Awaken your senses retreat: A day of tai chi, nature and connection
Learn how to reduce stress and release tension with tai chi and qigong. Join in and re-connect with nature in the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Date and time
Location
Auckland Botanic Gardens
102 Hill Road Auckland, Auckland 2105 New ZealandRefund Policy
About this event
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, lush greenery and native bush, with the springy grass beneath your feet, the fresh air on your face, and the rejuvenating aroma of the plants and leaves? Absolutely, and you can experience all of this because the retreat is set amongst the serene beauty of the 64 hectares (156 acres) of the Auckland Botanic Gardens.
Wish you could let go of stress and gain more energy.
Yes, would that be amazing and 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 energy. It is as easy and natural as the trees letting go of their leaves in autumn so they can conserve energy and prepare for spring.
Can’t wait to truly connect with nature and to awaken all of your senses.
This retreat will definitely be for you because you’ll:
- sample the delights of the edible garden,
- feel nature’s patterns with leaf rubbing,
- tap into all that nature can offer with sensory journaling, and
- learn how to create earth art/mandalas
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.
This 1-day retreat is for anyone aged 18+, who is seeking to reduce stress, rejuvenate their body, reset their mind and renew their spirt. Ideal for beginners.
Find out more about this retreat: www.kiaorataichi.nz/retreats/
Frequently asked questions
Jocelyn Watkin, of Kia Ora Tai Chi, 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 sensory and nature journaling and mindfulness-based art therapy, such as earth art.
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 be sitting still for some of the time. There is an option to walk in the gardens so please bring a raincoat and jacket.
Pad and paper for note taking, your lunch, water bottle and a snack. Please bring a raincoat and jacket if it is wet and cold as there will be an option to take a walk in the gardens
Qigong is a deep meditative breathing exercise with gentle movements, which connects the mind to the body. It is pronounced 'chee gong'. Many people use qigong to manage and reduce stress, and improve their overall health and well-being.
Earth art or mandalas use the earth as a canvas to create a temporary piece of art from fallen leaves, seed pods and twigs that have been foraged from the forest floor. Making 'art that doesn't last' can be both fun and liberating, as it helps people to learn to let go of what they can't control.
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 enjoying. Journaling is not just writing. You can also draw, doodle, trace around objects, etc, as part of noticing with each of your five senses.
There will be plenty of free parking in the Auckland Botanic Cardens carpark.
This retreat will go ahead rain or shine. We will be indoors much of the time in the Logan Campbell Building (next door to the edible garden in the Auckland Botanic Gardens). However, there will be an option to walk around the gardens, if it is fine. Bring a raincoat if it is cold and wet.
Please do not attend this retreat if you have Covid or have a cold or ‘flu-like symptoms. 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 or retreat. The room will be well-ventilated and hand sanitiser will be provided.