New Name for Guerilla Yoga & 2 Classes This Week - May 24 & 27

Views from the Illuminate Yoga Mat

May 24 & 27

Join me and bring a friend this Tuesday, May 24 and Friday, May 27 for an hour yoga class that begins at 5:30pm by the Shattering Silence sculpture.  You read that right, class on Friday.  I'm happy to be kicking off the holiday weekend with you on this beautiful hilltop by the Iowa Judicial Building.  To ensure you have the best personable experience, I ask that you reserve a space in class at least 4 hours before class begins.  No worries about the potential rain... I've got us covered.  Details and directions below.

Btw this Friday isn't the only one on the calendar and if you like it I'll add more.

Name Change - No More Guerillas!

Guerilla Yoga was intended to be a fun, cheeky way to take the practice to different outdoor locations and inspire play on the mat.  I believe the name has kept some from joining our class as it sounds scary or intense which does not describe our relaxing practice together.  My goal in teaching any yoga class is to welcome ALL to the practice to receive yoga's benefits.    

So today, we let go of the Guerilla name and move on calling our traveling Holistic Yoga class Illuminate Yoga Around Downtown.  As you know, this practice is appropriate for any level of yoga student from beginner to experienced.  I thought long and hard about what name to move forward with and during my moonlit yoga practice last night it hit me... go back to your roots.  To me that meant back to my mission and reason for naming my business Illuminate Yoga + Natural Solutions.  So Illuminate Yoga it is =)

View from the Illuminate Yoga Mat

Details for May 24 & 27 (same spot both days)

• The Views:  Shattering Silence art sculpture, Japanese Bell of Peace and Friendship, the Capitol and the downtown skyline
• 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
• Register & Pay: Register and pay at this site at least 4 hours before class time.  Single class is $15, 3 classes for $42 and 6 for $72.  
• In Case of Inclement Weather:  Lynn Marie will notify registered participants by email 1 hour prior to class time of location change with directions to the nearby downtown indoor spot. 

Call, text or email me if you have any questions.

Choose to Be Good to You and Those Around You

One of the things I love about my yoga practice, is that it reminds me that I have a choice. Every position can be modified. Based on my energy level, tight spots, or injury, I can receive the benefits of yoga by choosing the position that serves me best. The choices don't stop with what I do with my body. In observing sensations and thoughts, I am able to recognize an internal dialogue that may be tearing me or another down. It is then, when I catch myself thinking negatively, I can choose a different thought.

I'm not saying that making better choices is easy, but that it is something that we can practice on the mat just as well as off. When I feel stuck at work, in a relationship or creative assignment, yoga kindly reminds me that I have a choice in what I say or do next. This awareness brings me a sense of freedom and internal peace.

I have no doubt that when we are mindful of our choices we are also mindful of others and how our actions may affect them. Are you making choices that serve you in your yoga practice and beyond? It is my hope that you chose to serve, to be creative, to love yourself, to open your heart to another… ultimately that you choose to be good to you and those around you.

I'd love to see you again and share a yoga practice that cultivates an awareness of choice, gratitude and love. Until then, I've added a Chair Yoga class to my YouTube Channel.

May 17 Rain Location

The sweet smell of rain reminds me to be present and nourish myself with a deep breath.  With the cool rain, also comes a need to move Guerilla Yoga this evening.  I will be contacting registered students with the indoor location for the Holistic Yoga practice this evening.

Shattering Silence - May 17

It may be a little chilly today but Tuesday's forecast is BEAUTIFUL.  I would love to see you at this season's first Guerilla Yoga class.  This holistic yoga practice will begin at 5:30pm Tuesday, May 17 on Capitol grounds.

Perched on a hill overlooking downtown Des Moines, the Shattering Silence art sculpture is one of the several sights in view from our mat.  The Japanese Bell of Peace and Friendship is also in view.  We'll be practicing on a cushion of grass under the blue sky beside the Shattering Silence monument pictured below.  This practice will strengthen and stretch the muscles in your body while relaxing and rejuvenating your mind.

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.

I maintain a small class size (no more than 8) to allow for individual attention and need you to register prior to class to ensure I may provide you the best service possible.  Can't make it to this class be sure to reserve your spot at another class using that same registration link.  Don't forget to bring your mat.

You know me... I go where the yogis are.  If you'd like to book a private group or individual class view all options here.

Buzz me if you have any questions.  I hope to see you soon.

Love You More

Do you give to yourself as much as you do your family, friends, job or community? It's a balance. Too much for you and it's selfish; too much for others and you're depleted. When we don't give to ourselves the imbalance may create resentment, anger, and low self-esteem. With self care, we change from needing respect, love & acceptance from outside sources to being already filled with self-respect, self-love & self-approval. Everything we receive from others just adds to our fullness like a cherry on a sundae.

Our whole world changes. We are able to see, give and receive with peace in our hearts, mind and body. Self-care compliments our health care practices and enables us to meet the day as our best selves. An intention to support this mindset, "I give to others and myself." Another... "I am balanced in my efforts of giving."

Do you balance your efforts of giving to others and yourself? What will you do today to move towards a better balance?

A great way to give love yourself than with a lil Holistic Yoga... A balanced asana or physical practice will include the following types of poses forward bends, backbends, side bends, inversions, and twists. You can create a balanced yoga practice with very little time. Start with an even breath and continue to flow with your breath through the following sequence:

• Cat - Cow
• Child's Pose
• Gate Pose
• Twisted Stomach Pose
• Legs Up the Wall

Depending on your time you may want to repeat individual poses. You could repeat the first two (Cat - Cow and Child's Pose) or the first three/four once or twice before completing your practice with the remaining poses and Legs Up the Wall.

As always, honor your needs and modify to embrace your body's needs that day.

See You Next Spring

As the seasons change, we are given an opportunity to take our practice indoors.  As your yoga teacher, I will take this time to journey inward and explore my personal practice as well as to continue connecting with you in private sessions.  Guerilla Yoga will return in the spring with inspiring locations and enriching sequences.

Des Moines Community Yoga Bash

In lieu of our Guerilla Yoga class, we'll be joining the Des Moines Community Yoga Bash this evening. Des Moines Social Club and Des Moines-area yoga studios are bringing you an amazing night of music, food and fun for the whole family. We'll be kicking it off with yoga led by Ben "Good Vibes" Spellman in the DMSC courtyard, followed by a rooftop party on the Kum & Go Theater. Food will be available for purchase from Fresh Café and a few of Des Moines' food truck favorites!

View all the details on these websites:

• Facebook Event Page
• Social Club Posting