Thank you for mowing and watering the lawn. Thank you for opening the shop for restroom access. Thank you for providing mats, blocks, and straps. Thank you for decorating (and watering) the greenhouse with flowers and blowing it free of dust and debris. Thank you for providing a safe and spacious parking lot and a delight-filled walk to the practice space. Most of all, thank you for creating a warm and welcoming venue for a daily practice that fosters community wellbeing.

We’ve been visited by Great Blue Herons, little Green herons, countless swallows, hawks, and turkey vultures. The occasional snake, snapping turtle, deer, and bear has passed through while we are standing, balancing, or resting in child’s pose. We’ve been serenaded by bullfrogs, tree frogs, birds, and cicadas. It’s a daily wonder to connect mind-body-spirit with yoga surrounded by the flora and fauna and the natural beauty of the meadow, pond, forest, mountains, and sky — to feel ourselves not only on the earth, but part of it. Each of us, an essential part of the wider world.

Later Start Time begins September 1

Yoga Outside continues through September 30th, but we’ll switch to an 8 AM start on September 1st. Get all the details at the website.

Yoga Outside Website

Daily Online Meditation continues to anchor our days on Zoom (6:35-6:55 AM). Find more information below about weekly Qigong and Zumba.

For those of you who like a little hiking with your yoga, join Tiffany Joseph for stunning Mountain Top Yoga on July 19th.

And if you’re looking for an opportunity to Pause, Sense, and Create read on to learn about a 3-part workshop series from Amy Spaulding-Fecher that combines movement, writing, reflection, and intuitive art.

Also, in this newsletter is an introduction to A Sama Life, a special offering for the Everyday Wellbeing community from Shalini Bahl.

Enjoy one or all of these opportunities to attend to your own wellbeing in the midst of a supportive community. Thank you for being here!

Saturday Qigong 9:00-10:00 AM

Saturdays 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Qigong practice begins with three gongs of the singing bowl, a reminder of the three treasures: the body, the breath, and the mind. We center ourselves to activate the relaxation response, the organs, and the meridians. From here, gentle movements warm us up for our main practice, a playful series of movements coordinated with the breath. We end with the healing power of self-applied massage and standing meditation to activate the immune system for healing and an overall sense of well being. During the summer heat, we may practice outside in the shade.

Receive an email reminder about each class by joining the Qigong list below.

Join the Qigong List

Evening Zumba w/ Tiffany Wednesdays 6 PM

Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 PM:
Groff Park, 83 Mill Lane Amherst

Looking for a way to move your body after work? Join this high energy dance class, followed by a relaxing cool-down stretch. A perfect way to close out the day! If we have to cancel due to weather, this will be posted on the Everyday Wellbeing website by 5:00 PM.

Register for Zumba

Mid-Summer Refresh

Tuesdays, July 14, 21, and 28th 7:00-8:30 PM
Munson Memorial Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

This is the first of a 3-part series that combines movement, writing, reflection, and intuitive art as portals to an experiential journey through the senses. Space is limited and pre-registration is required to ensure sufficient art supplies are available for all participants.

Learn More and Register

Mountain Top Yoga with Tiffany

Sunday, July 19th 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Mount Sugarloaf, 300 Sugarloaf St, South Deerfield

Meet at the base of Mount Sugarloaf to walk on the trail or the paved road to the top of the mountain (about a 30 minute walk).

Pack your yoga mat and stretch out with a view of the whole valley for a full body stretch at the top. Pose for a picture and enjoy an easy walk back to the parking lot.

Email Tiffany for more information: groundedinwellness365@gmail.com

Introducing a Sama Life — Mindfulness with Shalini Bahl

Tuesdays beginning July 21st 7:00 - 8:30 PM Online

Drawing on a lifetime of learning — from Buddhist psychology to the latest research in modern science, from the challenges of political life to the work of mindful marketing — Shalini has created a system of eight skills that disrupt our default patterns and help us truly listen: within, and to each other.

A Sama Life is a way to discover, learn, deepen, and build daily habits for real-world mindfulness. These are the four doorways in:

• Discover your strengths and opportunities - Take the free assessment

• Learn the foundational skills - live with me or at your own pace

• Deepen in community - on substack or in a sama life circle on zoom

• Strengthen daily habits - with micro-practices or reminder products

July 21st, Shalini begins a new cycle of Sama Life Circles — a year of practicing and playing with eight mindfulness skills for real-world change. Circles allow us to move from learning the skills to living them, together.

Over eight weeks, we build eight learnable skills — Awareness, Compassion, Curiosity, Energy, Appreciative Joy, Inner Calm, Focus, and Equanimity. Each week we take up one skill, look at the default habit it disrupts, and practice what it strengthens in its place. It’s not about becoming calm and staying there. It’s about seeing the patterns that keep us stuck and making choices that serve us and the people around us.

Each week you’ll get live teaching and guided practice, one main practice to carry through the week, and six short micro-practices you can do anywhere. Every session is recorded, so you can revisit it or catch up if something interferes with your attendance.

Shalini made a short video about the space between trigger and response — and how the eight skills help us use it. You can watch it here:

Sama Life (Skillful Life)

What Do You Do in the Space Between Trigger and Response?

At all times and in any situation, how can I make mindfulness my constant habit? —Shantideva, The Way of the Bodhisattva…

Listen now

2 months ago · 1 like · Shalini B Bahl, PhD

Learn More Here

Like all Everyday Wellbeing offerings, this is offered freely to all. If you’re able to contribute, there’s an optional sliding scale — but it’s not required to join.

To reserve your free spot, email Shalini at shalinimilne@gmail.com.

Return. Listen. Begin. Stay Sama.

If you’d like to start today, Shalini goes live most days at 1:00 PM ET on Substack for Daily Sama. It’s a few minutes of shared practice to return to clarity and what matters, right in the middle of the day.

Yoga Outside Continues Daily at 7:30 AM

Yoga Outside continues its 11th season down by the pond (Thank you, Jacqui and Andy Cowles!) EVERY DAY 7:30-8:30 AM through September. Get more information at the Yoga Outside website.

Yoga Outside 2026

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Soak in the sunshine, drench in warmth, wade in the water, and gather in the garden, but also take time to check in with body, mind, and spirit. Daily Online Meditation continues to anchor our days at an earlier time (6:35-6:55 AM). Read on to learn about weekly Qigong and Zumba classes and more about Ami Jean Aubin’s workshop on Gentle Somatic Movement and Yoga Nidra. And, for those of you who like a little hiking with your yoga, join Tiffany for stunning Mountain Top Yoga in July.

Spring Auction Ends with BIG Success!

Thanks to everyone who participated, Spring into Auction for Everyday Wellbeing was a resounding success! Seventy community members (yes, 70!) posted 352 bids on 90 donated items! We raised just over $5000. Thank you to everyone who participated as a donor, as a bidder, and as a cheerleader! We did this TOGETHER!

The Betterworld site made this year’s auction much easier to manage, and there was, of course, a learning curve. Next year, we’ll know better how to manage “Popcorn Bidding” as the auction comes to a close. Apologies to anyone whose final bid was edged out by a surprising early closure.

Thanks, again, for your participation and engagement!

Evening Zumba w/ Tiffany Wednesdays 6 PM

Wednesdays 6:00-7:00 PM: Please Note: No Class June 24th

Groff Park, 83 Mill Lane Amherst

Looking for a way to move your body after work? Join this high energy dance class, followed by a relaxing cool-down stretch. A perfect way to close out the day! If we have to cancel due to weather, this will be posted on the Everyday Wellbeing website by 5:00 PM.

Register for Zumba

Saturday Qigong 9:00-10:00 AM

Saturdays 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (No class June 20)

Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Qigong practice begins with three gongs of the singing bowl, a reminder of the three treasures: the body, the breath, and the mind. We center ourselves to activate the relaxation response, the organs, and the meridians. From here, gentle movements warm us up for our main practice, a playful series of movements coordinated with the breath. We end with the healing power of self-applied massage and standing meditation to activate the immune system for healing and an overall sense of well being.

Receive an email reminder about each class by joining the Qigong list below.

Join the Qigong List

Gentle Somatic Movement and Yoga Nidra

Mon, June 22 Munson Memorial Library 6:30-8:00 PM

This movement and meditation journey are inspired by the rhythms and habitats of the natural world. Cultivating connection with the earth, the workshop is designed to evoke the healing qualities of nature while supporting your nervous system in releasing stress and restoring balance.

Whether you are new to Somatic Movement and Yoga Nidra or returning to deepen your practice, this class offers:

• A safe and nurturing environment to rest deeply.

• Practices that foster gratitude, presence, and connection with the living earth.

• An opportunity to replenish your energy and awaken a sense of inner spaciousness.

Come as you are. Leave renewed, connected, and restored.

Learn More and Register

Yoga Outside Continues Daily at 7:30 AM

Yoga Outside continues its 11th season down by the pond (Thank you, Jacqui and Andy Cowles!) EVERY DAY 7:30-8:30 AM through September. Get more information at the Yoga Outside website.

Yoga Outside 2026

Mountain Top Yoga with Tiffany

Sunday, July 19th 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Mount Sugarloaf, 300 Sugarloaf St, South Deerfield

Meet at the base of Mount Sugarloaf to walk on the trail or the paved road to the top of the mountain (about a 30 minute walk).

Pack your yoga mat and stretch out with a view of the whole valley for a full body stretch at the top. Pose for a picture and enjoy an easy walk back to the parking lot.

Email Tiffany with questions: groundedinwellness365@gmail.com

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

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Bidding closes at 7:30 PM on Friday, June 5th.

Items to bring to the potluck:

• A dish to share (or just bring yourself)

• Your own reusable plate, napkin, and silverware (we will have some compostable plates and flatware, but best practice is to bring your own)

• Your own refillable water bottle (there’s a bubbler downstairs)

• The item you’ve donated to the auction

• Your phone or tablet for final bidding online

Please RSVP by clicking the button below!

Let us know you're coming!

Final Bidding until 7:30 PM

You’ll have a chance to bid (via your mobile device) right up until 7:30 PM and perhaps a few minutes after. In order to maximize funds raised and prevent hard feelings about being outbid in the final countdown, Betterworld provides an option called “Popcorn Bidding.” This means that if you are outbid in the last 30 minutes of the auction, end-of-bidding for that item is extended by 5 minutes to allow for a counter bid. You’ll want to have your sense-of-humor and your phone on hand to place these last minute bids.

There are still several items with no bids. Most of these items are books, pieces of art, jewelry, or home goods that you will be able to see in-person at the Potluck. If you are the winning bidder, you’ll be able to take your prize home that night!

Items awaiting first-time bids:

• Never-Used Nutribullet

• Lapis Lazuli Crystal Necklace

• Embodyoga Training Course Manual

• Fiji Signature Lotion Collection

• Gratitude Practice Bundle

• Crystal Decanter

Also, just added to the Auction is Simple Qigong for Turblulent Times with Natalie Imbier. This is a 1-hour private session to learn simple Qigong techniques that can be used during life’s most challenging situations as well as preventative maintenance in everyday life.

Check Out the Auction Now

Yoga Outside Begins Monday, June 8 at 7:30 AM

Yoga Outside begins its 11th season down by the pond (Thank you, Jacqui and Andy Cowles!) on Monday, June 8th 7:30-8:30 AM every day through September. Get more information at the Yoga Outside website.

Yoga Outside 2026

Thank you for your participation!

Please Support the Businesses that Support Us

Amherst Family Chiropractic

Bower and Bloom Garden Design

Central Rock Gym

Efficiency Physio

Esselon Cafe

Innerglow Wellness

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

Landau Veterinary Services

My Health Matters

Seeds of Solidarity Education Center

Sei Bella Salon

Sisu Wellness Center

West Street Coffee and Tea

Zanna

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

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Check Out the Auction Now

Let us know you're coming!

In other news, Yoga Outside begins its 11th season down by the pond (Thank you, Jacqui and Andy Cowles!) on Monday, June 8th 7:45-8:45 AM every day through September. Get more information and up-the-minute teaching assignments and weather news by going to the Yoga Outside website.

Yoga Outside 2026

Are you ready to dance? Tiffany begins her high energy Zumba Class at Groff Park this week on Wednesday (and throughout the summer) 5:30-6:30 PM. No need to register to attend at the 93 Mill Street location in Amherst, but it’s nice to have an email list in case we have to cancel due to weather. Cancellations will also be posted by 4:30 PM on the Everyday Wellbeing website if the weather is questionable. If you’re interested in attending, you might want to create a weekly entry in your digital calendar with the website link included so it easy to check the weekly status.

Register for Zumba

And, finally, it’s not too late to donate something to build more interest and excitement in the auction! It is fun to unearth hidden treasures harbored in closets, garages, and attics. Maybe you can find an overlooked item now?

Newly added to the auction this week is a selection of upcycled bags and base mats made from feed bags and previously-loved linens. These are not works of art, but each one is unique, functional, and lovingly handmade, a great way to keep your yoga supplies dry all summer long. The winning bidders will get to pick in order of bid from among five or six of each style.

It’s also been amazing to discover little known aspects of our community members. We have donations from artists, bakers, healers, gardeners, coaches, artisans, writers, poets, teachers, singers, bodyworkers, therapists, and more. Right now, you can bid on Mahjong, Rock Climbing, Lakeside Qigong, or Ballroom Dance (among many other available lessons and experiences! Chemistry, anyone? A Singing Lesson?

Thanks to everyone willing to share their talents to benefit Everyday Wellbeing! What interests, expertise, or experiences might you share? What might you teach or guide?

You can create a donation to the auction by using the button below to complete the donation form. If you have any trouble, email info@everydaywellbeing.org. We are happy to help you create an entry for the auction. It is not too late (until June 5th)!

Donate an Item

Some of the items generating the most interest include: sourdough bread, cakes, desserts, and more cake! Do you have a hidden (or not so hidden) baking talent you want to share?

Might you offer a cooking lesson? A how-to ferment demonstration? A local hike into a little known wilderness? Maybe you’d like to host a game night for 2-6 people? A garden consult? A sewing lesson? There is still plenty of time to add new entries to the auction.

All of these ideas are less about the money generated (although that is a big plus for Everyday Wellbeing!) and more about creating opportunities to build and strengthen connections within the community. Research confirms the importance of social connections to our overall health and wellbeing.

Plus, it’s just plain fun to bid on an item to see if you can win it!

Check Out the Auction Now

Thank you for your participation!

Thanks, also, to all the businesses who have donated items to the auction. New to the auction this week is a Chiropractic Evaluation and Treatment for a dog, cat, or horse offered by Landau Veterinary Services and an Intro to Personal Training from My Health Matters. Thank you, One and All!

Please Support the Businesses that Support Us

Amherst Family Chiropractic

Bower and Bloom Garden Design

Central Rock Gym

Efficiency Physio

Esselon Cafe

Innerglow Wellness

Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health

Landau Veterinary Services

My Health Matters

Seeds of Solidarity Education Center

Sei Bella Salon

Sisu Wellness Center

West Street Coffee and Tea

Zanna

A note about BetterWorld: We are using a tested and trusted third party to manage the auction. The Hartsbrook School has used Betterworld for many years to manage their annual auction and they raise tens of thousands of dollars every year. While our goal is much smaller, please know that your credit card information is safe and that the processing fee attached to each item is a small price to pay for this professional management.

Resources Page

Did you know that Everyday Wellbeing maintains a growing collection of resources here? Visit when you can! Find links to past presentations and handouts on Bone Health, Midlife Nutrition, Cancer Survivorship, Treating Winter Illness, Building Balance, and more.

Resources Page

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

Share

Check Out the Auction Now

Bid on a healing reiki session with Robin Kassis, a physical therapy evaluation with Nolan Gardner, or a series of infrared sauna sessions at Sisu Wellness Center in Hadley.

You’ll find experiences like a romantic winter evening with a hot tub and wood stove, a Kripalu Day Pass, and Lakeside Qigong.

There are also many hand-made craft items and works of art. Bid on a Barn Quilt by Karen Tunnell, wall-hangings by Sibel Yilmazel, or a beautiful Murano handblown glass vase offered by Kristi Nelson.

This is just a small sample of the many items available. More items will be added throughout the auction so stay tuned for more. And, THANK YOU for your participation and support!

A note about BetterWorld: We are using a tested and trusted third party to manage the auction. The Hartsbrook School has used Betterworld for many years to manage their annual auction and they raise tens of thousands of dollars every year. While our goal is much smaller, please know that your credit card information is safe and that the processing fee attached to each item is a small price to pay for this professional management.

Thank you for your support!

It’s not too late to donate an item for the auction. We welcome products, services, experiences, gift certificates, classes, and packages.

Donate an Item

Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.

The auction will end with a Potluck Celebration at the Munson Library on Friday, June 5th 6:00-9:00 PM.

Please Support the Businesses that Support Everyday Wellbeing

Yoga Outside Begins Mon June 8 at an Earlier Time

Jacqui and Andy Cowles are graciously welcoming Yoga Outside back to their backyard (down by the pond) for its 11th season. To accommodate growing interest in yoga and to have the parking lot (mostly) clear for their business opening at 9 AM, Yoga will be offered 7:45-8:45 AM every day June through September. Get more information about Yoga Outside at the website by clicking the link below.

Yoga Outside 2026

Evening Zumba w/ Tiffany Begins June 3rd

Wednesdays 5:30-6:30 PM, Begins June 3rd
Groff Park, 83 Mill Lane Amherst

Looking for a way to move your body after work? Join this high energy dance class, followed by a relaxing cool-down stretch. A perfect way to close out the day! If we have to cancel due to weather, this will be posted on the Everyday Wellbeing website by 4:30 PM.

Register for Zumba

Everyday Wellbeing Participant Liability Waiver

Please take a few minutes to click the link below, or scan the QR code to read and complete our Participant Liability Waiver. Regular participants will be asked to update their waivers annually. Thank you!

The page will open to a big HELLO! Feel free to use or ignore the Chatbot to complete the form. Simply slide the button to FORM at the top of the page to enter your information. Thank you!

Resources Page

Did you know that Everyday Wellbeing maintains a growing collection of resources here? Visit when you can! Find links to past presentations and handouts on Bone Health, Midlife Nutrition, Cancer Survivorship, Treating Winter Illness, Building Balance, and more.

Resources Page

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

Share

Donate an Item

Help us grow the auction to 100 compelling options like:

• Artwork or handmade items

• Gift cards (restaurants, bookstores) or gift baskets

• Experiences (classes, tours, tickets, lessons)

• Wellness services (massage, coaching, facial, Reiki)

• Weekend getaway or Vacation home

• Unique items or collectibles

• Homemade bread, cakes, cookies, jams and other kitchen creations

Donate an Item

All proceeds from the auction will help Everyday Wellbeing continue to provide accessible programs that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in our community.

You can also help by approaching area businesses where you have connections. Donated items will be viewed hundreds of times by members and supporters of our community in the coming weeks. Business owners can use their donation to support Everyday Wellbeing and increase their visibility in the community.

Help make wellbeing accessible to all.

Donate an Item

https://everydaywellbeing.betterworld.org/donate-an-item.

Mark Your Calendar!

The Silent Auction will end with final bidding and a Potluck Celebration on Friday, June 5th at the Munson Library.

Energy Hygiene for Sensitive People

Wednesday, May 13 7:00 - 8:30 PM Munson Memorial Library

Release some of the fog you’re carrying and learn how to move through this world as a sensitive person without collapsing under its weight of it all. Identify patterns and learn and practice energy clearing strategies. You will leave feeling clear, bright, and recharged, with a toolkit of new practices to help stay that way.

Get More Information and Register

UMASS Design Students win Community Engagement Award

At an awards ceremony on Wednesday, May 6th, Erika Zekos’ Design Studio 6 students (who have been partnering with Everyday Wellbeing participants all semester to design large and small scale projects to further our mission) were awarded for Outstanding Undergraduate Community Engagement by the department of Civic Engagement and Service Learning (CESL). Congratulations to these deserving students!

They’ve have been hard at work finishing the storage cabinet. We had to postpone the original delivery date, but stay tuned to celebrate it’s completion.

Everyday Wellbeing Participant Liability Waiver

A liability waiver is a standard safety and legal procedure that outlines the inherent risks involved in participation in an activity. As a growing organization, we need to follow the customary precautions to protect our participants, teachers, volunteers, and board members.

Please take a few minutes to click the link below, or scan the QR code to read and complete our Participant Liability Waiver. Regular daily or weekly participants will be asked to update their waivers annually. Thank you!

The page will open to a big HELLO! Feel free to use or ignore the Chatbot. To complete the form, simply slide the button to the FORM at the top of the page.

Resources Page

Did you know that Everyday Wellbeing maintains a growing collection of resources on our Resources page? Find links to past presentations and handouts on Bone Health, Midlife Nutrition, Cancer Survivorship, Treating Winter Illness, Building Balance, and more.

Resources Page

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

Share

We’d love to secure a dedicated space so we can offer free and donation-based classes, workshops, and events throughout the day and evening.

Everyone deserves access to life-enhancing practices.

We can achieve this goal with your support!

We’ve set a goal to generate 100 donated items from community members, restaurants, and local businesses.

Please donate an item, product, service, gift certificate, gift basket, or experience to support our mission of making wellbeing accessible to all.

Donate an Item

Please contact business owners who are willing to donate a service, gift certificate, membership, or experience.

Share the Link

https://everydaywellbeing.betterworld.org/donate-an-item

Donated items will be viewed hundreds of times by members and supporters of our community in the coming weeks. Business owners can use their donation to show their support of Everyday Wellbeing and to increase their visibility.

Help make wellbeing accessible to all.

Spring into Auction for Everyday Wellbeing begins accepting bids on May 15th. You can view the auction taking shape here.

In the meantime, we welcome donations of products, services, experiences, gift certificates, classes, and packages.

Donate an Item

Donation ideas include one-on-one consultations, artwork, memberships, concert tickets, a weekend getaway, or a homemade dinner, dessert, or loaf of bread. We expect to get hundreds of local views once the auction goes live. Consider the businesses and providers you know and trust. Ask them to contribute an item.

Consider restaurants, massage therapists, spa treatments, CSA’s, coffee shops, nurseries, garden centers, bakeries, bike shops, climbing gyms, clothing stores, bookstores, and many more!

Every contribution makes a meaningful difference.

The auction will end during a Potluck Celebration at the Munson Library as we end the indoor season on Friday, June 5th 6 - 9 PM.

Other ideas for auction donations include:

• Gift baskets

• Artwork or handmade items

• Gift cards

• Experience (classes, tours, tickets, lessons)

• Wellness services (massage, coaching, facial, Reiki)

• Weekend Getaway or Vacation home

• Unique items or collectibles

All proceeds from the auction will help Everyday Wellbeing continue to provide accessible programs that support physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing in our community. Help us by approaching area businesses where you have connections:

Share the Link

https://everydaywellbeing.betterworld.org/donate-an-item

Reclaiming Wellness: A BIPOC Community Retreat

Sun, Apr 26 Munson Memorial Library 12:30 - 3:30 PM

Join Tiffany Joseph for a half-day retreat made for Women of Color - a space to move, connect, and network. Through gentle movement, guided conversation, and a group creative activity, we’ll foster space for joy, confidence-building, and social connection..

This is your time. Your space. Your community. You belong here.

Learn More and Register

Final Meeting for UMASS Collaboration

Wed, May 6 5:45 PM Via Zoom or in-person at the Olver Design Building

UMASS students have been hard at work finalizing designs for a storage cabinet. We have one more chance to thank them and to see their final design presentations for our imagined future home. You can join by Zoom or in-person Wednesday, May 6th at 5:45 PM. Refreshments will be served at the Olver Design Building. Please attend to show our deep appreciation to these graduating seniors. All are welcome.

Click to Join the Virtual Meeting

Learn More and Register

Save the Date: Storage Cart Delivery Saturday, May 8 (after Yoga)

Seeking a Social Media Marketing Volunteer

Everyday Wellbeing is seeking a creative, motivated, and reliable Social Media Marketing Volunteer or Intern to manage and grow our social media presence. This role is ideal for a retiree or student seeking volunteer hours, marketing experience, or an unpaid internship opportunity in communications, digital media, or nonprofit leadership.

If you are passionate about content creation, familiar with current social media trends, and comfortable attending events to capture live content, please send your statement of interest to info@everydaywellbeing.org

Click to Learn More

Everyday Wellbeing Participant Liability Waiver

A liability waiver is a standard safety and legal procedure that outlines the inherent risks involved in participation in an activity. As a growing organization, we need to follow the customary precautions to protect our participants, teachers, volunteers, and board members.

Please take a few minutes to click the link below, or scan the QR code to read and complete our Participant Liability Waiver. Regular daily or weekly participants will be asked to update their waivers annually. Thank you!

The page will open to a big HELLO! Feel free to use or ignore the Chatbot. To complete the form, simply slide the button to the FORM at the top of the page.

Resource Page

Did you know that Everyday Wellbeing maintains a growing collection of resources on our Resources page? Find links to past presentations and handouts on Bone Health, Midlife Nutrition, Surviving Cancer, Treating Winter Illness, Building Balance, and more.

Resources Page

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

Share

Read on for opportunities for connection, wellbeing, and growth.

• Online Daily Meditation: 7:05-7:25 AM (same Zoom link every day).

• Daily Morning Yoga at the Munson Library from 8:00-9:00 AM.

• Qigong on Saturdays at the Munson from 9:15-10 AM.

• Yin Yoga, Partner Yoga, Everyday Fitness, Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga and more.

Partner Yoga with Erin

Friday, Mar 27 Munson Memorial Library 6:00 - 7:00 PM

A playful class that offers all-levels yoga, breathing, and final relaxation.

Learn More and Register

Everyday Fitness: Prehab Before Rehab

Sunday, Mar 29 My Health Matters, 1 Mill Valley Road 2:00 - 3:30 PM

This workshop is a chance to “pre-hab.” We will learn and practice a range of functional movements and exercises to maintain the mobility, stability and strength of our joints to prevent injury and loss of function. Participants will cycle through a series of whole group and small group stations to focus on the use of foam rollers, bands, bodyweight and light weights to promote range of motion, stability and foundational strength from head to toes.

Space is limited. Please pre-register.

Learn More and Register

UMASS Design Studio Partnership

Wed, April 1 Via Zoom 1:15-3:30 PM

Everyone is welcome to this Zoom Meeting.

Click to Join

In this third meeting with Erika Zekos' UMASS Architecture Students, we’ll get an early (in-process) look at the plans students have been working on for both large and small scale projects. Join via Zoom to see what they are dreaming up for us at:

• The Munson Library

• South East Street School

• Wildwood School

• Hickory Ridge

• Northampton Community Rowing

  Click to Join the Virtual Meeting

Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga

Thurs, Mar 19-Apr 9 Munson Memorial Library 5:30-6:30 PM

Join this 4-week series of mindful breathwork and movement to support your changing body, pelvic bowl, and your baby through pregnancy and beyond. Led by Erin Schifferli, each welcoming class offers an opportunity to relax and integrate. Open to all pregnant and postpartum people. No previous yoga experience is necessary.

Click to Register

Yoga and Intuitive Art: Spring Unfolding

Tues, Apr 14 Munson Memorial Library 6:00 - 8:00 PM

A nourishing two-hour exploration of gentle yoga and intuitive art. It’s not about artistic skill or perfect poses. This workshop is an invitation to listen inwardly, follow curiosity, and collaborate with the natural rhythms of renewal. Open your senses; activate inner flow; embody the spirit of Spring.

Learn More and Register

Gentle Somatic Movement and Yoga Nidra

Tues, April 21 Munson Memorial Library 6:30-8:00 PM

This movement and meditation journey are inspired by the rhythms and habitats of the natural world. Cultivating connection with the earth, the workshop is designed to evoke the healing qualities of nature while supporting your nervous system in releasing stress and restoring balance.

Whether you are new to Somatic Movement and Yoga Nidra or returning to deepen your practice, this class offers:

• A safe and nurturing environment to rest deeply.

• Practices that foster gratitude, presence, and connection with the living earth.

• An opportunity to replenish your energy and awaken a sense of inner spaciousness.

Come as you are. Leave renewed, connected, and restored.

Learn More and Register

Reclaiming Wellness: A BIPOC Community Retreat

Sun, Apr 26 Munson Memorial Library 12:30 - 3:30 PM

Join Tiffany Joseph for a half-day retreat made for Women of Color - a space to move, connect, and network. Through gentle movement, guided conversation, and a group creative activity, we’ll foster space for joy, confidence-building, and social connection..

This is your time. Your space. Your community. You belong here.

Learn More and Register

Seeking a Social Media Marketing Volunteer

Everyday Wellbeing is seeking a creative, motivated, and reliable Social Media Marketing Volunteer or Intern to manage and grow our social media presence. This role is ideal for a retiree or student seeking volunteer hours, marketing experience, or an unpaid internship opportunity in communications, digital media, or nonprofit leadership.

The ideal candidate is passionate about content creation, familiar with current social media trends, and comfortable attending events to capture live content.

Send inquiries and statements of interest to info@everydaywellbeing.org

Click to Learn More

Everyday Wellbeing Participant Liability Waiver

A liability waiver is a standard safety and legal procedure that outlines the inherent risks involved in participation in an activity. As a growing organization, we need to follow the customary precautions to protect our participants, teachers, volunteers, and board members.

Please take a few minutes to click the link below, or scan the QR code to read and complete our Participant Liability Waiver. Regular daily or weekly participants will be asked to update their waivers annually. Thank you!

The page will open to a big HELLO! Feel free to use or ignore the Chatbot. To complete the form, simply slide the button to the FORM at the top of the page.

Resource Page

Did you know that Everyday Wellbeing maintains a growing collection of resources on our Resources page? Find links to past presentations and handouts on Bone Health, Midlife Nutrition, Surviving Cancer, Treating Winter Illness, Building Balance, and more.

Resources Page

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

Share

Daily Meditation is offered online at 7:05-7:25 AM (the Zoom link is the same every day). Join us for Morning Yoga seven days a week at the Munson Library from 8:00-9:00 AM. You can also try Qigong on Saturdays from 9:15-10 AM. And, in the evening, try a Yin Yoga class with Diana on Tuesdays 6:30-7:30 PM. Grab a buddy and come to a playful evening of Partner Yoga with Erin.

Read on for more opportunities for connection, creativity, and nervous system regulation. We are offering workshops on Contemplative Practices for Concussion, Slow-Stitching, a half-day Reclaiming Wellness Retreat for BIPOC Community members, Yoga Nidra, Yoga Dance, Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga and more.

And, of course, we’d love to see you this Wednesday to meet the UMASS students who are partnering with us in conjunction with their Architecture studies.

Partnership with UMASS Design Studio

Wed, March 11 Munson Memorial Library 1:15-3:00 PM

Please join us to welcome UMASS students in Erika Zekos' Design Studio into our space at the Munson Library. We’ll get to know each other, introduce them to some of our everyday practices: meditation, breathwork, yoga, and qigong. Then, we will talk about Everyday Wellbeing and what kinds of small-scale changes might enhance the space and what we dream about for the future.

Come and share your ideas!

Click to Register

Contemplative Practices for Concussion

Sun, March 15 Munson Memorial Library 12:30 - 1:30 PM

Meditation has a profound impact on physical and mental wellbeing and can be particularly beneficial for improving wellbeing after concussion. Learn to slow down and trust the body with Kim Deshaies and Rebecca Feinberg.

Click to Learn More and Register

Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga

Thurs, Mar 19-Apr 9 Munson Memorial Library 5:30-6:30 PM

Join this 4-week series of mindful breathwork and movement to support your changing body, pelvic bowl, and your baby through pregnancy and beyond. Led by Erin Schifferli, each welcoming class offers an opportunity to relax and integrate. Open to all pregnant and postpartum people. No previous yoga experience is necessary.

Click to Register

Yoga Dance with Diana Peters-Ross

Fri, Mar 20 Munson Memorial Library 6:30 - 7:30 PM

Join us for an evening of fun movement and lively music. Move your body with joy!

Click to Learn More

Slow-Stitching and the Nervous System

Sat, Mar 21 Munson Memorial Library 3:00 - 4:30 PM

Slow stitching is a gentle, repetitive hand-sewing practice that emphasizes presence, rhythm, and sensory awareness rather than speed, skill, or finished products. Rooted in simplicity, slow stitching invites the body to move at a pace the nervous system can trust. Through small, intentional movements, tactile feedback, and focused attention, the practice can support nervous system regulation, increase feelings of safety and groundedness, and offer a way to be with the moment without needing to “fix” or achieve anything. No sewing experience required.

Click to Learn More and Register

Reclaiming Wellness: A BIPOC Community Retreat

Sun, Mar 22 Munson Memorial Library 12:30 - 3:30 PM

Join Tiffany Joseph for a half-day retreat created for Women of Color - a space to move, create, connect, and plant what you want to grow. Through playful movement, journaling, breathwork, and a spring-inspired seed planting ritual, we’ll awaken the creativity and joy inside each of us.

This is your time. Your space. Your community. You belong here.

Click to Learn More and Register

Somatic Movement and Yoga Nidra

Mon, Mar 23 Munson Memorial Library 6:30 - 8:00 PM

Join Ami Jean Aubin to awaken the landscapes within through gentle somatic movement and yoga nidra, a restorative blend of mindful motion and deep rest. Somatic movement invites slow, intuitive exploration that helps release tension and restore natural ease. Yoga Nidra offers profound relaxation, guiding you into inner stillness and clarity. Inspired by the rhythms and habitats of the natural world, each session nurtures connection with the earth while supporting your nervous system in releasing stress and finding balance.

Come as you are. Leave renewed, connected, and restored.

Click to Learn More and Register

Seeking a Social Media Marketing Volunteer

Everyday Wellbeing is seeking a creative, motivated, and reliable Social Media Marketing Volunteer or Intern to manage and grow our social media presence. This role is ideal for a retiree or student seeking volunteer hours, marketing experience, or an unpaid internship opportunity in communications, digital media, or nonprofit leadership.

The ideal candidate is passionate about content creation, familiar with current social media trends, and comfortable attending events to capture live content.

Send inquiries and statements of interest to info@everydaywellbeing.org

Click to Learn More

Everyday Wellbeing Participant Liability Waiver

It’s likely you’ve seen this before and been asked to sign something similar in the past. A liability waiver is a standard safety and legal procedure that outlines the inherent risks involved in participation in an activity. As a growing organization, we need to follow the customary precautions to protect our participants, teachers, volunteers, and board members.

Please take a few minutes to click the link below, or scan the QR code to read and complete our Participant Liability Waiver. Regular daily or weekly participants will be asked to update their waivers annually. Thank you!

The page will open to a big HELLO! Feel free to use or ignore the Chatbot. To complete the form, simply slide the button to the FORM at the top of the page.

Online Offerings

One of the many delights of an in-person daily yoga practice is the growing community connection and engagement among participants. The hum of chatter before and after class is literally food for the soul. Still there are times when you might not want to venture out. See our website for online options for yoga, meditation, pain relief, mindfulness, and more.

Resource Page

Did you know that Everyday Wellbeing maintains a growing collection of evergreen resources on our Resources page? Find links to past presentations and handouts on Bone Health, Midlife Nutrition, Surviving Cancer, Treating Winter Illness, Balance, and more.

Resources Page

A Note about Weather-Related Cancellations

In the event of a weather-related cancellation, updates will be posted on the banner at everydaywellbeing.org one hour before start time. Please check back regularly and refresh your browser for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

Share

Thanks for reading Everyday Wellbeing! Subscribe to receive every post.

Subscribe now

Either way, there is no better way to shake off the winter doldrums than with a DANCE PARTY! Join us this Friday evening (Feb. 20th) at the Munson to move your body to the beat with the Packing Shed. We are grateful to Teresa Jones and her band who are returning with even more danceable tunes.

Even More Ways to Participate

Please help us to spread the word to new and prospective parents: we’re offering a new 4-week daytime series on Tuesdays at 10 AM.

Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga begins on Tuesday, February 24th at 10 AM at the Amherst Woman’s Club.

And, for those who want an evening offering, join Diana and Liz for Yin Yoga, also on Tuesdays at 6:30 PM.

Yin Yoga with Diana and Liz begins on Tuesday, February 24th at 6:30 PM at the Munson Library.

Introduce a friend or partner to yoga with Erin’s monthly offering of Partner Yoga the last Friday of the month (Feb 27 and Mar 27). The partner yoga class begins at 6:00 PM at the Munson Library.

Read on for more workshops, classes and events - offered freely and open to all.

Dance Party with The Packing Shed

• Friday, February 20

• 6:30-8:30 PM

• Munson Memorial Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Grab a friend. Spread the word. Come dance! Packing Shed plays fun, funky R&B from the 70s through today. Come dance to your favorite songs by Amy Winehouse, Cheryl Lynn, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, Dusty Springfield, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Oh He Dead, Al Green, Solomon Burke and more.

Who is the Packing Shed?

• Danielle Kaiser - co-lead vocals

• Teresa Jones – co-lead vocals & keys

• Andy Pasquale – guitar

• Nicholas Jones – bass

• Tom Lee - trumpet

• DeWitt Thomson – drums

  ---

You’re Invited!

You’re invited to help us dream and design small and large-scale projects. We’ll welcome student members of the UMASS Design Studio into our space at the Munson Library on Monday, February 23rd (1:15 - 3:00). Please come and take part in a brief 30-minute introduction to some of our everyday practices: meditation, breathwork, yoga, and qigong. Then, we will talk with them about Everyday Wellbeing: what kinds of small-scale changes might enhance the space and our offerings and what we dream about for the future. Your voice matters!

Design Studio Workshop

• Monday, February 23

• 1:15-3:00 PM

• Munson Memorial Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

  

Come and meet Erika Zekos’ UMASS Architecture Students for an exploration of human-centered and community-centered design.

The students want to meet us! We’ll start with a few minutes of meditation, breathwork, yoga, and qigong to give them an introduction to our offerings. Then, we’ll get down to conversations, practicalities, and dreaming big!

Come and share your ideas!

Click to Register

Supplements to Support Strong Bones

• Sunday, March 1st

• 1:00 PM Live on Zoom

Concerned about bone health? Overwhelmed by the number of supplements?

In this practical, research-informed presentation, you’ll learn how to use supplementation strategically to support bone density and overall health — especially during and after menopause.

Functional Nutritionist, Anne Lemons, PT, FNLP will separate influencer fads and trends from the real evidence and focus on what actually makes a difference.

This will be a live lecture on Zoom followed by a period for your questions and answers. The event will be recorded and available for review after the live event.

Register below to receive the Zoom link and the recording.

Click to Register

Seeking a Social Media Marketing Volunteer

Everyday Wellbeing is seeking a creative, motivated, and reliable Social Media Marketing Volunteer or Intern to manage and grow our social media presence. This role is ideal for a retiree or student seeking volunteer hours, marketing experience, or an unpaid internship opportunity in communications, digital media, or nonprofit leadership.

The ideal candidate is passionate about content creation, familiar with current social media trends, and comfortable attending events to capture live content.

Send inquiries and statements of interest to info@everydaywellbeing.org

Click to Learn More

Everyday Wellbeing Participant Liability Waiver

It’s likely you’ve seen this before and been asked to sign something similar in the past. A liability waiver is a standard safety and legal procedure that outlines the inherent risks involved in participation in an activity. As a growing organization, we need to follow the customary precautions to protect our participants, teachers, volunteers, and board members.

Please take a few minutes to click the link below, or scan the QR code to read and complete our Participant Liability Waiver. Regular daily or weekly participants will be asked to update their waivers annually. Thank you!

The page will open to a big HELLO! Feel free to use or ignore the Chatbot. To complete the form, simply slide the button to the FORM at the top of the page.

Coming Soon!

Yoga Dance: Join Diana for a playful launch into spring on Friday, March 20th

Online Offerings

One of the many delights of an in-person daily yoga practice is the growing community connection and engagement among participants. The hum of chatter before and after class is literally food for the soul. Still there are times when you might not want to venture out. See our website for many online options for yoga, meditation, pain relief, and mindfulness.

A Note about Weather-Related Cancellations

In the event of a weather-related cancellation, updates will be posted on the banner at everydaywellbeing.org one hour before start time. Please check back regularly and refresh your browser for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

Share

Thanks for reading Everyday Wellbeing! Subscribe to receive every post.

Subscribe now

It’s been a chilly few weeks here in New England, but it’s warm and cozy every morning at 8 AM for yoga at the Munson Library.

This weekend you can also practice Qigong with Natalie Imbier on Saturday at 9:15 AM and Clear your Chakras with Alexa de los Reyes on Sunday at 11 AM. Both at the Munson Library at 1046 South East Street in Amherst.

Read to the end of the newsletter for a column from one of our Qigong teachers, Karen Sumaryono, on the effects of the practice on releasing resistance. Read on also, to learn more about an opportunity to join our collaboration with UMASS Architecture and Design students. As always, there are many ways to enhance your personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of the community. Thanks or being here!

Click the (underlined) links below to learn more about our many offerings in the coming weeks. Mark your calendar and share the news!

Dance Party with the Packing Shed: Teresa Jones and her band are coming back for a rollicking Friday night, February 20th at 6:30 PM at the Munson LIbrary.

Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga: This four-week series with Erin begins on Tuesday, February 24th at 10 AM at the Amherst Woman’s Club

Yin Yoga with Diana and Liz: This six-week series begins on Tuesday, February 24th at 6:30 PM at the Munson Library.

Partner Yoga with Erin: The last Friday of the month (Feb 27 and Mar 27), Erin leads a playful partner yoga class beginning at 6:00 PM at the Munson Library.

Yoga Dance: Join Diana for a playful launch into spring on Friday, March 20th

Supplements to Support Strong Bones: What Actually Matters

Join Functional Nutritionist, Anne Lemons, PT, FNLP, for this online program on Sunday, March 1st at 1:00 PM. Pre-register to receive the zoom link.

Learn More and Register

Partnering with the Community: UMASS Design Studio

We are excited to partner with UMASS Architecture Professor, Erika Zekos’ Design Studio students as they learn about community- and human-centered design.

The primary goal of this partnership is to provide collaborative, hands-on design engagement experiences for architecture students and Everyday Wellbeing participants. Interested in sharing your experience, ideas, vision, and mentorship?Join us at one or both of the following events at the Munson Library.

• Monday, February 23rd 1:15 - 3:00 PM

• Wednesday, March 11 1:15 - 3:00 PM

  Click to Register

Releasing Resistance

by Qigong Leader, Karen Sumaryono

Qi (also known as chi, prana, or shakti in qigong, yoga, and Taoism) is life force energy. It is the power and energy of the universe that underlies and sustains all existence. Our awareness and cultivation of that power is central to the benefits we experience in our lives because we practice regularly.

As we practice qigong, we bring in and circulate fresh energy, which enhances the function of every cell in the physical body. We center our attention on the present moment during our practice, slow brain waves, relax the sympathetic nervous system, and further enhance the effects of this life force energy. This in turn activates the immune system creating the healing effects of practice. When we skip practice and neglect our need for movement, the energy can get stuck and stale, resulting in various ailments and pain.

A similar scenario plays out in the mind. Our thought patterns play a crucial role in how we feel and what we experience. When we attune to the present moment, life force flows freely and we feel energized. When we ruminate on the past or future with conditioned thoughts of resistance, the flow of vital life force energy is disrupted.

When resistance is present physically in our bodies, we experience pain or tenderness. It is a signal of stuck or deficient energy, the build-up of stress hormones in the body. We can release this resistance through the movement, breath, self-massage, and meditation of our practice. Then, energy flows freely.

Similarly, it is apparent when mental or emotional resistance clogs our sense of well-being. We feel it in the emotional states of frustration, fear, anger, and impatience. As soon as we become aware of this kind of resistance, we have the battle already half won. Once recognized, we can pause. We can begin to breathe more deeply, investigate our inner state, and attempt to understand what our subconscious mind is resisting. We can then consciously let go with a slow exhale, surrendering to what is, to the reality that is beyond our control. We allow resistance to dissipate, and find relief.

As a mind-body practitioner, take notice of your resistance. Move the energy, stay calm at the center of the present moment, count your blessings, and be surprised how things work out.

About the Author: Karen Sumaryono is a retired international educator and teacher trainer based in Belchertown. An avid world traveler and sometimes writer, Karen completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate from Trimurti Yoga in Dharamsala, India, in 2018, and the Level 2 Certification in Qigong and Tai Chi Easy from the Integral Institute of Qigong and Tai Chi (IIQTC.org) in 2023.

Online Offerings

One of the many delights of an in-person daily yoga practice is the growing community connection and engagement among participants. The hum of chatter before and after class is literally food for the soul. Still there are times when you might not want to venture out. See our website for many online options for yoga, meditation, pain relief, and mindfulness.

A Note about Weather-Related Cancellations

In the event of a weather-related cancellation, updates will be posted on the banner at everydaywellbeing.org one hour before the class start time. Please check back regularly and refresh your browser for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

Share

As we begin a new year, we’re reflecting on all that your generosity made possible — and on the lives touched by this community.

Your support through 2025 helped Everyday Wellbeing grow, strengthen, and stay true to our mission: making vibrant health and connection accessible to everyone, every day.

Here’s a glimpse of what you made happen in 2025.
🌿 Expanded access: We offered over 550 donation-based classes, workshops, and gatherings — open to all, regardless of financial means.
💫 Volunteer Growth: We welcomed 2 new weekly Qigong instructors (Karen Sumaryono and Natalie Imbier) and over a dozen new workshop and event leaders.
🎬Larger Board: We expanded our board of directors to 9 passionate and talented leaders dedicated to supporting our mission and vision for wellbeing for all.
🤝 Strengthened our foundation: Thanks to your generosity, we raised $20,000. This is more than 3X what we raised in 2024 and allows us to cover our expenses, expand our offerings, and secure spaces for programing all year long.

Most meaningful of all, your support brought change to real lives.

“Everyday Wellbeing has been a grounding force in my life…It has gifted me with moments of peace, connection to nature, and a sense of belonging…It’s a community that fosters presence and care.”

and this…

“I am now three years sober thanks to this daily offering of yoga. I don’t always come every day, but it’s reassuring to know it’s there every day when I can make it.”

Testimonials like these remind us why we do this work. Your gifts, volunteer hours, and moments of connection with each other before and after class create the sense of community and belonging that is the center of true wellbeing.

As we step into 2026, here are a few ways you can stay connected:
✨ Invite a friend to join a class or event.
🌱 Consider becoming a monthly donor to sustain our work.
📋 Propose a workshop or event to add to our growing menu of offerings.

From all of us, thank you for being the heart of Everyday Wellbeing.

With gratitude,
The Board of Everyday Wellbeing

👉 See what’s next for 2026 »
👉 Make your sustaining gift here »

Everyday Wellbeing Featured on Voices of Earth Podcast

Everyday Wellbeing was featured on Voices of Earth with Patricia Gershanik. You can view Patricia’s interview with Linda Castronovo on YouTube here. Big thanks to Asha Grace for connecting us to Patricia.

Everyday Wellbeing to Partner with UMass Design Students

Thanks to Architecture Professor, Erika Zekos, Everyday Wellbeing will collaborate with UMass Design Studio students during the Spring semester.

The primary goals of this partnership are to engage Everyday Wellbeing and UMass Architecture student participants in collaborative design opportunities that benefit the mission of Everyday Wellbeing and provide hands-on design engagement experiences for architecture students and Everyday Wellbeing participants. We will focus on the topic of architecture and design, but there will also be occasions for valuable interpersonal experiences, relationship building, and mentorship. More to come!

Thank you, Erika, for spearheading this collaboration.

Daily Online Meditation

Every day 7:05 - 7:25 AM via Zoom

The link is the same every day. Join anytime after 7 AM by clicking below.

Join the Zoom Meditation

This is an opportunity to start (or restart) a meditation practice. Meet online for twenty minutes with Linda Castronovo every morning, and you’ll still have time to get to yoga at the Munson Library. Practice begins with a brief (1-2 minutes) guided invitation into silence and ends with another brief moment of gratitude.

Self-Publishing for Nonfiction Writers

Print-on-Demand Technology with Lindsay Whiting

Sun, Jan 25 Hadley Public Library Community Room 2:00 - 3:30 PM

Contemplative Practices for Concussion

Learn to slow down and trust the body with Kim Deshaies and Rebecca Feinberg

Sun, Jan 25 Amherst Woman’s Club 3:00 - 4:00 PM

Partner Yoga & the Art of Connection

Playful all-levels yoga and relaxation led by Erin Schifferli

Fri, Jan 30 Munson Memorial Library 5:45 - 6:45 PM

Prenatal and Postpartum Yoga

Mindful breathwork and movement to support your changing body, pelvic bowl, and your baby throughout pregnancy and beyond.

Tuesdays, Feb 24 - March 17 Amherst Woman’s Club 10:00 - 11:00 AM

Online Offerings

See our website for online options in case you are traveling or prefer not to venture out on cold and snowy mornings.

A Note about Weather-Related Cancellations

In the event of a weather-related cancellation, updates will be posted on the banner at everydaywellbeing.org one hour before the class start time. Please check back regularly and refresh your browser for the most up-to-date information.

Thank you for reading our newsletter! Please share it with a friend.

Share

As the year draws to a close, we want to take a quiet moment to say thank you — for showing up, giving, and believing in this shared vision of accessible, community-based wellbeing.

Because of you, 2025 has been a year of growth and connection. Together, we’ve:
✨ Offered donation-based classes everyday, and workshops that helped people find calm, strength, and belonging.
🌿 Expanded our volunteer and board leadership to better serve our growing community.
🌟 Continued laying the groundwork to carry this mission forward into 2026 and beyond.

If you’re planning to make a year-end gift, there’s still time — and there are many ways to give:
💛 Online: givebutter.com/365-donors-dollars-days
🌱 Through your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF): recommend a grant to Everyday Wellbeing.
🤝 With a corporate match: check if your employer doubles charitable gifts.
💌 By mail: mail a check to
Everyday Wellbeing, Inc.
5 Edgewood Terrace
Hadley, MA 01035

Every dollar you give before midnight on December 31 fuels connection, movement, and accessible wellbeing for the year ahead.

Thank you for being part of this extraordinary community. Your generosity sustains not just our programs — it sustains the spirit of care, presence, and belonging that defines Everyday Wellbeing.

With deepest gratitude,
The Board of Everyday Wellbeing

👉 Make your year-end gift today »

A Note on Illness

As we move into winter, we want to name something important. As you likely know, there is currently an uptick in flu and other seasonal illnesses.

To help care for one another—especially those who are immunocompromised or more vulnerable—we ask that you please:

• Stay home if you are feeling unwell, even if symptoms feel mild

• Wear a mask if you are recovering from an illness or feeling unsure

• Listen to your body and err on the side of rest and care

We know it can be disappointing to miss a class or event, but staying home when sick is a powerful act of community care. Your presence matters—and so does your wellbeing, and the wellbeing of those around you.

Thank you for helping us keep Everyday Wellbeing spaces as safe, welcoming, and nourishing as possible for all.

Dance into the New Year

A Celebration of Community, Joy, and Movement with Diana Peters-Ross

Thu, Jan 01 Munson Memorial Library 6:00 - 7:00 PM

January Jumpstart - Daily Online Meditation

Every day Jan 01 - Jan 31 7:05 - 7:25 AM via Zoom

Here is an opportunity to start (or restart) a meditation practice. Meet online with Linda Castronovo every morning during the month of January, and you’ll still have time to get to yoga at the Munson Library.

Self-Publishing for Nonfiction Writers

Print-on-Demand Technology with Lindsay Whiting

Sun, Jan 25 Hadley Public Library Community Room 2:00 - 3:30 PM

Contemplative Practices for Concussion

Learn to slow down and trust the body with Kim Deshaies and Rebecca Feinberg

Sun, Jan 25 Amherst Woman’s Club 3:00 - 4:00 PM

Partner Yoga & the Art of Connection

Playful all-levels yoga and relaxation led by Erin Schifferli

Fri, Jan 30 Munson Memorial Library 5:45 - 6:45 PM

Online Offerings

You’ve asked for online options, but we’re not ready to make our daily morning yoga classes hybrid at the moment. We feel we need a dedicated, secure space and web-accessible equipment for all of our teachers. See below and on our website for online options in case you are traveling or prefer not to venture out on cold and snowy mornings.

Freedom from Chronic Pain with Linyi Hsing

Wednesdays 1:00 PM via Zoom

Real World Mindfulness with Shalini Milne

Every other Wednesday 7:00 - 8:15 PM via Zoom

Online Yoga with Robin Kassis

Mondays and Thursdays 10:00 - 11:15 AM via Zoom

A Note about Weather-Related Cancellations

Weather-related cancellations are posted on the everydaywellbeing.org website 1 hour before start times.
Please check back regularly and refresh your browser. Changes in the schedule can be found by clicking the Learn More button connected to the event of interest.

Subscribe now

Together we’ve grown — now let’s build what comes next 🌿

As we reflect on this past year, one truth stands out: our community has grown stronger because of you.

Your generosity and participation have helped Everyday Wellbeing expand our reach, deepen our volunteer base, and welcome new board members who bring diverse talents and perspectives. Together, we’re creating a more sustainable foundation for the mission we all care about — making vibrant health accessible to everyone.

Now, we’re ready for the next step: building the financial capacity to match our growing impact. That means creating the resources for a paid staff position — someone who can coordinate volunteers, strengthen partnerships, and ensure our donation-based programs continue to flourish.

Here’s how you can help before year-end:
🌱 Give through your Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) — you can recommend a grant to Everyday Wellbeing from your account.
🤝 Check for a corporate match — your workplace may have a matching gift program, doubling your impact.
💛 Make a direct gift — your contribution, whether online or by check, in any amount, helps us sustain and expand what we’ve built together.

Your support now helps ensure that as our community grows, we have the strength and structure to meet that growth with care and consistency.

Let’s keep building this circle of wellbeing — for all.

👉 Give now through our 365 Campaign »

or send a check to:

Everyday Wellbeing, Inc.
5 Edgewood Terrace
Hadley, MA 01035

The Science and Spirit of Trataka

A Winter Solstice Candle Gazing Ritual with Kim Deshaies

Sun, Dec 21 Munson Memorial Library 4:30 - 6:00 PM

The Evening Exhale

Restorative Yoga and Stress Relief with Ilana Beigel

Tuesday, Dec 30 Munson Memorial Library 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Dance into the New Year

A Celebration of Community, Joy, and Movement with Diana Peters-Ross

Thu, Jan 01 Munson Memorial Library 6:00 - 7:00 PM

Self-Publishing for Nonfiction Writers

Print-on-Demand Technology with Lindsay Whiting

Sun, Jan 25 Hadley Public Library Community Room 2:00 - 3:30 PM

Contemplative Practices for Concussion

Learn to slow down and trust the body with Kim Deshaies and Rebecca Feinberg

Sun, Jan 25 Amherst Woman’s Club 3:00 - 4:00 PM

Partner Yoga & the Art of Connection

Playful all-levels yoga and relaxation led by Erin Schifferli

Fri, Jan 30 Munson Memorial Library 5:45 - 6:45 PM

Online Offerings

You’ve asked for online options, but we’re not ready to make our daily morning yoga classes hybrid at the moment. We feel we need a dedicated, secure space and web-accessible equipment for all of our teachers. See below and on our website for online options in case you are traveling or prefer not to venture out on cold and snowy mornings.

Freedom from Chronic Pain with Linyi Hsing

Wednesdays 1:00 PM via Zoom

Real World Mindfulness with Shalini Milne

Every other Wednesday 7:00 - 8:15 PM via Zoom

Online Yoga with Robin Kassis

Mondays and Thursdays 10:00 - 11:15 AM via Zoom

January Jumpstart - Daily Online Meditation

Every day Jan 01 - Jan 31 7:05 - 7:25 AM via Zoom

Here is an opportunity to start (or restart) a meditation practice. We’ll meet online every morning during the month of January, and you’ll still have time to get to yoga at the Munson Library.

A Note about Weather-Related Cancellations

Weather-related cancellations are posted on the everydaywellbeing.org website 1 hour before start times.
Please check back regularly and refresh your browser. Changes in the schedule can be found by clicking the Learn More button connected to the event of interest.

Subscribe now

It’s here - Giving Tuesday!

Today, people everywhere are giving back to the causes that matter most to them. Supporting Everyday Wellbeing means joining hands with others to make vibrant health and community connection accessible to everyone, every day.

We’re inviting you to take part in our 365 Donors • Dollars • Days Campaign - a collective effort to sustain donation-based classes, community workshops, and wellness events that meet you where you are.

GIVE HERE

Here’s why your gift matters:
✨ It helps us keep our offerings accessible to everyone who needs them.
🌟 It helps us take the next step - to fund our first paid staff member.
🌿 It supports our incredible volunteer team and growing board as we expand our reach and offerings.
🏠 It keeps a roof over our heads.

Your contribution - whether it’s $25, $100, or $365 - one-time, annually, quarterly, or monthly - fuels a vision where wellbeing isn’t a luxury, but a shared resource that belongs to us all.

Let’s make today count. Together, we can keep this circle open and growing.

With heartfelt thanks,
The Board of Everyday Wellbeing

💛 Give Today: givebutter.com/365-donors-dollars-days

Join us for Giving Tuesday

As we gather momentum toward Giving Tuesday tomorrow, we are reaching out - not just to ask for your support, but to thank you for being the heart of this community.

Together, we’ve built something beautiful: a community where wellbeing is truly for everyone - through donation-based classes, community workshops, and moments of connection that help people feel seen, supported, and strong.

Tomorrow, the world will celebrate generosity — and we will join our “365 Donors • Dollars • Days” campaign. Every dollar matters. Every gift matters. And every share matters.

If you feel moved, please pass this along to your friends and family and invite them to join you in supporting our work. Your ripple could be the reason someone else chooses to give — and together, those ripples make real change.

Share

Here’s how you can help us prepare for a powerful Giving Tuesday:
🌿 Mark your calendar — tomorrow, visit our campaign page and make a gift of any size.
💬 Spread the word — forward this email to a friend who values accessible health and community.
❤️ Reflect on your impact — your support sustains the teachers, volunteers, and programs that bring wellbeing to life for so many.

With your help, we can continue to grow — expanding our reach, strengthening our base, and laying the foundation for our first paid staff to carry the mission forward.

Thank you for walking this path with us. We can’t wait to share what we’ll accomplish together tomorrow–and throughout this season of giving.

With gratitude and anticipation,
The Board of Everyday Wellbeing

Join us for Giving Tuesday

Everyday Wellbeing Website

Yoga Dance with Tiffany Joseph

Friday, November 14 6:30 PM
Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Join Tiffany Joseph for an evening of fun music and movement. No dance experience is required, just a desire to move your body to the beat!

Learn More and Register

Sick Again! Prevent Common Winter Ailments

Learn gentle, effective, and natural medicine with Dr. Amy Rothenberg

Sunday, November 16 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Hadley Public Library Community Room, 50 Middle Street, Hadley

Review evidence-based approaches to help modify risk for winter ailments and help you move through illnesses when you do fall sick. Topics include:

• the role of the microbiome in sickness and health,

• therapeutic nutrition,

• botanical medicine,

• hydrotherapy,

• time for questions and answers

Learn More and Register

Crafting Medicine Melodies with Alice Feldman

A 6-week series: November 17-December 29th (no class December 1st)
Mondays 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Learn how to let yourself be the instrument for the songs that bubble up inside of you. These may include wordless chants, non-lexical songs, and vocables that are asking to be shared. These melodies can be balms, salve on a dark night (or sunny morning) of the soul. Learn about ancient song traditions. Then, create your own medicine melodies.

Learn More and Register

Mindful Philosophy: Exploring Grief, Loss, and Being Mortal with Meeghan Ziolkowski

A 2-Week Series: November 18 and 25
Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Grief is a universal human experience. Although uniquely personal, grief is not meant to be carried alone. Join Meeghan Ziolkowski for two evenings of community-building and mindful philosophy -- an opportunity to explore what it means to be mortal, to experience loss, to grieve, to find joy, to be angry, to be grateful, to connect, to let go.

Learn More and Register

Freedom from Chronic Back Pain

A Weekly Online Series with Linyi Hsing: November 12 - January 21
Wednesdays 1:00 - 2:00 PM, online

No matter how long or how bad your pain has been, there’s a healing path forward. This free community series offers education and practical tools for those living with chronic back pain and their loved ones. Explore the healing connections between mind, body, heart, and nervous system.

Learn More and Register

Partner Yoga: The Art of Connection

Yoga, Breathing, and Massage with Erin Schifferli

Friday, November 21 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Partner Yoga is a playful community class that offers all-levels yoga, breathing, Thai yoga massage, and final relaxation - all alongside a partner. Practicing with another person allows us to discover new depths within our range of motion.

Learn More and Register

Evening Exhale

Restorative Yoga & Stress Relief

3-weeks: December 2, 9, 16
Tuesdays 6:00 - 7:00 PM, Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

The holiday season can be joyful — and overwhelming. Join Kripalu yoga instructor Diana Peters-Ross and psychologist Jackie Alvarez for Evening Exhale, a weekly restorative class combining gentle yoga, calming breathwork, and practical psychological tools to help you unwind, recharge, and find balance. Experience deep relaxation with Tibetan bowls, mindful movement, and techniques that quiet the nervous system and ease stress, leaving you ready to enjoy the season fully.

Participants should bring a blanket and a firm pillow or bolster.

Learn More and Register

Everyday Fitness: Cardio Strength

Sunday, December 7 2:00 - 3:00 PM
My Health Matters, 1 Mill Valley Road Suite C, Hadley

We had a great response to our first Mindful Fitness Workshop (now renamed Everyday Fitness). Chris, Jo, and Linda will be back on Sunday, December 7th at My Health Matters to begin a series of more focused 60-minute workshops. We’ll start with Cardio/Strength.

Forget the influencers trying to optimize and reverse the aging process. Learn how to design an exercise program for cardiovascular fitness that also prioritizes muscular strength and bone health.

Learn More and Register

The Science and Spirit of Trataka

A Winter Solstice Candle Gazing Ritual with Kim Deshaies

Sunday, December 21 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Trataka, also known as fire kasina or candle gazing meditation, is a yogic meditation in which one focuses the eyes and attention on the flame of a candle. In classical yoga texts, Trataka is said to purify the mind, steady attention, and awaken intuitive insight. Modern research supports many of these traditional claims: studies have found that Trataka can improve concentration, visual attention, and sleep quality, while reducing stress, brain fog, and mental restlessness.

Learn More and Register

How Everyday Wellbeing Works

There is no charge for any of our offerings. All of our teachers and providers donate their services, time, and expertise and receive only the money deposited into the donation box (or sent to their personal Venmo). Teachers gratefully accept this expression of appreciation, AND donations are never expected.

It is important and central to the mission of Everyday Wellbeing that all events are free and open to all. Everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to donate.

Support Our Work

If you have the means, a donation to Everyday Wellbeing moves us toward a vision of community-supported wellness that makes vibrant health accessible to all by offering a wider variety of free, donation-based classes, workshops, and events.

We acknowledge your donations by email. If you don’t receive a heartfelt thank you and a receipt (for tax purposes), please check your junk folder for an email from info@everydaywellbeing.org. Thank you!

Make a Recurring Donation of Any Amount…Get a Gift!

Although you won’t need it until next season…you can receive a waterproof base mat (upcycled from donated feed bags) when you make a recurring donation of any amount. Also available (while supplies last) are 12 baby fig trees. They are about to go dormant for the winter and will need to be moderately protected until the spring, but they came from a tree that gave us over 1000 figs this season! Click the link below to make a recurring donation. Then, come pick up your tree! Thank you!

Make a Donation

Subscribe now

Our regular morning classes WILL NOT be held at the Munson Library on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, November 3–5, due to setup, voting, and cleanup for the town election.

No worries - you can still start your mornings with yoga from the comfort of your home! Join us online at 8:00 AM with the same Zoom Link all three days.

Online Morning Yoga Options

• Monday, November 3 | 8:00 AM – with Chris (Venmo: @Christine-Paradis)

• Tuesday, November 4 | 8:00 AM – with Erin (Venmo: @Erin-Schifferli)

• Wednesday, November 5 | 8:00 AM – with Kim (Venmo: @kmdeshaies)

Zoom Link for Morning Online Yoga

Election Day Evening Yoga

Prefer to unwind later in the day? On Tuesday, November 4 at 6:00 PM, join Christie Rosen for a gentle, grounding slow flow designed to help move energy, release stress, and find peace in the present moment.

👉 Click here to sign up directly or visit Christie’s website for her full class schedule.

Venmo: @ChristieRosen

Election Night Yoga

All of these classes are offered freely. If you’d like to offer a donation, you can do so via each teacher’s Venmo (listed or linked above).

Read on for information about upcoming workshops and events that you won’t want to miss. You can also find everything you need to know (including links to register) on our website.

Everyday Wellbeing Website

What the Heck is Happening to My Body?

Midlife Nutrition with Amanda Mittman

Sunday, November 2 Noon-1:30 PM
Hadley Public Library Community Room, 50 Middle Street, Hadley

Midlife is a wild ride and no one gives you a map. Hormones shift, energy dips, body composition changes, and sleep becomes a cruel joke. Nutrition and wellness in midlife isn’t about dieting harder or pushing through fatigue, contrary to what we have been taught. Let’s learn to work with your body instead of constantly fighting it. Caring for yourself during this time can lead to more strength, stability, better moods, and a deeper sense of peace in your own skin.

This session will pull back the curtain on what the heck is actually happening in your body during midlife. We’ll break down the changes in hormones, metabolism, and muscle mass, and talk about what you actually need to thrive, no fad diets, no shame. You’ll leave with real-life strategies for fueling your body, protecting your bones and muscles, improving energy and sleep, and ditching the crazy amount of wellness noise that’s been making you feel like you’re doing it all wrong.

Register Here

Yoga Dance with Diana Peters-Ross

Friday, November 14 6:30 PM
Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Join Diana Peters-Ross for an evening of fun music and movement. No dance experience is required, just a desire to move your body to the beat!

Learn More and Register

Sick Again! Prevent Common Winter Ailments

Learn gentle, effective, and natural medicine with Dr. Amy Rothenberg

Sunday, November 16 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Hadley Public Library Community Room, 50 Middle Street Hadley

Review evidence-based approaches to help modify risk for winter ailments and help you move through illnesses when you do fall sick. Topics include:

• the role of the microbiome in sickness and health,

• therapeutic nutrition,

• botanical medicine,

• hydrotherapy,

• time for questions and answers

Learn More and Register

Crafting Medicine Melodies with Alice Feldman

A 6-week series: November 17-December 29th (no class December 1st)

Mondays 6:30 - 8:30 PM, Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Learn how to let yourself be the instrument for the songs that bubble up inside of you. These may include wordless chants, non-lexical songs, and vocables that are asking to be shared. These melodies can be balms, salve on a dark night (or sunny morning) of the soul. Learn about ancient song traditions. Then, create your own medicine melodies.

Learn More and Register

Partner Yoga: The Art of Connection

Yoga, Breathing, and Massage with Erin Schifferli

Friday, November 21 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Partner Yoga is a playful community class that offers all-levels yoga, breathing, Thai yoga massage, and final relaxation - all alongside a partner. Practicing with another person allows us to discover new depths within our range of motion.

Learn More and Register

Coming Soon: More Everyday Fitness

We had a great response to our first Mindful Fitness Workshop (renamed to Everyday Fitness) at My Health Matters earlier this month. Chris, Jo, and Linda will be back on Sunday, December 7th to begin a series of more focused 60-minute workshops: Cardio/Strength, Strength and Resistance Training, Cardio/HIIT, Core Stability and Balance, Mobility/Flexibility, and more. Stay tuned for more information.

The Science and Spirit of Trataka

A Winter Solstice Candle Gazing Ritual with Kim Deshaies

Sunday, December 21 4:30 - 6:00 PM
Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

Trataka, also known as fire kasina or candle gazing meditation, is a yogic meditation in which one focuses the eyes and attention on the flame of a candle. In classical yoga texts, Trataka is said to purify the mind, steady attention, and awaken intuitive insight. Modern research supports many of these traditional claims: studies have found that Trataka can improve concentration, visual attention, and sleep quality, while reducing stress, brain fog, and mental restlessness.

Learn More and Register

How Everyday Wellbeing Works

There is no charge for any of our offerings. All of our teachers and providers donate their services, time, and expertise and receive only the money deposited into the donation box (or sent to their personal Venmo). Teachers gratefully accept this expression of appreciation, AND donations are never expected.

It is important and central to the mission of Everyday Wellbeing that all events are free and open to all. Everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to donate.

Support Our Work

If you have the means, a donation to Everyday Wellbeing moves us toward a vision of community-supported wellness that makes vibrant health accessible to all by offering a wider variety of free, donation-based classes, workshops, and events.

We acknowledge your donations by email. If you don’t receive a heartfelt thank you and a receipt (for tax purposes), please check your junk folder for an email from info@everydaywellbeing.org. Thank you!

Make a Recurring Donation of Any Amount…Get a Gift!

Although you won’t need it until next season…you can receive a waterproof base mat (upcycled from donated feed bags) when you make a recurring donation of any amount. Also available (while supplies last) are 12 baby fig trees. They are about to go dormant for the winter and will need to be moderately protected until the spring, but they came from a tree that gave us over 1000 figs this season! Click the link below to make a recurring donation. Then, come pick up your tree! Thank you!

Make a Donation

Subscribe now

Ahhh… Thank you, Yoga! What a gift!

I’ve been trying to avoid making announcements at the end of practice. It’s my way of preserving the peace and allowing us to soak in the benefits of yoga for a few more quiet minutes.

That said, there’s a lot happening - many opportunities to move our bodies with mindful awareness and to attend to our health and well-being, both individually and in community. This makes our twice-monthly newsletter and website an even more important source of information.

This isn’t to say there will never be announcements at the end of class, but I encourage you to check the website regularly and share the wealth of information available. Everyone is welcome, and all events are offered freely, with donations gratefully accepted for instructors and event leaders.

Read on for what will become a periodic column from Karen Sumaryono and a host of upcoming events, including a live music and dance event this Friday with The Packing Shed, and our last two outdoor Zumba classes with Tiffany (this week on Wednesday and next).

(We are looking for an indoor site to keep Zumba going through the winter. If you know of available space, please be in touch! Email lacastronovo@gmail.com)

Bonus: Read all the way to end to learn how you can get one of 12 Baby Fig Trees!

Be sure to visit the website for more great programming!

With heartfelt gratitude,

Linda (for the Everyday Wellbeing Board of Directors)

Everyday Wellbeing Website

Where the Mind Goes, Qi Goes

“Yi Dao, Qi Dao” is a foundational concept in Chinese practices of Qigong and Tai Chi and applies to all mind-body practices. Where the mind goes, energy follows. It points to the power of our intentions in our practice and in our lives.

This phrase is also a warning of sorts. What is the mind dwelling upon? When we allow the mind to wander on automatic pilot, adopting and replaying old patterns, we might start believing things that don’t align with our intentions and values. Becoming aware of what the mind is doing is an important step in directing our healing and our lives.

When we engage with mind-body practices such as yoga, tai chi, and qigong, we align movements with breath, open energy pathways (nadis or meridians), and refresh the life force energy (prana or qi) throughout the body. When we add the powerful intention of the mind, a mysterious and subtle transformation occurs over time.

In the Chinese paradigm, all physical pain is the result of stagnant or deficient energy. It’s the body’s way of communicating with us. It’s not necessarily saying, take a pill to lessen the pain, however. More likely the body is asking for rest, hydration, movement, or massage. We can get curious about what’s going on and send our intention to get the stuck energy moving, to breathe into the pain, and visualize a healing golden light enveloping the pain with a relaxed mindful vibration of acceptance and relief.

As we go deeper into mind-body practices, we create intentions not only for the health and ease of our body, but to direct our mood and actions. I read a wonderful mantra in a Tara Brach book recently. “I appreciate everything, and there’s not one single thing to complain about.” By repeating this mantra morning, noon, and night inside our head, even saying out loud from time to time, we slowly transform our world. We draw our attention to all that’s going well, the abundance of our life. We don’t give complaints airtime in our mind. We learn to accept what is. Our energy goes to noticing more and more to appreciate, and as we do, more and more of it appears. Yi Dao, Qi Dao.

The power of mind-body practice in circulating fresh qi throughout the system energizes the whole body as it calms the nervous system. Then with the consciousness of using our mind to set our intentions, we shift our energy field and our perception of reality, which in turn affects the choices we make and the life we lead.

Karen Sumaryono is a retired international educator and teacher trainer based in Belchertown. An avid world traveler and writer, Karen completed the 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training certificate from Trimurti Yoga in Dharamsala, India, in 2018, and the Level 2 Certification in Qigong and Tai Chi Easy from the Integral Institute of Qigong and Tai Chi (IIQTC.org) in 2023. She teaches a free weekly qigong class at the Munson Library on Saturday mornings at 9:15 AM.

Evening Zumba-Flow w/ Tiffany

Wednesdays, October 15 and 22, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Groff Park, 83 Mill Lane, Amherst

Join the Zumba List

Dance with The Packing Shed

Friday, October 17th, 6:30 - 8:30 PM
Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

The Packing Shed plays fun, funky R&B from the 70s through today. Come dance to your favorite songs by Amy Winehouse, Dusty Springfield, Stevie Wonder, Etta James, Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Oh He Dead, Lizzo and more.

Join the Dance List

Qigong with Natalie Imbier

Saturdays, October 18, 25, November 1, and 8 at 9:15 AM
Munson Library, 1046 South East Street, Amherst

While Karen Sumaryono is traveling, Natalie will be teaching on Saturday mornings.

Join the Qigong List

Hike Rattlesnake Gutter

Saturday, October 25th, 11:00 AM (Rain date: Sunday 1:00 PM)
Rattlesnake Gutter Conservation Area (off Montague Road)

Rattlesnake Gutter is a spectacular glacial ravine that probably formed when either glacial meltwater or a temporary glacial lake exploited a fracture in the crust that had constrained the flow of water.

This will be more of a moderate hike than a nature walk with some gradual uphill climbs. Plan to cover approximately 2-3 miles in about about 2 hours up through the ravine and then into woods on various loops.

Learn More

A BIPOC Community Retreat w/ Tiffany Joseph

We are quickly running out of room in this newsletter so expect another one soon with more information about classes and workshops coming in November. In the meantime, click the links below for more information.

• Online Morning Yoga November 3-5 (It’s the same Zoom link for all three classes due to election day activities)

• Election Night Yoga with Christie Rosen

• Crafting Medicine Melodies with Alice Feldman

• Mindfulness (online) (with Shalini Milne)

• Monday Evening Yoga (with Jen Vanderleeden)

• Yoga Dance (with Diana Peters-Ross)

• Midlife Nutrition with Amanda Mittman November 2nd 12:00 Noon-1:30 PM

• Sick Again! Prevent Common Winter Ailments November 16th 1:00-2:30 PM

• Partner Yoga: The Art of Connection November 21st 5:00-7:00 PM

• Contemplative Practices for Concussion Date to be determined

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How Everyday Wellbeing Works

There is no charge for any of our offerings. All of our teachers and providers donate their services, time, and expertise and receive only the money deposited into the donation box (or sent to their personal Venmo). Teachers gratefully accept this expression of appreciation, AND donations are never expected.

It is important and central to the mission of Everyday Wellbeing that all events are free and open to all. Everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to donate.

Support Our Work

If you have the means, a donation to Everyday Wellbeing moves us toward a vision of community-supported wellness that makes vibrant health accessible to all by offering a wider variety of free, donation-based classes, workshops, and events.

We acknowledge your donations by email. If you don’t receive a heartfelt thank you and a receipt (for tax purposes), please check your junk folder for an email from info@everydaywellbeing.org. Thank you!

Make a Recurring Donation of Any Amount…Get a Gift!

Although you won’t need it until next season…you can receive a waterproof base mat (upcycled from donated feed bags) when you make a recurring donation of any amount. Also available (while supplies last) are 12 baby fig trees. They are about to go dormant for the winter and will need to be moderately protected until the spring, but they came from a tree that gave us over 1000 figs this season! Click the link below to make a recurring donation. Then, come pick up your tree! Thank you!

Make a Donation

Subscribe now