Online Observation: Yoga Therapy for Balance and Fall Prevention with Jules Payne

Description

Finding Steadiness in Body and Mind with Jules Payne

Wednesday, 14th October 2026
6.30pm–8.15pm (UK time)

Our ability to balance affects far more than how steadily we stand. It shapes our confidence, independence and freedom to continue participating in the activities and relationships that give our lives meaning.

As we age, changes in strength, mobility and balance can gradually make the world feel smaller. Concern about falling may lead someone to move less, avoid unfamiliar situations or withdraw from activities they once enjoyed.

Around one in three people aged 65 and over fall each year, rising to around one in two among those aged 80 and over. A single fall can alter the course of an older person’s life. It may result in fracture or hospitalisation and begin a cycle of fear, reduced movement, declining strength and loss of independence.

Join Jules Payne, a leading light in yoga therapy education, known for her expertise in working with older adults, and witness how she uses yoga therapy to support balance, confidence and independence.

Jules will explore what helps the client feel steady both physically and psychologically, and how these two dimensions influence one another. She will consider how thoughts, attention and a sense of safety can shape movement, while physical steadiness can affect how secure a person feels.

Drawing on movement, breath, rest, inquiry and the therapeutic relationship, Jules will shape a personalised response around the client’s body, circumstances and priorities.

After the session, Jules will take you behind her choices. She will share what she noticed, why she responded as she did and what yoga therapists need to consider when supporting older adults at risk of falling.

During this observation, you will witness Jules:

• Explore the relationship between physical and psychological steadiness
• Consider how thoughts, attention and a sense of safety can influence movement
• Assess the client’s individual circumstances, needs and priorities
• Draw on movement, breath, rest and inquiry to support the client
• Adapt practices safely and meaningfully for an older adult

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What to Expect

• Each observation begins with a live yoga therapy session, lasting approximately one hour.
• The client will then leave, and the yoga therapist will share reflections, describe their therapeutic approach, and answer questions.
• Participants observe the session with their microphone and camera off.
• During the discussion, participants are welcome to turn their camera and audio on and ask questions.
• If you are attending to meet Minded Institute course requirements, please ensure your camera is on during the Q&A.
• Observations take place on Zoom.
  • Your Zoom link and password will be included in your booking confirmation email.
  • You can also find them at any time by logging in to the student site and going to My Account → Orders, then selecting View beside this order.
• Please note: Due to the sensitive nature of these sessions, recordings are not made or shared.

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Participation and Conduct

By attending this observation session, you agree to the following:

• You are responsible for your own health and well-being throughout the session.
• The Minded Institute is not liable for any health or safety issues arising from your participation or observation.
• Any personal information shared during the session is confidential and must not be shared outside the observation setting.
• All participants are expected to treat one another with courtesy and respect.

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About the facilitator

Jules Payne is Co-Founder and Director of Ajna Yoga, a therapeutic yoga studio and leading yoga therapy college in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. She has trained yoga teachers since 2004 and specialised in training yoga therapists since 2010. Jules has supported older adults since 2005 through small group classes focused on balance, fall prevention and strength, as well as private work with clients seeking personalised approaches to ageing well.