In a culture that pushes you to constantly produce, grind, and burn out, allowing yourself the space to rest is a radical act of care. Within an anti-capitalist and intersectional framework this workshop uses breath, gentle movement, restorative yoga, and yoga nidra, to unravel and practice what we were always intended to do, and resource ourselves with the rest we need.
While capitalism treats us like machines, we protest this by giving ourselves permission to experience the body as a site of liberation and connection, and practice the divine art of doing Nothing. For capitalism our rest is an interruption, for us it’s a portal. This practice will work with the nervous system to shift us towards states in which we can recover, process, and heal. We will physically support and tend to our bodies, knowing that this is a container which holds our emotions, worries, dreams, thoughts, and spirit.
This is a physically very gentle practice, where great detail and attention will be given to ensuring your body is comfortable – which is not to say it is alway easy! This is a practice for those wishing to slow down, those recovering physically, emotionally or mentally from injury, illness and burn-out, and those who wish to find greater restfulness and ease as a deepening of their activism and spiritual practice.
Accessibility Information
I hope the below information will be helpful for you. Accessibility is at the heart of what I do, which means I am regularly reviewing where and how I work, while knowing so much is imperfect. I try to take a wider view of accessibility in my work, which means some offerings are likely to be more accessible for some folks, and different events more accessible for others. I welcome and appreciate all feedback which supports me in improving accessibility across all communities, and encourage an open dialogue if you have further questions.
Venue: Rebalance, Wellbeing Collective in central Brighton.
21-22 Old Steine, BN1 1EL
There are 4 fairly steep steps to enter the building and no steps inside. Previously this workshop has been at a wheelchair accessible venue, but due to a closure I have had to find a last minute alternative. Apologies if this impacts you being able to attend – workshops at Lunawave are available step free into the yoga studio (the sauna portion of the workshops includes 3 steps into the sauna – but you can attend yoga only)
The practice will take place on the floor, and includes transitioning from lying to seated, gentle movement, and getting into different positions with the help of props and cushions. Assistance can be offered by me for those who need help getting up and down off the floor and getting in and out of the restorative postures Or please discuss if you need a carer to attend with you.
There are two toilets. One ‘trans inclusive women’s toilet’ containing two cubicles, and one ‘all genders toilet’ containing a single cubicle. There is no where specific to get changed, so if you need to change at the venue you may need to use a toilet, but if a treatment room is available you may also be able to use this. There are coat racks and spaces to store your things in the communal areas, and if you have valuables you need close, then please bring these into the studio with you.
The reception area is shared with some treatment rooms, and there may be other people using communal areas.
Workshop:
The workshop is gentle in approach and is and aimed at aiding relaxation and downregulation. This includes:
- Movement while lying down on the floor
- Guided pranayama (breath practice)
- Supported and held restorative postures.
- Yoga Nidra – a guided meditative practice that includes body scan, breath, and imagination.
Effort is made to adapt for each individual’s body, and everything is optional, with consent and autonomy centred.
I usually diffuse essential oils and play restful music – but these can be omitted if they will cause disturbance for some, send me an email to let me know.
Covid Safety:
In a workshop centered around community care, it is still important to protect those in our community against the spread of covid and other illness.
There will be a maximum of 15 people in the studio, and we will not be moving around the space.
Do not come to this workshop if you have symptoms of covid included on this list: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/symptoms/main-symptoms
You should take a lateral flow test before attending.
You are welcome to wear a mask when arriving or moving around in the venue, and during the workshop at any point.
The space will be cleaned and ventilated before the workshop.