Shade at Shattering Silence - July 29

View from the Illuminate Yoga Mat

Wahoooooo! The heat will lighten up by week's end. Let's celebrate Friday night with yoga. If you're game I'm happy to share a Gluten Free Ginger Brew from Firetrucker Brewery at Iowa Taproom with you after class.

Let's begin 5:30pm Friday, July 29 in the shade near the Shattering Silence Art Sculpture (pictured to the right). Yoga is great for relieving stress, anxiety & muscular tension. Enjoy these benefits and many more at this yoga class open to all but limited to 8 so that you get the attention you deserve. I'll invite you to move with your breath honoring your body's unique needs through our practice.

Details about this hour long Mixed Level Yoga class are below. In addition to public classes, I provide Private Yoga (for 1 or more), Corporate/Organization Yoga, Workshops, and Reiki. Let me know if I can be of service to you or our community. As always, I am happy to hear from you by email, call or text if you have any questions or need assistance.

• The Views:  Shattering Silence art sculpture, Japanese Bell of Peace and Friendship, the Capitol and the downtown skyline
• Benefits: In addition to your yoga practice benefits, you'll receive a unique to class home practice guide too. For every registration, Illuminate Gives Back $1 to Pinky Swear Foundation to help kids with cancer & their families. 
• Under Your Mat:  Cushion of grass (or pavement if grass is damp)
• Parking:  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 the bell.
• Bring: Yoga mat, water and any props you prefer to use. I'll have extra too.
• Register & Pay: Register for class to claim your spot; you may also purchase 3 or 6 class package to receive class discount.
• In Case of Inclement Weather:  Lynn Marie will notify registered participants by email no later than 1 hour prior to class time of location change with directions to the nearby downtown indoor spot. 

Views from Our Shaded Mat

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

Brave & Courageous

This past year my day job presented many challenges to my values of putting people first and being authentic. My friend sent a simple email, "I saw the attached and thought of you. You are BRAVE!" and included the image to the right.

It wasn't until I received this note that I began to think about how wholehearted living is meant for the brave and courageous and how little we acknowledge those attributes in each other. It takes courage to share our most authentic selves. Furthermore, we must be brave to speak our truth and live fully without being stifled by stereotypes, opinions, doubts, and unspoken rules.

At times I found my path to be lonely. Not for lack of friends, family or supportive people but for the decisions and times of effort I had to pull from my inner strength. I could lean on others, but I found the choice to move forward, to make a difference, to honor my values and be 100% myself was always mine and mine alone. Each choice took courage.

Some of life's challenges we bulldoze through and others we view as if it is a mountain too steep to climb. Yet, we don't talk about bravery and courage as often as we exhibit it and see it in others. Being recognized as brave was an element of support I found truly helpful as I met the challenge to honor my needs and travel uncharted territory.

I imagine you or someone you know are being faced with something, be it big or small, and have the choice to defer, deflect, or avoid all together. You also have the choice to be your best self and honor your needs. I am confident that you are brave and courageous. Let's affirm this in ourselves and encourage each other to be brave and do good in the world.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

Hot Summer = Move to Modern Downtown Indoor Location for Tuesday & Friday Night Classes

This summer is a hot one! With the temperatures consistently above 90, I'm happy to share we'll be taking our regular Tuesday & Friday night 5:30pm class to a new downtown modern hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites Downtown Des Moines, that is easy to get to and conveniently located by several great restaurants. Register for this class and enjoy dinner and/or a drink after. (Buzz me for insider tips & spots to enjoy after class.)

My love for taking the practice outside is still strong. I'll use this blog and email distribution list to announce planned and spontaneously scheduled outdoor yoga classes. As always, my Full Class Schedule is up to date with all events and classes and I am available for privately scheduled classes and workshops for you and your organization. 

Mark your calendars, I am the volunteer teacher for the following free park & recreation classes:

• 9am Mixed Level Class Saturday, July 23 by the Rocket Slide at Union Park 
• 11:30am Wednesday, July 27 under the canopy at the Brenton Skating Plaza
• 9am Sunday, August 7 by the pond at West Des Moines City Hall

I hope to practice with you tonight or at another class soon. 

A Gentle Yoga Practice for You

Our daily pace may have us multi-tasking and testing our stress limits. However productive this may seem it does not support our immune system, nerves, and general well-being. We may not be able to slow down every activity, but we can create balance in our day with yoga. Gentle Yoga invites us to slow down and journey within to connect with our inner well of peace and tranquility.

I created a Gentle Yoga video so that we may explore yoga's rich benefits at home as public or private class may not always be within reach. This slower-paced, relaxing yoga class combines light movement, breath, and mindfulness. Although Gentle Yoga welcomes those with stress, physical limitations, injuries, and seniors, it is not limited to those individuals. People of all ages and physical abilities have found value in incorporating Gentle Yoga into their wellness activities.

As you explore this and any other yoga practice, keep in mind these guidelines:

• Work gently and slowly, respecting your body’s abilities and limits.
• Breathe smoothly and continuously as you move and hold postures.
• Practice with an open mind and a sense of humor. Give yourself space to learn.
• Breathe smoothly and continuously as you move and hold postures (unless otherwise noted).
• Work gently and slowly, respecting your body’s abilities and limits.
• Do not move beyond muscle tension to pain.
• Do not perform postures or movements that are painful.
• Ask if you are unsure how to perform a certain movement or need a modification.
• A full stomach may limit your experience; please allow 60 minutes after a meal to begin a physical practice.

May you tap into your well of peace and tranquility this day and every day.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie

Shade at Shattering Silence - June 28

View from the Illuminate Yoga Mat

Immerse in the beauty around and within during our yoga practice at 5:30pm Tuesday, June 28. With the canopy overhead, our shaded practice will include a symphony of sounds from the birds and wind on the leaves. The hill by the Shattering Silence art sculpture is one of my favorites for summer yoga and meditation. I find tranquility here when I look up and see the blue sky behind the tree branches and with a turn I see the setting sun and golden capitol dome.

I'm happy to invite you to this hour long Mixed Level Yoga class. All the details are below.In addition to public classes, I provide Private Yoga (for 1 or more), Corporate/Organization Yoga, Workshops, and Reiki. Let me know if I can be of service to you or our community. As always, I am happy to hear from you by email, call or text if you have any questions or need assistance.

• The Views:  Shattering Silence art sculpture, Japanese Bell of Peace and Friendship, the Capitol and the downtown skyline
• Benefits: In addition to your yoga practice benefits, you'll receive a unique to class home practice guide too. This small class will create an opportunity for you to modify poses for your specific body needs.
• Under Your Mat:  Cushion of grass (or pavement if grass is damp)
• Parking:  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 the bell.
• Bring: Yoga mat, water and any props you prefer to use. I'll have extra too.
• Register & Pay: Register for class to claim your spot; you may also purchase 3 or 6 class package to receive class discount.
• In Case of Inclement Weather:  Lynn Marie will notify registered participants by email no later than 1 hour prior to class time of location change with directions to the nearby downtown indoor spot. 

Views from Our Shaded Mat

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