Corangamite, it is time to chillax!
We want to help you de-stress, learn relaxation techniques, and try something new so please come and join us at one of our 40 FREE relaxation classes around the shire!
Registrations are required - Please scroll down for registration form which includes class dates, times, and locations.
If you need assistance registering or have any questions please contact Lucy Quinn at lucy.quinn@corangamite.vic.gov.au or 0429505181.
Amazing local instructors will be offering classes of Aikido, Gentle Exercise, Guided Meditation, Laughter Yoga, Pilates, Tae Kwon Do, Tai Chi, Sound Meditation, and Yoga. Class descriptions and how to prepare are listed below - just click the classes that you are interested in for more information.
Aikido with Ash
The Way Of The Warrior Of Peace & Harmony: Introduction
Take the first steps on the path of the warrior of peace and harmony. Learn skills and ancient techniques of the Samurai and apply these powerful techniques to overcome stress, anxiety and depression.
Dr Ashley Connell is a second-generation Chiropractor with over 20 years of clinical experience dealing with patients stress, anxiety and depression. Having completed post-graduate studies in Anxiety Disorders from The University of Sydney, Discipline of Psychiatry, has further fuelled Dr Ash's fire to help empower people to improve the quality of life. Dr Ash is also a Sensei (teacher) of Aikido, he has been involved in martial arts for over 45 years with a real passion for Aikido, the way of peace and harmony.
He has fused his years of clinical experience with his martial arts study of Budo with emphasis on the way of the warrior of peace and harmony to produce a unique, powerful series of seminars.
Dr Ash is also the founder and creator of Vital Force Network, which incorporates education on mind, body and spirit and is the Head Sensei of Vital force Aikido. Find out more: https://vitalforce.net.au
How to prepare:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a yoga mat or blanket
- Bring a bottle of water
- Please arrive at the session 5-10 minutes early
Laughter Yoga with Donna & Barb
Laughter Yoga is a complete well-being work out and is incredibly beneficial for our mental health or Mental Wealth as we call it. Anybody can do it! It involves gentle stretching, hand-clapping with deep breathing and, of course, laughter. Fake laughter is initiated with laughter exercises, but with eye contact with others, the laughter soon becomes real.
Some of the benefits of Laughter Yoga:
- Aerobic and Cardiovascular workout
- Releases Endorphins, the bodies natural pain killer
- Reduces Stress and it's effects on the body
- Increases oxygen supply to the body and brain
- Boosts the immune system
- Lowers blood pressure
The laughter yoga session will be followed by laughter meditation, which is carried out laying down on the floor, this is free-flowing laughter followed by a guided meditation.
How to prepare:
- Bring a yoga mat and blanket or 2 blankets
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Arrive 5-10 minutes early
- A water bottle is recommended
Group Sound Bath Meditation with Angela
Experience deep relaxation. Sound bath meditation allows our mind, body and spirit to naturally re-focus, re-balance and harmonise.
Be immersed in and transported by gentle sounds and the calming vibrations created by singing bowls, reverie harp, Native American flute, drum, and wind gongs.
The wash of sound vibrations provides a unique, supported, meditative space that allows our minds to let go of fixed thought patterns and helps our bodies to release tension.
You do not need to have any experience with meditation as the soundscape supports the session, gently bathing away Stress and anxiety.
What to expect in the 1-hour session?
- Beginning with an invitation to find a comfortable position laying down or seated. Laying down allows sound vibrations to be experienced across the floor's surface; however, seated is fine if mobility is an issue.
- We begin by focusing on our breath, then a short guided meditation leads us into the sound bath itself. The created soundscape resonates in the space like a sonic embrace. The wash of sound vibrations releases Stress and tension while providing a profound sense of peace and tranquillity.
- Towards the end of the session, we gently return to a seated position and take a moment to reflect on the shared experience. You are not obliged to share your thoughts with the group, it's really just about recognising how we may feel differently after the session and also provides the opportunity to ask questions.
How to prepare:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a yoga mat and blanket
- Bring a bottle of water
- Please arrive at the session 5-10 minutes early
Pilates with Rachael
Rachael is a trained "exercise" Pilates instructor with over 5 years of experience. She will provide a 1-hour, low impact mat work class, which is open to ladies and gents, both young and old!
Pilates targets and strengthens your core as well as works other muscles in your body. Throughout the class, we will improve our postural alignment, balance, breathing, and flexibility...... and at the end of the class, we will finish with a 5-minute relaxation that will leave you feeling relaxed, refreshed, and ready to take on anything!
How to prepare:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a yoga mat or blanket
- Bring a bottle of water
- Please arrive at the session 5-10 minutes early
Tai Chi Meditation with Trish
Hello, I'm Trish Holley, Remedial Massage Therapist, Reiki Master and Meditation Facilitator from Lakes & Craters Remedial Massage.
During Corangamite Shire's free relaxation class project, I will be giving you the opportunity to learn some energy techniques similar to Tai Chi. This can be done standing or seated, also several breathing and meditation techniques.
My love for the work I do reflects the quality of the unique style of bodywork I provide. The emphasis is on a holistic approach, assisting you in self-healing the body, mind, emotions and spirit, leading to better health and wellness.
Empower your own healing process by taking time out to relax, rest, recharge, rejuvenate and learn some amazing techniques you can use daily at home.
How to prepare:
- Wear loose comfortable clothing
- Bring a water bottle and a stainless-steel soup spoon
- Bring a yoga mat/mattress, pillow, and blanket if you wish to lay down to meditate.
Guided Meditation with Viveka Mara
Mara will be conducting a 1-hour workshop: Stepping away from the past and the future Stress.
The session will start with some interactive discussion about the challenges of finding peace and contentment in shifting and uncertain times and then conclude with a guided meditation.
About Viveka (Mara Pacers)
Viveka holds multiple degrees in the field of psychology and mental health and worked in the community and health sectors for over 20 years before moving to the local area. She has provided mental health training all over Australia and was a regular speaker at conferences. Having a lifelong interest in Buddhism, she finally devoted herself to full-time study and meditation practice over 10 years ago. She brings a complementary set of knowledge and practice skills that span from the scientific to the spiritual to her presentations.
How to prepare:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a yoga mat or blanket
- Bring a bottle of water
- Please arrive at the session 5-10 minutes early
Meditation with Ramute
Ramute practices as a Nutrition & Health Coach and is an Advanced Guide & Teacher of Meditation.
Since moving to Camperdown 3 years ago, she has continued to support the local community & plans to start a new regular Meditation program.
How to prepare:
- Wear loose comfortable clothing
- Bring a water bottle
- Bring a yoga mat/mattress, pillow, and blanket if you wish to lay down to meditate
Tae Kwon Do with Josh
Rhee International Tae Kwon Do (Australia) is a traditional, non-competitive martial art aimed at self-defence training for the whole family with branches across Victoria.
Victoria's Master Chong Hyup Rhee is one of the 12 original "Masters of Tae Kwon Do" sent by the Korean Tae Kwon-Do Association in the 1960s to take Tae Kwon Do to the rest of the world. He has been training students in Victoria since 1970.
Rhee International Tae Kwon Do is a traditional, non-competitive martial art that aims to achieve the following characteristics in our members:
- Fitness and good health
- Self-defence
- Self-control
- Self-discipline
- Self-confidence
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Courtesy and respect
Rhee International Tae Kwon Do has been established for 50 years with training centres (dojangs) throughout Australia and New Zealand. World Master Instructor, Master Chong Chul Rhee is widely known as the Father of Australian Tae Kwon Do. Rhee Tae Kwon Do Victoria is under the guidance of Master Instructor Chong Hyup Rhee, brother of Master Instructor Chong Chul Rhee. The art of Rhee International Tae Kwon Do involves numerous dynamic techniques. Combining the skilled application of powerful kicks and punches, blocks, dodges and interceptions, with the philosophy and traditional teachings of Rhee Tae Kwon Do, the practitioner attains physical and mental strength to apply in their day-to-day life. The discipline, mental training and various techniques of Rhee Tae Kwon Do also provide the grounds for engendering in the practitioner a strong sense of justice, fortitude, compassion, humility and resolve.
Every movement of Rhee Tae Kwon Do is scientifically designed, with a specific purpose in mind. Many of the movements involve beneficial stretching of the arms, legs and torso. The practitioner of this Art will achieve a high degree of aerobic (heart/lung) fitness, whilst the body's muscles will be toned and stimulated. Expertly taught by qualified instructors, Rhee Tae Kwon Do's regular practice ensures limitless benefits for a fulfilling way of life.
How to prepare:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a yoga mat or blanket
- Bring a bottle of water
- Please arrive at the session 5-10 minutes early
Yoga with Kelly
KLR Yoga Classes specialise in strength & alignment Vinyasa style Yoga.
- build core strength, stability & flexibility
- assist with injury recovery
- prevent injuries
- advance your practice
Our classes infuse intelligent sequencing, therapeutic postures, purposeful breathwork and intentional meditation.
How to prepare:
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Bring a yoga mat and blanket
- Bring a bottle of water
- Please arrive at the session 5-10 minutes early
Yoga with Sangita
Simple and easy techniques to relax and destress at any time in any environment - using the breath & body to help quieten a busy mind, emotions or physical sensations.
Sangita Waters - Mum, Ishaya Monk, Yoga and Meditation Teacher
How to prepare:
- Wear loose comfortable clothing
- Bring a water bottle and
- Bring a yoga mat/mattress, pillow, and blanket if you wish to lay down to meditate.
Registration form:
Click here to view form.
Classes will be funded by the Victorian Government Community Activation and Social Isolation (CASI) initiative.
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