The Voice Within

One would think, as a yoga teacher, I would have no problem getting my tush on the mat. However, I too find resistance. My drive to overcome is fueled by the intention to connect with the divine voice within.

We encounter many voices in our days including co-workers, family members, and friends.  Some are supportive and others seem to pull us down.  I have found, some of these voices linger from the original source keeping my mind busy, ultimately fragmenting my peace.

The voices I let in have the power to change my inner workings. I'm guilty of bringing my smart phone to bed which invites those voices from Facebook and Twitter to my sacred place of rest. Sometimes I find these statements and pictures entice me to compare and judge. With mindfulness, I was able to see that magazines and TV shows affected my attitude and self-esteem.

The fear of addressing the voices or interpretations I have let in creates a resistance to my practice.  I know that they will greet me on my mat… "I'm not good enough. I am a bad friend, teacher, sister, etc. I didn't do enough.  I failed." The quiet often makes them seem louder and more painful.

That which I resist persists.  By avoiding the voices they continue to push me around.  By acknowledging their presence, I loosen their powerful control.   With a step on the mat, I take a deep breath and sweep my arms overhead affirming, I stand strong. I bend forward and I let go. With my foot back, my lunge opens my hips, I am free.  As I move into my practice the voices of others fade and I connect with my inner voice. The voice that honors the truth of my humanness yet supports my divinity.

Throughout the day I support myself and my connection to the voice within with the following intention,
       I stand strong in the Divine truth of who I am.

May you be free of the voices, opinions, and judgments that seem to cling.
May you connect to the truth within.

Principal Park Ball Sculpture - May 8

The sneak peek view from the #GuerillaYogaDM mat I shared on social media (Facebook & Twitter) is not for this week.  I've changed my plans since the rain chance has gone up from 30% to 60%.  Rain or shine, I'll be sharing an energizing practice featuring a special sweet and passive inversion on the South side of Principal Park 5:30pm Thursday, May 8 for a suggested donation of $5.

I've put together two collages of views from the Guerilla Yoga mat... if the sun is shining we'll be by the ball sculpture and if it rains we'll enjoy the pitter patter under the bridge.  The bridge features a large pedestrian path that we may unroll our mats on.  Both have beautiful views of the Raccoon River and majestic bridges.  My favorite pedestrian bridge the Jackson Avenue Bridge is one of the many bridges in view.  Only a few locations, provide the factors needed to enjoy a subtle inversion to invigorate the mind and body.  This location being one that gives us that opportunity that I am excited to share with you.

  

Free parking available in the main lot of Principal Park (1 Line Drive Des Moines 50309) nearest the river and 2nd Street.  On Google Maps you can see where the Meredith Trial and Des Moines Trails intersect; this is where we will meet.  I'll be wearing a raspberry scarf and happy to see you.

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.