Free tai chi and qigong with me every Sunday morning (9am) and Tuesday evening (6pm) in Cornwall Park until Tuesday 29 March 2022. Weather dependent and you’ll need to bring your “My Vaccine Pass”.
Ideal for beginners of all ages and abilities, particularly those seeking a calming and nurturing exercise experience that is also effective for fitness and balance.
Tai chi and qigong are good for your body as well as your mind and are helpful at reducing stress.
The 45-minute sessions in Cornwall Park are free, fun and suitable for all ages and abilities, especially beginners. Feel free to invite family, friends and colleagues to join in. The sessions are outside and there’s a whole park for us to spread out in.
To attend these classes, everyone will need to present their My Vaccine Pass on arrival and scan the Cornwall Park QR code. Masks are encouraged while you interact with me or other participants at the start, but are not required during the class as physical distancing will be in place. If you feel more comfortable wearing a mask for the whole time, I support your decision.
Summer Tai Chi in the Park sessions are covered by Cornwall Park’s health and safety requirements, including their conditions of entry. I have been hired by the park’s management to provide these classes as part of their official programme of events.
Here is all of the information you need:
Where are the sessions? In Cornwall Park about halfway up Pōhutukawa Drive and under the trees to the left of the road. (Same place as previous years).
Directions for those who haven’t attended before: Drive, cycle or walk into Cornwall Park from Greenlane Road West. That entry road is called Pōhutukawa Drive. My tai chi sessions will be about halfway up Pōhutukawa Drive on the left hand side and under the trees. Look for me and my instructors in our red Kia Ora Tai Chi shirts. If you get to the roundabout you’ve gone past us. Refer to the park’s visitor information website for a park map: Cornwall Park visitor info
Days and times: Sunday mornings at 9am (we’ll be there from 8.45am) and Tuesday evenings at 6pm (we’ll be there from 5.45pm).
How long are the sessions? 45 minutes
What to bring: your My Vaccine Pass, a mask, water bottle, a sun hat/sun block and wear comfy clothing and footwear.
If rainy or when there are high winds: Look for the cancellation notice on the Kia Ora Tai Chi Facebook page: www.facebook.com/kiaorataichi/ or text me on 027 493 9851. Or you can check with the park’s visitor centre (the Huia Lodge Discovery Hub, open 7 days from 10am – 4pm) https://cornwallpark.co.nz/contact
What happens if Omicron numbers get higher? The tai chi sessions cantake place at all current red, orange and green ‘traffic light settings’. Changes may be required with the tai chi sessions if the settings are changed by the government. Updates will be available on the Cornwall Park website or on the Kia Ora Tai Chi facebook page: www.facebook.com/kiaorataichi/
I would so love to see you under those lovely shady trees in the park. I will teach a number of exciting and differenttai chi and qigong forms as the sessions progress and until the last one on Tuesday 29 March.
Wouldn’t it feel great to have a dimmer switch for stress? Imagine the relief to be able to dial down your stress levels just as you would with a harsh light? Absolutely! With healing, candlelit tai chi and qigong, you’ll learn how to slow down, let go of stress and slip easily into soothing movements. It will be just like having your very own dimmer switch.
Can you imagine how blissful it would be to fall into a deep slumber each night almost as soon as your head hits the pillow? Totally amazing! During tai chi and qigong by candlelight, you’ll learn calming meditative breathing so you can feel settled, relaxed and tranquil when you go to bed.
I offer two different, guided lessons online for this restorative and healing experience on consecutive Monday nights. Both classes involve gentle and effective movement, tailored breathing exercises, relaxation and mindfulness practices.
Join one or both sessions, which you will attend live and online from your own home. You can even wear your pyjamas if you wish, so you can be ready to slip into bed as soon as the session ends.
In the mornings after these sessions, you should wake up feeling renewed, refreshed and ready for the week ahead
Monday 22 November 2021, evening, 7.30 – 8.30pm
Release stress and anxiety and re-balance your world with candlelit 5-Element Qigong. You will learn this ancient Chinese breathing exercise based on the five universal elements (earth, metal, water, wood and fire). The calming qigong movements will soothe your mind and body to restore peace and harmony within you. This guided session is an ideal way to let go of your worries and unwind so you can fall into a blissful slumber.
Monday 29 November 2021, evening, 7.30 – 8.30pm
Let your senses soften in the candlelight so you can slow down and relax your mind and muscles. You’ll feel your stress melt away with the gentle and restorative movements of tai chi and qigong. Your breath will become slower and deeper during this guided session of relaxation and meditation. You’ll be calm, tranquil and ready for bed and a rejuvenating night of sleep.
Cost per session
Attend one session: $15 per person, per session
Attend two sessions: $10 per person, per session (i.e. $20 for both sessions)
Video recordings for each session you attend will be available at no extra charge, which you can replay as often as you need.
How to RSVP
Please contact me no later than Friday 19 November 2021 to arrange payment (online banking or PayPal) and to receive the Zoom link(s) to attend one or both of these candlelit sessions. You can get in touch using the contact form on my website, email me on kiaorataichi@gmail.com or phone/text me on 027 493 9851
More about me (Jocelyn Watkin)
I am qualified tai chi and qigong instructor. During lockdowns over the last 18 months, I have perfected techniques for teaching online, which have included doing tai chi and qigong while seated and also lying down. My students all comment that my lessons have helped them to cope with life and lockdowns as they feel relaxed and calm afterwards, which relieves stress and helps them to sleep.
I am a board-certified and premier instructor for the internationalTai Chi for Health Instituteand am the founder and director of Kia Ora Tai Chi. I have been learning about and enjoying the health benefits of tai chi and qigong since 2003.
Click here to find out more about me, my experience and qualifications.
How to RSVP
Please contact me no later than Friday 19 November 2021 to arrange payment (online banking or PayPal) and to receive the Zoom link(s) to attend one or both of these candlelit sessions. You can get in touch using the contact form on my website, email me on kiaorataichi@gmail.com or phone/text me on 027 493 9851
Due to our ageing population, Aotearoa/NZ’s rates of dementia are surging.
There is some very good news though. A recent study by the University of Auckland says we can limit this surge by managing 12 risk factors.
How much difference will these 12 factors make? Absolutely massive!! Almost half (47.7%) of NZ’s overall cases of dementia are considered preventable. Read that again: “ALMOST HALF”. Wow.
Keen to hear more, I tuned into Kathryn Ryan (of RNZ’s Nine to Noon programme) on Tuesday 27 July to hear her interview with Dr Etuini Ma’u. Dr Ma’u is a a senior lecturer in Psychological Medicine at the University of Auckland and the co-author of the study. He is also a consultant psychogeriatrician for the Waikato District Health Board.
The 12 factors are:
physical inactivity
hearing loss
less education
hypertension
obesity
alcohol
traumatic brain injury
smoking
depression
social isolation
diabetes
air pollution
The critical importance of these factors varies among the most prevalent ethnic groups in NZ: Māori, Pasifika, Asian (which includes Indian in the study) and Pākehā/European. For more detail about the study and definitions of the risk factors: read more here
Also significant, is that while the symptoms of dementia are noticeable only in older age, in the 20 years beforehand the brain is already changing in the person who will develop dementia.
The key message of all this is reassuring: there is something (in fact several somethings) we can do right now to reduce our risk. Start by reading the points in the study:
Talk over options to manage your health and your hearing with your doctor and/or health professional.
A Kia Ora Tai Chi class
Keep up with physical activity and, of course, tai chi counts. The WHO guidelines used in the study define “inactive” as those who do LESS than 30 minutes a day for at least five days per week. As well as attending tai chi classes, tai chi is an exercise you can easily continue for the other days in the week as it can be done anywhere, anytime (at home, at work, in the park) and doesn’t require expensive equipment or clothing.
The people who attend Kia Ora Tai Chi classes are wonderfully social and welcoming. Several of my students who live alone have mentioned that they love the chance to have a natter and meet new friends in my classes.
Another student who had a recent blockage in her ear (causing a temporary hearing loss) mentioned how challenging it rapidly became for her, even when going about her usual tasks in the community with people she knew. She said conversation was difficult and she understood how being deaf can isolate someone very quickly. Fortunately, issues with her ear were soon fixed.
If you have a hearing aid, wear it. If you feel you might have a hearing loss, get it checked. Most of all, try to be aware that others maybe deaf or hard of hearing and find ways to communicate with and include them.
The number of New Zealanders with dementia is forecast to more than double within 30 years. However, if half of these cases are preventable by reducing the key risk factors, there is a good opportunity for healthier and fitter senior years for many of us.
Thank you Dr Ma’u and the team for the valuable work and research.
Kia ora and thank you for your interest in Kia Ora Tai Chi and in learning tai chi and qigong.
Due to demand, the beginners’ tai chi and qigong evening classes are now full. A new beginners evening tai chi and qigong class will start in 2022, possibly in February.
If you’d like to be placed on the priority waiting list for next year, please text or phone Jocelyn Watkin: 027 493 9851. Alternatively, please use the Contact Form to get in touch.
In the meantime, there are still three very good opportunities to learn tai chi with Kia Ora Tai Chi.
The Tai Chi for Strength, Balance and Mobility online course has been designed and developed by Jocelyn (of Kia Ora Tai Chi) and can be completed at any time that suits you. You can learn at your own time and pace as the course is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week and anywhere you have a computer, tablet, mobile phone or data capable big screen TV.
It is ideal for beginners and also for tai chi instructors who teach strength and balance classes. Check it out.
Half-day tai chi retreat to relieve stress, sleep better and create a calm and centred universe for you
Come along to Kia Ora Tai Chi’s out-of-this-world mini retreat at the Stardome to learn how to relieve stress, sleep better and create a calm and centred universe for you with tai chi and qigong.
Date and time: Friday 17 September 2021, 1.30 – 7.45pm.
Tai chi at Turuki on Thursday mornings, with co-instructor Aria
With co-instructor Aria, Jocelyn also offers a tai chi class on Thursday mornings, which accepts beginners at any time and of any age and ability. These classes are free and are held from 10 – 10.45am at Turuki Health Care in Mangere No need to RSVP, just come along. Click here to find out more.
Please text or phone Jocelyn Watkin for more information about any of her classes, courses, workshops or retreats: 027 493 9851. Alternatively, please use the Contact Form to get in touch.
An out-of-this-world mini retreat at the Stardome to learn how to relieve stress, sleep better and create a calm and centred new life with tai chi and qigong.
Date and time: Friday 25 March 2022, 1.30 – 7.45pm.
Venue: Stardome Observatory & Planetarium (This retreat is organised by Kia Ora Tai Chi, not the Stardome itself.)
Address: 670 Manukau Road, One Tree Hill Domain, Royal Oak, Auckland. Refer to map
A “My Vaccine Pass” will be required by everyone attending.
Join Kia Ora Tai Chi during the time of the Autumn Equinox in March, when the length of a day shortens to become equal to that of night, and the earth is harmonised. Perfect timing to rest and reflect.
Stress management
Can you imagine how good it would feel to escape from the black hole of stress from too many demands at work or from life in general? Absolutely, positively YES. At this mini retreat, through the booster rocket that is tai chi and deep oxygen-rich breathing (called qigong), you’ll learn how to avoid the gravitational force of stress. After the retreat, you’ll know how to rebalance your mind and body at anytime you feel stressed, wherever you are.
Work/life balance
How fantastic would it be to navigate into a new orbit where you had time and energy for everything you want to do? Let the countdown begin to blast off to a new and balanced universe for you. You’ll learn how to use a space journal to calm and focus your mind so you can get more out of life, enjoy ‘me time’ and shine bright and warm like a sun in your own solar system.
Better sleep
Wouldn’t it be fabulous to enjoy a feeling of weightlessness and without worry as you fall into a delectable, deep slumber every night? Imagine a full night’s sleep without tossing and turning or your brain churning about everything you need to do? Don’t just daydream about it. Through guided tai chi meditation you will learn how to empty your mind and say good night to stress and anxiety so you can wake up refreshed and ready for anything, every morning.
Testimonial: “Thank you so much for your lovely tai chi classes The feeling I get is of empowerment and understanding of how we can use our body to help in our daily life.” (Caroline, January 2020)
Mindfulness
How fulfilling would it be to feel mindful and connected, instead of a lone star adrift in a starless night? Infinitely satisfying. We’ll take you on a live 360-degree experience at the planetarium with an extraordinary tour of the stars, planets, constellations and our night sky. After the retreat, you’ll be able to look up on any night and feel that you and your amazing world are calm, balanced and in harmony with the entire universe.
Buy a ticket to this out-of-this world mini-retreat at the Stardome (numbers limited to 12 people) You will need to be doubly vaccinated to attend this event.
$189 per person using PayPal or a credit card (plus credit card fees, if applicable). Please click on the “Buy Now” button below. You do not need a PayPal account to pay by credit card as you can sign in/check out as a guest.
Bring a friend or family member for half price (94.50). Contact Kia Ora Tai Chi to arrange the ‘bring a friend’ ticket once you’ve bought one ticket for $189 (using the “Buy Now” button above).
For online banking (without a credit card), buy a full price ticket (@ $189) with or without a ‘bring a friend ticket” (@ $94.50), click here to contact Jocelyn Watkin of Kia Ora Tai Chi or phone/text her on: 027 493 9851.
Please note: we do not offer refunds. However, if you cancel before 5th November 2021 we will credit your payment (less any credit card fees) towards another Kia Ora Tai Chi event or set of classes. If you cancel on the 5th November 2021 or later, you will lose any payments you have already made.
Who is the instructor?
Jocelyn Watkin helps people of all ages and abilities to reduce stress and improve their overall health, fitness and balance with tai chi and qigong.
She is the founder and director of Kia Ora Tai Chi and is a qualified, premier instructor for the international Tai Chi for Health Institute. She has extensive experience in teaching face-to-face or online for regular weekly classes, workshops and retreats, at schools, a medical centre and a retirement village.
Jocelyn has a New Zealand Diploma of Teaching and has trained in martial arts for over 25 years, specialising solely in tai chi and qigong since 2003.
What is the Autumn Equinox and why is it so important for the mini retreat?
In Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Autumn Equinox for 2022 happens during mid – late March. It is when the number of daylight hours equal that of the night hours. e.g. Day and night are balanced perfectly. What this means for all living things (including us humans), is that after the energy of the long, hot summer we can now enjoy cooler days. We are getting ready to nourish our minds and bodies with the fruits of the autumn harvest and to prepare ourselves for winter.
It is the perfect time for reflection and to learn how to become more balanced and stress-free.
Who is this mini retreat for?
It will be ideal for anyone aged 18+ who wants to bust stress, sleep better or is seeking life/work balance. High school students needing help with anxiety or wanting a way to reduce stress during the school year can attend for half price if accompanied by a full price adult.
All abilities are welcome as the tai chi and qigong can be done seated or standing.
Testimonial: “Jocelyn [of Kia Ora Tai Chi] makes tai chi such an enjoyable experience! She makes everyone feel welcome, no matter what age or level of experience. I love Jocelyn’s humour and her patience too. Tai chi has helped me focus on my breathing and posture. I feel invigorated after each session.” (Cynthia, February 2020)
What’s included in the mini retreat?
You will learn Tai Chi for Meditation, Harmony and Balance, which is powerful yet gentle on your joints. After the retreat, you’ll be able to do this tai chi at anytime to reduce stress.
Journaling to calm and focus your mind so you get more out of life.
The countdown method to mindfulness. Easy to remember whenever you need it.
A journal that you can take home and keep using after the retreat.
A live 360-degree experience at the planetarium.
Tea, coffee and snacks.
Free parking at the Stardome and in One Tree Hill Domain.
Meeting new friends
What others say about Kia Ora Tai Chi sessions:
“Calming”, “Keeps the body moving”, “Inspiring”, “Encouraging”, “Feel centred”, “Sleep better”, “Feel in control”, “Wonderful”, “Fabulous”, “Loved it” and “A gift”.
Buy a ticket to this out-of-this world mini-retreat at the Stardome (numbers limited to 12 people) You will need to be doubly vaccinated to attend this event.
$189 per person using PayPal or a credit card (plus credit card fees, if applicable). Please click on the “Buy Now” button below. You do not need a PayPal account to pay by credit card as you can sign in/check out as a guest.
Bring a friend or family member for half price (94.50). Contact Kia Ora Tai Chi to arrange the ‘bring a friend’ ticket once you’ve bought one ticket for $189 (using the “Buy Now” button above).
For online banking (without a credit card), buy a full price ticket (@ $189) with or without a ‘bring a friend ticket” (@ $94.50), click here to contact Jocelyn Watkin of Kia Ora Tai Chi or phone/text her on: 027 493 9851.
Please note: we do not offer refunds. However, if you cancel before 1st March 2022 we will credit your payment (less any credit card fees) towards another Kia Ora Tai Chi event or set of classes. If you cancel on the 1st March 2022 or later, you will lose any payments you have already made.
What is tai chi and qigong and why are they so good for you?
Often described as “moving meditation”, tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art and exercise programme that combines mental focus with deliberate, mindful steps and postures. It is sometimes referred to as “taiji” or “tai chi chuan”.
The kaupapa (underlying principle) of tai chi is Yin & Yang. These are two opposite and contrary forces in nature, which become interconnected and interdependent. An example would be night turning to day, followed by day turning to night. They work together in harmony and one can’t exist without the other.
Tai chi uses the natural balance of Yin & Yang in all movements. E.g. where there is forward step, there is also a backward one. If you move to one side, then you will also move to the other. In doing so, your body remains equally balanced as it smoothly moves from one step to the next, which doesn’t stress your joints.
Tai chi also works in harmony with your sympathetic nervous system (the fight, flight or freeze reflex). If you’re feeling tired or down, tai chi will boost and lift you. If you’re upset or anxious, it will help you to become calmer and more tranquil.
Qigong (pronounced ‘chee – gong’) is a deep breathing exercise. It is designed to calm your mind, rejuvenate your energy and increase your oxygen flow right down to your smallest fingers and toes. It will warm your hands and feet and will help you to feel good all over your body. Find out more
Numerous clinical trials have confirmed that tai chi taught specifically for health, which also includes deep breathing (the qigong) will improve your overall health and fitness by:
Decreasing stress.
Improving balance.
Increasing strength, fitness and flexibility.
Better breathing (more oxygen in your body).
Decreasing pain in your joints.
Helping to reduce high blood pressure.
Increasing your sense of well-being.
What is journaling?
Writing in a journal (also known as journaling) can help you to process and understand what is happening in your life.
It will assist you to develop a plan of action to reduce worry, anxiety and stress and to take back the control of your thoughts and your life.
It can help you to overcome the overwhelm and create new habits to lasting change and freedom.
Jocelyn learned about the power of journaling when recovering from post traumatic stress over 20 years ago.
What will I need to bring?
Pen and paper or your lap top to take notes.
A water bottle
Something you’d like to eat during a short dinner break.
Comfortable shoes to wear for tai chi (you can also do tai chi in bare feet).
Tai chi can be done in almost any clothing, but you are also welcome to bring a set of comfy clothes to change into if you are coming straight from work.
Why is the retreat on a Friday afternoon and evening and not a weekend?
A vital part of what you will learn at the mini-retreat is how to make time for the activities you most want to do and for the people you love. Scheduling the retreat on what is traditionally a work day is a perfect first step for you to arrange time off for something worthwhile. You would make time for health care, as in a doctor or dental appointment, so why not for Tai Chi for Health? With a 1.30pm start time, those working will only need a half-day of leave.
What is the cancellation policy?
We do not offer refunds. However, if you cancel before 1st March 2022 we will credit your payment (less any credit card fees) towards another Kia Ora Tai Chi event or set of classes. If you cancel on the 1st March 2022 or later, you will lose any payments you have already made.
On the 1st March we will need to confirm and pay for the meeting room at the Stardome. To do this, we need a minimum number of committed people.
If for any reason we need to cancel the retreat before 25th March (for example, if there is another lockdown) you will be refunded in full. If you have any questions, please contact Jocelyn Watkin of Kia Ora Tai Chi.
What is your COVID-19 policy?
Jocelyn has been doubly vaccinated for Covid-19. All participants in this mini retreat will need to provide proof that they are also doubly vaccinated against Covid-19 (i.e. With a “My Vaccine Pass”). All surfaces will be cleaned prior to the retreat and hand sanitiser will be provided. We will abide by the NZ Government’s health advice and regulations.
Attendance numbers are limited to 12 people.
“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet.
Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious.
And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.
It matters that you don’t just give up.” – Professor Stephen Hawking
Wouldn’t it feel great to have a dimmer switch for stress? Imagine the relief to be able to dial down your stress levels just as you would with a harsh light? Absolutely! With healing, candlelit tai chi and qigong, you’ll learn how to slow down, let go of stress and slip easily into soothing movements. It will be just like having your very own dimmer switch.
Due to our ageing population, Aotearoa/NZ’s rates of dementia are surging.
An out-of-this-world mini retreat at the Stardome to learn how to relieve stress, sleep better and create a calm and centred new life with tai chi and qigong.
In Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Autumn Equinox for 2022 happens during mid – late March. It is when the number of daylight hours equal that of the night hours. e.g. Day and night are balanced perfectly. What this means for all living things (including us humans), is that after the energy of the long, hot summer we can now enjoy cooler days. We are getting ready to nourish our minds and bodies with the fruits of the autumn harvest and to prepare ourselves for winter.
Writing in a journal (also known as journaling) can help you to process and understand what is happening in your life.