This is the newsletter for Everyday Wellbeing, a 501(c)(3) public charity based in Hampshire County, Massachusetts. We are committed to making vibrant wellbeing accessible to all by providing donation-based classes, workshops, and events that empower people to live their healthiest lives.
Everyday Wellbeing grew out of Yoga Outside at Andrews Greenhouse in Amherst, Massachusetts. After years of offering free, donation-based yoga every day June through October down by the pond behind Jacqui and Andy Cowles' greenhouses, interest grew in an indoor location to continue the practice year round. When rental prices sky-rocketed for all but non-profits, we accessed pro bono legal services and expanded our mission to include all kinds of health-based educational programming.
We believe strongly that access to health-supporting practices should not depend on one's ability to pay. All of our classes, workshops, and events are free and open to all. We accept donations and raise funds to cover the cost of space rental, but all of our instructors and providers donate their time and expertise. Donations are gratefully accepted, but never expected.
All are welcome. You deserve access to health-supporting practices and education.
Yoga Outside’s Origin Story
Shortly after retiring from teaching elementary school in 2016, I spent ten days in Southern California visiting our daughter who had recently moved to Dana Point.
Susie told me about Yoga in the Park, a daily, free, donation-based outdoor yoga class just walking-distance from their apartment. I went every morning - a stunning location on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Some days there were eight people, some days there were eighty. Most days we practiced in beautiful sunshine; one day it poured rain, and we held our downward dogs in splashing puddles. I loved every minute. I’d been a part-time yoga teacher since 1991, but it had been years since I had practiced for longer than a few minutes ten days in a row. I found myself recommitted to the practice.
On the flight home, I told Paul, “I could offer something like that. Sure, we don’t have year-round beautiful weather, but New Englanders are tough. They’d come to practice outside every day. Wouldn’t they? I just need to find a park and arrange it with the town.”
Two days later, a former colleague texted me. “My sister-in-law wants to offer yoga outdoors at the greenhouse. Do you know anyone who might be interested in teaching?”
Sometimes, beautiful things just fall into your lap.
Thank you, Sue and Jacqui. Yoga Outside (and now Everyday Wellbeing) is the gift that keeps on giving. It is a blessing to be a blessing, and it is a blessing to have work you love.
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