The Empowered Woman: Melissa Lerner

When you meet Melissa Lerner, you’re immediately struck by her calm, grounded and deeply attuned presence. As a yoga instructor, spiritual director, and founder of The Art of Wholeness Experienced, Melissa has quietly become a source of refuge and renewal for many. Her work blends mind, body, and soul in a way that feels less like a service and more like an invitation back to yourself.

For Melissa, wholeness is a lived philosophy. And she’s quick to clarify what it isn’t. “Wholeness is not perfectionism,” she says. “It’s leaning into exactly where you are and who you’re meant to be, while recognizing your growing edges.” Her approach integrates physical health, mental clarity, emotional awareness, and spiritual grounding. None of these exist separately. “When you care for your body, you’re caring for your mind. When you nurture your spirit, you’re nurturing your emotional self. It’s all connected.” This holistic lens shapes every session she leads. Above all, Melissa wants clients to leave feeling one thing: loved. “Loved, supported, not alone, and also okay being alone,” she adds. “Holding both is powerful.”

When asked what it means to be an empowered woman, Melissa shared, “I feel empowered because I can finally listen to my own intuition,” she says. “I didn’t get there alone. I’ve had support and community, but ultimately, it’s my journey. My decision. My voice.”

One of Melissa’s most memorable insights is her rejection of the word balance. “I don’t balance,” she says. “I hover.” Balance implies equal weight and equal attention, something she believes is unrealistic. Hovering, on the other hand, allows her to be fully present with whatever needs her most in that moment. “Life isn’t equal. Some things need more attention at certain times. Sometimes what needs attention is rest.”

If you’re interested in a yoga practice or mindfulness session with Melissa, you can find her at SpringStone Yoga, Downtown FIT, and she’ll also be coordinating and teaching at the upcoming Three Rivers Yoga Festival on February 21 at the Forum River Center.

“Find your wholeness,” she says. “And love yourself really, really hard.”

Learn more about Melissa and her offerings at www.melissahlerner.com.

Know an empowered woman you’d like to see featured? Email us their name, contact information and what makes them empowered.