Finding Space to Breathe
Breathing Room Collective is building community through mindfulness
By Justin Andress, Active Media
Photos by Malaina Kinne, Active Media
Breathing Room Collective is more than a simple yoga studio. Founder and curator Tess Strand created the space to function as a community touchstone.
“We’ve all heard the saying, ‘It takes a village,’” says Strand. “but we’re accustomed to finding our connections online, through games and social media. Something is missing – we all feel it - but we may not be able to articulate exactly what it is. I believe it’s that sense of community that’s missing. I created the studio because I believe deeply in investing in and connecting to the community. Rediscovering and cultivating this most basic and intrinsic level of connection is crucial to our individual and collective health, especially in the context of our screen-driven lives. Yoga embodies this perfectly, as it asks us to be present –not just to ourselves, but to each other.”
It took Strand just a few days after moving into the 1800-square-foot space to create a calming, welcoming environment. At the back of the studio, an indoor garden with
boulder features provides a gentle touch of nature while in class. The converted warehouse boasts 15-foot ceilings, and 42 feet of mirror runs along one side, creating an airy, restful space. Just entering the studio is soothing, and that’s precisely what Strand intended. It’s right there in the title of her business.
The passion in Strand’s voice is evident when she says, “I created a space where we can all find a little breathing room – where we can be at ease in an uneasy world.”
Cultivating the environment was the first step. The second was fine-tuning a multi-disciplinary team of teachers and facilitators. “I love curating
the class schedule and the workshop experiences we offer,” says Strand.
Tess assembled a robust collection of teachers who guide their own curriculum with her feedback and guidance. “We have such a diverse schedule of offerings. We host sound healings, we offer Reiki, we have classes like Candlelight Hatha, ChakraFlow, and Yin Yoga, and we also offer old-school Vinyasa and Ashtanga. There’s a mix of modalities here for people to access – truly something for everyone.”
Strand makes a point of allowing her teachers to create classes and workshops that speak to their passions. “I want the studio to function as an incubator for teachers, facilitators, and
healers,” says Strand, “supporting them as they’re building up these wonderfully
Under the suggestion of her teachers, visitors to the studio can now engage in a variety of different workshops as well as upcoming yoga teacher training.
Strand is also committed to creating a space that’s open to people from all walks of life. As a result, she strives to keep pricing accessible. Breathing Room welcomes bodies of all sizes, shapes, ages, and abilities. She states, “We welcome open eyes and open minds, and kind and curious hearts.”
“Some people come in to check off their exercise box for the day and
– and that’s exactly why we’re here. Relaxed people are generally happier people – and we need more happiness wandering around in the world, right now, especially.”
Breathing Room Collective is
A Call to Action for Our Planet
The ongoing challenge of sustainability and climate action
By Robert Matsumura, Active Media
Every year on April 22nd, millions of people around the world celebrate Earth Day, a day commemorating environmental protection and raising awareness about our planet’s well-being. But how did Earth Day come about? The story of Earth Day is both fascinating and inspiring, a testament to how a collective push for change can have a lasting impact.
The Spark of the Movement
Earth Day actually dates back to the late 1960s when environmental concerns swelled across the United States. Issues of water pollution, air quality, pesticide use, and the loss of wildlife were looming large in the public consciousness. Rachel Carson’s 1962 book Silent Spring had already brought to light the dangers of pesticides, and a growing concern for the environment was beginning to take root.
It wasn’t until 1969, however, that the idea of Earth Day began to form. Senator Gaylord Nelson from Wisconsin — alarmed by the lack of political attention to environmental issues —vowed to take action. He envisioned a nationwide teach-in focused on the environment to engage the public and pressure politicians to embrace the environmental cause. Nelson drew inspiration in part from the student protests of the 1960s, which demonstrated how grassroots movements could galvanize the public and bring about real change.
The First Earth Day: A Massive Success
Earth Day was born on April 22, 1970. Nelson, with the assistance of activist Dennis Hayes, mobilized an astonishing 20 million Americans across the country — about 10 percent of the U.S. population at the time — who came together in rallies, teach-ins, and protests. The movement was not just about protesting, but about generating a dialogue around the need for environmental regulation and conservation.
The first Earth Day was a monumental success. People from all walks of life came together, including students, teachers, scientists, and activists. For the first time, environmental issues were discussed on a grand scale, clearly showing that protecting the Earth was no longer a niche concern but one that deserved national attention.
The Birth of Environmental Legislation
The success of Earth Day extended far beyond rallies, however. Significant changes in U.S. policy resulted from this event. In the wake of the first Earth Day, Congress passed major environmental legislation, including the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was also created in 1970. It was clear that public opinion had shifted, and lawmakers took notice.
Earth Day Goes Global
Although Earth Day was born in the United States, its message resonated around the world. In 1990, Earth Day went international, with 200 million people in over 140 countries participating. Since then, Earth Day has continued to grow. Events now take place in countries across the globe, with the Earth Day Network actively coordinating the activities.
A Day for Action and Reflection
Today, Earth Day is more relevant than ever. As the planet grapples with climate change, deforestation, and diminishing biodiversity, Earth Day is a reminder that everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment.
So this April 22nd, whether you’re planting a tree, cleaning up a local park, or simply recycling a plastic container, remember that Earth Day is a day to celebrate the planet we all share, ensuring that it continues to be a healthy and enjoyable place for generations to come!
FIGHTING CRITICAL ILLNESS
Hadley’s journey from Wish Kid to Wish Ambassador
Hadley is a beautiful 10 year old girl in the 4th grade. She is splendidly sweet, kind, and of course tremendously full of sass. On April 28, 2023, Hadley was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma Bone Cancer after a four inch tumor was found behind her left knee. Just three days later she got a port put in and started chemo on May 1, 2023. After 12 grueling weeks of chemo, her tumor did not shrink enough, so she had to have a partial amputation and a rotationplasty, which is a very unique surgery that will give her the best chance of doing everything she has ever dreamed of doing in the future. After that major surgery, she proceeded
with 16 more weeks of chemo. Thankfully, in December 2023, she finished the series and is currently in rehab to learn how to use her second prosthetic.
Even before her surgery, and in the midst of her toughest times, Hadley learned that she was granted a wish from the MakeA-Wish foundation. In May of 2024, her family got to go to Disney World & Harry Potter Land/Universal Studios. She’s House Griffindor all the way! Hadley flew on her first plane, rode her first roller coaster, met her first live in-person Disney and Marvel characters, and had the time of her life. Swimming – and eating Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for free everyday – made her Wish trip the greatest gift a sweet little nine year old could have. Even though she’s already endured some of life’s toughest challenges, her Wish showed her that there is still magic happening every day. Amazing people who donate to beautiful programs like Make-A-Wish truly do make a world of difference, especially giving kids and their families hope and excitement when their wish comes true and brings them magic when they may need it most. Hadley’s excited to be a 2025 Wish Ambassador to help other children get their wishes granted to spread hope and joy to others in need.
The People’s Contractor
Foundation repair services you can count on
By Dennis McNabb and Patti Jo Brooks, Active Media
Photos by Carly Carpenter, Active Media
Tagged early on as “The People’s Contractor,” Foundations First Northwest has always and will perpetually go the extra mile to provide for the foundational needs of every customer. Estimates are free with a focus on service over sales, and bids are locked on the spot, void of hidden fees, upcharges, or add-ons, regardless of unforeseen circumstances. When it comes to foundation restoration, structural repairs, and more, one call to Foundations
First Northwest is the only call you’ll ever need to make!
Foundations First Northwest is a fullservice foundation repair company offering a wide spectrum of solutions including crack and void repairs, shotcrete repairs, and earthquake retrofitting. They also provide a full line of crawl space repairs and basement dig-outs, and in the past year have added waterproofing services! So if you are in need of a Sup Pump, French Drain, or Base-Crete Skim service, they are now more than capable of handling those as well. All jobs are performed by seasoned professionals with years of experience, bringing the company’s superior customer service straight to your doorstep.
The owners, Joe Smith and Mike Burrows, are local, community-minded individuals committed to every customer they serve. Foundations First Northwest is not a franchisee and they have no signed agreements! They are not contractually
obligated to provide anything but the best customer service using the most optimal products and services required to get the job done right. Licensed in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, Foundations First Northwest is the premier provider of foundation services in the region. Call today and discover firsthand why they are “The People’s Choice!”
Foundations First Northwest is located at 28655 SW Boones Ferry Rd. in Wilsonville. Give them a call (503) 719-7548 or visit them online at foundationsfirstnw. com. For employment inquiries, email joe@ foundationsfirstnw.com or apply online through their website.
FIGHTING CRITICAL ILLNESS
Hadley’s journey from Wish Kid to Wish Ambassador
Hadley is a beautiful 10 year old girl in the 4th grade. She is splendidly sweet, kind, and of course tremendously full of sass. On April 28, 2023, Hadley was diagnosed with Ewing’s Sarcoma Bone Cancer after a four inch tumor was found behind her left knee. Just three days later she got a port put in, and started chemo on May 1, 2023. After 12 grueling weeks of chemo, her tumor did not shrink enough, so she had to have a partial amputation and a rotationplasty, which is a very unique surgery that will give her the best chance of doing everything she has ever dreamed of doing in the future. After that major surgery, she proceeded
with 16 more weeks of chemo. Thankfully, in December 2023, she finished the series and is currently in rehab to learn how to use her second prosthetic.
Even before her surgery, and in the midst of her toughest times, Hadley learned that she was granted a wish from the MakeA-Wish foundation. In May of 2024, her family got to go to Disney World & Harry Potter Land/Universal studios. She’s House Griffindor all the way! Hadley flew on her first plane, rode her first roller coaster, met her first live in-person Disney and Marvel characters, and had the time of her life. Swimming – and eating Ben & Jerry’s ice cream for free everyday – made her Wish trip the greatest gift a sweet little nine year old could have. Even though she’s already endured some of life’s toughest challenges, her Wish showed her that there is still magic happening every day. Amazing people who donate to beautiful programs like Make-A-Wish truly do make a world of difference, especially giving kids and their families hope and excitement when their wish comes true and brings them magic when they may need it most. Hadley’s excited to be a 2025 Wish Ambassador to help other children get their wishes granted to spread hope and joy to others in need.
INTRODUCING
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