OMEGA INSTITUTE

"I have known Will Donnelly…as one of the most delightful faculty I booked and scheduled regularly for the staff programs at Omega Institute. Students raved about his writing class…which was one of the most successful creative writing classes we had for staff in recent years.

I would highly recommend him as a teacher of writing for any scenario which he feels called to offer his work."

BRETT BEVELL, Learning Experience Producer at Omega Institute 

and past Staff Programs Manager at Omega Institute from 2002 to 2022

"Will has this uncanny ability to understand what's really being said. He will intuit meaning and connect the dots simultaneously with lightening speed. I left our conversation feeling heard, encouraged and energized.” 

JULES ~ NONFICTION MEMOIR WRITER

"I have known Will as a fellow yoga teacher for over a decade, and when I met him I intuitively knew he was someone who would inspire me when the time was right to write!. 

What this man has managed to squeeze out of me in 3 months has been beyond words. Inspirational, kind, exceptionally intelligent, worldly and an amazing therapist with his writing techniques. 

I had no idea what had been buried in the attic of my mind with the hidden key! Not easy...this guy has changed the way I look and feel about my life. Thank you Will, just love working with you…."

LYNNE ~ NONFICTION MEMOIR WRITER

"I was so stuck and I thought I would never get my memoir down on paper. Then, along comes Will Donnelly. 

At our first session, it felt at though locks and blocks in my mind and body were being removed (he did this wonderful guided visualization.) I started to feel in the flow and better understand the story I was trying to tell. With his encouragement and his writing prompts, I started to write again after a long hiatus. 

Will saw something in me that I couldn’t see myself. He’s intuitive and can reach deeper into a story and tap into the bigger themes they represent. He’s been able to keep me on track and I am loving the process now. He’s a lot of fun to work with, which really helps. He’s one part writing therapist and one part story teller. Don’t miss the opportunity to work with him. "

ANONYMOUS/NDA~ NONFICTION MEMOIR WRITER

"Will knows how to cultivate a safe space for brave writing—for the soul to speak in ways that shake the walls and defy conventions. His classes and the writing community he creates is as sensitive and nuanced as it is powerful and transformative. Each writer who desires to step into a space of encouragement where passion and originality are cherished and championed will get something they’ve needed met by this class series. Will’s fierce dedication to inspiring writing that is wild and thoughtful is felt in each class, and it’s been a delight to take part in both the writing itself and the community. "

KELLY - CALIFORNIA, 2023

"Thank you for today. Extremely helpful in cutting to the chase. The 2 minute writing works wonders with getting to the point without boring procrastination. I have just been reading my notes and astonished at what was “pulled out of me “ today. 5 pages of valuable information…You are one hell of a good teacher! ♥️xxxx"

LYNNE - CANARY ISLANDS, 2024

"Will holds an inspiring and inclusive space - A place to let the words come through, to discover what is true; to dare to share and speak up about about being human- and to know that you are deeply welcome just as you are”

TESS~ CALIFORNIA

"Fabulous …. huge barriers have been broken for me with these classes and  I have moved out of a safe rabbit hole and opened my arms to change ! Much has changed for me in these sessions. Very interesting indeed,  teaching me about not having to please others and seek approval for my own validity…You have changed my perception of myself and I am so grateful."

LYNNE - CANARY ISLANDS, 2023

"Classes with Will have helped me connect with creativity that I didn't know I had access to. The containers he creates are safe, fun, and deeply moving. I am honored at the vulnerability that participants bring and the connection that is fostered in Will's classes. These journeys are made possible because Will is embodied in himself that he can hold others to go deep. Thank you for sharing your gifts, Will!”

NATHAN ~ OMEGA INSTITUTE 

"Now THAT was REALLY special! I loved it! I loved listening to everyone’s work. And myself I experienced a shift for which I am very grateful. Your PRESENCE and Knowing are so instrumental in facilitating the opening of a portal to expression. For all of us. Thank you so much."

ANNE ~ GERMANY

"A big thank you to Will Donnelly for a wonderful, enlightening meditation, writing Zoom Workshop today. It was amazing. Thank you so much. #believeandtrustyourwriting  Enough said."

WOODY ~ BOSTON

"...I am so grateful to (my daughter) for feeling compelled to send me to you (after she experienced your retreat). You are a beautiful, strong soul & an extraordinary teacher. I imagine everyone who studies with you adores you, for you teach with all the 7 Chakras (Yes, I am learning them all, from your DVD, which I love.) For all you give and for the passion & committment with with you give it, I thank you, from the bottom of my heart."

EILEEN ~ SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

"If you ever have a chance to take a break, do Will Donnelly's {Holiday} yoga retreat at Kalani in December. I struggle with anxiety and for the first time, because of Will's great energy and encouragement, all the breathing, meditating, positive parables, journaling, and yoga, I never once had a moment of ickiness. Of course the sun and Hawaii and all the amazing people that were at Kalani helped, but the yoga retreat and regimen set my day up for success . I can't wait to go back."

ALESSANDRA ~ LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

"Practical Yoga is the perfect combination of physical workout, inner awareness and energetic rejuvenation."

CAMERON ~ VANCOUVER, BC

"I'm a little bit gun shy about yoga retreats. Will's is truly the best one I've ever been on. I've gone on many and some of them have been difficult and not what I was hoping for. Will's retreat was beautiful, partly because he made each person feel included and it was the most spiritual retreat I've been on."

RACHEL ~ CALIFORNIA

"One thing I really appreciated about this group is that I was treated as just another student. Let us all strive to avoid labels of others, too old, divorced, too young, gay or straight. Let us all just appreciate another person with his or her strengths and weaknesses, various interests and experiences. Likes and dislikes. We can learn so much from each other."

HELEN ~ PORTLAND, OREGON

"I rave about my experiences with Will’s retreats at Kalani pretty much non-stop with anyone interested. There is no doubt that Kalani is a truly incredible place on the Big Island of Hawaii, but the real magic for me is Will.  He is a phenomenal retreat leader and yoga teacher.  Will provides one opportunity after another to reach deeply within and find exactly what it is you need.  He has tremendous gifts and shares them freely with all who will accept them, and he shares some of the best that Kalani and the Big Island have to offer.  I went the first time in 2012 with no idea what to expect, and came back a changed woman.  I went again in 2015 with a heart broken and filled with resentment and family pain, and again Will and my retreat-mates helped me restore and come alive again.  I cannot recommend this experience any higher. I'd go every year if I could."

COLLEEN ~ ALASKA

"Being here for the holidays and this retreat was so special. You made it unique and fun and festive. It really is an amazing experience and a magical time.... Will, you are a gift. Your honest vulnerability, humor, wicked wit is down to earth, real and fun. Your commitment to us, your students, is unwavering and we feel it and appreciate it. Your guidance was gentle, but took us right to our edge where we needed to go."

ANONYMOUS ~ From Holiday Yoga Retreat Survey 2017

"...I wanted to thank you once again for pushing me to my edge. :) In our second last yoga session I had a truly transformative experience as we de did the infinity meditation practice.  Literally burst into tears as my higher self manifested herself to me as an image during my meditation. I’m wholeheartedly grateful to you for triggering that experience.  Mahalo Will!"

MEL ~ AUSTRALIA

"Will is a passionate, wise, and loving teacher in a league of his own. I feel inspired and empowered after every Practical Yoga class."

CAMERON ~ VANCOUVER, CANADA

"I do yoga almost everyday, repeated the poses which I learned from Will. I feel myself healthy, open-minded, connected with yogi friends, and something has been changed inside of me."

MEGUMI ~ JAPAN

"I've been on 6+ yoga retreats and loved this one the most because of Will‘s leadership and his participation with the group. He’s an amazing teacher and I’ll carry his wisdom with me forever. "

ANONYMOUS ~ From Retreat Survey 2017

"I normally don't share things in (FB) groups - but last years holiday yoga retreat with Will was exactly the kick in the butt I needed to finish my long-labored album. "

DANIELLE ~ LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

"I wanted to thank you. You were such a big part of making this (retreat) experience so magical for me. I have practiced yoga on and off the mat for years, but practicing with you made me fall in love with it again. Not just do it to do it, but rather do it because I love it. I’m happy to say that I have practiced everyday since returning back to LA. So, thank you. 

I had a chance to chat with a couple of the guys after our retreat had ended and we all seemed to have had the same response to you. You’ve got such an authentic self that brought not just comfort to the group, but also excitement…You are a beautiful person inside and out….You impact people, you just do. Someone once said to me, “After you’re gone, people will not remember what you said or what you did, but how you made them feel.” And I keep thinking how true that is. More than anything, you made me feel so good, so excited. What a beautiful thing that is."

SCOTT ~ LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

"I'm a little bit gun shy about yoga retreats. Will's is truly the best one I've ever been on. I've gone on many and some of them have been difficult and not what I was hoping for. Will's retreat was beautiful, partly because he made each person feel included and it was the most spiritual retreat I've been on. "

RACHEL T ~ CALIFORNIA

"The retreat for me was so much more than I imagined. You are an incredible instructor, knowledgeable, patient and supportive. I now do yoga twice a week..."

Nona, Big island, Hawaii

NONA ~ BIG ISLAND, HAWAIIi

"I cannot tell you how much you and your teachings have helped me.  I've been going through many, many difficulties, and the yoga and meditations are helping me to keep out of the "darkness" (horrible depression) and profound sadness.  If I do the yoga in the morning, my spirits lift.  If I "fluff my aura" before I teach Jazzercise, I don't feel like I'm going to cry in front of everyone."

BARB B ~ NEVADA

"…I purchased your dvd many years ago and I had no idea the impact that it would have on me and my well being. I am now devoted to a deeper practice of kundalini yoga, but that DVD was a beautiful simple introduction to experience the effects and benefits of this practice.  You and Jeff did a great job as co teachers and your spirit of warmth, down to earth energy and love, created a safe way for a beginner to experience the effects of kundalini yoga… 

My husband and two college age children are now using your dvd and are wanting to deepen their practice as well. Also, My husband and I are in private practice as therapists passionate about integrated health on every level.  I would like to have your DVD on hand to suggest to certain clients who are ready to take the next step to develop well being practices that are simple and realistic for the beginner.

Thank you  for your faithfulness to your path. I can tell that you continue to touch many peoples’ lives, by reading of your wonderful retreats and your articles in Spirituality and Health! Although I have never met you personally, I have been very touched by your energy, passion, enthusiasm and beautiful heart each time I play the DVD.

One year later…

My clients that are wanting to start a practice are really loving the DVD.  You have a beautiful energy about you and you are an excellent teacher.  We are hoping you make more DVDs! Even better, we hope to meet you one day!"

MARCIA ~ MASSACHUSETTES

"…I had no idea what to expect (from the yoga retreat in Hawaii) but feel like I could not have imagined anything better. The writing workshop (that was added as a bonus class at the last minute) was such an enlightening opportunity! So many awesome people from around the world and across the U.S...Will you are such a special person. You are well educated in yoga, humble, real and able to encourage/motivate people to make small steps to improve their themselves in this crazy world… "

ANONYMOUS ~ RETREAT SURVEY