Join Stephanie DeBou and Thu Nguyen on 2/22 for a special morning virtual embodiment workshop so help you create winter self-care practices drawing from the wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Qi Gong, Yoga, and Meditation.
In TCM, the season of winter is associated with the element of water and works with the organs of the kidneys and bladder. In this two hour workshop, through movement (Yoga + Qi Gong), meditation, energy medicine and rest, we will learn how to work with the meridian (energy) lines of the kidneys and bladder so that you can shift from bracing against winter to embracing the invitations of winter.
The water element in our bodies is said to hold our deepest desires and unexpressed emotions, and carries with it a potent charge for transformation in our lives. Balancing the element of water in the body helps us to move from a frozen, fearful state, to a more fluid, calm, place of courage. When water is flowing freely, it knows no obstacles, no barriers. When it meets resistance, it simply carves a new path.
What to expect:
You will tap, trace, massage, stretch, move, meditate as you open and energize your channels for the flow of water in your body, bladder and kidney meridians, the organs associated with winter.
You will learn where these energy channels are located in the body and how to move stagnant energy into more flow. You will discover postures and breath that optimize the flow of these meridians and associated organs.
You will explore your relationship with the season of winter and invited to try on new perspectives.
You will be introduced to the emotional spectrum associated with the season of winter which can span Fear and Courage and how physical movements could support the movements and shifts in emotions like dissolving fear.
You will add to your winter self-care toolkit you can use for the rest of the season.
Come dressed comfortably ready for movement and stillness. A yoga mat and space to move, sit and/or lie down is helpful, as are layers. Have a journal and pen ready for journaling and capturing any mind blowing insights! :)
About Thu Nguyen & Stephanie DeBou
We started collaborating 3 years ago in a series called The Embodiment Circle - Feeling safe enough to be your true self and have continued to collaborate on in-person Nervous System Reset workshops at De La Sol in Hamilton (next one is March 9!) and Autumn Equinox Retreats at Nusqool. We love weaving and sharing our multidisciplinary embodiment practices and creating safe spaces for the healing and integration of our wholeness and promote a deep sense of connection, clarity and peace from within.
Stephanie Debou, now a full time Yoga and Meditation Teacher, is a former Advertising Executive and Entrepreneur of 15+ years. Her own personal Yoga journey spans a much larger time frame over decades and several countries, but it wasn't until 2017 that she finally gave up her corporate high heels, board rooms and ergonomic chairs in favour of bare feet, yoga mats and meditative cushions. Stephanie has received 500 hours of Formal Training in Yoga and Meditation, and hundreds more as she pursued her studies that lead her into additional training, retreats and workshops for Restorative Yoga, Pre and Post Natal Yoga, Functional Movement, Rope Wall, and Barre. She has also recently completed her Holistic Doula training. It was in her latest training however, to become a Fertility Yoga Specialist, that she encountered the wisdom of Energy Medicine under a Master Teacher. It was the perfect compliment to her Yin yoga and more meditative practices, helping her dive deeper into the Subtle Body, Energetics, and our connection to Self and Spirit. Now her classes are a unique combination of her varied background, all infused with the healing effects of quite literally "tapping" into our energy bodies. Stephanie teaches yoga and meditation to all levels, in studio, in private, online, on retreat, and in corporate settings. Stephanie's unique blend of TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Energy Medicine, Yoga and Meditation weave together in classes that are thoughtfully crafted, elegantly and compassionately delivered, and profoundly transformative.
Thu Nguyen, now a full time inner transformation leadership and somatic coach, is a former tech entrepreneur and CEO of several startups. She spent the earlier part of her life trying to fit in with the "winning gender" in patriarchy as a tom boy, and one of the few female computer engineers in her class, tech jobs in silicon valley and as a founder and completely lost her true self. Her divine feminine parts started to fight back and guide her through a journey of cancer, diabetes, asthma and more. She looks at these physical illnesses as gifts that have guided her to meet mentors, guides, teachers in many wisdom traditions to bring her back to her body and authentic self. She is the founder of Nusqool, a space where people can feel safe enough to be their true self and find their authentic leadership style.