Creating Calm & Safety in the Body: Movement Practices to Release Anxiety, Trauma, and Stress with Jo Stewart

In this insightful episode of The Daring Well Podcast, Rita Mercer sits down with Jo Stewart, Yoga Teacher & the Founder of Garden of Yoga, Cohost of the Flow Artists Podcast, and author of Eight Limbs of Aerial Yoga.  Together in this episode we explore how gentle movement and aerial yoga can provide relief and support healing from anxiety, trauma, and chronic stress.Jo shares her 20+ years of experience teaching yoga and introduces a compassionate, body-centered approach to movement that prioritizes safety, autonomy of choice, and nervous system regulation. Rita & Jo, unpack how the body holds onto tension, the role of fascia, and why traditional “stillness” doesn’t work for everyone—especially those navigating trauma or heightened stress.This conversation is a powerful reminder that healing doesn’t have to be intense. It can be soft, supportive, and intuitive—meeting you exactly where you are.-------------------------------------------------------------Key TakeawaysHealing begins with creating safety in the bodyMovement can regulate the nervous system more effectively than forced stillnessFascia plays a key role in storing and releasing tensionGentle, supported movement can be more impactful than intense workoutsThere is no “right way” to move—your body’s needs are your guide-------------------------------------------------------------Connect with Jo StewartWebsite & Online Classes: Garden of Yoga https://gardenofyoga.com.au/Podcast: The Flow Artist Podcast https://podcast.flowartists.com/Book: Eight Limbs of Aerial Yoga (available for pre-order) https://gardenofyoga.com.au/learn/eight-limbs-of-aerial-yoga/FREE Super Deluxe Shoulder Self-Massage Guide https://www.gardenofyoga.com.au/free-shoulders-guide/Send us Fan MailSupport the showFollow us on YouTube & TikTok: @DaringWellFor free wellness resources. Click the link to tap into new ways to reset with mindfulness, holistic wellness tips, and coping skills. https://www.daringwell.com/freebies