We live in challenging times. With constant demands and pressures, and overwhelming local and global events – the time and space to manage our stress becomes less and less. When stress is experienced over time, it can lead to detrimental consequences on our overall health and wellbeing. This practical 4-hour workshop, facilitated by Thomas Sheehy (MSc, RYT500) (Yoga Teacher & Nutritional Therapist) and Minkateko Wicht (MSc) (Mental Health Occupational Therapist) focuses on understanding stress, its effects on our health, ways to manage it, and ways to increase our capacity to tolerate it. We’ll integrate theory and practice from our different disciplines, and explore the stress cycle and self-regulation through breath work, movement and sense based practices. You’ll leave with greater understanding and practical tools to navigate life’s demands. This workshop is open to anyone, there’s no need for any prior experience of yoga or occupational therapy. NB: We recognise that financial circumstances can vary, and we aim to make this course as accessible as possible. If you need support or a tailored arrangement, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact info@theshala.co.za for more information.

As yoga has globalised over the last two centuries, it has interacted and exchanged with a variety of cultures and traditions outside the Indian subcontinent. Its journey in South Africa, a multicultural national grappling and healing from its scarred past, is a particularly interesting one and one we will explore in this workshop. The documented history of yoga in South Africa is relatively short, and dates back to the early 1920s, even though its existence could have been much earlier. Indian migration to South Africa began in 1860 with the indentured labour program, followed by waves of passenger Indians until the 1940s. At one stage, South Africa was home to the largest Indian diaspora outside the subcontnent but people of Indian heritage remain under-represented in modern yoga. Firdose, as a South African of Indian-heritage, has long been interested in this positioning, especially as she continues to situate herself in yoga. This will be our entry point. From there,we will ask questions about what the practice looks like in this country, who the major practitioners are and how each of us fit in. We will also look specifically at yoga in Cape Town and understand how the unique cultural mix of the city engages with yoga.

A 2hr Absolute Beginners Yoga Workshop. Whether you’re completely new to yoga, returning after time away, or looking to build confidence in your practice – Begin Again is an invitation to start from the ground up. Over two hours, we’ll slow things down and explore the foundations of Yoga together. We’ll break down key postures, including Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) and foundational standing poses. We’ll learn how to use props to support your unique body, and discover practical adjustments that make yoga feel more accessible and sustainable. This is a relaxed, judgment-free space where questions are encouraged, curiosity is welcomed, and you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of the practice and the confidence to step into any yoga class. No experience is needed, just bring yourself and a willingness to begin again! BONUS ONLINE MEMBERSHIP – Nena will also record video tutorials covering key teaching points from the workshop. – All workshop attendees will receive a complimentary one-month online membership to access these videos.