Wild Feminine: Yoni & Breast Massage Workshop

Join us for this day retreat to gift yourself some time to connect to the beauty and power of your body. A space to meet yourself with loving presence and tap into the joy, creativity and healing that is available to each of us.

OVERVIEW
The day will flow through partner, small group and whole group processes to explore where we are at and build connection, safety and a sense of community. 

There will be movement and voice practices to facilitate release, restoration, grounded presence and empowerment.

After a full introduction and Q&A opportunities, there will be practices to connect to your breasts and yoni. These practices can be done with touch, or if this does not feel right on the day, you can also work with imaginal/energetic connection. 

YONI MAPPING
What does 'yoni' mean? Yoni is a Sanskrit word referring to the whole of the female sexual & creative organs - the clitoris, vulva, vagina and womb. It also translates as 'source', honouring this part of us as the source of life, our creative wellspring.

During the workshop we will explore a mindful self-practice vulval and vaginal massage which is a potent tool for connecting with and clearing what is held in your yoni - this helps to activate the magic, mystery and medicine contained in the pelvic bowl. Yoni mapping is a guide back to our sacred root, a reclamation of sovereign ground, an opportunity to fortify our resources and our boundaries. 

BREAST MASSAGE
We will explore a guided breast massage that offers various techniques as well as space for intuitive exploration. Breast massage has a host of physical benefits including increased lymphatic drainage (linked to decreased risk of breast cancer), stimulation of oxytocin, less painful breastfeeding and improved quality of breast milk, reduced tension and increased relaxation. Breasts can also be seen as an external gateway to the heartspace. Breast massage is a way to listen in to the heart and support any undigested emotions (often those linked to relational suffering, grief, betrayal, regret, guilt, blocked love and oppression) to be met and released. This is also simply a beautiful way to connect to our bodies and show ourselves loving kindness. 

WHY?
Many of us hold shame, pain, trauma, physical issues, over-sensitivity and/or numbness around the breasts and yoni.

The practices we will introduce will gently provide you with some initial pathways to clear blockages and build a more loving relationship with your yoni, breasts and whole body. 

We have both been inspired by the work of Tami Lynn Kent, amongst others, with Helen having trained with and taught alongside Tami, whose seminal text is named ‘Wild Feminine’.

We have found this type of work to support in reclaiming sovereignty over our beings, throwing off the shackles of shame that are so often woven into women's bodies and saying 'YES!' to deeper presence, power and pleasure. 

To really know oneself, tenderly hold oneself through challenge, and offer love to that within us that which needs our attention is also a pivotal step in not only our personal healing but also the collective shifts that the world so needs.

“A heartfelt thank you for Saturday's yoni mapping workshop. It had been a long while since I'd been in circle with women - the magic of that alone is so potent - but the wisdom that you shared with us, in such a loving and nurturing way, has truly moved my heart. And I want to share that I feel clearer, subtly perhaps but I do feel more knowing and a deeper connection with intuition. I've had a really difficult conversation about connection in my (very happy and loving) relationship that's been long overdue. I felt able to speak from my heart in a way that felt safe and supportive to both of us... and I genuinely think that our practice together on Saturday played a significant part! So much gratitude to you both again for sharing this, it's really exciting that you have more plans to do so” - Sarah D, from last year's workshop

DRAFT SCHEDULE (subject to change)
09.15: arrival
09.30: welcome, overview & opening circle
10.00: sharing in partners/small groups
10:15: anatomy, physiology and energetics of the breasts
10:45: yoga flow, releasing movement, voice
11.45: breast massage process (an individual process where breast touch is entirely optional)
12.45: gentle reawakening with sound and journalling
13.15: lunch break (option to share in the space or go out)
14.00: sharing in partners/small groups
14.30: anatomy, physiology and energetics of the yoni and pelvic bowl
15.00: embodied movement/dance into elemental body connection
15.45: yoni mapping process (an individual process where vulval/vaginal touch is entirely optional)
16.45: gentle reawakening with sound and journalling
17.00: sharing, closing circle, song
17.30: finish, tea and snacks

Note - these timings may shift to 10am-6pm depending on studio availability nearer to the time

WHO IS IT FOR?
This workshop is open to women with vaginas. 

There are rich offerings in this workshop, in addition to the yoni mapping, so you are very welcome to attend even if vaginal touch feels too activating at this time (other options will be given). 

This workshop requires an element of self-responsibility in terms of knowing you have sufficient internal resources to ride the emotional waves. Support will always be available but there will not be space for in-depth one-to-one processing - this is a group ritual and processing will be held in the group container.

EXCHANGE:
Supporter: £90 (allows us to offer bursary spaces)
Standard: £80
Community: £70 (for those in genuine need)
Bursary: One free space or could be two half price spaces - please contact us to enquire (ONE HALF PRICE SPACE LEFT)

To book without fees please email us.

If you have any accessibility needs please let us know in advance.

Cancellations before 12th September will be fully refunded, after this time we can only offer a refund if the workshop is fully booked and we can offer your space to someone on the waitlist.

WHO IS FACILITATING?
Helen Hodder is a Women's Health Physiotherapist with extensive experience of working both in the NHS and private practice. She believes in a functional approach to health, where any health challenges are viewed within the broader context of an individual’s complex health systems and lives. She has additional training in Holistic Pelvic Care, a type of bodywork which includes pelvic myofascial release with the addition of energetic tools and principles. She is passionate about helping women reconnect to the wisdom held in their pelvic bowl, restore root health/balance and to facilitate their capacity to thrive in every aspect of their being.You can find out more about her at www.helenhodder.co.uk

Megan Avery is a Clinical Psychologist specialising in complex trauma, an experienced yoga teacher & teacher trainer, a nature-based facilitator, and a founding director of the Bristol Yoga Roots Project. She is moved to offer spaces that remind us of our place as part of nature, to support the healing and empowerment of all, with a particular interest in women's wellbeing. You can find out more about her at www.sphinxyoga.co.uk

For any questions or enquiries please email us at: sphinxyogawithmegan@gmail.com
physio@helenhodder.co.uk

We really cannot wait to share this with you!

With love, excitement and power,
Megan & Helen
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