Elemental Embodiment Training
50-hour Yoga Alliance accredited training (also open to non-teachers)
Online Foundation: 6 March 2027
Bali Immersion: 17-23 April 2027
An immersive training in the elements, somatics and qigong. Discover and develop a living framework of the elements that deepens your practice, your teaching and how more through life.
Elemental Embodiment is a grounded journey into deeper embodiment and understanding of your inner and outer nature.
Through the framework of the Chinese Five Elements, somatics, qigong and yoga come together to reveal a map of intelligence within your body, awakening greater aliveness and presence in yourself and how you relate to the world.
Led by experienced somatic, yoga and qigong teachers Varsana Hart and Emma Tian Williamson, this training is rooted in curiosity, depth and experiential learning. It unfolds in two parts, with an online foundation to ground your understanding, followed by a seven-day immersion in Bali to embody and integrate it, deepening how you process, practise and hold space for others.
On completion, you will receive a 50-hour Yoga Alliance certificate. You don’t need to be a teacher to join - dedicated practitioners wishing to deepen their practice are also welcome.
At the end of this training, you will feel resourced, connected and inspired in your practice, your teaching and how you move through life.
What is Elemental Embodiment?
Elemental Embodiment is a way of living, moving and being that starts in the body. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the elements live within us and we can tap into their wisdom through attuning to our own felt experience and subtle, vital energy. Through looking to nature as our teacher and embodying the elements, we can align with a more whole, harmonious and natural state of being.
For over two thousand years, the Chinese Five Elements have offered a way of understanding ourselves and our relationship to the natural world . Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water carry their own energy and emotional territory, a living compass we can return to for inner guidance, connection and inspiration.
In this training, we delve into the ancient wisdom of the Five Elements and Soma - the ancient….- explored through qigong and somatics as tools to navigate modern life. We explore how the elements tune you into your energy and deepen your understanding of the body, nervous system, meridians and fascia.
You will discover how to take your movement, practice and teaching beyond alignment and shape, into a more fluid sense of the body and its intelligence.
Relevant for teachers and practitioners alike, Elemental Embodiment is a doorway to a deeper relationship with yourself, the natural world and your place within it.
Our Training Approach
We encourage you to develop your own felt experience of qi, the Five Elements and somatic movement so you can practice and teach from that lived understanding.
We honour curiosity and open awareness, so your learning comes from self-discovery and your own authentic heart-led way of living.
We create space to integrate and embody your experiences, so you can weave insight into how you process, practice and hold space.
You will learn a grounded foundation of qigong and somatics so you are able to weave it into your classes with integrity and context should you wish to teach them.
At the core of this training is how to return to the wisdom of your own body and its potent energy, so you can truly embody before you guide.
What we’ll explore
The Chinese Five Elements philosophy and how it informs our inner and outer landscapes.
The elements within Traditional Chinese Medicine's whole-life approach to health, guiding us toward greater harmony and balance.
Qigong foundations and practices to awaken energy and awareness of the elements within you.
Elemental tools for everyday life, your classes and workshops.
Understanding 'soma', the living, sensing body in its wholeness, and how somatics invites a richer experience of ourselves and the world.
Somatic foundations through a trauma-informed lens such as resourcing, pendulation and interoception, and how they deepen practice and facilitation.
Myofascial unwinding and movement to connect to the body's innate wisdom.
Fascial lines and the meridian system: two maps for embodied understanding.
Embodied language and cueing that invites exploration rather than correction.
Using the environment and our senses as pathways to deeper embodiment.
What you’ll gain
A grounded, embodied understanding of the Five Elements, somatics and qigong for your practice, teaching and everyday life.
An immersive experience that inspires learning and nourishment of the body, mind and heart.
Deeper relationship with your own body and nervous system, with practices for regulation, resilience and presence.
The confidence to weave qigong and somatics into what you already teach with integrity.
Knowledge to design and deliver classes and workshops around the Chinese Five Elements.
Trust in your own embodied experience, so your teaching emerges from lived practice.
Understanding of lineage, attribution and the ethics of blending traditions.
Who this is for
This training is for you if:
You’ve an interest in qigong and somatics, and want a grounded foundation you can weave into your classes and life with integrity.
You’ve finished your 200-hour yoga training and are looking for more depth, confidence and direction in your teaching, as well as a training that nourishes and inspires you.
You've taught for years and want to feel the aliveness in your own practice again so you can teach from a renewed place.
You hold space for others and want to learn somatic tools and approaches to guide with deeper embodiment.
You're a dedicated practitioner (not a teacher) who wants to go deeper into the elements, Traditional Chinese Medicine and somatics for your own practice and life.
Where we'll be
Our home for the immersion is The Shala, founded as a sanctuary for realigning with nature.
Just outside Ubud, it's reached by the most scenic walk through the rice fields, away from the busy roads of Ubud. The slowing down begins before you arrive. We will practice in the morning and evening in an open-air shala overlooking the jungle, surrounded by the elements and the sound of nature.
We will stay in spacious rooms and wooden Javanese bungalows with rice-field and jungle views, nourished by vegetarian meals from the organic kitchen.
Why bali
In Bali, the elements are everywhere you look. Wood in the lush jungle growth. Fire in the volcanoes that made the island. Earth in the terraced fields. Metal in the mineral-rich volcanic soil. Water moving through the rice paddies and the rivers.
Balinese culture is organised around the harmony between people, nature and spirit - a relationship lived daily, in ritual and offering
On this immersion, the landscape around you awakens your senses and opens the way to the landscape within.
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Online Foundation
Introductory session: Saturday 6 March 13:00-17:30
Course work: daily home practice for 4 weeks leading up to training.
Daily qigong practice
Daily somatic practice diary
Bali Immersion
17-23 April 2027 | 7 days, 6 nights
Retreat-style immersion to practise, integrate and come alive in your teaching.
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50-hours of online and in-person training
6-nights of accommodation at The Shala, Ubud
Vegetarian meals twice of day: breakfast and dinner
Excursions to local sites
Printed training manuals and online resources
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Flights & Airport Transfers, (if applicable) Travel Insurance, Treatments.
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There is non-refundable deposit of €550 to confirm your place.
Different price for each room.
Payment plans
We offer a 6-month payment plan available until August 30th. Please email for more information.
Earlybird pricing
First 5 bookings before 30 November
meet the team
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I’m Varsana, and I’m delighted to welcome you here. As the founder of Hartspaces and a facilitator in yoga, movement, and holistic well-being, my passion lies in creating transformative experiences that reconnect you with your own inner wisdom, the rhythms of nature, and a supportive community.
I embrace a holistic, heart-centered approach that honours every aspect of who you are. You’re invited to show up just as you are, free from judgment or expectation. In these nurturing spaces, our intention is clear: to ensure you feel seen, supported, and safe to explore and embody your authentic self.
Our retreat schedule is always thoughtfully curated to enhance your journey, and I can’t wait to provide an environment where you can truly pour love into yourself.
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Emma is a qigong, yoga and mindfulness teacher who believes that embodied practices are the antidote to the stresses of modern life. Passionate about sharing these tools, she guides people toward navigating the world with greater presence and ease. Growing up practicing qigong with her mother, Emma developed a deep connection to embodied movement and ancient wisdom.
Her classes blend Daoist, Buddhist and yoga philosophies with somatic awareness and nervous system regulation, helping students cultivate inner balance and leave feeling more connected to themselves.
★★★★★
“Varsana is one of those rare teachers who combines deep knowledge and experience with genuine warmth, humility, and relatability. She has a natural ability to make everyone feel welcome, included, and completely at ease. From the moment you meet her, her energy is calming, authentic, and approachable, creating an environment where people feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are. Perhaps what makes Varsana so special is that she is not only interesting, but genuinely interested in the people she teaches. She listens, connects, and creates space for others with curiosity, compassion, and care. This combination makes her an exceptional teacher and guide. I have learned so much from her and would wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking to deepen their practice and learn from someone who truly leads with both knowledge and heart.” - Rachel Lary
★★★★★
"Practicing with Varsana has been a deeply grounding and inspiring experience. She creates a calm, supportive space where you feel safe to explore your practice at your own pace. Her guidance is clear, attentive, and thoughtful, and she brings a genuine sense of presence into every session. I always leave feeling more connected to my body, calmer in my mind, and recharged. I'm truly grateful for her teaching." - Kristine
★★★★★
“Emma is a wonderful teacher. Her teaching is a perfect mix of clear and insightful explanations of principles within the practices of qigong and yoga. Her gentle manner belies a deep knowledge and wisdom of both disciplines and an understanding of how they can be woven together. Classes are always creative and varied and she is skilled at holding a class and students’ needs. I always come out of class feeling better and grateful for Emma’s skill and attention.” - Sian O’Neill, Editor of Yoga Teaching Handbook and Yoga Student Handbook
★★★★★
“Emma’s classes are such a gift to have and truly breath of fresh air. I’ve very much appreciated finding new ways into different asanas with Emma’s guidance and knowledge. I also love that she understands and highlights the resonances between yoga and Qigong philosophy. Her sequences are always so thoughtfully prepared, and she blends the two practices BEAUTIFULLY. Having a chance to dip our toes into non-Western ways of thinking, moving, and relating to the world with someone who has a personal and direct connection with the ideas being taught seems quite vital for studios trying to decolonize the yoga space. Classes with Emma subtly opens shifts in thinking in a way that is interesting and rooted. It’s a delight to engage with the fluid, energetic space of her classes.” - Giselle Ty
What happens next
Complete the Application Form below so we can find out a little more about you. We'll be in touch within 7 days to confirm your place and arrange your deposit to secure it. If you have any questions, you're welcome to email us at hello@hart-spaces.com
Accommodation
Staying at The Shala Bali is more than just a getaway, it’s a sanctuary for the soul. Every detail of the room is designed for comfort and calm, from the soft, airy linens to the serene Balinese-inspired décor.
Step outside and you’re embraced by lush gardens, peaceful vibes, and the scent of frangipani in the air. The perfect place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with yourself.
Each Room Includes: Free WiFI, High-end mattresses with toppers, Air-conditioning, Cotton mosquito nets, Ceiling fan, Safe for valuables, Ensuite bathrooM, Mini fridge, Natural bath amenities, Tea making facilities.
See more details and pictures on room options below.
Bungalow Solo Ensuite: €2,208
Bungalow Twin Ensuite:€1578
Deluxe Solo Ensuite: €2,407
Deluxe Twin Ensuite: €1,749
Above is early bird pricing (available for the first 5 bookings)
FAQ’S / good to know
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Yes, the training is accredited with Yoga Alliance. On completion, you’ll receive a certificate with your accredited hours.
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Yoga teachers and facilitators of movement, breathwork and embodied practice. Whether you're newly qualified and looking for depth and direction, an established teacher wanting to weave in something new, or an experienced teacher seeking fresh inspiration, the training meets you where you are. No qigong experience is needed.
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Six nights' accommodation at The Shala, all vegetarian meals and all training sessions online and in Bali. Flights and airport transfers are not included.
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Yes, we offer a 6 month payment plan until August 30th, please email hello@hahart-spaces.com for more details.
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The online introduction session will be recorded and shared with the group, so while we prefer you to attend live, you can catch up in your own time. Online course work can be self-paced, we ask that you practice for 4 weeks consistently before the Immersion.
The Bali Immersion must be attended in full, should any hours be missed due to ill health, catch up with materials will be arranged.
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Fly into Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar, DPS). The Shala is around 36km north of the airport, a 1-1.5 hour drive depending on traffic. We can arrange a shared airport transfer for the group at a specified time, or alternatively you can pre-book your own private transfer.
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All deposits are non-refundable.
Cancellations made more than 90 days before the training start date are eligible for a refund of any balance paid, minus the non-refundable deposit.
If you cancel within 90 days of the training start date, payments are non-refundable.
If the training is sold out and we are able to fill your place, we will refund your payment minus the non-refundable deposit.