Hapi Yogi Instructors Hope to Bring Healing to Sandy Hook Community

Instructors from Westfield's Hapi Yogi will travel to Newtown, Conn. Saturday, Dec. 22 in an effort to bring healing to the community in the wake of the deadly school shooting that took place on Friday, Dec. 14.

Amorette Farella, owner of the East Broad Street studio, said she and her colleagues are at a loss of words but want to do what they can to support the Sandy Hook Healing Project.

"All of us want to do something, so we are doing what we can," she said. "We're offering the things we can provide. Being there and being strong and sensitive and open, allowing friends and family to begin to heal." 

Farella explained that she and four others will join what she described as "an overnight grassroots effort" that will include Reiki, yoga and meditation practioners. While the day-long event will not take place in a yoga studio, Farella said materials are being attained and a sacred space will be created. She added that the classes will be open to all within the community at no charge. No registration is required. 

"I hope that people will feel comfortable and come to this," Farella said. "People sometimes think it seems selfish but they so need to take care of themselves. It's important to do something healthy and good for you too."

All proceeds from classes held on Saturday, Dec. 22 at Hapi Yogi also will benefit SandyHookHeals.com

Giving back to the community is something that has been part of the studio's mission since it opened last January. To celebrate its one-year anniversary, all classes will be offered free of charge on January 2. 

Farella added that in the new year she hopes to expand the studio's offerings for children or "little yogis" as well as add Reiki and perhaps a pilates/yoga fusion class.

"We want to enrich what we offer and we continue to be guided by what interests our instructors and our students," she said. "We are here for everyone. We want to provide a space where people feel welcome and can practice yoga without judgement."

Visit Hapi Yogi's website for class schedules.