Kristina Eklund (formerly Cizmar) is an advocate of self-care via attention to our emotions and our own inner space. Her approach is based upon a body of work which indicates that emotions are important messages from our own subconscious Self – the heart of who we are. She believes emotions contain the vital energy which can help us to be present, as well as to adapt and move forward in our lives.

Kristina began her practice with a focus on shame, as she faced her own struggle to heal from childhood sexual abuse. She is the author of Trauma-Informed Meditation Exercises, and The Little Book of Shame: What shame really means, & how to shift from low self-esteem to empowering self-acceptance.

Amaraja has been chanting and meditating for more than 30 years. A native of Boulder, Colorado, she studied Indian music with Megan Yalkut at Hamsa Arts, harmonium with Mike Cohen at Colorado’s own Kirtan Leader Institute and lived in an ashram in upstate New York. For Amaraja, the practice of chanting is a connection to the divine that dwells in each one of us. Chanting has been a lifeline during difficult times, and a practice which accentuates the joy and love in Amaraja’s life. She loves sharing this heartful practice with others!