The Transformative Power of Silence

A Silent Weekend of Asana, Meditation, and Metta
April 24-26, 2026
Barbara Ruzansky + Jen Leavitt
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Friday, April 24: 5:30 - 9:00 pm
Saturday, April 25: 1:00 - 9:00 pm
Sunday, April 26: 12:30 - 7:30 pm

Experience the profound power of silence during this nourishing weekend. Participants will engage in:

  • Asana practice

  • Meditation

  • Large and small group processes

  • Structured listening exercises

All while maintaining functional silence.

Silence will be encouraged throughout this entire weekend, including during meal times and breaks, except as needed in group settings. Expect to disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect to your inner self. Leave the weekend feeling refueled and refreshed.

$375, registration required

instructors

Barbara Ruzansky, E-RYT 500
Founder and Director of WHY
Barbara’s own path to health is at the heart of her teaching. She has a deep conviction that yoga can help you observe your self more objectively, become healthier, more fulfilled, and better able to serve others. In 2002, she opened West Hartford Yoga, a holistic center, offering yoga classes and workshops, teacher trainings, intensives with international teachers, massage, meditation, and kirtan. She spent 20 years as a macrobiotic chef and teacher, and her yoga training includes work with Ana Forrest, David Swenson, Shiva Rea, and Dan Leven as well as deep studies of Bikram Yoga, Kripalu Yoga and a 500 hour yoga alliance certification. Over the last 25 years, she has blended this knowledge into a dynamic style called WHY Power, which encourages students to explore their edges, develop core strength, and connect to their breath. Barbara is compassionate and insightful about students’ individual needs. Her classes move people deeply. Students have said she has an uncanny ability to see where they are blocked and help them move forward.

Jen Leavitt, MSW/JD, RYT 200
Jen Leavitt is WHY’s former studio manager and WHY Power teacher. A 2011 graduate of WHY’s 200-hour Teacher Training, she creates an energetic, vigorous, sweaty practice for those looking to move and breathe. Jen is also a certified Therapeutic Yoga and Yin Yoga teacher who has explored different paths along the yoga road, including Bikram, Ashtanga and Kripalu. Her personal practice has served as an anchor through various life experiences, including divorce, recovery, and spiritual growth. Trained as a social worker and a lawyer, Jen worked as a criminal defense lawyer prior to joining the management team at WHY. Jen continues to serve and support WHY in various administrative capacities.