Benefits of Nature Play…

Play based learning experiences in nature facilitate…Neural connectivity which occurs when new pathways and connections are created in the brain enabling learning to take placeChildren’s natural curiosity and creativity, building skills to solve problems as they growReverence and respect for the living world, developing a sense of responsibility and reciprocity to take on the role as it’s caregiversEngages and develops all their senses, especially eyesight, close observation skills, the proprioception and interception needed for good balance, spatial awareness, and understanding of relationshipsEmbracing healthy risks and challenges grows their courage, confidence, resilience, autonomy, and ability to make realistic judgments about their own capacities, along with the motivation and patience to practice in order to hone and refine their skillsSlows down their nervous system which reduces stress and allows restoration and rejuvenation in to balance overstimulation in artificial environments or from screensOrients children towards process and experience rather than product and outcomePromotes a sense of peace, presence, and interdependence with all living beings

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Wayapa Wuurrk

Embodied earth mindfulness with ancient roots designed for a modern world - this pioneering indigenous wellness modality guides us to the interdependent nature of all life on earth. Through the practice we grow towards a reconnection with our true nature through movement, environmental immersion, dadirri (deep listening), and generating ideas for how we can take positive action to heal our planet. The practices are accessible to all abilities, experiences, and life stages, encouraging us to listen to the wisdom of what is wishing and around us. Workshops are available for groups of adults, children, families, corporate and voluntary organisations.I also offer Yoga & Dance for the Elements workshops which incorporate creative movement & improvisation, dance, yoga, journaling, and mediation to reconnect us with the natural elements within and around us, inviting us to return to balance, harmony, a sense of our reciprocity and interdependence with all beings.

Please get in touch if you would like to organise a Wayapa Wuurrk workshop using the form below

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Yoga Classes

Prenatal yoga - following my yoga therapy training and prenatal yoga teacher training in 2012 I taught prenatal yoga classes in Melbourne for several years. Yoga therapy supports the tailoring of a yoga practice to each individual’s needs, and the prenatal training I did equipped me with the skills, resources, understandings needed to honour the unique unfolding of each mothers journey, with great respect, reverence, and awe for our bodies and the miracle that enables us to create and birth life. I am now pregnant myself and feel called to support other women through this amazing time offering a deep sense of grounding, fostering self trust, and helping to develop empowerment to prepare them for the magical rollercoaster ahead while stating present with what is unfolding in the now.Mums & Bubs Yoga - a beautiful opportunity for you to bond with your baby while both enjoying the nourishing benefits of your own practice. In Melbourne I taught Mums & Bubs Yoga for many years, initially under the guidance of my teacher who was experienced in this area. I have since worked with children from babies to kinder age children in my role as early childhood teacher at Little Groms Early Learning, and currently support families with babies and young children at the nature play sessions I run at Spring Creek. The Mums & Bubs classes are designed to support mum in dropping into a deep liminal space which Bub relaxes in response to, feeling safe as they sense that if mum is able to release into her practice then all must be well in the world. If babies begin to cry then with mum’s permission I will offer to pick them up and soothe them while continuing to guide the class, enabling mum to continue with her practice while Bub receives some reassurance and comfort. Practices are designed to create a gentle flow and gradual strengthening of the tissues following the demands of pregnancy, labour, birth, and early motherhood.Kids Yoga - playful and mindful movement guided by the support of our breath, children are encouraged to get curious about what their growing bodies can do, develop self awareness and compassion, learn about ways we can support ourselves and each other to stay healthy and well, and create a sense of meaning and connection to all living beings and Mother Earth - along with growing our respect and responsibility towards them - through narrative, embodiment, and inquiry.All the classes aim to foster a sense of community within which we are seen, heard, valued, respected, and supported in all aspects of our unique being.All classes are held in Torquay, $20 per class. Bookings for these classes are essential to ensure we have space for everyone and can meet your needs.

Prenatal yoga…..
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exploring our inherent strength, stability, rhythm and grace through movement, breath, sound, mantra
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building trust in the divine power of our own bodies and intuition, leading us towards empowering birth whatever the outcomes
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learning practical tools and resources to support us through labour and birthing processes
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learning to love, appreciate, and embrace our changing shape, emotions, capacities, and perspectives
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connecting with a supportive community of others walking this path together
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finding ways to work through rushes, ride the waves, and surrender to the miraculous process of birth
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Learning Resource Packs

Whether your family are homeschooling or simply looking for a little extra support and inspiration, these lovingly made packs come tailored to your child’s needs and interests. Original songs, stories, games, activities, and interactive resources crafted around a theme, can be ordered as a single pack or subscription, these also make great gifts from one family to another.Each unique pack is built around the theme of your child’s interests & needs and contains:
a song created for you
a story created for you
a somatic inquiry
a nature based inquiry
a handmade learning resource
additional ideas for extending the activitiesPacks are $60 for a single pack or multiple packs can be purchased as a subscription either 6 months or 12 months at a discounted price

Welcoming art commissions - if you can imagine it I can create it - with sustainability & heart at the centre of the process. Soon to launch art classes & bush craft sessions for adults & children, get in touch if you’d like to know more.

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Recommended Reading & Resources

To support you in nurturing the development of the little beings in your care, as well as growing your own development and journey of self-awareness, I highly recommend the following texts, which I have offered deep nourishment for my embodied practices, teaching and co-creating. I hope you find something special that speaks to you in them.Movement & Somatic Education ….Wisdom Of The Body Moving by Linda Hartley
Sensing, Feeling, Action: The Experiential Anatomy Of Body-Mind Centring by Bonnie Bainbridge-Cohen
The Five Spirits by Lorie Eve Dechar
Body-Mind Energetics by Professor Mark Seem & Joan Kaplan
The Zen Of Touch by Gwen Williams
Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith
Brightening Our Inner Skies: Yin & Yoga by Norman Blair
Yoga Body Mind Spirit by Donna FahriIndigenous Ways Of Knowing, Seeing, Being….Aboriginal Perspectives In Early Childhood Education by Red Ruby Scarlet & Jessica Staines
Indigenous Seasons of Australia http://www.bom.gov.au/iwk/calendars/gariwerd.shtml
Indigenous Seasons of the Eastern Kulin Nations https://inspiringvictoria.org.au/2020/08/13/seasons-in-the-sky/ and also https://museumsvictoria.com.au/melbournemuseum/resources/forest-secrets/
Indigenous Mindfulness: Sit Spots https://cultivateimpact.mailchimpsites.com/sit-spots
Wadawurrung traditional custodians https://www.wadawurrung.org.au/
Inclusion support https://www.vaeai.org.au/wp-content/uploads/delightful-downloads/2020/06/FinalProof2020.pdf
Early educators guide to indigenous education https://fka.org.au/cms_uploads/docs/possum-skin-pedagogy--a-guide-for-early-childhood-practitioners--journeys-and-outcomes.pdf
Aboriginal views and perspectives https://www.ceosand.catholic.edu.au/catholicidentity/index.php/sustainability/sustainability-and-aboriginal-education/91-nourishing-terrains/file
Indigenous explorations of felt experience https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/index.php/JASAL/article/viewFile/9943/9831
Dark Emu, Black Seeds by Bruce Pascoe
Young Dark Emu by Bruce Pascoe
Salt by Bruce Pascoe
Sand Talk by Dr Tyson Yunkaporta
Loving Country by Bruce Pascoe & Vicky Shokuroglou
The Yield by Tara June WinchThe Living Environment ….Surf Coast Nature Search local plants & wildlife https://scnaturesearch.com.au/
Moon phases https://www.mooninfo.org/world/australia/4/moon-phases-2022-for-melbourne.html
Zen & The Art Of Saving The Planet by Thich Nhat HanhParenting Support…Raising Resilient Compassionate Children by Marion Rose & Lael Stone
Hold On To Your Kids by Dr Gordon Neufield & Gabor Mate
A Slow Childhood by Helen Hayward
Well Adjusted Babies by Dr Jennifer Barnam Floreani
Buddhism For Mothers by Sarah Napthali
The Creative Family by Amanda Blake Soule
Parental As Anything by Maggie DentConscious Pedagogy….Magic Places by Pennie Brownlee
Rituals by Memory Loader & Toni Christie
The Art Of Noticing by Rob WalkerSteiner Perspectives….Heaven on Earth: A Handbook For Parents Of Young Children by Sharifa Oppenheimer
Earthwise: Environmental Crafts & Activities With Young Children by Carol Petrash
Cradle Of A Healthy Life: Early Childhood and the Whole Of Life Dr Johanna Steegmans & Dr Gerald KarnowWonderful Children’s Books…Indigenous Perspectives:
Brother Moon by Maree MacArthur Yoelu & Samantha Fry
Respect by Aunty Fay Muir & Sue Murphy
Found by Bruce Pascoe
Finding Our Heart: A Story About The Uluṟu Statement by Thomas Mayor
Courage & Inspiration:
Maybe by Kobi Yamada
What To Do With A Problem by Kobi Yamada
What To Do With A Chance by Kobi Yamada
The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, And The Horse by Charlie Mackesy
Emotional Intelligence:
Tiny Star by Mem Fox
Once There Was A Boy by Dub Leffler
Moonfish by Graeme Base
Observing & Caring For Our Living Environment:
The Tree by Graeme Base
Uno’s Garden by Graeme Base
Leaf Litter by Rachel Tonkin

If you have written or researched something related to these themes please feel free to get in touch as I’d love to share your work with the world!

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Prenatal Support Organisations & Resources

The following list of health practitioners and organisations has been compiled from personal recommendations by prenatal Yoga and wellness specialists and those who have been recipients of their exceptional support throughout their pregnancy, birth, and family life. They are an offering to help you grow a nurturing community around you, supporting and empowering you on your journey into motherhood.MAMA (Midwives and Mothers Australia)
Support centre offering independent midwife services, maternal & child health nurse, childbirth & breastfeeding education, counselling, chiropractic care, osteopathy, massage, reflexology, dance, Yoga, naturopathy, homeopathy, kinesiology, TCM & acupuncture
38 Gatehouse Drive
Kensington VIC 3031
Phone: 03 9376 7474
www.midwivesandmothers.comGeelong & Surfocoast Doulas geelongdoula.com.auThe Birth House - Midwives in private practice thebirthhouse.com.auAustralian Doula College
Emotional, physical, spiritual support throughout pregnancy, birth, and beyond
Certificate IV Doula Training, student doulas
Phone: 02 9569 8020
www.australiandoulacollege.com.auBirthing Education & Yoga of Birth Workshops
Rhea Dempsey
www.birthingwisdom.com.auAntenatal classes online, prenatal & postnatal courses in dynamic stability coreandfloor.com.auHypnobirthing & Childbirth Education
Noble Birth
‘Creating a positive birthing experience for you and your baby’
Nicole Pawley (Richmond Melbourne)
Phone: 04 1335 5844
Nicole@noblebirth.com.au
enquiries@noblebirth.com.au
www.noblebirth.com.auPrenatal & Birthing Workshops
Anahata Giri (Melbourne)
04 1095 0606
Email: anahatagiri@hotmail.com
www.yoga-with-anahata.com.auResourcesPregnancy & BirthPreconception, pregnancy, birth, and beyond
Naturally Better Babies
www.naturallybetterbabies.vpweb.com.auInformation for pregnancy, birth, and beyond
Sarah Buckley
www.sarahbuckley.comPregnancy, birth, and baby helpline information
http://www.healthdirect.org.au.pbbBelly Belly information
http://www.bellybelly.com.au/Optimal Foetal Positioning information
http://www.spinningbabies.com/Midwives Australia
www.midwivesaustralia.com.auMidwives Private Practice
Independent midwives database
http://www.maternitycoalition.org.au/home/modules/states/index.php?id=11Birth Freedom network for practitioners & mothers to be www.birthfreedom.netFunctional Nutrition during pregnancy & beyond www.nourishingme.com.au claire@nourishingme.com.auResearch articles & books from midwife author speaker & researcher
www.sarahwickham.comEmpowering BirthEvidence Based Birth evidencebasedbirth.comChoices for Childbirth
www.choicesforchildbirth.org.au/Childbirth education classes
Annie Fogarty & Ingrid Holmes
http://birthconfidence.com.au/Di Diddle
www.birtheducation.com.auRhea Dempsey
http://www.birthingwisdom.com.au/home.htmlShea Caplice pioneering midwife promoting natural physiological birth www.sheacaplice.comCalmbirth method & birthing education
www.calmbirth.com.auHomebirth Australia
http://www.homebirthaustralia.org/Birth Time documentary www.birthtime.worldOne woman’s personal story of an empowering homebirth
https://www.sammylee.space/blogposts/birthstoryBooksReclaiming Childbirth As A Rite Of Passage by Rachel Reed
Birthing From Within by Pam England
Well-Adjusted Babies by Jennifer Barham-Floriani
Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Birth With Confidence by Rhea Dempsey
Buddhism for Mothers by Sarah NaphtaliAfter BirthAustralian Breastfeeding Association (ABA)
www.breastfeeding.asn.au
Phone: 9885 0855
Breastfeeding helpline: 1800 mum 2 mum (1800 6862 686)Maternal & Child Health
Phone: 13 22 29Healing After Caesarean
www.birthrites.orgPost & Ante Natal Depression Association (PaNDA)
Phone: 9482 4600SIDS & Kids grief support (24 hours)
Phone: 1300 308 307Parent Line (24 hours)
Phone: 13 22 89Support groupsGeelong inclusive mothers group (telegram & regular meet ups)
Pregnant women supporting each other (telegram)
Pro-choice midwives

If you are involved in supporting and empowering women through pregnancy, birth, and beyond please get in touch as I’d love to share this with other women who could benefit

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