Turn Your Rage Into Power – A Yoga & Writing Workshop on Anger & Menopause with Donna Southwell & Dr Rachel

Since time, women have been acculturated to mostly put up and shut. It’s no surprise, then, that so many of us arrive at menopause worn down and burnt out. And then the hot flashes start.

Meanwhile, the subject of women and rage remains taboo while those who dare to express their anger are called all sorts of names. Which, of course, is good reason to get angry!

So, what do we do with our anger? How can we process it and find healthy, life affirming ways to express it?

Archetypally speaking, at this time of life we are no longer maidens and mothers but crones. In folklore and myth, crones are powerful wise woman figures associated with transformation and fire. They example the value of female eldership, know how to channel their rage and harness their strength for the collective good.

This three-hour workshop will include:
A gentle yoga practice led by Donna Southwell aimed at helping you
build strength.

Accessible writing exercises led by Dr Rachel focused on exploring where, how and when you feel anger, the story behind it and how you can harness your rage.

Discussion and sharing.

Yoga nidra.

Tea & cake.

About the yoga practice
Yoga - the physical postures (asana) as well as breath work and meditation can help in managing anxiety, insomnia, low self esteem, anger, tiredness as well as other symptoms you may experience. A yoga practice is a great way of keeping joints mobilised, building up strength, flexibility and balance as well as releasing deep held stress in the body. The yoga session in the workshop will be fun and accessible to anyone no matter what their level of experience, preparing the way, through
opening up the body, to work more deeply.

About the writing exercises
No previous writing experience is necessary and there will be no pressure to read anything out. Although the writing exercises are therapeutic they are not therapy, so you are encouraged to go at your own pace and avoid over-disclosing matter that is particularly private or painful.

Co-creating a supportive space:

By attending this workshop, you are agreeing to practice CARE –
confidentiality, attention, respect and empathy – with others.

Donna - I have been teaching yoga for over 20 years and practising for many years more. In this time I have had to adapt my practice for menstruation, two pregnancies and after the births of both my children. I am now 53 - I feel that the peri menopause transition started at around 43, many subtle changes and many not so subtle. My practice has supported me throughout all these transitions although I have also had
to deal with a lot of acceptance and letting go as my body has changed. 
I am nowin the midst of my menopause transition - just starting my post menopausal years. The biggest support for me has been journaling, cold water swimming, time spent outdoors in nature, breath work and, of course, my yoga practice. For me this age is when I’ve felt more ‘me’ than ever before, the most sure of who I am, the most liberated - I really do believe that at this age women have so much to offer, that this is when we are at our most powerful.
 
Rachel  - Now in my early fifties, I’m well over the threshold of
menopause. As a writer and teacher with a PhD in applying Jungian
psychoanalysis to creative writing, I’ve drawn on my research to develop
a journaling practice that’s immensely helped me to process my
menopause journey and more, while I also love sharing these techniques
to help others. Find out more:
www.rachelnewsome.co.uk/https://drrachelnewsome.substack.com/