Author: darceybone

April (she/her) is a spiritual seeker and an experienced meditator with over 12 years of practice. She discovered meditation when a friend invited her to a class led by Caren Prentice, and she knew it was exactly what she had been looking for. April had grown up in a cult and was searching for spirituality without religion. She found what she was seeking when she realized that everything she needed was already inside her. This awareness changed her life profoundly, as a mother, a partner, and an advocate for herself. She wants to share this transformative practice with others who are struggling to find their way.

Brenda began exploring spiritual paths while trying to find genuine connections with other moms in her area. In October 2014, she found a mom’s meditation class taught by Caren Prentice and through that, she discovered a community that has seen her through some of her best and worst times as a parent.

Gena began searching for peace, community, and a different way to approach life following the unexpected passing of her husband. She started taking yoga classes and exploring meditation under Jan Engels-Smith at Lightsong School of Shamanic Studies. Gena stumbled upon group meditation classes offered by Caren Prentice, which soon became her refuge where she found love, acceptance, and belonging with the sangha. Her dedication to meditation has continued over the last 12 years, learning techniques to stay present and to show up for her life JUST as it is. Among her go-to techniques are the 3-part breath, Hong Sau, and alternate nostril breathing which help her stay in the present moment.

Janet was seeking peace and calm in her life and she knew she’d found it when tears began to flow during a meditation, signaling a release of emotions. The grounding and increased calmness she experiences keeps her meditation practice regular. Janet has been practicing meditation for about 8 years and earned her certificate to teach meditation through Hamsa Meditation Center. In her teaching, she hopes to impart that meditation is a practice, and there’s no wrong way to do it. Janet’s go-to meditation technique is following the breath; it’s a constant companion, always present. She has studied with Deepak Chopra, the Art of Living teachers trained by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, and currently with Caren Prentice.

Kelsey is a mental health counselor based in Portland, Oregon. Her interest in meditation began during grad school when her anxiety became overwhelming. Kelsey was seeking a way to find inner calm and was able to find it through meditation. She studied under various instructors and her go-to meditation techniques include sipping breath, the Ee mantra, and alternate nostril breathing. Kelsey wants to teach anyone who is curious about the journey of meditation and learning new ways of engaging with oneself through it.