Retreat: Healing Qigong and the Zen of Kintsugi, Sat 3 May

by | Feb 21, 2025 | Information | 0 comments

Golden Yin/Yang symbol with golden rays of light streaming out from it so it looks like the sun.

1-Day Retreat: Healing Qigong and the Zen of Kintsugi (Golden Harmony)

When: Saturday 3 May 2025, 9am – 3.30pm. Please arrive between 8.45 – 9am

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

This 1-day retreat is truly unique as I have never before offered this amazing combination of ancient Chinese and Japanese practices. Join me for a day of self-care, where I will guide you on how to nurture your health, let go of stress, and embrace the golden magic of imperfection.

Participants: Adults aged 18+. Beginners will be very welcome.

Embrace the Healing Power of Qigong from Ancient China

Two hands cupped over a sphere of bright light.

Awaken the energy flow within you with qigong

Discover the art of healing qigong (pronounced ‘chee gong’) with deep meditative breathing and mindful movements.

Experience a golden glow within as you awaken the energy flow (qi) throughout your body, calm your mind, and enhance your overall wellbeing.

Find Flow through the Japanese Zen concept of Wabi Sabi

Japanese calligraphy with English translation stating that wabi sabi is: “The beauty and appreciation of things imperfect and impermanent; accepting the flow of life.”

Wabi sabi means finding beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and the natural flow of life,

Unlock the secret to inner peace with wabi sabi. This centuries-old Japanese philosophy finds beauty in simplicity, imperfection, and the natural flow of life, which will leave you feeling ‘as good as gold’.

How liberating would it feel to stop trying to be perfect all of the time? Absolutely, it would be like winning a ‘get out of jail free’ card in a board game. By embracing imperfection and going with the flow, your movements will become more fluid and you’ll improve your qigong.

By integrating wabi sabi into your qigong practice and also everyday life, you’ll let go of stress and tension, sleep better at night and feel more energised during the day.

Rediscover Wholeness with Kintsugi (all materials will be provided for this)

White china bowl with shiny gold glue outlining the cracks.

A broken ceramic bowl that has been joined back together using golden glue (kintsugi)

Experience the magic of kintsugi (literally “golden joinery”), which is the centuries-old Japanese art of mending broken pottery with golden glue.

This practice teaches us that flaws and cracks are what make us truly unique. By applying this philosophy to life, you’ll learn to see beauty in every moment and cherish the golden experiences that shape you.

During this workshop, and with the guidance of an expert sensei (teacher), you’ll create your own kintsugi piece to take home—a beautiful reminder that nothing is ever truly broken.

Explore the Tranquil Auckland Botanic Gardens

Pathway with green bushes and red flowers either side of it, and a wooden bridge leading to a Japan-styled covered sitting area.

Camellia garden 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:

  • Explore the serene beauty of the Camellia Garden, which will be just coming into bloom. Camellias are native to both China and Japan (and other parts of Eastern and Southern Asia).
  • 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 feast your eyes and senses on nature at its best.

$195 per person | Limited to 10 participants.  

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.

About your instructors

Smiling woman in a red shirt with 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 and Japan over 10 times. She loves exploring and researching the traditional philosophy and the concept of Zen of both countries.

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). 

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)

Woman with blond hair applying golden glue to a ceramic piece

Ema Frost

Ema Frost is a New Zealand artist, illustrator and ceramic designer who has been teaching Kintsugi for over five years. She regularly travels to Japan to study and learn new techniques.

Testimonial: “I really enjoyed the kintsugi workshop with Ema. She is very patient and a great teacher. And now I have the skills to make anything with this style, and have even made one as a gift. Really enjoyable day. Fun and relaxed atmosphere. Would definitely recommend this workshop. (Lisa)

Who should attend?
This workshop 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.

Here are all the details of this 1-Day Retreat for Healing Qigong and the Zen of Kintsugi (Golden Harmony)

When: Saturday 3 May 2025, 9am – 3.30pm, please arrive between 8.45 – 9am

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 small 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. 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.

 $195 per person | Limited to 10 participants

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.

 What is qigong (pronounced chee-gong)?

Silhouette of a woman breathing out with birds and stars soaring up from her mouth

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 so you can enjoy more of the good and creative things in life.

Jocelyn and Ema would love to share their knowledge with you at this very special retreat so you can immerse yourself in Healing Qigong and the Zen of Kintsugi.

Cancellation policy

This retreat must be paid for in full to reserve your place. A 90% refund is available if you withdraw before 1 February 2025. A 50% refund is available if you withdraw before 1 March 2025.  No refunds are available from 1 March onwards.

If you are unwell on the workshop day (3 May 2025)

Please do not attend if you are sick or have cold 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 at all times 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.

Workshop: Nurture yourself with healing qigong, 11 Feb 2023

by | Jan 28, 2023 | Information | 0 comments

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/