The Bodies We Live In - Monthly Women's Circle Taupō

You are warmly invited to join us for our monthly Taupō women's circle gathering! 

This months Red Tent is an invitation to explore the relationships we have with our bodies, the things we’ve been taught, any conditioning we might be carrying and how it effects us all.

Our bodies are a gift and journey with us through every part of our lives, from before our first breath until our last. We experience our world through them and naturally they grow, change, bleed, birth, age, heal and do so much more than we often think about or give them credit for. We’re always surrounded by changing messages about how our bodies ‘should’ look, feel and behave. Passed on from our cultures, family and peers and the media.

Our intention this month is to gain some awareness of and unpack the individual and collective beliefs and feelings we hold around our bodies. A non-judgmental place for honest conversation, reflection and connection, and also to hopefully cultivate a little more wonder and gratitude for these incredible bodies of ours.

What to expect

• A welcoming, intentional and authentic space

• Gentle movement to drop into the body

• Sharing, meditation and journaling

• Cacao, herbal teas, shared food, and a calm, cosy atmosphere to just be

• Leaving feeling a deeper connection to self and others

This is our third circle, join this growing group of wonderful women. Come as you are. Take what you need. Find support, community and connection and simply be together.

Sunday 18th October

1.30pm–4.30pm (3hours)

Yoga Tree - Level 1, 18 Horomatangi St, Taupō

Investment: $30 or $25 for current Red Tent NZ members *see info below to join the movement

Cacao $5 (100% plant based, pre-order only)

What to bring

• Water bottle

• Mug

• Journal & pen

• Small plate of food for shared afternoon tea

Spaces are limited, bookings essential:

Please arrive by 1.20pm to get settled in the space, 1.30pm start and 4.30pm finish with a break for a bite and a cuppa. If you feel the call but cost is a barrier PLEASE do get in touch as I don't want cost to be the reason you can't join us.Any questions? Email tauporedtent@gmail.com or text/call Grace on 0211842250.

I can’t wait to share this special afternoon with you!

Grace xo

Want to receive info about upcoming circles?

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 FAQ’s 

What is Red Tent and what happens there?

The Red Tent movement is worldwide and stemmed from the book The Red Tent by Anita Diamant. Red Tents are spaces created by women, for women — a place to gather, share stories, learn, relax, and feel nurtured, seen, and heard.

Every Red Tent branch is a little different and reflects the needs, interests, and desires of the local group, so there is not really any fixed format. Gatherings might include a guest speaker, themed discussion, meditation, movement, craft, reflection, or other practices that support healing, connection, personal growth, and women’s empowerment.

What type of women come to Red Tent?

Women from all ages, backgrounds, beliefs, and walks of life come to Red Tent. We welcome anyone who identifies as female aged 11+, Whether you’re craving connection, navigating change, or simply wanting a space to slow down and be with other women.

What’s provided / what do I need to bring?

We have: chairs, blankets and bolsters provided, along with some herbal teas to make a cuppa, you can purchase a cup of ceremonial cacao in advance for $5

Bring: a mug, water bottle, a journal and pen, small plate to share for afternoon tea, and anything else that will help you feel cosy and comfy, warm socks, favourite blanket, cushion etc. 

What if I don’t want to share?

That is absolutely okay, everything is an invitation at Red Tent. There is no pressure to do anything if it doesn’t feel right for you, you’re always welcome to simply listen, receive, and be part of the space in whatever way feels right for you on the day. 

I’ve never done anything like this — do I need any experience?

Not at all, you’re so welcome! Come just as you are. We have been gathering this way for generations, and for many there’s a gentle sense of remembering something that feels both ancient and deeply familiar.

Can I bring my child?

Red Tent is generally an adults space, giving women a chance to put down their responsibilities, take a breath, and reconnect with themselves. An exception is younger babies who are not yet crawling, we want this to be a community that genuinely supports women and if bringing your baby is what makes it possible to attend, you are very welcome. Daughters who have had their first bleed (Menarche) are also warmly invited. Red Tent is a beautiful and rare multigenerational space where we can share wisdom, stories, and connection across the generations.

Can I come on my own?

Absolutely. Many women come on their own, especially for their first gathering. For some, not knowing anyone can actually feel really freeing (this has been my experience!) a bit like a fresh slate, where you get to simply show up as the version of you that’s here today, without anyone’s expectations or stories attached.

Who is the facilitator and why does she do this?

I am Grace Bowen, founder of Red Tent Taupō. Originally born and raised in Rotorua, after plenty of travel and career changes in my twenties, I moved to Taupō to put down roots, become a mama, and be close to family. In 2021, after attending my first women’s circle, I was blown away by the connection and sacredness of the experience and knew I needed to be in these spaces.

Since then, I have trained as a yoga teacher, Somatic Dance facilitator, and held women’s retreats alongside my sisters. Most recently, I completed the Red Tent Aotearoa facilitator training, and I’m so excited to bring this magic to Taupō and help build a community here.

My hope is that every woman who comes to Red Tent Taupō feels warmly welcomed, deeply seen, and free to be exactly who she is. We’ll come together in a beautiful and relaxing environment where we can slow down, connect and explore different themes at each gathering. This is a space where all our humanness is welcome - and celebrated! From nerves to tears to laughter and everything in between. I would love women to leave feeling a sense of belonging, grounded and more themselves

Become a supporting member of Red Tent Aotearoa

To become a member of this magical movement:

https://www.jillnatalia.co.nz/membership-red-tent-aotearoa/

Membership is a sliding scale from $20 annually. Membership fees go towards admin, supporting facilitators, and opening more Red Tents around the country.

The benefits to becoming a member of Red Tent Aotearoa are huge:

• Sisterhood & connection; finding your tribe

• Support networks: online forums and face-to-face gatherings each month

• Access to holistic information & education

• Discounts on services and workshops

• Discounted entry to Red Tent Circles

• Discounted entry to RTA exclusive education programs

• Discounted admission to our annual Red Tent Retreat

• Preferential booking to events and members-only events

About Red Tent Aotearoa

Red Tent Taupō is part of Red Tent Aotearoa, a growing network of women’s circles across the country. Founded by Jill Natalia, Red Tent Aotearoa was created to offer inclusive, supportive spaces where women can gather, connect, and grow.

Each local Red Tent is unique, but all are grounded in connection, community, and women supporting women. Circles are open to anyone who identifies as a woman, welcoming all ages, backgrounds, and life experiences. It’s our hope that everyone who enters a Red Tent experiences a sense of belonging, sisterhood, and strength that stays with them long after they leave.

When we gather in honesty, compassion, and support rather than competition, something powerful happens, we remember who we are, recognise ourselves in one another, and realise we are far stronger together than we are alone.

To find out more about Red Tent Aotearoa:

https://www.jillnatalia.co.nz/red-tent-aotearoa/