Accredited & Highly Evaluated Course for Practicing & Facilitating Mindfulness
be empowered by the discovery that you can self-manage your thoughts and emotions
GET THE SKILLS AND CONFIDENCE TO HELP OTHERS FIND PURPOSE, CALM & JOY
*****
Take two days off the daily routine to relax, rejuvenate and deepen the contact with yourself together with like-minded people>
• Deepen the contact with your natural intelligence & intuition.
• Learn How To Self-Manage Unhelpful Thoughts & Emotions
• Help Others To Find Peace of Mind & Focus
MINDFULNESS MINI-RETREAT AT EDEN GARDEN IN AUCKLAND
DESCRIPTION: In this 2 day mini-retreat you will not only be introduced to and learn the the powerful Mindfulness techniques that are helping individuals from all walks of life to have more balance and focus in their lives. You will also receive the tools and training to teach these techniques to anyone around you.
Mindfulness is a way of living life more Consciously
In our increasingly distracted and fragmented world we now have to ‘teach’ mindfulness to re-empower people with their own natural ability to restore the fragmented mind to a state of wholeness and presence.Mindfulness is not new, it is thousands of years old and has been practiced in many eastern cultures as a way of maintaining mental balance against the inevitable distortions the mind generates. Mindfulness has made it to the west for a number of reasons; technology has developed and allowed researchers to study and understand the function of the brain more fully so that we now have an enormous amount of evidence-based research confirming the benefits of regular practice.
“I would like to express my thankfulness to you again.
This course helped me a lot and I hope to use this knowledge and experiences to help others”Hanjing L.
Mindfulness is a proven method to help increase focus and awareness, make it possible to self-regulate and shift attention when caught up in negative thinking and worrying. Mindfulness exercises are designed to train our awareness and the ability to stay calm under stress and turbulence as well as having better sleep and increasing resilience.
IMPROVE MENTAL & EMOTIONAL RESILIENCE
The ability to control attention is one of the key markers of a successful life. Regular mindfulness practices is a proven method to help increase focus and awareness, make it possible to self-regulate and shift attention when caught up in negative thinking and worrying. Mindfulness exercises are designed to train our awareness and the ability to stay calm under stress and turbulence as well as having better sleep and increasing resilience.This course will provide you with an in-depth understanding of the mechanisms that underpins mindfulness widespread success and application as well as all the exercises that will help you establish your own regular practice and the additional training, tools and resources to successfully guide groups or one to one sessions.
Learn Mindfulness in a Beautiful Setting
The Mercy Spiritual Centre is a unique calm and inviting space located in Epsom.
“This course was fantastic!”Sam K, Australia
Be Open, Curious and Kind to Yourself
Mindfulness isn’t about not thinking, it’s about observing our thoughts and feelings and over time, becoming more aware of underlying patterns that are often fixed and robotic.
Give up knowing anything about mindfulness or meditation and come to the practices with a beginners mind. This way you will be receptive to whatever experience arises in the moment without referencing the past or the future. if you have never done this before. It is a refreshing approach to life and brings you more fully into the present moment in a vivid way. It cultivates a curiosity about life itself.
There will be a few brief discourses were we will look into:
• Negative self-talk and how to reverse it (self-acceptance and forgiveness)
• Facing ourselves in 100% honesty- recognising patterns of thinking and behaving based on hurt, loss, misunderstandings etc.
As well as:
• Practices for self-compassion and compassion for others.
• Practices that actively connect us to the balancing energy of the earth and the environment.
If you’ve never been on a meditation retreat before, this is an ideal place to start. There will be meditation instruction for both beginners and advanced practitioners, there will be breaks for lunch and room for individual practice throughout the day
Polyvagal Theory
During the two days we will be looking at the polyvagal theory and basic neuroscience; how purposefully connecting with the body’s self-calming para-sympathetic nervous system leads to- lower stress and anxiety, increased attention and mental clarity, improved social and emotional intelligence and a host of other life-enhancing benefits.
In this course you will learn, as the teacher/guide, how to use language, your voice, authority and authenticity to create an environment, where a deep trust between participants naturally arises as well as a sense of freedom and safety.
To guide mindfulness is like nothing else, it is not teaching in a traditional sense, it is not therapy. It is more like ‘decluttering’ the over-filled, busy mind.
By establishing your own Mindfulness practice and the fundamental understanding of how mindfulness works from a more scientific point of view, you will build the foundation needed to effectively guide others on to their own mindfulness journey.
“My perspective of life has expanded through this practice as I discover more about myself through awareness, non judgement and compassion not only for others but for myself. Thank you Rita”.Melissa M.
IN SHORT-What will you learn?
In our fast-paced world, where the increasing demands of living puts enormous stress on all people, children, teenagers and adults, the purposeful, daily cultivation of minimising stress, self-regulation, connection to self, others and the world around us has been proven to assist mental, emotional and physical balance.This training will give you a resource to improve everyone’s ability to deal with stress and anxiety as well as improve attention and focus and cultivate kindness and empathy.
Benefits such as:
- Decreased stress and anxiety
- Better sleep
- Better self-management
- Less reactivity
- Improved mental resilience
- Increased self-awareness
- Better memory
- Increased attention and focus
- Better conflict resolution skills
are common and expectable result from regular Mindfulness practice.
It doesn’t matter if you never meditated or done one Mindfulness exercise in your life, this course is for anyone who are moved to establish their own Mindfulness practice and get the tools and resources to help others to improve focus, mental resilience and impulse control.
Tools & Resources
Over these 2 days we will cover so much ground and learn so many things that it would be almost impossible to remember it all afterwards but the best thing is that you don’t need to. You will get printed and digital documentation on all aspects of what we learnt in the course.
About the Trainer

Rita Riccola
“Rita is a fabulous facilitator – she made us feel extremely comfortable, was open minded and encouraged us all to share from our diverse backgrounds and areas of expertise. I came away with many very practical, easy to use exercises that I have since been using with with my classes of various ages. Thank you Rita for gifting me such a wonderful and enjoyable afternoon of learning”.
-Louise Dore, Auckland
The Trainer
Rita Riccola is one of New Zealand’s leading mindfulness trainers and the author of the book “The Practice of Mindfulness and Balance”.
She is a former teacher and a trained mindfulness teacher who has completed courses with Mindful Schools USA.
Rita has been a Vipassana and yoga practitioner for 30 years. In 2000-2002 she attended a number of Barry Long’s ‘Course in Being’ seminars, (Barry Long was one of Eckhart Tolle’s teachers).
Her 2 day Mindfulness Facilitation Course has been taken by more than thousand individuals, including school teachers, life coaches, psychologists and counsellors in both New Zealand and Australia.
She have provided staff training for numerous schools across New Zealand to help integrate mindfulness practice to the curriculum. These courses are designed to meet the growing need in all sectors to offer Mindfulness training.
Why Choose This Course?
Internationally Recognised Accreditation
Our courses are accredited with IMMA (International Mindfulness & Meditation Alliance). After completion you will be eligible to apply for IMMA membership.
These courses are designed to meet the growing need in all sectors (education, medicine, psychology, social work, physiotherapy, business etc) for evidence-based strategies that lead to self-regulation, emotional awareness and lowered stress and anxiety.
Leading Trainer
Learn Mindfulness from a professional educator with more than 30 years experience of mindfulness and meditation.
Highly evaluated courses
Hundreds of professionals and individuals have taken the 2 day Mindfulness Facilitation Course. The trainings receive consistently high evaluation and reviews.
See testimonials here
All Age Groups
The program is designed and has been successfully implemented for all age groups from 4 year old pre-schoolers to 80 year old seniors.
Life-Time Access
When you register for an online course or a face-to-face training you receive lifelong access to the course material and all the resources provided. Ongoing support is available.
Be part of a Community
Connect with like-minded people that support each other.
WHAT PARTICIPANTS SAY
“I just wanted to take the time to express how much I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 day course…I have conducted other mindfulness training but really feel your offering is unparalleled”.Sarah A.
“I am extremely grateful for your teachings…you are truly inspirational”.Wendy R.
“Thank you, this wonderful experience, which is now forever a regular practice in my life”.Susan H.
“I just wanted to take the time to express how much I thoroughly enjoyed the 2 day course…I have attended other mindfulness training but really feel your offering is unparalleled.”.Sarah A.
Course in Auckland
COURSES IN 2025
MAY
2 day Mindfulness Facilitation Training In Auckland 21-22 May
Wednesday: 9.30am-3.30pm
Thursday: 9.30am-3.30pm
(There will be breaks for morning tea and lunch).
Venue: The Mercy Spirituality Centre in Epsom, Auckland
Cost: $550
Including: Morning Tea, Teaching Manual, Eight Week Lesson Plans, 8 week online course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
Limited to 12 people
8 seats left
THE VENUE
The Mercy Spiritual Centre is located in Epsom, Auckland Here is what people say about it:
“Best kept secret in Auckland! Fabulous amenities, beautiful staff, warm in Winter, cool always.”(Kim Frances)
“A peaceful place with beautiful grounds. A wairua feel to it.💖” (Emma Kate Cherrington)
“Wonderful welcoming place tucked away in Epsom” (Tamara Benett)
Choose dates for Zoom trainings:
(CLICK TO EXPAND)
COURSES IN 2025
February
3 Day Virtual Interactive Zoom Training 25-27 February 2025
Tuesday: 11.00am-2.00pm
Wednesday: 11.00am-2.00pm
Thursday: 11.00am-2.00pm
(There will be breaks for lunch and afternoon tea).
Cost: $495
Including: Teaching Manual, Lesson Plans, 8 Week Online Course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
March
2 Day Virtual Interactive Zoom Training 18-20 March 2025
Tuesday: 11.00am-2.00pm
Wednesday: 11.00am-2.00pm
Thursday: 11.00am-2.00pm
(There will be breaks for lunch and afternoon tea).
Cost: $495
Including: Teaching Manual, Lesson Plans, 8 Week Online Course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
April
3 Day Virtual Interactive Zoom Training 15-17 April 2025
Tuesday: 11.00am-2.00pm
Wednesday: 11.00am-2.00pm
Thursday: 11.00am-2.00pm
(There will be breaks for lunch and afternoon tea).
Cost: $495
Including: Teaching Manual, Lesson Plans, 8 Week Online Course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
May
Weekend Virtual Interactive Zoom Training 10-11 May 2025
Saturday: 11.30am-4.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am-4.30pm
(There will be breaks for lunch and afternoon tea).
Cost: $495
Including: Teaching Manual, Lesson Plans, 8 Week Online Course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
June
2-day Virtual Interactive Zoom Training 18-19 June 2025
Wednesday: 11.30am-4.30pm
Thursday: 11.30am-4.30pm
(There will be breaks for lunch and afternoon tea).
Cost: $495
Including: Teaching Manual, Lesson Plans, 8 Week Online Course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
July
2-day Virtual Interactive Zoom Training 2-3 July 2025
Wednesday: 11.30am-4.30pm
Thursday: 11.30am-4.30pm
(There will be breaks for lunch and afternoon tea).
Cost: $495
Including: Teaching Manual, Lesson Plans, 8 Week Online Course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
August
Weekend Virtual Interactive Zoom Training 23-24 August 2025
Saturday: 11.30am-4.30pm
Sunday: 11.30am-4.30pm
(There will be breaks for lunch and afternoon tea).
Cost: $495
Including: Teaching Manual, Lesson Plans, 8 Week Online Course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
September
2-day Virtual Interactive Zoom Training 24-25 September 2025
Wednesday: 11.30am-4.30pm
Thursday: 11.30am-4.30pm
(There will be breaks for lunch and afternoon tea).
Cost: $495
Including: Teaching Manual, Lesson Plans, 8 Week Online Course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
Make A Booking
Choose dates for Face-to-face trainings:
(CLICK TO EXPAND)
COURSES IN 2025
MAY
2 day Mindfulness Facilitation Training In Auckland 21-22 May
Wednesday: 9.30am-3.30pm
Thursday: 9.30am-3.30pm
(There will be breaks for morning tea and lunch).
Venue: The Mercy Spirituality Centre in Epsom, Auckland
Cost: $550
Including: Morning Tea, Teaching Manual, Eight Week Lesson Plans, 8 week online course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
SEPTEMBER
2 day Mindfulness Facilitation Training In Auckland 10-11 September
Wednesday: 9.30am-3.30pm
Thursday: 9.30am-3.30pm
(There will be breaks for morning tea and lunch).
Venue: The Mercy Spirituality Centre in Epsom, Auckland
Cost: $550
Including: Morning Tea, Teaching Manual, Eight Week Lesson Plans, 8 week online course, Tools & Resources and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
COURSES 2025
JULY
2 Day Mindfulness Facilitation Course in Sydney 23-24 July 2025
Wednesday: 9.30am-3.30pm
Thursday: 9.30am-3.30pm
Cost: $595
Including: Morning Tea, 8 Week Online Course, Teaching Manual, Lesson Plans and ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
COURSES 2025
JULY
2 Day Mindfulness Facilitation Course in Melbourne 30-31 July 2025
Wednesday: 9.30am-3.30pm
Thursday: 9.30am-3.30pm
Cost: $595
Including: Morning tea, Teaching Manual, Eight Week Lesson Plans, Online Course and Ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
COURSES 2025
JULY
2 Day Mindfulness Facilitation Course in Brisbane 16-17 JULY 2025
Wednesday: 9.30am-3.30pm
Thursday: 9.30am-3.30pm
Cost: $595
Including: Morning tea, Teaching Manual, Eight Week Lesson Plans, Online Course and Ongoing support.
Payment plans available.
Course Content – Day 1 & 2
- What is Mindfulness?
- How does it work?
Evidence-based research results
and the neuroscience. - Why Teach Mindfulness to Students and Children.
- Breathing Exercise 1 and 2
- Guided Body Scan
- The STOP Method
- How to build a MIndfulness Lesson
- Tools & Resources
- How to identifying patterns of thinking and reacting that keep us trapped.
- Practical ways to work with Difficult Thoughts and Emotions.
- Turning boredom and restlessness into curiosity
- Mindful Listening-expanded awareness.
- The ‘Mountain meditation’
- Training Session – Teaching Mindfulness
- Questions and Answers, feedback/personal Enquiry into your own experience
“With Mindfulness training you are not adding to your knowledge in the
traditional sense – you are in fact removing some of the mental clutter
that is holding you back from being naturally mindful and in a state of
equilibrium”.Rita Riccola
WHAT IS POSSIBLE WITH THIS TRAINING?
Whether you just want to be more present in your own daily life and maybe share these techniques with the people closest to you, which is wonderful, or you are looking at starting a new career, both these options are possible with this training. There are innumerable applications of the material and knowledge you receive from this course, you will be able to create your own program to run, for example:
» One-to-one sessions to reduce stress and anxiety for your existing or new clients
» A wellness strategy in the workplace for both staff and management
» Daily short sessions to improve attention and focus in the classroom for students of all ages
» Group sessions to help improve wellbeing in nursing homes or mental health facilities
» Teenage groups for better self awareness and emotional regulation
» Public mindfulness classes for general relaxation and wellbeing
» Emotional intelligence programs for children at home or in preschool and much more.
What’s possible with regular mindfulness practice is living a life of purpose as well as experiencing life more vibrantly. With this training you are able to share this with others as well.
Mindfulness means “paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally.”Jon Kabat-Zinn. (Founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)
Why Mindfulness?
Research over the past few decades has found that Mindfulness training helps to;

Relieve Anxiety & Stress
In our fast paced lives, where we rush from one demand to another, there is very little time or space to stop and pause. Mindfulness offer the tools needed to connect with our inner intelligence, where we can access natural calmness beneath the busy minds.

Let go of Anger & Frustration
Coming in contact with your direct experience in the mindful state allows us to become familiar with the patterns that direct our lives; our thoughts, emotions and reactions.

OVERCOME NEGATIVE THINKING
Pain is an inevitable part of being human but suffering is optional. In mindfulness we learn how to manage our thoughts and emotions instead of letting emotions and thoughts manage us.

STOP INNER CHATTER
Aimless thinking and inner chatter is draining our energy and clouding over the present moment. One of the most common benefits from regular mindfulness training is greater mental clarity and a new sense of inner peace.

Have Better Sleep
To be able stop incessant thinking and worrying is one of the great benefits of Mindfulness and it makes it easier to go to sleep and have unbroken sleep throughout the night.

STOP LIVING IN THE PAST
Mindfulness practices increasingly bring you more into the present with the growing awareness that going over the past keeps you stuck in the past.
Register for this course
and start the 8 week online component today!
The course cover both the practices and theory of mindfulness including basic neuroscience and polyvagal theory. We do formal and informal practices and look at lost connections and why the need for mindfulness and inner mental regulation has become topical in recent years. On day 2 you also get in-depth guidance on how to create a program for your specific audience and much more.
Pay securely via credit card or invoice. Payment plans are available.

After the 2 day training you will receive more than 30 resources to expand on all aspects of Mindfulness; manuals, articles, white papers, videos and posters to assist you in your efforts to guide mindfulness effectively. A certificate will also be issued after completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mindfulness is a way of noticing where your attention is in the present moment without judging it good or bad. It’s about not wandering off into an imagined future or going over the past but fully engaging right here right now.
Through guided, simple easy-to-do practisies you are training the mind to be more present in the moment. resulting in it to be less anxious, more alert and alive.
- Who over-thinks
- Thinks anxiously as a regular behavior.
- Stressed people
- People who engage in constant negative self-talk
- People who can’t sleep because of incessant inner chatter
- People who operate on ‘auto-pilot’ and are always ‘on’..
“Just watch this moment, without trying to change it at all. What is happening? What do you see? What do you hear?”Jon Kabat-Zin
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