Balanced Yoga & Wellness

Balanced Yoga & Wellness BYW is a referral-based private practice in Berlin, MD that offers evidence-informed Yoga Therapy Why not strive to become as fully integrated as possible?

BY&W employs an inter-disciplinary approach to the art and science of yoga: from mindful movement and breath-centered practices, to positive psychology and the latest in anatomy, neuroscience and pain research, our aim is to bring the nervous and musculoskeletal systems back into functional balance, to increase stress resilience (our ability to 'cope'), and from that space, encourage integration o

f the body-mind-spirit complex. The goal is a sense of self-empowerment through connectedness - whether it's the lumbo-sacral rhythm, the head-to-heart (thoughts-to-emotions), the gut-to-brain (the enteric nervous system), or the Self-to-the-Whole...what we create on the microcosm of our sticky mat, we bring to the macrocosm of our world.

I am grateful  for the opportunity to participate in the Workplace Wellness Fair at Wor-Wic Community College last week....
05/12/2026

I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in the Workplace Wellness Fair at Wor-Wic Community College last week.

It was fun to connect with faculty and staff, share a little about my work, and meet some new faces along the way.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the table, shared conversation, participated in Chair Yoga, or simply took a moment to connect. There is something meaningful about gathering in spaces that support well-being, presence, and community.

Deep appreciation to Wor-Wic for welcoming me and creating space for these conversations and experiences to unfold.

05/11/2026

There are moments when my mind begins adding layers…
solving, preparing, analyzing, seeking certainty.

Beneath that lies potential for something quieter,
something clear,
something ...simple.

My body relates to simplicity in its own way,
differently than my mind.
There is a spaciousness,
an ease in my breath,
a sense of steadiness...

a wondering if perhaps things are more simple than my mind is interpreting.

QOTW: Where am I making something more complicated than it needs to be?

How might it feel to notice how your body responds to this question, not your mind?
What feels layered?
What feels clear?
What begins to soften when there is less to carry?

What ifwe’re misinterpreting discontentmentthrough the foggy lens of outdated survival rules & identities instead of see...
05/08/2026

What if
we’re misinterpreting discontentment
through the foggy lens
of outdated survival rules & identities
instead of seeing it as
the evolutionary impulse for change
that it is?

bare feet in grasssunlight on skinquiet return to selfnourishment that issimple, steady, always availableabiding in ease...
05/05/2026

bare feet in grass
sunlight on skin
quiet return to self

nourishment that is
simple, steady, always available

abiding in ease

nervous system begins to settle
breath finds its natural rhythm
heart’s longings emerge
body remembers - or learns - �
what it feels like to be supported
spirit speaks

grounding:
step outside, soar inside

notice what shifts

softening
steadiness
surprise at how much complexity can be held
in the simplicity
of simply being

nourished

05/03/2026

There is a place in you that senses what feels steady… what feels true… before the mind begins to sort or seek.

And there are moments when attention moves outward… gathering perspectives, searching for clarity, reaching beyond yourself.

Both belong to the experience of being human.

QOTW: When do I trust myself, and when do I look outside for answers?

TRY THIS:
Whatever you are doing right now, pause for a moment and notice how each of these feels in your body.

What are the sensations of steadiness?

Wait for the impulse toward movement to arise from within.
From where does it originate? What are the qualities of that urge?

Now, delay. Intentionally hesitate and let it build.

Come into a deeper relationship with this feeling and build trust in your ability to feel the urge, be touched by the impulse, and stay for one more breath than you would have otherwise.

Building this awareness, this capacity to touch and stay, to ride the wave of impulse, is the beginning of transformation. It is the beginning of self-mastery.

If it feels supportive, spend some time here and observe what arises.

there are moments when everything can feel heavyuncertainhard to see clearlythe mind looks outward for something to chan...
05/01/2026

there are moments when everything can feel heavy
uncertain
hard to see clearly

the mind looks outward for something to change
to fix
longing to bring light back in

beneath that, there is something steady
quiet
ever present

the light is not something you need to find
it is not outside of you
look within

if everything around you seems dark
look again
you may be the light
-Rumi

Serious About Play was a seriously fun event! The nerd in me got her needs met by sharing some of the neuroscience behin...
04/28/2026

Serious About Play was a seriously fun event! The nerd in me got her needs met by sharing some of the neuroscience behind why play is so important to continue throughout our lives, exploring the subtle ways we can incorporate playfulness into daily life, and reflecting on play as information - a state from which intention naturally emerges.

The kid in me enjoyed playing through creative movement, partner work, group exercises, journal prompts, poetry, and more. And of course, 'naptime' at the end (Savasana) to integrate the whole experience.

I loved designing this workshop, and loved participating even more! In fact, there is so.much.more. exploration this topic opens up than we even had time for, and I envision turning this into a multi-day retreat somewhere fun, and adding some other unique elements to round it out.

Based on strong interest and limited space, I've decided to run it again in June! Sunday, June 14th (9am to 12pm) at the same location, Abbi Custis Art Studio ( ) in Salisbury, MD. Stay tuned for registration link! In the meantime, keep playing!

04/26/2026

There is a natural movement within us toward expression, a quiet sense that something inside is very much alive, seeking form, longing to evolve from mere idea or inspiration into something more concrete.

A truth, a creation, a way of being that is ready to emerge.

It may show up as a gentle tug on your heart, a spark of excitement or curiosity, or a steady inner nudge that continues to return. These are the ways you know that whatever this idea, creation, or framework is, you - and only you - are the one who is meant to create it.

QOTW: What is still asking to be expressed through me, and why?

This question invites you to listen inward and notice what is ready for space, voice, and form.
What you give attention to begins to take shape.
What you welcome has room to grow.

If you feel moved, I welcome your reply, be it a comment or a private message. I’d love to hear what’s tugging at your heart, ready to be expressed through you.

What we pay attention to can influence how we feel,just as how we feel influences what we notice[through the salience ne...
04/24/2026

What we pay attention to can influence how we feel,
just as how we feel influences what we notice
[through the salience network of the brain].

When attention stays on what is fast and loud
it begins to mimic that pace �
[aka neural entrainment].

When we consciously attune to what is simple and steady
something in us begins to settle.

A sense of inner peace can grow as our focus is directed here:
notice, right now, what is simple and steady?
Touch.�
Stay.
Feel.
Breathe.
Love.
Be.

Accompanying longer days, lightened moods, and color at every turn, Spring beckons a shift toward lighter, fresher foods...
04/21/2026

Accompanying longer days, lightened moods, and color at every turn, Spring beckons a shift toward lighter, fresher foods.

Salads can be a simple way to support the body with hydration, fiber, and a variety of nutrients that help with digestion, energy, and overall balance.

Crisp greens, fresh vegetables, and savory herbs…seasonal ingredients offer both nourishment and texture, making it easier to stay connected to what feels good in and for the body.

Nourishment is more inviting when it’s playful, artful, even; mixing flavors, colors, and textures keeps it interesting and exploratory - delightful to the eyes as much as the tongue!

I enjoy making my own dressings, simple, fresh, and easy to adjust depending on what I’m craving that day.

Stay tuned. In an upcoming Nourishment post (every two weeks), I will share a few of my favorite simple dressings!

04/19/2026

How we respond in challenging situations can reveal a lot about the state of our nervous system.

Facing an unexpected challenge can activate patterns that run quietly in the background until provoked by pressure, stress, or uncertainty. Turbulent situations can also evoke clarity, resilience, and a deeper sense of capacity.

QOTW: Do challenging situations bring out the best or worst in me?

This reflection may highlight where you feel resourced and where you may still be operating from habit, protection, or reactivity.

I invite you to sit with this question without needing an answer and notice what arises.
If you feel called, you’re welcome to share or send a DM.

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10045 Old Ocean City Boulevard
Berlin, MD
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