Day to Rest - May 29

I must express my sadness in sharing that I will not be teaching Guerilla Yoga Thursday, May 29.  Unfortunately, I caught a bug and am needing a bit more rest to kick it.  We will resume with another one of my favorite spots on Thursday, June 5.  Thank you for your understanding.

Maybe this is a good time for you to also step back and find rest.  Check out this guided meditation I've uploaded to YouTube; details are in this post:  Good Savasana... Yoga Nidra

Shattering Silence on Capitol Grounds - May 22

Perched on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines, the Shattering Silence art sculpture is one of the several eye catching elements of our next Guerilla Yoga location.  Also in view, the Japanese Bell of Peace and Friendship.  

Let's celebrate peace and friendship at 5:30pm Thursday, May 22.  Free parking is available in the visitor lot of the Iowa Judicial Building (1111 East Court Avenue Des Moines 50319).  In this map, the parking lot is labeled number 26.  Once parked, you'll walk West past the Judicial building and past the bell.

We'll be practicing on a bed of grass under the warm sun beside the Shattering Silence monument pictured below.  I'll be wearing a blue paisley scarf and prepared to lead a class that restores balance and cultivates peace.  After Guerilla Yoga, we can travel down the hill for dinner at the vegan restaurant New World Cafe.  They've got my favorite items on their menu this week... Pizza Burger and Broccoli Cheese Soup.

Suggested donation of $5 for Guerilla Yoga; bring your mat and an open mind.  Guerilla Yoga... unconventionally fun.

Secret Spot

Weather took my spot for this Thursday and so I've switched gears this week.  If you are interested in doing Guerilla Yoga at  5:30pm Thursday, May 15 email me at LynnMarie.Cunningham@gmail.com.  I'll share the downtown Des Moines address for this one hour class.

The Voice Within

One would think, as a yoga teacher, I would have no problem getting my tush on the mat. However, I too find resistance. My drive to overcome is fueled by the intention to connect with the divine voice within.

We encounter many voices in our days including co-workers, family members, and friends.  Some are supportive and others seem to pull us down.  I have found, some of these voices linger from the original source keeping my mind busy, ultimately fragmenting my peace.

The voices I let in have the power to change my inner workings. I'm guilty of bringing my smart phone to bed which invites those voices from Facebook and Twitter to my sacred place of rest. Sometimes I find these statements and pictures entice me to compare and judge. With mindfulness, I was able to see that magazines and TV shows affected my attitude and self-esteem.

The fear of addressing the voices or interpretations I have let in creates a resistance to my practice.  I know that they will greet me on my mat… "I'm not good enough. I am a bad friend, teacher, sister, etc. I didn't do enough.  I failed." The quiet often makes them seem louder and more painful.

That which I resist persists.  By avoiding the voices they continue to push me around.  By acknowledging their presence, I loosen their powerful control.   With a step on the mat, I take a deep breath and sweep my arms overhead affirming, I stand strong. I bend forward and I let go. With my foot back, my lunge opens my hips, I am free.  As I move into my practice the voices of others fade and I connect with my inner voice. The voice that honors the truth of my humanness yet supports my divinity.

Throughout the day I support myself and my connection to the voice within with the following intention,
       I stand strong in the Divine truth of who I am.

May you be free of the voices, opinions, and judgments that seem to cling.
May you connect to the truth within.

Principal Park Ball Sculpture - May 8

The sneak peek view from the #GuerillaYogaDM mat I shared on social media (Facebook & Twitter) is not for this week.  I've changed my plans since the rain chance has gone up from 30% to 60%.  Rain or shine, I'll be sharing an energizing practice featuring a special sweet and passive inversion on the South side of Principal Park 5:30pm Thursday, May 8 for a suggested donation of $5.

I've put together two collages of views from the Guerilla Yoga mat... if the sun is shining we'll be by the ball sculpture and if it rains we'll enjoy the pitter patter under the bridge.  The bridge features a large pedestrian path that we may unroll our mats on.  Both have beautiful views of the Raccoon River and majestic bridges.  My favorite pedestrian bridge the Jackson Avenue Bridge is one of the many bridges in view.  Only a few locations, provide the factors needed to enjoy a subtle inversion to invigorate the mind and body.  This location being one that gives us that opportunity that I am excited to share with you.

  

Free parking available in the main lot of Principal Park (1 Line Drive Des Moines 50309) nearest the river and 2nd Street.  On Google Maps you can see where the Meredith Trial and Des Moines Trails intersect; this is where we will meet.  I'll be wearing a raspberry scarf and happy to see you.