We had an amazing Visioning Event on Wednesday night. Big THANKS to Kristi Nelson for facilitating such a productive, fun, and inspiration-filled evening.
We projected ourselves 10 years into the future and imagined all that we will be celebrating in 2035. Here are some of the most resonant ideas, hopes, and dreams for Everyday Wellbeing (as determined by “dot-ocracy”):
Our very own sustainable building (on a bus route) with indoor/outdoor space, ample free parking, and possibly connected to a working farm
Expanded programming (beyond yoga) that happens all day, every day (including evenings), is multilingual, and serves people of all ages, identities, abilities, ethnicities, and financial status
A signature annual fund-raiser that allows us to be financially self-sustaining and maintain a paid staff
Partnerships with other service organizations that share our core values of Health, Connection, Curiosity, Inclusion, and Access
A Sampling of Posters from the Visioning Event: “Dot"-ocracy”
Next, we brainstormed what we will need to achieve these dreams in five categories: Collaborations, Communications, Finances, Human Resources, and Programming. The following list of priorities will inform our strategic plan for the next 3-5 years as we work toward the big dreams above.
Collaboration and Partnerships with service organizations such as Amherst Neighbors, The Survival Center, Cancer Connection, Hitchcock Center, and Redefine Connection, and others.
A robust communications plan with a fully integrated, mobile friendly website that includes professional email, subscription services, logo, and style guide.
Financially, we raise $65K/year to cover the costs of a part-time executive director with benefits. We grow our annual fundraiser over three years to earn $100K to 175K/year. We have a plan for recurring donations, development, and commitment from donors.
Human resources include hiring a part-time ED and additional staff as we grow. We have a thriving board of directors representative of diverse voices from the community.
In terms of programming, we continue to offer yoga, meditation, and other movement modalities as well as concern-specific workshops (like bone health, heart health, and living with chronic illness). We provide diverse opportunities for connection and support, and we are in the schools teaching teachers to provide wellbeing-instruction in schools.
Finally, everyone had a chance to express their interest and commitment in joining one of the five working committees of a thriving nonprofit organization: Collaborations/Partnerships, Communications, Finances, Human Resources, and Programming.
TL;DR: We want all hands on deck! Do you want to be a part of building our future together? Let us know by clicking below.
Short on time? Too much to read? Bookmark our calendar for easy reference! Or, scroll down to learn about upcoming events: Nature Walk, Foam Roller Workshop, Ayurvedic Spring Renewal, two chances to hear Dr. Amy Rothenberg speak about her Field Guide for Cancer Survivors, and a new Book Group. It’s all free and open to everyone.
Nature Walk
Hampshire College Woods Blue Heart Trail
Saturday, March 15, 2025
11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Park at the Hampshire College Bay Road Multisport Complex. The Bay Road entrance near the Eric Carle museum is the easiest way onto campus. Turn left at the stop sign and park on the right side of the road.
Email Kathy for more info: kelloggkl@gmail.com
See you Saturday morning at 11:00 AM.
Book Group Forming
Are you interested in joining a group of 4-8 women to read Body Thrive by Cate Stillman with Annabelle Keil and Linda Castronovo? Together, we’ll meet regularly to read and experiment with 10 habits from Ayurveda and Yoga that will allow you to access more energy and vitality.
Learn to Use Your Foam Roller with Tiffany
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Noon - 1:00 PM
Munson Library
Maybe you've had a foam roller for years, but aren't really sure how to make the best use of it to ease achy muscles, reduce pain, improve flexibility, and range of motion.
Join long-time yoga teacher and dance instructor, Tiffany Joseph in this one-hour class designed to teach you the basics of foam rolling. No experience necessary. All ages are welcome.
Bring your own roller if you have one. There will be a limited number to borrow, but please register below so we'll be sure to have enough for everyone.
Ayurveda and Yoga For Spring Renewal
with Ilana Beigel
Saturday, March 22, 2025
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Munson Library
Ayurveda, a system of natural healing, focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit by aligning with the rhythms of nature. By incorporating Ayurvedic principles into yoga, you can deepen your practice, restore balance, and cultivate a sense of harmony, especially as the seasons shift.
This workshop will begin with an introduction to Ayurveda and its seasonal applications, focusing on how to adapt your lifestyle and yoga practice for the spring season. Attendees will then engage in a guided yoga asana practice, designed to support detoxification, circulation, and energy flow, tailored specifically to the needs of spring. Participants will leave feeling balanced, refreshed, and empowered to integrate Ayurvedic practices into their daily lives and yoga practice.
You've Finished Treatment, Now What?
Dr. Amy Rothenberg, Naturopathic Physician
Thursday, March 20 6:00-8:00 PM at Amherst Women’s Club
Monday, April 21 1 - 2:30 pm (Patriot's Day) at Munson Library
Dr. Amy Rothenberg, a long time licensed naturopathic doctor, will share information from her broad experience as a health care provider and three-time cancer survivor. You’ll learn how to use natural and integrative medicine approaches to address challenges that persist from conventional cancer care and how to shift the internal environment to be less hospitable to further cancer.
Research Interviews for Health-Conscious Women
Nadya Tkachenko—former Yoga teacher with Yoga Outside—is conducting free, 30-minute research interviews to develop a new iteration of her program for women 40+ who are holistically minded but struggle with energy dips, inflammation, weight fluctuations, sleep, or staying consistent with health habits.
These are casual, confidential 30-minute conversations over Zoom — a chance to share your experience and frustrations. If you're interested, you can schedule a time to chat with Nadya by clicking the link below.
And, as Usual…
Yoga still happens everyday 8:00 - 9:00 AM at the Munson Library in South Amherst. If we have a weather-related cancellation — which is rare — we’ll post it on the calendar and on our Facebook page by 7 AM.
A silent period of Meditation Practice also happens every day 9:10-9:30 AM right after yoga. Come sit for about 20 minutes in good company. No experience necessary.
Qigong happens every Saturday 9:15-10:00 AM. Those new to Qigong are always welcome to learn a gentle, standing, meditative practice to balance and cultivate life force energy which is called prana in yogic practices and Qi in Chinese disciplines. No matter what we call it, you’ll notice a difference all day long!
These, like all of our events, are free and open to all. Donations are gratefully accepted, but not expected.
Support Our Work
ALL of our events are offered freely and open to all without charge. If you have the means, a donation to Everyday Wellbeing moves us all toward greater health and improved wellbeing.
Every donation supports our mission to make vibrant wellbeing accessible by providing donation-based classes, workshops, and events that empower people to live their healthiest lives. Every dollar is tax-deductible and allows us to offer a wider variety of programming to reach more people.
We acknowledge your donations by email. If you don’t receive a heartfelt thank you, please check your junk folder for an email from everydaywellbeing4U@gmail.com. Then move it to your primary inbox so you never miss an update. Thank you!
TL;DR - Visit our website to see what’s happening!
Thank you for reading! Find all of our past newsletters on Substack!