On Navigating Change with Stillness and Presence

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Restoring your body, mind, and spirit amid change is an act of courage, empowerment, and hope. Drawing wisdom from yoga philosophy and her many years of teaching experience, yoga teacher and activist Octavia Raheem offers us the motivation and guidance we need to restore ourselves through various forms of change in our lives—from the joyful changes we welcome to challenging or more subtle ones we may or may not expect. In her work and writing, Octavia presents an opportunity to pause and gather our energy to work with whatever lies ahead.

Her practice comes to life in her latest book, Pause, Rest, Be, where she provides simple restorative yoga poses and offers short teachings and reflections to see us through times of ending and beginning as well as liminal or transitional space. If you’re trying to push your way through times of uncertainty and transition, only to find yourself more confused, disconnected, tired, and uncertain, Octavia’s practices are designed to hold and fortify you so you can honor the changes and transitions in your life with purposeful rest and reflection.

Join somatic and transpersonal psychotherapist Deanna Jimenez for a conversation with Octavia on how slowing down, stillness, and deeper connection to our own transitions empowers us to move through personal and collective shifts with more grace as well as what it means to navigate change with presence and courage.

Octavia Raheem is a mother, author, yoga teacher and practitioner, and activist. She has received national attention for her work training yoga teachers and diversifying the yoga and wellness industry. Her work as a yoga professional focuses on practical tools to teach individuals how to manage stress, anxiety, and fatigue through yoga and meditation in a way that is accessible to all levels/abilities, and restorative to the nervous system. Her work has been featured in Yoga Journal, Mantra magazine, Well + Good, CNN, WXIA, and Atlanta Magazine. For more information, please visit Octavia’s website.

Deanna Jimenez is a somatic/transpersonal psychotherapist whose passion is to support those dedicating their lives to transformative movements. Deanna guides clients individually and collectively in establishing a solid mental, emotional, physical and spiritual foundation as a pathway towards elevating collective consciousness. She is Assistant professor in the Somatic Psychology department at CIIS and has a private practice supporting individuals, couples and organizations.

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Marcus Books is the nation’s oldest Black-owned independent bookstore celebrating its 60th year. Marcus Books’ mission is to provide opportunities for Black folks and their allies to celebrate and learn about Black people everywhere.