Over half the people who start yoga do so to support their mental wellbeing and more than three quarters continue because of the benefits they experience. This workshop offers a gentle and manageable introduction to yoga for mental wellbeing, suitable for anyone. No prior experience in yoga is required, you don’t need to be flexible, and you are welcome to practice on a mat or a chair.

Unlike many traditional yoga classes, this workshop is based on choice, consent and personal control. There is no focus on getting the poses right or pushing your body. Instead, the emphasis is on noticing physical sensations and being present in your body, at a pace that feels beneficial to you.

During the workshop you will have the opportunity to participate in two yoga practices designed to support you to make person choices in movement and rest. Alongside the practices, the course includes practical information about stress and trauma, how they affect the body and how yoga may support mental wellbeing.

Informed by the internationally recognised trauma-sensitive yoga approach, this course offers a supportive, non-judgemental space to explore movement and body awareness without pressure to perform, fix, or achieve anything.

Course Outline:

• 9.00 – 9.15 Welcome and Introductions
• 9.15 – 10.15 Yoga practice and discussion
• 10.15 – 10.30 Break
• 10.30 – 11.30 Informal information session about how stress and distress impact on the body and how yoga can support mental wellbeing
• 11.30 – 12.20 Yoga practice and discussion
• 12.20 – 12.30 Finding a yoga class to meet your needs

Learning Outcomes:

• Participate in a gentle, choice-based yoga practice and reflect on their experience of making personal choices in movement and rest
• Describe how stress and distress can affect the body and identify ways yoga may support mental wellbeing
• Identify personal preferences and practical options for continuing yoga in ways that feel safe, accessible and supportive to their own wellbeing

What to bring:

• A yoga mat or towel
• Wear comfortable clothing

About the Tutor:

‘Arna Rathgen has over 35 years’ experience as a Social Worker in mental health and trauma recovery services, leading compassionate and contemporary mental health programs. Arna has been practicing yoga for more than 40 years and is a qualified yoga instructor and a graduate of the Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga 300 hour training. Her work integrates professional knowledge with embodied practices, guided by the principles of safety, choice, collaboration and respect.

Arna is committed to creating accessible spaces where people can explore movement and body awareness at their own pace, to make choices in their own bodies and lives rather than being directed or fixed by someone else.'

Other Information:

• To ensure resources are ready for you at the start of your course, we ask you ideally enrol at least one week before the course commences.
• All courses need a minimum number of students to run ("we try our hardest to get those") . If your course does not have enough students it will be cancelled before the commencement and you will be informed.