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

Ho'oponopono: A Hawaiian Message for Us All

In January I walked down a lava rock path to join my best friend under a coconut tree. With waves crashing on the rocky bluff, we united in marriage. Our celebrant, a local Hawaiian minister, warmed our hearts by his presence and genuine happiness for being a part of this day. Ohana, Ho'oponopono and Aloha, were the three Hawaiian words he shared as treasures to bring into our relationship. Each rich with meaning, I am excited to share them all with you, but for today we'll uncover the beauty of Ho'oponopono.

Ultimately, ho'oponopono means to make right. Much more than a word, it is steeped in tradition within the Hawaiian culture. It encompasses a forgiveness ritual that welcomes a healing exchange to those who practice. Of course it's not limited to romantic relationships. Ho'oponopono offers an opportunity to express connection "I love you", repent "I'm sorry", request forgiveness "Please forgive me" and extend gratitude "Thank you" in any relationship including for one's self.

I have found the words behind Ho'oponopono to be healing when I've repeated them to myself and when I've extended them to another. Using it as a mantra, the repetition provides a focal point for me to begin to release attention from my anger and blame. It transforms the energy within me to be more compassionate for myself as well as others. It is from this place I am more present and able to respond rather than react out of fear, hurt, or shame.

I love you.
I'm sorry.
Please forgive me.
Thank you.

Whether it's in a text or scribbled on a piece of paper, my husband and I know that ho'oponopono means we're human and trying our best. There's no blame in ho'oponopono, only acknowledgement of personal intention. It seems to soften the sting of words and actions ultimately bringing us to a place of kindness.

Our relationships and yoga mats serve as a place for us to practice compassion and ho'oponopono. May you find the strength to own your actions and forgive others.

Always a Yogi,
Lynn Marie

Slow Flow Gentle Yoga to Benefit Pinky Swear - August 5

With shared passions of providing opportunities to nurture others and ourselves, Amour and Illuminate Yoga + Natural Solutions welcome you to participate in a donation-based Karma Yoga class to support The Pinky Swear Foundation on Friday, August 5th. The Pinky Swear Foundation aims to ease the financial and emotional challenges experienced by children with cancer and their families by providing support during this challenging time.

5:30pm Browse, Shop & Chat
6:30pm Slow Flow Yoga

Amour, located in the beautiful East Village of downtown Des Moines, is a boutique of beautiful underpinnings and loungewear (and is owned by a yoga teacher). Come from 5:30- 6:30 PM for browsing, shopping and conversation. At 6:30 Amour will close the doors for our Karma Gentle Yoga Class to begin. Heather LaPorte, owner of Amour, and Lynn Marie Nelson, owner of Illuminate Yoga + Natural Solutions, will facilitate this slower-paced, relaxing yoga class and invite you to move with your breath honoring your body's unique needs.

This Karma Gentle Yoga Class will open your heart, calm your mind and support the well being of our community. All donations from this class will be presented to The Pinky Swear Foundation, and you will go home with a unique practice guide from the class, so you can take a little bit of good karma back into your every day life. (Click here to see Facebook event.)

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.