Yoga Festival Program

Experience Sarah's HER Flow and feel connected, embodied, and inspired! Sarah’s uniquely crafted HER class (adapted from Sarah's HER Gatherings) are guided by mythology that weaves together dynamic yoga movement, embodiment practice, mantra, mudra, breathwork (pranayama) and tantric philosophy. Suitable for every body.

Discover the magic of Gita Yoga. This unique style of Hatha integrates pranayama, slow flow, and specific postures to balance body systems, specifically our endocrine glands. When all systems function well we feel good. Behind these glands are our energy centres/chakras. When our energy is aligned we open our channel of consciousness. With this channel clear we feel more aligned with ourselves, more connected with others, with nature, and all that exists.

Nurture your inner connection by tuning into your body and breath, calming your mind, and tapping into your wisdom. This practice aims to grow the electromagnetic field surrounding your body by using expansive postures to energise the space around you.

Welcome to an hour of Sound, inviting gratitude and balance, as you submerge yourself in the sacred Tibetan healing vibrations of sound, stimulating natural balance for your mind, body and soul. Preparing for your sound spa experience, please wear warm comfortable clothing. Stay hydrated and arrive on an empty stomach.

In this session, you naturally invoke your subtle energy channels (Chakras); and reconnect to your ever-present deepest levels of peace (Shanthi). Easy to follow guidance that inspires you to leave mental distractions behind and seamlessly flow through - majestic expressions from ancient practices of dance yoga(Natya); -hand gestures (Mudras); -and tranquil sounds (Mantra and Raga); - infused into traditional yoga poses, breath and deep relaxation. Described as "a blissful meditative dance experience like-never-before!" Suitable for all levels.

Qigong is many things. Embodiment practice, movement therapy, self-care, energy healing, gentle exercise. One of the best ways to describe the practice is gentle and restorative exercise therapy. The purpose of the practice is to release physical, mental and emotional tension and stress, which allows the energy of the body to circulate more freely and with less stagnation and blockage. The practice has its origins in ancient China and is one of the branches of Classical Oriental Medicine, it is closely related, but not the same as Tai Chi. Qigong activates our body's energy system and the innate self-healing capacity of the body and can be likened to form of moving meditation. Sessions incorporates acupressure, slow stretches, gentle flowing movement, breath-work and stillness, accompanied by a strong focus on presence. During Qigong we focus and anchor our attention on the breath, the body and the awareness of Qi; the feeling of aliveness within. When practicing our intention is to be embodied and present, to connect with ourselves in a holistic way. There are numerous principals and dimensions to this beautiful form of self-nourishment and restoration, the essence being to slow down, soften the heart and to do less.

A mindful practice breaking down a main pose, e.g pigeon pose variations included - upright, half, reclined, seated, one foot, standing pigeon. Gently guided to listen to your body and work with your own alignment. Allowing connection and feeling inwards. Lots of options are explored and then we will flow with kindness and work with the body exactly as it is. A delight for beginners and coming home to seasoned practitioners.

Use your body and see how easy it is to release....! The psoas is one of our deepest core muscles. It is the only muscle that connects our legs to our spine and is often too short, which causes back pain, period pain and other postural alignment issues.

Mindful Dance Movement - Connecting the body, mind and soul through movement Kerri-Anne and Mel @adancejourney have a lifelong passion for dance and expressive movement. They didn’t just move through childhood and adolescence, they danced their way into adulthood. Kerri-Anne and Mel have come together to share their experience as educators, mental health professionals, mums and dancers (once a dancer, always a dancer!). With a shared understanding of the social, emotional, physical and spiritual benefits of dance and movement, they want everyone to experience the magic of being present in their own body while moving in ways that feel good and connect the mind, body and soul. Please have a water bottle on hand and bring along something that will allow you to lay or sit comfortably for our closing guided mediation and as guided by your body throughout the session. https://www.facebook.com/adancejourneygippsland https://www.instagram.com/adancejourney/

Pranadune classic vinyasa flow Untap your energies in a classic and creative vinyasa flow sequence featuring a range of traditional poses. Movement with breath. Steadiness with ease. Expect a dynamic but accessible session with a well earned guided Savasana to complete your practice.

A dynamic flow to reset your nervous system, increase awareness around how we hold our bodies and build confidence and self esteem.

Annie provides a safe space to explore movement, breathwork and meditation; using Tantric Hatha Yoga techniques to balance and support the different qualities of each season and cycle. Annie also specialises in yoga to support women through each phase of the menstrual cycle.

Explore the powerful synergy between Reiki and Yoga for enhanced well-being and energy. Led by Integrative Health and Energy Practitioner Renee, this workshop incorporates soul work as we delve into the layers of the body and discover how these practices can harmonise to nurture your energy body. Learn practical techniques to balance your energy and enhance your vitality. You’ll also hear how flushing a toilet with a bucket may hold the answer to joyful energy…

A session centered on self-compassion for women traversing perimenopause, menopause and the great beyond. Gentle movement, breath-worth and self-soothing practices to bring you back to centre when you’re feeling untethered and unlike the You who you know so well. You’ll benefit from having a bolster and blanket but it’s not essential. Led by Annebelle van Tongeren, a Bass Coast yoga teacher and founder of Fern & Frost yoga props. www.theyogastylist.com.au

This gentle but powerful hatha yoga class will focus on opening deep connective tissue, increasing flexibility, strengthening and toning the body. The class will enable you to cleanse and detox the body, improve blood circulation, support your brain health, boost the immune system and calm and soothe the entire nervous system to align, renew and reset the body, mind and soul.

Both dance and yoga have a relationship to the earth. This class draws on both my background as a dancer and as a yoga facilitator. The premise of this class contemplates how our physical human structure connects to the earth and also how we are in a continually negotiation with gravity – whether pushing against or releasing into. This class begins lying on the floor, gradually bringing us to standing. Connecting to our senses and feeling our bodies move through balance, fall and catch motions - moving out and in to the space. This somatic yoga practice is both physical and philosophical contemplation on how we travel through life. By focusing inwards we will be immersed into the transiting of each moment in time. Finding balance, falling and catching ourselves.

Voice Sound Therapy with Nicky De Gruchy Nicky has her Diploma in Voice Sound Therapy and Holistic Voice Therapy from the British Academy of Sound Therapy, BAST. She has taught singing and worked as a musician for over thirty years. She teaches expressive vocal exercises to help process thoughts and emotions through sound and how to work at a deeper level with voice, breath and movement to improve health and wellbeing. Voice Sound Therapy covers a wide range of interactive exercises, fun vocal warm ups and games, vocal improvisation and expression, toning through the chakras, chakra sound and movement, exercises to release resistance, breathing exercises to calm the nervous system, as well as passive activities such as a relaxing Voice Sound Bath. In this workshop we will cover a range of activities as well as singing for connection and fun. www.singingyourtruenature.com.au

Your Identity and who you are is the foundation of everything. Happiness, relationships, purpose, fulfillment, success, ideas, directions. But right from the very beginning the world makes us believe we should all be “normal”…in other words “the same” and so we move away from who we are. But that is not the way it was ever suppose to be. And why we have so many people walking around knowing “there is something missing, I just don’t know what it is”. How you see, feel, think, process, operate, receive ideas, what you are great at is unique to you. And the core of our individuality. And THIS was the place we were always meant to be. I want to show you this perspective of your Identity. Using tools such as Human Design, Body Intelligence and Identity Mentoring this hour will be time dedicated to coming back to you.

Meditation teacher (cert.med)and facilitator of rest and relaxation! Come and take some time out from the hubbub of this amazing festival. Bring your journal and your heart as we tune in to our inner-selves to discover what we all want. Kirsty has a knack for bringing you into a soft space within yourself, to listen to your own heart beat and allow your inner yearnings to be heard. Join us in the meditation room on both days.

Join Nikita in her workshop 'Grow As You Go' which has been intuitively designed to assist you on your journey to transform and transcend into the best possible version of yourself, FOR YOURSELF! You will learn and discover tools and techniques to nurture your wellbeing on all levels of your Being, uncover limiting beliefs and old habits that no longer serve you, so that you can live from a place of power, purpose and confidence; and ultimately to become more aligned and connected within yourself and your life.

The Aura, the Chakras, Kundalini; Connecting to your energetic self. Yogic traditions describe a range of energetic systems within the body, which are as much a part of the 'self' as our physical form. Kundalini Yoga offers a range of specific breath, mantra and movement techniques to work with these energies. In this class you'll balance the chakras, clear and strengthen the aura, and connect with Kundalini, the energy of our highest potential.

Yoga Nidra is a very specific and powerful restorative technique designed to induce a deep and total physical, mental and emotional relaxation. Benefits can include relief of muscular, emotional and mental tension, reduced anxiety and stress, improved sleep, lowered blood pressure and heart rate, inducing a sense of inner peace and calm - such a wonderful practice! It is usually done from lying, where the body becomes fully relaxed (or sleeps), while the mind remains awake and alert following the verbal instructions. The mind and emotions are slowly, gently relaxed and released, by being directed inwards - away from the outer world and its tensions. The body temperature will cool down in this class - best to bring extra layers/socks or some form of covering/blanket.

A project that integrates conscious spoken word with the sublime sounds of crystal bowls, didgeridoo and keyboard.

A heartfelt practice that begins and ends with the voice. In this class we will work with Kirtan; chanting, in call and response style, to ground into our yin practice. We will end chanting in celebration.

Embark on a unique yoga experience with Renee and Gabby, blending the dynamic energy of Yang with the calming essence of Yin. This special class integrates breath practices, gentle movements, and the soothing sounds of singing bowls, chimes, and mantra, guiding you into a profound state of relaxation and balance.

Join us for an empowering journey into Radiant Lotus Qigong, a practice tailored for women's health and vitality. Rooted in ancient Chinese wisdom, this holistic approach integrates gentle movements, mindful breathing, and meditation. Led by Rachel Hanrahan, an experienced senior yoga teacher and Radiant Lotus Qigong instructor, our sessions harmonize hormones, detoxify the body, and support menopausal symptoms. Experience serene flow and accessible movements that encourage relaxation and rejuvenation. Discover the profound benefits of this empowering practice and leave feeling rejuvenated, balanced, and connected.

Waking up the body and it's joints with some simple stretches followed by a gentle flow delving into some deeper asanas. Listening to your body and allowing each movement to sync in with your breath. Variations, adjustments and assistance with props (i.e. blocks and straps) are offered throughout, making it a hour of yoga for everyone, beginners and other practioners!

Gita Yoga integrates.....breathing.....stretching.....concentration....sense withdrawal……meditation…..philosophy into all postures. Every Gita Hatha class has all these components as a naural part of its flow. All the postures work to balance the hormone producing glands of the body and the supporting etheric energy centers. You will leave the class feeling balanced and whole, rejuvenated, and ready to face the busy outside world once more, with a renewed sense of energy and purpose.

Join this session to have fun and Play! We will do partner yoga, we will attempt to perform exercises and yoga poses as a group, supporting and cheering each other. The essential requirement is : you are willing to smile, laugh, get out of your comport zone for one hour.

Garba Dance of the Sacred Feminine is a traditional Indian folkloric ‘dance of the womb’ to honour womanhood and dedicated to the different aspects of the feminine principle or “Shakti”. Grounded within the feet and hips, it is a spiraling anticlockwise movement meditation that cultivates balance in the flow of change and transformation.

In this Slow Flow class you will find a variety of options to suit your body and how it is feeling right here and now. You will be given the time and space to explore your body and make your practice as strong or as gentle as you need. Our body and our practice changes from day to day, moment to moment. So take this time to slow down and really explore what your body needs from you. This class is suitable for all levels from beginners to seasoned Yogis.

Come and experience how you can adapt a traditional class to the chair. Why give up your Yoga if you can't get up and down from the mat. With a chair Yoga class asanas can be modified and adapted to suit different abilities. The chair can replace the floor as well as used as a prop. Along with Pranayama, Asana and Savasana you can also bring some fun to the class too.

The colour body is the only true defence against psychic attacks or the negative thoughts of others. A healthy, balanced aura lets the good in, but is also a mighty fortress against anything negative. You’re sure to enjoy this introduction to Sound Breathing, helping to restore and generate positive colours, improve concentration, focus and calm the mind.

Singing in group has been an expression of indigenous cultures around the globe which reminds us of our belonging to Earth and our communities. Combining kīrtan, mantra and positive heart songs we provide a space to enliven the spirit, bring about joy and a peaceful connection to Self, community and all life. A joyful rhythmic kirtan experience that will have you moving your body and voice or just being in the space and receive the sounds. No singing or chanting experience necessary.

Reclaiming Your Inner Rebel: Clarity, Connection and Courage in Midlife