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The Story Of Te Whenua Retreat
Like so many people, despite my 'success' in a corporate career in London, I felt dissatisfied and empty. Wanting to do something more meaningful, I studied for a BSc Degree in Nutritional Medicine and went on to be a private consultant. It gave me a lot of satisfaction, yet after some years I was acutely aware that although nutrition was a very powerful healer it could only take us so far. Without a doubt, it was depleted emotional & spiritual wellbeing that was the hand-brake on many people's healing & happiness, including my own.
This realisation sent me on a new search. I spent time in some of the Buddhist monasteries in Nepal, India and Burma, and found the combination of meditation, philosophy and ethical conduct, which forms the Buddha's teachings, to be incredibly comprehensive and helpful. I became very committed and sat many retreats, at one point undertaking a silent 90-day vipassana retreat.
In 2010 I began working as a chef in a Buddhist centre in London, as a way to have daily access to the dharma (Buddhist teachings). Over the next decade, I worked my way to Aotearoa, cooking almost exclusively in retreat centres, soaking up spiritual and wellness practises and improving my cooking skills with every new season. Most recently I was the Head Chef At Aro-Ha Wellness Retreat (2017-2020).
In 2020, in the immediate aftermath of the covid-19 pandemic, I bought the property that is now Te Whenua Retreat with my friend and business partner. I am certain that more than ever people need a place to retreat, to rest and replenish, to refocus, and to learn some of the time-honoured spiritual and wellness practises that bring health & happiness.
What started as a personal journey finally put down roots in a country that has so much wisdom and beauty to offer. Te Whenua is now in its 5th year of offering retreats, and has steadily developed in line with all the values we identified as a foundation. With 15+ years of professional cooking behind me, the reputation we have garnered for offering (and teaching ) modern plant-based cooking has brought us guests from all over the world!
We look forward to meeting you.
Jenny (& Pema, the Te Whenua dog)
Media & Interviews
Click below if you would like to read articles and interviews dated 2014, 2018, 2021 and 2024 to gain more insight about my personal journey.