Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens - May 1

Rain or shine Guerilla Yoga begins 5:30pm this Thursday, May 1 at Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens (700 Robert D Ray Rd Des Moines).  Situated on the east bank of the Des Moines River south of the Botanical Center, across the river from the Iowa Events Center, the Gardens supply a natural linkage between the Principal Center Street Pedestrian Bridge and the Des Moines Botanical Center.

The Robert D. Ray Asian Gardens features an Asian pavilion atop an undulating bridge spanning a pond that cascades into the Des Moines River with a series of waterfalls. Accented by stone pagodas, lanterns and sculptural rock formations, the Asian garden's flowing lyrical ambiance will transport us to a picturesque Far Eastern paradise.

There is on street parking without meters available on the West side of the street nearest the pagoda.  With a 30% chance of rain and high of 51, I suggest you dress in layers and trust that we'll be warmed by breath and movement.  The rain won't stop us either as the pagoda will serve as our shelter.  You may want to bring a towel for underneath your mat.

I'll be wearing a golden scarf.  Call or text 515-979-6474 if you can't find me.

Guerilla Yoga... unconventionally fun. 

Introducing Guerilla Yoga

Guerilla Yoga is about having fun and enjoying life in the moment.  It showcases holistic yoga benefits in unconventional and approachable ways.  The unconventional happens in the way we practice as well as the location we find ourselves in.  I find that immersing in my surroundings with all of my senses I am more able to soften the activity of my mind.  The city of Des Moines is filled with beauty from the architecture of buildings and bridges to the rivers reflecting sunlight.

Views from the Guerilla Yoga Mat

You know my style... I bring the yoga to you.  All Guerilla Yoga is accessible to bodies of all types and experiences.  Each week I'll announce a new spot filled with beautiful views of downtown Des Moines.  Subscribe to my Guerilla Yoga feed to get the details directly in your inbox or visit www.guerillayogadm.com.

With my recent move to Des Moines, I have found myself in awe of the picturesque views and am excited to share with you.  Guerilla Yoga will be held Thursdays 5:30-6:30pm through the summer beginning May 1.  I'll announce the location earlier that week... you may catch hints on social media Twitter @LynnMarie_C or on Facebook.

There is a suggested donation of $5 that can be paid by cash or check.  Please bring a yoga mat or towel to practice on... and any other props you find helpful to support your practice.

Guerilla Yoga... fun... accessible... and unconventional.

Shared Breath

From my dear friend, I see the text, "Breathe with me." It's how we extend the comfort of a hug over the miles that separate. The request may come in an effort to be with her or that she is with me during a time of need or celebration. Our shared breath unites us.

I begin yoga classes and workshops with shared breath creating an opportunity for all to embrace the present moment and to support one another energetically.  Pranayama or breath control exercises have been found to be effective in reducing irritability, muscle tension, headaches, poor concentration, stress and fatigue.  Why is it in our most challenging moments we find our breath is held?  This healing gift suppressed by our own doing.

I invite you to breathe with me.  Right now, right here... join me in breath.  Now deeper... let's breathe together. In... out... in.... out... our breath flows.  Breath unites us and brings us more fully in the present.  In its simplest of definitions, yoga means to unite.

As my friend reminds me to breath, I am refreshed and feel supported.  I invite you to enjoy your breath today.  May it nourish you from the inside out.

A little inspiration may be found on my Pinterest Board Breathe as you play with the beauty of your breath.

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.

Peace Not Perfection

I had a dream the Dalai Lama was performing a ritual similar to a foot washing ceremony. He said to me, “You did very well on tests in school?” To which I replied, “Yes.” He then said, “Life isn’t a test to perfect.”

My dream reminds me to be ok with mistakes, let go of control, and to stop over-analyzing everything and everyone. With that story in mind,

• What are you trying to perfect or control in your life?  How can you loosen the grip? 
• Is there a pose or sequence in your asana or physical yoga practice that you can enjoy for what it is today?

I think life is better experienced lightly. Taking things too seriously or making things personal blocks my view reducing joy and peace in my life.

May we lighten up and enjoy this moment for all that is, as is.

Fuel Level

The other day my car let me know its fuel level was low.  I began to wonder...

• What are the signs my fuel level is low?
• What happens if I ignore them?
• What do I do to refuel, recharge and restore myself?

For my car, the first flash of this warning means 48 miles to empty and the second less than 30.  I go to the gas station before it reaches zero and there is no problem.  If I ignore the the signals from my car, it's toast.

My body and emotions warn me with sugar cravings, lethargy, irritability, aches, extra emotional responses, lack of patience, pains, etc.  Of course, I can blame these things on a number of things like stress from work, family or lack of sleep; however, blame does not fix my low fuel level.  Instead I turn to my yoga practice, music, book, or a friend.  Oftentimes a walk outside lifts my spirit and calms my nerves; however, when time or location do not allow I use my mind's eye and within a few deep breaths I'm there.

What will you do today to recharge?  Will you take a couple deep breaths right now?

Almond Milkshake [Dairy & Sugar Free]

Summer begs for us to satiate our sweet tooth with a cold treat. This milkshake is easy to make, full of flavor and filling. The vitamins, minerals and other nutrients come from their root source which allows the synergistic effects to help your body absorb and embrace the benefits.

I don’t follow a diet but rather make choices in what I eat to best support my mind, body and spirit. Sounds like it could be called a holistic diet then. Anyway for me, eating foods free from dairy, gluten, sugar, chicken and rice keeps me strong and full of life. I’m hoping you’ll love this treat too!

Almond Milkshake

Makes 2 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 cup almonds (soaked)
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 cup (wet measure) medjool dates [about 15 medium sized dates]
• 3 Tbs. almond butter 
• 3 Tbs. raw cacao powder
• 2-3 tsp. vanilla extract 
• 1 Tbs. coconut butter
• Pinch sea salt

Directions:

1. Make almond milk by blending 1 cup soaked almonds with 3 cups of water and a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
2. Pour 1 cup of the almond milk in ice cube tray.  2 cups of almond milk should remain.
3. Add 1/2 cup medjool dates as a wet measure.  To do a wet measure add the dates into the milk and measure by how much the liquid rises. With 2 cups of almond milk, you will add the dates until the milk rises to 2 1/2 cups. Make sure the dates are fully immersed in the liquid.
4. Add the rest of the ingredients (almond butter, cacao powder, vanilla, coconut butter & sea salt) to the blender of milk and dates.  
5. Blend well to emulsify the dates.
6. Chill the milkshake.
7. Add 1 tray of the creamy almond milk ice cubes 
8. Blend on low to break up ice cubes.
9. Pour & enjoy =)

Recipe inspired by Chaya-Ryvka.