World Food Prize Garden - September 11

Enjoy the fall evening with Guerilla Yoga in the sun at the World Food Prize Hall of Lauereates Garden (100 Locust Street, Des Moines) on Thursday, September 11 at 5:30pm.  You'll park at metered spots on the street or bridge (marked in yellow on map below) and then walk through a path that curves around the purple, white, yellow, and orange blooms.  The downtown buildings add to the background for our paved practice area which lies to the West of the architectural beauty that has become the World Food Prize Hall of Lauereates.

Call or text Lynn Marie (515-979-6474) with any questions.

August 27

Due to the strong potential for thunderstorms this afternoon, we will not be having Guerilla Yoga this evening.  May your day be filled with wonder and eyes open to the beauty that surrounds.

Des Moines River - Wednesday, August 20

This week and next we'll be doing Guerilla Yoga on Wednesday.  Join me August 20 on the sidewalk by the Des Moines River.  This shaded spot will invite your eyes to wonder down the river and ponder the beauty of a bridge.

We'll meet at the bench on the corner of Water Street and Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway and at 5:30 continue our walk together to our yoga spot.  You can Google (100 Market Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309) to view the image below.  Yellow indicates on street metered parking.  The red circle is where we'll meet.  I recommend you bring a towel for underneath your yoga mat.

As always call or text me with any questions at 515-979-6474.

Capitol Grounds South of Holocaust Memorial - August 14

Another beautiful home awaits our practice.  This Thursday, August 14 we'll be meeting for Guerilla Yoga at 5:30pm on the South side of the Holocaust Memorial on the Iowa Capitol Grounds.  With our mats laid on pavement, our eyes will find views of the golden top Capitol building as well as flowers, memorials and downtown skyscape.  In this parking map, you will find our location for yoga to be North of the West Capitol Terrace.

Call or text Lynn Marie if you have any questions... 515-979-6474.

Simon Estes Amphitheater - August 7

Delighted to share with you that Guerilla Yoga meets this Thursday, August 7 at Simon Estes Amphitheater from 5:30-6:30pm.  Should we find ourselves second to the spot meet me by the Downtown Embassy Suites outdoor lounge.

World Food Prize Garden - July 24

Enjoy the summer evening with Guerilla Yoga at the World Food Prize Hall of Lauereates Garden (100 Locust Street, Des Moines) on Thursday, July 24 at 5:30pm.  You'll park at metered spots on the street or bridge (marked in yellow on map below) and then walk through a path that curves around the purple, white, yellow, and orange blooms.  The downtown buildings shade our paved practice area which lies to the West of the architectural beauty that has become the World Food Prize Hall of Lauereates.

Call or text Lynn Marie (515-979-6474) with any questions.

Rooftop Yoga - July 17

Guerilla Yoga meets at the East (Water Street) entrance of Brown Camp Lofts 100 Market Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309 for rooftop views of downtown Des Moines Thursday, July 17.  Must be at the door by 5:25pm to participate in class.  Suggested donation is $5 for this one hour holistic yoga class.

Call or text Lynn Marie (515-979-6474) with any questions.

Des Moines City Hall - July 10

The Des Moines River is high and the current strong creating a view and soundtrack not found in the yoga studio.  A twist won't steal the view but rather turn your attention to the beautiful architecture of City Hall.  Join me for Guerilla Yoga at 5:30pm Thursday, July 10 on the West side of Des Moines City Hall (400 Robert D. Ray Dr Des Moines, IA 50309)

On street metered parking found on the Grand Avenue and East Locust Street bridges highlighted in yellow below.  Look for the metal art sculpture pictured below on the right.  I'll have my cell (515-979-6474) if you have questions.

Tonight's Guerilla Yoga - June 26

Unfortunately, when I planned this week's yoga class the chance of rain was only 30%.  The thunderstorms are forecast into the evening as well as a flash flood warning.  I am cancelling tonight's Guerilla Yoga by Des Moines City Hall.  In addition, I will not be teaching a Guerilla Yoga class next week (July 3) due to the holiday.

I would be happy to see you this Sunday, June 29 for one or a few workshops (meditation, holistic yoga flow, sparking your home practice, yoga hike and restorative yoga).  Class descriptions and registration information are on my Illuminate the Day website.  

There are also tips and tricks to bring the practice home in my latest newsletter.

Cheers to enjoying the roll of thunder against the pitter patter of rain.

Des Moines City Hall - June 26

The Des Moines River is high and the current strong creating a view and soundtrack not found in the yoga studio.  A twist won't steal the view but rather turn your attention to the beautiful architecture of City Hall.  Join me for Guerilla Yoga at 5:30pm Thursday, June 26 on the West side of Des Moines City Hall (400 Robert D. Ray Dr Des Moines, IA 50309)

On street metered parking found on the Grand Avenue and East Locust Street bridges highlighted in yellow below.  Look for the metal art sculpture pictured below on the right.  I'll have my cell (515-979-6474) if you have questions.

Riverwalk East of Downtown YMCA - June 19

View from the #GuerillaYogaDM Mat

Nature creates a perfect setting for yoga with the sound of rain or the warmth of the sun.  I've got us covered for yoga this week... literally if it rains we've got shelter to practice under.  Join me at 5:30pm Thursday, June 19 rain or shine East of the Downtown YMCA just off the Principal Riverwalk for Guerilla Yoga.

There is on street metered parking on the Locust bridge highlighted on the map in yellow.  This week's home for Guerilla Yoga is marked in purple.  As always, call or text if you have questions or need assistance finding us - 515-979-6474.

Check out the Guerilla Yoga Defined post for all other details.

Yoga Spot in Purple & Parking in Yellow

Principal Park Fountain - June 12

The sounds of summer will fill the air as we gather at the Principal Park tiered fountain.  With the confluence of the Des Moines and Raccoon Rivers in sight, this Guerilla Yoga class will inspire a go with the flow attitude.

Join me at the fountain this Thursday, June 12 at 5:30pm outside on the Southeast corner of the ball park.  Below, I've noted parking in yellow and the trail in red to the fountain in blue.  You may park in the Principal Park (1 Line Drive Des Moines 50309) parking lots or outside of Mullet's.  You cannot see the practice spot from the road.    

We will be practicing on concrete.  As always bring your yoga gear and $5.  You can give me a call or text (515-979-6474) if you have any questions or need assistance locating us.

Union Railway Bridge - June 5

Union Railway Pedestrian Bridge

Let's practice together at 5:30pm Thursday, June 5.  This Guerilla Yoga class is on the Union Railway Pedestrian Bridge downtown Des Moines.  Feel the gentle breeze and warmth of the sun on your skin as we practice on this beautiful caboose red bridge that serves as a landmark on the Principal Riverwalk.

The bridge is located South of the Court Avenue bridge.  In the map below, you can see the bridge is located between the Residence Inn (100 Water Street Des Moines) & Police Department.  On street metered parking is available and marked on the map with yellow and the bridge in red.  Bring your yoga gear and a suggested donation of $5.  Call or text Lynn Marie at 515-979-6474 if you have any questions.

Google Map View

This #GuerillaYogaDM view is uniquely peaceful.  Combined with our yoga practice it inspires and helps to open our eyes and heart.  The pictures don't begin to give it justice.  Let me share it with you in person this Thursday, June 5.

View from the #GuerillaYogaDM Mat

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.

Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens - May 1

Rain or shine Guerilla Yoga begins 5:30pm this Thursday, May 1 at Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens (700 Robert D Ray Rd Des Moines).  Situated on the east bank of the Des Moines River south of the Botanical Center, across the river from the Iowa Events Center, the Gardens supply a natural linkage between the Principal Center Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Des Moines Botanical Center.

The Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens features an Asian pavilion atop an undulating bridge spanning a pond that cascades into the Des Moines River with a series of waterfalls. Accented by stone pagodas, lanterns and sculptural rock formations, the Asian garden's flowing lyrical ambiance will transport us to a picturesque Far Eastern paradise.

There is on street parking without meters available on the West side of the street nearest the pagoda.  With a 30% chance of rain and high of 51, I suggest you dress in layers and trust that we'll be warmed by breath and movement.  The rain won't stop us either as the pagoda will serve as our shelter.  You may want to bring a towel for underneath your mat.

I'll be wearing a golden scarf.  Call or text 515-979-6474 if you can't find me.

Guerilla Yoga... unconventionally fun. 

Introducing Guerilla Yoga

Guerilla Yoga is about having fun and enjoying life in the moment.  It showcases holistic yoga benefits in unconventional and approachable ways.  The unconventional happens in the way we practice as well as the location we find ourselves in.  I find that immersing in my surroundings with all of my senses I am more able to soften the activity of my mind.  The city of Des Moines is filled with beauty from the architecture of buildings and bridges to the rivers reflecting sunlight.

Views from the Guerilla Yoga Mat

You know my style... I bring the yoga to you.  All Guerilla Yoga is accessible to bodies of all types and experiences.  Each week I'll announce a new spot filled with beautiful views of downtown Des Moines.  Subscribe to my Guerilla Yoga feed to get the details directly in your inbox or visit www.guerillayogadm.com.

With my recent move to Des Moines, I have found myself in awe of the picturesque views and am excited to share with you.  Guerilla Yoga will be held Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm through the summer beginning May 1.  I'll announce the location earlier that week... you may catch hints on social media Twitter @LynnMarie_C or on Facebook.

There is a suggested donation of $5 that can be paid by cash or check.  Please bring a yoga mat or towel to practice on... and any other props you find helpful to support your practice.

Guerilla Yoga... fun... accessible... and unconventional.

Shared Breath

From my dear friend, I see the text, "Breathe with me." It's how we extend the comfort of a hug over the miles that separate. The request may come in an effort to be with her or that she is with me during a time of need or celebration. Our shared breath unites us.

I begin yoga classes and workshops with shared breath creating an opportunity for all to embrace the present moment and to support one another energetically.  Pranayama or breath control exercises have been found to be effective in reducing irritability, muscle tension, headaches, poor concentration, stress and fatigue.  Why is it in our most challenging moments we find our breath is held?  This healing gift suppressed by our own doing.

I invite you to breathe with me.  Right now, right here... join me in breath.  Now deeper... let's breathe together. In... out... in.... out... our breath flows.  Breath unites us and brings us more fully in the present.  In its simplest of definitions, yoga means to unite.

As my friend reminds me to breath, I am refreshed and feel supported.  I invite you to enjoy your breath today.  May it nourish you from the inside out.

A little inspiration may be found on my Pinterest Board Breathe as you play with the beauty of your breath.

Good Words

You know those comments that build you up and inspire you to be your best self.  I call them Good Words.  From compliments to quotes to affirmations to prayers to notes about beautiful memories, we can find Good Words all around us.

My heart warms with thoughts of a wedding reception I attended last year.  The reception began with guests sharing Good Words with the newlyweds.  Fifteen or so individuals stood and extended gratitude, memories, and support from the heart.  All in the room beamed with joy and agreement.

I believe there is a strong power of Good Words. The language we surround ourselves can heal, share love, express peace and so much more. Words are energy. When we choose Good Words we are also choosing not to add negativity to our space.  Good Words heal and shift attitudes.  There's that saying, "People will forget what you said but not how you made them feel."  Good Words show others and ourselves, we care and believe in the good within.

I bet you already know this... a compliment never expires.  I've caught myself with a positive comment that I didn't share right away and the opportunity seems to have past.  Then I remind myself, "it's never too late to share Good Words."  Giving Good Words has a way of lifting my spirit as well as the recipient.

I treasure the Good Words I receive.  Really... I treasure them.  I have a couple email folders appropriately named A Beautiful Note, Gratitude, Happy, etc.  My sweater chest houses letters and cards I've received over the years.  I even email beautiful text messages to myself so that I may savor those sweet words.  There are times I find myself in need of Good Words and those times can be inconvenient to request from a friend or family member.  This is when I pull those Good Words out.

Who can you share Good Words with today?  What if you shared your good thoughts with your spouse, child, store clerk, colleague, friend or stranger?  What Good Words can you share with yourself?

As a Pinterest fanatic, I of course have a Pinterest board with Good Words.  Let it be a treasure you can refer to when you need a pick me up, motivation, reminder of your goodness, or support.  One last thought resides in this article from Intent Blog; it shares a beautiful example of Good Words shared.

May your voice be strong as you extend support to others.
May your ears be open to hear the Good Words shared with you.
May your heart be open to receive the goodness.