Gentle & Accessible Yoga to Soothe the Nervous System
My Style of Yoga
Having many years of experience with fibromyalgia, depression and burn-out, I have grown to love yoga for its various therapeutic qualities that help alleviate the myriad of symptoms experienced: Regulating the nervous system, introducing movement to decrease muscle stiffness & pain, and adjusting the mindset dealing with physical & mental suffering. I have also experienced how yoga can feel more dysregulating and create physical backlash when its intensity level is too high for our specific conditions and no adaptive options are provided. Too many people have been turned away from the practice, or from the onset think they don’t have the body for it and don’t dare to try. I aim to meet you where you are, so you can enjoy its many benefits.
I am drawn to teach yoga to share its curative qualities in ways that are safe and accessible to those experiencing energy limiting conditions and/or chronic pain: Gentle and accessible movement to soothe the nervous system, reduce muscle stiffness and uplift our body & mind. My particular interests lie at the intersection of yogic science, traditional Chinese medicine and neuroscience. My practice is also informed by learning Ballet as a child, Pilates as a young adult and Qi Gong in recent years.
This is all reflected in my sequences, which are a combination of slow and progressive Yoga asanas (with a preference for Yin and Restorative poses), Somatic Movement, Qi Gong, Breathwork & Meditation, built around a strong theme.
Classes Offered
After offering a first series of 8 classes a few months ago at One Down Dog, the studio where I have done most of my training, I am now offering a similar series of 8 classes online, starting mid-April.
Classes will be offered live on Sundays at 11am PST, 2pm EST, 8pm CEST. Class will last one hour, the zoom room will open 15 minutes prior to class and we may chat about our experience afterwards.
A recording of the class will then become available on the Classes page to catch-up or take again, in your own time.
The class plan is as follows:
1- GROUNDING IN SAFETY April 14th
2- FINDING OUR FOOTING April 21st
3- DIGESTING OUR EXPERIENCE April 28th
4- GENERATING GOOD ENERGY May 5th
5- HARNESSING OUR ANGER May 12th
6- JOY & GRIEF COEXISTING May 19th
7- LEADING WITH OUR HEART May 26th
8- KNOWING & SPEAKING OUR TRUTH June 2nd
Pay What You Can
As I’m just getting started teaching yoga, I am offering a range of pricing options at a lower rate than the going average. I invite you to contribute what feels right to you, depending on your budget and taking into account my past years of yoga teacher training and thoughtful preparation of classes. Your generosity is appreciated but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.
Registration takes place on the Classes page.
The contribution suggestions for thist series of 8 Classes are: Community: Free / Contributing: 30$ / Sustaining: 60$ / Supporting: 90$
If you would like to contribute an amount different than the options provided, please choose the Community option and you may then send a donation of your choosing with the button below. If you would rather not use this platform for payment, you may use Venmo @stephtrep, or contact me at stephanie@evokative.xyz to discuss options.
Suggested Props
Props are important in my practice. I do encourage you to get as many of the listed props as you can afford, as they will greatly elevate your practice, provide you with more support, sense of safety and comfort. Coziness is key, have with you as many blankets, pillows and other padding options as you can or want.
I will aim to provide many options during class, depending if you have the specific prop, have something else to use in its place, or nothing at all.
Mat: A mat provides you with cushioning against the floor and a stable base with some grip. I use this one and like it, but any cheaper kind would do just as well, and a towel would also do the trick.
Blocks: I use blocks in so many ways, for support and elevation. There aren’t really substitutes for them and they do come handy in all classes, so I would suggest you get a pair. Many affordable options are available online.
Strap: Very useful to help with arm reach and leg support. You could also use a fabric belt (like a woven belt or a bathrobe belt) instead.
Blankets: I always have a folded yoga blanket under me as a cozy base, to pad knees in tabletop position and provide elevation when seated. You could also use a towel. I second blanket often comes useful in some poses. I also like to have a smaller Turkish towel under my head when lying down. A hand towel would do the same, but it is not necessary.
Bolster: This is the more expensive prop, with a wide range of prices and options in terms of thickness. I have been using this one at home and it’s very cozy, though can feel thin and flimsy at times. One Down Dog recently added thicker and firmer bolsters that I really appreciated, similar to this slightly more affordable option (there is a wealth of options online), and I added it to my at-home roster. Both types are useful in different situations, so if you can treat yourself, do it. You could use a rectangular throw cushion instead.
Myofascial balls: I only sometimes use the balls in my classes, but I love them and can provide great relief if you have muscle tightness. Tennis balls could provide a similar effect.
Cozy attire: Wear whatever is comfortable to you and allows for movement. I personally favor sweatpants but any other loose or flexible bottom will do. We likely won’t move fast enough for you to get hot, so you can have coverage or layers for your top. I like my feet to stay warm so I almost always practice with socks.