This 90-minute offering integrates yogic philosophy and mental health psychology into a grounded, experiential practice. Each session begins with a short talk and/ or journal prompts exploring themes each month related to self-understanding, relationships, and the human experience, followed by guided movement to embody these ideas, and closes with space for reflection and integration. The intention is to support insight, connection, and a more compassionate relationship with yourself.

What to Expect

Each session follows a consistent arc while exploring a new monthly theme:

• Opening grounding practice

• A short dharma talk integrating principles of psychology and yogic philosophy

• Optional journal prompts with guided discussion and reflection

• An intentional movement practice designed to embody the theme

• Breathwork and/or meditation

• Time for integration and closing reflection

The emphasis is on creating an experience that is both intellectually engaging and personally meaningful, offering participants the opportunity to connect insight with embodied practice.

Key Takeaways

Participants will leave with:

• A deeper understanding of themselves through both psychological and yogic perspectives.

• Practical and applicable takeaways to integrate into daily living.

• Embodied practices that support nervous system regulation, resilience, and self-compassion.

• Reflection prompts and themes to continue exploring beyond class.

• A greater sense of connection to themselves and to a supportive community of practice.

No prior experience with yoga philosophy or psychology is necessary.

Instructor

Giovanna (she/her) believes yoga is an invitation to connect to self by embodying curiosity, compassion, and presence. She views yoga practice as a lifelong exploration of what it means to be human: navigating change, embracing uncertainty, finding meaning, and cultivating a more authentic relationship to ourselves, others, and the world around us. She first discovered yoga in 2010 while living in New York City. Yoga became a space that offered a sense of grounding amidst the constant movement of city life. After moving to Portland in 2016, yoga became an anchor through transition and a pathway to community. Over the years, her practice has expanded beyond asana into meditation, breathwork, philosophy, mantra, and self-inquiry. Embodying yogic practice in this way continues to shape both her life and the way she shares yoga with others.

Giovanna has completed a 300-hour trauma-informed yoga teacher training and is currently earning her master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her guiding is deeply influenced by both yogic philosophy and existential psychology, and she loves exploring the places where these traditions naturally intersect.

Each class is thoughtfully woven around a theme inspired by yoga philosophy, anatomy, and the shared human experience. You can expect authenticity, intentional movement, moments of reflection, a thoughtful soundtrack, humor, and an open heart from Giovanna. Her hope is that students leave class feeling a little more grounded, a little more connected, and with a deeper trust in their own inner wisdom.

She is grateful to all her teachers and guides: Audra Carmine, Manorama, Christina Sell, Nancy Nomellini, and Chauna Bryant for all their incredible and deep wisdom.

What to bring

• Comfortable clothing for movement

• Yoga mat

• Journal and pen (optional but encouraged)

• Water

• An open and curious heart and mind