Connecting The Light In Each Of Us

Housed on the beautiful grounds of a large monastery, the Copper Beech Institute is a place of stillness and quiet. It is a home for those who are drawn to or curious about the many varieties of contemplative practice and those who feel enriched by spiritual community. Copper Beech offers a full array of courses and retreats with master teachers, free weekly drop-in mindfulness groups, and opportunities to work with underserved populations to create a more just and compassionate world. Most courses offer continuing education credits to professionals.

MBSR is an eight-week course in mindfulness developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the 1970s. Since then, tens of thousands of people worldwide have taken the course. MBSR is widely used as a standard protocol in clinical research on mindfulness. Qualified or certified MBSR instructors have completed professional training through the Center for Mindfulness in Health, Education and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School or through the Mindfulness-Based Professional Training Institute at the University of California, San Diego. A description of the curriculum can be found here.

One of my go-to places for research on health and nutrition is Found My Fitness, the website of Dr. Rhonda Patrick who holds a Ph.D. in biomedical science. Fellow geeks may appreciate her video interviews with scientists doing cutting-edge research in the field of aging, nutrition, sleep, and other health and wellness-related topics.

The gorgeous photographs of nature you see on this website were taken by Roy Money. Roy holds an MFA in photography from the University of Delaware and is a life-long student of the Way. He exhibits throughout New England and is a member of the Kehler Liddell Gallery in New Haven, CT.  You can reach him for inquiries or purchasing prints through the contact link on his website.

I completed a number of 200 and 500-hour yoga teacher trainings but my greatest influences were Anusara and tantric philosophy. I still teach from the framework of alignment, action and attitude and emphasize personal responsibility and empowerment. My first yoga teacher and guide on this path was Kim Valeri, founder of Yoga Spirit Studios. Kim is a radiant spirit with a depth of knowledge and experience. She offers trainings, workshops and retreats in New England and abroad.

Classical yoga is an eight-part wellness system that has its origins in pre-modern India. The eight parts (or “limbs”) include right relationship with others, self-care practices, breath work, physical postures (asana) and meditation. Yoga therapy is the application of these teachings to effect healing and change. It is closely tied to Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medical science. The International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT) notes that “yoga is founded on the basic principle that intelligent practice can positively influence the direction of change.” I help clients develop a practice that fits with their lifestyle and purpose.