One to Feel Better

I get it… time is hard to come by and when those sweet five minutes of freedom arrive you're left with your phone or tv and the scrolling begins. Is there a better choice that would leave you feeling refreshed and more present?

By making that better choice you are likely replacing a bad one. So pick ONE thing you want to do for yourself tomorrow. Just one. Then do it. Look ahead and schedule one thing into your week that will help you feel better.

PREVENTION happens one little choice at a time. We take care of ourselves now to prevent hardship later. [tweet this] My latest newsletter has a few ideas for you to try. Wellness is not one size fits all; so buzz me if you want to feel good more often. I'm here to help you.

Fresh Air Holistic Yoga

I adore nature's beauty. It makes me feel so alive and frees me of my worries. This week we'll explore yoga off the mat with hike through Brown's Woods and a walk downtown.

If you'd prefer a mat practice... I'm the volunteer instructor for the free 9am Saturday Yoga in the Park at Gray's Lake class. BIGGER NEWS... Attend my 5:30pm Tuesday night class you get 5:30pm Thursday class overlooking downtown skyline at no charge?

So many ways to connect with your peace and free your body from tension. All class details are on my calendar. Don't forget... my classes are kept small so that you are able to create a healing and life giving practice. Sign up today to guarantee your spot.

May the warmth of this day envelope you in peace and joy!

Lynn Marie Nelson

Alive Not Just Living

Go to that moment where you felt alive. Maybe it comes after a run, great conversation, sex, workout or meditation. Mentally take yourself to that experience. Feel the energy of life pulsating through your body. That electric sensation courses through your body, makes you feel alive, and fully in body.

Can you still feel it now after the activity has long past? It's inevitable that burst of energy into our system eventually slows. To be alive and not just living is to ride that electric pulse as it calms to a purr. I love exploring mindfulness and presence, but their path to trendiness has dulled their buzz. So when I read Mark Nepo's words, "When one with what we see, hear, and feel, we enter the secret kingdom of aliveness that is only secret when we remain separate," I was sparked.*

As I play with the ideas of presence, mindfulness, and aliveness, I've come to believe that they're all on the same team but have slightly different responsibilities. To be alive is to be intimately connected to the electricity of life, fully in the moment, and thoughtfully engaged. [tweet this] We are alive when we embrace our experience in all its glory without stifling the energetic purr. Caving into the temptation to numb a bad feeling cuts off our energetic connection to life and the good feelings too. We don't know happiness without sadness or excitement without boredom.

What amplifies the pulse of life within can ignite our drive to stay connected. It is how we respond to life after that that makes the difference in feeling alive and not just living through the tasks of life. I practice and teach others to dive into sensation of mind, body, and breath and respond with compassion. We train our awareness on the mat/cushion/trail/etc. so that when we step off we're intimately connected to the buzz of life within and empowered to make better choices. In practice and when we take the techniques into our day, we are alive and enjoying the Beauty of life.

As we encounter the ups and downs, may we maintain our connection to the electricity of life and thoughtfully engage with compassion. [tweet this]

Lynn Marie Nelson

*From The One Life We're Given by Mark Nepo. 

Cursing the Yoga Teacher

Have you ever cursed the yoga teacher under your breath? No, I can't read your mind. I'm a student too and I've been there in class hanging out in Warrior II for what seems like forever. Or there was that time laying on my back listening to my monkey mind play when I should be deeply relaxing. As a student I get it… as a teacher I get it too, and trust me the teacher didn't take a nap or plan dinner while you were stranded in that challenging or boring position.

Those moments are opportunities to practice responding with PEACE. We practice our response to discomfort when on the mat so that we make the choice of PEACE off the mat. I'm not just saying this to stop the, I hate this pose looks. Rather I hope to open your eyes to how your practice enables you to live well off the mat.

Life's got ups and downs, let's explore techniques to navigate the bumpy path relaxed and at ease in our bodies.

In the Woods We Return

Sunshine, green grass, flowers... Nature's beauty inspires our connection to peace and joy. Hiking allows me to explore and feel my world. Climbing the hill my heart pounds and energizes my whole body. My mind stimulated by the sounds, sights, and scents. No hike is ever the same.

A walk calms our nerves, clears our head, and brings fresh ideas. Forest bathing amplifies these benefits for all who journey through trees.

In the woods we return to our authentic self. Our mind, body, and breath unites, and our whole being is balanced. Take your practice outside with a Hike & Yoga practice or a Yoga Walk by the River. 

Practice on your own by trying the tension releasing exercise Progressive Muscular Relaxation. Get tips to try anywhere anytime from my Facebook page, and make it a first to see in your feed.

I hope to illuminate your path for life's adventure.

Lynn Marie Nelson

Sweet Treat

The most life giving natural resource lives within you and the reservoir never runs dry. Cultivated by the many sweet treats of life. Breath, tears, hugs, and intentions to name a few. The resource… your inner well of love.

Sharing a compliment, high five, or smile reminds our neighbor that LOVING KINDNESS is real and their well is already full. Think about it.. gratitude creates abundance. The more we recognize our gifts or see goodness in others, the more blessed we feel.

As you sweetly treat another, create balance by filling your bucket from your well of love. Giving and receiving are just like inhaling and exhaling; both are identically important.

Waves of Love to You

Lynn Marie Nelson

Community Light: Let's Illuminate Another's Day

You make a difference to all you meet even if the encounter is brief. Our collective efforts unite to shine a brighter light into our world. [Tweet This] This week has reminded me of that and the importance of community.

A couple new students shared their gratitude for creating a non-intimidating environment to explore movement in their body. My classes tend to be filled with young, old, men, women, all sizes, tight and flexible bodies. ALL of which are able to practice with each other AND make it appropriate for their bodies. (The affirmations from students that this is occurring is deeply appreciated.) I may lead, but this class atmosphere is truly created by the community of students that gather.

My inspiration fueled by this moment caught on camera from my sold out retreat Sunday. We went around the candlelit circle and shared how we were nourished by the day's activities and how we saw light in each other. The good words flowed across ages and friendships. The day led to new relationships and a renewed commitment to being good to self and others.

All of this builds my excitement to be facilitating another Books & Yoga series. I will have 8 people meet in my home this Sunday to kick it off with a lil mingling and snacking. [You know how important food is to me ] These individuals are looking forward to being in conversations with others about being our best selves and meeting life's challenges with grace. [I have two spots open. If you'd like to join this mini retreat I'd love to have you. More info here: www.illuminateyoga.com/booksnyoga ]

To my final thought... people do experience a low in the winter. The cold and reduced sunshine don't help, but COMMUNITY does. We've seen the videos and posts on social media that a smile, good words, a random act of kindness and a listening ear help our neighbors. Let's be the light and illuminate another's day. [Tweet This]

May we find ways to build our communities, to take care of each other, and encourage the gifts we have to be cultivated and shared.

Always a Yogi,

Lynn Marie