Rest Before Renewal: A Cacao, Yoga Nidra & Sound Experience

December often asks us to do more—more planning, more giving, more showing up. This gathering is an invitation to receive: warmth, nourishment, and time to rest without anything to accomplish.

A pause before the year turns.

Join Carla Luna of Choose You Therapy and special guest Samela St. Pierre, Yoga Studio Director at The Gentle Place Wellness Center in Framingham, for an experience weaving together cacao, guided Yoga Nidra, and immersive sound.

We’ll begin with a welcoming cacao ritual and a quiet opportunity to reflect on what you need as the year draws to a close. Then, settle into a comfortable resting position as Samela guides the Yoga Nidra and Carla plays gentle layers of sound throughout. The spoken guidance and instruments will unfold together as one continuous experience.

Yoga Nidra, often called “yogic sleep,” is a guided meditation typically practiced lying down, using body awareness, breath awareness, and imagery to invite deep relaxation while remaining aware. It does NOT involve any sequence of yoga poses, and no previous yoga experience is necessary.

• A guided cacao ritual and time for personal reflection
• Yoga Nidra led by Samela St. Pierre
• A live sound bath throughout the meditation by Carla
• Time for a gradual return and quiet integration
• Light snacks for nourishment and connection afterward
• Mats, blankets, and eye masks will be provided. You’re welcome to bring a pillow, an extra blanket, or other cozy items for your comfort.

Everything is voluntary. You may skip cacao, keep your eyes open, change position, rest seated, or step out whenever you need to. There is no requirement to share anything personal or experience a particular feeling.

Cacao: Cacao naturally contains caffeine and theobromine and may not be suitable for everyone. Please avoid it if you have a cacao allergy, and contact us about ingredients or other food allergies. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a heart condition or irregular heartbeat, are sensitive to stimulants, or take Medic*tion that may interact with caffeine or cacao, consult your healthcare professional or pharmacist before participating in the cacao portion. Do not stop or change prescribed Medic*tion for this event.

Sound and guided relaxation: Instruments may feel intense for people with sound sensitivity, tinnitus, or sound-triggered migraines. Please contact us beforehand to discuss seating and comfort needs. If you have sound-triggered seizures or another condition affected by sound or guided relaxation, seek individualized medical advice before attending. You are always welcome to pause or opt out.

This is a wellness experience, not psychotherapy or medical treatment, and is not a substitute for professional care.

Limited spaces available. Come as you are, and give yourself a little rest before renewal.