Carole Westerman

Holding space today for an incredible group of local executive directors. 🪷

Leadership can be deeply rewarding; and also complex, demanding, and sometimes lonely. There is something powerful about creating a space where leaders can step away from the day-to-day, exhale a little, and talk honestly about both the wins and the challenges of leading. Today was about connection, reflection, shared wisdom, and learning from one another… with a little inspiration from Wolfpack along the way. 📚✨

I’m continually reminded that leaders need spaces where they don’t have to have all the answers. Sometimes they simply need a place to show up, be real, and know they’re not navigating it alone. Grateful to hold the space. 🪷

Summer mornings on the deck have become one of my favorite rituals. ☀️🌿

I settle into my swinging chair with my iced coffee, my journal, and whatever page is waiting for me in The Book of Awakening. 📖🧊☕️

The hummingbirds are usually busy at the feeder.
The birds are singing.
My dogs are somewhere nearby. 🐾
And for a little while, there is nowhere else I need to be.

I’ve come to appreciate these small pockets of quiet more and more, the chance to read, reflect, notice what’s around me, and begin the day slowly instead of immediately rushing into it.

Nothing elaborate. Just a few simple things that help me feel present before the day unfolds.

This is summer for me. 💛

I’m so honored to have a new article featured on the Hugger Mugger Yoga Products blog:

“Five Lessons Two Decades of Teaching Yoga Have Taught Me.”

After more than 20 years of teaching, I’ve learned that yoga is rarely about achieving the perfect pose. It is about creating possibility, meeting ourselves with curiosity, adapting the practice to the person, and remembering that rest is part of the practice too.

In the article, I share five lessons that have shaped not only the way I teach yoga, but also the way I understand growth, healing, and what it means to truly support another person.

Thank you to Hugger Mugger for inviting me to contribute as part of your 40th anniversary celebration! It feels especially meaningful to write for a company whose props have supported my teaching, and my students, for so many years.

Five Lessons Two Decades of Teaching Yoga Have Taught Me Discover five meaningful lessons from 20 years of teaching yoga, including accessible poses, yoga props, rest, simplicity, and mindful self-awareness.

Rainy day, work from home vibes. ❤️

I’ve been teaching Yoga for more than 20 years! 😮

And over the past few years, I realized I’ve been teaching nervous system regulation all along. 🧠

The poses matter.
The breath matters.
The mindfulness matters.

But over two decades, what has struck me most wasn’t flexibility or perfect alignment. It’s watching people walk into the room carrying the weight of their week…and leave breathing more deeply and feeling more like themselves. 🌿

For years I described what I taught as yoga. Now I understand that yoga has always been one of the most profound nervous system regulation practices I’ve ever encountered, and that in some ways that’s what I’m actually teaching. 💫

Science has given me new language for something I had been witnessing for years. The practices haven’t changed, but my understanding of why they work has evolved. 🫯

I’m curious to hear from others on this perspective. 💕🪷

Being in my backyard with my dogs and hummingbirds is one of my happy places. Specifically in this hanging chair. Bonus points if it involves iced coffee and journaling. Extra bonus points if it involves 1+ family members hanging out with me too. 10/10 recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
And major shout out to my husband who lovingly does all the yard work! 😍
And as I’m writing this two hummingbirds- a male & female- just flew right up to my face and hovered! They’ve been doing that a lot the past two days! It’s miraculous! 🐦‍⬛🐦‍⬛

Creating spaces where leaders can exhale.

Today I had the privilege of facilitating a restorative yoga and sound bath experience for nonprofit leaders in our community.

Leadership asks so much of people. Sometimes the most productive thing we can do isn’t push harder; it’s create space to pause, regulate, and reconnect.

Rest isn’t stepping away from leadership.
It’s part of leading well.

🥣✨

Need a nervous system reset?
I’ve got you!

Nervous System Reset with Tapping, Ear Massage & Havening This is a practice that includes 3 stand alone Vagal Toning practic...

Prepping the space to hold an event for non-profit leaders in the community. Restorative Yoga with Sound Bath. 🧘🏻‍♀️🧘🏾‍♀️🥣✨