Over the past few months, the Kiwi Kit Community Trust has had the pleasure of hosting a series of Wellbeing Sessions aimed at fostering physical, emotional, and mental wellness in our Queenstown multicultural community. Each session offered a unique approach to self-care, encouraging participants to engage in creative, mindful, and physical practices that nurtured their overall well-being. Here’s a look back at each session and the impact they had on our vibrant community.
Movement Session: Embracing Joy and Energy Through Dance
Our first session was the Movement Workshop, a lively dance class led by the talented Melina Shabel from Afro Dance Queenstown. This session focused on African dance and invited participants to let loose, have fun, and embrace the joy of movement. For many, the session offered a sense of freedom and exhilaration, allowing them to connect with their bodies in a playful, judgment-free space. The Movement Session truly embodied the spirit of warmth and joy, bringing together people of different backgrounds to share in the rhythm and energy of dance.
Meditative Art Session: Creative Expression and Mindfulness
The second session, Meditative Art, brought a slower, more reflective approach to wellness. Participants were guided through meditative exercises and encouraged to explore their thoughts, feelings, and intentions through art. The highlight of the session was creating personal “dream boards” or collages that represented each participant’s inner journey and aspirations. For our multicultural community, this session served as a reminder that art and mindfulness are universal languages that transcend cultural boundaries, fostering self-discovery and relaxation.
Stretching Session: Finding Balance and Releasing Tension
The Stretching Session was designed to promote full-body relaxation and mindful breathwork. Participants were guided through various stretching poses, each encouraging them to let go of physical and mental tension. This session was particularly popular with community members who had never practiced structured stretching before. Attendees remarked on the calming, rejuvenating effects, highlighting how accessible and impactful these exercises were for people of all skill levels. It was a beautiful opportunity for everyone to reconnect with their bodies and experience a renewed sense of balance and peace.
Express Yourself Session: Exploring Improvisational Expression and Connection
The final session, Express Yourself, brought participants into the world of improvisational drama and storytelling. Through a series of dynamic exercises and games, attendees were encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, explore quick thinking, and connect with their emotions and their body. This session was filled with laughter, connection, and moments of vulnerability as participants embraced the art of spontaneous performance. It was an inspiring reminder of the power of community spaces that support self-expression and authentic connections.
The Overall Impact: Building a Supportive Community in Queenstown
The Wellbeing Sessions achieved more than just personal relaxation and self-care—they fostered an environment of support, inclusivity, and camaraderie within Queenstown’s multicultural community. These gatherings provided a safe space where individuals could step away from the stresses of daily life, try something new, and connect with others who share similar interests and challenges. By celebrating both our differences and commonalities, the Wellbeing Sessions helped strengthen the sense of belonging and unity within our community.
We owe a huge thanks to Melina Shabel, our dedicated facilitator, for developing and hosting these fabulous sessions. Her energy, warmth, and expertise made each session engaging, accessible, and impactful, and her commitment to community well-being truly shone through in every workshop.
We are also immensely grateful to the Te Hau Toka Connecting Communities Fund for their support in making these sessions possible. Their commitment to mental well-being and community connection has been instrumental in bringing these events to life, allowing us to reach more people and make a meaningful impact on well-being in Queenstown.
Each session was a reminder that well-being is a journey best taken together. From dance and movement to art and expression, the Wellbeing Sessions brought a diverse group of people together, showing that wellness knows no cultural boundaries. We are grateful to everyone who participated and made these events so memorable!
Comments