Winter Solstice Tune In - Cacao, Restorative Yoga and Sound Journey

Join us for in the darkest time of year for a cosy evening of ceremonial cacao, restful yoga shapes to nourish your body and calm the mind and the delicious live acoustic sound journey by awarded musician and multi-instrumentalist Phill Jones.

WHEN? 18th June 2021, Friday 6.30-9pm

WHERE? The Yoga Space, second floor above Aspyre Fitness, 208 Heretaunga St East, Hastings

COST: $40 p.p. (prepaid to account number 38-9018-0117320-01) Spaces strictly limited Booking is essential - please get in touch to book: radha.heartawakening@gmail.com or 020 4077 5534

~CACAO~ The tradition of drinking ceremonial cacao originates in the ancient culture of the Mayas in Central America, who called it "ku-ku", "above sacred". It was believed to carry the spirit of Fertility and Abundance. The Goddess of chocolate, Ixcacao, was also known as the "Queen of Love and Pleasure". Cacao is an aphrodisiac, mood enhancer, and antioxidant that protects the heart and is densely packed with nutrients - proven to be the most pharmacologically complex food in nature! It can improve your memory, reduce heart disease, shed fat, boost immunity, and create loads of energy. Cacao contains the neurotransmitters responsible for feelings of wellbeing, as well as anandamide, known as the bliss molecule that leaves us feeling blissful and euphoric, moderating pain perception, as well as assisting in regulating appetite and mood. When high quality beans are prepared for ceremony, all the mood enhancing neurochemicals in cacao become particularly active. It increases blood flow and nutrition to the brain, heart and skin, and the whole body is nourished. Sacred Cacao ceremony participants report heightened awareness, focus and intensified sensations. Cacao healing for the body, but also for the soul and spirit as it is heart opening and an amazing meditation aid.

~RESTORATIVE YOGA~ Restorative yoga is a practice that is all about slowing down and opening your body through passive stretching. During the long holds of restorative yoga, your muscles are allowed to relax deeply. It's a unique feeling because props, rather than your muscles, are used to support your body. Restorative classes are very mellow, making them a good complement to more active practices (as well as our busy lives) and an excellent antidote to stress. Stillness is a powerful practice. Clinical research into restorative yoga has found that it can decrease depression and improve symptoms of anxiety and even pain. Restorative yoga can be especially beneficial in the stressful time before the holidays as it is a great way to: - slow down the pace of life - soothe the nervous system - encourage mindfulness and states of meditation - foster transcendence - cultivate heightened body awareness - strengthen acceptance and detachment - feel safe and nurtured - establish yourself in Pure Being

~MEDITATIVE LIVE ACOUSTIC MUSIC~ Music has been known since the dawn of humanity to be one of the best tools to heal and nurture. Music lives in our cells and in our entire being. It has always been a way to get in touch with emotion, nature, and inner stillness. And so music can be a powerful tool for meditation, anchoring us again and again into the Here & Now - as Eckhart Tolle writes, “Every sound . . . comes out of the silence and quickly disappears back into the silence. In that sense, music can be considered the most ephemeral, the most impermanent, of all art forms.” The live acoustic musical background will be provided by professional musician and award winning composer Phill Jones, playing a rich variety of instruments from around the world. A true Sound Journey -a treat for your ears and for the soul!

~WHAT IS REQUIRED?~ For your comfort during the session, please wear loose and warm clothes and optionally you can bring our own cushion or a blanket to make sure you can fully relax. Drink a lot of water before and after ceremony to avoid dehydration and only have a light meal prior.

Facilitated by Radha Iveta and Phill Jones