I’m Erin Barrette Goodman — multi-media artist, interfaith minister, yoga teacher, passionate builder of community, and founder of the Rhode Island Birth Network.

My Story

When I was pregnant with my first child, someone asked me what the “theme” for our nursery was going to be. We didn’t actually have a nursery (or even a crib) and I didn’t really see the need for a theme for the empty room that would someday be my children’s.

“I don’t know,” I responded. “I guess if I had to pick a theme I would say I’d like the baby’s future room to feel like a yoga studio.”

I laugh sometimes when I think back to that image I held in my heart as I folded tiny baby clothes and cloth diapers and tucked them into drawers. Especially on the really tough days when I’m pulling my hair out and begging my children to just go. to. sleep. in that very same room.

While we waited for our first child’s arrival, I truly imagined our cozy country homestead would be my yoga studio and that at any given moment I would be peacefully balancing in tree pose, blissful baby strapped to my back, while washing dishes, hanging laundry, collecting eggs and tending my garden.

As you may have guessed, my experience of mothering didn’t quite go down like this.

I’ve spent the last seven years practicing yoga as a householder, endeavoring to meet my children’s needs, keep up with laundry (which I failed at and my husband took over), and keep us fed, clothed and relatively happy, all while doing my best to walk gently on the planet, juggling multiple part-time jobs, and attempting to stay connected to me (the me that was me before I was Mama). 

I teach peace through yoga and everyday mindfulness. I seek to capture the small, beautiful moments through my writing and photography. I minister to couples and families in times of great joy, as well as deep sorrow.

I also curse too much, clean my house too little, and find it extremely challenging to sit still.

I believe that supportive community is essential to our well-being; that it is possible to truly live the life of our dreams; and that if I can find moments of peace in the midst of everyday chaos, you can too!

I am grateful that you stopped by and look forward to connecting with you.