develop.
S.E., Wellington.
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Auckland - 13 March 2018
The most distinctive and important features of the Circle of Trust were the openness and honesty, the silence and waiting, and lack of commentary or judgement or fixing. This is such a change from usual life! I loved the gentle pace of the day. It gave me time to breathe.
Sandy Robertson, Diocesan School for Girls.
The reflection time was a lovely gift! The way in which the circle was established made it a safe, respectful and listening space. Thanks for a really worthwhile and helpful day. Great resources and learning that I will be able to continue to use and develop.
S.E., Wellington.
The Wisdom of Spring: Remaining Open to Possibility
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Tauranga - 30 September 2017
The Circle of Trust offers an excellent forum to think about where I am at in my life, what is important for me and taking action. I feel I have been on a journey of discovery from Autumn to Winter and now Spring with greater awareness of what I need to consider to create a better balance in my life.
L.S., Whakatane.
I like the way the circle embraces all members in a non-secular and all encompassing way.
This was a valuable opportunity for me to reflect on the year and the exercises helped me to see the overall picture of my life. Gave me the ability to be able to have a clearer vision for my future.
Christina, Katikati.
Today I ran into friends who commented on how refreshed I looked. I told them about my day of retreat yesterday, describing it as a day of nurturing and renewal with poetry and relaxed discussion, and plenty of opportunity for quiet reflection.
Chris Earp, Tauranga.
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Tauranga - 30 September 2017
The Circle of Trust offers an excellent forum to think about where I am at in my life, what is important for me and taking action. I feel I have been on a journey of discovery from Autumn to Winter and now Spring with greater awareness of what I need to consider to create a better balance in my life.
L.S., Whakatane.
I like the way the circle embraces all members in a non-secular and all encompassing way.
This was a valuable opportunity for me to reflect on the year and the exercises helped me to see the overall picture of my life. Gave me the ability to be able to have a clearer vision for my future.
Christina, Katikati.
Today I ran into friends who commented on how refreshed I looked. I told them about my day of retreat yesterday, describing it as a day of nurturing and renewal with poetry and relaxed discussion, and plenty of opportunity for quiet reflection.
Chris Earp, Tauranga.
The Wisdom of Winter: Making Time for Rest & Renewal
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Tauranga - 1 July 2017
The Circle of Trust is a calm, awakening experience that feels safe, nurturing, connecting and a time of learning, authenticity and time-out from the world.
You always make me feel welcomed, safe and with lovely hospitality, Mennie. Thank you for giving your time to enable us to companion with one another - a lovely gift.
Michelle Woolley
Tauranga
I think the most distinctive and important feature of the Circle of Trust approach is that everything is invitational. I appreciate not having the pressure to speak or come up with something clever on the spot. It allows me space to be present, listen more deeply and to just be me.
C.S., Tauranga.
A stunning day - a very authentic, safe and inclusive experience. Aroha mai to you, Mennie, for creating the space and place. This was an opportunity to celebrate our seasons, and connect with our world and our place in it, and to be deliberate about growing ourselves in new ways that enable us to see and think in new ways.
Pip Woodward
Tauranga.
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Tauranga - 1 July 2017
The Circle of Trust is a calm, awakening experience that feels safe, nurturing, connecting and a time of learning, authenticity and time-out from the world.
You always make me feel welcomed, safe and with lovely hospitality, Mennie. Thank you for giving your time to enable us to companion with one another - a lovely gift.
Michelle Woolley
Tauranga
I think the most distinctive and important feature of the Circle of Trust approach is that everything is invitational. I appreciate not having the pressure to speak or come up with something clever on the spot. It allows me space to be present, listen more deeply and to just be me.
C.S., Tauranga.
A stunning day - a very authentic, safe and inclusive experience. Aroha mai to you, Mennie, for creating the space and place. This was an opportunity to celebrate our seasons, and connect with our world and our place in it, and to be deliberate about growing ourselves in new ways that enable us to see and think in new ways.
Pip Woodward
Tauranga.
The Heart of the Teacher: We teach who we are
- a Circle of Trust Breakout Session - 2017 Anglican Schools' Conference - Auckland
Thank you so much for coming and being a part of our Anglican Schools' Conference. The feedback on your workshop has been hugely positive and I think for some, it was the highlight of the whole three days. Can we get you back next time?!
Anne van Gend (Rev'd Dr)
Executive Director
Anglican Schools of Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia
May 2017
- a Circle of Trust Breakout Session - 2017 Anglican Schools' Conference - Auckland
Thank you so much for coming and being a part of our Anglican Schools' Conference. The feedback on your workshop has been hugely positive and I think for some, it was the highlight of the whole three days. Can we get you back next time?!
Anne van Gend (Rev'd Dr)
Executive Director
Anglican Schools of Aotearoa NZ & Polynesia
May 2017
The Wisdom of Autumn: Holding On & Letting Go
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Tauranga - April 2017
This retreat has had a wonderful, gentle and affirming way of pointing me toward what matters.
Tim Heetkamp, Tauranga
8 April 2017
Today was a reflection of the joy and true value of what nature offers us. I valued the opportunity to share thoughts and experiences with people of diverse lives and a common purpose, and came away from the day energised and positive about facing the challenge of the next chapter in my life.
L.S., Whakatane
8 April 2017
It was a great opportunity to talk real life with a bunch of strangers who turn up willing to participate, reflect and listen together. And when else does that ever happen in life?? NEVER!
S.R., Tauranga
- A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Tauranga - April 2017
This retreat has had a wonderful, gentle and affirming way of pointing me toward what matters.
Tim Heetkamp, Tauranga
8 April 2017
Today was a reflection of the joy and true value of what nature offers us. I valued the opportunity to share thoughts and experiences with people of diverse lives and a common purpose, and came away from the day energised and positive about facing the challenge of the next chapter in my life.
L.S., Whakatane
8 April 2017
It was a great opportunity to talk real life with a bunch of strangers who turn up willing to participate, reflect and listen together. And when else does that ever happen in life?? NEVER!
S.R., Tauranga
Let Your Life Speak - A Circle of Trust Day Retreat - Hamilton - September 2016
Michelle Howie of Magnetic Hub tells about her first Circle of Trust experience.
Michelle Howie of Magnetic Hub tells about her first Circle of Trust experience.
Understory - A Circle of Trust Day Retreat
I thought we were very fortunate to have Mennie as a facilitator, she brings her whole shining self to the work with a rare combination of lightness and depth, and a great sense of humour. It was her personal willingness and example of being open, honest and generous in the circle which did much to establish a welcoming space for others to explore their own truth.
Nidhi Zak Aria-Eipe, Auckland
30 November 2015
I thought we were very fortunate to have Mennie as a facilitator, she brings her whole shining self to the work with a rare combination of lightness and depth, and a great sense of humour. It was her personal willingness and example of being open, honest and generous in the circle which did much to establish a welcoming space for others to explore their own truth.
Nidhi Zak Aria-Eipe, Auckland
30 November 2015
Courage to Teach
This superbly facilitated program delivered, and far exceeded my expectations, and I left with new friends, a much kinder view of myself, refreshed, inspired and re-energized to meet the challenges ahead as we work to enable all children to make the most of the education opportunities available to them.
Ian Thurlow, Christchurch.
5 September 2015
This superbly facilitated program delivered, and far exceeded my expectations, and I left with new friends, a much kinder view of myself, refreshed, inspired and re-energized to meet the challenges ahead as we work to enable all children to make the most of the education opportunities available to them.
Ian Thurlow, Christchurch.
5 September 2015
Mennie’s grounded and warm approach attracted me to her Circle of Trust group and onto a path of personal growth and discovery. We explored themes using silence, interactive reflection, the most wonderful poems, images, videos and a variety of activities. I really appreciated learning about ‘asking open and honest questions’ which I now use in my practice as a clinical psychologist.
Mennie carefully selected beautiful poems – for me personally an absolute highlight of each gathering. Her presence and skilful guidance during the Clearness Committee ensured that our final gathering was another profound and memorable experience.
Veerle Poels, Clinical Psychologist, Whakatane.
Mennie carefully selected beautiful poems – for me personally an absolute highlight of each gathering. Her presence and skilful guidance during the Clearness Committee ensured that our final gathering was another profound and memorable experience.
Veerle Poels, Clinical Psychologist, Whakatane.
In April 2015 I attended a Circle of Trust one-day retreat facilitated by Mennie Scapens. How refreshing it was to have this time to step beyond the busyness of my every day life to allow the time to listen and reconnect with the voice of my soul. I was surprised how easily my inner connection came about and this was due to Mennie's mastery in using creativity, poetry, silent contemplation and sharing with others in the safe, non-judgemental environment she created. It helped me to re-prioritise my goals, shed new light on my views of study and strengthened my desire to become a teacher. I left feeling uplifted, refreshed and nourished. I would highly recommend this retreat to others.
JayJay Smith, 3rd year Student Teacher, Tauranga.
JayJay Smith, 3rd year Student Teacher, Tauranga.
Using a balance of nature and poetry, shared discussion and quiet time, Mennie opened up a safe and honouring space for personal reflection. I loved the serenity she brought to the group, as she gently guided and encouraged us to reflect on our dreams and passions and to consider our place in the world. The day passed in a gentle flow, as we were encouraged to work in our own different ways, focusing on what it was we most needed, without expectation or judgement from anyone else.
I have attended many different workshops over the years and especially loved the gentleness Mennie brought to this unique Circle of Trust retreat.
Chris Earp, Tauranga.
I have attended many different workshops over the years and especially loved the gentleness Mennie brought to this unique Circle of Trust retreat.
Chris Earp, Tauranga.