Yoga asks the essential questions of humanity: Who am I? Why am I alive? What is going on here? Who are these other beings around me? It is a longing and a seeking and a progressive discovery. What it longs for and seeks and discovers is the underlying, fundamental truth of oneness.

In finding my voice and the light that guides me as a student, teacher and teacher trainer, I have found ways to support others in finding their voice and unique paths as students and teachers. I have learned to practice, learn, share, and teach yoga from love - for love - out of love - with love - for the sake of love. To step away from dogmatic rules and truly honor yoga from the inside, out.

Modern life is designed to bring us out of our bodies and into our heads. We move from moment to moment scanning for dangers big and small to protect ourselves, prevent past mistakes, and avoid future blunders. Rarely are we given the space to breathe into the present and feel what we’re feeling without judgement or control. Teaching yoga has given me space to practice this regularly. In that space I discovered that my heart needed more attention and care. Others may find something different through yoga, but it’s invaluable and important to give ourselves space and comfort to observe whatever is present in the body. 

Sometimes our experience in our bodies can be so layered and complex that it's hard to access even the possibility that we could feel better. With the different modalities that I practice, I see this possibility begin to return in small ways, whether it's unexpected joy after Qigong, or Myofascial Release clients believing there might be some relief to pain they've carried for years, or the excitement people feel when they understand that we have so much beautiful herbal medicine growing all around us.

Tapestry focuses on holistic, innovative, community-centered approaches to ensure everyone can safely access the care they need. As a result, nearly all of the clients we serve annually are people with low incomes, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, and/or people who use drugs. Throughout all four counties, we meet people where they are with compassionate, nonjudgmental services—available in English and Spanish—that prevent, detect, and address health concerns while reducing the severity of chronic conditions. 

This summer, we will explore the many practices that might lead to a connection to this presence, to what holds us, and everyone. The Vijnana Bhairava Tantra reminds us that this connection is deeply personal, particular to each soul, and evolving. There are as many doorways to connection as there are stars in the sky.

Being plugged into energy and healing work, I’ve gained a lot of peace for myself and a deeper understanding of who I really am. It’s been easier for me to connect to my ancestors due to this work and to face so many fears. I’ve become more empathetic and more in tune to my inner voice.

To realize the human right to abortion health care, the Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts (ARFWM) provides financial assistance and practical support to people seeking abortions. We have been ensuring access in Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire counties for over 30 years.

Restorative Yoga combines gentle, mindful movements, stretching, restorative poses and guided relaxation. The poses are held longer and use props to encourage deep relaxation. It’s perfect for those who want to reduce stress or have physical concerns or injuries.

Qi gong has given me a daily practice that aligns mind, body, breath, spirit and time. It's a moving mediation that staves off most all of my chronic pain. It is life-giving in a way that is beyond what words can share.

Since its creation in 1985, the mission of the Northampton Parents Center (NPC) has been to provide an affirming, friendly, and non-judgmental space for young children and their caregivers to meet and play: a place for parents to find support, information, and friendship, and for children to play, learn, and grow.

The People’s Medicine Project (PMP) is a grassroots health justice organization focused on increasing access to culturally relevant, holistic, and community-centered healing practices for people who otherwise do not have access to holistic healthcare. PMP’s work includes providing free holistic healing clinics, community education, herbal medicine, and trauma-informed care to individuals across Western Massachusetts

Anatomy was always my favorite class in school. I find the mechanics of the body fascinating-- how structure and movement interact, and how intricately we function. Becoming a bodyworker felt like a natural way to combine that curiosity with my desire to bring relief and help people feel more at home in their bodies. My practice, as well as my personal growth, is enriched by understanding the science of the body to learn how to support functional well-being and then connecting that practice to the peace of mind that comes from nervous system downregulation.

I know in my heart that accepting help and better prioritizing my own needs can be a challenge for me, and I’m actively working to improve my skills in navigating this part of my life, yet changing one’s behavior is a well documented struggle for us all. If at all possible it takes immense amounts of courage and persistence to take small steps in a positive direction. 

GOTR Western MA was founded in 2015 and has served 13,000 girls across Western MA since its start. GOTR inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using fun, experience-based curricula that creatively integrates running.

This moderately-paced flow is welcoming for students of all levels. We typically start with a centering, and slow warm-up. Class usually includes some sun salutations, standing poses and a slow stretchy wind-down. Students are encouraged to go at their own pace, working with the body they have. Advanced options are offered for those who wish, and rest is encouraged for all when needed.

One piece of feedback we’ve received is that the simple act of asking people to reach out to us for a scholarship can be a barrier in and of itself. So, as we lean into 2026 with a strong desire to deepen this work we are excited to streamline the process a bit more for students. 

Every year that I guide a group of students through a yoga immersion and teacher training program, my own exploration of yoga deepens. I’m inspired by how different each year is, even though the material being presented is very similar from year to year. The experience each year is shaped by my personal evolution, the unique individuals that I am currently sharing the time with and the moment we are in as a country and world.

Now, yoga. A “now” that is not just about the literal present moment, but a “now” that is auspicious, sacred, outside and deeply within time and space. While there are times of year that invite newness, this sutra reminds us that the time is always now. The possibility for a new way of relating to our lives is available to all of us, in every moment.

I wanted to become a Reiki Master because I felt so empowered and safe in my body as I grew a deeper connection to the energy that is in me and in Reiki, and learning about sharing this love that Reiki shows me is such a beautiful journey.