RELEASE & REFRESH

Release & Refresh is a drop-in class of up to 11 people that provides a chance to release tension, move out of states of fight/flight or freeze, and land in a more grounded, calm state. Working from the floor on double-thick yoga mats (which are provided for you), class participants are led through nervous system exercises that foster greater awareness of how their body is holding and expressing the stresses of life, while simultaneously being guided into strategic body positions and stretches that allow for release of the physical tension that naturally accompanies the various states of stress. Through the intentional use and timing of many different elements that speak to the nervous system, a space is made for things to move through so that we can find a grounded, open state from which to move forward.

We host 3 classes per month:

Beginner Level (1.5 hrs), $24 - for those new to these classes and/or to somatic work. Includes a thorough orientation to class and full demonstrations of the techniques we'll utilize so you feel prepared.
- one Wednesday evening class per month, 7:00-8:30pm, usually the 1st or 2nd Wednesday of the month. This is a mid-week chance to keep the stress at bay and to engage in self-care.
- one Saturday morning class per month, 9:00-10:30am, usually one of the last Saturdays of the month. Start off your weekend right by releasing tension and reclaiming your sense of calm.
Intermediate Level (2 hrs), $32 - for those who have attended these classes before and are acclimated to the pacing, positioning, and content. Slightly longer so as to go deeper into the work, and less time spent on orientation and demonstrations.
- one Friday evening class per month, 6:00-8:00pm, usually one of the last Fridays of the month. Decompress from the week, release stored tension, and find refreshment for moving forward.

Actual dates can be viewed on the scheduler by clicking to book a class. The classes tend to sell out, so be sure to book in advance to reserve your spot!

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This class includes elements of yin and restorative yoga, myofascial release self-treatment, guided imagery, mindfulness, non-spiritual meditation, and somatic (body) focusing exercises. We intentionally keep the prompts and stretches simple and easy to follow, and offer numerous options that cater to all, while inviting awareness and deep reflection into different aspects of one's experience. It is deeply trauma-informed and grounded in an understanding of the autonomic nervous system's polyvagal structures, which are responsible for producing the fight/flight (sympathetic), freeze (dorsal vagal), and grounded (ventral vagal) states in our body.

What makes this class so unique is our central focus on bringing awareness to what is happening in the nervous system, as expressed in the body, and providing chances for it to come out of a threat-response (stress) state, into more ease and calm.

Good things happen when we slow down and pay attention to the deeper systems that are driving our behaviors, thoughts, emotions, postures, and movements. This is true mind-body work, where we bring awareness to the things that normally exist under the radar of our consciousness (which are held in and expressed via the body), undetected yet dictating our lives. To paraphrase the psychiatrist Carl Jung, "Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate."

Most people are not familiar with what true nervous system work can do... so let us show you! You can expect to leave class feeling lighter, more centered, calm, clear-headed, and joyful.

TESTIMONIALS FROM CLASS PARTICIPANTS

I loved the class. I finally felt like I had a place to relax and be present. I didn’t expect to get emotional at the times I did. Right after class I felt almost dreamy and peaceful, yet reflective. I do feel more grounded today despite chaos at work and some personal stuff, and I felt like I was a little better equipped to deal with those situations today. It was like a tiny vacation. I truly truly love the vibe of the whole experience you created last night. Thank you. -M.J.

I felt so hopeful and refreshed after I left the class. I really appreciated the stillness and calm that you brought into the space and the non-hurried environment that was so crucial to be present and in the moment for the class. -Kelly B.

The explanations of things were so helpful, the space is lovely and relaxing. Also the continued reassurance and acknowledgment of being able to do or not do a position if one wasn't comfortable was really trauma centered which was great to see and experience. I'm so glad I signed up! -Tamrha R.

The class was a great way to settle down my nervous system. When I arrived, I felt kind of keyed up, which is pretty normal for me. After class, I felt a lot more present and didn't have that sense of go go go. Later that evening, my fitness tracker said it detected a nap at 6:45PM. It has never done that before unless I actually took a nap. Even sunbathing or relaxing with a book don't register as naps. I was puzzled and then I remembered, aha, I was at Release and Refresh during that time. -Lesa K.

I really liked how attentive you both were. I felt like you both truly cared about my experience. –Maggie K.

Release and Refresh was very, very good for me... I really enjoyed it and I believe it will help me tremendously to calm and heal. –Dawn W.

I loved the class! I really appreciate how y’all take things slow in explanation and practice. It’s soothing and chill. I plan to be at all future classes as I can. Thank you for the good work you’re doing! –Callahan G.

The class was wonderful! The flow, pace and ambience was perfect. I felt very grounded after the class and much more “present” than when I arrived… Thank you for creating this space for us! -Zuri M.

I appreciate the format and intentionality put into the classes… They give me the structure and support to reach the "settledness" my body needs and enjoys. -Rachel H.

The group was amazing. I thought 2 hours was going to feel like a long time, but it didn’t. I was quite surprised that our time was coming to a close when it did. It was the perfect amount of time. -Mike T.

I found the class very beneficial! I felt so relaxed and light at the end. I didn’t want it to end. -Jaicie C.

I loved the class! I thought the balance of the deep stretches and the guided reflections was unique and very helpful. I felt very open and sensitive afterwards. -Tyler G.

I actually have been raving about class since it happened on Friday. I was able to come home and go to sleep unassisted by meds for the first time in four years. And my body feels a LOT better! I plan to be back, and I have another friend who wants to join me! -Lindsey A.

I can’t share just how big of an impact that class had. I was relieved when someone said this isn’t a typical yoga class, we weren’t going to do crazy hand stand poses. I’m on the bigger size and this was huge relief that this would be an inclusive class! Another reason I enjoyed this class so much is you guys made sure we made the poses work for us. Accommodations were welcomed! By the time I walked out, I felt like cinder blocks had been lifted off my back, emotionally and physically. -Jess J.

I truly enjoyed the class. It was very trauma informed which I appreciated. The 10 minutes at the beginning and end was a valuable transition period. It was also helpful to go over the poses that we would be doing in class prior to diving in, as this took away the anxiety of the unknown. Having two people coordinating different parts of the class simultaneously was a tremendous idea. I could listen to your voice and follow along with the prompts while being assisted in a comfortable position. I appreciated all the varied types of props available so that each of us could find our own level of comfort. I am a fidgeter and have great difficulty relaxing, but after this class I felt a grounding and peacefulness for the rest of the evening, and actually had a great night sleep too. -P.Z.

Join us for a class! And find out for yourself just how powerful body-centered nervous system work is for releasing tension and refreshing one's outlook.

Ready to give it a try?

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If you have trouble affording the class, feel free to make use of this coupon code when booking: HELP-ME-OUT That will give you 25% off the class. This isn't a sale or promotion; it is reserved for those who genuinely want to attend the class but are struggling financially to make ends meet. 💛