by Jocelyn Watkin | Jun 9, 2024 | Information |
All ages and abilities welcome for FREE tai chi in the park for the official Matariki holiday.
When: Friday 28 June 2024, 11 – 11.45am
Where: Kauri Point Reserve in Wattle Downs, Manurewa, which is at the end of a street called “Moor Park”. Refer to map: https://goo.gl/maps/MZHeqttC5rBeL6mu9
This is an outdoor event so wrap up warm, pop on a beanie and join in.
Matariki is a time to focus on mindfulness, reflection, thankfulness, well-being and health. The three key principles are:
- Matariki Hunga Nui. Remembrance. Honouring those we have lost since the last rising of Matariki.
- Matariki Ahunga Nui. Celebrating the Present. Gathering together to give thanks for what we have.
- Matariki Manako Nui. Looking to the Future. Looking forward to the promise of a new year.
The theme for 2024 is “Matariki heri kai” and comes from the Māori proverb ‘Matariki whetū heri kai’ meaning ‘Matariki, the bringer of food’.
To acknowledge Matariki and to celebrate life in the present moment, we will gather together for a shared morning tea after the tai chi session. All welcome and please bring some kai/food to share.
Cancellation notice: This session will need fine weather to go ahead. If the ground is too wet or the weather doesn’t co-operate, please look for the cancellation notice by 9am on 28 June on the Kia Ora Tai Chi facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/kiaorataichi/
For more information, get in touch with Jocelyn through the Contact Us page on this website: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/contact-us/
Find out more about Matariki: https://www.matariki.com/about
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 | May 31, 2023 | Information |
Please note: From 4 June 2024, the beginners class will held only on Wednesday evenings.
A new tai chi and qigong (pronounced chee-gong) evening class for beginners will start on Monday 12 June 2023 (6.30 – 7.15pm).
Classes will be held every Monday evening (now only on WEDNESDAY evenings) (except for public holidays and over the Christmas/New Year period).
The venue is the St Elizabeth’s Church hall, which is located at 182 Finlayson Avenue, Clendon, Manurewa, Auckland 2103. There is free parking on site. Please refer to this map: https://goo.gl/maps/eLgqq5bHz4ATjBok9
Jocelyn Watkin and the Kia Ora Tai Chi team welcome adults of any age and ability as new beginners (starting in June 2023).
What to wear: Please wear loose comfortable clothing and bring a something warm like a hoodie, jumper, cardigan, etc. Please also wear flat-soled shoes (such as sneakers, trainers or tennis shoes). Please also bring a bottle of drinking water.
Facemasks may be required: Depending on levels of Covid or the ‘flu in the wider community, it may be necessary at certain times to wear a facemask on arrival and when talking with others. If it is safe to do so, you can remove your facemask during classes if you wish, as long as we can all physically distance ourselves. (Please refer further below for other Covid safety requirements.)
What to expect: All of the classes begin with a sequence of easy, flowing, warm-up exercises which are low impact and gentle on your joints. These exercises are designed to improve your balance, overall health and core strength.
Then, Jocelyn and her team of instructors will guide you through health-boosting qigong (pronounced chee-gong) movements and/or a tai chi form – a series of linked postures and steps, which are also designed to strengthen your leg and core muscles and improve balance. The steps are performed in a slow, focussed manner and accompanied by deep breathing (known as qigong, which means ‘breath work’ and ‘energy work’). You can find out more about qigong and tai chi here: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/tai-chi/
If possible, please attend classes every week. If you miss a class, please commit to practicing at home to keep up with others in your group and to receive the full health benefits of tai chi and qigong. Regular practice can help improve strength, health and balance, reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Read more about the health benefits.
Pricing:
- Your first class is free.
- After the free class: Prices range from $10 to $15 per class (depending on how many classes are purchased in advance).
If you’d like more information or to RSVP, please text or phone Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or please use the Contact Form.
Covid, colds and influenza protection requirements when attending classes:
- Please stay at home if you have Covid or whenever you have a cold or flu-like symptoms or if someone in your household has Covid or the ‘flu. You are not charged for missed classes under these circumstances.
- About face masks: Some of the current students are immuno-compromised. As such, everyone in our tai chi group has decided to help and support their fellow students who are less fortunate with their health. Whenever there are high levels of Covid-19 and ‘flu in the wider community, ALL have AGREED to wear high quality facemasks on arrival and when chatting to others before the class starts/after the class finishes. This is regardless of any lesser requirements recommended by the NZ Government. If you do not think it is necessary to wear a facemask or you don’t want to wear one, your best option is to join a different tai chi group.
- If you wish, you can remove your mask during the class, as long as it is safe to do so and we can all physically distance ourselves.
- Anyone who wants to keep wearing a mask throughout the class is welcome to do so and their views/wishes are respected by others.
- The hall will be well-ventilated as the doors open in ALL weathers, so please wear layered clothing to keep warm.
- All instructors are vaccinated, including with all boosters.
If you’d like to have a kōrero (chat) or to RSVP, please text or phone Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or please use the Contact Form.
The above map shows the location of the evening classes in St Elizabeth’s Church hall. The entrance to the hall and the parking is at 182 Finlayson Avenue, Clendon, Manurewa, Auckland 2103.
Please text or phone Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 for more information about any of her classes, courses, workshops or retreats. Alternatively, please use the Contact Form to get in touch.
Tai chi and qigong are easy, fun and really great exercises, which are good for your body and helpful at reducing stress. If you are unable to stand for very long, Jocelyn and several of her assistant instructors can teach seated tai chi and qigong, which you can do alongside the rest of the class.
All tai chi classes are approved with the BIG TICK for the Community Group Strength and Balance Programme so you can “Live Stronger for Longer”.
What is tai chi and qigong? Often described as “moving meditation”, tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art and exercise programme that combines mental focus with deliberate and relaxed movements that are gentle on your joints. It is sometimes referred to as “taiji” or “tai chi chuan”.
Tai chi is a subset of the much older practice of qigong, which is a deep breathing and meditative exercise. In Chinese, the word is made up of two characters: ‘Qi’ = air, breath and life energy; and ‘gong’ = working hard to develop a high skill level. Therefore, qigong means: ‘the skill of getting more breath, energy and life’.
Read more about the health benefits of tai chi and qigong.
Please text or phone Jocelyn to have a kōrero: 027 493 9851. Alternatively, please use the Contact Form to get in touch.
by Jocelyn Watkin | Jan 28, 2023 | Information |
How magical would it be to discover an ancient healing art from China, which could help you to improve your overall health and wellbeing in the modern world? Absolutely amazing.
As a qualified instructor, I offer a rare, in-depth opportunity to experience the magic of qigong (pronounced chee-gong), a rejuvenating technique involving deep, meditative breathing and flowing movements that is 1,000s of years old.
At this workshop, and through the healing power of qigong, you’ll learn how to do self-care and to nurture yourself with:
- Deep, mindful breathing to calm your mind and release tension from your body.
- Gentle yet powerful movements to restore your energy levels.
- Relaxing self-massage to soothe your aches and support your body’s healing process
Ideal for beginners.
When: Saturday 11 February 2023, 10am to 1pm (please arrive no later than 9.55am)
Where: Reremoana School hall, 15 Scotsmoor Drive, Wattle Downs, Manurewa, Auckland 2103. Refer to this map: https://goo.gl/maps/soNPiz5gexGBgF4p6
Parking: Plenty of free parking is available on the half-circle shaped driveway in front of the school.
Open to anyone aged 18+, who is seeking to rebalance and rejuvenate their body, soul and strength.
Cost: $75 per person (payable by online banking. The account number will be provided once you RSVP). Please refer to the cancellation policy below.
What to wear: Comfortable, loose clothing that is easy to move in, and flat-soled shoes. Please also bring a jersey or hoodie to keep warm when we are sitting still for some of the time.
Please bring: Water bottle and a snack
Places are limited to just 12 people.
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/
Who is the instructor?
Jocelyn Watkin 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 is the founder and director of Kia Ora Tai Chi with extensive experience in teaching qigong and tai chi face-to-face or online for regular weekly classes, workshops and retreats, at schools, a medical centre and a retirement village.
She is registered as a group exercise contractor (with own choreography) with the New Zealand Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs), which is the recognised quality mark throughout Aotearoa/New Zealand.
She is approved as a strength and balance group exercise provider with the Accident Compensation Commission and has numerous tai chi and qigong instructor qualifications. She also has a New Zealand Diploma of Teaching.
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?
For thousands of years the Chinese have had a secret. A secret that helps to increase longevity, a secret that assists the body to heal from injury, illness and trauma.
That secret is qigong, a deep meditative breathing exercise that connects the mind to the body and helps with overall well-being and healing.
How does qigong help your body to heal from injury, pain or illness? A number of clinical trials have confirmed that qigong is proven to increase blood oxygen saturation in your body. That alone is excellent for healing.
There are many different aspects to assist the body and mind to heal, such as:
- Medical treatments and interventions
- Sleep and rest
- A healthy diet
- Moderate exercise
- Reducing stress.
Qigong can help and support the body with all of the above.
Qigong’s deep, meditative breathing supports your parasympathetic nervous system (also called the ‘rest and digest’ system). The movements, when co-ordinated with your breath and awareness of energy can help you to slow down, relax and to release tensions in your body. This helps you to sleep well, too.
If your body needs energy to repair and heal from injury or illness, qigong breathing can help to increase oxygen level and flow (energy) right down to your smallest cell.
Qigong exercises will massage and stimulate internal organs, which can also help with healing.
Qigong is about releasing stress, not suppressing it.
To reduce inflammation, you need to reduce the damaging effect that constant stress has on your body. Qigong breathing can help you to let go of stress so you can settle your mind and body.
Healing is multi-faceted and we need a number of different things to help us to heal our minds and bodies and to recover from illness, injury and trauma. Qigong can support this process.
Find out more about the healing benefits of qigong:
Cancellation policy
The workshop must be paid for in full ($75 per person) 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 big and there’ll be plenty of room for everyone to spread out. The massage exercises are all self-massaging. There will not be any paired exercises or touching by others.
The hall 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 the workshop.
Jocelyn (the instructor) has been fully vaccinated for Covid-19, including with a 2nd booster.
To RSVP to this workshop, 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/
by Jocelyn Watkin | Oct 23, 2022 | Information |
All welcome to a special and fun series of SpinPoi classes with Jocelyn of Kia Ora Tai Chi. Thursday mornings, from 27th October to 1st December 2022, 11.45am to 12.30pm.
You’ll swing along with easy-to-learn poi movements set to music and finish with tranquil and peaceful tai chi. This is a fun exercise with a qualified instructor, which will boost fitness, strength, balance and well-being.
Attend just one class or come to them all.
Limited number of poi available. Bring your own pair of poi, if you have a set.
Venue: The Wharekai Room, Te Matariki Clendon Community Centre, 17 Palmers Road, Clendon Park, Manurewa, Auckland 2103.
Cost: $5 per person, per class
Ideal for: Seniors and beginners of any age and ability. You can do this seated, if you wish.
No need to RSVP, just come along. All welcome.
Questions? Please phone or text Jocelyn on 027 493 9851 or use the Contact Form
More info:
SpinPoi keeps your mind and body happy
