I’ve changed in my relationship to the New Year
over the years… 

Like many, I used to simply view it as a time of negatively-charged, rigid “self-improvement” (the kind of trying to be better that comes from the belief that I must already be inherently flawed). 

The language shifted a bit - becoming more “positive,” more softly-suggestive, prioritizing an intention or a quality I wished to cultivate within myself; this one coming from a desire to grow but still from a ‘not-good-enough’ place within me.

Then, admittedly, with the past couple of years being what they’ve been (no need to delve into the obvious here), the turn of the year, the “new” chapter, has felt not just arbitrary but almost like mockery. Like the dangling of hope in front of our faces knowing that the very hope for hope would result in feeling hopeless. I really leaned into Pema Chodron’s suggestion that we “abandon hope.” 

But, last night, as my husband and I were getting our kids settled into their respective sleeping spots - couch, day bed, extra mattress - at a stop over on our journey between Maine & Virginia, we unexpectedly heard fireworks going off. We opened the blinds and discovered that we could see them just over the top of the building across the street. Watching our kids delight in the simple magic and joy of each burst, grew delight in us. Talking to them about why we celebrate this day allowed us to rediscover (or perhaps just discover) the importance of pausing to acknowledge possibility. 

And there it was… I realized that we have this clearly defined, recognized, and shared moment in time where we can choose to see that there is possibility. And not a specific, pre-determined, way-I-want-it-to-go possibility, but just the pure opening of possibility. That each moment starts with possibility, with an opening. That in those openings there can be many, many choices driven by intention. Each moment of each day presents us with this gift. But on this particular one, we can return to what matters most, redefine how we want to be in relationship to ourselves, our lives, and the world. 

The opening is so important — it should be celebrated with a million bursts of sparkling, colorful lights and a million bows of gratitude.
 

-------------------------

I have several important updates/announcements below (a BIG one about Year of Intention, a new Weekly Meditation & Coaching Group, a new & improved way to access yoga & meditation class recordings, and more...) so please hang with me and read thoroughly!

, Ellie

-------------------------
 

Year of Intention: journey to a more intentional life
Start where you are, use what you have, do what you can - Arthur Ashe

**IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT**

>> Pay What & When You Can <<

I have (BIG) announcement. I am making a pretty dramatic change to the Year of Intention payment structure with the hopes of making the Core Programming accessible and available to anyone who wants to join. 

I have received many applications and inquiries from folks who want to participate in this amazing experience. And I know they would get so much out of it  - the monthly workshops with me, the community-building and friendships, and the changes to the quality and content of their lives. But one thing keeps coming up - financial stress.

Two things are true for me:
1) while I want my work to be valued, I most definitely don't want it to be inaccessible
2) when an individual is at a heightened level stress/anxiety (financial or other), they will not be able to create the meaningful changes that I can guide them to during our time together -- and that's also most definitely not something I want 

So, I have decided to make the Core Programming level (ONLY) Pay What & When You Can

What this means: 

My suggested range for the year-long program is $600-$1150 (which breaks down to anywhere between $50/month - $95/month) but the amount and how you pay (one-time or monthly) is entirely up to you. This is for the Core Programming level only - which means 1:1 coaching is NOT included. Anyone who is interested in adding coaching at a later date is welcome to do so at my normal 1:1 coaching package rates.

Please email me ASAP if you would like to take advantage of this opportunity (you don't need to tell me your amount, you will enter than into the payment form) - applications & registration close on January 15th!

Though this feels like the most "right" thing for me to offer (it feels fully in alignment with why I do this work), it also feels risky 😬 and unpredictable. So I just ask that, if you choose this option, that you give serious thought and honest consideration to what you can contribute to your growth and transformation.

 

-------------------------

Weekly Meditation & Coaching Groups
*NEW GROUP*
Tuesdays 12-1pm
12-week session starting 1/4*
*prorated options available

I'm adding a 3rd group to my schedule!   

We all have learned who to be, what to be, and how to be in this world. This conditioned way of operating in the world keeps us limited in our relationship to our life as it directs us, unconsciously, in the choices we make, the actions we take, and in what we believe about ourselves and the world.

Through awareness-based coaching tools & practices, we have the chance to begin to undo the unconscious parts of ourselves that have us operating in a state of unrecognized reactivity to life. The support and presence of a group of committed peers helps guide individuals in personal growth and transformation.No prior meditation experience necessary.

Dates
Tuesdays / 12-1pm
Jan 4, 11, 18, 25
Feb 1, 8, 15, 22
Mar 1, 8, 15, 22

Payments 
Payment for groups is a pay-what-you-can donation. Please choose an amount that feels like a meaningful exchange for the work and teachings being given. My suggested range is $100-$300 per 12-week session, though you can choose a lesser or greater amount if you'd like. 

Requests
The teachings that I am giving during our groups are sacred in nature. They have been given to me by my teacher and to her by hers and so on. It is an honor and a privilege for me to be able to share what I have been given. Our groups are also a safe and intentional space. We, therefore, commit to:
-- keeping sacred and confidential all that is shared during our time together
-- showing up consistently and fully - giving our complete attention to whomever is speaking. Please keep your cameras on and take care of any necessities (eating, restroom, etc) prior to the beginning of group

If you are interested, please email me ASAP. If you have not worked with me in some capacity before, please let me know - I will request a quick video call to learn more about you to make sure this is the right fit.

--------------------------

--------------------------