Event Report Back: Pregnancy Empowered Workshop @ Yoga Shala
Pregnancy Empowered Workshop: Yoga Shala – 8th & 9th May 2010
We laughed, we cried, we listened and shared. We moved and meditated, chatted and sang songs together, but mostly – we learned. We learned how as women we could really be there for one another as soul sisters in every way…
Over the Mother’s Day weekend, 10 yoga teachers from all walks of life gathered to learn about pregnancy and birth, firstly to empower themselves, and secondly to be able to empower pregnant yogis and their unborn children in their journeys into this world.
Led by Aryo Jacobson, a doula (birthing companion) by profession as well as pregnancy yoga and active birth trainer for over 20 years, the group was guided through the stages of pregnancy where we experienced each trimester as though we ourselves were pregnant (with the help of balloons), so that we could fully perceive what may feel either relieving or uncomfortable and what would and wouldn’t be possible to do as a pregnant woman in any type of yoga class.
At the end of the first day there was a lot of information to process and many of the reports from women the following morning were similar, in that the workshop had brought up past experiences of their own births that were not properly dealt with. Together we supported one another in healing and bringing about closure. We were also later joined by another gorgeous doula by the name of Hailey Fudu who besides bringing with her own pregnant client to use as a model, came with a terrific wave of positive energy that lifted all our spirits. We learned about the importance of breathing during the different stages of labour and went over many of the techniques from the previous day’s work.
Since the Sunday was Mother’s Day after all, some of us took a lunch break to join our families in celebrating while others stayed and watched a Pregnancy Yoga DVD. The final afternoon session was focussed on answering questions and clarifying certain principals. Aryo read us a story about one of the births she attended and we had a chance to practice a few labouring positions ourselves. By the end of the day it felt as though we had actually given birth! To mark this celebration, we sang together and each participant was awarded a certificate. Although somewhat tired, there is no doubt that we all left feeling happy and at peace, with a great sense of accomplishment. Congratulations to all who attended and a special thank you to Lisa Zimmerman for hosting us all in her beautiful space and sharing in this experience with us.
By Hayley Alexander
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