May we know our intrinsic belonging.
May we realize our radiant and creative potential.
May we experience beauty, joy and awe.
May we live in generous reciprocity with mother nature, and be held in love.
– Ashley Dahl
A number of years ago, I went on a five-day, solo, contemplative retreat in the high desert of New Mexico. I got quiet and listened. I meditated and walked and dreamt, and listened some more.
In the stillness, held by nature, a sense of clarity emerged, a vision for how I wanted to live my life and be of service. I deeply recognized the essential value of living from a space of care, connection, sensitivity, and mindfulness. And I found myself galvanized to support others looking to live their lives more fully aligned with their values and sense of purpose.
OpenSpace Mindfulness was born from and is infused with this intention.
It is an invitation to resource yourself. Its offerings—including coaching, trainings, retreats and classes—provide you a haven to experience deeper connection, with yourself, your community and the world around you. Through our work, you will discover a space in which you can explore, be replenished, feel seen and heard as well as realize your full creative potential.
As I reflect upon this space I have created with my work, I am filled with gratitude. I am grateful to those who have trusted me to guide them within their unfolding lives, grateful to all of my guides and mentors who have enlightened my path and grateful to have listened in years ago to this understanding of my lifework.
In appreciation,
Ashley Dahl (she, her)
Contemplative Guide, Coach and Educator
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom. Life is a process of becoming…
– Anais Nin
Background and Credentialing
Everything that I offer clients and students is rooted in decades of education, training and personal experience. Here is a brief sketch of my path:
In earning my Bachelor of Arts from Boston University in philosophy and political science, I realized the importance of reducing social, political and cultural barriers that interfere with our ability to live lives of dignity and meaning. This inspired me to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work focusing on human development and interpersonal practice from the University of Washington; it was there that I also participated in the Training in Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Core Leadership programs and was certified in Human Services Management. I continued to bring more dimension to this calling through multifaceted studies in coaching, including graduating from the ICF-accredited Seattle Coach’s Professional Coach Training.
I began my contemplative journey as a child when I discovered how the natural world gifted me with greater understanding and a deeper sense of belonging. I embarked upon a formal meditation practice in the vipassana (insight) tradition as a young adult. Realizing I wanted to infuse contemplative practices into my work, I pursued formal education and mentorship.
I became certified through the International Mindfulness Teachers Association and am an accredited Mindfulness Teacher through the Mindfulness Training Institute, where I also served as a mentor. I further completed Awake in the Wild Teacher Training, an apprenticeship program with dharma teacher Mark Coleman focused on connecting contemplative practices and natural environments. I later served as a mentor for this program and currently teach for Awake in the Wild. Additionally, my participation in programs such as One Earth Sangha’s Eco Sattva program assist me in supporting people to meet our increasing climate crisis with caring presence.
Previously, and for over a decade, I was Executive Director of one of the largest independent yoga businesses in the U.S. During my tenure, I was responsible for human resources, leadership development, strategic planning and marketing, and served on the social justice team. Additionally, I have been a trainer and facilitator at local, state and national levels for nearly two decades. And I served as Youth Programs Coordinator for the City of Seattle for ten years during which time I was recognized by the Mayor for outstanding contributions to communities and families.
I also maintain a separate therapy practice at Rooted Path Therapy for those seeking clinical mental health services (telehealth throughout Washington, in-person services coming soon to Vancouver, WA).
Ashley Dahl, MSW, LSWAIC, CMT-P / Contemplative Guide, Coach and Educator
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