Testimonials
Read what people are saying about Dina Varellas.
“Meeting in the circle for 10 weeks with a group of women was both transformative and magical. Meditation, writing, yoga, and sharing, weave a sacred space to learn the true meaning of presence, connection, and practicing new skills.
The intimacy and love that we built created links from a vulnerable place deep within our souls. My emotional and physical being became stronger each class and I was revived back to life.
Things turned around for me quicker than I could have ever imagined. Everything became easier, sweeter, and much more comfortable. My rough edges smoothed out and I finally learned what it felt like to come back home to myself.”
“What a beautiful program led by a truly wise and amazing teacher! Dina is the presence of peace, someone who knows how to create safe and sacred space—the kind of space that truly nourishes women. Being in her class, I felt so seen, heard and unconditionally supported. Dina’s voice is both soothing and uplifting and I left each class feeling rested and refreshed. If you’re looking for a way to connect more deeply to who you are and what you need, give yourself the gift of working with Dina!”
“I was completely down in the dumps and searching for help when a friend suggested I contact Dina who facilitates the writing workshop for women. I was broken down and willing to do anything for relief. I reached out to Dina looking for help. That first class, I showed up a lip quivering, tear stained, broken hearted, barely recognized version of myself.
I had never used zoom before and was having difficulty connecting. I just kept trying as I had come too far to quit. The writing prompt that day shook me to my core. I poured my soul onto that piece of paper sobbing the entire time. I let the emotions flow from my pencil as if my life depended on it.
The women in that group held such loving space and shined their light for me to navigate through the darkness. It was deeply comforting, and I felt completely safe in their care. Week after week I showed up. As my confidence grew and the pain washed away, hope crept back in and my faith increased.”
“I am not a writer or a poet. I am certainly not a storyteller. Nor do I know about proper English and grammar, except for what I learned in school. I couldn’t tell you about the different cadences or writing styles but still, I said yes to Dina’s writing class.
I remember the first class. I was scared and insecure because we had to read what we wrote to the whole class. I volunteered to go first just so I could get my crappy story over with. By the last class, I found a deep passion for writing especially as a healing modality and I found my confidence and a newfound love for writing. I realize there is a story in each one of us that wants to be written and expressed.
Dina holds a loving space for each of us to be heard, understood, and supported. She listens to our stories with compassionate ears of depth and connection. She has a gentle way of encouraging the writer to come out and write. Little did I know, on the day I said yes, I would still be on this journey with Dina.”
“The Practice® has become a tool in my life that I will continue to return to. For me, The Practice® makes it possible for me to identify what my true needs are. The practice takes self-care to a much more powerful level. Staying with it has changed me as a person.”
“One of the positive outcomes of the pandemic has been the ability to meet and write with a group of women in the security and coziness of your own space at home. While I had done writing circles before in person and loved the interaction and energy of the process and feedback, Dina’s online classes lack none of the “live” experiences. On the contrary, everything about writing with Dina and the women that come to our sacred Sunday writing space has been all that I need and then some to open my heart and then let the words come out. From the prompts she selects to the remarks from classmates and genuine depth of thought and feeling that come from her guidance, the classes have been my sanctuary each week.
There is not advice given to “become” a better writer; Dina’s ability to hold space, create connections with her thoughtful and present presence, and simply allow the writers to be vulnerable without the need to change or edit who or what we are has allowed my own voice and different parts of me show up and come to the surface.
I know that parts of me that have been hidden, stories I’ve never told a soul, have been able to be shared and not shamed, and I feel so much more free, open, and compassionate toward myself than any time in my life. I cannot thank Dina enough for all she has given me and all through taking pen to paper and allowing my voice to just be.”
“I’ve known Dina for 30+ years. She has a quiet grace about her that allows you to sink into yourself and feel seen in the safest way. She is true to herself and her teachings. She is a woman who leads a life of devotion and authenticity. Dina is a natural leader and beautiful writer, here to help women become who they truly are.”
“Dina did a wonderful job leading The Practice®. I enjoyed sharing with everyone, even though sometimes it was hard putting yourself out there. The writing and movements were just what I needed. Dina always had such good topics that made me look deep into myself - I experienced emotional growth.”
“Dina provides a wonderful space in her writing series and workshop - a place of connection and support for female writers at any phase of development in their practice.”
“Writing alongside Dina Varellas and the ladies in my Sunday morning intuitive writing class has been a staple in my self-care practice for the last year. Dina hosts a beautiful confidential circle in which I feel comfortable to go deep into my writing and then share it, knowing that I will be seen and heard. Due to Dina’s feedback, my confidence in my writing skills has increased. I have found that writing was one of my forgotten outlets for creativity as well as self-care. I recommend Dina’s class to anyone interested in finding their voice.”
“Gathering at lake’s edge, we take a deep breath. Diving in, we swim to the depths to meet.
Joining hands, we form a circle.
Rising triumphant, we replenish our breath.
Raising clasped hands high, we celebrate life and creation; togetherness and individuality.”
“I took my first writing workshop with Dina Varellas at the last end of Covid while public restrictions were starting to lighten up. When a friend of a friend introduced me to Dina’s stories I was immediately hooked. I’m embarrassed to admit I’m not a reader but Dina’s short stories won my attention.
I jumped at the opportunity to join one of her zoom workshops and I found them wonderful. The workshop was a safe place gently guided by Dina. The other writers in the workshop were kind and open minded. There was no wrong writing, just free thoughts on paper with intent to inspire within.
I’m new to journaling and free writing and I’ll admit I’m a little changed inside, a shift in a good way has appeared within my heart and attitude towards life through Dina’s workshop. I’ll be signing up for the next workshop and looking forward to it. Thank you Dina for opening a door inside me I didn’t know existed.”
“The Practice® has been a safe haven to share my thoughts, grow and feel held by an amazing group of supportive women. It allows me to get my self-care in when I need it most. The Practice® has been life changing for me.
I enjoy reading Dina’s newsletters. They give me new perspectives on life. I can always find something useful in each one to help me, inspire me and lift me up throughout my week.”
“I have been writing in one form or another for most of my life. From keeping a diary as a preteen to taking creative writing classes in college, writing was always an outlet of expression and creativity. Living in the adult world and balancing a new phase in life with career and other responsibilities, writing took a back seat until I was introduced to Dina and the Writing for Women series.
For upwards of a year and a half now I have had the opportunity to once again find my voice while also working on my craft and forming connections and community with the other women in the group. I love having a dedicated time to write, reflect, share, and listen each week and would highly recommend Writing for Women to anyone who is looking to start or continue on their writing journey and come together with a strong and supportive tribe of writers.”
“I love Dina’s newsletters. They are extremely insightful and always a joy to read.”