In the heart of Johannesburg, a powerful morning unfolded as Pia Tedeschi led a deeply healing workshop for a group of 20 women — survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), many of whom have also endured xenophobia and the hardships of poverty.

The intention was simple but profound: to create a safe and nurturing space for these strong, resilient women to reconnect with their bodies, breath, and each other through conscious movement and shared presence.

The workshop featured:

• Chair yoga for accessible, gentle movement

• Guided meditation to promote stillness and calm

• Open conversation to foster connection and support

Each practice invited a soft yet powerful release — offering a way to gently move trauma through the body and cultivate inner safety.

With heartfelt support from doTERRA South Africa, each woman received therapeutic-grade essential oils: lavender, lemon, and peppermint. These oils — known for their calming, cleansing, and focusing properties — were integrated throughout the session. Roller blends were crafted for relaxation, allergies, and mental clarity, adding an aromatic layer of healing to the experience.

The result? A workshop that was empowering, humbling, and mutually transformative. A reminder of the strength that lives in stillness, in softness, and in community.