Soften, A Psoas Release Guide
Meet the psoas, sometimes called the 'muscle of the soul'.
A 47-page guide to the psoas, its role in movement and posture, and the connection between physical tension, stress and body awareness. Inside, you'll find nine gentle, guided practices combining movement, breath and awareness to help you explore and soften tension around your hips and lower back.
Bonus: a free, printable Quick Reference, with all nine practices at a glance, so you can keep it next to your mat and return to your favourite practices whenever you need them.
The psoas is one of the deepest muscles in the body, running from the lumbar spine through the pelvis to the upper thigh. It plays an important role in how you move, sit, stand and walk, and is closely connected to the structures and nerves of the lumbar region.
Because of where it sits in the body, the psoas can be an interesting place to explore when you experience tension around the hips or lower back. But rather than trying to force a muscle to “release”, Soften takes a gentler approach: slowing down, becoming aware of sensation, and using movement, breath and attention to create more ease.
This isn’t a workout program. There’s no seven-day plan, no finish line, and no need to push yourself into a deeper stretch.
Soften is a guide you can return to whenever you want to reconnect with your body. Use it after a long day of sitting, when your hips or lower back feel tense, during a stressful period, or simply when you want to slow down and listen to what your body is telling you.
Who it's for
- You spend a lot of time sitting and notice tightness or tension around your hips or lower back.
- You're curious about the psoas and want to understand more about its role in your body.
- You want to explore the connection between stress, physical tension and body awareness in a grounded way.
- You often feel mentally tense, wired or on edge, and want to explore how that may show up in your body.
- You want to become more aware of your body's signals and develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
- You'd rather move slowly and notice what's there than push through a deep stretch.
- You want a gentle resource to return to, rather than another program you have to complete.
- You want something you can start whenever it feels right, without waiting for the 'right' moment.
What's included
- Parts I-III: what the psoas actually is, its role in movement and posture, and how stress, emotion and body sensation can influence the way we experience tension in the body.
- Part IV: how to prepare your space, pace and mindset before you begin.
- Part V: nine gentle, beginner-friendly practices, from constructive rest to full-body settling, each illustrated and guided step by step.
- Part VI: how to build a sustainable practice without turning it into another obligation.
- Part VII: reflection journal prompts for whenever you want to explore what you're noticing in your body.
- Bonus: a free, printable Quick Reference, with all nine practices at a glance, made to keep next to your mat for easy reference.
How it works
Read at your own pace
In one sitting, or one chapter at a time. There's no sequence to master and no need to rush through the guide.
Prepare a calm space
Find somewhere comfortable where you won't be disturbed. A mat, blanket or cushion can be helpful. Give yourself enough time to slow down and arrive in your body.
Move through the practices slowly
Explore the nine gentle practices with curiosity rather than force. Notice your breath, your body's sensations and what feels comfortable for you.
Return to it whenever you need to
This is a resource to come back to, whether you're experiencing tension, moving through a stressful period, or simply want to spend a little time reconnecting with your body.
Frequently asked
Is this a workout program?
No. There's no seven-day plan or finish line. Soften is a resource you can return to whenever you want to explore your body through gentle movement, breath and awareness.
Do I need to be flexible or experienced with yoga?
No. The practices are gentle and beginner-friendly, and you can adapt them to your own comfortable range of movement. No previous yoga experience is required.
Do I need to do the practices in a specific order?
The guide provides a clear path through the material, but you don't need to treat the practices as a fixed program. Once you've familiarised yourself with the guide, you can return to the practices that feel appropriate for you.
Is it safe during pregnancy or after injury?
The practices are gentle by design, but this guide is not a substitute for individual medical or therapeutic advice. Please read the full disclaimer below and consult a healthcare provider if you're pregnant, recovering from injury or surgery, living with a hip replacement, or managing a condition affecting your spine, hips, pelvis or nervous system.
What format does the guide come in?
A digital, downloadable guide you can read on any device or print at home. You'll also receive a bonus: a free, printable Quick Reference with all nine practices at a glance.
This guide is intended for general educational and self-care purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical, physical therapy or mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment. The practices described are gentle by design, but every body is different. If you are pregnant, recovering from injury or surgery, living with a hip replacement, or managing a condition affecting your spine, hips, pelvis or nervous system, please consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning. Discontinue any movement that causes pain or discomfort and always prioritise your own body's feedback over the instructions in this guide.