The Art of Holding Space with Heart
A Training and Book for Rest-Centered, Trauma-Informed Community Facilitators
Learn to create inclusive spaces where rest, healing, and community care take root.
Rooted in the C.A.R.E.S. framework, this book offers a powerful approach to spaceholding that is trauma-informed, accessible, restorative yoga based, and culturally aware. Whether you are a yoga teacher, healing practitioner, group facilitator, or community leader, this guide supports you in showing up with integrity and care.
You’ll learn not only the framework itself, but also from my years of experience teaching restorative yoga in community, clinical, and wellness spaces. This is more than a book, it is a supportive guide. Inside, you’ll find journal prompts, reflection questions, and a full toolkit to draw from as you grow your own unique facilitation practice.
❤️The Art of Holding Space with Heart is a must-have for anyone stepping into the sacred work of guiding others.
🌱Grounded in values. Built for facilitators. Rooted in rest.
Coming Soon: The Art of Holding Space with Heart – Facilitator Training
This in-person, immersive training is a companion to the book. You’ll explore the C.A.R.E.S. framework in real time, connect with other values-based spaceholders, and learn from my hands-on experience teaching restorative yoga in both community and clinical settings.
This is not just a “learn-from-the-teacher” training. It’s a collaborative, co-created space where we learn from each other. As we move through the key themes of the book, we’ll reflect together, share insights, and hold space to discuss what your specific community truly needs. You'll also have opportunities to explore how these practices can be adapted with cultural awareness, deep care, and collective wisdom.
📚 This training works hand-in-hand with the book. You’ll engage with the readings, journal your reflections, and apply what you're learning to your own facilitation practice.
📝 Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Units (CEUs) are available for this training upon request.
📅 Dates will be announced in early 2026. Space will be limited.
✨ Join the interest list to be the first to receive updates when registration opens.
About the author:
Hello, I’m Nirel! I’m a restorative yoga teacher, community facilitator, and wellness entrepreneur deeply rooted in the practice of rest as resistance and healing. Over the years, I’ve had the honor of holding space in libraries, clinics, gardens, and community centers—creating soft landings where people can truly rest, reconnect, and heal.
As a second-generation Filipino American, I know firsthand the power of safe, culturally aware spaces, especially for those of us from historically marginalized communities. My lived experience, along with years of teaching restorative yoga in both community and clinical settings, has shown me that the way we prepare, arrive, and hold a space makes all the difference.
I wrote The Art of Holding Space with Heart because I believe facilitators deserve tools that honor their values, their lived realities, and the unique needs of their communities. This book is an offering and a guide for anyone called to guide with care, lead with integrity, and co-create healing spaces rooted in collective well-being.