A Day to Breathe, Connect and Simply Be 🌊 Celebrating the Ignite Women Tasmania Wellness Day
Sometimes the most valuable thing we can give ourselves is permission to step away from the busyness of everyday life.
To stop doing, organising, worrying and thinking about everyone else for a little while. To simply be present, breathe deeply, connect with others and perhaps rediscover a little of ourselves along the way.
That was the intention behind our recent Ignite Women Tasmania Wellness Day, held at the beautiful Ulverstone Surf Life Saving Club.
And what a wonderful day it turned out to be!
We began beside the ocean, where Karen guided us through gentle breathwork, a simple letting-go ritual and an invitation to connect with the natural environment around us.
Some women ventured into the chilly water, others paddled their feet, while some simply enjoyed the fresh sea air and the sound of the waves.
There was no right or wrong way to participate. Nothing to achieve, nothing to prove. Just an opportunity to pause, breathe and be present.
It was a lovely way to begin a day dedicated to nurturing ourselves.
As the morning unfolded, Theresa took us on a fascinating journey into the workings of the overthinking brain, helping us understand how stress affects our nervous systems and offering practical strategies to recognise our responses, quieten our minds and make small, positive changes.
Jay McGough then introduced us to the gentle, flowing practice of Qigong, followed by meditation and stillness. A beautiful reminder that movement doesn’t always need to be vigorous to be beneficial, and that slowing down can be just as valuable as keeping busy.
Throughout the day, we were treated to an abundance of delicious, nourishing food, lovingly prepared and generously shared.
From our beautiful morning tea to the colourful, build-your-own nourish bowls and warming soup at lunchtime, there was a real sense of care in every detail.
Our final presentation, from Tanya Kurzbock of Your Naturopath Online, explored the changing hormonal landscape of women’s lives, from menstruation through to postmenopause.
It was an informative and reassuring conversation, helping women better understand their bodies and recognise that many of the changes they experience are a natural part of life’s transitions.
One participant’s response perhaps captured the value of this shared learning perfectly: “Oh my gosh, there’s nothing wrong with me. I’m going through perimenopause!”
And isn’t that one of the wonderful things about bringing women together?
We learn not only from the presenters, but from one another.
We discover shared experiences, recognise familiar feelings and realise that many of the challenges we navigate are not ours alone.
Connection, understanding and the simple reassurance that we are not alone can be powerful things.
Of course, there was plenty of laughter, conversation and friendship woven throughout the day too.
And perhaps that’s what made the experience so special.
It wasn’t simply about learning new things or participating in wellness activities. It was about creating a space where women could feel welcomed, valued, supported and cared for.
A space to switch off for a while.
To reconnect with our bodies and minds.
To enjoy good food and good company.
To laugh, reflect and perhaps take home a little something that might make everyday life feel easier.
At Ignite Women Tasmania, we believe that wellbeing doesn’t always require enormous changes or complicated solutions.
Sometimes it’s the small things that make the greatest difference.
A deep breath. A walk beside the ocean. Gentle movement. A nourishing meal. A meaningful conversation. A moment of stillness.
And sometimes it’s simply giving ourselves permission to make our own wellbeing a priority.
We are enormously grateful to our wonderful presenters, Karen, Theresa, Jay and Tanya, for sharing their knowledge, experience and enthusiasm.
Our heartfelt thanks also go to Stephanie, Gillian, Claire and Erica for their contributions to the delicious food, and to Spreyton Cider Co for generously providing refreshments.
And, of course, to every woman who joined us, participated, shared a conversation, offered a smile or simply took the opportunity to enjoy the day.
You are what makes the Ignite Women community so special.
We came together as women of different ages, backgrounds and life experiences, but with something important in common: the desire to live well, feel connected and support one another along the way.
If there was one message to take away from our Wellness Day, perhaps it was this:
We don’t always need to add more to our lives to feel better. Sometimes we simply need to make space for the things that already nourish us.
Thank you for being part of a beautiful day.
With warmth and gratitude,
The Ignite Women Tasmania Committee 💙🌊
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