Kia Ora Tai Chi

Free tai chi and qigong sessions for Spring. Sat 5 Sept and Sat 3 Oct, 1:45 - 2:30pm, in the Community Room at the Manurewa Library. Find out more: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/free-tai-chi/

Fun, family-friendly and ideal for beginners. Anyone can attend, whether you live in Manurewa or not.

Open to all ages, but tamariki (children) under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult

I enjoyed making a frivolous piece of earth art this evening before settling into my tai chi on the beach at sunset.

I loved teaching tai chi and qigong to Manurewa seniors at the Manu Tukutuku Centre today.

One of the earlier presenters had spoken about the importance of speaking te reo Māori.

After my tai chi session, the lunch delivery was running late, so I offered to fill the unexpected gap in the programme by teaching Hikitia te Hā (Uplifting Breathing), sometimes described as Māori qigong.

And what a beautiful few minutes it became.

I spoke the accompanying words in Te Reo as well as English, and as we moved and breathed together, a feeling of peace and tranquillity gradually settled over the room. The chatter quietened, the movements became gentle and unhurried, and for a little while we simply shared the space, breathing and moving together.

Sometimes the unexpected moments turn out to be the most special.

Photo is from the earlier tai chi session.

No tai chi class on Wednesday evening 12 August. Looking forward to seeing you all again on Wed 19 August.

It's been a long while since I created any earth art – far too long. Life has simply been too busy.

This evening, I did tai chi on the beach as the sun began to set. Usually, this practice quietens my mind and helps to put the day at rest. But, tonight my "grasshopper brain" kept intruding with reminders of everything I still had to do.

I decided to create some earth art instead, hoping the slow, mindful process would help settle my thoughts.

As I worked, I made a spiral to represent all the busyness swirling around in my head. Then, growing out from the spiral, I added fresh shoots to symbolise turning over a new leaf and choosing a less hectic way forward.

The sun was steadily sinking towards the horizon, and I knew I had only a short time to finish. When I stood further back to consider the completed artwork against the golden light of sunset, I saw something completely different.

Instead of a spiral with new growth, I saw the shape of a person – probably me – running endlessly on top of a ball of busyness.

It's amazing what the subconscious mind can reveal.

I stayed for a while, simply sitting in silence and watching the sun slip below the horizon. I left the beach feeling calmer, lighter, and more at peace.

What do you see when you look at my earth art?

Stuck indoors too often on cold days but still want to keep your body moving? Try ‘exercise snacking’, which can help you to more-easily keep fit and healthy over winter. Find out what it involves and the benefits: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/exercise-snacking/

Each evening at sunset, I flow through my tai chi in the peace and tranquillity of my local beach (on the Manukau Harbour). It is a place and time that I can put the day to rest.

Lovely, warming tai chi session inside Manurewa Library. Great to meet those who were new to tai chi and I also appreciated the support and attendance of my current students. Many thanks to all 17 participants today who braved the blustery, squally and cold day outside.

Free tai chi and qigong this coming Sat 25 July, 1:45 - 2:30pm, in the Community Room at the Manurewa Library. Find out more: https://www.kiaorataichi.nz/free-tai-chi-at-manurewa-library/

Fun, family-friendly and ideal for beginners. Anyone can attend, whether you live in Manurewa or not.

Open to all ages, but tamariki (children) under 13 need to be accompanied by an adult.

What an absolutely wonderful way to celebrate Matariki - blue skies, warm sunshine, the peaceful surroundings at Kauri Point Reserve (in Wattle Downs), and the joy of sharing tai chi together made for a truly special morning.

This was our 5th year for magical Matariki tai chi. It was such a pleasure to welcome people who were trying tai chi for the very first time, while also catching up with so many familiar faces from my other classes, including our wonderful summer tai chi whānau from Cornwall Park. Seeing everyone come together to celebrate Matariki was fantastic.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a positive, uplifting atmosphere. Special thanks also to Resh for so generously opening her home and hosting our delicious shared morning tea. Your kindness and hospitality made the morning even more memorable.

Matariki is a time to reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look forward with hope to the year ahead. Today was a reminder of the friendships, community, and wellbeing that tai chi brings into our lives.

Mānawatia a Matariki! Happy Matariki.