In Harmony

Time to recalibrate?

Start with a nourishing breath ...

11 years ago I committed to radical self care that included all sorts of activities... Many of which were not mainstream (at the time). My pursuit of wellness came at the cost of lost "friends" & conflict with family...

I don't regret a single choice.

No longer held down by chronic pain & illness... Now I'm empowering others.

Today, I find myself able to handle enormous hardship without losing myself or my mind.

 

My vow to honor my needs no matter the time or place has led me to seize minutes (or breaths) whenever I can to reset to my intention of conscious, harmonious engagement with the electricity of life .

 

I understand time is scarce, as responsibilities and commitments are waying heavy...

Will you make a lil for yourself...

to be fueled [another breath]

so that you continue to love on your people

& honor your heart's commitments without losing yourself?

United by Breath,

Lynn Marie 

PS Only 3 spots left in my Holistic Yoga Retreat this Sunday ... Don't miss this day where I take care of you.

The Brass Pitcher

"What's this for?" my three-old niece asks while holding up a tiny brass pitcher. On my entry table nestled by our coin jug and a picture of a stream running through the Maquoketa caves, it's a reminder of the abundant flow of love, energy, support and money. How am I to explain that to my eager to know 3 & 5 year old nieces?

Turns out the brass pitcher holds fairy dust. When we leave my home, we sprinkle fairy dust on our bodies with the intention to fill ourselves with love so that we are ready to share our love, smiles and thanks yous with everyone we meet. For two years, we've shared this ritual and although the words change, the intention is the same… We fill ourselves so that we are ready to give to others. [tweet this]

Iowa Cub puts on a fabulous display of fireworks that we enjoy from our deck and living room. After a wonderful afternoon of playing and firework show, we sprinkled the fairy dust all over us, and agreed to share our smiles like pretty fireworks to all we meet. Now 5 years old, Madison says, "There's always more than enough."

After hearing no too many times to count… no more ice cream… no more time on the drum… no more coloring… no more picking on your brother… no, no, no… she still had the mindset of abundance. "There's always more than enough."

Was she talking about smiles, love, thank yous, or joy? I don't know. Whatever it was, she was exactly right.

The next day I bathed in her words when the noise in my head wanted me to believe I wasn't appreciated or loved enough. Her words, our ritual, reminded me... There's always more than enough. [tweet this]

I’m convinced the tiny ones know life's secrets. We just have to listen. No… not now… you can't do that… that's not right. Ugh… it's not just little kids that hear these words. They come at us from our boss, colleagues, significant other, and friends. Even worse these messages hit from all sides not just from the people in front of us. Our media feeds, articles, inner dialogue and email gather a plethora messages that can leave us feeling less than, not good enough, and rejected.

It's my hope that our holistic practices together… yoga, conscious breathing, meditation, hikes, discussions, healthy eating, Reiki, sound baths… fill us so that we may be of good service to our community. [tweet this]

May we know when and how to refresh our vessel. 

May we give from our always overflowing pitcher of love.

Lynn Marie Nelson

Home of the Brave

The call comes and the words bounce in our heads... the unthinkable becomes our next challenge. Feeling hopeless, rejected or unappreciated... we continue not knowing what should come next next. Facing our fear... we breathe... we engage and learn.

Hot mess? Stuck? Actually we are moving forward. Our bravery is found in the moments of solitude when we choose to look through our neighbor's eyes... when we comfort ourselves without validation from another... when we take a break... rest and listen... when we dare to take the next step.

We are BRAVE. 

Life happens... How do we deal and continue on? The choices... wallow in drama or reframe our story... get buried in defeat or begin again... limit ourselves or find joy on our path.

Our practice fills our bag with tools to make the path less difficult. Yoga helps us live well. We practice on the mat so that when we step off we're at ease in our bodies, connected to peace, and prepared to engage in life.

Perfectly Imperfect...We share our light with the world.

Whether we step on a trail, ride a bike, swim, run or unroll our mat... we connect with the peace and bravery within. Together we continue the path with grace.

I hope to see your beautiful, brave soul soon.

Lynn Marie Nelson

Community Light: Let's Illuminate Another's Day

You make a difference to all you meet even if the encounter is brief. Our collective efforts unite to shine a brighter light into our world. [Tweet This] This week has reminded me of that and the importance of community.

A couple new students shared their gratitude for creating a non-intimidating environment to explore movement in their body. My classes tend to be filled with young, old, men, women, all sizes, tight and flexible bodies. ALL of which are able to practice with each other AND make it appropriate for their bodies. (The affirmations from students that this is occurring is deeply appreciated.) I may lead, but this class atmosphere is truly created by the community of students that gather.

My inspiration fueled by this moment caught on camera from my sold out retreat Sunday. We went around the candlelit circle and shared how we were nourished by the day's activities and how we saw light in each other. The good words flowed across ages and friendships. The day led to new relationships and a renewed commitment to being good to self and others.

All of this builds my excitement to be facilitating another Books & Yoga series. I will have 8 people meet in my home this Sunday to kick it off with a lil mingling and snacking. [You know how important food is to me ] These individuals are looking forward to being in conversations with others about being our best selves and meeting life's challenges with grace. [I have two spots open. If you'd like to join this mini retreat I'd love to have you. More info here: www.illuminateyoga.com/booksnyoga ]

To my final thought... people do experience a low in the winter. The cold and reduced sunshine don't help, but COMMUNITY does. We've seen the videos and posts on social media that a smile, good words, a random act of kindness and a listening ear help our neighbors. Let's be the light and illuminate another's day. [Tweet This]

May we find ways to build our communities, to take care of each other, and encourage the gifts we have to be cultivated and shared.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

Free Yourself from Tension & Find Peace in Your Body

"Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be." Wayne Dyer's thoughts remind me that by setting down our attachments to expectations and interpretations, we find peace. What if we approached today with the mindset that everyone is doing their best? We may meet ignorance, stupidity, complacency or disrespect... Then we may choose to look at the situation assuming each individual is doing their best with what they have & know. Can you imagine the reduction of internal frustration that can come from giving others the benefit of the doubt?

Drama and big deals are often created with our interpretation of events or conversations. We cannot change the actions or opinions of others, but we can change our internal processing which frees us from suffering (drama) and empowers us to be compassionate & authentic in our response.

Our meditation, mindfulness & yoga practices help retrain our mind so that we meet our day as our best selves... At peace. Through Lifestyle Coaching and Mindful & Intentional Thought Transformation, I further support you (near & far via FaceTime) in living well and comfortable in your skin. I am honored to walk with you on your journey and hope to see you again soon.

May we be free from limiting thoughts.
May we be open to new perspectives.
May our eyes see the good in all situations.
May we be free.

Always a Yogi,
Lynn Marie

Magical Quality of Belief

Times of transition… weekends, new job, new year, new moon, new day… are great catalysts for reflection and sparks ideas for intentional living. As popular media floods my feed with the demand to review my goals and set resolutions, I find myself looking through the window to my beliefs instead.

My wood carving of the word BELIEVE comes out with each holiday season. There's a sweetness to the word BELIEVE and a sort of innocence to the idea. As kids we believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, and other mystical creatures. Does the magical quality of belief get lost as we age?

As adults believing seems to be attributed mostly to religion and spirituality, but there's more to it. Beliefs form our mindset… the foundation of thoughts and our inclination in how we interpret and interact with our world. To believe is to trust in more than meets the eye. It's an unconditional faith that when tested overcomes the challenge of doubt and pebbles of evidence to the contrary.

With a cup of tea and the rising sun, I pondered my beliefs and challenged myself to dive into those that hold me back. I believe in…
     -The Power of our Minds
     -Choices
     -My Voice
     -Love, Healing and Forgiveness
     -Humanity
     -Opportunities
     -Reconciliation
     -Pursuing Ideas, Dreams and Adventures
     -Letting Go
     -Our Ability to Change
     -Our Innate Ability to Heal, Love, and Serve
     -Me and You
     -The Beauty of Life's Ups and Downs

Examining my limiting beliefs, I find the thoughts that cloud my vision…
     -I am not enough. I don't do ___ right. I will never be as good as ____. 
     -I am not valued. No one appreciates what I do. 

Do you recognize these in yourself? Are they true? I looked for proof and of course I found material for both sides… *sigh*

Well you know the adage, "You're your own worst critic." So I stepped farther back from the belief and stories, I saw that I was being hard on myself and not allowing the good to be seen.

Here lies the magic in our beliefs as adults. We can change our thoughts to shift our mindset and emotions. We replace limiting beliefs with intentions…

• I am not enough. Becomes I am gifted. I share my charisms regardless of others' actions and inaction. 
• I am not valued. Becomes I am abundantly blessed with life giving relationships. I value and appreciate my being and my doing. 

By practicing these new thoughts, we retrain our brains to support and positively influence our perceptions. This work helps my clients and I find stability in chaotic situations and illuminates paths for change and growth. Intentional Thought Transformation is one step to changing behavior, but a pivotal one for sustainable change to your wellness.

What do you BELIEVE? Is there something holding you back? How will your mindset influence the pursuit of your goals?

Over the years, I have personally used and taught several holistic techniques to transform mindsets. It would be an honor to support you in your journey to Whole Being Wellness.

Peace Begins with Us

Let there be peace on Earth and let it begin with me.

Our world's challenges are greatly complimented by the heroism and kindness of our neighbors. We know as individuals we cannot fix the world. Have we figured out that we cannot "fix" those around us?  Peace on Earth begins with me.  Our desire for peace begins with attention to our actions of mind and body. We can only change how we interact with ourselves and our world. Innate peace is nurtured by a steady breath and a well taken care of body via how we move and what we put on and in our bodies. We maintain peace with attention and redirection of our thoughts. The song continues... With every step I take, let this be my solemn vow. Mindful Presence anchors us to the peace within as we're no longer swept back by the past or blown away with the worries of the future. Our yoga and self care activities are a PRACTICE of techniques to help us meet our daily activities feeling comfortable in our skin and empowered to serve. This is how we bring Peace on Earth. I pray that as we enjoy holiday festivities, family, and friends that we not be saddened, angered or distracted by our external needs, but nurtured by the peace and joy within.  May we share words from our hearts and act with love. We are in this together.

For Better Health & Wellness: Mindfully Choose Your Thoughts & Focus

I continue to be amazed by the power of our minds and our ability to tap into our inner dialogue to change our perspective, find motivation, connect with our innate strength and peace.

Mindfully choosing our thoughts & focus enables us to meet the world as our best selves. [tweet this] No longer looking to the people or media around us to fill the void or validate us, we recognize our innate value, worth, gifts & goodness. This takes the pressure & expectations off our loved ones, friends, and colleagues.

Studies continue to show our mindset (thoughts & emotions) strongly influences our health & behavior. Furthermore, we can directly relate thoughts patterns to behavioral habits & health issues. Good news... We're not stuck. We can shift our thoughts & actions to improve our health & well being.

In fact, we compliment our healthcare with self care. [tweet this] There are many tools & techniques to train our minds to better serve us & meet our world with compassion & fullness. I offer this intention idea as a busy week may tempt you to care for everyone else only to leave your needs unmet & your health/emotions challenged.

Join me in saying, I honor my needs. 

Say it again this time with a deep breath, I honor my needs.

Let it soak into your being & guide your choices to maintain balance & wellness in the midst of outside influences.

I work with individuals to make mindful shifts in thought & behavior. I would love to learn more about you & your path to wellness and provide you with tools to shift your mind & body to meet your unique lifestyle & needs. Are you interested? This conversation can be virtual or in person. Check out your options & opportunity to be well in mind, body & spirit.

Oh... and an extra treat to enjoy... more intentions & ideas.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

Rise Up

On my walk to yoga class, I saw a yellow flower reaching for the sky. There was a shift inside me as I thought about rising up. Rising up isn't about being above or being the best. It's about standing tall and being confident in who we are. Rising up is about being our best.

Forgiving ourselves for making mistakes and recognizing the lesson it shares. It's having faith in the goodness of ourselves and the goodness of others. Rising up is taking the time to see the beauty that is around us. Sometimes the goodness and beauty seems hidden, but it's there. With a friend, book or other inspiration, treasures may be discovered with a little attention, objectivity, and reflection… aka presence.

Rise up.
Rise up to eliminate negative self talk.
Rise up and get out of the gossip.
Rise up to see a different perspective.
Rise up to loosen the grip of the past.
Rise up to welcome sweet new beginnings.
Rise up to make choices that support.
Rise up to see the beauty of life in all its ups and downs.
Rise up to lift others.
Rise up.

Add "I" to the front of those statements and you've got an intention to support you in being your best today.

I rise up and hope you will join me.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

You are an Influencer... What are you promoting?

Before my morning walk with my favorite chocolate lab, Poudre, I set my intention to welcome inspiration for my blog. While reflecting on world events and conversations about politics (government, corporations, and yoga communities), I heard the church bell chime. I was reminded of my journal entries about Sacred Space and the rise of busy-ness in our communities.

How do we bring more peace and love to our communities? 

New policies, cultural awareness, or systematic changes… who knows the answer. One thing is for sure, change doesn't happen by itself. It starts with each one of us and if our personal fuel tank is low we may not have what it takes to take advantage of opportunities right in front of us. Choices made from personal depletion have a higher risk of being reactionary and based on fear, anger or revenge. In times like these our Sacred Space helps us regain our mindful perspective in a world that seems to be in turmoil.

We influence change by action and inaction that comes out through words, attitudes, tone of voice, opinions, assumptions, gossip, body language, etc. Every choice we make is an opportunity to choose peace over violence. I'm not saying to dismiss your voice; rather, I am saying how you go about sharing your truth can be done with a peaceful intention.

Sacred Space isn't about churches or yoga as spirituality, but rather, Sacred Space is a physical or internal place we may go for nourishment. I find Sacred Space lures me in when I am most in need. With time in a park, yoga class, garden, meditation, kitchen, roof, or my favorite reading chair, I am internally fed and no longer in need of validation from others or influenced by my drive to be right. Sacred Space comforts me with quiet acknowledgement of who I am.

I don't go to my Sacred Space in the pursuit of happiness, but rather contentment. I aim to find peace with the present befriending my emotions and mental villain. It is in this space I strive to accept what is without blame or shame. From here I am more equipped to meet the challenges AND opportunities of my day.

We may not have the answers to the world's problems, but we do have an opportunity to bring good into this world one choice and one person at a time. This day (and upcoming weekend) is a good time for us to pause and go to our Sacred Space even if we only have 5 minutes. Let's enjoy that space and saturate our bodies in deep, full breaths. Nourish yourself so that what you do and don't do influence positive change in our community.

Always a Yogi,
Lynn Marie

Loving Kindness... A Practice in Cultivating Compassion

Sometimes my emotions get the best of me. It is through my breath
and meditation I bring myself to a place of balance where I am responsive as opposed to reactive. By stepping back from our internal narrative, we step into the role of an observer who is aware of thoughts and sensations as they are. This is our meditation practice which welcomes us to free ourselves from attachment and honor where and who we are in present time. With anger, disappointment or frustration leading the emotional upset, I find the meditation technique of Loving Kindness to be deeply rewarding.


Loving Kindness begins by cultivating feelings of compassion, love, and goodwill towards self. The meditation progresses by extending thoughts of compassion to others. This progression is intentional in that it enables a growth of Loving Kindness feelings where it's easier (self, loved one, etc.) and builds to holding them towards people that it may not be as easy (acquaintance, enemy, etc.).

I've recorded two guided Loving Kindness meditations. One a bit shorter than the other includes two iterations of the Loving Kindness intentions; one for self and one for others. The Loving Kindness extended version includes 5 iterations: for self, a loved one, an acquaintance, an individual that frustrates or angers you, and all living beings. The image contains the intentions that form our Loving Kindness meditation.

These intentions may be used any time. Feel free to print them and put it in your wallet or save a picture on your phone. In time they'll be committed to your memory and as challenging situations arise you are able to avoid the full emotional upheaval by cultivating compassion within and sharing it with others.

Here are some links to help you understand the benefits of cultivating compassion with this meditation:

• National Institute of Health: Meditation
• Harvard Business Review: How Meditation Benefits CEOs
• Loving-kindness meditation for chronic low back pain: results from a pilot trial.
• Open Hearts Build Lives: Positive Emotions, Induced Through Loving-Kindness Meditation, Build Consequential Personal Resources
• Small Amounts of Loving Kindness Meditation Lead Big Change

May you be enriched by your practice in cultivating compassion.

Lynn Marie

May we be free from all harm. May we be safe and protected.
May we be free from all suffering. May we be happy.
May we be free from all disease and physical pain. May we be healthy and strong.
May we be able to live in this world happily, peacefully, joyfully and with ease.

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.

Give New Meaning

Chances are you have one too; a day that carries the weight of a painful memory.  Maybe it's the anniversary of a death or ending of a relationship.  Maybe it's the day you received bad news or your life seemed to turn upside down.  Perhaps it is not a day but an object.  The other day I wrote about Choosing Your Focus.  This day we take it another step to give new meaning.

Today is the first anniversary of the finalization of my divorce.  Knowing this day was coming, I felt my sadness and disapproval of self grow through the week.  Emotions of being unworthy, unlovable and unwanted find me.  I know that I am worthy of good things including love; however, in my meditation, I become aware of my feeling unworthy.

Feel it to free it.  I feel the emotions in all their beauty and sometimes uncomfortable glory so that I may let them go.  Two sentences make it sound so easy... trust me it took lots of deep breaths and a few tears.  Then I chose; what meaning should this day have?  Thanks to a good friend who reminded me that this day is a celebration of me making the choice to give myself more.  That I am worthy of great love and desire.

So instead of this day being a reminder that one man did not fully share his love with me, it is a celebration of my worthiness and joy.  I give this anniversary new meaning.  Today I celebrate the love in all its depth.  Last year I tweeted, "Feeling the good in good bye."  Today, the good has come from giving this day new meaning.

Is there a day, an object or something else that you could give new meaning?

Drishti... Choose Your Focus

With a thirty minute commute, I can arrive to work to work frazzled or cheerful and at peace.  This morning reminded me the importance of my focus.  Heading West all I could see was a gloomy cloud covered sky.  Yet in the mirror I caught a glimpse of bright orange.  When I took a peek behind, I saw a vibrant, colorful sunrise.

On the mat, I remind us to choose our drishti or focus.  In some cases, we choose where our eyes rest but it's often the internal focus that makes the biggest difference.  Call them what you may... mind monsters, mental termites, tree branches for the monkey mind to swing on... they can all distract us from the beauty and joy that's right in front of us.  In fact, we can punish ourselves by pursuing these negative thoughts or acting in ways that go against our spirit's truth.

Don't get me wrong this morning I had a semi going 48 in a 55 and a school bus get in front of me.  Huffy was right there, but I chose my focus to be on the magnificence of the sunrise upon the fields.  Then the soccer mom cut me off on the interstate.  I caught myself wanting to shout a few words then looked to my East and redirected my focus.  

Abraham Lincoln said, "If we magnified our successes as much as we magnify our disappointments we'd all be much happier."  Imagine if instead of complaining about what's left or sharing what's wrong with your day, you focus on what was good and what you accomplished.

On my commute, had I kept my head forward I would have stayed in the cloudy, gloomy mindset.  Since I kept my eyes open to all that was around me and chose my focus, I arrived at my destination filled with joy by the color and beauty that could only come from the divine.

Is there something you've been dwelling on, getting anxious or beating yourself up about?  After giving it the full attention it needs in this moment, will you change your focus?


And in case you were wondering... the picture is today's sunset.  I didn't take it while driving this morning.

Shine Through

The light in your heart is ever burning.  Nothing can snuff it out.

You may be disappointed by people's actions.
You are loved.  Shine Through.

Relationships change; they may even end.
Your heart is whole.  Shine Through.

It may feel like you're climbing uphill and the top is nowhere in sight.
You're moving towards your goal.  Shine Through.

Your commitments may make you feel overextended.
You have choice.  Shine Through.

The bills may mount and expenses unending.
You are safe & secure.  Shine Through.

Your body may hurt and the pain unceasing.
You are healing.  Shine Through.

The thoughts of your mind may bring you down.
You can change them.  Shine Through.

The challenges you face may feel like unmovable walls.
You can climb over.  Shine Through.

Shine through my dear friend.
Shine Through.

Pathways to Prayer

As a holistic yogi, I believe in the balance of mind, body and spirit. With my glowing rock (Himalayan salt   rock lamp), stain glass angel ornament, various stones and angel figurine on my desk at work, I do not shy from sharing my spirituality in the Type A male dominated industry my day job resides.

My spirituality far surpasses the symbols and is a part of my daily life.  I embrace the spiritual practices of many disciplines from meditation to sweat lodges and smudging to laying on of hands.  I believe God is too big to be defined or explained by any one discipline or dogma.  I pray with my voice, my body and my actions.  I pray... meaning I honor and connect with the Divine.

Perhaps the beauty in having many religions is that together they may begin to encompass the vastness of the Divine.  Having worked for a church for seven years and teaching spirituality my entire adult life, I am aware of the challenges others and I face in maintaining a regular spiritual practice.  So I am sharing my own pathways to prayer in hopes that it may inspire your spiritual path.  

• Song as Meditation - Sometimes my words aren’t there, so I employ those of another.  Choosing a song that resonates with my current experience listening to the lyrics and focusing on my heart or inner voice.  My current Prayer Playlist includes:
• Shelter Your Name by Danielle Rose
• Love You More by Matthew West
• Angel by Sarah McLachlan
• I Won’t Give Up by Jason Mraz (more in my blog)
• Beyond - Buddhist and Christian Prayers (the entire CD)
• My Daily Prayer - I have found the book Grace, Guidance, and Gifts Sacred Blessings to Light Your Way to be truly perfect for everyday use.  Each piece can be selected at random on any day and includes a Message from Spirit, Morning Prayer or Affirmation, Mantra and Personal Blessing.  With 5-10 minutes I am truly tapped into my higher self and that of the Divine with this beautiful book.
• Digital Inspiration - I created a Spirit Calendar that contains "events" with reminders to set my intention, pray or connect with my heart.  In the body of the event and email are the details so that I don't have to come up with it during my busy day.  I have most events set on a four day rotation so that I don't get bored.  The magic in the timing of appointments has everything to do with my personal schedule and energy levels during the day. If you have a Google calendar and would like to add this to yours and therefore copy events let me know.  I'd be happy to walk you through that... it's super easy.  

Let us find balance in mind, body and spirit.

Wishes & Dreams

My morning routine consists of skimming my morning e-newsletters to find inspiration and insight.  This morning I came across an article about a new social networking platform "My Last Wish".  It's not the social networking aspect that drew me in but the concept - share your hopes and dreams with others so that you may find support and take ownership of your dream.

I've been exploring this idea for a lil while and will share more in a future newsletter.  But for now I share top of mind wishes... dreams...

• Write a book... or a few.  
• Engage an audience in conversations about my books.
• Teach yoga with an organization that embraces holistic wellness and offers services as well as products that meet my high standards.
• Be the Owner of that organization.

Hmmmmm...... Now in print... wishes no more... they have become intentions.

What are your wishes and dreams?

Trusting to Bend Back

Standing Backbend

At the Central Iowa Yoga Retreat yesterday, James Miller utters the words Standing Backbend and my body immediately tenses.  Really Lynn Marie, 3 hours of yoga and you tighten up like the day began with just the sound of two words?

I can do wheel - on my finger tips or even dropping to my forearms.  I have the strength and flexibility to do beautiful backbends.  It's not the pose itself that elicits fear.  So what is it?  This was the part of our practice we had the assistance of our partners.  I turn to my partner, who is also a student of mine, and immediately tell her I'm terrified of standing backbends.  I even give her a chance to feel my sweaty palms.  Eww - I know.  But I needed her to understand I'm not as invincible as I may seem in class.

We do a couple variations; no problem.  We come back together as a group and James shares a bit about Trust.  I, in my backbend euphoria, only hear not quite listening.  We go back to our partners.  I again turn to Susan and say, "I don't know why but they scare me."  Susan knowing my story says, "Lynn, it's about trust."  Tears well up in my eyes.  An issue of trust?  Wow, that's it.

With a standing backbend, we trust what we can't see.  We arch back, opening our hearts with complete trust that we will be supported.  We trust that we will be free from harm - free from pain.

I trusted Ron, my now ex-husband.  I gave him my heart.  Ron left taking with him my confidence to trust.  Ron left every problem, issue and challenge to me.  That day I came home from yoga class... that day before my birthday... I saw the note.  I dropped to the ground in tears.  Returning to child's pose, my dining room floor supported me and what felt like the weight of the world universe.

I trusted Ron and his intentions.  With complete disregard to my heart he made his choice.  I have used the last two years to make choices to honor that which is within me, fueling my passions and expressing my authentic self.  I have found solutions to challenges my lawyers (yes two) and banker said were unique... unlike anything they've seen.  I have reconnected with my strength.

My divorce is now final.  My life and choices independently my own.  Yet here on my mat I find the salty residue of my tears from that day my trust, my heart was broken.  Standing and bending back truly requires an open heart and trust - in myself and/or my partner.

Wheel or Upward Bow Pose

Can I open my heart to another exposing myself to the possibility of pain and harm?  I say to myself, "May I be free from all harm and pain.  May I be happy."  Can I trust another?  "May I be able to live in this world happily, peacefully, joyfully and with ease."

I would love to write and say I've conquered this fear... but I haven't.  Today I've become aware and acknowledge the fear.  This day I move forward in embracing the emotion of fear as well as the hurt from my once broken heart.  It will open again; it is opening now.  Today I affirm my spirit and its innate ability to heal and find space within.  Today I set my intentions

• I am fearless. 
• I trust myself.
• I trust others.
• My heart is open.
• I am open to receive as well as to give.
• I love fearlessly.
• I fully express my love with myself and others.

Tomorrow I try again.  One day I'll dropback free from all fear.

True to Me

I wear many hats… sister, daughter, friend, aunt, niece, teacher, listener, speaker, IT geek, student, yogi, etc. Not one of those hats encompasses my entire essence. I am not defined by a label or bunch of actions when wearing a particular hat. The essence that is me, my higher self or spirit, seeks expression through many outlets.



My spirit longs to be outside the mold of definition. My little sister, Allie, told me that I’m so far outside the box that sometimes I need to hike back to it and take a peek in. In fact, I pride myself on being unique. Yet upon reflection, I have found myself under the influence of my surroundings. I believe it is ok to shift my expression so long as I stay true to my deep truths – the values or beliefs that make me-me.

I have found there are few people that know the true me – the depth that is me. My meditation has sparked an interest to continue to work towards expressing my authentic self in all that I do with whomever I interact with. Using inspiration from Wordle, I created the image in this post as reminder of the elements that inspire me to be me.  This picture serves as my desktop pc background and each time I look a different word pops out.

Using the power of intention, I have found the following to be encouraging:

• I release all limiting beliefs I have placed on myself and others. 
• I am at peace with other people's opinion of me! 
• My higher self leads today & every day. 
• I allow my authentic self to shine! 
• I trust myself enough to let the voice within me be stronger than any voices outside. 
• What's within me is unique. I express it fearlessly and authentically.

I feel good when surrounding myself with these words and working to be truly me all of the time.  I've got to ask... are you being true to you?

Mother Nature's Invitation to Reflect

This week presents so many beautiful elements of inspiration.  With the Spring Equinox (Tuesday, March 20), we may draw upon the balance of light and darkness or the beginning of a new season.  Today a new moon greets us with a call to start fresh.  Let us not forget the spring rain and vibrant green of growth.    

The symbols jump out… balance, light, growth, new, transition, change and beginnings.  This seems to be Mother Nature’s invitation to reflect and set our intentions.  To reflect is to go within so that we may come out more present to what surrounds us.  This is one way we may dive into our practice of mindfulness – awareness of one’s experience in the present moment.

I offer some questions to ponder in the shower, as you are driving to and fro or in a quiet space under a blanket.  Pick one or a few that speak to you… journal or let your mind roll with the thoughts provoked.

• What in my life needs to change?
• What no longer fits who I am?
• How can I start fresh today?
• In what areas of my life am I experiencing growth? 
• What aspects of my life need watered to welcome growth?
• Where am I resistant to change? How has this limited the choices for my life?
• To grow, I must let go of...?
• What seeds of change will I plant today… this week… this month?
• What brightens the light within me?
• How do I share my light?

Some ideas for Intentions or Affirmations from nature's inspiration…

• I release all limiting beliefs I have placed on myself and others.
• I meet the circumstances of my life with inner Grace and ease.
• I start today.
• I take action from the inspiration within.
• I give myself the freedom to make mistakes because I know by making mistakes I can learn & grow!
• I am supported with every breath I take.
• I am free to be, just me.
• My life is filled with beauty, love, abundance and joy. Each of these things find me with ease.