With the weather hotting up and the social calendar brimming with events for Pride Month, we want to invite you to a soft pause to start off your June. You'll be invited to slow down, carefully guided through a handful of restful practices before having the opportunity to sink into some deeply restorative yoga. Come create a nest for yourself, in our quiet sunny space. This is your invitation to rest.
“Restorative yoga poses are soothing, as relaxing as a massage, and more restful than a nap. The practice is like pushing a restart button.” - Dr. Gail Parker, Author of Restorative Yoga for Ethnic and Race-Based Stress and Trauma.
Sy (she/her) is a passionate rest advocate, community collaborator and restorative yoga teacher based in SE London. She is also the founder of (as well as host and resident tea maker for) the Queer 'n Cosy club.
Sy's Website or Follow
What To Expect…
Think blankets, warm tea, supportive bolsters, soft lighting and invitational guidance. This gathering is an opportunity to practice a short restorative yoga practice in a cosy environment with a small group of like-minded folks. There will be a brief introduction, grounding breath practice and opportunity for reflective journalling practice followed by a 45 minute floor based restorative practice. This can be adapted for those who may wish to use a chair. Props such as bolsters, blankets, mats and foam blocks will be available to provide support under the body so that it may rest in alignment. This practice is taught with trauma sensitivity and you will not be required to remain still throughout the practice. Your autonomy and agency are both respected and celebrated.
What We Have Planned
2pm | Arrivals & Welcome
2.10pm | Grounding Breath Practice
2.15pm | Journalling Prompts + Preparing for Rest
2.30pm | Restorative Yoga
3:15pm | Tea Break & Final Reflections
3.30pm | Farewells
What To Bring…
Bring comfortable layers that you can easily add or take off. It can be tricky to rest when you are not comfortable - wear clothing that has textures you enjoy, and something warm to wrap up in if you run cold or light weight if you run warm. We will have blankets and bolsters available but you may prefer your own blanket or cushion from home. We'll have a moment to journal so bring along any materials you may need for this. Feel free to bring a water bottle, any snacks, eye masks, ear plugs/headphones, comfort items etc. anything that you may need to feel present in the space.
Accessibility
This offering is currently booked in a first floor studio and not wheel chair accessible, however efforts will be made to accommodate specific accessibility needs if brought to our attention ahead of time. We may be able to offer online slots or move to the ground floor studio in some cases. There is on street parking nearby and a short journey down a cobbled street is required to access the studio. We have mats and bolsters for seating on the floor (picnic setup) as well as chairs available upon request. There are two gender neutral restrooms in the building one on the same floor and one on the ground floor. There is also a treatment room which can be used as a break out space. There is gas and infrared heating for when it's cold and fans for when it's warm. There is a small kitchen with fridge and tea making facilities. The studio has dimmable warm lighting. The studio & equipment is regularly aired and sanitised, however please be considerate of others health and spacial needs when in the space. Do not attend if you are feeling unwell, have any symptoms or could be COVID positive. Please give us notice if you plan on bringing an ESA (emotional support animal) so we can safely accommodate. If you have any queries or requests, please contact us via Outsavvy or email us here.
Community Agreements
By participating in the Queer n’ Cosy Club communal spaces, from our WhatsApp groups to social media to our live events to online programs, you agree to uphold these commitments to yourself and our community. Please see our community agreements here.
NB - We are not doctors, therapists, or health care providers. You agree to (1) participate in our community only if you feel capable and resourced to explore these practices and discussions in a group setting, (2) seek out a licensed provider, such as a doctor or therapist, if you are experiencing physical or mental health concerns, and (3) not use any of the information we share to diagnose, treat, or delay treatment.
Donations
This month Sy will be diverting all donations to support her sister's GoFundMe - Read more about Ada's Body Fund here.
For all our offerings we have a tiered suggestion of donations. Supporter Rate (cost of you and another), Sustainer Rate (base cost/just you), Community Rate and Pay What You Can. These donations generally help cover any expenses for our gatherings, cover facilitator fees with any excess donated to nominated fundraisers and mutual aid. Please consider your available resources and financial privilege when selecting what to donate as spaces are limited. You can find out more about sliding scale pricing here.