Deep in the forests of Otford, yoga retreats are being held to assist domestic violence survivors in their journey of healing.
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The Heart and Soul Care not-for-profit organisation runs weekend yoga retreats to empower women and assist in healing past trauma, but this June are reaching out to everyone as part of the International Day of Yoga celebrations.
Across Saturday June 19, the charity will run a full day of yoga and guest speakers, along with a 108 Sun Salutation Challenge at the Govinda Valley retreat on Lady Carrington Road.
This will be followed by a community forum lunch on the Sunday, including guest speaker Paul Glissa, a specialist barrister in domestic violence who will discuss safer pathways for DV victims.
People just think yoga is some exercise, but the way it was introduced to me is that yoga was a way of life.
- Wendy Saunders
Spokeswoman Wendy Saunders anyone can attend, be it active yogis or those who have suffered a type of past trauma.
"They may be introduced to something that may be able to help them in their futures," Ms Saunders said. "People just think yoga is some exercise, but the way it was introduced to me is that yoga was a way of life ... it has the art, the music and the philosophy."
Other topics covered on the weekend include a new way forward for men and boys, what needs to change to end domestic violense, and vedic astrology.
All proceeds from the weekend to to support DV survivors.
Ms Saunders said people who have attended their previous retreats have come away with a welcoming sense of community and understanding they are not alone in healing past trauma.
"[Yoga] gave me everything I was looking for," she added. "It also gave me community - it's very compassoinate, peace loving community."
Participants can sign up for either or both days, or can simply do the 108 Sun Salutation Challenge.
For more information, visit www.heartandsoulcare.org.au.events