NZCCM Auckland Community Day

The Practice of being in God’s Presence:
A Christian approach to Mindfulness

Join us for this NZCCM community day in Pakuranga, as we explore the similarities and differences between mindfulness and the Christian contemplative lineage. All are welcome, both experienced meditators and those new to Christian meditation. 

The origins of mindfulness lie in the Buddhist tradition, entailing intentional presence to thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment. Its many benefits include calmness and self-awareness. Today, mindfulness is used widely—from treating anxiety to reducing offending—yet practitioners differ in purpose. A Buddhist seeks freedom from suffering, the anxious seek calm, and those who have offended use it to gain insight at moments of choice.

Christian contemplative practices share similarities yet differ at their core. They also deepen self-understanding but do so by drawing us into God’s presence. These practices cultivate relationality, an inner conversion through grace, and ultimately, love for God.

What distinguishes mindfulness from Christian contemplation? How do we practice God’s presence, and to what do we attend? Our facilitator, Jeffrey Robinson will help us to explore these questions, proposing that our life together in Aotearoa New Zealand—shaped by our diverse, rich spiritual heritage—be a basis for an authentically Kiwi contemplative practice.

Facilitator: Jeffrey Robinson

Jeffrey Robinson (Ngāti Kahungunu, Ngāti Pahauwera) is an experienced meditator and part of the New Zealand Community for Christian Meditation. His Christian contemplative practice—deeply shaped during his years in the prison service—anchors him in presence, grace, and compassion. As a bi-cultural supervisor, he supports psychologists and therapists engaging with Māori communities. His reflective practice also finds voice through poetry, with his work published in NZCCM’s Stillpoint magazine.

Community Day Details

• Please bring your own lunch

• Please bring a friend

• Please bring a koha

• No need to register

• There will be two periods of meditation

• People new to meditation in the Christian tradition are most welcome

• Useful websites:  christianmeditationnz.org.nz or wccm.org

Venue

We will meet at St Mark's Catholic Church, 334 Pakuranga Road, Pakuranga.

Questions?

For further information contact Vincent Maire (NZCCM Regional Co-ordinator for Auckland).

E: auckland@christianmeditationnz.org.nz.