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Mid-Winter Wake Up

It’s noticeably brighter each morning, and lighter a little later each evening as we move into the second half of winter.


If you want a gentle nudge toward a daily meditation practice, you can join a very lightly guided meditation session online via Zoom every morning 7:05 - 7:25 AM.


We are a small, but consistent group of between six and ten. Everyone is welcome, and you can join from near or far. We’ve had meditators join us from Boston, Ohio, and Japan!



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 (every) 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.



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.

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.

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