My first interview!!

Scott Musser of Flyover States Podcast speaks with me as I share about my life. We talk Napoleon Complex, yoga off mat, and trying to join community. I even poke fun at myself with my #muchlove. I give credit to Kiersten Regelin for suggesting 2 important things I have done, shout out to Penny Ewing Peterson and Nate Peterson at Wishful Acres Farm & Brewery for being the best at what they do, and talk a little about my time with Casa de Salud Peru .

Check it out

https://soundcloud.com/flyoverstatespod/ep-60-laura-youngblut

3-Minute Breathing Break.

Take a 3-minute break to breath and reconnect with your body. Much Love

Being Yin

Recently, I have put my community yoga, Yoga In My Yard, on a hold for the last three months. It is in a yin (being stage), I am referring to as my favorite yin pose: Sleeping Swan. Yin is such a wonderful time to just be and let what needs to happen without doing what needs to happen.

I have been working with the wonderful-dynamo, Patricia Bailey, founder of the Hell Yes Academy.  I love YIMY.  Within it’s first year it become something so big, so quickly, I did not know what to do with it.  It has become my heart project and easily, the one “job” which brings me joy.  I was asked last April of all my jobs, which one do I like the most.  No question, my work with YIMY.

 I have to refer to YIMY as a job, but it is a fulfilling outlet to share my knowledge as a licensed massage therapist, registered nurse, and registered yoga teacher.  I am able to reach a group of people I may not be able to in my professional career.   I share information and techniques which promote self-assessment, self- awareness, and a proactive mindset in wellbeing.

YIMY is a heart project which welcomes everyone into a community. Everyone is welcomed.   The primary mission of YIMY is to welcome all into a space.  It is not an exclusive event.  A host welcomes yogis to practice space and share in community.  The primary force making this possible is the fact it is a free event to all.  No monies is every exchanged in this community, ever.  This means, I volunteer my time to set up, customize promotion, travel, and to teach each event.

I gladly do this because I am able to reach people within my community I may not otherwise in my other professions.  YIMY brings people together to promote holistic health.  Breath work, movement, and fellowship create autonomy and accountability.  You can be your better self and it may be because you have the support of your friends. 

I have digressed.  The reason for the hold was to work with Pat and the Hell Yes Academy because I was trying to find a way to keep YIMY sustainable on a non-existent funding source.  My mindset was to use YIMY as my main focus while using my professional life as a supplemental.  This plan is not going to grow or sustain anything and was on the cusp of fueling burn out.  Pat has mused ideas with me to create something bigger than I can imagine.  Mostly because she is a creative goddess who balances my overly pragmatic soul.  YIMY will continue.  YIMY will continue as I grow and blend my 3 professional degrees into 1 primary focus.  YIMY will be a supplemental project of what will be offered. 

Look forward to 2019.  I will be creating more opportunities for participation.  YIMY is beyond me and I love what it has become.  I want to keep it moving forward but in a direction which is sustainable.  Much Love.

Your Best with what is Available

I find it interesting when inviting new yogis to the practice I sometimes will get the response of (any or all of the combinations): not having a “yoga body”, not having the right clothes, mat, or enough money to spend on said yoga clothes, gear, or studio classes.  I am disheartened when I hear this type of feedback because I get the impression the person does not feel like they are “enough” to practice yoga. 

One of the joys about Yoga in my Yard is the practice is based around what is available right there and then; making the best with what you have.  It is wonderful to have people graciously open their space to yogis in such a way in which it is perfect for a yoga practice.  The energy and vibe set the mood.  The outdoor environment, sounds of nature, and light of day can enhance and center a practice with such a simple and great force.  It doesn’t always have to be all singing bowls, incense sticks burning, and dim lighting (though wonderful!). 

The unconventional space allows for yogis to dress in what is comfortable more than to impress.   This point also brings into the factor of needing the perfect “yoga gear”.  Some of the places Yoga in my Yard have roamed, “yoga gear” isn’t needed or becomes a hindrance.  I have seen yogis use anything but yoga mats, blocks, straps, or other “yoga marketed” objects to make their practice comfortable. Patio chair cushions make great meditation pillows!   A great thing about practicing in an outdoor space is having the opportunity to ground down and connect with the earth.  This concept is a great practice to invoke calmness and centering.

Finally, when I am told I don’t have a “yoga body” I say, ”oh, but you do.”  If you can practice anywhere with what you have available, you should be able to practice with the body you have available.  It is about doing the best with what is with us now.  Even at my best, I still am waiting for a flawless yoga practice.  If I can focus my breathing, my mind, and movement completely, and still can’t get into or fall out of a pose, it isn’t because I don’t have the idealic “yoga body”.  I have a “yoga body” because I can learn from each asana, be it flawless or not.  If you can create mindful intentions, you have a “yoga body”.

Yoga in my Yard is not about finding the best and striving for an ideal.  It is about being the best in the now with what is available.  To quote Judy Garland: “Always be a first rate version of yourself, instead of a second-rate version of someone else.”

Free to Roam: The Location of Yoga in my Yard

“Location is key!”  This cliché is commonly stated in real-estate as reasons property sells.  The same phrase has held true to the roaming-style of yoga that is Yoga in my Yard.  Yoga classes offered outside of a traditional studio have brought about yogis interested in practicing but not yet entering a physical building. By ignoring barriers and physical walls, yogis can drift into a yard.  The ability to come and go with this style of yoga practice, gives those who may just be starting out the freedom to practice free from judgement. Yoga in my Yard absolutely encourages an INCLUSIVE environment. Most yogis who roam alone quickly make a new friend or more!   

The environment, of Yoga in my Yards whether a yard, field, barn, or wherever, takes away any stigmas about physical movement.  How often do we not do something because of the unknown? Crazy enough it is the internal voice in our head -thank you ego- which can justify lack of action with negative thoughts, reasons to protect self, or just an explanation of why not to try something new.  The non-traditional practice space prevents preconceived thoughts and ideas from forming. You honestly don’t know what the space will be like and just only focus on your yoga practice. This subtle unawareness promotes an open mind and allows you to come to the practice and focus what is on the mat - you.  Calm that ego of yours.

Do you ever find yourself in the car after an encounter, reciting all the things you could/should have said? Think how often you wished you would have reached out or said something a family or friend but didn’t.  The hosts of Yoga in my Yards have the opportunity to welcome others to their space, to reach out and say something.  The same idea, fear of what others might be thinking, quickly turns into “why not try it?”And can be applied to hosting an unknown crowd. Any worries or fears of judgment from others fades fast.

So, location is key!!  The location of Yoga in my Yard pulls everyone out of their comfort zones using a bare-bones approach to human interaction.  Authentic human connection is formed when stigmas and judgments are ignored and fostered to be more open and diverse.

PS:  I am not one for quotes, per say.  I do believe there is a Winnie the Pooh quote for most things.  I share one to describe just this situation: “You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you.  You have to go to them sometimes.” –A.A. Milne