Tranquility and Insight: What it means to journey within
To journey within is to turn inward—away from the noise of the outside world—and gently explore the landscapes of your own mind, heart, and breath. In meditation with Susan Allen, this journey is not about escape, but about deepening connection: to yourself, to the present moment, and to the innate stillness that exists beneath thought and emotion.
With over two decades of experience guiding retreats and teaching meditation, Susan offers a grounded and compassionate approach rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions such as Mahamudra and Dzogchen. Her guidance invites you to observe your inner world with clarity and kindness, helping you build the tools to navigate life’s challenges with more spaciousness and less reactivity.
Through steady practice, quiet reflection, and gentle inquiry, Susan’s retreats create space for genuine transformation—where the journey within becomes a pathway to greater self-awareness, emotional balance, and inner peace.
In Her Own Words: Getting to Know Susan Allen
Susan has been leading retreats at Mana for many years. In this conversation, she shares how she first discovered Mana, what drew her to this special place, and what her journey has been like as a retreat facilitator. Hear her reflections on the connections she’s made, the insights she’s gained, and the impact of holding space for others on the path of meditation and self-discovery.
About 17 years ago, my boyfriend at the time was friends with one of the Mana trustees, and he brought me up to stay at the mountain above Mana. From the moment I arrived, I felt deeply drawn to the beauty and grounding energy of this place—the lush nature, the presence of the mountain, and the sense of stability it holds.
In the years that followed, I returned often, taking part in sweat lodges and attending the unforgettable retreats with Shantimurti and Ashram Yoga. Around 2010, I began leading my own retreats here over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June—a tradition I’ve continued ever since.
I cherish this midwinter gathering; there’s something incredibly nourishing about coming together in the warmth and quiet of Mana during this time of year.
I originally trained and worked as a mechanical engineer before discovering yoga during my travels in India in 2000. I was immediately drawn to the meditative depth of the practice, which felt both ancient and deeply relevant. In 2002, I completed my first yoga teacher training in Sivananda Yoga in Rishikesh, India.
From there, I went on to teach yoga in Ireland for five years before returning home to New Zealand, where I founded Yoga Ground studios in Auckland and later in Wanaka. Over the past four years, my focus has shifted more fully toward teaching meditation retreats. I’ve come to see just how profoundly meditation supports not only yoga practitioners but really anyone seeking more clarity, balance, and peace in their lives.
I now live in Wanaka on a beautiful lifestyle block with my wonderful husband, a flock of sheep, some friendly chickens, and our dog, Tui. Being surrounded by nature and sharing meditation with others throughout New Zealand and beyond feels like a true gift.
In the years that followed, I returned often, taking part in sweat lodges and attending the unforgettable retreats with Shantimurti and Ashram Yoga. Around 2010, I began leading my own retreats here over the Queen’s Birthday long weekend in June—a tradition I’ve continued ever since.
I cherish this midwinter gathering; there’s something incredibly nourishing about coming together in the warmth and quiet of Mana during this time of year.
Mana truly feels like a sanctuary. Many years ago, one of the managers, Sarah, offered me a piece of advice that’s stayed with me: to make sure I enjoy the retreat just as much as the participants do. I really took that to heart, and ever since, I’ve held a deep appreciation for the experience of facilitating—despite the energy it takes and the responsibility of holding space for others.
One of my favourite moments is meeting each new group on the first day, hearing their stories, learning where they’ve come from, and what’s drawn them to Mana. Facilitating meditation retreats feels, to me, like one of the most meaningful and rewarding things a person can do.
With Mana’s incredibly supportive staff, beautiful facilities, and the powerful collective energy that builds here, it’s truly a privilege to lead retreats in this special place.
Mana is an incredibly spacious place—both in terms of its physical landscape and the energy it holds. The grounds are beautifully designed to support both solitude and connection, offering a gentle balance between personal reflection and shared experience. The Octagon, Mana’s main practice space, carries a strong and tangible sense of collective healing that seems to grow with each retreat.
One of the things I love most is how the environment itself supports the inner journey. During my mid-year retreat, we often get a dose of wild winter weather. Tucked up by the fire, surrounded by the vibrant native bush, there’s a real sense of being held by nature. It’s the perfect setting for turning inward—to slow down, reflect, and truly arrive in the present moment.
I feel incredibly privileged to facilitate a retreat each year here at Mana. Over time, my connection with this land has deepened into something truly personal—there’s a sense of familiarity and belonging that grows stronger with each visit. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to invite others into this space, to share in its beauty and stillness, and to support them in forming their own connection with the land and the wonderful people who are part of Mana.
It’s my hope that this relationship continues for many years to come. In my heart, I feel a lasting bond with Mana—one I hope will stay with me always.
One of the things I love most is how the environment itself supports the inner journey. During my mid-year retreat, we often get a dose of wild winter weather. Tucked up by the fire, surrounded by the vibrant native bush, there’s a real sense of being held by nature. It’s the perfect setting for turning inward—to slow down, reflect, and truly arrive in the present moment.
Written by Susan Allen
