Smoke & Mirrors

A couple things before I share the smokes & mirrors... First, I am super excited to be teaching 300+ yogis at Yoga in the Park this Saturday and would love to see you (& introduce you to my almost 5 yr old sister - a yoga teacher in her own rights)!

Next, I had to laugh when I checked the statistics of one of my newsletters... the link you all clicked the most... Morning Mojitos. I'm guessing many of you were surprised (and maybe disappointed) to see no alcohol in the recipe. Well this time I raise a glass and share a Red Sangria recipe I think you will enjoy. Cheers!

All too often I hear about the need for flexibility in order to "do yoga". When really the smoke and mirrors of yoga is the balance between strength and softness. I know you have seen that gal doing an incredible pose ... and with a smile. What you don't see is the muscle power behind the pose. I see it everyday in my classes and on my own mat, strength opens the door to flexibility... never the other way around. What still amazes me is the surprise and shock I see in you when you complete an action that seemed so impossible. You have the strength and therefore the ability to do so much more than you can even imagine! I believe in you!

Remember I said it is with a balance of strength and softness we practice yoga. If we over contract our muscles or bring unnecessary tension into the body, we end up holding ourselves back. We become rigid. Can you see how the lesson extends off the mat?

I have encountered several major life challenges the past 18 months and have taken the opportunity to explore this balance of strength and softness. You may have seen the strength and at times you may have witnessed the softer side. Whatever you have seen, I want you to know that you undoubtedly have shared with me wisdom, love and friendship. The many gifts you have shared fuel me to journey with grace. It is with a soft heart that I extend my gratitude to you.

Yoga in the Park

Lynn DuBord & Olivia Cunningham in Lotus

My beautiful, little sister Olivia shared with us that when she grows up she wants to be a yoga teacher. It is with great joy that I extend an invitation to celebrate her 5th birthday with free yoga. Each year I share her favorite pose with the group gathered at Yoga in the Park. In 2010 Warrior II & 2009 Dead Bug. What will it be this year?


Join 300+ yogis including Olivia, as I teach the free community yoga class 9am Saturday, July 23. This class will be held under the canopy of trees in the Southeast Corner of Gray's Lake Des Moines. All levels of experience are welcome. For additional information follow this link.

Find Relaxation at Work

Give yourself a little break during the work day... Perhaps close your eyes and visualize the beautiful place in nature that you feel most at peace. Enjoy your breath as you immerse yourself in this visualization. Recall how you experience this place with all of your senses. For a little extra fun you can do office stretches or give yourself an ear massage.

A Hug

A hug is a universal medicine, it is how we handshake from the heart. - Anonymous

Free Yoga for the Community

Mother Nature hosts several free community yoga classes this summer in the Des Moines area.

9am Saturdays Yoga in the Park - North entrance of Gray's Lake

9am Sundays Yoga on the Lawn
North Lawn Between Pond & West Des Moines City Hall (4200 Mills Civic Parkway WDM)

No registration needed; just bring your mat and join any Saturday or Sunday June through September. Classes are taught by volunteer yoga instructors.

Mark your calendars... Lynn DuBord will be serving as a volunteer for both programs.
9am Sunday, June 12 - North Lawn Between Pond & WDM City Hall (4200 Mills Civic Parkway)
9am Saturday, July 23 - North Entrance of Gray's Lake
9am Sunday, August 14 - North Lawn Between Pond & WDM City Hall (4200 Mills Civic Parkway)

Contact me if you wish to serve as the student on the platform.

Additional outdoor community class... Yoga on the Library Lawn 11:15am-Noon Tuesdays & Saturdays from May 24-September at the downtown West lawn of the Public Library.

Align Everyday

Bring our alignment cues to everyday activities...The connection we make with our bodies on the mat will influence the way you move off the mat. However, some of the alignment cues may present more of a challenge to you than others. Practice will bring better body positioning off the mat and into your life. Try it in the grocery store line, on your walk, seated at the computer or wherever else you may spend time.

Alignment cues to play with:

• Root all four corners of your feet into the Earth
• Widen your sits bones
• Tuck your tailbone
• Pull your floating ribs in and spread out
• Lengthen your side body
• Firm your shoulder blades flat on your back
• Lengthen the back of your neck
• Don't forget to breath!

The above cues are the basic elements of every single yoga pose standing, seated, reclined or even upside down. The June 26 retreat, Align with Nature, will give you the foundation and challenge to explore those actions.

Cook & Eat with Intention

I cooked a dish for Mother's Day and my almost 5-year-old sister says, "Did you put some love in it?" That is exactly what cooking with intention is all about. Whether it is taking time to bless the food before you eat or cutting/stirring the ingredients with peace or sprinkling in a little love, let's cook and eat with intention.

Here are some flavor packed (& healthy) recipes you may want to try:

Tangy Citrus Lemonade
Morning Mojito
Sweet Potato & Lentil Packet (great for the grill)
20 Vegetable Side Dishes
Cashew Chipotle "Cheese" Dip