Every other week we’ll meet in a cozy yoga studio setting to explore some of the many ways we can heal and care for our bodymind as we balance our personal growth journey with our participation in the broader world.

Each session will include a mix of discussion, reflective writing, gentle movement, and guided meditation.

You’ll need a notebook/pen, yoga mat, and comfortable clothes.

$40/session; BCBS PPO accepted

Please email info@breathefirststudio.com to register or with questions.

Meditation is a different (not better, just different) experience when you’re with other people, even virtually.

For the rest of this year, I'll be offering a Zoom “studio” so (at least once a week) you can join a community for your seated practice.

Most of the time the space will be silent to offer you reprieve from all the stimulation of daily life and sowe can practice the sills of mindful awareness. I will offer light guidance at the start and end.

To register email info@breathefirststudio.com indicating your interest in the Autumn Meditation.

What: 8 Week Antiracism & Community-Building Group for White Folks 

When: (starting mid March) Mondays 530-730p via Zoom (15 min break and mini meditations to breathe into/out of each session)

Who: All sessions facilitated by  Clearie McCarthy + Emily Thornton 

Is this for me?: No matter where you might be on the “antiracism continuum” you are welcome in this space. Our overall approach to becoming antiracist is rooted in mindfulness, historically accurate recontextualization, and sustainable culture change. The only requirement is a sense of curiosity.

Cost: sliding scale $10-20 per session to contribute to facilitator fund for ongoing antiracism materials and outreach 

Questions/Registration: email Clearie (cleariemccarthy@gmail.com) or Emily (info@breathefirststudio.com)

* (please indicate Monday or Saturday; if you’re open to either one let us know that too!)

“One doesn’t have to operate with great malice to do great harm. The absence of empathy and understanding are sufficient.”

-Charles M. Blow

During this period of isolation, let’s allow technology to serve us by providing a second-best alternative and allowing us to continue to see, hear, and learn from each other throughout the fall/winter days.

What: 10-week workshop/community-building focused on asana instruction (yoga postures); guided meditation; journal prompts; discussion time

Why: To develop/deepen understanding of yoga, reflective writing, and personal ritual; to share and learn in community while designing a lasting independent practice

When: Oct 25-Dec 27 incl: 90min session every Sunday at 2p incl yoga practice + discussion; guided meditations at 830a, Mon/Wed ; on-demand videos for asana/meditation; optional monthly workshops

Where: all virtual (Zoom, IG, YouTube)

Who: Asana sessions led by local teacher Eileen Arora; IG sessions led by Emily; on-demand videos w/ Eileen, Emily, and other friends of Breathe First

Cost: $500; BCBS PPO & Cigna PPO accepted (payment plans/sliding scale options available)

Register/Questions: info@breathefirststudio.com; (please express interest by 10/11)

second round of safe space to discuss, learn, unlearn, and create real pathways towards change in ourselves and our broader culture so we can all live in an antiracsist future.

to join or ask questions, email me: emily@breathefirststudio.com

when: mondays from 5-630p starting 8/31 through 9/28

where: virtual, via Zoom

cost: sliding scale $10-25/week to support my pro bono offerings to BIPOC and low-income clients

Do you want to do more to be truly anti-racist and to become an active ally? Asking black folks for instruction is just another form of oppression. When black folks choose to volunteer their voices to offer insight and guidance, be sure to listen up. But we also need to talk to and learn from each other.

Our time each week will be limited to 90mins and we’ll do our best to include respectful and honest conversation, time for written reflection, meditation practice, and action items to take with you for continued internal and external work. To foster clear communication, each session is capped at 8 participants but I will continue to create this space as long as there is an interest.

These gatherings will take place via Zoom and the cost is sliding scale: $5-25 per week paid via Venmo to @emilytherese257 (proceeds will be split between my pro bono fund for clients of color—20% and to wokevote.org—80%; pay what you can)

To join or to ask questions: emily@breathefirststudio.com w/ subject line “Ally”

Only when we begin to talk about these things that make us most uncomfortable or confused can we begin to move through that part and into something else…into action, transformation, and sustainable change.

I am here to meet you wherever you are.