Yoga, meditation, and philosophy for homebodies, designed by and for people with energy-limiting conditions.
A cozy online community for gentle intuitive movement, creative meditation, and contemplative philosophy — whether you're living with a condition like ME/CFS, Long Covid, or fibromyalgia, or simply love being home.
If contemplative practice and community feel out of reach,
if practicing at home feels lonely,
there's a light on here.
Onward Light gatherings meet online and live, which means real people in real time rather than another video to watch alone.
Classes feature gentle, intuitive movement, creative meditation, and contemplative philosophy — all taught with an energy-aware, psychologically sensitive lens.
You never have to perform to belong here. Keeping your camera or mic off, using a chair or your bed, taking what’s useful and leaving the rest — all of it is welcome. And because we’re built by people who live this too, you won't have to explain yourself.
We’re non-dogmatic, and while we love looking for glimmers, we’ll never ask you to ignore the hard parts. We believe contemplative practice should be expansive enough to include it all.
Whether home is where your body keeps you or simply where you'd rather be, there's a place for you here.
“May it be a light to you in dark places, when all other lights go out.”
— Tolkien
Our yoga classes are
Accessible
A gentle, psychologically-sensitive approach that prioritizes how practices feel over how they look.
Compassionate
Kindness and care are at the heart of everything we do, fostering compassion for both ourselves and others.
Grounded
We are rooted in deep study of contemplative traditions, guided by integrity, and informed by research and science.
What can I expect in class?
Our classes go beyond postures alone to incorporate the deeper practices that can guide you toward greater awareness, curiosity, alignment, and transformation. You set the goals for you practice. We facilitate, using an ancient progression from the outer practices to the inner. The effect is a refreshing, nourishing, and soothing session.
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Draw your awareness into the present moment and welcome all of your experience to practice. Mindfully notice your intention for your practice.
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Otherwise known as “asana,” or the postures of yoga. In our classes, you’ll move gently in ways that feel good to you. We’ll explore patterns of repetition and stay, synching your breath with your movement to allow for soothing and releasing.
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Practice simple but powerful techniques to help regulate the nervous system.
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Can’t rid your mind of thoughts? Not to worry, that’s not what meditation is anyway.
Instead, you’ll learn to observe your thoughts in a way that creates space for focus, wisdom, and skillful action.
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The yogis say that within each of us is a deep well of wisdom that nothing can take away. The teachings also encourage stillness and silence to access this inner knowing.
Your teacher will offer you questions to reflect on, in line with the theme of each class. You can take what’s useful to you and leave the rest.
“Be truthful, gentle, and fearless.”
—Gandhi
What are the benefits of online yoga?
Convenient
Whether you're nearby or halfway across the world, online yoga brings the practice to you. Skip the commute and use that time to prepare a cup of tea, settle in, and connect meaningfully from the comfort of your own space.
Private & Personalized
Practice where you feel most at ease, free from judgment or distraction. Create a setting that feels uniquely yours—choose the scents, lighting, and sounds that support your practice and enhance your sense of comfort.
Trauma-Sensitive & Empowering
Our gentle, psychologically sensitive approach respects your boundaries and fosters a sense of empowerment. Practicing at home offers an added layer of safety and control, which is especially important for those who are immunocompromised or seeking to minimize exposure as COVID-19 continues to affect our communities.
Weekly Classes
Drop into class for $13 or purchase a 10-pack for $100. All classes are online in real time.
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6pm CST | Somatic Movement with Renee Zambo and Sierra Buffum
Sierra teaches every 3rd Tuesday
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Sunday evening philosophy group (5pm CST; ongoing; cohorts begin every 4-6 weeks)
Upcoming Special Events
What People Are Saying
From the Blog: Resources and Practices
FAQs
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We are a completely virtual studio and all of our classes are online in real time.
As long as you have an internet connection, you can join from wherever you are.
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All our classes and events take place on Zoom. To join, you'll need a tablet or computer that supports the latest version of Zoom. Download Zoom here.
If you enjoy listening to music during practice, we provide Spotify playlists. You may want to have Spotify installed as well. Get Spotify here.
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As a first step, you should talk to your healthcare team about your condition as it relates to practicing yoga. Your team can provide you with any movement restrictions or cautions.
While in class, you should feel very free to modify the practice so that you feel comfortable in both your body and your mind. This might mean doing something different, doing less, or skipping a section of the practice altogether.
Yoga instructors are not qualified healthcare providers and cannot diagnose or treat any condition. Therefore, instructors’ cues are always suggestions. You know your body and your situation best. Please do what is right for you.
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After registering for a class, you'll receive an email with the props needed. A yoga mat is always recommended for safety and comfort.
Check out this video we made on setting up your space (without spending a ton of money).
Here are some common props and household alternatives:
Yoga block → Thick book or chair
Yoga strap → Belt, robe tie, or towel
Blanket → Towel
Bolster → Pillows or rolled-up towels
Journal & pen
Props can be found online or in stores. For eco-friendly, affordable options, check out Yogamatters.
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Yoga is not a form of qualified healthcare and does not diagnose, treat, or cure any medical condition.
Similarly, psychologically-sensitive and trauma-sensitive yoga are not substitutes for qualified mental healthcare. These terms simply mean that the practices are attuned in order to be more accessible for those who have experienced trauma.
We encourage all students to consult their healthcare providers before practicing and to modify movements and other practices as needed.
At Onward Light, we value science and recognize the essential role of Western healthcare. As yoga teachers, we work within our scope of practice, which is presenting general yoga teachings with the option to take what is useful and modify or leave what is not. Our hope is that yoga serves as a supportive complement to a well-rounded healthcare plan.
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We’d be happy to help! Please email us at hello@onward.community. We can either correspond via email about your needs or schedule a short Zoom session to discuss what you’re looking for and what class might work best for you.
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We are passionate about teaching live online classes so that we can say hello, get to know you, and create community. For that reason, our classes are all online in real time.
We do have a full library of recorded classes that you can subscribe to if that is better for your schedule.
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Kindly give us an hour's notice if you need to cancel your registration to avoid a charge.
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You will receive a message from noreply@goteamup.com (please add this to your “safe senders” list in your email provider). The message will contain a link to the Zoom classroom. If you can’t find it, check your “junk” folder or reach out to us at hello@onward.community.
“When hurt, it’s important to scream. Just don’t pray to the scream. When sad, it’s important to grieve. Just don’t build a kingdom of your loss. When falling through what you thought would last, admit, “I’m lost and confused.” Just don’t map the world as lost and confused. And when riding the wave, however it appears, feel the strength in you released. Just don’t believe the strength comes from you alone. But most of all, when listening to others, say, “This may be so,” then look for yourself at what life is painting with all its colors.”
—Mark Nepo
A meditation on memory, choice, and how contemplative practice can help you return to your embodied wisdom—plus a gentle playlist to accompany your own long way home.