Dear Community,

Season by season, day by day, moment by moment, we are both meeting the immediacy of the now and, with hope, considering our intention for laying the foundation forward. We have been talking about the pith of the teachings coming down to a clever (heart-centered) response, where our preparedness meets opportunity. With this view, life isn't simply happening to us but is presenting for us. Life becomes a place that is creative and therefore we become a creative expression of life itself. This is what I understand to be living awake in the world.

Such a perspective can both be inspiring and daunting. I know that I am not the only one who feels like they are in uncharted territory here - especially given the current events of the world, our political climate, etc. The oscillation feels a bit like whiplash; in one moment experiencing hope, confidence and in the very next doubt, uncertainty. In theory and in practice we can understand and respect this as the dynamic balance that reality requires. We require moments of doubt (dark) just as much as we require clarity (light). In fact, this is what animates life and moves us forward. Without doubt there is no mystery to solve, no questions to ask, no answers to seek. It is this seeking and impulse for clarity that becomes the ground of practice - the embodied place where answers are sought and found. This is realization. Realizing, experiencing for ourselves, we are motivated through the truth of that discovery to live differently and to share wisdom with others. We actualize. This is our firsthand human experience of evolution, on repeat, again and again and again. I find comfort when I remember that I can rely on our inevitable unfolding. My aptitude to more quickly remember however requires intent, practice and a whole lot of support - tools, good company and guiding wisdom.

We are truly fortunate at Heart because there is no end to the support that we have access to. We have each other and the trusted connection between us continues to grow. We have more tools available to us than we could ever possibly access in a single lifetime. We have context - lineage, teachings and abiding guides showing us what is possible by providing guideposts along the way. I am hopeful that as you read this you can identify the spaces where this is happening for you. I am further hopeful that Heart Center has become one of those sources of refuge for you and that you feel that you are actively contributing in this space as something that is living, breathing and thriving. To this end I feel it necessary to illuminate this intentional ecology that we are building so that we can do our part to grow and evolve as a collective.

In January of 2025 we set a broader intention - may our lightness lift the world, as we prioritize our responsibility to one another. In February we direct our attention through that intention. We might ask, do I feel prepared, resourced and supported in this work? Where am I experiencing doubt? How can I rouse faith and determination to gracefully live awake with the unfolding?

This year I am hoping to support your/ our work on the path by coming together to study and practice thoughtfully via a specific teaching series called the 10 Ox-Herding Pictures (scroll down to see them at the close of this letter) and their corresponding ancient poetry. These pictures, from the Zen tradition, serve as a map (one of many) designed to support students on the path of enlightenment. It's also worth noting that within every spiritual tradition there are accounts of seeking and corresponding maps with guideposts that are strikingly similar. We could say that the way seeking path is universal - it's human.

In the case of the Ox-Herding "map", each of the 10 guideposts come alive through an ink drawing and a corresponding short verse that is meant to represent the common struggles and turning points that we encounter as practitioners living in the (conditioned) world. The ox represents what can be called the true self or anattaa (non-self). The ox-herder represents each of us as practitioners. The images tell the story of a practitioner’s journey towards greater connection, peace and the ultimate acceptance of reality. Together the pictures and the verses can broaden our awareness of the nature of the path to awakening with all its challenges (perils) and benefits (pearls).

The pictures and verses follow a specific sequencing, of which we will look at a different set each month, beginning in March. The first week of the month we will look at the picture and verse. During the subsequent weeks of the month, we will explore the teachings in greater detail. On the last week, we invite you to bring and share your personal insights with the community. With hope, the combined teachings, safe space for practice and community interaction will allow us to participate more directly in our evolution, perhaps bringing to light some of our habit patterns and habitual states of mind that keep us stuck. Your freedom and lightness will lift the world for we are the world!

In great love and determination,

Meg Lucks

El Getsu Endō | "Brilliant Moon, Way of the Circle"

Lay-Ordained, Abiding Guide

The Heart Revival Center for Yoga

Nurture Our Nature Day Retreat @ Lapham Park

Saturday, Feb 1st, 12:30-4:30pm with Jessica, Gino + Ella

Join us as we cultivate space to nurture our nature, amongst the tranquillity of the woods. We gather around the fire at Lapham Peak in the Trecker Lodge. Gino, Jessica and Ella have prepared meditations (including Yoga Nidra), movement (asana, with an additional invitation to hike in nature), and tea practices to nurture, soothe, and warm the core. Bring a notebook/journal, writing utensil, other snacks, water bottles, your own mug, etc. and any other creature comforts to support your spiritual practice. This is all about offering yourself comfort and warmth.

Exchange: $55 standard or $75 sponsor, Register HERE

Chakra Healing Series (monthly through April)

Saturday, Feb 1st, 1-2:30pm with Olivia Flood + Vanessa Weber

Deepen your understanding of the chakra system! Each session will provide an opportunity to explore your connection to the subtle energies of the mind, body and spirit through a relaxing energetic release of the chakras. Restorative postures and guided meditation combined with a variety of energetic healing techniques. The energy healing therapy will be facilitated in a heart-centered and intentional approach with the optional use of light touch or hands near the body to clear to balance and energize the human energy system.

Exchange: $35, Register HERE

Up next: Saturday, March 8th and April 12th

Bi-Monthly Wisdom Wind Down Restore

1st and 3rd Fridays, Feb 7th + 21st, 4-5pm with derria byrd

The truth of yoga is what happens beyond the mat. Cultivate your inner light through guided asana (postures), pranayama (breath), and meditation (focus) in this end-of-the-week class designed to help you shake off the tethers from the week and reconnect to your true wisdom. This hatha yoga class focuses on yogic intention and bodily alignment alongside the invitation to stillness and rest. Each class includes teachings on how to nourish your internal wisdom and nurture "an undefended heart,” in pursuit of liberation (moksha) for all beings.

Exchange: Any class pass, Register HERE

Art + Heart, 2-Part Still Life Drawing Series

2 Saturdays, Feb 8th + 15th, 1-3pm with Mickey Thiry

We spark realization through embodiment! Join the Heart sangha for regular art classes with passionate makers and artists! Each series set will shift and change media and motivation! February spotlights drawing skills through still life! Mickey will curate objects and various media (materials) to study shape, texture, shading and how the senses of the body (seeing, feeling, etc.) can communicate with the mind and physical body through connected means to translate those objects onto paper.

Exchange: $50, Register HERE

Up next: Saturday March 8th + 15th @ 3:30pm Mala Making

Open Mic Night at Heart Center

Saturday, Feb 8th, 6:30-8:30pm with Caitlyn + Dave

Our sangha invites you for a gathering to spotlight your soul! See, hear and celebrate each other's unique essence with a night of open mic! Sing a song, recite a poem, perform a skit/sketch/piece or tell a story... the possibilities are as limitless as there are people! Cover comes with signature mocktail!

Exchange: $15, Register HERE

Community Crafternoons: Watercolor Play

Sunday, Feb 9th, 3-5pm with Mickey Thiry

Crafting sessions include an opening circle and meditation, followed by demonstration/ explanation of the focused craft/ activity. Most of our time is dedicated to working at community tables with open space to craft and chat. The last portion of the time is dedicated to closing. We will share projects + anything that came up during the session. We close with a bow and a collective breath. Let's prioritize sensory play!

Exchange: Min $15, Register HERE

Up next: Sunday, March 9th and 23rd (yep, 2 in March!)

Mindful Community Interfaith Circle

Every 2nd Tuesday, Feb 11th, 7:15pm with Heidi Nehring

Join us to explore the redefining of relationship with Spirit, through meditation and community connection. In these sessions we explore the obstacles and barriers that may hinder us from having a greater connection with Spirit or Source. All faiths and practices are encouraged to attend as we walk through an exploration of what separates and what binds. Let us ask what it means to find common ground and to love one another.

Exchange: Pay-as-you-wish, Register HERE

Up next: Tuesday, March 11th

Mindful Community Men's Circle

Every 3rd Tuesday, Feb 18th, 7:30pm with Gino Napolitano

This circle is intended to be a safe space for men (he/they - whomever identifies in this space) to listen and share alongside one another in an accepting community. Everyone is invited to introduce themselves and the facilitator will share an introductory grounding experience, a brief support teaching that corresponds to the monthly wisdom teachings, plus a guided mindfulness meditation. Our remaining time will be spent in community discussion and connection. All paths are welcome and all people are encouraged to attend.

Exchange: Pay-as-you-wish, Register HERE

Up next: Tuesday, March 18th with Adam Lucks

Sangha Song Circle

Friday, Feb 21st, 6-7:30pm with Lisa Maxfield

"If you can talk, you can sing!" Singing has been used as effective medicine for body, soul and community in many cultures throughout human history. The act of singing calls us to connect with our body, our breath, our ability to listen and our ability to feel. The voice is our most personal instrument. Whenever we show up, in vulnerability, to use it, we affirm our own agency to express and to respond. Through singing uplifting mantras, chant, hymns and heart songs, we will co-create an experience where every voice is heard, honored, respected, loved and empowered. Come as you are. No prior singing experience is needed! Percussive instruments also welcome!

Exchange: $15, Register HERE

Mindful Queer Community Circle

Every 4th Tuesday, Feb 25th, 7:15pm with Meg Lucks + Elias Sol

This circle is queer and trans facilitated and is intended to be a safe space for LGBTQAI+ people to listen and share alongside one another in an accepting community. Everyone is invited to introduce themselves and the facilitator will share an introduction along with a brief dharma teaching. The facilitator will guide the group into a short meditation, and the remaining time will be spent in community discussion. All paths are welcome and all people are encouraged to attend.

Exchange: Pay-as-you-wish, Register HERE

Introduction to Nejang: Tibetan Healing Yoga

Saturday, Mar 1st, 7:15pm with Vanessa Weber

Nejang (Tibetan གནས་སྦྱངས་) is a gentle healing practice consisting of 24 simple physical exercises which use breathwork, self-massage, and meditative concentration to open and purify the channels, balance subtle energies of the body, relax the mind, and nourish the inner organs. Tibetans say it is "knotted channels" and "imbalanced energies" that prevent us from living in a state of pure awareness and non-dualism. By using the body, mind, and breath, we can heal from the obstacles (or poisons) of confusion/ignorance of separate self, anger/aggression and desire/attachments and reveal our Vajra Being, diamond-like and indestructible, or our truest nature. With roots in the Indian Kalachakra tradition (one that sees the body as a microcosm of the universe), such exercises have been prescribed by Tibetan physicians for centuries to improve health and vitality and to support spiritual practice. Nejang is predominantly done seated and can be done so on a cushion or chair.

Exchange: $38, Register HERE

Up next: April 19th, 10:30-11:45am

Monthly Prana Practice

Friday, Mar 14th, 6-8pm with Jerry Becker

The Prana Practice Session is for persons willing to discover, practice and advance their skills and knowledge in Energy Healing in a group learning environment. All are most welcome to attend. There will be a half hour check in, Q & A, including teaching or reviewing techniques, then 1x1 exchanges. Healing Touch Program Level 4 Apprentices are welcome following the exchanges for a half hour Mentor review of Certification needs following the energy exchanges (with an additional fee towards the facilitators if needed). All persons are welcome to ask questions, compare notes, practice, and experience energy work in a nonjudgemental supportive environment.

Exchange: Pay-as-you-wish, Register HERE

Note - no practice will be held in April!

Yoga + Physical Therapy

Saturday, Mar 15th with Jody + Dr. Lindsay Rush

We invite you to dive deeper into your physical healing practices this year by exploring the body through restorative yoga postures accompanied by the physical therapy technologies of *dry needling and/or *cupping to target trigger points and help alleviate muscle tightness, pain and discomfort. This integrative session is facilitated and curated by Heart Guide, Jody Friedenberger alongside PT Dr. Lindsay Rush, with Beyond Physical Therapy. This holistic 90 minute healing workshop aims to introduce participants to the opportunity to see how these forms can complement one another to enhance your self-care practices, by going more directly to the source.

Exchange: $38, Register HERE

What's ahead in 2026? Announcements coming soon!

Winter: Guatemala and Costa Rica

Spring/Summer: Portugal

Autumn: Cambodia