Reconnection
A 5-week trauma-informed series to explore the relationship between movement, breath, mind, and nervous system
Tuesdays 5:15 - 6:45pm
May 16 & 23 (*no class on 5/30*) and June 6, 13, & 20
Led by Rachel Jones 500hr RYT(she/her)
The body is quite powerful. The only thing it wants to do is keep us safe. Unfortunately, oftentimes life experiences can make us feel the opposite. It is in these times when the power of the body, with the help of the nervous system, will take over the show and perhaps leave the mind feeling disconnected from our innate power.
This series is intended to open up communication between these parts of us that have a tendency to separate. It’s intended to bridge the gap of potential confusion between the behavior of the body and the mind’s idea of it (or lack thereof). Ultimately the intention is to hopefully recreate the relationship with self, and reconnect to your power.
We will embark on this journey of reconnection with practices such as movement, breath, concentration, and self-study. Because our bodies, breath, and minds are as subjective and unique as our experiences, everyone in the room will have a subjective and unique practice. We will work together to find what specifically works for you and your body, but ultimately you are the decider of what that will look like.
The physical practice we will explore is based in functional movement therefore it is very safe, accessible, and therapeutic for most bodies. We may spend time on the floor as well as standing but neither are requirements as there is always a way to find a variation to the movement that works for you.
Breath and concentration are inherently trickier pieces to find but with practice they become incredibly powerful pieces of the puzzle. These pieces will be supported and reflected on throughout each session.
Self-study can come in many forms. It is the simple practice of observing how our minds, bodies, nervous systems, etc. react and respond in a nonjudgmental way.
In this series self-study will be explored through mindful awareness, journaling and opportunities for discussion. None of the practices we will explore have a ‘right or wrong’ way of doing them, but are more up for interpretation. While there’s a lot of freedom in practicing this way, clear guidance will be given on how to explore in a safe way.
Max number of students is 10
Each session will look like:
Brief journaling and discussion on ideas and topics surrounding this idea of reconnecting
Larger portion of time for body-based practices followed by periods of complete rest
Time and opportunity to reflect
What to Bring:
Clothes you are comfortable moving in
Journal
All props and mats are provided but feel free to bring your own if you’d like
Registration
Follow this link to register or email empiricalsukha@gmail.com with questions
Send Payment through:
Venmo: @Rachel-Jones-288 -or-
Cash
EQUITY PRICING:
Empowered Spaces and Rachel Jones value community care. Given the systemic injustice in this world which affects each of us differently, this equity pricing scale acknowledges that our ability to pay for services, and access those services, varies. We offer a self-determined sliding scale based on the ways that your identity grants you access to privilege and to social capital, e.g. race, gender & sexual identity, socio-economic status, educational background, able-bodied-ness, etc.
Sustainer Rate - "I can pay my way" - $115
Supporter Rate - "I can help support my community" - $165
Community Rate - "I can use support from my community" - $65
*Full and Partial Scholarships available
**Full & Partial scholarships: Empowered Spaces is committed to doing everything possible to make offerings accessible to everyone. To inquire about the Empowered Spaces Equity Scholarship please contact Kelly at kkcaul@yahoo.com
COVID-19 PROCEDURES
We ask that those who attend in-person are vaccinated. We will follow CDC guidelines when it comes to masking. Currently: Masks are optional. If cases go up in St. Louis County and guidelines change, masks will be required throughout the practice. Please stay home if you have symptoms, test positive, or were exposed to someone with COVID-19.
ACCESSIBILITY:
The Empowered Spaces yoga studio is located on the ground floor. There is a 10-car parking lot adjacent to the studio & additional free parking on neighborhood streets. Restroom is wheelchair-accessible and ramp-accessible in the main building. Please reach out to Kelly kkcaul@yahoo.com if there is anything more we can do to make our offerings more accessible. Empowered Spaces is committed to accessibility, and strives to be accessible and inclusive of all abilities and all individuals.
Meet Rachel
Yoga Teacher, 2nd Yr Yoga Therapy Candidate, 1st Yr Ayurvedic Practitioner Candidate, Expected 2023 B.S. in Psychology and Trauma Studies
The art of healing is a powerful process that I am fascinated, inspired, humbled, and completely filled by everyday. I have been fortunate enough to be both a participant, witness, and facilitator of this readily available process for the past six years.
It started and continues with studies in Yoga Therapy, Ayurveda, Spiritual Inquiry, Psychology, Trauma Studies, and Herbalism. In addition to my studies, my experience working with the community has been invaluable.
Most recently, my work has allowed me to design and facilitate a Trauma Sensitive Yoga program for folks within the addiction recovery community. Along with trauma work of this nature, I regularly offer group classes, individual inquiry sessions, workshops and educational ventures, as well as teacher trainings.
My greatest hope is to continue connecting and working with groups and individuals within the community to learn, create, and grow together.