blog: still Breathing
A month ago I returned home from a huge time away with my teachers. After all the chaos of the last few years, the calling was so strong to retreat from normal life and take time for some deep immersive practice. Since returning I've been quietly processing and reflecting on my time away, doing my best to integrate the massive shifts and learnings as I expand into some new layers of self. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to be held and nurtured through the substantial discomfort of real change, and, I am feeling so filled up and inspired once again to share and co-create in the world.
There was just so much that had accumulated, so much of me waiting for clarity, I was stuck and wasn't sure how to move forward with integrity.
During all the lockdowns I went (very naturally) into service. I felt I had something useful to share and the momentum of the breath courses took me on a truly wonderful journey. In order to show up with that level of commitment and consistency I put myself to the side, and just got on with it. Behind the scenes, I've been navigating the final stages of ending a relationship that has dominated most of my adult life and a huge piece of my identity, as well as finding myself at the confluence of a spiritual & career backflip...you might remember if you read these emails that I described being "in the mush." I was so outside of myself, I didn't have many words for what I was experiencing. All I knew was that I had to go inwards for answers. I needed, simply, to retreat.
A retreat is a place to connect, rest and remember your truest self. A retreat is a space for becoming.
I managed to do two back to back immersive retreats, each of which has taken me to some incredible depths. I spent a week on Corfu in Yogini Temple practicing Shakta Ceremony & Ritual with Chameli & the Awakening Women team, and, 10 days in Tuscany with the incomparable Amy Rachelle & Anthony Abbagnano of Alchemy of Breath where I was very lucky to join the team sharing Yoga whilst going deep with daily breathwork.
I could write a book about what was revealed to me on each of those retreats, and perhaps will one day.
After becoming burned out from zoom (anyone/everyone with me?!) and deeply fatigued by the online space in general, I am once again feeling so passionate and inspired about holding 'real life' safe and nourishing containers for deep inner listening and inquiry. Because, it truly works for me, and I have seen countless times just how well it works for others.
Holding immersive spaces for transformation has been the biggest focus of my work for more than a decade. I believe now more than ever we all need to hit pause and journey inwards; to process and integrate the massive changes we have all gone through - individually & collectively.
There's been a lot of encouragement to hold an inclusive & accessible breath focussed Retreat, so it is with great pleasure that I invite you to:
Breathe: Retreat, Tejakula Bali, Nov 21-27th.
A full and nurturing week of breath, story and coming home to the self. A place to turn inwards and immerse in 7 days of deep practice in the secluded mountains of North Bali, far from the busy tourist spots. Be held & truly retreat in this unique, quiet and deeply harmonious ashram.
Practice pranayama, transformational breathwork & gentle yoga (Yin, restorative & gentle flow), as well as immersing in (my favourite) myth, mantra, meditation & dance.
Join in as much, or as little as you like to the full schedule of sessions & excursions (local waterfalls, volcanos & temples), this is truly a retreat for everyone - people of all backgrounds and levels of experience & ability are so welcome.
This retreat is inclusive, accessible, affordable & trauma informed.
I have kept the costs low with double/twin share at only $1790 (includes absolutely everything except your flights). A deposit of $490 will hold your spot, email me if you have questions of course!
Aside from this one, I'm running a pilot 30hour TT in Shakta Ceremony that is already almost full via word of mouth - there are just 2 places left. This one is by application and is only open to those who have either done the both 100 training, or have been on Retreat with me previously. Please email me asap if you are interested.
more information on Breathe: Retreat
Private sessions
I am offering private sessions again, and welcome all people who feel they might benefit from my compasionate support.
MENTORING, COACHING & SO MUCH MORE
I have been providing one on one support & mentoring for more than 10 years, with a diverse range of experience & training in somatic Yoga Therapy, Breathwork, holistic detox, NVC (non violent communication) counselling & mediation facilitation.
My approach to wellness is multi dimensional, intuitive and trauma informed.
I am currently studying Psychotherapy and Clinical Hypnosis and will be able to add these to my private offerings in 2023.
Sessions go for 60 minutes and run via zoom, unless organised otherwise.
Sending you a big hug
Uma