yoga - retreats - meditation - pregnancy yoga - postnatal yoga - calmbirth childbirth education - workshops
Paddington, Sydney
SERVICES
Welcome to The LifePod, located in the Eastern Suburbs!
The LifePod is located at Level 1, 1A Victoria Street, Paddington.
Enjoy this amazing open studio that is bathed in light all day long! All classes are drop in unless specified that bookings are required. We teach Dynamic Hatha Yoga, Gentle Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Prenatal Yoga & Postnatal Yoga (Mums & Bubs) We are a studio for men, women, children and even babies! **We have classes for everyone and it is our intention to support the whole community. We offer private yoga sessions, small groups & yoga for couples.
Click here to view our timetable >>>
Our Studio
The LifePod, located in the Eastern Suburbs, offers a unique experience. One that's warm, nourishing & intimate. When you step in to our candle lit studio you'll easily feel the body and mind relax and unwind. We have passionately created a space that feels great to be in. Come and enjoy your experience at The LifePod!
Yoga
Yoga is a wonderful way to realize your full potential in health, in your body, mind & spirit.A regular yoga practice helps you develop comfort in your physical self, creates space in your mind and facilitates growth and positive changes in your life.
Open Yoga Classes
Our yoga classes are dynamic, uplifting and creative. Here at The LifePod we're influenced by many different 'styles' and traditions and enjoy bringing them all together in a relaxed environment. We combine flowing movements in and out of postures and work strongly with stillness in others. Developing conscious breath awareness throughout the classes is a great focus as is meditation & honoring the spiritual aspect that is yoga.
Yoga at The LifePod will help to develop your personal practice deeply and always ask you to take into consideration how you feel day to day. The classes encourage you to stay open to the present and discovering what honestly serves you best in that moment.
Open yoga classes will:
* Develop strength, flexibility and balance
* Energize and awaken your body
* Create physical comfort and ease
* Soothe your mind
* Improve concentration and focus
* Cultivate a deep sense of well being and wholeness
Click here to view our timetable >>>
Gentle Yoga
Gentle yoga is for everyone. It's never too late to start a regular yoga practice! Gentle yoga is a wonderful class for anyone who is newer to the practice and for those of us who prefer a class that is a little restorative. Gentle yoga is a great way to nourish and restore your body and mind. We work at a slower pace with a strong emphasis on connecting to our breath and modify postures for all different bodies. This class has something valuable to offer the most experience yogi and to an absolute beginner!
Gentle yoga will:
* Maintain and improve mobility
* Alleviates stiffness
* Develop a fresh awareness in your body
* Encourage restful sleep
* Work at your own pace
Private Yoga Sessions
Private yoga sessions are a great way to explore your practice more deeply and work specifically to address your personal needs. Enjoy creating a home practice that is designed just for you. Yoga for couples and small groups also available.
Prenatal&Postnatal Care
"Falling pregnant changed my life and my yoga practice forever. It also deeply affected the way that I teach. I love encouraging women to feel confident in their ability to birth their baby, to trust their bodies and enjoy each stage of their pregnancy." - Lauren.
Prenatal Yoga
During these prenatal yoga classes you have space and time to connect with all the changes that are occurring, not only on a physical level but also mentally & emotionally. This is a magical time; it can also be an incredibly challenging one. It's so important to feel supported and nurtured, to feel rested and cared for. These classes help to prepare you for one of the most important experiences in life....the birth of your baby. "I am a trained doula and calmbirth® practitioner & love bringing this knowledge and awareness into my prenatal yoga classes."
- Lauren Penning Prenatal Yoga will:
* Stretch, strengthen and build stamina
* Relieve & soothe any discomforts
* Nourish, relax & bond with your baby
* Connect to your breath & changing body
* Prepare for labour and birth
* Cultivate patience and focus
Postnatal Yoga
Welcome to motherhood! After around 6-8 weeks, depending on how you feel, come and enjoy some peaceful time out and a practice specifically designed for your needs during this period. Being a new mum is exhilarating, you give of yourself so completely and unconditionally that it's important to remember to take care of yourself so that you can keep giving!
"I found as a new mum connecting with other women so encouraging and informative. I was comforted by knowing I wasn't the only one awake at 2am rocking my babe!“ -
Lauren Penning Postnatal Yoga will:
* Relieve aches and pains
* Strengthen your pelvic floor & abdominals
* Restore energy levels
* Soothe your mind as much as your body
* Indulge in long guided relaxations & gentle breath awareness
* Enjoy time out!
Mums & Bubs Yoga
Enjoy yoga with your baby, in a relaxed environment. I have designed these classes so that you can do them with your baby and without. If your baby is sleeping then enjoy some time just for you, if your baby becomes unsettled in any way feel free to join in sporadically. We are guided by our bubs and approach these classes with a playful heart.
Doula Support
Enjoy yoga with your baby, in a relaxed environment. I have designed these classes so that you can do them with your baby and without. If your baby is sleeping then enjoy some time just for you, if your baby becomes unsettled in any way feel free to join in sporadically. We are guided by our bubs and approach these classes with a playful heart.
Doula Support
A doula is an experienced birth assistant who is there to serve both mother, father and baby. A doula gives practical & emotional support throughout your pregnancy, birth and beyond. She will assist you in creating the best birthing experience for all. Being supported and encouraged by a doula who believes and trusts in your ability to birth your baby gives you an enormous amount of confidence, strength & focus.
A doula does not in any way replace your midwife or doctor, she is a professionally trained childbirth support partner but not involved clinically.
"I am incredible passionate about this work and truly love being of service in this very special way.“ - Lauren Penning
A doula will:
* Be guided by your choices
* Provide continuity of care
* Help you navigate your way through many important decisions
* Support you throughout your whole labour
* Bring you and your partner closer together through the birthing experience
* Be available for post natal support
calmbirth ®
"Imagine a calm, joyful beginning to your baby's life. calmbirth in the heart of the Eastern Suburbs...
calmbirth® is a simple yet effective childbirth education programme which acknowledges how marvelously a mother's body was designed to work as one with her unborn baby to birth her little one empowered with wonder and joy. Nature did not get it wrong! Birth is a natural process which should be experienced fearlessly, calmly, ecstatically.
calmbirth® teaches pregnant mothers, fathers or birthing companions the skills to accomplish such an experience."- Peter Jackson - Founder of calmbirth®
Lauren's Insight
Lauren's Insight "My first experience of calmbirth was when my partner and I went to Bowral for the weekend and took the classes with Peter Jackson. We both left feeling absolutely confident, prepared and free from fear. I completely trusted my body and couldn't wait until the day of my baby's birth. When that day arrived I was able to work through each surge by using all of what we'd practiced and learnt at calmbirth, we worked together as a team and it was indeed a very joyful beginning for us all!
I am a fully qualified calmbirth practitioner, senior doula and mum. I've been teaching couples for the past 3 years & am incredibly inspired to teach this work and feel honoured to share this important wisdom. As a doula I've experienced some amazing calm births, you really do acquire the skills needed to make this happen, calmbirth works!" calmbirth® will teach you:
* How to access your own inner resources.
* How to develop those inner talents in order to alleviate fear and tension through pregnancy and childbirth.
* Simple Relaxation, Breathing and Visualisation skills.
* How a woman's body is wonderfully designed to birth her baby.
* The importance of beliefs and attitudes about birth & how these can profoundly affect a couples experience.
* The importance of bonding with your baby and how this can impact your child's life.
* How to parent consciously.
* To be empowered to create the birthing experience you dream of.
Costs & Upcoming Dates
calmbirth® classes are held at the LifePod each month and run over two consecutive Sundays.
Private sessions are also available upon request. The cost of the course is $500 per couple and the price includes a calmbirth® booklet and 2 CD's to use as part of your preparation at home.
To secure your booking you can either pay the full amount, $500 or two payments of $250
All calmbirth® practitioners have been through an intensive training with Peter Jackson, the founder of calmbirth® and believe strongly in a mothers ability to birth her baby naturally and gently
Upcoming calmbirth® dates are:
** From March classes are run over one weekend - Saturday 12pm - 6pm & Sunday 9.30am - 5.30pm**
May 14 & 15 June 18 & 19 July 16 & 17 August 13 & 14 September 10 & 11 October 8 & 9 November 5 & 6 December 3 & 4
**Calmbirth runs every month at The LifePod. Book now as places are limited!
Workshops
Relax Kids
Book with Emma on 0419 545 410. Next term dates to be confirmed.
Relax Kids is a unique program of children's relaxation andpersonal development tools that has been used by thousands of parents, teachers, play workers and therapists around the world. Incorporating dance and movement, stretching, breathing, massage, affirmations and visualisations,
Relax Kids is a simple and fun way of introducing children to basic relaxation tools to help them relax naturally, sleep peacefully, decrease stress and anxiety while improving their concentration, creativity and self-esteem.
Classes are offered in two age groups: Relax Kids (5-8 years)Introduce your child to fun and simple relaxation tools to help them sleep better, stress less, and become more relaxed and happy individuals. The course incorporates dance and movement, stretching, breathing, massage, affirmations and visualisations to engage, inspire and relax.
This is an 8 week course.
Chill Skills (8-11 years)
Help your child develop relaxation skills, enhance positive self-image, emotional intelligence, health and self-awareness. This course provides invaluable tools to help children see their strengths, take care of themselves, develop self-respect, resilience, confidence and positivity.
This is an 8 week course.
Moonbeam Movement
I am thrilled to announce that Moonbeam Movement will be offered here at The LifePod. A divine gift for our babies and mothers! - Lauren
Moonbeam Movement is a special time to engage in the wonder of life with your baby through movement, music, touch and relaxation. An extrordinary opportunity to discover with your little one the delights of the imagination while developing an intuitive awareness to their responses.
Suzy Wolanski has completed her certificate in Dance/Movement therapy through IDTIA in Melbourne. As a mother of four, the strengthening of the mother/ child bond holds a special interest for Suzy. The Dance/Movement framework providing the perfect vehicle for exploring the shared enjoyment of play.
"Every new infant is dependant on a reliable, empathetic and alive mother." - D. Winnicott.
Moonbeam Movement is suitable for babies aged from 5 months to walking and will be run as a 6 week course. When: To be announced (6weeks) Cost: $150 Where: The LifePod, Level 1, 1A Victoria street Paddington.
Pelvic Floor Training
Discreetly Fit – Contemporary Pelvic Floor Education and Training Presented by Kathi JanssensThe goal of Discreetly Fit is to teach you how to preserve the strength of your pelvic floor.
When your pelvic floor is in top shape you can sneeze, cough and laugh with confidence, be active and comfortable, run without a worry, holdon successfully without rushing to the bathroom, have enhanced, wonderful sex with your lover, avoid pelvic organ prolapse and feel healthy, sexy and confident during all phases of your life. This is a wonderful course for all women!
Dates:
Saturdays 2nd & 9th of APRIL 2 – 5.30pm Sundays 24th & 31st of JULY 9am – 12.30pm Saturdays 15th & 22nd of OCTOBER 2 – 5.30pm Cost: $230 (includes a booklet and pelvic floor training CD)
Baby Massage
Baby massage is an amazing way to deeper the bond you have with your baby while learning fabulous techniques to calm, soothe and alleviate common complaints such as wind and colic. Tea, organic massage oil and take home notes are provided. Mothers' groups are welcomed!
Come and enjoy this lovely experience with your baby. Book in now: Call or email Lauren 0405 524 839 Cost: $30 Time: 11am - please arrive at 10.45 to set up and start at 11am.
Dates: TBC
Tantra Down Under
Charu will be back to Australia in the future. In the meantime she has a wonderful home study course you could work with. Watch this video below.... It gives you the most wonderful understanding of what this work is truely about. - Lauren
Tantra is a path of meditation…what sets it apart from other ‘paths’ is that it looks to the wisdom of the body and the senses as a means to becoming more present and alive in every aspect of our life. Our bodies have a deep wisdom that modern life has become accustomed to ignoring. Tantra uses simple exercises including breath, movement, sound, and communication techniques to help us re-discover the wisdom of the body and uncover deeper and deeper levels of pleasure. Charu has dedicated her life to Tantra. She is the author of the Awaken to Your Body ¬ Home-Study Course and is committed to educating modern minds on the ancient secrets of Tantra through coaching, events & home-study courses.
Timetable
Learn to be calm and you will always be happy.' - Paramhansa Yogananda
As well as yoga classes below we offer private sessions, small groups and yoga for couples, all tailored to your personal needs.
Click here to view our timetable >>>
Testimonials for Lauren Penning
"Lauren was an amazingly calm, encouraging presence at the birth of our son. Morgan, and helped turn a long, complicated labour into a positive empowering experience. For nearly 24 hours, Lauren stayed at my side as I laboured at home and in the hospital, providing much-needed support to me and my husband. Her unfailing assistance helped me achieve my goal of a natural, drug free delivery even when medical complications rendered the rest of my birth plan obsolete. She helped us navigate the medical system with grace, ease and calm, and was a great source of support both before and after Morgan's birth. I will never regret my decision to use a doula, and I would recommend Lauren above all others.“ - Meraiah Foley, 2008
"If you are fortunate enough to enjoy a three hour labor finishing up with a smooth trouble free delivery then you might find that a doula is a nice luxury. Of course, no one can ever know just what sort of experience their labour and birth will be. Hope for the easiest but plan for the most demanding experience you can imagine. We did just this and in Lauren we made the perfect choice. Her presence boosted our confidence and added a calmness to a formidable ordeal we could not have achieved without her. She brings a toolbag full of peace, love and compassion. She is faultlessly calm, endlessly energetic and helped us navigate the jumbled journey through a modern medical system. We think she is great and could not recommend her more highly.“ - Tim Wimborne, 2008
I have to share this with you...the birth was AMAZING...I managed it without even thinking of any pain relief and my husband breathed through every contraction with me in the most loving supportive way.Luke popped out naturally and calmly after 7 hours.I can't thank you enough for sharing the calmbirth techniques with us.It made the world of difference and my beautiful, peacefulbirth experience is one I will treasure forever. - Caroline
The whole birth experience was nothing short of incredible - I've often heard you say that labour is hard work - my description would be that labour is HARD, HARD work! But it was absolutely beautiful - Matt and I feel we had the most perfect experience we could have wished for. There is no doubt in our minds that calmbirth gave us the skills and the mindset necessary to have such a great birth - we cannot thank you enough for the work you did with us and with me at yoga. Best of all our little Luca is a calm baby! - Emma
QUALIFICATION DETAILS
Lauren Penning - Director of The LifePod
I completed a Degree at the Drama Centre London in 2001, studying ballet and movement as part of my acting course led me naturally to yoga....and onto to an Advanced Diploma in Health & Yoga in Sydney.
I've been inspired by so many wonderful teachers and different traditions over the years and this is evident in the way that I teach.
I have a light hearted, creative approach and strongly believe that we should practice according to how we feel day to day, physically, emotionally and mentally.
It is my aim to help students move toward their full potential. To experience on the mat their own innate strength and courage, compassion and gentleness and then take that into their everyday lives and relationships.
Each class I teach is a mix of asana (postures), breath work and meditation creating a balanced, wholesome experience.
I am also a Doula, calmbirth® practitioner and Reiki 11 channel.
Our Philosophy
The LifePod is a relaxed studio, an inner city haven where you are made to feel welcome and comfortable from the moment you arrive.
It is run by two sisters, Lauren and Belinda Penning. Their intention is to create a space that feels great to be in and to provide you with the very best care and support.
Enjoy the personal touches that make all the difference to your experience; warm tea on arrival, gorgeous candle lit space, smaller classes, individual guidance through practice, recommendations and referrals to sustain yourself through other modalities and overall a lovely sense of community and support.
Counselling, Deep Tissue Massage, Energy Healing, Hatha Yoga, Pregnancy Massage, Pregnancy Yoga, Reiki, Remedial Massage, Swedish Relaxation Massage, Yoga
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