Join us for a deeply enriching and reflective morning exploring how our earliest experiences shape the body, nervous system, and energetic self across the lifespan. This special event brings together clinical wisdom, embodied practice, and yogic insight in a supportive and nourishing space.
Session One (90 minutes)
Birth Trauma, Early Development & the Energetic Body with Darina Patton
Darina Patton is an internationally experienced physiotherapist, birth trauma specialist, and neurodevelopmental therapist whose work bridges science, embodiment, and subtle energy. With over 40 years as a physiotherapist, more than 30 years as an acupuncturist and cranial therapist, and 18 years specialising in neurodevelopmental therapy, Darina brings a rare depth of clinical insight, compassion, and lived experience.
In her session, Darina will explore how early life experiences — including birth trauma — influence our nervous system, movement patterns, and energetic development. Drawing on both Eastern and Western frameworks, she will share insights into how the Five Elements manifest from childhood through early meridian development, and how these patterns continue to shape us as adults.
Themes explored will include:
Birth trauma and its impact on early energetic and neural development
Primitive reflexes and their role in movement, regulation, and learning
How early experiences shape the nervous system across the lifespan
Recognising childhood personality traits through the Five Elements
Practical insights for yoga practitioners, therapists, and those interested in holistic wellbeing
Darina will also offer simple, supportive movements and exercises designed to nurture “the child within” and support resilience, awareness, and embodied integration.
This session is especially relevant for those working with the body, nervous system, subtle energy, or anyone curious about how early life patterns influence health and wellbeing.
Break (30 minutes)
A chance to rest, reflect, and connect with others.
Session Two (60 minutes)
Yoga Practice: Lifelong Movement, Breath & Relaxation with Margaret Brand
The second session is a gentle and inspiring yoga practice led by Margaret Brand, one of the Yoga Fellowship’s first cohort of teachers and a much-loved member of the community, still teaching in her 90s.
Margaret brings her lifelong love of yoga, teaching from the heart with warmth, humour, and deep presence. Her session will include:
Yogic stretching
Making friends with your lungs through mindful breathing
A beautiful, nourishing relaxation with moments of stillness
Margaret’s teaching offers a living example of how yoga can support vitality, connection, and ease throughout the whole of life.
“Come with an open mind and heart and enjoy all being together.
Looking forward to seeing you.
Namaste, Margaret 🙏”
This is a rare opportunity to explore the full life spectrum of connection, healing, and embodied awareness — blending clinical insight, subtle energy, and yogic practice in a reflective and welcoming environment.