50 Years of YOGA for HEALTH and WELLBEING
On 6th November 2022, the Lotus Yoga Centre in Paraparaumu celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Founding-Director Eric Doornekamp had the honour of cutting the celebration cake, made by Apple Quarters Cafe in Otaki.
The Lotus Yoga Centre was first established in Aro Street, Wellington in September 1971 and soon spread to three adjoining rental properties. The reputation of the Centre led to a growing membership and the following year the Centre became an Incorporated Society with Charitable Trust status. Classes incorporated Hatha yoga for the general public, and Eric Doornekamp ran regular four year Raja yoga courses to train teachers.
In 1978 the Centre leased more space at 127 Cuba Mall in Wellington. Here many Hatha yoga classes and massage, cooking, and meditation courses were held. Several teachers gave their time on a voluntary basis. In the weekend participants met on Saturdays to listen to guest speakers and share a communal meal in the evening. Monthly camps were held at hired venues, attended by 40-50 participants. Eric Doornekamp was invited to teach yoga at gatherings in different parts of the North and South Islands.
A Natural Therapy Centre, and the Amrita Vegetarian Restaurant also opened in the Cuba Mall venue in the 1980s, and the restaurant proved a favourite ‘eating and meeting’ place. The Amrita Cook Book was published in 1984 and over 20,000 copies were sold.
As time went by, members of the Lotus Yoga Centre were looking to establish a retreat in the countryside
– a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A perfect location was found on the Kapiti Coast. The colonial style villa proved perfect, in a semirural setting.
When Eric Doornekamp first saw the layout of the property at 91 Ruapehu Street, he noticed a bright light on the hill overlooking the villa. It was the deciding factor in buying the land for the Centre in October 1985. The location included a pond and Eric could clearly visualise the building of a healing and meditation sanctuary in the vicinity, to blend in with the elements of nature.
This vision came to fruition in 1996, when a fund raising campaign spanning three years was launched for the
project. In the meantime, the site for the Sanctuary was chosen, according to the confluence of powerful ley lines. The energies are strongly aligned with Kapiti Island and the ranges of the Maungakotukutuku Reserve, on the eastern side of the Sanctuary site.
A special service was held on Sunday 21 March, 1999 to bless the site. Soon after, craftsman builder Roger Smith engaged in the preparation for laying the foundations. It was an exciting journey seeing the Sanctuary take shape, step by step. What a great moment it was to stand on the deck and look out over the pond and Kapiti Island. Members and friends met on 21 December 1999 for the grand opening of the Sanctuary. Highlights included a candle procession and clockwise circumambulation, three times around the Sanctuary.
The villa at 91 Ruapehu Street, also known as Whare Ora served the Lotus Yoga Centre and wider community well for 35 years, where natural therapy, numerous meditation courses, massage workshops, yoga and taichi qigong classes were held.
Currently, the Lotus Yoga Centre is operating from the same address in a purpose-built building, in the heart of the Lotus Eco Village. Adjacent to the Centre is the octagonal shaped healing Sanctuary, with a pyramid
glass-roof, for healing and meditation. It is set within regenerating native bush overlooking a tranquil pond. Eric Doornekamp has recently retired from teaching, and the Centre is now run by his wife, Cathryn Doornekamp and a committee of dedicated members.
Those who enjoy the experience of yoga or taichi qigong may wish to enquire about the many classes held at the Lotus Yoga Centre, 91 Ruapehu Street, Paraparaumu. Please refer to the advertisement for a class timetable and costs or visit www.lotusyogacentre.org.nz. For more information contact Cathryn Doornekamp on 021 08295395
Yoga is practised for mental and physical fitness. It is also ideal for people who are under stress and want to learn how to relax. Gentle stretching, learning to breathe correctly, and peace of mind are amongst the many benefits of yoga.
Taichi qigong is an ancient Chinese form of exercise. It consists of 18 movements that can be easily memorized. Each movement is performed slowly. The emphasis is on the importance of breathing, resulting in a free flow of qi or life force. Regular practice helps to develop a supple body and stress-free mind.
The Centre also holds Regular one day Body, Mind and Soul Retreats. These retreats have proven to be very popular. The day begins with relaxation, followed by yoga and breathing. After lunch there is a walking meditation in the bush leading to the Sanctuary where there is a seated meditation. The next Body, Mind and Soul retreat is scheduled on Sunday 27th November 2022.