Grounded Here, Kalispell, MT (2025)

12/12/2024

“Your authenticity is intimidating,” she said after firing me. “You ask too many questions, and you should go run your own organization.” She told me I’d build a great team and a supportive environment, but that she didn’t need my help.
Has anyone ever told you something like this? Was your initial reaction something like mine...to feel taken aback, confused, shut down, ashamed, fearful that being yourself is too much, and you need to change to fit in? One thing is true, I’d need to change to fit in. I’m no longer interested in fitting in. Rather, I’m taking her advice to heart and doing my own thing (again)…scroll for details!
If you’re hiding your light because someone has implied, or outright told you that being your bold, clear, bright, passionate, authentic self is intimidating,
Don’t forget it’s also:
MAGIC
your SUPER POWER
your RESPONSIBILITY
INSPIRES others’ authenticity
and
BREAKS the CYCLE of the status quo, of supremacy culture.
Hi, I’m Andy! I’ve learned a lot of things about working on teams the hard way. To help interrupt patterns of burnout, fatigue, hopelessness and disconnection in your career, I’d like to offer my skills as a seasoned group facilitator. Teams ready to build welcoming, healthy work cultures and not afraid to hear the truth from the entire team about how to improve the environment for everyone — I’m looking for you! Group facilitators and organizational development consultants supporting teams like this already — let’s connect to learn and grow together!
What has someone told you that felt like an insult, but actually affirmed your spirit and propelled you in the direction your heart has been calling you to go? Share in the comments!

11/05/2024

So this is 40! Hi I’m Andy (they/she). I’ve always loved getting older. This year, though, brought up more reflection than most, more rumination, more longing. Posting on the day of a major election, in the middle of multiple genocides, I acknowledge that no celebration, nor any choice, happens with out impacting or being impacted by the deep traumas and fear all around us.
I’m on a chosen grand adventure with my partner and pup. It’s been harder than anticipated. Between moving, challenging discussions, caregiving, being sick, and so much death in the world empowered by our tax dollars, I’ve done my best to stick to my plans, see the beauty, and practice gratitude. AND, I’ve pushed past needs I didn’t want to need - more rest, solitude, unplanned time.
We don’t get to choose our needs. And while I have shared practices of self-love for years now, I’m still learning to implement them. Difficultly often deepens the intensity of my needs. It also amplifies my self-consciousness and fear of letting people down.
After some hard moments this week, I finally paused. With the help of ‘s Transverse deck, I was reminded that what’s within me /will/ surface. If I don’t give it a way to surface smoothly, it will erupt in its own time.
As the year progresses, I’m hopeful I can look back to that day and remember that I know how to pause, to ask for what I need, and resist the temptation to be led by expectations without regarding regarding their impact on me or others.
I’m still learning. Still growing. Still changing.
In many ways, that’s what this adventure is about - carving out space for what is underneath the hustle of maintaining a life pushed forward by the need to pay off debts (house, car, etc).
It makes sense that what’s showing up are untended to fears and old patterns that feed off of fear. I’m grateful for the resources I have to honor this time of seasonal and life transition, for the wisdom of my teachers, ancestors present and past, and the natural elements that remind me I am grounded here, wherever I find myself.
What keeps you grounded in major transitions and a broken world?
See caption.

10/07/2024

Tomorrow marks one year from the extreme uptick of murdering innocent Palestinians AKA genoc!de. The brutality is now expanding. I plan to call my reps. And also take time in silence to reflect on how I want to continue to oppose US weapons going to support the death of so many humans simply trying to live.
Yes, you may feel helpless or like your actions aren’t impactful. If you need courage, connect with others taking daily action, join the phone banking chat for your state, count your privileges and then use your privilege to turn heads and cause people to think differently.
Yes, you may feel tired. Take care of yourself. Prioritize your wellbeing. And connect with others who you can relate. Make calls together. Listen and learn together. Lean on one another. And remember, unless you are are experiencing homelessness, you’re likely not as tired as someone who has had to relocate tens of times on one year. Take the time you need to rest, and regain your strength. And continue to show up for what you believe in.
No matter how small or infrequent your action is, it matters. Boycott. Learn and share. Grieve. Pray. Call your reps.

How will you take action?
How will you reflect?
[images of signs reading: Stop Supporting US/Israel War Machine, Liberation for All, Merica-it’s not terrorism when we do it, If killing kids is the answer you’re asking the wrong question]

08/24/2024

It’s getting real!!!!
3 more weeks in Montana. One more backyard bash (tomorrow)
🫶🏼

08/22/2024

Imagine with me...Imagine you can detach yourself from right or wrong in this moment.
Imagine you can detach yourself from any plan you have for November. Imagine that voting is an opportunity to express your true values. Imagine voting for the candidates that most align with your heart. Imagine having people in office who care deeply about the things that you do.
Are you imagining yet?
Slow down.
Pause.
Visualize and feel into what this could be.
Imagine you could actually choose the candidates that represent you, rather than choosing those you think will beat the candidates that causes the most harm. Imagine voting for the person who believes in the most good, and may finally follow through .
I wonder if we all voted this way... ..if there would be less violent campaigns and less violence overall. I wonder if there would be many more political parties. I wonder if we all voted this way if there would healthy debates of educated people who care about our world, between people who could enhance each other, grow together make our country better.
Imagine that everyone who might be planning to vote for a candidate who doesn’t represent them just because they’re the “better” option, instead voted with their heart, every time, not just in the primary.
Overtime what could happen?
Could we actually move toward change?
Instead of staying stuck in a two party and divisive system that is predicated on causing harm to the other side? Could we move away from a system that isn’t accountable for its injustices, continues to perpetuate war, and send money abroad to kill innocent people? Imagine voting your conscience.
Imagine voting your conscience. Imagine if we all all did. Imagine if it wasn’t about competition, but about standing in your authenticity, following through, caring for our people, caring for all people, caring for the earth, and being honest.
(Continued in comments)

07/30/2024

We’re still here. Join us every week at noon on the sidewalk in front of Depot Park in Kalispell.
Bring a friend. Carry a sign (we often have extras). As Devin and I prepare to leave the valley, we are looking for more local leaders. Join us for our monthly meetings on the first Saturday following the rally to learn more about how you can be involved. (Next meeting is August 3.)
#🍉

07/23/2024

Join us a Thursday for a community pint night ($1 per pint 🍺 sold between 5&8pm will support
Our raffle contains a handmade wooden bowl, Norwex spa kit, growler fills at Bias, quartz candle holders, and more!
It’s been an honor to serve as Biard President for this incredible nonprofit for the past almost two years!!
See you Thursday!!

07/22/2024

Nourishing my soul feels essential this summer - to be able to show up for justice, with kindness for my loves, my students, and to honor my worth as a human being. Spending my privilege (meaning continuing to put my comfort on the line by speaking up so others can have their need met) truly requires a commitment to my own wellbeing and it is with deep gratitude and recognition of these truths that I share this post. My hiking, swimming, listening to music and being with dear people did not stop the multiple genocides, but it did reinvigorate me to keep showing up.
What are you doing that allows you to keep showing up for justice?
Photos 1-5 are of my friend and I hiking Mt. Siyeh in Glacier National Park - my first 10k foot peak!
Photos 6-8 are at the Montana Folk Festival - camping at McGruff, dancing with a dear friend in the street and my love wearing my a Detroit Tigers Batgirl t shirt from 1992 while taking pictures.
9 - with my lil sis on Flathead Lake. Can’t believe she’s 15.5!! So grateful for her in my life
10 - with Devin, enjoying out final full summer in Montana (at least for a while) - we hit the road for long term travel in September!! More on that soon.

07/09/2024

Join us for another backyard bash! On July 20 we will be supporting with a substance-free potluck, talk about composting toilets, and open mic (poetry, song, karaoke, comedy…you choose!)
BYO: dish to pass, mess kit (plate/bowl, fork, spoon, cup/drink, donation for , camp chair or blanket, a song, poem, story or comedy bit, friends and family!
Yes, you can be an open mic observer🙃
T A L K I N ‘ S H ! T & O P E N M I C
July 20, 6-9pm
Kalispell (DM for location)

07/02/2024

On Saturday, June 22, 2024, I had the honor of co-hosting a statewide rally for more than 60 Montanans for Palestine. It is one of the things I feel most proud of in my life and still I wish it didn’t have to be done.
We gathered, we trained in deescalation, we sang, we wrote - what’s on our hearts about Palestine, who we want to remember, and of the world we’re dreaming - we grieved, we spoke, we listened, we marched, we chanted, we rallied.
I wish we did not have to do this.
And since we do, we do with our whole hearts.
I’m so grateful for those who joined our team of 8 de-escalators who practiced with care. I’m so grateful for .lo_art who painted the artwork for our posters. I’m so grateful to our first aid team, our photographers, our speakers (Brendan Work, co-founder of and local Jewish Community member, Hilary Shaw). I’m so grateful for our creative folks who made signs, led us in making bracelets and read an book to remind us of our collective power. I’m so grateful for those who drove in from Ronan and Missoula. I’m so grateful for for compiling songs for us to sing and to my friend, Sarah Williams, for helping me lead the music! I’m so grateful to the bakeries that shared coffee and donuts, the friend that lent his sound system, those who brought artifacts from their travels to Palestine, and so many more!
And still, I wish we didn’t have to do this. I wish our leaders had the backbone to stop sending money and weapons to perpetuate a genocide. I wish those who have the power to negotiate for a peaceful solution, in which everyone had a safe place to live and move freely, would do so. I wish children were not dying under the rumble and losing limbs. I wish parents were not outliving their starving children. I wish hospitals and press were considered sacred and essential. I wish we could all be free.
We have been gathering weekly now for over 40 weeks and calling our representatives daily. Join us any and every Saturday at noon at Depot Park in Kalispell for solidarity, friendship, learning, and building education and collective action in our community ❤️💔🇵🇸

06/17/2024

Continue to celebrate Pride Month 🏳️‍🌈 with community yoga on Mondays starting tomorrow!
Cooling Summer Yoga
7-8:15pm
Sliding Scale Rates
Details at “Community Yoga” link in bio
Location available upon registration
[pictured: 1. Cooling Summer Yoga graphic - Andy teaching a group outside; 2. with .gerth1980 3. Pride face paint and butterfly temporary tattoos]
***ryoga

06/10/2024

For more than 25 weeks the Flathead chapter of has been gathering to protest the genocide in Gaza, the Israeli occupation of Palestine, and to call for a ceasefire, return of all hostages (Israeli and Palestinian), and aid to reach displaced Palestinians. On June 22, we’re inviting people from across the state to join us in Kalispell’s Depot Park.
Saturday, June 22, 2024
11am - vigil for martyrs and those impacted by loss
11:30 - song circle
12pm - speakers, March and rally
We will also have space for bracelet making, need volunteers to help finish a a special project (DM me) and an opportunity to make a 🍉 bracelet.
We are looking for volunteers with deescalation skills, first aid skills, organizing and facilitating skills, to support our on going work locally. DM for details.
See you in less than 2 weeks at Depot Park. (And yes, we will continue to rally on Saturdays at noon including June 15. Show up to that one to learn more and get connected before 6/22!)
There is no room for racism in this movement. There is no room for antisemitism in this movement. We will not accept antisemitic rhetoric at our rallies. We will not allow distribution of any reading materials outside of our cause. 🍉 🇵🇸
Please spread widely.
🇵🇸

06/10/2024

May your heart be so full of stretch marks (hat tip: ) this month. Stretching to fully love and care for your own true nature, stretching to love and care for those who don’t quite see their own true nature, stretching to see the interconnectedness of us all.
I’ve been home with a sore throat and fatigue instead of attending all the things I had hoped to this weekend. Listening to audio books and mending my 🏳️‍🌈flag that battled a sharp edge on our gutter all winter.
Repairing the flag has been meditative and nourishing. My first pride flag was stolen, the flag pole broken, by two teens a few years back. I saw it happen and it rattled me. Now this flag feels like more than a flag that can easily be replaced for $15 and a bit of plastic (fossil fuels) and a lot of shipping across an ocean (more fossil fuels). It reminds me of the resilience of many. The resilience q***r folks and people of all communities that have to face unfathomable barriers just to survive is not a choice, but a necessity.
It reminds me that our freedom is connected to every other living being on this earth, and the earth itself. That our struggles are connected. That our needs are the rooted in a common place, yet our strategies to meet them often cause harm and isolate us from one another and the truth of our human connection.
For none of us are free until all of us are free.
[pictured: 1. And 2. Different angles of my (Andy) hands mending my flag. 📸 .gerth1980 3. Image of the flag at present, partially mended with mixed fabrics, including old jeans.]
̇ne

06/09/2024

Now is the time to go deep with our communities to hold space for growth and healing, for transformation and reconciliation.
I had the honor of meditating a conversation this week. Folks could have decided it wasn’t worth it and canceled each other by letting it fester, separating themselves from each other permanently or blaming one another completely and not taking ownership. Instead, they showed up, were raw and honest, apologized, thanked each other, and set new boundaries.
This is the opposite of cancel culture. If you are afraid to address a challenging situation due to fear of shame or embarrassment, and have the resources for mediation or learning a skill like nonviolent communication that could help you navigate it, I encourage you to invite courage to lead you to trying something that may lead to healing. Yes, your fear, shame, anxiety, embarrassment will likely stick along for the ride. And, by being present with yourself and others, listening, and moving through the hard stuff, you and your community have an opportunity to strengthen instead of crumble. Yes, your relationships may shift. Yes, new boundaries will likely need to be set. And Yes, you have have an opportunity to remember that we are all human, doing our best to meet our needs in a world where many of us are walking around with deep wounds while hustling to make ends meet.
When we have the opportunity for healing and it is safe to explore it, but we choose instead to cut off others, I believe we also cut off a part of ourselves. Not everyone will be on for healing, but if you are, start there. Seek support from professional mediators and facilitators.

“We won’t end the systemic patterns of harm by isolating and picking off individuals, just as we can’t limit the communicative power of mycelium by plucking a single mushroom from the dirt… We need to flood the entire system with life-affirming principles and practices, to clear the channels between us of the toxicity of supremacy, to heal from the harms of a legacy of devaluing some lives and needs in order to indulge others.” -

05/21/2024

Two special Family Friendly Yoga class are coming right up!!
Join me:
***r for 2024 Pride with a Family Yoga Class from 5:30-6pm on Friday, June 7 in the Gateway Mall in Kalispell. FREE or donate to GQA
for a Family Yoga Class supporting my on Monday, June 10 from 5:30-6:30pm. Suggested donation $10-20.
I love offering classes to support our community and especially when kids are involved. Show up ready to move and be playful with folks of all ages.
Both classes are all levels and full of modifications, opportunities for connection and exploring light-hearted ways to move in our bodies.
***ryoga

05/13/2024

To me..Yes, these quotes are about Palest!ne. Yes, these quotes about about losing my job. Yes, these quotes are about living in a community where hateful rhetoric about immigrants and people experiencing homelessness are commonplace from those in leadership. Yes, these quotes are about our planet and broken hearts, villages, families, and futures.
“We are divorced from the sustainable systems and that even means how we treat people. We’re in this power-over, which is very costly. It takes a lot to power over someone. You can’t continue to power over other people, because it is not natural.” - Aimée Cater as shared with on the Finding Refuge podcast
“If ignoring others is not the answer, then please don’t ignore yourself. Ever. You deserve more than fleeing your precious, wise emotions. I know it’s uncomfortable, even downright brutal. But trust me, it’s almost never a pain as enduring as the one you are running away from.” - Tanner Sethi, M.D. as printed in JOY IS MY JUSTICE, p. 22
Where in your life can shift from power with from power over? I’m looking into divesting from companies complicit in gen0cide that I’m currently invested in.
How can you tend to your emotions and make space for what is? I find that when I do, my capacity broadens.

05/02/2024

This image is not current. The film is not either. And yet, the devastation is horrendous. The separation unjust, to say the least.
As you witness college campuses erupt with ferocity over the genocide in Palestine (perhaps you aren’t yet recognizing it as a genocide. Perhaps you don’t see Palestine as a place), do you want to better understand why they are so angry? Why they are demanding the bombs to stop? Why they are asking for liberation for all, an end to antisemitism and an end to Islamophobia?
Then join us on Friday, May 10 from 6:30 - 9:30pm at:
Glacier Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
1515 Trumble Creek Rd
Kalispell, MT 59901
We will take time honor lives lost in the current conflict and the past 75+ years, watch the film Road to Apartheid (exploring the occupation of Palestine and its parallel with South African apartheid, and have a facilitated discussion.
Our time together will be intentionally informative, kind, open, caring and peaceful. Please attend with curiosity and a nonviolent approach to learning and engaging.

04/27/2024

Need a blast of Spring energy? This 5 week invigorating series has you covered!
We will focus on warming poses with modifications for all bodies and abilities to support you in the the most significant seasonal transition of the year. Our postures, breath work and meditation practices will focus on grounding through our legs, opening our hearts, and building strength.
And yes, some sweet and nourishing resting poses, too🙌🏼
Sign up at Community Yoga link in bio.
Sliding scale rates!

Grounded Here

12/12/2024

11/05/2024

10/07/2024

08/24/2024

08/22/2024

07/30/2024

07/23/2024

07/22/2024

07/09/2024

07/02/2024

06/17/2024

06/10/2024

06/10/2024

06/09/2024

05/21/2024

05/13/2024

05/02/2024

04/27/2024

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