In Memory of a Friend: Yoga in the Orchard
Lexi Major is one of four teachers leading Yoga in the Orchard this fall. This special series of classes benefits Park Hill Orchard and is dedicated to the memory of a beloved friend.
I'd like to take a moment to tell the story of how Yoga in the Orchard got started.
When Russell and Elaine purchased Park Hill Orchard, they had a tiny farm stand. About 17 years ago, one of the first visitors was Charity, a beloved friend to many of us, and the owner of Indigo Massage and Healing Center in Easthampton (later in Florence).
Charity had an endearing spirit and an amazing gift for creating community wherever she went. She proposed hosting outdoor yoga classes at Park Hill Orchard; Russell and Elaine readily agreed. Right from the beginning they wanted to share the orchard, and envisioned many public events on the property.
To build community, Charity always hosted all-levels yoga classes that were accessible to everyone, and while there was a suggested donation for the classes, no one was ever turned away. Charity wanted as many people to participate as possible!
In another effort to build community, Charity invited many different yoga teachers to lead the classes. This is a blissful opportunity for a teacher! There is nothing quite like teaching yoga outdoors! All you need to do is put your bare feet on the grass, take a deep breath and take in the natural beauty around you—no yoga poses required… though we always did them anyway!
Sadly, Charity passed away in 2022. Many of us felt that it was absolutely necessary to keep Yoga in the Orchard alive, and to do this in the same spirit that Charity would have—honoring community and honoring the land.
Arden, Jen, Brian and I are some of the teachers who've led class over the years, and we are so happy to continue the tradition.
We are so thankful to Park Hill Orchard for hosting the event, to Sanctuary for pro-bono design work and promotion, and to all the teachers and participants.
All proceeds will go right back to the Orchard!
