FROM THE FOUNDER OF NIRARTA . . .
I
took the first steps to create The
Nirarta Centre for Living Awareness in
1995, when I stood in a grove of clove trees overlooking a river in a
serene valley between the sea and the mountains and realized that
this was my moment of choice. I could stick with my familiar work and
territory in Europe. Or I could take the risk of buying land in a
far-off place, and create a centre for people to connect with the
core of their life.
I knew at once that, to be true to myself, I had no choice. I plunged in and began a project that is still unfolding. The informal opening of Nirarta in January 1999 is thus the realization of a personal dream. I feel it is something I have been intimately involved in creating as a personal expression of who I am and something I have received, like a gift or 'task' from the spirit of life itself.
I am of mixed Italian, Polish, and English descent. I grew up in East Anglia, England, where I was educated by the Christian Brothers, who stimulated my asking questions about life. I read Modern Languages (French and Italian) at Liverpool University, where I began a life-long interest in meditation and higher states of consciousness. My MA dissertation at the University of East Anglia in Comparative Literature focused on the use of mirror imagery to reflect states of awareness in poetry. After three years in an 'ashram' in the Magic Mountains of Switzerland, I earned a PhD for research into the role of experiences of heightened consciousness in literary creativity.
Originally trained by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, I have been a meditation teacher since the early 70s. A former member of Tony Buzan's Learning Methods Group, I have always been deeply interested in the learning process. Encouraged by my previous partner, Dinah, with whom I assumed the challenge of raising two step-children, I trained in Person Centred Expressive Therapy in California with Natalie Rogers, and spontaneous movement with Gabrielle Roth and others. I am a certified Trainer in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), having worked in this field since the early 80s. I have been active teaching it at an advanced level internationally. Many influences have come together in my more recent work with Jan Ardui to develop the philosophy underpinning Nirarta, which we call 'The Way of Unfolding'.
I spend most of my year among the flowers and butterflies at Nirarta, with my wife, Dayu and daughters Maya and Mira, hanging out, as it is easy to do in Bali, with friends, staff, and guests, writing, researching, and teaching. For about four months a year, I travel and give seminars internationally.
We look forward to meeting you at Nirarta.
Peter Wrycza
THE TEAM
Peter works closely with Jan Ardui, Professor Luh Ketut Suryani, Carla and David Osgood, and Keth Rose Paananen.
Jan Ardui is a consultant and trainer from Belgium, with whom Peter shares more than a decade of deep friendship and creative and professional collaboration. Jan is a certified Gestalt Therapist and international expert in NLP. He has pioneered systemic approaches to NLP and innovative applications in the business and consulting worlds, and was the founder of the leading Flemish NLP institute in Belgium, InMind. Currently he runs the International Centre for Performance and Alignment and teaches internationally, sharing his passion for a way of thinking that is rooted in the heart and respectful of life's intrinsic aesthetics. He is the co-author (with Peter) of the When Performance Meets Alignment: A Compass For Coaching and Mentoring.
Professor
Luh Ketut Suryani is a
Balinese psychiatrist, meditation teacher, healer, university professor, and
mother of six. She is the co-author of a number of books, including The Balinese
People, a critique of Bateson and Mead's perspective from the 1930s. She
is also the co-author of Trance and Possession in Bali. Suryani
is dedicated to helping people draw on the extra dimension of spirit in everyday
life. Her own full life - including active participation in Balinese political
life and a number of social projects including work with the elderly - is an
example of what is possible when we draw on the extra reserves of the transpersonal
in our lives.
Carla and David Osgood are practising clinical psychologists and teachers from Vermont, USA. They bring groups regularly to Bali to deepen their therapeutic training with personal development and cross-cultural experience. Their work creates a link between the University of Vermont and Bali.
Keth Rose Paannen is a Gestalt psychotherapist and trainer from Norway, living in Denmark and working internationally. She is trained in Bodydynamic and Art Therapy and is the founder of Kegeta Multi Consult for Living Contact and Creativity. She specializes in personal development and works with individuals, couples, and group work. Keth is committed to living her own life with authenticity and passion, and helping others to do so. She co-facilitates courses for couples at Nirarta.
THE STAFF
At
Nirarta, you will be made welcome by a friendly and dedicated team of Balinese
people, led by Peter's wife Dayu Mayuni, from local towns and villages.
Peter's wife Dayu Mayuni
Our staff will be happy to help you get an insiders view to Bali, accompanying you on walks, on visits to their homes, or with Balinese music while you enjoy a meal or relax Since we are quite small, we can aim for quality service in a family atmosphere.
MILESTONES
Nirarta's path of development is detailed on the Milestones page.
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FOR MORE PHOTOS
• Peter and Dayu's Wedding. • Maya and Maya's 'Otonan' (210 day ceremony) (July, 2001). • The Me Las Pas Ceremony for the family temple and meeting room. • Family 2003 • Bali 2003 |
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Peter, Dayu, and Ida Maya, October, 2001. Click photo to enlarge |