YOGA AND EXPANSIVE WELLBEING WORKSHOPS
When we recognise our true nature, we can truly be ourselves to be open, to find space and to experience freedom.
Saturday 18th, 25th May and 1st, 15th June
12.15pm - 2pm
@ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067 (map)
Foundations of Yoga - Beginner Series
Philosophy & Practice with Avril Bastiansz
This 4 week course is for those feeling inclined to learn more fully about the totality of yoga and what it means to practice a yogic lifestyle. From complete beginners to those who are already practicing yoga and maybe wanting to deepen their knowledge. This course will refine and refresh and expand your practice and give you the tools for a more health-full life mentally and physically.
$40 per session for members
$50 per session for non members
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The course covers the fundamentals of practice… Asana (the postures), Pranayama (the breath) and Meditation (the mind). We explore each of these areas within the traditional yogic philosophy of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the 8-limbs of yoga upon which our modern-day yoga practice is based.
This course will be practical and experiential, delivered in 4 weekly modules. Each session will include both a knowledge and practice component. If you miss a module you can repeat that module in the next series. The series will be repeated every two months.
Module 1 - Introduction to Yoga & Asana and the yogic energy body - the Koshas including an introduction to the 8-limbs of Yoga. Introduction to some of the principal Asanas including Surya Namaskar.
Module 2 - Introduction to Pranayama, The Breath. Subtle, pranic energy body & nervous system. Chakras & Kundalini. Introduction to foundational pranayama techniques used to regulate our nervous system
Module 3 - Introduction to Meditation and concentration, in sanskrit called Dharana and Dhyana States of Consciousness. we look at the 3 Gunas or states of mind and the benefits of mantra and chanting in practice.
Module 4 - Introduction to regulation of the senses, in sanskrit this is called Pratyahara or turning inwards. We also cover the philosophy for good life examined in the Yama & Niyama of the eight limbs of yoga. The inner life & the fruits of regular practice and discipline to incorporate yoga into everyday life.
Every Sunday
4:45pm - 6.00pm
@ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067 (map)
Buddhist Meditation and Qigong Practice
with Tao
Buddhist meditation is a practical path to gaining deeper understanding of our minds, our bodies, and our lives. Buddhist meditation is designed to open what is closed in us, balance what is reactive, and investigate what is hidden. It can be thought of as a kind of mental fitness, like going to the gym is good for the physical body, meditation is like going to the gym for the mind.
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Our weekly sessions include traditional meditation methods developed to alleviate stress and anxiety, strengthen mental acuity, develop insight & cultivate clarity in our everyday lives. The meditation practices taught are accompanied by Buddhist philosophy presented in a modern & non-dogmatic narrative that makes it easy to understand and integrate into our modern western lives.
Moving meditation (Shaolin Qigong):
Also, in the session we will explore Buddhist Qigong. Essentially a form of moving meditation that combines breathwork, gentle movement, and meditation. Different forms of qigong will be explored throughout the program and all can be learned and followed along with, regardless of whether it’s your first day.
Investment: $25 per session
YOGA AS A PRACTICE FOR LIFE
A Series of 5 Workshops to Enhance Mental and Emotional Wellbeing
WITH DR KAREN WEISS AND MICHAEL GREEN
Date: Date to be announced. Please register your interest.
Price: By donation community event
How can we lead a more balanced life with less stress and an expanded sense of well being?
In these workshops we will dive deeply into an understanding of ourselves, our emotional world and our inner conflicts, work with these through awareness and acceptance and create a foundation for a healthier and more expansive life. We will draw upon the latest in psychological research and clinical knowledge and the age old wisdom of yogic philosophy that provides us with guidance on the best precepts for living our best life.
Psychology is now understanding that problems do not lie within the individual to be cured by that person alone. There is a greater self or higher self that guides our lives beyond our everyday thinking spaces and opens us up to a different. Yoga offers a systematic approach to healing and health via guidance on ways to feel, think and act in this world. Psychology adds to this through bringing us the language of emotional intelligence and regulation that is essential to our life in the modern world.
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In this series of workshops:
We will think together in a open minded way about the key ingredients to a happy life
We will learn new ideas from yogic philosophy
We will work on our unique sense of expansive and integrated Self.
We will examine the 5 key difficult emotions
We will look at keys for freedom from emotional burdens from yoga and psychology
We will learn about self compassion and acceptance
We will leave with a fresh perspective!
In these workshops you will engage in yoga and movement as well as breath exercises. However, these will be very basic postures that can even be done from sitting.
These workshops are designed to build foundations for the practice of a good life where authenticity and self realisation are seen as a birthright of every person.
Join us in liberating yourself!
Presenters are Dr Karen Weiss and Michale Green founders of The Open Space, both Clinical Psychologists, relational psychotherapists and Yoga teachers with a strong grounding in yogic philosophy. Medicare rebates may apply for these workshops with referrals.
FINDING FREEDOM & FULFILLMENT IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP
Couples Enrichment Program
WITH DR KAREN WEISS
Date: Date to be announced. Please register your interest.
Time: Saturday 6pm to 8pm and Sunday 10am to 5pm
Price: $300 per couple *private health insurance accepted
We all have ups and downs in relationships. Often it is not the down spaces that couples find problematic, it’s the vacant spaces, where a loneliness and apathy set in, where bickering starts and intimacy diminishes. The path to a great long term relationship is growth through flexibility, openness and attunement. This workshop is about finding that path for your relationship via the ADORE system for a satisfying long term relationship. The ADORE system has been developed by Karen over the 30 plus years she has worked with couples.
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In this workshop we will cover:
How to unwind from binding, repetitive conflicts
How to better repair from ruptures and build in conflict resolution
How to create a sense of openness and trust
How to understand your triggers and truly take responsibility for the life of your relationship
How to attune, expand and develop good will
The group will be limited to 4 couples to provide time and space for open discussions and processing. We will continue this group on a regular basis if the desire is there to continue the work.
This workshop will involve some movement and couple touch. Please wear loose clothing and prepare to have your shoes off.
Your Facilitator:
Dr Karen Weiss
Clinical Psychologist and Yoga Teacher
Karen has over 30 years experience as a Clinical Psychologist working in a variety of settings both community and private. She is a highly experienced couples therapist with specific training in relationship therapy. Karen is highly attuned to a relational approach in her work. She works with people to develop their own voice and authenticity through a process of building self awareness and self compassion. Her yoga teacher training came after years of personal practice. She has always endeavoured to live a yogic life, informed by hours of reading and training in yogic philosophy, regular yoga practices, mostly her favourite practice of Vedic chanting. She is particularly interested in the intersection of yoga and psychology to provide us with guidance to live in a tumultuous world and bring true change within and between us.
PAST EVENTS
Sunday 29th October 2023
1.30pm - 3pm
@ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067 (map)
Tantric Chanting
with Gavin Shri Amneon
Come and join us for ongoing Sanskrit singing classes and learn traditional Indian style singing from the Tantric Sutras. Learn pronunciation, intonation, quarter tone singing, Bhairavi sensual singing style... Immerse yourself in deep ancient meaning and bring it to life through your voice and your spiritual sensuality.
When: October 22nd and 29th
With continuing classes after these...
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You can come to any class and join in at any time.
Come and experience the bliss of Sanskrit song...
Cost: $25 a class - cash payments preferred
Or Paypal: https://amneon.net/product/tantric-chanting
Discount for all 6 classes $135: https://amneon.net/product/tantric-chanting-all-6-classes
YouTube example of what's being offered:
-= Location =-
Held @ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Paid parking is available in the public car park at Acacia Place, and across Victoria Street in Victoria Gardens shopping complex. Free parking in Harrison court and surrounds. We are on the lower ground level of Acacia Place.
Disabled access: If you park within the paid parking station off Acacia Place you will be on the same level as our studio. If you enter from Victoria Street level, a lift is available at the top of the first set of steps leading down to the river.
* Please take a moment to select your event thoughtfully, as we are currently unable to provide refunds. However, all tickets are transferable to the person(s) of your choice. The only time we can make an exception to our no-refund policy is if the event is sold out and we're able to help find a new home for your tickets. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Sunday 8th October
12.30pm - 4.30pm
@ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067 (map)
Sound And Vocal Toning Workshop
Experience the transformational and healing power of your own voice
This sound healing vocal workshop is a joyous and profound vocal exploration. Learn some simple vocal toning exercises and practices to gain powerful tools for your own use everyday for relaxation, stress management, emotional regulation and spiritual practice and healing.
Toning has a neurochemical effect on the body, boosting the immune system and causing the release of endorphins. Toning assists in good breathing and posture, giving the body an inner massage and stimulation. It also helps us to release stress and repressed emotions. Regular toning and humming helps to re-energize the body and restore health to the mind, body and spirit.
In a safe supportive environment, you will learn how your voice will naturally release stress and blockages, increasing harmony and clarity and raising your vibration. This is not a singing workshop! You don't need to be a singer! In fact, if you feel shy or constricted with your voice and expression, this can be a great gift.
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-= What you can learn =-
Learn some simple vocal toning exercises and overtones.
Learn to use your voice for releasing stress and stuck energy.
Get introduced to the power of your own voice to help achieve a better mental and emotional state.
Receive practical tools to help maintain wellbeing and raise your vibration.
Bring more harmony into your life.
Here’s a short video to give you more info: https://youtu.be/K7UcEqNSMao
-= Tickets =-
Cost: $99
Early Bird: $94 (Limited allocation)
-= About Avishai Barnatan =-
Is a Multi instrumentalist, producer and Sound therapist. Since 1990 he has been exploring the nature of sound and its therapeutic qualities as a tool for physical & emotional transformation and healing. Inspired by modern scientific research as well as ancient esoteric and mystic knowledge, he has developed his own approach and style of soundhealing . He facilitates group and private sessions for the general public as well as with people of diverse conditions such as various addictions, anxiety and stress-related symptoms, applying different techniques of vibrational therapy. These sessions are a deeply nourishing experience.
Avishai has facilitated “Soundshowers” in festivals such as Wanderlust, Byron Spirit festival, Evolve Yoga fest, Jerusalem Sacred Music Festival and Uplift festival. He regularly holds sessions at venues around Australia.
-= Location =-
Held @ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Paid parking is available in the public car park at Acacia Place, and across Victoria Street in Victoria Gardens shopping complex. Free parking in Harrison court and surrounds. We are on the lower ground level of Acacia Place.
Disabled access: If you park within the paid parking station off Acacia Place you will be on the same level as our studio. If you enter from Victoria Street level, a lift is available at the top of the first set of steps leading down to the river.
* Please take a moment to select your event thoughtfully, as we are unable to provide refunds. However, all tickets are transferable to the person(s) of your choice. The only time we can make an exception to our no-refund policy is if the event is sold out and we're able to help find a new home for your tickets. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Sunday 1st October
12.30pm - 3.30pm
@ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067 (map)
Dance of the Deities Workshop
The Cosmic Dance of Shiva Nataraj
This Beautiful Mystical Dance allows us to embody the 5 Divine Acts of Shiva Nataraj , embrace the ever-changing landscape of our lives and find ways to “Dance" with them.
This Dance allows us to bring Light to our Shadow selves that try to keep us small, creating the space for letting go of the old, birthing the new, keeping that which is affirming our lives and allows us to find Freedom and Liberation by Remembering our Greatness and Revealing our Divinity.
One of the Most Potent Dance in the "Dance of the Deities" series.
Do not miss this !!!
Shiva/ Nataraj’s teachings will stay with you forever more.
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-= WHAT IS DANCE OF THE DEITIES? =-
"Dance of the Deities" is a combination of Andrew's 5 great loves:
Storytelling, Philosophy, Mythology, Yoga and Dance.
Through these themes we experience a beautiful, powerful, and divinely inspired movement practice that allows us to truly embody the qualities of each deity and bring them to life.
-= STRUCTURE OF WORKSHOPS =-
This 3 hour Dance of The Deities workshop has 4 sections;
Section 1: Mythology and Symbology of Deity (Shiva/ Nataraj)
Introduction: Philosophy talk, storytelling and sharing the Mythology of the Deity
Section 2: Warm up Practice, Yoga with Mudra, Mantra and Pranayama
Section 3: Dance of The Deity: 2 parts (Shiva/ Nataraj)
• Dance is broken down into blocks/ Counts of 8 / Learning small portions of the Structured Dance sequence, created and choreographed specifically to learn the core teachings of the Presiding Deity
• The Entire “Dance of the Deity” is practiced several times to embody
Section 4: Integration:
Cool down, relaxation and final integration in a relaxed state revisiting teachings, key points and take home lessons from the dance and myth/stories shared.
The whole class will be infused with Divinely Inspired Music, Potent Ancient Mantras and set to Contemporary Tunes, integrating them into the “Dance of Life”
NO DANCE EXPERIENCE NECESSARY!
OPEN TO EVERYONE.
ALL GENDERS WELCOME.
"BE PREPARED NOT ONLY TO MOVE...BUT TO BE MOVED"
-= ABOUT ANDREW MOURNEHIS =-
Andrew is an Australian born Yogi and Dancer who was living his dream as a dancer and choreographer for Tina Turner’s "Wildest Dreams World Tour”, when a year later, his career was cut short by a life-changing injury and serious illness in 1996. It was Tina Turner who initiated him into the world of Spirituality, Buddhism and the Divine. His crisis forced him to seek a healing path, and he turned to yoga to heal his body and soul, falling in love with the practice and teaching to packed classes by 1999.
Passionate about the healing power of group, mythology and stories, he combined his love for yoga with transpersonal healing to create transformative spaces for participants. Andrew teaches a combination of Hatha, Bhakti and Tantra Yoga, and his unique teaching style is rich in Heart and Soul, Tantric Philosophy, Inspiration, Storytelling, Mantra and the Spirit of the Divine.
Dance of The Deities was conceived in Bali in 2017, as has now toured the world for 6 years to over 8 Countries and 3 Continents, featuring for 2 years at IMPULSTANZ (The Vienna International Dance Festival)
Andrew has spent over 25 years facilitating healing groups, workshops, and retreats in Yoga, Movement, Tantra, Mythology, and Transpersonal Modalities. He boasts over 20 years of experience in Transpersonal Counselling and Art Therapy Techniques, 25 years of Yoga Teaching and over 28 years experience in the fields of Creative Arts and Dance.
IG: divinegraceyoga ~ FB: Andrew Mournehis
-= Tickets and location =-
Tickets: $60 + booking fee
Early Bird Tickets: $55 + booking fee (by 15th September)
* Limited Spaces, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
-= Location =-
Held @ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Paid parking is available in the public car park at Acacia Place, and across Victoria Street in Victoria Gardens shopping complex. Free parking in Harrison court and surrounds. We are on the lower ground level of Acacia Place.
Disabled access: If you park within the paid parking station off Acacia Place you will be on the same level as our studio. If you enter from Victoria Street level, a lift is available at the top of the first set of steps leading down to the river.
* Please take a moment to select your event thoughtfully, as we are currently unable to provide refunds. However, all tickets are transferable to the person(s) of your choice. The only time we can make an exception to our no-refund policy is if the event is sold out and we're able to help find a new home for your tickets. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Friday 29th September
5pm - 7pm
@ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067 (map)
Blossoming Into Bliss
Sat-Chit-Ananda
Join us at The OpenSpace for Spring Equinox Yoga Workshop with Avril Bastiansz.
This workshop covers the following areas, click on “Full Details” to learn more:
Renewal, Alignment & Growth
Traditional Puja Ceremony
Purifying & Uplifting Yoga Practice Working
On The Five Koshas
Japa Mantra Chanting
Meditation
Yoga Nidra
Satsang With Chat & Chai
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Beginning with an offering to the Gods, a Puja for consecration of the space. A traditional yogic ceremony for purifying and aligning with the cosmos, the planets, the devas, devatas, rishis and masters as well as our ancestors and to acknowledge the elements & rhythms of nature by welcoming SPRING.
A time for renewal, alignment & growth.
Followed by a yoga practice for purification and alignment of the five energetic sheaths (koshas).
With movement, asana, kriyas and pranayama.
Working from the gross outer to the subtle inner emotional layers, dropping into meditation with chanting & mantra. Allowing ourselves to be drawn by the pull of mantra into the inner- most state of bliss - Satchitananda. Surrendering fully into a deep blissful rest in yoga nidra to conclude with a community chai and chat afterwards (Satsang).
-= Tickets =-
Cost: $25
* Limited Spaces, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
-= Location =-
Held @ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Paid parking is available in the public car park at Acacia Place, and across Victoria Street in Victoria Gardens shopping complex. Free parking in Harrison court and surrounds. We are on the lower ground level of Acacia Place.
Disabled access: If you park within the paid parking station off Acacia Place you will be on the same level as our studio. If you enter from Victoria Street level, a lift is available at the top of the first set of steps leading down to the river.
* Please take a moment to select your event thoughtfully, as we are currently unable to provide refunds. However, all tickets are transferable to the person(s) of your choice. The only time we can make an exception to our no-refund policy is if the event is sold out and we're able to help find a new home for your tickets. Your understanding is greatly appreciated.
Saturday 26 Aug 2023
6.30pm
@ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067 (map)
An Offering to Mother Earth
– a ritual of celebration and gratitude -
Are you looking to deepen your connection with Mother Earth & with Elements, Water, Air, Fire, Spirit & Earth?
Come and join Donna and Frankie for a heartfelt tribute to Mother Earth.
-= Cacao Ceremony, Despacho Offering, Shamanic Soul Meditation & Sound Journey =-
In this time, during the month of August, it’s known as a month-long celebration for Mother Earth. Known as the “Offering to Earth”, this offering is a form of mandala, and is made with gratitude for the gifts we have received and the seeding of the prayers for the new cycle to come. Also, for Mother Earth to rest and rejuvenate, a time where all farming stops and the soil is left to rest and renew.
Donna will open and close our time together as we move around the Andean Cross - the Medicine Wheel, in sacred ceremony with the medicine of Mama Cacao and a Pachamama despacho offering.
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-= Cacao Ceremony =-
Cacao ceremonies have been around for thousands of years, originating all the way back to Mayan and Aztec traditions in Central and South America. Used for spiritual, medicinal, and ceremonial purposes for inner awakening and creative guidance.
Cacao is known for gently balancing both feminine and masculine energies. The feminine energies allow you to receive inspirations and the Masculine energies allow you to act on it.
The medicine of Cacao invites us to open our hearts and explore our inner world for healing, integration, and creativity, to experience new insights, and to bring more joy gratitude into our life.
Mama Cacao reminds us of all the infinite beauty that dwells within.
-= Despacho Offering =-
Despacho describes the Andean ceremonial practice of making offerings to the Mountains (Apus), Mother Earth (Pachamama), and other spirits of nature in reciprocity (divine exchange), reverence and giving thanks.
A despacho is an act of love and celebration - a way of giving something back in return for everything we have received, and it reminds us of the connections we share with all beings, spirts, elements and sacred places.
During our despacho offering, Donna will guide us through the journey of the despacho with its symbolic significance: elements, weather, clouds around mountains, rainbows, the four directions, lakes, rivers, fruits of our labours, earth, stars, seeds, grains, beans, leaves, nuts, sweet things, and flowers. Every item represents a part of the Andean cosmology which effects the totality of energy throughout the universe.
The offering is gifted to Pachamama, our Apus (mountains), our Allies, Guardians and Guides in the spirit of Ayni – reciprocity, as we give, so we receive.
-= Soul Journey =-
Frankie will take you on a guided Shamanic Soul Journey, (which is similar to a guided meditation). The journey will take us through the elements, with a focus on Mother Earth Pachamama it will weave in celebration, gratitude, and connection with our Mother Earth.
Frankie will also be using his Tibetan Bowls & other sounds in a beautiful healing sound Journey.
-= About the facilitators =-
Donna - @yoga_with_donna
Donna is a Cacao Ceremonialist and Yoga Teacher, who has been teaching yoga for over 10 years. Her specialties are:
• Tripsichore Vinyasa Yoga: an evenly metered flow of movement, breath and thought. The synchronizing of breath with yoga movement results in an uninfected state of being
• Restorative Yoga: uses props to support the body in positions of comfort and ease to facilitate deep relaxation and health.
Frankie is a multi-certified practitioner with specialties in:
• Breathwork, Hypnotherapist, Time-Line Therapist
• Reiki Grand Master
• Neuro-Linguistic Practitioner
• Meditation & Soul Journey Facilitator & Guide
• Founder of BreathworkMeditations.org
And has completed both Yoga & Qi Gong 200hr Trainings.
You can reach Frankie at: www.ShamanicSoul.Space
-= Evening Flow =-
6:00pm - Arrive and settle in
6:30pm - Event starts
8:30pm - Event concludes
-= Tickets =-
Tickets: $44 + booking fee
+ Provided seating is mostly on floor cushions (some chairs available for those with difficulty sitting on the floor).
* Limited Space so please book early to avoid disappointment.
-= Location =-
Held @ The Open Space
11 Acacia Pl, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Paid parking is available in the public car park at Acacia Place, and across Victoria Street in Victoria Gardens shopping complex. Free parking in Harrison court and surrounds. We are on the lower ground level of Acacia Place.
Disabled access: If you park within the paid parking station off Acacia Place you will be on the same level as our studio. If you enter from Victoria Street level, a lift is available at the top of the first set of steps leading down to the river.
* Cancellations are up to the discretion of the presenter. No refunds will be available with less than 48hours notice. In the case of cancellation due to emergencies we will do our best to supplement you with attendance at another Open Space event.