A new gentle yoga program designed to support women in building a sense of calm and safety in their bodies is coming to the Byron Community Centre.
Yoga therapist and lifestyle medicine practitioner Susy Strange will soon begin offering Yoga for Peace and Calm, a trauma sensitive yoga program created to help women reconnect with their bodies through simple, mindful movement and breathing practices.
For Susy, yoga has never simply been about movement. It has been a pathway to healing.
At just 11 years old, she developed a spinal deformity that led to major spinal fusion surgery and further operations during her teenage years. Those experiences eventually brought her to yoga, not only to support her physical body, but also her mind and emotions.
“Yoga has kept me anchored through many challenging life experiences."
After moving from England to Australia, Susy retrained as a yoga teacher, first in Biomedical Yoga and later in Trauma Sensitive Yoga. Through her training and personal experience, she began to recognise just how deeply yoga had supported her own recovery.
Now a qualified Yoga Therapist with a graduate degree in Lifestyle Medicine, Susy is passionate about supporting others recovering from trauma or ill health through evidence based, compassionate yoga practices.
Her program Yoga for Peace and Calm was created specifically to make trauma sensitive yoga accessible to women who may face barriers to support. With the backing of The Yoga Impact Charity, the program has already been successfully delivered through partner organisations in Sydney including Phoebe House and The Family Co.
Through the upcoming sessions at Byron Community Centre, Susy hopes to share these gentle practices with women in the local community.
Trauma sensitive yoga is very different from the fast paced, gym style yoga classes many people are familiar with. Rather than focusing on challenging poses or physical performance, the emphasis is on creating a safe, supportive space where participants can move at their own pace.
“You won’t see pretzel like shapes or headstands here, Instead it’s an inclusive space where choice, personal agency and a sense of safety are at the heart of the practice.”
Each session focuses on gentle somatic movement connected with breath, alongside simple relaxation or awareness techniques designed to help calm the nervous system.
Participants are always invited to choose how much or how little they wish to do.
“There’s no pressure and no judgement,” Susy says. “People are welcome to move, breathe, or simply rest.”
A central focus of the program is regulating the nervous system. After trauma, the body can remain stuck in states of fight, flight or freeze long after the danger has passed.
Through slow and mindful practices, participants begin to calm the body and gradually expand their capacity to cope with stress.
“As the body learns safety, the mind begins to follow,” Susy explains.
Women attending the sessions do not need any previous yoga experience.
“There are no bodies that are not already perfect for this practice. All that’s needed is comfortable clothing and a willingness to explore something new.”
As a newcomer to the Byron Bay community, Susy says she feels grateful to be able to share the program locally.
“Working with the team at Byron Community Centre and other partners is a joy and privilege. They do incredible work supporting women in our community.”
In today’s world, finding a sense of calm and peace can feel harder than ever. Programs like Yoga for Peace and Calm aim to provide a gentle and supportive space where women can reconnect with themselves and restore a sense of safety and balance.
Yoga for Peace and Calm – Gentle Trauma Sensitive Yoga for Women
Susy will be offering Yoga for Peace and Calm, a gentle trauma sensitive yoga practice created for women who would like a supportive and nurturing space to move, breathe and reconnect with themselves.
Each session begins with a short introduction to what will be explored and why, followed by gentle movement and simple awareness and relaxation techniques designed to rest and reset the nervous system.
Participants are always invited to move in ways that feel right for their own bodies. Every shape is a choice and simple rest is always an option.
Women are welcome to move, stretch, breathe, or simply lie on a mat, listen and rest.
Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm
Start: Late March or early April (date to be confirmed)
For enquiries or bookings, contact Susy Strange:
Email: susy@strangemovement.com.au
Phone: 0400 885 858
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