Hi, I'm Danielle
Gariwerd is my place of peace and belonging — a landscape that restores my energy, offers comfort, and reminds me of the simple beauty of being in nature.
About
A gypsy at heart, I’m a traveller, hiker, environmentalist, and a down-to-earth woman whose passion for life sometimes leaves me a little exhausted! After many adventures across Northern and Western Australia, Tasmania, and abroad, I’ve found my home in Halls Gap, surrounded by the nature and community I love.
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I discovered yoga in my twenties and have since completed over 400 hours of training, primarily in traditional Hatha Yoga, with additional studies in Shakti Purna Yoga (Yoga for Women), Yoga Therapeutics, Restorative Yoga, and Nervous System Regulation. My classes weave together these influences, supporting the body and mind to release stress, calm the nervous system, and maintain healthy movement through the seasons of life. My yoga journey has also sparked a love of Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, which guides me to live — and teach — in harmony with nature and the changing seasons. This connection shapes my practice and teaching, helping create balance for body, mind, and spirit.
I offer yoga classes, retreats (often in collaboration with other wonderful teachers), and corporate or private group sessions on request. And when I’m not on the mat, you’ll often find me hiking — because to me, yoga and hiking 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
