Restorative Bodywork Experience £70

Hello & welcome! 

Whether you're a beginner or have a wealth of experience, we invite you to rest.
Come & receive bodywork, experience breathwork and enjoy relaxing massage whilst resting in supported mat-based positions to help you unwind & find balance within.

We are committed to creating safe & welcoming spaces for all, with the hope it gives you a meaningful & empowering wellbeing experience. 

See you soon,

Tanya & Francesca

A space to soften, surrender & journey inwards. 

What to expect

A 2 hour 30 minute experience encompassing restorative poses (supported, gentle poses needing no prior experience to benefit), breathwork, bodywork and mat-based movement, including gentle stretches, mindful touch & massage to help deepen your practice & connection to self. 

This is not a workout where you are pushing yourself or forcing flexibility; all poses are wrist and knee friendly with no downward dog in sight. Rather, the opposite is true. To do nothing, whilst we work on you is the hardest part! Sinking into a relaxed state, becoming aware of any tension, and letting go of what you feel like you should or shouldn't be feeling is the goal. 

We start with light stretching on the mat, and drawing our awareness to our breathing we move into the assisted rhythmical movements of Thai Bodywork including massage and holds. We work closely with each person, using hands-on techniques to help ease you into different stretches. No flexibility is needed or expected! We work with you on an individual basis, working within your comfort level. 

We finish with breathwork & then float back down to earth with a tea ceremony to end your practice. 

To ensure everyone has dedicated time with us, and space to practice, there will be a maximum of 5 spaces available.

"In the midst of movement and chaos, keep stillness inside of you. " - Deepak Chopra 

What is Restorative Bodywork?

We have drawn on elements of Restorative yoga and Thai Bodywork to create a unique experience. Supported by bolsters and cushions, you are encouraged to relax in restorative positions. Thai bodywork uses a nurturing combination of acupressure, massage and gentle stretching to bring harmony and balance back into the receiver. Bodywork is hands-on work with the practitioner guiding you through different stretches, but rest assured you are in control of the strength of the stretch throughout. 

Clear guidance will be given to help you reflect and soften with each breath with moments of stillness to encourage deep rest.

Let your mind wander and the river of the breath flow through you. One inhale at a time.

Who's it for?

Anyone who wants to explore a different way of relaxing, that works in harmony with your well-being.

If you struggle to relax, mindful breathwork and receiving an assisted stretch or massage can help switch off a busy mind and allow you to gently wind down.

The workshop is for those who would like to spend longer journeying inwards, whether you have yoga experience or not. It is not a workout, rather a holistic experience that is tailored for you to release any tension and connect to yourself.

If you have limited experience, please don't worry, as we will give clear instruction and guidance throughout.

If you are able to lay down on your front and back on yoga mats comfortably you will be able to take part. Alternatively if you want to come and lie down in shavasana (laying down position) the entire time, supported by comfy bolsters, you are very welcome to do so!

This is your experience, and as long as you are comfortable and supported we encourage you to do whatever works for you! 

Our small group size allows us to work longer with each person on an individual basis and adapt techniques to suit each person. 

Let us take care of you.

"You are worth the quiet moment. You are worth the deeper breath. You are worth the time it takes to slow down, be still, and rest." - Morgan Harper Nichols

About us

Francesca is a yoga practitioner from the Forest of Dean, who found yoga during a turbulent time in her life. 

After many years of practice, she set off to India for her first yoga teacher training and hasn’t looked back. Her longing to learn more about yoga has taken her on many exciting adventures, most recently to Thailand where she fell in love with the art of Thai Yoga Massage.

Frankie's approach is easy going and caring, encouraging you to always show up as you are.

In her words, " Yoga has not only led me to study and travel across the world; but has taught and empowered me with the knowledge and tools to return and find peace within myself.

We all come to yoga for so many different reasons - I hope to provide a space where you can explore this practice for yourself."

Follow @movingfrankly for updates!

Tanya is a VTCT qualified massage therapist & life coach working in Monmouth & Bristol.

She has had the privilege of working on people’s bodies since 2010 & enjoys nothing more than helping clients find some peace in their week.

Qualified in Swedish massage, Thai foot massage, Thai Stretch, Myofascial Release & Reiki, Tanya is well-versed at attuning to your needs and holding a safe space for you to relax. 

She favours an intuitive, compassion-led approach to working with clients, and believes self care & holistic therapy has helped with her mental health & recovery from burnout. 

She strongly believes massage is for everyone, and doesn't accept people apologising for not having "perfect" bodies!

You will find her providing massages & holistic therapy at Apex House in Monmouth & at Meriton Foundry in Bristol.

She is excited to collaborate with Frankie in bringing this unique blend of movement & massage together!

Follow @green_t_therapy for updates!

What if I've never done this before?

Don't worry! A lot of people won't have experienced this blend of Restorative Bodywork before, which is why we wanted to provide this unique offering. We have carefully thought about each movement and its place within the flow. Many participants have never done any form of yoga or breathwork before and are surprised at how little movement needs to be done during the workshops to have an impact. 
We encourage you to find a position that works for you, so don't feel you have to endure an uncomfortable position either, you are free to move or adjust at all times.

There is no expectation of flexibility or pushing yourself beyond your comfort level. It is not an endurance test or heavy workout, so will be suitable for most abilities, whether you're a regular yogi or completely new to yoga or bodywork, everyone is welcome to try it. 

All you have to do is relax and let us look after you!

*If you are pregnant, have had recent surgery or injuries or have any present health issues, please get in touch before booking.

We want you to feel empowered in your practice & to move in a way that feels right for you.

What should I wear?

Wear something comfortable that you can easily move around in. Joggers/leggings and a comfy tee are ideal! 

Bring an extra layer such as a jumper as you may cool down towards the end of the session. 

Avoid wearing belts or delicate jewellery as they may snag or get in the way of your comfort. 

For safety no socks are allowed in the studio when moving around - if you would like to wear a pair during the event please bring them with you to wear once you are safely on your mat!

What should I bring?

Just yourself and your water bottle! There is a sink at the studio so you can refill if needed. 

Your relaxation space will be set up for your arrival with all mats, blankets, eye pillows and bolsters provided. We hope you feel comfortable and supported throughout. 

Aftercare

During or after this experience, your body might show some of the following healing reactions:

-feeling emotional, crying/laughing, tiredness, yawning, frequent visits to the toilet, runny nose, headache, burping, breaking wind

These are normal healing reactions whilst your body is in a repairing phase. This is a safe space so all bodily noises and emotions are welcomed! You may feel tired, hungry or thirsty during this time. Listen to your body's messages & allow yourself time to adjust so you can continue enjoying your relaxation process. Make sure you feel grounded afterwards; please ensure you feel safe to drive before leaving.

The Space

We have landed at HillTop Aerial Hoop's studio - set in the beautiful countryside 5 miles west of Monmouth. 

This garden studio has gorgeous views and is so peaceful! The loudest thing you will hear are the birds.

Based in Welsh Newton Common, the studio is accessed via a single lane road - please be aware of the potholes as you come through.

Free parking & toilets are available.

Address: Great Hall, Welsh Newton Common, Monmouth, NP25 5RR

what3words: flute.harmonica.enveloped

On the day

The doors will be open 10 minutes before the start of the session, please arrive during this time so we can start promptly. 

Tanya will meet you in the car park and show you up to the studio. 

Late arrivals may not be admitted.

If there is an emergency please contact us on: 07907 853505 and we will do our best to accommodate you. However once the session has started, our phones will be off.

Feedback

"I'm not particularly flexible and wondered what I was going to be asked to do when I attended my first session, but there was absolutely nothing asked of me that I couldn't manage. I found it to be relaxing and restorative. The calmness lasted for a while afterwards too. If anyone is wondering about taking part I would say, "don't hold back as you will feel amazing both during and afterwards!".

"I wanted to say thank you for last week's workshop. It really was so relaxing & a great emotional release. I appreciated the heads up in the written info about possibly bursting into laughter afterwards as I had that experience for the rest of the day, and cried too. Had a wonderful night's sleep! I really appreciated it, I haven't experienced a workshop like that before."

"The atmosphere with the group was so calming, and I honestly felt like I'd melted into the floor. There's no pressure to know meditation, all that is asked is an effort to relax and let go. The head massage was my favourite!"

Our ethos

We aim to create a safe, welcoming space where curiosity & compassion abound.

So far so good, we’ve had loads of you wanting to join us for this experience! In order to run the sessions we require a minimum of 3 participants per session.

If for whatever reason we are unable to fill this minimum number of spaces, we will send you an email 72 hours (3 days) before the event, with options and dates that you can move your placement to.

We look forward to seeing you on the mat!

With love,

Tanya & Francesca