1-Day Retreat: Discover Balance and Harmony with 5-Element Qigong, 20 Sept 2025

by | Jun 24, 2025 | Information | 0 comments

Wouldn’t it be amazing if there was a way to re-balance yourself when you feel ‘out of kilter’. Absolutely!  Through the ancient, revitalising art of 5-Element Qigong you can learn how restore and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul.

  • When: Saturday 20 September 2025, 9am – 3.30pm. (Please arrive between 8.40 – 8.55am)
  • Where: Auckland Botanic Gardens (in the Friends Building), 102 Hill Road, The Gardens, Manurewa, Auckland 2105
  • Participants: Adults aged 18+. Beginners will be very welcome.
  • Limited to 10 participants

According to ancient Chinese philosophy, everything in the universe (including humans) is composed of five elements – Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire. When these five are in harmony, all is well. When they are not, you feel ‘out of balance’, tired and often stressed.

As a qualified qigong instructor, Jocelyn Watkin offers an in-depth opportunity to learn the venerated practice of 5-Element Qigong — a gentle yet powerful sequence of movements based on Traditional Chinese Medicine, which harmonises your movements and breathing in line with the five elements.

The timing of 20 September has been especially chosen. It is just before the Spring Equinox, which is when day and night are in perfect balance, making this the ultimate time to awaken gently from winter’s quiet stillness, to restore harmony within ourselves and realign with the rhythms of nature.

Yin Yang symbol made up of stars in the night sky with the sun in one half and the moon in the other

Night and day in perfect balance and harmony during an equinox

This gentle, nourishing retreat will include:

  • Guided 5-Element Qigong, which is suitable for all abilities.
  • Time in nature to align with seasonal energy.
  • Mindful breathing and relaxation.
  • A beautiful guided art activity where you’ll make a mandala, symbolising balance and harmony.
  • A small, supportive group of adults in a peaceful setting.

Whether you’re new to qigong (pronounced chee-gong) or looking to deepen your existing practice, this retreat is a chance to reconnect with what truly sustains you — inside and out.

Read the reviews and feedback from Jocelyn’s 1-Day qigong retreat in May 2025:

  • “One of the best retreats I have ever attended.”
  • “It was a nurturing and valuable day to spend time healing myself.”
  • “Loved the philosophy and history behind qigong.”
  • “I loved the welcoming and accepting atmosphere of the whole day.”

Retreat pricing:

  • Early-bird price (up until 1 July 2025): $155 per person (100% refundable until 20th July)
  • After 1 July: $175 per person (100% refundable until 20th July)

Limited to 10 participants.

Please check the full refund policy further below.

Please contact me (Jocelyn) if you have questions or to reserve a place in this unique retreat by phoning or texting me on 027 493 9851, or using the Contact Form on the Kia Ora Tai Chi website. I will advise options for payment.

What is 5-Element Qigong and why is it so good for you?

Diagram showing the names of the five elements, which are positioned in a circle surrounding the Yin/Yang symbol

The five elements of Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire

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.

All qigong has health benefits, as based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, the ancient practice of 5-Element Qigong is a gentle yet especially powerful sequence of breathing and movement focussed on your meridian/energy lines and your internal organs.

At this 1-day retreat you’ll learn:

  • About the fascinating five elements: Earth, Metal, Water, Wood and Fire and how, according to TCM, they are believed to exist in everything in the universe, including us humans.
  • The ancient history of how these five elements relate to the absolute and infinite potential of Yin/Yang to improve strength and balance.
  • How to rebalance yourself when you feel ‘out of kilter’ with the curative power of 5-Element Qigong.
  • How the gentle, restorative 5-Element Yin movements support your wellbeing and, according to TCM, also the ongoing health of your meridian lines/energy channels and organs for the spleen (earth), lung (metal), kidney (water), liver (wood), and heart (fire).
  • How to self-care and nurture yourself with healing qigong to release tension and stiffness.

By flowing through movements that support each element, 5-Element Qigong brings emotional and physical energy back into harmony.

 What is the Spring Equinox?

Diagram showing the sunshine and blue sky on the left-hand-side and the moon and starry night sky on the right-hand-side

Daytime and night-time are of equal length during an equinox

There are only two equinoxes each year.  One in Autumn and the other in Spring.

These happen when the sun is directly overhead at noon on the equator and the Earth’s axis is tilted neither towards nor away from the sun.

This means the length of daylight and the duration of night-time are equal and the world rests in harmony and balance.

According to TCM, practising 5-Element Qigong at the seasonal turning point of the Spring Equinox helps us to:

  • Let go of winter sluggishness and stress.
  • Gently awaken our energy for the months ahead.
  • Improve flexibility, circulation, and organ health.
  • Harmonise and centre our thoughts and emotions.
  • Connect more deeply with our breath, mind, body, and nature.

 What are mandalas and what sort of mandala will you create during the retreat?

A circular design with different shapes and colours in a circular pattern inside the outer circle.

A mandala

A mandala is a geometric, symmetrical pattern of shapes and symbols. The word means ‘circle’ in Sanskrit. A mandala is also known by other names in different cultures. Most mandalas are circular or enclosed in a circular shape.

Since the dawn of time, humans have been drawn to circular forms. Rock carvings found all over the world incorporate round shapes in various ways: spirals, concentric circles, symbols of the sun and moon, and also from nature such as fern fronds.

It is probable that the cycles of nature inspired these artworks, such as day moving into night and back into day, the ever-changing phases of the moon, and the rhythms of the seasons.

Some mandalas have symbolic meanings in several different cultures and religions. For example, sand mandalas, also known as dry paintings, are guides to long-held traditions and are essential for meaningful rituals in meditation, healing, or spiritual journeys.

These symbolic rituals are practised by diverse populations such Native Americans, particularly the Navajo, by Tibetan and Buddhist monks, as well as Indigenous Australians, and also by Latin Americans on certain Christian holy days.

Whatever their purpose across the world, mandalas all have one aspect in common – their pleasing, circular forms are easy-on-eye. They also resonate with most of us on a deeper level as they represent unity, balance, harmony, and inter-connectedness, particularly with the natural world.

Once you start noticing mandala-like forms, you’ll see their influence everywhere – art, architecture, carpets, fabrics and furnishings, mosaics, church windows, and dream catchers, just to name a few.

During this retreat, and with the guidance of your teacher, you’ll create either:

A vibrant window mandala using the colours of the five elements, which you’ll take home as a glowing symbol of harmony and balance.

Circular geometric designs made with colourful translucent paper that glow when placed on a glass window.

Window mandalas

Or, if the weather co-operates, you’ll design and build a unique nature mandala (also called earth art) made from leaves, fronds, petals, twigs, etc. On completion, you’ll take a photo of your creation as a lasting reminder of your connection to the elements and the cosmos. You’ll then leave your actual mandala behind to ‘re-wild’ – either back into the earth or to be scattered by the four winds.

A circular design made of leaves, plant sprigs, petals, and fern fronds

A nature mandala (Photograph by Marg Davidson and featured with her kind permission)

At this retreat, you’ll also have time to explore the tranquil Auckland Botanic Gardens

Trees with pink and white blossoms against a deep blue sky. Yellow and white spring flowers sprout from the lush green grass under the trees.

Spring Blossom Valley in the Auckland Botanic Gardens

At the end of the retreat, there will be time for your own self-guided tour of these peaceful gardens. You may like to:

  • Take a stroll through Spring Blossom Valley and feast your senses as bright bulbs push through the ground and blossom explodes on the trees. https://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/our-gardens/spring-blossom-valley/
  • Immerse yourself in Shinrin-yoku (Japanese for ‘forest bathing’) in the dappled seclusion of the native bush area.
  • Admire the many fascinating and intriguing sculptures throughout the gardens.
  • Embark on your own ‘sniffari’ and delight in the aromas of the edible and herb gardens.
  • Get dreamy with the palms or in the rose garden.
  • Or simply wend your way along the many walkways to refresh your eyes and senses on nature at its best.

Retreat pricing:

  • Early-bird price (up until 1 July 2025): $155 per person (100% refundable until 20th July)
  • After 1 July: $175 per person (100% refundable until 20th July)

Limited to 10 participants.

Please contact Jocelyn if you have questions or to reserve a place in this unique retreat by phoning or texting her on 027 493 9851, or using the Contact Form on the Kia Ora Tai Chi website. She will advise options for payment.

About your instructor

Smiling woman in a red shirt and body armour wielding a sword

Jocelyn Watkin

Jocelyn Watkin is a qualified qigong and tai chi instructor in Auckland, New Zealand, who has been enjoying the health benefits of these ancient Chinese arts for over 20 years.

She has visited China three times, which included training at the sacred Wudangshan (Wudang Mountain), which is the tūrangawaewae of tai chi and qigong. (Tūrangawaewae is a Te Reo Māori word meaning spiritual home or a place to stand where you feel especially connected).

Jocelyn also teaches restorative, nature journaling and mindfulness-based art therapy to help people manage and relieve stress. When combined with the calming, meditative breathing and movement of qigong, creativity becomes even more restorative.

She is the founder and director of Kia Ora Tai Chi  and is registered as a group exercise provider (with own choreography) with the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs). 

Testimonials about Jocelyn from her May 2025 retreat: 

  • “Fabulous – and I am being honest. Your values and respect shine through Jocelyn.”
  • “You are positive and affirming and when you help it felt as if you really were focusing on us as individuals.”
  • “Pace and variety perfectly pitched without losing depth of understanding.”

Here are all the details of this 1-Day Retreat to Discover Balance and Harmony with 5-Element Qigong

When: Saturday 20 September 2025, 9am – 3.30pm (please arrive between 8.40 – 8.55am)

Where: Auckland Botanic Gardens (in the Friends Building), 102 Hill Road, The Gardens, Auckland 2105

Parking: Plenty of free parking is available in the main car park at the Auckland Botanic Gardens. The Friends Building is a house located next to the main carpark (on the Western side of the car park).

What to wear:  Comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to move in and flat-soled shoes. Please bring a jersey or hoodie to keep warm, as we will be sitting still for some of the time (chairs will be provided for this). If you want to explore the gardens after the retreat, please also bring an outdoor jacket.

Please bring: Your lunch, pen and paper to take notes, filled water bottle and a snack.

Who should attend?
This retreat is open to anyone aged 18+ who seeks to refresh and rebalance their body, mind, and soul. Ideal for beginners and also for tai chi and qigong enthusiasts who want to get more out of their practice.

Please contact Jocelyn to reserve a place in this unique retreat by phoning or texting her on 027 493 9851, or using the Contact Form on the Kia Ora Tai Chi website. She will advise options for payment.

Cancellation policy

This retreat must be paid for in full to reserve your place.

  • Early-bird price (until the 1st July 2025): $155 per person (100% refundable until 20th July)
  • After 1st July: $175 per person (100% refundable until 20th July)
  • A 50% refund is available if you withdraw between 21 July and 20 August
  • We are unable to provide refunds if you withdraw after 20th August 2025.

If you are unwell on the day of the retreat (20 September 2025)

Please do not attend if you are sick or have a cold, Covid or ‘flu-like symptoms. In these circumstances, you will be issued with a credit to attend another tai chi or qigong workshop or retreat by Kia Ora Tai Chi.

All participants will need to respect the need for social distancing during the retreat. Anyone is welcome to wear a face mask if they wish.

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.

If you’d like to be among the first to know when other exiting Kia Ora Tai Chin, Qigong or SpinPoi retreats and events happen, please RSVP to receive our free monthly e-newsletter as follows:

  • If you are viewing this on a desktop computer – please look to the right of this page for the “Monthly Newsletter Signup” box.
  • If you are viewing on a mobile phone or tablet – please scroll down to find the “Monthly Newsletter Signup” box.
  • Please complete your details and click the “Sign up” button. Or, you can ask questions and request the free e-newsletter using our “Contact Us” page: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/

 

Use it or lose it

by | Apr 16, 2025 | Information | 0 comments

A group of seniors wield their tai chi canes like martial artists.

The Kia Ora Tai Chi seniors group understand about ‘use it or lose it.”

American Fitness guru Elaine LaLanne, who is still going strong at age 99, defies the oft-quoted line that loss of muscle and strength is inevitable as we age.

She says, “If you don’t move, you’ll become immovable”.

Age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength definitely exists and is known by the medical term “sarcopenia”. It’s literal meaning is ‘poverty of the flesh’, and it is a major cause of frailty amongst older adults.

It is mainly caused by the natural aging process. However, the good news is that sarcopenia is not inevitable although this will depend on your overall health, physical activity and whether you eat well.

According to University of Otago and Brain Research New Zealand neuroscientist Phil Sheard, even a modest amount of exercise is enough to stave off muscle weakness and frailty in old age. It’s definitely a case of ‘use it, or lose it’.  

Can tai chi help? You betcha!
In a 2022 systemic review and meta-analysis of 11 randomised controlled trials (RCTs), the conclusion was that: “Patients with frailty or sarcopenia who practiced tai chi exhibited improved physical performance in the 30-second chair stand test, the timed up and go test, number of falls and fear of falling.”  Click here to Read more

While any exercise is better than no exercise, it is noted that participants in these studies did tai chi several times per week. The ‘modest amount’ of exercise suggested by the University of Otago means more than once per week. This can be a mixture of exercises, not just tai chi.

You may not be able to completely prevent sarcopenia since the condition happens as part of the natural aging process. But you can take steps to slow the progression of the disease. These include:

  • Making healthy food choices: Choose a healthy diet that includes high-quality proteins.
  • Exercise: Maintain a physically active lifestyle that includes regular resistance training and exercises that are weight bearing.
  • Routine physicals: Visit your doctor or healthcare professional regularly and let them know about any changes in your health.

All of the Kia Ora Tai Chi instructors are approved as Community Group Strength & Balance Programme exercise providers by ACC, Age Concern and Harbour Sport. This is a key part of ACC’s programme called “Live Stronger, for Longer”, which is to reduce and prevent falls in senior adults. 

Find out more:

A hand holding a fitness weight with a lightning bolt exploding from it, which knocks over a walking stick

“If you don’t move, you’ll become immovable” (Quote from Elaine LaLanne)

 

Free summer tai chi from January to end March 2025

by | Jan 11, 2025 | Information | 0 comments

Yes, it’s happening and for the 8th year in a row!! The free summer tai chi and qigong sessions with me in Cornwall Park are back for summer 2025. Details below

These FREE sessions are outdoors in Cornwall Park from mid-January to the end of March 2025. All welcome, ideal for beginners and suitable for all ages and abilities.

Dates and times:

  • Starting Sunday 12 January 2025, 9 – 9.45am: Please note there is no tai chi on Sunday 26 January, which is during Auckland Anniversary Weekend. There will be tai chi on all other Sunday mornings from 12th January until 30th March 2025 (weather permitting)
  • Starting Tuesday 14 January 2025, 6 – 6.45pm and every Tuesday evening until 25th March 2025 (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.)

Bring your water bottle and a sun hat/sunblock. Wear comfy clothing and footwear. Registrations are 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/

Please be aware that Cornwall Park is NOT owned by Auckland Council. It is a private park, thanks to the generosity of the founder, Sir John Logan Campbell. He gifted his land, which became known as 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.

Contact me or sign up for my free monthly newsletter to get an early ‘heads up’ on when there are even more free sessions of tai chi and qigong.

Better balance with tai chi

by | Oct 5, 2024 | Information | 0 comments

Woman on an e-bike, cycling across a bridge over the Waikato River

Jocelyn crossing the Perry Cycle Bridge on Te Awa, The Great New Zealand River Ride

I love how tai chi is perfect for improving balance. As well as making you fitter and stronger and less likely to have a fall, tai chi is also great for cycle riding.

I organised a successful fundraising event on e-bikes for the Mental Health Foundation of NZ (the foundation) during July 2024’s Mindfulness Month. As well as the participants, many of you also generously donated and, together, we raised over $1,000. Woot!

This meant that, by August 2024, I was awarded the title of ‘fundraising hero” by the foundation and featured on their website: https://mentalhealth.org.nz/fundraising-heroes 

A huge thank you to the teams at River Riders NZ and Electrify NZ Botany who sponsored the e-bike ride on Te Awa (the Great New Zealand River Ride) by providing free e-bike hire, helmets and minibus transport to and from Auckland.

Many thanks, too, to everyone who helped with the fundraising, either as a cyclist or the many others who supported the cyclists and also generously donated to the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand.

You are all the real heroes!

If you want to know more about how tai chi can improve your balance, read this…

Group of people standing with their bikes with the Waikato River in the background

The e-bike group that completed the successful fundraising event during Mindfulness Month

Free tai chi for World of Cultures Festival, March & April 2024

by | Feb 21, 2024 | Information | 0 comments

Two women in red shirts doing holding red tai chi fans

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.

Group of smiling people holding brightly-coloured kung fu fans

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
Grand mansion in an Elizabethan, half-timbered architectural style, surrounded by a colourful garden.

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.

Bright pink, purple and yellow and colourful logo for World of Cultures Festival

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: