On 21 June, yogis around the world will celebrate the International Day of Yoga. To mark the day, Govinda Valley will host a weekend of special events on 19 and 20 June, and raise funds for the charity Heart and Soul Care in support of domestic violence survivors.
Anyone interested in yoga, wellness, meeting your yoga community, colleagues, supporting local holistic businesses and supporting domestic violence survivors is welcome to attend.
The weekend will start on Saturday morning with the traditional 108 Sun Salutations, followed by a vegan breakfast. Guest speakers include Abi Poulton, Trauma Informed Yoga teacher, will speak about her experience facilitating and teaching with the Heart & Soul Care Trauma Retreats.
Author Maggie Hamilton will speak on “A New Way Forward for Men and Boys”.
A panel discussion will discuss “Ending Domestic Violence – What Needs to Change”.
Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Informed Yoga teacher, Ro Simmons, will provide a Trauma Informed Yoga class. Ro’s work is a specialised holistic approach to support mental health, based upon neuroscience research, psychology principles and philosophies of yoga and mindfulness.
At 2pm there will be a Vedic Astrology workshop. A Community Kirtan (call and response chanting set to music) will end the day at 4pm.
Throughout the weekend there will be a mini Yoga Expo, with yoga, wellness, holistic local and regional businesses sharing products and services.
To raise funds for supporting victims of abuse we will be holding a Silent Auction with all proceeds supporting domestic violence survivors. If would be like to offer a voucher for goods or services, or if you’d like to become an event sponsor, your support would be gratefully received.
The donation for Saturday, 10 June is $95 (7am-5pm). This will include early-morning yoga, breakfast, lunch, yoga talks, workshops, kirtan and a yoga expo.
The donation for Sunday, 20 June is $45 (10am-2pm). A special Community Forum/Luncheon focusing on domestic violence in the community and recovery from trauma.
Guest speakers include Lisa Tilsed, founder of Wondering Women. Lisa will speak on her experience of domestic violence and her own transformation. Paul Glissan, criminal law barrister for Legal Aid NSW, will speak on:
Some domestic violence statistics
The Government’s “It stops here” program
The Police’s role
The courts’ role
Legal Aid’s Women’s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service
The Safer Pathway program
Support agencies’ roles
At 11.30am there will be a Community Forum Discussion, followed by a Vegan Buffet lunch.
If you would like to attend either Saturday 19th or Sunday 20th, or reserve your space for the Yoga Expo, please contact Wendy on 0412 614 684 or email wendyhscare@gmail.com