A Shelter in the Storm (and more)

I feel connected to Mary’s Place because I learned about it from my dear friend who was able to visit there during her treatment and it was a shelter in the storm for her. I lost her to breast cancer in 2014. 

I think it’s critically important to have safe, healing spaces in community, during treatment, where you don’t have to wear the brace-warrior face: you can just be with what is. Cancer can be so isolating. And this expectation out in the world is that you are so strong or you have to be so strong. And sometimes, that is just a lot of pressure when your spirit feels broken. 

I am a breast cancer survivor, 10-months cancer free. I had my first rare tumor back in 2009 that was remediated by surgery. And several additional biopsies and surgeries since, but was diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma in September of 2018 and had surgery and radiation and am on hormone therapy. I look forward to celebrating my 1-year health-aversary!

~ Melanie O’Donnell

We are so blessed, grateful, and excited to announce that this wonderful woman, Melanie O’Donnell, is joining us to teach as a part of HOPE HEALS: Our Donation Yoga Class and Panel Discussion at PORTA in Asbury Park on December 4, 2019 from 6 to 9 PM.

Melanie earned her 200 Hour RYT in 2012 at EvenFlow under the instruction of friend and EF Owner/Director, Christian Valeriani. She completed a Yin teacher training intensive program in February of 2014 with Corina Benner. Melanie has completed two 100-hour yoga teacher modules toward her 500-hour certification with Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman Yee. Melanie served as the training coordinator and mentor in the Yoga Shanti Teacher Training Program hosted at EvenFlow, created by Colleen Saidman Yee and Rodney Yee. Melanie is also a Holistic Health Coach, registered with the American Academy of Drugless Practitioners. Melanie helped to create and co-facilitated the EvenFlow Sangha, our meditation community, with her husband Jason O’Donnell. She and Jason also led the morning mediation practice for the Global Mala.

So basically…you undoubtedly need to experience Melanie’s skills, talents, offerings, vibes, and mindfully moving meditation. We hope you’ll be there with us. 

Loving kindness is at the center of Melanie’s practice, her life and the way she intends to serve in this world. She temporarily retired from teaching in 2018 but remains a student of the practice and of life – and she is coming out of retirement for one night – December 4th.

Grab your tickets now. This event will sell out!

We’d also love to share a few of our newest articles with you

Be Clear & Let Go: An essay about how there is no going back, no doubts, no questions, just living undeniably and fully by Jennifer Vafakos

An Invitation for a New Year Renewal with Jillian Pransky at Honor Yoga in North Brunswick on January 3, 2020 (yes we said 2020).

EVOLVE: An Interview with Sarah Stevenson that will remind you of how yoga training can change your life through the study of self and the chance to share your gifts, love, and light.

And of course, an invite to these amazing events

The Ultimate Mastermind and BRUNCH!

January 12, 2020 at Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park at 10 AM

Join in a game-changing conversation with a power panel of women who are running & transforming the world, on their own terms.

Mastermind with a group of self-starting, engaged, supportive, smart, and inspired individuals who are ready to share innovative ideas, common struggles, and creative solutions.

Spend some quality time with your fearless leaders, Bridget Riepl and Bailey Frumen, MSW, LCSW.

Eat the most delicious brunch ever from Marilyn and her crew at Langosta + enjoy two glasses of bubbly ON US!​

New Year’s Eve with Bridget and Jen: Your Chance to Move, Breathe, and Manifest Magic for 2020

December 31, 2019 at PORTA in Asbury Park at 10 AM

More info to come and SWAG BAGS! Trust us – book it now. This event sells out every year!