Deep Rest for the Mind, Body + Soul

Yin + Restorative Yoga | Yoga Nidra
Nervous System Care | Cacao | Breath
Compassionate Mindfulness

Benefits of Deep Rest

“To be ‘well’ is not to live in a state of perpetual safety and calm, but to move fluidly from a state of adversity, risk, adventure, or excitement, back to safety and calm, and out again. Stress is not bad for you; being stuck is bad for you. Wellness happens when your body is a place of safety for you, even when your body is not necessarily in a safe place.
You can be well, even during the times when you don’t feel good.”
~ Emily Nagoski, Amelia Nagoski, Burnout: The Secret to unlocking the Stress Cycle.

What is Somatic Movement?

Somatic movement is a type of movement that focuses on the internal experience of the movement rather than the external appearance or result of the movement. It is a slow, controlled, and intentional movement that is used to increase awareness of the body and its sensations.

Somatic movement is based on the idea that the mind and body are interconnected. When we are aware of our bodies and how they are moving, we are better able to identify and manage stress, tension, and pain. Somatic movement can also help to:

• Calms and balances the mind and body.
• Supports the regulation of the autonomic nervous system (rest, digest & social engagement).
• Reduces stress and anxiety.
• Increases circulation.
• Improves flexibility.
• Releases fascia and improves joint mobility.
• Balances the internal organs and improves the flow of chi or prana.

These longer sessions are intended to give you time to breathe and create a safe space within yourself to unravel, unwind and nourish yourself from the inside out – so you have the energy to do all the doings that need to be done and the enthusiasm to enjoy them!

Burnout or Compassion Fatigue?

“For someone to develop genuine compassion towards others, first he or she must have a basis upon which to cultivate compassion, and that basis is the ability to connect to one’s own feelings and to care for one’s own welfare. Caring for others requires caring for oneself” (Dalai Llama).

These sessions are open to everyone but I extend a special invitation for carers, teachers, healthcare workers, parents and all those who serve others to commit to receiving nurturing too.

No matter how loving your heart, you need to know how to receive too.

Compassion Fatigue and Burnout is at extreme levels (as much as 80-85% for healthcare workers in 2022), it’s clear – our nurturers need nurturing too.

DEEP REST is an invitation to let tired bodies and minds rest while restoring the deepest connection to your Self. 

It’s permission to step away from emotional labour, problem solving, fixing and the to-do lists that never end.

It’s a softening into pausing, breathing, mindful self compassion and gentle movement to unravel tension.

Slowing down to receive the breath and using deeply nourishing and nervous system resetting postures to support you in emptying out while also receiving the simple nourishment of space to just be you.

Self-Compassion isn’t a question of self-interest or self-centredness or even self-esteem (centred in pride or achievements) but instead relates to the ability to see shared human experiences (Kristin Neff). 

Why do we combine Cacao with Deep Rest?

Cacao is rich in antioxidants. This super food is believed to support blood flow and tissue oxygenation, opening the heart and bringing clarity and focus to the mind. Cacao also contains over 300 compounds including magnesium, a muscle relaxant associated with feelings of calmness. Combining cacao with yoga poses we begin to explore the incredible intelligence of our bodies in healing and the many ways that pure ceremonial cacao interacts with our natural biochemical pathways to provide health benefits.

For our Deep Rest classes we serve Uturunku (Jaguar) Cacao, hand-crafted from indigenous cacao in Tarapoto, Peru. Because of its therapeutic benefits and gentle heart activation it is suitable for more sensitive nervous systems.

“This ceremonial cacao is like no other, with our scientific studies showing it to be ultra potent in levels of biogenic amines like tryptamine and phenylethylamine (PEA) for feelings of intense satisfaction, embodiment and spiritual awakening. It also contains high levels of tryptophan for sensations of joy and happiness.” ~ Seleno Health

What are the benefits of pure ceremonial cacao?

Scientific studies now tell us it’s more than just the joy of chocolate we experience when drinking pure ceremonial cacao, that there are complex biochemistry responses at play that can benefit:

• Immune & Cardiovascular health
• Mental health, Wellbeing and Mood Elevation
• Metabolic function and nutritional health
• Cognitive function and the regulation of the autonomic nervous system

“Caring for those who care for others is paramount – we cannot give what we don’t have.” 

About our Venue

Our events are offered from our nature sanctuary in Treeby (near Jandakot) just 30 minutes from Fremantle and Perth. On a five acre private property it is an oasis nestled amongst the trees. This magical property is simple, rustic and intended to support you in slowing down & reconnecting with the beauty of mother nature, your own true nature. Our sessions are run in a beautifully equipped bell tent on the centre of the property so you will need to be comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, and the toilet is a short walk from the tent.

In the shoulder seasons we practice with doors open (but mosquito screens closed) to enjoy the views and sounds of nature but in the warmer and colder months we have heating and cooling to keep us cozy and comfortable. However we very much work in rhythm with the seasons so if the heat goes over 35 degrees or severe storms are forecast we may postpone or cancel a class if we don’t think we can keep you comfortable. We’ll communicate with you as early as we can if a class is going to be cancelled.

A SANCTUARY FOR YOU TO REST, BE AND CONNECT TO YOUR TRUE SELF.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to have any yoga experience to attend these classes? No, these sessions are structured to suit every level. We will be on the ground for much of the session. The only real requirement is that you be able to get up and down off the ground with ease.

Are these sessions only for women? We do offer some sessions that are for Women only but this will be listed in the title of the event. Otherwise all genders are welcome.

I’m currently working with a counsellor or psychologist to heal from trauma, is this group session suitable for me? These sessions are trauma sensitive and can be a beautiful compliment to cognitive therapies. We combine somatic (body based) practices for embodiment and empowerment and can be a very powerful support for grounding in periods of anxiety or grief. However these sessions are not a replacement for counselling or psychotherapy session nor are they group therapy. Check in with your therapist if you’re not sure or reach out to me so we can have a chat. Recommendations to heart centred counsellors, psychotherapists and health professionals can also be provided to support your journey if needed. 

Will I need to share my personal story in front of others? No, these sessions are a space for you to enter your own internal world and to come to receive and practice self compassion. At the start of our longer immersions you may be invited to check in (share about what you’re noticing in your body, mind and heart) so I can tailor the class to meet everyones needs however these shares are 100% optional. If you’d like to share more of your story and receive individual guidance I encourage you to book a 1:1 session.

Should I come to some 1:1 sessions first? In a 1:1 to session we have the space to explore more of your personal story and soul qualities and to adjust the movement and stillness to your needs. If you’ve been working with a counsellor or are in the thick of a deep emotional journey you may find a 1:1 to be more supportive so we can gently explore the ways the body can hold memories of past experiences. In our group sessions there isn’t the opportunity for us to go deeper into your emotional journey. If you’re not sure feel free to book a complimentary 15 minute call to begin with.

I’m pregnant, are these sessions ok for pregnant women? All of our practices can be customised for you no matter what stage of your pregnancy. The focus here will be on providing a gentle space for you to rest, breathe and connect with the beauty and wisdom of your womb and the little life growing inside of you however please do let me know when you book (or on the day) so I can offer any special suggestions to meet the stage of your pregnancy.

Who is your Facilitator?

Hi! I’m Lani, a somatic movement, wellbeing, meditation and gene keys guide with a gift for helping others to slow down and find their way home in their bodies, heart and soul. I’m a lover of the simple, gentle, compassionate and kind and I have a special passion for guiding heart-centred nurturers and Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs.

I worked for the Tax Office for more than a decade before hearing my own internal wisdom tell me there is more to life than rushing, stressing and trying to keep up. I know what it feels like to be caught in the mental looping of the mind completely disconnected from my body and I also know how overwhelm and fatigue can sneak in if I slip into over-giving and caring for others without ensuring I am also meeting my own self care and soulful needs

Through the process of dismantling and recreating my own life I now know Soul Connection, Slowing down, Self Love and serving others are all essential parts of who I am.

I’ve spent 15 years immersed in the practice, study and teaching of Embodiment & Wellbeing including Yin, Hatha + Restorative Yoga, Sensory Processing Sensitivity, embracing Grief and Loss, Compassionate Mindfulness, Gene Keys, Psoas release, Sacred Sexuality and Tantra. Drawing from all of these tools (and my own walk through the fires of transformation) I see myself as a mid wife of the soul gently encouraging you as you remember your own brilliance.

As you pause and create space, I’ll be there as a guide, mentor and friend cheering you on to connect to your own inner wisdom.