“I was so blessed to be able to participate in the Qigong Mindful Movement classes taken by Brody Runga at the Manurewa Botanical Gardens on Monday.  We met on the lawn by the carpark and it was such a lovely transition from work and the traffic.  I left the sessions feeling better much more relaxed and flexible physically and in a much better state mentally and emotionally. 

Brody made the class so easy to follow and totally suitable for the group of varying ages that gathered. The great thing about this discipline is that people with all levels of physical health can take part.  Your never push yourself to 100% in the stretching and moves. It was about keeping the breath and body flowing smoothly.  About being mindful of your body and breath and just noticing the sensations and messages it has for you.  I did not feel like I was competing with anyone else but the practice was a compassionate practice and gift to myself. 

The nice thing about the Qigong is that you repeat one move over and over many times so you get to know what you are doing and don’t get stuck in your head worrying if you are doing it right. I also find when I am doing a session that I am totally in the present moment while I experience what I am doing.  My worries fall away and the breathing brings me into such a relaxed state.

The explanations were easy to understand and we got handouts to take away.  The homework practice was very simple so I am practicing a little each day.  It only takes a few minutes of practice to change my state.  I would love to see more people along at the sessions. Qigong and Mindful Movement is a great practice for those that want to take self-responsibility for their own recovery and add a really effective practice to their toolbox.  I have been doing a daily dose myself for some time and am finding it so nurturing and transforming.”  Sharon Nepe – Participant, Peer and Peer Support

For anyone interested in learning more about Recovery College you can contact Kerri Butler at kerri@takenotice.co.nz