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Fall Update


Seasonal daily morning yoga continues through Yoga Outside until September 30th. A colder than usual fall was predicted and the drought is challenging the health of the grass that can be damaged by our mats on frosty mornings.


But, no worries. We’ve reserved the Munson Library for our 8 AM yoga classes with the same line-up of instructors. With a willing instructor, we could conceivably practice outdoors in the library’s backyard if the weather cooperates.


Maybe you’ve experienced this too. It begins before arrival: a friendly wave while driving or biking into the parking lot, the bright good-morning-smiles as we walk down to the pond behind the greenhouse, the quiet (and sometimes not so quiet) chatter, warm greetings, and well wishes. Every time I unroll my mat next to a familiar (or unfamiliar) face, I am flooded with gratefulness. I am in awe that we made it to our mats today in this stunningly beautiful space. We are often joined by a heron, a hawk, the occasional deer, and once, even, a snapping turtle! There is a kind and compassionate teacher to lead us into a wise and curious exploration of what our bodies and minds and spirits can do. As my sister used to say in light of these everyday miracles, “Life is grand.”


I want to extend overflowing gratitude to Jacqui and Andy for their continuous welcome for ten summers, and a special thank you to Matt for mowing the field all summer! Additional thanks to Jacqui Cowles who started it all ten years ago with the simple idea of offering yoga at the greenhouse and who has kept us going with blocks, mats, straps, and flowers in the greenhouse for rainy days!


Thank you for your immense generosity.


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Many of you thank me for what has grown over the past ten years, but WE DID THIS. We built this together. Yoga Outside and now Everyday Wellbeing has quite literally changed my life. It’s made daily practice affordable and accessible; created space to befriend my body, mind, and spirit as it is; and fostered new friendships and relationships. What a gift!


We’ve grown into Community-Supported Wellness, perhaps the first CSW of its kind. I had no way of predicting this growth when I accepted Jamie’s generous offer to create a nonprofit structure for what had been a seasonal daily yoga practice. A year ago, I had zero nonprofit experience. Four of us signed on “to build this ship as we sailed it.” Many of you offered your knowledge, energy, expertise, time, and money.


Thank you, thank you, thank you!


And now, it isn’t just yoga. When we gather to dance, breathe, meditate, cultivate qi, walk in nature, or learn about bones or balance or ayurveda or nutrition, we are building a world where wellbeing is valued and accessible to all. Everyone deserves a life enriched with opportunities to move, breathe, and learn in community. Everyone deserves to be empowered with tools that enhance personal wellbeing - which naturally extends out to the wellbeing of our larger communities.


With our collective energy, Everyday Wellbeing has grown quickly to create more safe and welcoming spaces in which to learn together. In May we launched our first annual fundraising campaign. In June, we welcomed five new board members into leadership roles. This meant more resources, more growth, and a different pace.


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Maybe you know this about me: I lean into change and make quick decisions. I am more dragonfly than tree, flitting from one shiny object to the next. Yet I long for the structure and stability of an old oak: firmly rooted, grounded, and steady. In moving from a team of two making decisions a few times a year about seasonal yoga, to weekly board meetings with four members, and now to nine-member monthly meetings, I am learning to share decision-making with others. I am learning the complexities of nonprofit governance, and I am coming to value a slower and steadier pace. It is now abundantly clear that it will take some time to hire an actual, paid executive director to oversee day to day operations. So, for the time-being, I will fill that role as a volunteer.


The newly expanded board of directors need time to get to know each other, time to digest the magnitude and beauty of our mission, time to appreciate the multitude of perspectives and experiences, and time to prioritize where to put our energy and resources within the constraints of available space, resources, and scheduling.


At our strategic planning retreat in August, the facilitator, Laura Burnham, reminded us, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” I took a deep breath. This work will require taming my inner dragonfly.


It really does take a village, and I extend so much gratitude to everyone who is making this possible by sharing their vast experience and expertise in the nonprofit world with a complete beginner. You know who you are, but abundant gratitude to Kristi, Lynne, Katie, Alison, Laura, Jennifer, Amy, Rebecca, Jackie, and Tiffany. Huge thanks also to the original board members: Ilana, Erin, and Paul for your support over every bump in the road as we find our way through new terrain. THANK YOU!


Everything we do is in service of hundreds of new and continuing community members. We are purposefully steering the ship of Everyday Wellbeing guided by a deeply held belief that access to the tools and practices of a vibrant life should never depend on one’s ability to pay.


Thank you for being a part of it!


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As we grow, of course, some things will change, and others will stay the same. Daily morning yoga will always be the mainstay of what we offer. A peer-led daily meditation practice will return beginning October 1st (9:10-9:30 AM) when we move back indoors to the Munson Library for daily yoga at 8 AM.


Look for more weekday evening classes beginning in November AND more opportunities to develop a variety of tools for wellbeing:


We are also planning several upcoming workshops:

Stay tuned, also, for information about decidedly mundane but important issues like liability waivers and insurance coverage. We are on a steep learning curve about how to protect our new organization and your very generous donations. We appreciate your patience as we learn and grow.


Spread the Word

Help us share the good news about new weekly classes, monthly workshops, dance, and live music events. Spread the word by sharing this newsletter! Very soon, each event will have a link to a downloadable flyer that you can print at home and post on community bulletin boards around town.


Stay in the Loop

We’re gradually gathering contact information for special interest groups. Stay in the know and receive a quick email reminder (sent the day before) about upcoming classes or changes in schedule.








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.


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!

While supplies last, you will receive a waterproof base mat (upcycled from donated feedbags) when you make a recurring donation of any amount. Thank you!


Are you a River Valley Coop Member?

Vote for Everyday Wellbeing

for October’s Change for Change Program


Voting happens September 19-29thVoting must be completed using the official voting form included in their weekly e-newsletter and available on the Change for Change webpage.


This month's ballot includes 10 nonprofits! If we don’t win this round but receive at least 10 votes, we will automatically move to the February ballot.

Thanks for reading Everyday Wellbeing! Please share it with a friend. If this newsletter was shared with you, subscribe below.



 
 
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