A group of women gathered in a new and differently beautiful location for our Autumn Shiatsu Retreat. This retreat was unlike any we’ve hosted before—not only because it marked our final regular gathering in the Bay of Plenty, but also because it was held in a very different kind of venue than we’re accustomed to.
Nestled in the hills of Pahoia, the retreat was in a room at Pahoia School, surrounded by trees and bush. The moment we arrived, the trees seemed to welcome us into a pocket of stillness, while the sense of this usually busy place of learning kept pace. There’s something profoundly settling about being held by nature, and this whenua offered exactly that, while the room seemed to encourage the learning purpose.
A New Space, A Familiar Purpose
While the venue was different from our usual setting, it turned out to be a blessing in many ways. The kitchen was right next to our working space, which made meal prep onsite easy and allowed for meals to be provided in a dedicated space away from the classroom. It created an easy, flowing rhythm to the days. That said, our little helper—our own daughter, aged six—was more of a lively presence than a helping hand this time! As she gets older, she’s developing strong opinions about what she should be doing during retreats, and joining in the sessions seems more appealing then “helping”. Nevertheless, her spirit added a unique charm to the atmosphere, reminding us of the youthful yang energy within the yin of autumn.
Our space was lovingly prepared ahead of time. Mats, cushions, and blankets were arranged with care, and slower provided by our local florist, Lifestyle flowers. It was a room that invited presence. And presence was exactly what these eight wahine brought with them—drawn to the retreat from many different walks of life, but all answering the same quiet calling: the call to Shiatsu, to connection, to the deep listening of body and season.
The Women Who Gathered
This was a retreat rich in diversity, not just in the backgrounds and stories of the women attending, but also in their experience with Shiatsu. Five of the eight had attended previous retreats—some just once, others multiple times. The other three were new to this work, stepping into the unknown with open hearts and curious minds. This blend of familiarity and freshness created a dynamic and nourishing container.
One of the things I love most about these gatherings is how quickly a sense of sisterhood forms. Despite age differences, different home towns, and different levels of Shiatsu knowledge, there’s always a sense of shared purpose. This retreat was no exception. Within hours, people were chatting like old friends, sharing meals, and swapping stories about their bodies, their lives, and their longing for deeper connection—both to themselves and others.
Autumn’s Element: Metal
As with all of our seasonal retreats, the teachings and practices were grounded in the wisdom of the Five Elements in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Autumn is associated with the Metal element, and with the Lung and Large Intestine meridians.
Metal teaches us the value of letting go. Just as trees shed their leaves in preparation for winter, we too are invited to release what no longer serves us. This season asks us to return to what is essential—stripping away distractions and holding close only what is truly valuable. In the body, this corresponds with the Lung and Large Intestine, which together govern the processes of intake and elimination. We breathe in inspiration and clarity; we release waste and old grief.
Each morning began with a series of exercises for these meridians—gentle stretches, breath work, and movement that opened the chest, enlivened the limbs, and invited us into relationship with our own energy. The Lung meridian in particular made itself very present in the room. There were moments during the weekend when you could feel the yin quality of Lung energy circulating—quiet, refined, poignant. A sense of deep stillness entered the space as we worked. For many participants, this made the subtle energy of Shiatsu more palpable than ever before.
Boundaries and the Practice of Saying No
One of the central themes of the weekend was boundaries—how we understand them, how we express them, and how we honour them in ourselves and others. Boundaries are often misunderstood as walls or barriers, but in Shiatsu and life, we see them as edges of clarity—where your energy ends and mine begins.
Practising boundaries is essential for anyone working with touch, but it’s also deeply relevant in all aspects of life. Saying “no” can feel uncomfortable, especially for those of us who’ve been taught to prioritise harmony, caretaking, or people-pleasing. But saying no, when done with kindness and clarity, is an act of deep self-respect—and, in many cases, a gift to the other person too. It creates clean lines in our relationships and allows for honest, authentic connection.
We explored this through conversation, exercises, and bodywork. Participants also shared their personal experiences. These exercises and conversations were powerful, and sometimes emotional.
Deepening the Work
As always, the practical side of Shiatsu was woven into the weekend. Each participant learned how to give a 45-minute Shiatsu session, drawing on the principles and techniques taught throughout the retreat. For those who had attended before, it was a chance to refine their touch, deepen their understanding of the meridians, and work with more confidence. For the newcomers, it was a joyful initiation into a new way of working with the body.
While the focus of the Retreat were the lung and large intestine channels, as aligned with the Autumn season, there was a strong focus on the Large Intestine meridian this time around. Many chose to spend extra time tracing, treating, or receiving work on this channel. It was a beautiful reminder that the physical and emotional bodies are not separate: when we support the organs of elimination, we also support emotional release. Several participants reported feeling lighter, clearer, and more at ease after their sessions—some even noticing a shift in long-held patterns of tension or stuckness.
It’s always a joy to witness people stepping into their power through the gift of touch. To see hands become more sensitive, movements more fluid, intuition more trusted. And to know that, after the retreat, these new skills will ripple out into families, homes, and communities.
Sharing Nourishment and Connection
Mealtimes were, as always, a treasured part of the retreat. We shared plant-based kai that was both nourishing and delicious—soups, salads, roasted vegetables, and treats that matched the season. There’s something about sharing food that fosters intimacy. Around the table, we laughed, reflected, asked questions, and told stories. Sometimes the conversations were light and full of humour; other times, they dipped into deeper waters.
A Turning Point
This retreat also marked a significant turning point for us as a school and community. It was the last of our regular retreats in the Bay of Plenty—a place that has held so much of our journey so far. It doesn’t mean we won’t return, but as we closed the retreat and packed down the space, there was a real sense of closing a chapter.
While we were retreating, important developments were unfolding on the new land up north, where Shiatsu Bodywork Academy will be relocating. It’s a place filled with potential—open views, native bush, and a vision for creating a sanctuary where learning and healing can flourish side by side. It will take time to prepare the land and create the infrastructure needed for hosting retreats there, but it’s happening. Slowly, steadily, with care.
Our next seasonal retreat—Winter—will be held in Northland, in the Kerikeri area. The venue is still to be confirmed, but we are excited to welcome a new group into the winter teachings, steeped in the wisdom of the Water element. This move marks a new era for us, and we are deeply grateful for all the support, encouragement, and enthusiasm we’ve received along the way.
In Gratitude
To the women who joined us this autumn: thank you. Thank you for trusting the process, for bringing your whole selves, for sharing your stories, and for being willing to be vulnerable. Thank you for your curiosity, your openness, your courage.
To the land in Pahoia, and the Pahoia School Community: thank you for holding us so beautifully in this transition time.
To everyone who has ever attended a Shiatsu Bodywork Academy retreat: your presence, your growth, and your spirit are what keep this work alive and evolving.
And finally, to the season of autumn: thank you for reminding us how to let go. Thank you for your clarity, your elegance, your breath of cool air that strips away the unnecessary and makes room for what is real.
Stay Connected
We look forward to what lies ahead. If you’d like to be part of the Winter Retreat or want to stay informed about our new home in Northland, make sure you’re subscribed to our newsletter or following us on social media.
In the meantime, may you carry the essence of autumn with you—breathing in what nourishes, and gently letting go of what you no longer need.
