Barbara Maffeo leads the way in Massachusetts Dahn Yoga outreach

When Dahn Yoga Life asked Dahn Master Barbara Maffeo at the Andover, Massachusetts Center, how she was doing, she replied, “I’m really happy way inside—the way life’s supposed to be.”

Though she still works as a nurse at the Boston Red Cross twice a week, Barbara dedicates the rest of her time to Dahn Yoga. After she teaches for two days at the Andover Dahn Yoga Center, her remaining time is spent as the regional Dahn Yoga Foundation outreach coordinator. “I’m so busy,” she said, “but I feel like I’m not giving 100%. I need to do more!”

Today, the greater Boston region has fifteen established outreach classes. While some have been ongoing for many years, both Barbara and Regional Director Michael Munson decided to create twelve new classes this year. Since they had seven so far, Barbara established three more in just one week, with two at an assisted living center. She loves setting up classes to help other members get started. “I’m a big fan of ‘just do something,’” she said. “If you don’t feel confident about teaching a class, then do something simple like sharing good energy.”

Barbara tries to provide Dahn Yoga members with opportunities to do just that. This past year, members sporting Dahn Yoga t-shirts helped to relieve the stress and fatigue of the staff at two large Red Cross blood drives held in Boston stadiums. They also helped participants at a walk that was held in Andover loosen up. “I feel strongly about developing relationships within the centers’ communities,” she said.

Dahn Yoga classes in the area are currently taught at five assisted living centers, two senior centers, a medical company, and the Red Cross. In the past, Barbara has helped present a Shimsung workshop for Red Cross workers and also secured continuing education credit for Massachusetts nurses for this seminal Dahn Yoga workshop. By the end of next year, she wants to teach the Red Cross staff a Dahn Yoga training they can continue on their own, such as Brain Wave Vibration. Passionate about Shimsung, Barbara has coordinated Shimsung workshops for non-members.

Another way Barbara reaches out is by thinking of everyone she can to gift the book, The Call of Sedona. And she is definitely excited to invite people to The Power of Meditation workshop in Boston on February 12th, especially since Ilchi Lee will be the main speaker.

Enormously happy with her work, Barbara is especially proud of the Boston Dahn Yoga community which, like her, exemplifies great energy and strong potential for continued positive growth.

— Michela Mangiaracina