You may have already heard the good news.
The day before I left the country for three weeks, I submitted (Thanks to Jamie Class’s summer intern, Jax) the final piece of paperwork to the IRS requesting tax exempt status for Everyday Wellbeing. We hoped for a reply in 6-8 weeks.
I am happy to report that in the small pile of mail awaiting my return was a letter from the Internal Revenue Service…
We are pleased to inform you that your application has been accepted.
So, it is official. Yoga Outside is now part of a nonprofit entity with 501(c)(3) status and an expanded mission. This is important for a number of reasons.
We can expand our mission and offer more than just yoga.
I love yoga, but I know it doesn’t work for every body, and it certainly isn’t the only path to a healthy mind, body, and spirit. There are many avenues to wellbeing, and they should be accessible and affordable to all.
The expanded mission of Everyday Wellbeing is to educate the public and increase access to and participation in activities and practices that improve health, longevity and well-being. We aim to strengthen interpersonal connections and make increased vitality, resilience, and good health available to as many people as possible by offering free, donation-based classes, workshops and events.
Donations to the organization are now tax-deductible.
While your donations to individual teachers for classes and events are not tax-deductible (because you receive something in direct exchange), we can now receive donations as an organization and use those funds to develop programming and reserve indoor spaces for free and donation-based workshops, classes, and events.
Donations to Everyday Wellbeing are tax deductible. Every donation will prompt a receipt that you can use when you file your personal state and federal income taxes.
Now, our new work begins.
We need a logo and letterhead. Anyone with graphic design experience out there?
We need to raise money to cover start-up costs and reserve the Munson Library for the winter months. Our initial target is $3500.
We’ve opened a bank account and Venmo. We have a treasurer (Thank you, Paul!) who will keep track of all donations, send receipts for tax purposes, and make sure we have the funds necessary to reserve space for indoor yoga and other offerings.
You can use the QR Code below to donate via Venmo.
Join us for the Launch Party!
Saturday, August 17th 9:00-10:30 AM.
We’ll gather immediately following Ilana’s class. Mark your calendars, come to yoga, and bring your dreams and ideas for Everyday Wellbeing. Bring something yummy to share at the potluck. We’ll host a brainstorming and Q and A session. Now is your chance to ask the questions you’ve always wanted answered by a yoga teacher, and let us know what you’d like to see offered.
RSVP and give us an idea of what you’ll share.
Ask your questions and/or make suggestions here.
Everyday Wellbeing Means
While it is true that a regular yoga practice can have many benefits, including increased strength, flexibility, balance, awareness, and peace of mind, I am excited about Everyday Wellbeing because an all-levels yoga class doesn’t work for every body, and there are many routes to enhanced well-being, resilience, and health.
Our aim is to broaden the offerings of Yoga Outside and become a vehicle for accessing the wisdom, skills, and expertise present in our growing community.
Do you have an idea for a group, class, or workshop?
Stay tuned for opportunities for book study and writing partnerships, nature walks, meditation and mindfulness practice, Qigong, The Yoga of Dreams. We also want to offer workshops on nutrition, body image, journaling, the power of connection, yoga history, and philosophy. So many paths to wellbeing!
Spread the word!
Meditation Practice (Every day 9:00 AM after yoga)
Interest is growing in the power of regular meditation practice. Kim gathers a number of students immediately after her Wednesday classes for a 20-minute guided practice. The rest of the week, Ivor and several others sit together for an informal, peer-led practice after class.
All are welcome into the power of stillness and silence.
Want to start or join a a meditation practice group that meets at a different time? Sign-up below.
Nature Walks
Kathy Kellogg and Reed Wulsin have volunteered to gather those interested in walking in nature. Their first Nature Walk is scheduled for
Sunday, August 11 at 9:30 at Mt. Pollux (just off South East Street)
Kathy has found many beautiful places to walk and hike in the area. She says, “I have always loved spending time in nature, hiking, woodland walks, farm fields, or in my garden.”
Reed likes walking in the hills across Bay Rd. But she’ll walk anywhere and enjoys connecting with others, talking or quietly reflecting, observing, basking in nature. She says, “Physical activity in the natural settings of woods, fields, quiet roadways, and my yard, fuel and ground me. Nature benefits our physical, emotional, and mental health and sense of wellbeing in a number of scientifically proven (and personally perceived!) ways.”
Join them on Sunday, August 11 at 9:30, Mt. Pollux.
They suggest long pants, water, bug spray, and sunscreen.
Sign-up below, or just show up on the 11th after yoga at Andrews!
As always, our classes are offered freely to all. No registration required. Donations are gratefully accepted, but not expected. We want the benefits of community connection available to all.
A Note about this Newsletter
I recognize that your time and attention are limited, valuable resources. My aim is to make this monthly entry into your inbox one that is as beneficial to your well-being as a restorative yoga class or a woodland walk on a crisp, fall day. Take a nice deep breath and allow that intention to sink into your being. You are in the right place.
I will continue to include links and information about free and/or donation-based offerings. In addition, more information about offerings outside of regular weekly classes can be found in the teacher bios on our website.
Yoga at Andrew’s Greenhouse
Andy and Jacqui Cowles have made this beautfiul space available to us since 2016! Quite simply, there is no better place to practice yoga. Where else can you overlook a pond, meadow, forest and mountains? Where else can you watch the swoop of swallows, notice the mist burning off and the advancing of rain? Thank you, Jacqui and Andy for mowing a growing space around the pond for us. Thank you for filling a greenhouse to the brim with flowers for rainy days.
Please remember to park ONLY along the back border of the parking lot (overlooking the field) and use the main entrance and exit by the Greenhouse shop. The driveway and parking on the other side of the farmhouse (near the solar panel) is reserved for tenants and Greenhouse employees only.
Also, remember that cancellations (only for thunder and lightning) will be posted on Facebook and on the website calendar by 7 AM. Otherwise, class is ON!
Regular weekly teachers do travel, but always arrange for a substitute teacher you’ll love. Find the scheduled teacher of the day by accessing the calendar below. You can always get more information and teacher bios at our website (www.yogaoutside.today).
You are the heart of our community.
We love hearing from you!
Thank you for being a part of Yoga Outside!
For more information, teacher bios, and an up-to-date calendar, check out our website. You can also find us on Facebook. If you’ve missed past newsletters, you can find them in the Newsletter Archive on Substack.
Let’s Grow Our Community
Please forward this newsletter to friends and family. Invite others to join us.
We want our monthly entry into your inbox to be informative and useful! If it’s not welcome, feel free to unsubscribe at anytime.
Join the Yoga Outside Conversation
This is an informal chat space for our community. We’ll post short prompts, thoughts, and bits of inspiration and invite you to jump into the discussion.
You can access the group chat at the Yoga Outside Newsletter website here.