Reconnect to nature and yourself through outdoor yoga, forest bathing, and mindful wellness experiences.
Root & Align leads guided nature experiences that restore peace, connection, and belonging.
Book Your Journey
she found a small clearing surrounded by firs
and she stopped and she heard what the trees said to her,
and she sat there for hours not wanting to leave.
For, the forest said nothing … it just let her breathe.”
— Becky Hemsley
Fire Cider for Seasonal Wellness
As the seasons shift and school days return, many of us start thinking about how to keep ourselves and our loved ones well. That’s where fire cider comes in — a powerful, immune-boosting tonic made with apple cider vinegar and warming herbs and spices to help support the body when we need it most.
Join me for a cozy, hands-on workshop where you’ll:
Learn how to make your own batch of fire cider, step by step, and personalize your blend to suit your individual needs and preferences
Craft and take home a jar you’ve created yourself
Receive a beautiful write-up with instructions so you can make it again and again
Discover the history and health benefits of fire cider
Learn how to properly dose and incorporate it into your seasonal wellness routine
I’ve been making fire cider for my own family for years — it’s become an annual autumn tradition in my home. Over time, turning to plants and herbs for support has become second nature to me, and I’m excited to share this tradition with you.
This workshop is designed to be simple, fun, and empowering. No prior herbal experience is needed — just curiosity, a love of seasonal wellness, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves.
You’ll leave with your own handcrafted jar, along with instructions to finish and enjoy it after it infuses at home.
Date & Time: Sunday, October 12, 2025 ~ 2:00PM - 4:00PM
Location: Private residence in Milford, CT
Investment: $45 (includes registration and all supplies)
Craft, learn, and take home your own immune-boosting tonic — sign up now to secure your spot!
Because perishable supplies are purchased in advance for each participant, refunds are available up to one week before the event.
An Invitation Into Autumn’s Embrace: A guided forest walk to reconnect, realign, and receive the gifts of fall
Step away from the rush of life and into the brilliance of October’s woods.
Autumn arrives in a burst of brilliance, a fleeting season that invites us to pause.
By October, New England’s forests blaze with color. The air sharpens, the light softens, and nature offers us a chance to slow down and notice. Yet it’s easy to miss this brief window when we’re pulled in a dozen directions.
If you long to step out of the rush and truly witness the season, Root & Align is here to guide you.
The Experience
🍂 Gather in Circle — Begin by connecting with your breath and setting intentions for what you wish to release or receive as you step into the sacred space of the forest.
🍂 Walk Among the Trees — Be gently guided to slow down, awaken your senses, and notice what the season is offering — the rustle of leaves, the shifting light, the scent of earth returning to itself. You’ll have time to pause — whether through journaling, stillness, or simply noticing what the season offers. Let the forest remind you of autumn’s wisdom: the beauty of letting go.
🍂 Close in Reflection — Return to circle, share what surfaced, and savor a hand-crafted herbal tea before carrying the forest’s gifts home with you.
What You’ll Receive
Space to step out of daily busyness and truly slow down
Guided practices that help you awaken your senses and presence
Quiet moments for journaling, reflection, or stillness in the forest
Connection with the season’s wisdom — the beauty of change and letting go
A closing circle with nourishing herbal tea to integrate your experience
Join Us
Autumn is fleeting. Let this walk be your chance to witness, to remember, and to realign.
Reserve Your Spot
Cool the Fire: A Restorative Morning in Nature
Early Morning Forest Bathing Walk at Giuffrida Park
Full Moon Yoga Gathering | Thursday August 7, 2025 | Outdoors in Nature
A ritual space to witness, reflect, and release
You’ve done the work—now it’s time to see what’s been waiting in the light.
The full moon doesn’t ask you to begin. It asks you to notice. To witness what’s come to fruition since the new moon. To acknowledge what’s no longer hiding in the dark. Even the things you didn’t expect.
But in a world that rushes forward, it’s easy to miss this moment.
We move so fast we forget to pause. To feel. To name what’s changed—inside and out.
This gathering is your invitation to slow down and see clearly.
You’ll be guided through ritual, movement, and meditation designed to support reflection and release.
We’ll make space for journaling—real space, sacred space—to explore what’s surfaced, what’s shifting, and what’s asking to be let go.
And you’ll have the option to share (or simply be witnessed) in circle, held gently in community.
Here’s how we’ll move through the magic:
Arrive + Ground. Settle into the space with breathwork and a full moon ritual to call in clarity.
Reflect + Release. Drop into guided meditation and writing prompts to uncover what’s been illuminated.
Restore + Integrate. Move through a gentle, restorative Yin yoga practice to help the body ground and the wisdom of the moon anchor within you.
Just come as you are. We’ll hold the space. The moon will do the rest.
Details
Thursday, August 7, 2025
6:30PM - 7:45PM
Register to reserve your space
Registration will close on August 5, 2025 at 7pm to allow time for thoughtful preparation and to firm up the headcount.
New Moon Yoga | Outdoors in Nature
Long Days, Full Calendars — The New Moon is Calling You Back to Center
Summer in New England is full — long days, celebrations, and the call to soak it all in. But with so much motion, it’s easy to lose touch with your own rhythm. The new moon offers a quiet antidote: a return to center, a moment to reset.
I get it — it’s easy to stay busy, even with the things that bring you joy. But your body, your breath, your spirit? They’re asking for something slower. That’s where this practice comes in.
Join me for a magical evening under the dark moon — a time to pause, reflect, and plant seeds for the cycle ahead. As the sun sets and the moon disappears into shadow, we’ll gather outdoors for a grounding yoga session of movement, breath, and stillness. This is your invitation to slow down and reconnect — with the earth, the sky, and yourself.
Not Just Another Yoga Class
We’ll begin by casting our circle, calling in the four directions — Earth, Air, Fire, and Water — and setting intentions for the new lunar cycle: quiet wishes planted like seeds in the dark. From there, we’ll move through a slow, gentle practice — Chandra Namaskar (Moon Salutation) — a meditative sequence that mirrors the moon’s inward pull.
This is yoga as ritual. Movement as magic. A soft return to yourself.
The Path Is Simple
Reserve your spot and join me outdoors on July 24, 2025 in Meriden, CT
Step into sacred space through breath, movement, and intention
Plant seeds for the lunar cycle ahead — and return home more grounded, clear, and connected
Through this practice, you’ll create space for new beginnings — aligning with the lunar rhythm to connect more deeply with your body, your desires, and the season’s energy. It’s a moment to pause, reflect, and begin again.
You’ll Leave With
A sense of calm. A clearer connection to yourself. And the quiet knowing that your next steps are rooted in intention, not reaction.
We’ll gather again under the full moon on August 7, 2025 to reflect, release, and honor what has come to light. This is a two-part journey through the lunar cycle.
What to Bring
A yoga mat, a blanket or shawl, water, journal and anything that helps you feel grounded outdoors. If you work with crystals you’re welcome to bring them — this is your space to tune in and make it your own.
All levels welcome. Whether you’re new to yoga or returning to your mat, this experience is designed to meet you exactly where you are.
Space is limited — registration required for each session.
REGISTER - Registration closed July 22, 2025 at 7pm. Please join us for Full Moon Yoga in August.
Full Moon Yoga Summer Series
Join me, Kristin Hotchkiss RYT, each month this summer for an evening of grounding and renewal under the moonlight. These sessions combine gentle warm-ups with Chandra Namaskar—or Moon Salutation—a meditative sequence of yoga poses that honors the cooling, receptive energy of the moon (Chandra in Sanskrit). It complements Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation), which is more energizing and heat-building. Practicing Chandra Namaskar during the full moon or in the evening supports balance, introspection, and calm.
Together, we'll breathe, move, and meditate, soaking in the stillness and quiet power of the full moon.
Each class in the series is offered as a stand alone session, but you're encouraged to attend regularly. Sessions will vary slightly and the benefits deepen with consistency throughout the season.
All levels welcome.
Please bring a yoga mat and a towel to place underneath.
REGISTER for June 11, 2025 - canceled due to low registration
REGISTER for July 9, 2025
REGISTER for August 8, 2025
REGISTER for September 7, 2025
📅 June 11th, July 9th, August 8th and September 7th.
🕒 6:30PM - 7:45PM
📍 Hammonasset Beach State Park ~ Madison, CT @ Meigs Point
In the event of rain a make-up date will be offered.
Beach Yoga for CT Trails Day
Start your day rooted and aligned with a special Beach Yoga session in celebration of CT Trails Day.
This beginner-friendly class blends gentle postures, breath work, and the natural beauty of the shoreline to help you move with intention and begin your day mindfully. Whether you're new to yoga or simply craving a peaceful start, this session welcomes all levels.
What to Expect:
Gentle, beginner-friendly movement
Breath work to calm the mind and energize the body
A serene coastal setting to ground and refresh you
A chance to connect—with nature, yourself, and your community
📍 Location: Hammonasset Beach State Park, Madison, CT - Meigs Point Pavillion
📅 Date: Sunday,June 8, 2025
⏳ Time: 8:00AM-9:15AM
RESERVE your place on the sand
Please bring a yoga mat with a towel to place underneath and water bottle, and dress comfortably for movement.
Unplug and Reconnect: Celebrate CT Trails Day with a Forest Bathing Walk
Take a break from the noise and come home to yourself in nature. Root & Align invites you on a gentle, guided walk to slow down, breathe, and reconnect through presence and sensory awareness. This forest bathing experience offers space to move mindfully, reflect quietly, and restore your sense of balance—no experience necessary.
Relax. Realign. Renew. A spring gathering to nurture your body and spirit
Earth’s Rhythm: Seasonal Yoga & Self-Care
A four-part series aligned with nature’s wisdom and Ayurvedic principles.
Join us for the first gathering in Earth’s Rhythm: Seasonal Yoga & Self Care
Awaken your energy and renew your spirit in this 90-minute spring session with intentional movement, nourishing breathwork, and grounding seasonal ritual. Together we’ll honor the elements of Air and Water, connect with the rhythms of the season, and plant seeds of renewal through guided yoga and self-reflection.
Each participant will receive a beautifully designed PDF to deepen the experience, including self-care practices, journaling prompts, and space for personal reflection.
Step into spring with intention. Your journey through the seasons begins here. Sign up for a single gathering or join me for all four!
Register by April 25th and receive a FREE GIFT when you attend the gathering
Details:
📍 Location: Connecticut Forest & Park Association ~ 16 Meriden Road, Middlefield, CT 06481
📅 Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
⏳ Time: 6:00PM - 7:30PM
Reconnect with Nature: A Guided Forest Bathing Walk for Earth Day
Join me for a special Earth Day experience—an immersive forest bathing walk designed to restore balance, deepen your connection with nature, and cultivate mindfulness. Guided by the principles of Shinrin-Yoku, or “forest bathing,” this walk will encourage you to slow down, engage your senses, and embrace the healing energy of the natural world.
As we move gently through the forest, you’ll be invited to experience the landscape in a new way—through mindful observation and intentional presence. This journey is about more than just walking; it’s about awakening your senses, grounding yourself in the earth’s rhythms, and finding peace in the moment.
We will conclude our time together with a sacred sharing circle at sunset, offering space to reflect, connect, and honor both our personal experiences and the collective energy of the Earth.
No prior experience is needed—just an open heart and a willingness to slow down.
Details:
📍 Location: Connecticut Forest & Park Association ~ 16 Meriden Road, Middlefield, CT 06481
📅 Date: Earth Day, April 22, 2025
⏳ Time: 5:30PM - 7:30PM
REGISTRATION: https://ctwoodlands.org/events-calendar/forest-bathing-with-root-align/
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged. Reserving your spot ahead of time helps me plan for a meaningful experience and ensures the walk can take place as intended.
Reconnect. Breathe. Align.
Rejuvenate Your Spirit with a Forest Bathing Walk to celebrate the Spring Equinox
STATUS UPDATE: The Colchester Parks & Recreation has cancelled this event due to low enrollment. We will try again at a later date.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and embrace the harmony of the changing season. Celebrate the Spring Equinox and join us for a Forest Bathing Walk, a gentle and restorative experience designed to help you reconnect with the natural world, cultivate inner peace, and welcome the renewal of life all around you. 🌿✨
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 10:00AM – 12:00PM
Location: Salmon River State Forest, Colchester, CT
What to Expect:
Guided Mindfulness: Slow down with a certified guide who will help you immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the forest.
Seasonal Connection: Learn the significance of the Spring Equinox and how nature reflects this time of renewal and balance.
Sensory Awakening: Engage your senses and rediscover joy in the simplest elements of nature—soft moss, rustling leaves, birdsong.
Sit Spot Meditation: Foster a deeper connection with the natural world, enhance mindfulness, can be a powerful tool for reflection and grounding.
Closing Ritual: Reflect and set intentions for the new season.
No hiking experience is required—this is about being, not doing. Whether you're looking to reduce stress, spark creativity, or simply enjoy the beauty of spring, this walk is a gift to yourself. Dress warmly, in layers, as temperatures fluctuate during the shift of seasons. Wear supportive shoes as we will be walking along wooded trails.
Fee: $30.00 for Colchester Residents or $35.00 for non-residents
REGISTER HERE: | Spaces are limited —reserve your spot today!
Contact: Colchester Parks & Recreation
Held rain or shine. Often a light rain can add to the sensory experience! Thunderstorm activity will warrant a reschedule.
Rediscover harmony and step into spring with a renewed sense of balance and purpose.
Embrace the Season: A Forest Bathing Walk to Welcome Spring
Join me for a guided, mindful experience where you’ll immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of the awakening forest. This isn’t just a walk—it’s a chance to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature as you welcome the energy of spring.