The Embodied Nervous System Immersion

Build resilience through somatic tools and mindful practices

With Stephanie Lopez

Tuesday April 28 – Thursday 12:30pm

This immersive 3-day training explores the intersection of Polyvagal Theory and embodied practices to support nervous system regulation, resilience, and connection. Designed for yoga teachers, therapists, and dedicated practitioners, the program blends science with somatic wisdom through experiential sessions that include breathwork, movement, meditation, and restorative yoga. Learn practical tools to recognize and respond to autonomic states, cultivate co-regulation, and integrate nervous-system- informed practices into your teaching and life.

3 Day Schedule

Day 1: Tuesday, April 28 – 1:00pm – 6:00pm

  • An overview of Polyvagal Theory, nervous system states, and how embodiment supports regulation. Set intentions and ground into the weekend’s journey.

  • Discover the three organizing states of the autonomic nervous system. Learn to identify and work with these states on and off the mat.

  • Through gentle movement and body awareness, tune in to your body’s cues and the messages of the vagus nerve.

  • Learn and practice specific breath techniques that activate the parasympathetic response and build vagal tone.

Day 2: Wednesday, April 29 – 8:30am – 5:30pm

  • Explore how language, pace, and sequencing create a felt sense of safety for self and others.

  • Through dyad practices and mindful interaction, cultivate co-regulation and supportive presence.

  • Access deep rest states that help the system restore and integrate. Includes guided Yoga Nidra.

  • Break time.

  • Learn to shift from freeze or collapse into empowered movement designed to mobilize without overwhelm.

  • Experience centering practices that support nervous system resilience in the midst of stress or uncertainty.

Day 3: Thursday, April 30 – 8:30am – 12:30pm

  • Explore the bi-directional highway of communication between brain and body—and how to gently re-pattern it with awareness and practice.

  • Pause as a practice: cultivate a mindful relationship to sensation, emotion, and stillness.

  • End the retreat with tools to bring your learning into daily life and teaching. Includes journaling, group sharing, and closing meditation.

Stephanie Lopez

Stephanie Lopez, LISW, C-IAYT, is the Senior Advisor of Philosophy & Learning and Senior iRest Trainer for iRest Institute. With a deeply embodied understanding of meditation informed by nearly 30 years of immersion in the nondual teachings of yoga, she leads retreats and trainings internationally with a focus on living an authentic and awakened life.

As a Gestalt therapist, meditation teacher, and certified yoga therapist she bridges eastern wisdom with western psychology and neuroscience to support healing and transformation. Stephanie also serves as Vice-Chair on the Certification Committee for IAYT helping to promote standards and credentialing for the yoga therapy field. She has presented meditation at Google, Spotify, and UC Berkeley Haas School of Business. She is a contributing author of “Yoga Nidra Meditations” and “Practice: Wisdom from the Downward Dog.”