If you have arrived here, you might be feeling the weight of a world that often demands we be everything to everyone, all at once. You might be feeling tired of shrinking yourself to fit into boxes that were never made for you. Or possibly, your life is changing and you are not sure who you have been is who you need or want to be now. Especially if it coincides with menopause, aging, a new physical or mental health diagnosis or any other life change.

Lotus Unfolding was created as an antidote to that pressure. It is a resource and a community for anyone who could use a hug, warm cup of tea (or coffee) and a friend. But also for those who are looking for more ways to breathe, move, and figure it all out.

The lotus flower is one of my favorite symbols because it does not bloom in perfect, manicured soil. It roots deep in the mud. It rises through the murky water. And only then, when it breaks the surface, does it unfold—petal by petal, at its own pace.

At the heart of this community is a core truth I want you to carry with you:

It is okay for all of us to take up space, to be heard, and to find wholeness and peace.

For too long, many of us have been taught to be small, quiet, or convenient. Here, we unlearn that. Here, your voice matters, your body is your own, and your healing timeline is yours to dictate.

However, we also need to find balance between self-care and service to others. It is by helping others that we can make our communities safer and healthier.

My name is Beka and Lotus Unfolding is my “passion project.” I am a former massage therapist and Reiki Healer. I work full time as the Content Marketing Manager at the University of Maryland Medical System (check out our Health Hub and Podcasts) and volunteer with NAMI Anne Arundel County.

I am now a yoga teacher and certified in mindfulness. I am finishing up a 50-hour accessible yoga training and a 20-hour yin yoga training. Additionally, I am enrolled in facilitator trainings for breathwork/pranayama, Paint From Your Soul, healing arts, therapeutic movement, and somatic therapies. I do these things both for my own healing and because I want to give back to the community and share these resources.

I originally planned to wait to start Lotus Unfolding until after I had completed all of the trainings, but I realized that perhaps we could go on the journey together. As I learn and try new modalities, I will share them with you. You can try them if they inspire you, too.

This website will be a growing library of tools and resources designed to help regulate your nervous system and reconnect with your creativity. As a part-time passion project, my goal is to offer you quality over quantity.

Here is what we will explore together:

• Somatic Practices: Gentle yoga flows, movement practices and meditations to help you feel safe in your body. Both live and on-demand.

• Creative Healing: Therapeutic art projects (no artistic skill required!) to express what words cannot.

• Reflection: Journal prompts to help you process your inner world.

• Wisdom: Conversations with local health providers and holistic experts.

• Community: A place where people can feel free to support each other and ask for support when they need it.

• Seva (or Service): There will also be opportunities for us to get together and give back through volunteering.

Everything is completely optional, but we’d love to have you join us!

Find art projects, meditations, breathing exercises, journal prompts and more to support your journey of self-care, wellbeing and unfolding.

Explore the resources now.