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

Relationships... A Practice in Presence

Madison, Jared & Mallory

I sent thank you cards to my nieces last week. My sister aimed to snap a picture of their excitement only to capture the moment after their brother swiped a card. Pure sibling fun that took Madison's happiness with her brother's sneaky move. I don't expect a 4-year-old to be unbothered by such an event; however, we can contrast it with this 2 minute funny video where at 47 seconds she makes the decision to keep her happiness despite her grumpy, unwilling-to-share sister.

Madison attached her joy to the card and when the card was gone so was her happiness. I'm sure you recognize the phrases, "I'll be happy when…" and "I was happy when…." Instead of attaching our happiness to an event, set of circumstances or outcome, we can recognize the elements of now and stay connected to the peace and contentment that lives within. Madison didn't need her older sister's block to be happy; she was content in her efforts to build a higher tower. It was her efforts in present time not the final goal that was fulfilling. She didn't go vent to her mom; she said "okaaaay" and moved on.

Imagine if Madison would have judged Mallory's cranky response as a personal attack. Madison could have perceived Mallory's "no" as an example that "no one wants to help me" or "no one cares about me." Her persistence and confidence gave no room for judgment to bring her down. Our adult world swirls with all types of communication that may lead to assumptions and perceptions which are forms of judgment. When fused with our emotions, judgments can lead us to an undesirable reaction rather than a thoughtful and perhaps more educated response. What if we held strong to the notion that "everyone is trying their best?"

Relationships create a perfect setting for us to explore yoga off the mat as the practice of non-attachment and non-judgment cultivate a more genuine opportunity for conversation and personal contentment. In class, I invite students to observe their experience without judgment or attachment hoping to welcome all to be fully present. This practice on the mat ultimately empowers us to take it off the mat into our interaction with the world.

So I ask... has someone stole your card? Are you expecting things to go a certain way or someone to respond just so? Or have you heard/read words that weren't actually said or written? If so, bring yourself back to present by deepening your breath and becoming aware of sensation in and on your body. "Step back" from the situation and observe the facts without judgement (perception, assumptions, etc.) and let go of any attachment and expectations of actions or to the outcome. With this unbiased awareness, how would you like to respond with external and internal action/inaction? Move forward anchored by your breath to the present moment and your internal peace. 

At the end of the day, what matters is how well we have participated in our lives. Conversation about life skills enrich our experience and creates a community of support. I'm super excited to be bringing together individuals living life authentically for a yoga and book discussion to explore what it means to live skillfully. I hope you'll join.

A couple more things to learn from my sweet little niece in this video:

• Sometimes it all falls down and we just need to "build it again."
• Caring for others has no age requirement. ("Scoot back, guys. I don't want you to get hit Bruce.")
• The power of a good glare. (See video at 1 min.)
• You can be independent and ask for help.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

Let's Play Yoga: 3 Ideas for Kids Yoga

My sister informed me that my niece graduated kindergarten with a list of activities to enjoy this summer one of which is "A Day at Lynny's." Whether you have children yourself or entertain your friends and family's kiddies or need a gift for a kid, these three ideas have been kid tested and made my home a coveted summer destination for the 9, 6 and 4 year olds in my life.

1. Yoga Pretzels Yoga Cards $13.49 - This deck of 50 cards includes a variety of poses, games, breathing, and my nieces' favorites partner pose ideas. The colorful cards include simple instructions that will help any adult play along whether they know yoga or not. With kid friendly names, this card deck inspires the imagination as well as physical activity. 
2. My Daddy is a Pretzel $8.99 - This book is nice to read with colorful illustrations and fun to mimic the pose on every page. 
3. Dance for the Sun: Yoga Songs for Kids by Kira Willey - This CD inspires dance and yoga play. 

The children in your life benefit from your yoga practice and not just because you're more patient. ;) As they hear and see you taking care of yourself, they learn about healthy living. In fact, this week a student asked me about sharing yoga with her child, because her 4-year-old knew she was going to yoga class and wanted to do yoga too.

Having taught kids ages 3 to 93, I have yet to see yoga's limits and have come to believe age is only a number. Play is much the same... May we be inspired to play no matter our age.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

What is a Yogi?

View from My Mat in San Diego

An eleven year old yoga student came with his mom and shared that he had participated in a few classes. I shared that teachers often put emphasis on different aspects of a practice and that I would be happy to answer any questions he may have.  He surprised me with his response, " I hear people talk about yogis. What is a Yogi?"

His thoughtful question deserved an equally thoughtful response.  I explained to him that I don't believe a yogi is someone who just does yoga poses.  A yogi is someone who strives for balance of mind, body and spirit.

In a yogi's pursuit of balance he or she may use various techniques including mindful physical movement (yoga), breath work, meditation, healthy eating, reading material that uplifts/challenges/encourages and connecting with others. A yogi aims to authentically unite with others, Earth, and him or herself by way of action and observation.  A yogi doesn't find a state of balance and then he or she is done.  It is a lifelong practice.

What do you think a yogi is?

Through the Eyes of a Child... Boat Pose

"Lift your heart." I say to Olivia while we're in Boat Pose.

She responds, "I'm going in the water."  After we capsized and regained our composure, we captured the shot to the right with our hearts lifted.

This story reminds me...

• Have fun.
• Don't take things so seriously.
• Size doesn't matter.  

May you float with the current of today and enjoy the view.

Through the Eyes of a Child... A Bird's Song

An unexpected text from my brother-in-law led to a smile-filled lunch at King & I Thai.  Over a plate of three sushi rolls, TJ has no shame in eating huge amounts like me, we hear a lil voice "oooo."  We turned to Mallory, my almost two-year-old niece, who was grinning ear to ear then quietly says, "bird."  TJ acknowledged the bird out the window.  Mallory wasn't happy with that; then we hear the background music.  So soft and delicate, much the same as Mallory's voice, the bird shared a solo.




What great lessons Mallory taught us...
Slow down and listen.
Be aware of your surroundings.
Beauty is everywhere.
It is not always the obvious answer.
Your voice is heard.
Share your happiness.
Let your smile light the world.

Through the Eyes of a Child... A Strong Pose

A very chilly Saturday morning at Gray's Lake I shared yoga with Noah, a wise eight-year-old.  After demonstrating the Downward Noah Pose, which looked very similar to Downward-Facing Dog, he shared that he wasn't a fan of the the speed of which the teacher lead us through the poses.  Noah said, "I just couldn't get strong in my pose.  I needed more time."

He had captured a lesson that takes many yogis months or even years to realize, if they even realize it at all.  Our practice is not one of productivity.  We don't step on the mat to see how many poses we can do and how many benefits we can attain.  We practice yoga in an effort to find balance.  Of course, there are many ways to accomplish this and types of balance we may look for and each day is different.  Regardless, balance is often achieved with time.

As I was driving home from an outdoor retreat, I thought about my conversation with Noah some more.  I had been saying very similar things to myself... "I'm just not feeling strong."  It was his words that resonated with me... I need more time.  My emotions were scattered and my body striving to catch up.  He was right I just needed more time to find my balance.  With breath and the affirmation that I am strong, time gave me what I had been searching for... balance.

Love & Be Loved

At the wise age of four and a half, my little sister, Olivia tells me "Nynny, feel my heart." In the midst of a rowdy game of charades, I placed my hand on her tiny chest. Not only could I feel the beat of her heart, I could feel love radiating from her little body.

Living so fully in the present moment, she reminds me to connect with my heart and not to lose sight of others sharing love with me. What truly amazes me is her willingness to open her heart to share and receive love.

It is with love that I share my excitement about my next Yoga Retreat offerings. Mark your calendars for June 26 and September 18. Each retreat will give you an opportunity unite your mind, body and spirit. I am also available to organize private group or individual retreats.

This month is saturated with ideas on how to express love. I invite you to connect with your heart to find the way most suitable to you. And don't forget to allow love in.

with an open heart