Groundwork: Nervous System Reset

Groundwork: Nervous System Reset

Groundwork: Nervous System Reset is a new monthly workshop series — three hours of yin yoga, hatha yoga, yoga nidra, meditation, self massage and vocal toning with live harmonium, designed to bring your nervous system back to a place of rest.

Your nervous system governs everything. How you think, how you sleep, how much capacity you have, how you respond when things get hard. Most of us are running in a state of low-grade activation a lot of the time, not because anything is dramatically wrong, but because modern life asks a lot of us, constantly. The nervous system responds to all of it and over time it starts to treat stress as the default setting.

Regulation isn't necessarily about becoming calm or bypassing difficulty, rather learning how to increase your capacity to be present with what's actually here. And the reason we use the body, movement, breath, sound, touch, is that you can't think your way into a regulated state. You have to work with the system directly.

That's exactly what this workshop is about.

Each month explores a different theme, drawing on yogic philosophy, polyvagal theory, and the teachings of Pema Chödrön. Our next session, Tenderness Toward Difficulty. Pema writes, "When things are shaky and nothing is working, we might realise that we are on the verge of something. We might realise that this is a very vulnerable and tender place, and that tenderness can go either way. We can shut down and feel resentful or we can touch in on that throbbing quality. There is definitely something tender and throbbing about groundlessness."

Across the three hours we'll move through slow, breath-led hatha yoga, long-held restorative yin postures, guided self massage, pranayama, vocal toning with the harmonium and a closing meditation. No previous experience is necessary; this is a standalone session and a warm welcome whether this is your first time with me or your fiftieth.

What to expect:

• Slow, sensation-led hatha yoga
• Long-held yin postures
• Guided self massage
• Breathwork for nervous system regulation
• Meditation
• Vocal toning with live harmonium

What to bring: Feel free to bring your own mat and any comfort items you'd like (blanket, eye mask, cushion) — blocks, bricks and bolsters will be provided.

Who this is for: Anyone wanting to slow down, reconnect with their body, and explore practices for regulating the nervous system. All levels welcome.