by Jocelyn Watkin | Mar 16, 2024 | Information |
This retreat was held on 4 May 2024. At this stage, a date for the next retreat has not been scheduled.
For more information about the type of retreats held, please refer to the description below about the “Awaken Your Senses Retreat”, which was held on 4 May 2024.
Awaken your senses retreat: A day of tai chi, nature and connection
Flowers at the Auckland Botanic Gardens
Where: The Logan Campbell Building, Auckland Botanic Gardens, Manurewa
When: Saturday 4 May 2024, 8.45am to 3.30pm. Please arrive between 8.30 – 8.45am
Join me in these beautiful gardens to learn how to relax, let go of stress and feel truly alive with the healing power of tai chi and qigong (pronounced chee-gong).
You’ll also discover how to reconnect with nature by creating your own earth art/mandalas, feeling the tactile delights of leaf rubbing, and liberating all of your senses with nature journaling and the tastes and aromas of the herb gardens.
This retreat is organised and led by Jocelyn of Kia Ora Tai Chi and please contact her to RSVP or to check any of the exciting details. (It is not organised by the team at the Botanic Gardens.)
This very special one-day retreat is for you, if you:
- Long to spend time in lovely gardens? Imagine how uplifted you will feel when surrounded by colourful blooms and lush greenery, with the springy grass beneath your feet, the fresh air on your face, and the rejuvenating aroma of native bush? Absolutely, and you can experience all of this because you’ll be immersed in the serene beauty of the 64 hectares (156 acres) of the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Check out the Chinese garden in the Auckland Botanic Gardens
- Wish you could let go of stress and gain more life, more energy? Yes, wouldn’t that be amazing? Good news – it’s all possible through the restorative power of tai chi and qigong. I’ll lead you through a unique set of movements that will help you to release stress and cultivate more self-healing energy. It is as easy and natural as the trees letting go of their leaves in autumn so they can burst into new life in spring.
We’ll do restorative, self-healing tai chi and qigong together.
- Can’t wait to truly connect with nature and to awaken all of your senses? This retreat is the connection you are looking for if you want to blossom with new experiences and new beginnings as you:
- sample the delights of the edible garden/herb garden,
- feel nature’s patterns with leaf rubbing,
- tap into all that nature can offer with 5-senses journaling, and
- learn how to create earth art/mandalas
Symmetrical earth art design, created by Jocelyn
Free-flow design for earth art, created by Jocelyn
You’ll get to take home all of the above ‘feel good’ vibes, along with:
- The feeling of having a tranquil, garden sanctuary within you.
- The know-how on how to reduce stress and calm your mind at any time, and to keep that ‘inner sanctuary’ of yours connected with mother nature/Papatūānuku.
- A nature journal.
- A set of journaling pens.
- A foraging bag so that you can continue to collect nature’s taonga/treasures when at home.
Open to anyone aged 18+, who is seeking to reduce stress, rejuvenate their body, reset their mind and renew their spirt. Ideal for beginners.
To RSVP, or if you have questions, please text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or use the contact form on the website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
Tickets: You can buy tickets through Eventbrite using your credit card. Or you can arrange payment by online banking – the account number will be provided once you RSVP.
Please note: The amount paid is non-refundable if you change your mind or are unable to attend. However, a credit may be provided in special circumstances. If the organiser (Kia Ora Tai Chi) cancels the retreat, a full refund will be provided. Please refer to the cancellation policy below.
Here are all the details of the retreat:
Retreat date and time: Saturday 4 May, 2024, 8.45am – 3.30pm. Please arrive between 8.30 – 8.45am.
Venue:
Logan Campbell Building (in the gardens)
Parking: Plenty of free parking in botanic gardens carpark.
What to wear: Comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to move in, and flat-soled shoes that are comfortable for walking. Please also bring a jersey or hoodie to keep warm, especially as we will sit still for some of the time.
Please bring: Your lunch, pen and paper to take notes, filled water bottle and a snack
Places are limited to just 12 people.
Who is the instructor?
Jocelyn Watkin
Jocelyn has helped people of all ages and abilities to reduce stress and improve their overall health, fitness, balance and well-being with qigong and tai chi since 2003.
She also teaches restorative, sensory and nature journaling to further help people to manage and relieve stress.
Jocelyn recently discovered mindfulness-based art therapy, such as creating earth art and leaf rubbing, which she found both helpful and liberating when recovering from post-pandemic stress and anxiety.
She has numerous tai chi and qigong instructor qualifications and also a New Zealand Diploma of Teaching. She has written three books and has worked as a freelance journalist
She is the founder and director of Kia Ora Tai Chi and registered as a group exercise provider (with own choreography) with the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs).
Testimonial: “I really enjoyed your style, Jocelyn. Friendly, caring, informative and non-judgemental. You made me feel relaxed and welcome. Thank you.” (Participant in the Stardome mini-retreat, March 2022)
What is qigong (pronounced chee-gong)?
Qigong breathing is healing and liberating
For thousands of years the Chinese have had a secret.
A secret that helps to increase longevity and assists the body to heal from injury, illness and trauma.
That secret is qigong – a deep, meditative breathing and movement exercise that connects the mind to the body.
The main reasons why people learn qigong are to manage and reduce stress, and improve their overall health and well-being.
Qigong is about releasing stress, not suppressing it. Through special qigong breathing you can learn how to let go of stress.
What is sensory or 5-senses nature journaling?
Sensory nature journaling
With sensory journaling, you focus on your five senses to tune into and enjoy the world around you. It’s a pleasant adventure in noticing, savouring and in feeling truly alive.
It can be done anywhere – on your deck, garden, street, or even near an open window!
Journaling is not just writing. You can draw, doodle, trace around objects, etc, as part of focusing with each of your five senses: sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste.
This type of journaling helps you to calm your mind and to relax into the present moment, which will help you to reduce worrying, relieve anxiety and to begin to live the life you really want.
Jocelyn learned about the power of journaling when recovering from post-traumatic stress nearly 25 years ago. It enabled her to break the grip that stress had on her and also freed her thoughts to plan for a better and different life.
Testimonial: “Jocelyn was very relatable because quite often what was being taught had been used by her in real life.” (Participant in the Stardome mini-retreat, March 2022)
Cancellation policy
The workshop must be paid for in full to reserve your place.
All payments are non-refundable but, if you can’t attend, you can nominate a friend, colleague or family member to take your place.
Please do not attend this workshop if you have Covid or you have a cold or ‘flu-like symptoms. In this instance and if you can’t find someone else to take your place, you will be provided with a credit towards another Kia Ora Tai Chi workshop, retreat or class.
In the unlikely event that Kia Ora Tai Chi cancels the workshop, you will be refunded in full.
COVID-19 policy
Please do not attend if you are sick or have cold or ‘flu-like symptoms.
All participants will need to respect the need for social distancing at all times during the workshop. The venue is a reasonable size and there’ll be plenty of room for everyone to spread out. There will not be any paired exercises or touching by others.
The room will be well-ventilated and hand sanitiser will be provided.
We will abide by the NZ Government’s health advice and regulations as they apply at the time of this retreat
Jocelyn (the instructor) has been fully vaccinated for Covid-19.
To RSVP, or if you have questions, please text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or used the contact form on the website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
Come join me at my ‘Awaken Your Senses’ retreat for an immersive day of transformation and rejuvenation.
Earth art, created by Jocelyn
Earth art, created by Jocelyn
by Jocelyn Watkin | Feb 21, 2024 | Information |
A fusion of Chinese and Pākeha tai chi instructors, who are both Kiwis: Juliana (on the left) and Jocelyn
Embark on a tai chi adventure with us to experience Tai Chi for Fun and Energy. There’ll be six FREE opportunities to learn and these will happen across Ranui, Te Atatū and Manurewa for the 2024 World of Cultures Festival.
Tai chi is an ancient martial art from China, which you will learn from Jocelyn, Kia Ora Tai Chi and Juliana, Aroha Tai Chi. Together, we will provide an amazing teaching combo as we are an awesome fusion of Chinese and Pākeha Kiwis.
As well as health-boosting tai chi you will also experience the energy and exhilaration of the tai chi fan. This will be an unforgettable experience with the brilliant colour and movement of the fan, and the delightful snap of it opening. If you’re a seasoned practitioner this will add an extra layer of intrigue and excitement to your tai chi.
Adults of any age and ability will be welcome, especially newcomers, to learn this unique and fun form of tai chi. Children aged 5+ will be also be very welcome, if accompanied by an adult.
Fun with tai chi fans,. Juliana is centre left (in black shirt) and Jocelyn is centre right (wearing red shoes)
Join Jocelyn and Juliana for one, two or all six of these 1-hour, FREE Tai Chi for Fun and Energy sessions. Ideal for beginners. Fans (free on loan) will be provided.
Friday 22 March, 2024: 9.15 – 10.15am, Ranui
- Ranui Community Centre: 474 Swanson Road, Ranui, 0612
- Places limited to maximum of 20. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to: Juliana, Email: arohataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 021 905 742
Saturday 23 March, 2024: 10.15am – 11.15am, Te Atatū
- Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre: 595 Te Atatū Road, Te Atatū Peninsula, 0610
- Places limited to maximum of 20. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to: Juliana, Email: arohataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 021 905 742
***CANCELLED*** Good Friday 29 March 2024, 9.15am – 10.15am, Ranui Domain, ***CANCELLED***
Easter Saturday 30 March, 2024, 10.15am – 11.15am, Te Atatū
- Te Atatū Peninsula Community Centre: 595 Te Atatū Road, Te Atatū Peninsula, 0610
- Places limited to maximum of 20. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to: Juliana, Email: arohataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 021 905 742
Easter Saturday 30 March, 2024, 2.30pm – 3.30pm, Manurewa
- The Theatre, at Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa, 2102
- Places limited to maximum of 35. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to Jocelyn, Email: kiaorataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 027 493 9851
Friday 12 April, 2024: 9.15 – 10.15am, Ranui
- Ranui Community Centre: 474 Swanson Road, Ranui, 0612
- Places limited to maximum of 20. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to: Juliana, Email: arohataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 021 905 742
Saturday 13 April, 2024, 2.30pm – 3.30pm, Manurewa
- The Theatre, at Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa, 2102
- Places limited to maximum of 35. Children aged 5+ will be welcome if accompanied by an adult.
- RSVP to Jocelyn, Email: kiaorataichi@gmail.com or Ph/text: 027 493 9851
Nathan Homestead, Manurewa
What to wear: Loose comfortable clothing along with something warm like a hoodie, jumper, cardigan, etc. Please wear flat-soled shoes such as sneakers, trainers or tennis shoes. Please also bring a bottle of drinking water.
What to expect: All of the sessions will begin with a sequence of easy, flowing, warm-up exercises that will be low impact and gentle on your joints. These exercises are designed to improve your balance, overall health and core strength. You can use a fan for free on the day.
Jocelyn and Juliana will then guide you through health-boosting tai chi – a series of linked steps and movements that will be fun and easy-to-learn.
We will finish with the tai chi fan form – a captivating fusion of martial arts and grace, with vibrant sound effects and colour. We’ll teach you how to wield the fan with finesse and flair.
What is tai chi?
Often described as “moving meditation”, tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art and exercise programme that combines mental focus with relaxed movements. It is sometimes referred to as “taiji” or “tai chi chuan”.
Tai chi not just a physical exercise but a holistic journey towards balance, vitality and greater well-being.
Adults of any age and ability, and children aged 5+ (with an accompanying adult), are all welcome. Places are limited so please RSVP ahead of time.
Come join us, bring your smiles, and let’s make unforgettable memories together with tai chi.
Our Tai Chi for Fun and Energy events are part of the official programme for Auckland Council’s 2024 World of Cultures Festival.
Find out more about:
by Jocelyn Watkin | Feb 20, 2024 | Information |
Huia Lodge Discovery Hub, Cornwall Park
The Huia Lodge Discovery Hub, in beautiful Cornwall Park, is staying open late on Friday 22 March 2024, and everyone is invited!
Energize your body and soul at this FREE Huia Lodge Late event from 5 – 7pm. I’ll be part of vibrancy with my rejuvenating, 15-minute tai chi drop-in sessions during the evening.
Join me on Friday 22 March to shake off the week’s stress so you can embrace a fun evening with lots of other activities, performances and exhibitions.
Location: Huia Lodge Discovery Hub next to the Cornwall Park Bistro (the old tea kiosk).
Address: Michael Horton Drive, Cornwall Park, Auckland 1051. Refer to Google street map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/m85TZUQmcFVPQVZC7
If you are coming to the park with a vehicle, the parking closest to the Huia Lodge Discovery Hub is ONLY accessible from the Greenlane Road West entrance to the park.
The event is organised by the park’s events team. You don’t need to book or register. This event is FREE. Just come, bring whānau and friends and enjoy the fun.
Find out more
by Jocelyn Watkin | Jan 14, 2024 | Information |
FREE tai chi and qigong sessions with Jocelyn Watkin and/or another instructor from Kia Ora Tai Chi will be held (weather dependent) in Cornwall Park (in Auckland) every Sunday morning, 9am, and Tuesday evening, 6pm. Starting on Sunday 21 January and finishing on Tuesday 26 March 2022.
These sessions are free for anyone and are suitable for all ages and abilities. Beginners will be very welcome.
Dates and times:
- Starting Sunday 21 January 2024, 9 – 9.45am and every Sunday morning until 24th March 2024 (weather permitting)
- Starting Tuesday 23 January 2024, 6 – 6.45pm and every Tuesday evening until 26th March 2024 (weather permitting).
Location in the park: Same as in previous years. If coming into the park from Greenlane Road West, you’ll be on Pōhutukawa Drive (the main road into the park). The tai chi sessions will be under the trees on the left-hand-side about half-way up Pōhutukawa Drive. (If you get to the roundabout, you’ve gone too far.)
Registration is not required, just show up 5 -10 minutes before each session starts.
As all of the sessions are outdoors, the weather needs to be on our side to go ahead. If you are uncertain on whether the session will be held you can:
I can’t wait to see everyone again who attended in previous years and also to meet anyone new, who would love to try tai chi and qigong this summer.
Curious about tai chi and qigong? Find out more here: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/tai-chi/
A big thank you to founder of the park, Sir John Logan Campbell, for his gift of Cornwall Park to the people of Auckland. Also, huge thanks to the Cornwall Park Trust Board, which administers his legacy and provides funding for these sessions so you can attend for free.
by Jocelyn Watkin | Dec 29, 2023 | Information |
2023 has had many challenges but also much to celebrate and be thankful for.
January to March 2023: Record attendance at summer tai chi and qigong in Cornwall Park
353 participants attended over 17 sessions, making last summer (my 6th in the park) my best ever. This was despite having to cancel six lessons due to rain, more rain, and then a big cyclone.
Over six summers, I have now introduced the delights and health benefits of tai chi and qigong to a total 1,352 participants.
Special thanks to Barry, Juliana and Pauline for your valuable help as co-instructors in the park.
All are welcome to attend the 2024 season of free summer tai chi and qigong in Cornwall Park. Ideal for beginners of all ages and abilities. Details in this link: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/free-tai-chi/
Snow Rabbit/Lotus Qigong became a hot favourite in 2023
This was going to be a ‘oncer’ in Cornwall Park for the Lunar/Chinese New Year in February.
However, attendees became so entranced by the lovely, flowing movements and the charming narrative about the little snow rabbit dreaming of Spring, that they always requested it at each session in the park. The delight of Snow Rabbit Qigong has spread to all of my other classes.
2024 will be the Year of the Dragon and there’s lots of scope to teach a form of dragon qigong. I can’t wait!
Spinning and twirling in 2023
In March, I teamed up with SpinPoi, Cornwall Park and the Re-Creators team for a free, zero-waste poi making workshop and SpinPoi lesson.
What a fantastic collaboration! The team from Re-Creators showed all attendees how to make poi from reclaimed t-shirts and wool stuffing for every part of the poi. Excess scraps were incorporated back in, to make this a truly zero-waste activity.
At the event, people of all ages and abilities jumped at the chance to make a set of poi. As soon as each person and/or family group finished their creations I was there to show them how to spin, twirl and swing their poi.
Check out video of this really fun event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aT4tQ0cqLVQ
Later in 2023, I upgraded my SpinPoi qualification and taught SpinPoi to a group of adults with autism.
I was also honoured to be appointed (one of three) to the global Lead Instructor Team for SpinPoi. My area of expertise on this team is the kaupapa/principles of teaching.
April and May 2023: TV stars with my tai chi group at Acacia Cove Retirement Village
Myself and several of my older students at Acacia had the opportunity to trial a new app for fall prevention, called Nymbl. This app supports the important skill of dual-tasking by getting you to do combo of movement and quizzes (that’s the dual-tasking bit), which in turn helps you to improve your balance.
We were featured twice on TV3 about our experiences with Nymbl and you can watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnE5yhzFI1Q (There might be an annoying advertising clip at the start. Just click “Skip Ad” as soon as you get the chance to do so.)
Here are the links to download the Nymbl app, which is free for use in New Zealand, as it is funded for all New Zealanders by he Accident Compensation Commission (ACC):
You can find out more about the Nymbl app here: https://fallsfree.co.nz/
May 2023: Vantastic Vanuatu
My 1st ever international tai chi and qigong retreat was twelve months in the planning and then three years of postponements during the global pandemic. In May this year, we finally made it to the aptly named Paradise Cove Resort, in Vanuatu. The wait was definitely worth it.
I taught the magical 5-Element Qigong, with a deep dive into the elements of Earth, Fire, Wood, Water and Metal. I was blown away with how the participants responded to this and what they wrote in their journals. We also ‘dived’ into the health-boosting 12 Rivers Qigong.
There was plenty of time for diving into other activities, too, such as snorkeling in the calm lagoon at the resort’s beach, and outings to real rivers (not just rivers of qigong) and waterfalls. Can you imagine swimming up to and under a waterfall? Totally awesome.
Thank you to the very special people who never gave up hope that we’d finally get to Vanuatu and who made this retreat so wonderful: Juliana, Fran, Kevin, Sarah, Caroline, Constance and Marc.
June 2023: A new beginners class
Our usual evening class venue suddenly became unavailable at the start of the year. After waiting several months in the hope that we could get back there, we eventually settled permanently into a different venue.
This meant I could finally start a new evening class for beginners. I now have 20 ‘newbies’, who are keen and enthusiastic (and also addicted to Snow Rabbit Qigong).
Thank you to Ned for your help in finding our permanent “home” in Clendon, Manurewa. When compared with our previous venue it is so much better – warmer in winter, with brighter lighting and a better car park. Find out more about my evening classes here: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/classes/
July 2023: Matariki and Mindfulness Month
Thank you for your help, support and donations during Mindfulness Month in July, which helped me to raise nearly $400 towards the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.
As well as daily, mindful activities during the month, I donated my teaching time for three mindful sessions of tai chi, qigong and restorative journaling during Matariki as a fund-raiser for the foundation. With other volunteers, we collectively raised over $55,000 for the foundation during Mindfulness Month.
Thank you so much everyone. Your generosity means that more New Zealanders will be able to get help with their mental health.
I plan to be part of Mindfulness Month again in 2024.
September 2023: Doing tai chi in the home of tai chi – China
Photo: Jocelyn in the centre of the photo, wearing red shirt and red shoes
I had an unexpected trip to China in September on a family matter. While I was in Honghu City (in Hubei Province), I was invited to join a local tai chi group for their training session.
For many years, I have been taught an ancient form of tai chi that is not common in China today. When I demonstrated that style of tai chi to the group in Honghu City, I received a completely unexpected invitation to come back and teach that form of tai chi to the group.
Once I was back in Aotearoa/NZ, I talked about this experience with my advanced students, and they’re keen to explore the idea of a visit to China. Of course, all of my students (including beginners) will be welcome, should I organise such a trip.
I keep in touch with the sifu (instructor) of that group. He is very encouraging about me returning to Honghu City. At this stage, we have set a provisional date of April 2025 for a group of my students to accompany me. There is a lot to do and think about before then and I’ll keep you posted.
Throughout 2023: Earth Art – the art of letting go and coping with change
Earth art (also known as earth altars) are temporary art installations / designs / mandalas made from foraged leaves, flowers, shells, etc, that have fallen from trees or been released by the sea.
Over 2023, I explored how these installations can help with managing stress and change.
When practiced regularly, tai chi and qigong can be very effective for reducing stress. When combined with earth art, the stress relief is even greater.
Creating “art that doesn’t last” and then letting the wind, rain, time and tide change and reclaim it, helps us to understand and accept that change and impermanence is normal in the circle of life.
I am considering how best to offer a session on earth art with you in 2024.
Final words for 2023
Finally, a big thank you to everyone who has supported and encouraged me over 2023 and particularly:
- Barry Vodanovich, for being my co-teacher both at Cornwall Park and also for my evening classes. He is our tai chi cane form master and many of you have learned this amazing tai chi form from him.
- Grant Williams, for attending frequently and also helping as an assistant teacher.
- Pat James, for leading the Acacia group in practice sessions when I couldn’t attend.
- My lovely husband, Ken, who attends every evening class, puts the tables and chairs away, lugs my charts and posters from and back to the car, checks the attendance register, is the appointed fire warden, and who also accompanies my students back to their cars at the end of class, including lighting their steps with a torch in winter.
Lastly, all of you for attending my classes, workshops, retreats and sessions, for keeping in touch with texts and emails, for reading my e-newsletters and giving me such positive feedback; and for telling me how much you love tai chi and qigong.
