Hi, I'm Danielle
Gariwerd is my place in nature that gives me peace, gives me comfort. It revitalises my energy by simply being in it, as though I belong.
About
A gypsy at heart I am a traveller, hiker, environmentalist and then just a normal sort of girl whose passion for life often leaves me a little exhausted! After a number of adventures in Northern and Western Australia and overseas, I have found my home in Halls Gap surrounded by the nature and community I love.
Discovering Yoga in my 20's, I have since trained up to 400 hours, primarily in traditional Hatha Yoga and specialising in Shakti Purna Yoga (Yoga for women), Yoga Therapeutics and Restorative Yoga. My classes combine this work which I have found fundamental through my own health ups and downs, to calm the nervous system, relieve stress and keep the joints and body moving and healthy.
My training has also kindled a love of Ayurveda, often described as the sister science of Yoga. This guides me to live more in tune with nature and the seasons, which influence my Yoga to create balance to body, mind and spirit. Having experienced the divine ayurvedic therapies I continue to train is this and offer it to others.
I offer Yoga classes, Massage, Yoga Retreats (often in collaboration with other great teachers), corporate and private group classes on request. I also enjoy the occasional hike and I think hiking and Yoga go together like peas and carrots.
Frequently Asked
Questions
01/
When should I arrive and what do I bring to class?
Please arrive 10 minutes before class starts.
If this is your first visit this will give you time to find the studio, discuss any injuries you may have, ask questions and settle in. Regular guests will have time to set up their mat and spend a few minutes starting to relax and soak up the atmosphere. Please wear comfortable clothes - stretch pants or leggings, T-shirt and shoes that can easily be removed at the door. If the weather is cooler please bring a few layers & socks. BYO Yoga mat & water bottle.
(some Mats available on request)
02/
I am not flexible, can I do Yoga?
Yes, this is why I think we all do yoga. Yoga keeps our bodies moving and our joints and muscles supple. All my classes are designed to offer gentle and mindful movement and different versions of Asana to increase your personal flexibility, strength and balance and to move at your own individual pace. As a minimum, you will need to be able to move from the floor to standing. I will also provide Yoga props to support you in the class (Props include: Yoga blocks, belts, bolsters and blankets).
03/
What is Hatha Yoga?
It can get confusing with so many different types of yoga to choose from. Hatha yoga is widely considered to be one main category of yoga and it blends numerous concepts and ideas of yoga principles to combine poses (asana), breathing (pranayama) to promote a healthy body, mind, and spirit. Traditionally it was practiced to calm the mind and breathing and preparing the body for stillness in meditation.
The practice of Hatha yoga aims to join, yoke, or balance two energies, essentially balancing the two opposites that make us a whole. For me I think of it as a century’s old ‘guidebook’ or ‘tool box’ of asana, pranayama, mantra, mudra and lifestyle practices (Ayurveda) that are tested and proven to work, and depending on what your intention/focus is in practice. Eg build heat and fire, cool, calm, steady etc. Ultimately attaining balance with self and with nature to be well and happy.
Yoga can be as simple as coming to the matt to move and breathe a little more, or it can be a life time of study and self-discipline. If you are interested in finding out more information I have a number of books and guides that can be borrowed, (locals) to get you started.
04/
What is Yoga Nidra?
Yoga Nidra can be described as a state of dynamic sleep. It is a method of inducing complete physical, mental and emotional relaxation. It is a technique used to learn to relax consciously, using concepts for absolute relaxation while remaining aware.
During the practice you are lying still on the floor in Savasana and can be supported by cushions, bolsters and covered with a blanket.
It is said Natures sounds reduce stress and calm our bodies, we just need to take the time to go outside and listen.
