The Joy Project - Summer

December can be joyful, but it can also be a lot. As celebrations, expectations and end-of-year responsibilities build, it is easy to put your own wellbeing at the bottom of the list. Yet taking time for yourself is not selfish. It can help you return to the people and things you care about with more energy, patience and presence. The Joy Project – Summer is a playful and restorative afternoon designed to help you step away from the busyness, nurture calm and reconnect with the joy of the season. Hosted by Yvette Colton and co-facilitated by Annie Harvey, the afternoon will weave together laughter, practical wellbeing tools, live harp music, creativity, mindful time in the garden and deep relaxation. Come as you are. There is nothing to prepare, achieve or be good at. This is simply an afternoon to breathe, laugh, create and let yourself be looked after. Your summer experience Throughout the afternoon, you will enjoy: • Laughter yoga and playful activities led by Annie Harvey, creating space for lightness, connection and the simple pleasure of laughing together • Practical, evidence-informed techniques from Annie’s wellbeing work and books to help you nurture calm, manage overwhelm and support your wellbeing through the festive season and beyond • Healing Celtic harp music performed by Yvette, offering moments to pause, listen and reconnect with yourself • Harpa Nidra, our signature meditation experience inspired by Yoga Nidra and accompanied by the soothing sounds of live harp • Create a Summer Joy Jar filled with personal intentions and playful prompts to help you pause, recharge and make space for small moments of joy beyond the retreat. • Mindful time in the beautiful Sophia Centre garden, inviting you to slow down, engage your senses and spend time outside • Warm conversation and genuine connection with others in a welcoming, supportive setting • Tea and light nourishing refreshment The afternoon will embrace the laughter, generosity and connection of the festive season while also creating space for calm and stillness within it. You will leave feeling lighter, restored and better equipped to move through summer with greater joy and intention. Who is this for? This experience is for anyone who would like to: • Step away from everyday responsibilities for an afternoon • Recharge before the busiest part of the festive season • Feel calmer to embrace the joy and playfulness of summer • Laugh, create and connect with others • Enjoy beautiful live harp music and deep relaxation • Discover practical ways to support their wellbeing • Give themselves permission to receive, rather than always doing for others You do not need any previous experience with laughter yoga, meditation, art or music. Every activity will be gently guided, and you are always welcome to participate in the way that feels right for you. Come on your own or bring a friend. Meet your hosts Yvette Colton Host • Founder • Creative Facilitator • Harpist • Artist Yvette is the founder of The Joy Project, inspired by her belief that creativity, music and meaningful connection are essential to our wellbeing. As a consultant and business owner balancing work and family life, she understands how easily our own needs can be pushed aside. A Celtic harpist for more than 20 years, Yvette performs with the South Australian Celtic Harp Orchestra and is also an exhibiting artist. She will thoughtfully host the afternoon, guide the creative experience and share joyful and healing harp music, including The Joy Project’s signature Harpa Nidra experience. Annie Harvey Bestselling Author • TEDx Speaker • Wellbeing Educator • Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Annie Harvey brings together warmth, humour and practical, psychology-backed approaches to wellbeing. She is a TEDx speaker, bestselling author of The Little Book of STILL, creator of The F.U.N. Formula™ and a certified laughter yoga leader. Annie will lead an uplifting laughter yoga experience and share practical techniques to help you feel calmer, more connected and more capable during the pressures of the festive season and everyday life. Give yourself the afternoon There will always be another task waiting. This afternoon is an opportunity to put down the list, step away from what needs doing and invest a little time in you. You do not need to earn rest by reaching exhaustion. Give yourself permission to pause, play and experience the joy of summer. Want to know more Visit the Joy Project website for further information.