How I Handle Father's Day

I have two fathers. My original father and my mother divorced when I was three. When I was six, my mother remarried, and a year later my second father adopted me. My mother and second father divorced when I was 14. I am not in contact with my original father and barely in contact with my second one. It's complicated because I have tried to reconnect with both of them over the years, and it just brings a cascade of pain, guilt, and regret to me and to them. Both of them have tried, and so have I. It's just not meant to be.

On Father's Day, I struggle to celebrate in a way that honors my experience with my fathers. I can't lie about the well of pain from these experiences, and it's hard to know what to do with it on days like this. Because of this well of pain, I moved toward independence and the commitment to healthy relating. I can take care of myself and find my footing in the world from what I have experienced with my fathers. But mine is far from a sweet picture of my dad being my pal who helps me get ready for the world and lets me dance on his feet or teaches me to fish. And this is okay.

So, what can I truly celebrate on Father's Day?

I can celebrate every time I witness the men who hold their children because they need that loving connection to their children. I can celebrate every time I witness men who do things with their children because it brings them joy. I can celebrate every time my husband comes home from work and quietly goes about taking care of our family in ways that I cannot. I can celebrate every time I witness the love that I hear in my husband's voice when he speaks to our children.

My children are still young, and through them, my celebration of Father's Day is evolving. I am thankful for that and am curious to see how I will celebrate Father's Day in years to come because of them.

For those of you who cannot be with your father(s), I hope you can find in yourself a sense of peace, strength and wholeness. And I hope you can find joy in the fathers who are around you now. To everyone, have a Happy Father's Day.

My Summer Schedule

This summer I am teaching at Holy Trinity Episcopal Parish and at the Clemson University Student Organic Farm. Here's the schedule and information. I look forward to it!

Mindful Yoga at Holy Trinity

Saturday mornings 8:30-9:45 June 17 and 24, July 8 and 22, August dates TBD

Let's move in peace. Class sequences are designed for everyone to find more ease in body, mind, and spirit.

Sunset Yoga Sundays

Sundays 7:00pm-8:00pm June 11-August 13

An all levels series focused on restorative breathing and mindful movement that will help you sleep better, let go, and be ready for Monday mornings.

Sunrise Yoga Two mornings a week!

Mondays and Thursdays 6:00-7:00 June 12-August 3

Come explore mindful movement and breathing at dawn this summer. Sessions will help you get your day started with clarity and ease in mind, body, and spirit.

Family Yoga at Sunset

Thursdays 7:00-7:45pm June 15-August 3

Come have fun as we explore basic postures, breathing, and mindfulness techniques for people of all ages. Sessions will be 45 minutes, but we all know that some of us may not be able to stay the whole time. So, hey, we’re with family. We all know that's okay. All families welcome.

Fee Schedule

$10 per session

Holy Trinity Pass: $30

Sunrise Pass: $85

Sunset Pass: $40

Family Pass: $40

All sessions Pass: $165

All bodies and all experiences are welcome. Bring a mat, bolster, and block if you have them. Equipment is available to borrow. 

Questions?

Email Renee at rengahan@gmail.com or call/text 864-723-0827

Other ways to connect:

Facebook: Renee Gahan Yoga

Instagram: rengahan