BEING THE UTMOST: Posted: March 15, 2021

A lot has changed over the past year, for us all. Many goals and dreams I had one year ago shifted or I had to let go. I think I am not alone in the changing and releasing these ideas and plans. The goals in which I still have are being put into a different motion or in a holding space until the timing is right. I heard this time frame, right now, one year later, is the end of the beginning, not the end of the pandemic. Knowing and accepting the need to be patient, to safely move forward, I am making the most, the utmost of this time. I am trying new in-person offerings which are very different from what I provided a year ago. I am selective of the places I go. I am more aware of interactions with others. I am making sure the experience or interaction is the utmost; it is safe, healthy, and fulfilling. Assessing the last few months, slowly and carefully moving forward, it has worked. I don’t feel like I am missing out and experiences and interactions are above and beyond fulfilling. Most of all, I am MUCH more APPRECIATIVE of everything I am putting into and receiving from my community. I understand the pacing for each of us, moving forward, is different. But, for you, are you making the utmost of where you are right now?
MUCH LOVE, Laura

*I am pictured visiting the new guard dogs on the goat farm. In non-pandemic times I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with the other animals on the farm. This weekend, I got to hang out with all the beings of the farm. Gretta and I are not offering goat yoga, yet, this season. However, the farm is offering baby goat snuggles, hikes, and classes! Check out more here: GRETTA'S GOATS

SLOW FLOW: GENTLE STRENGTH AND LENGTH HERE

YIN YOGA: TENDER HIPS AND LOW BACK HERE

THE LITTLE THINGS: Posted March 8, 2021

The past few weeks I have really found joy in the little things: my dogs joining me for yoga (when they want), easy art projects, short walks, and even finding 5 minutes to meditate. I am not trying to do and be EVERYTHING at once. I am finding FULFILLMENT in smaller, maybe even mundane, things. For me, it is easier to take in, do, be present, and overall accomplished.
I ask you, what are some of the little, everyday actions you do to bring you joy and fulfillment?

BOTH SLOW FLOW + YIN practices posted below are when you are feeling lazy, slow, or even heavy. It gives you a practice and space to do a little something without committing to A LOT.

SLOW FLOW: DEEPEST SWEETEST SLOWER FLOW HERE

YIN YOGA: HELLA LAZY YIN HERE

A YEAR LONG WAIT....Posted: March 1, 2021

YEAR LONG WAIT: If ever you joined me in a live yoga class, pre-pandemic, it wasn’t uncommon for me to offer stretch and massage techniques. In my private one-on-one yoga sessions, it was very common for me to massage while the student was in a pose. I was going to take advantage of the muscles and tissues working and moving from a resting point. My massage and yoga work slowly began blending. At the beginning of 2020, I was testing out a yin style which allowed me to offer more hands-on! I wrote protocols, tested on individuals and groups, asked for lots of feedback. I was excited and loved this new offering. It allowed me to share my work in a different way. I was ready to start sharing this new yoga event and then….well then a pandemic began and we were asked to stay a six feet apart.
For the past year, this offering has been waiting to come to fruition. It will have to wait just a bit longer. HOWEVER, with a little thought and encouragement, I am able to work this into a PARTNER MASSAGE and YOGA workshop. I will guide pairs of people in a few massage techniques to assist their partner who is in a yin pose. I am able to still share therapeutic touch in a safe a creative way. I am very excited to be debuting this event Friday, March 12, 2021 at 815 YOGA in Rockford, Illinois. Owner, Ally Troia really put the idea out there. It was an easy yes because I have been waiting a year to share it. With a very full heart, I invite you to this special event.
Space Limited. COVID policy Implemented.

Sending you with so MUCH LOVE, Laura

SLOW FLOW: KEEP INTERGIRTY HERE

YIN YOGA: YIN FOR SPINE HERE

COMPASSION FOR SELF: Posted February 22, 2021

Last week I was asked to have more compassion for myself. I usually have firm boundaries and try to push myself. During the past year, and more noticeably the last 3-4 months, I have been a bit lax and gentle to myself. And I HATE IT! I don’t feel like me without being a bit strict on myself. However, I need to give myself a bit of grace. I need to show myself compassion. It starts by acknowledging whatever has me upset (too lax) and being in that feeling. I was asked to show myself the same compassion I would show onto others. I can be compassionate, loving, and kind to others, but to myself....it is so hard. I am willing to see and accept others for being human, but not in myself. How fair is that? Why does someone else get the compassion, love and kindness so easily? I am starting a big challenge in self-compassion. There is not an analytical process, it is somatic based and will change moment by moment. I ask you, how are you showing yourself a bit more compassion?

SLOW FLOW: Come Back to Your Base HERE

YIN YOGA: A Yogis Guide to Quickly Slow Down HERE

GRATEFUL DEAD of WINTER: Posted February 15, 2021

HAPPY (GRATEFUL) DEAD OF WINTER:
This time of year, specifically this week of February, I think of as the DEAD of WINTER.
Every year, when I think there can’t be possible anymore snow or certainly can’t get colder…it does, above and beyond imagination. I rarely plan travel during this time of year because the uncertain bitterness of winter requires a few alternate options. This year, for obvious reasons beyond weather, is no different. Though this feels MORE INTERNAL, DEEPER in HIBERNATION, there is so much inner awareness which can STILL occur. If you aren’t sure how to start, write down all the things you have gratitude towards, meditate on one thing you are thankful and muse of why or journal a combination of both. Start with gratitude and let your thoughts and mood guide your mindful words and actions.

DISCLAIMER: Though I LOVE the GRATEFUL DEAD, I am not a Dead Head. I appreciate their music and ANY REASON to play and share the vibe of the band, I will! Ask me my favorite song anytime and you will probably get a different answer every time.

Sending you with so MUCH LOVE, Laura

SLOW FLOW: Gentle Strength HERE

YIN YOGA: Anchor + Twist HERE

CAN YOU SEE ME?: Posted: February 8, 2021

DO YOU SEE ME?
Can you spot me in this picture? Here is a clue…I am doing what I love best. Stop. Drop. Crow pose in random places. This was capture two and half years ago during an extended layover in Panama. The past year, I feel is a bit similar. There was a “layover” period of not knowing how to connect, an inability to be seen, and at times lost in the external chaos of all it.
When the pandemic started, I made a promise to do my best. My best was socially distancing, avoiding unnecessary errands, and pretty much staying home. What I did with the time was a gift, I spent it meditating, journaling, and other practices to quite my mind and give space to my thoughts. Many of my obligations were cancelled because there was just a big unknown and I was given TIME. Though things have started to open up a bit more, I realized I enjoyed my time I gave to myself. Honestly, I LOVE IT. Inspired by a few others, I spent the last few weeks reflecting on how I spent my last year creating AWARENESS WITHIN. This Friday, February 12th at 7pm CST I am hosting a FREE Zoom and inviting you to join and share your year.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE EVENT BELOW.
I leave you with this question,
HOW do you cultivate your AWARENESS WITHIN?

SLOW FLOW: BUILD TWIST HERE

YIN YOGA: DEEP WITHIN HERE

HALFWAY: Posted Februray 1, 2021

Today, February 1st marks the halfway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It is celebrated as Brigid’s Day, Imbolc, or Groundhog’s Day! With the recent massive snowfall, it seems as if spring is still very distant. Have hope because longer days are already here! The practice of patience, as we wait for warmer days, is still needed. This halfway point is a good time to plan and prepare for spring. I personally feel “spring cleaning” is still too soon as I handle snowy boots daily. However, don’t let the mess of winter slow you down from cleaning and clearing space for spring. I am using this time for contemplation, as I am not ready to quite trekking out of my hibernation state. What are you doing to clean, clear, or contemplate to create space for spring and new beginnings?


Sending you with so MUCH LOVE, Laura

This mantra: “I AM INWARD PEACE” has become an anchor in my meditations, contemplation, and reactions.
Practice with me! HERE

BUILD YOUR FLOW

Attached is last week's SLOW FLOW practice BUILD
Loretta and Mazzy joined me!
I taught this flow years ago and didn't teach it since. I wonder why because I LOVE IT!!!! This practice slowly builds a vinyasa flow, connecting breath with movement. I don't rush the foundational asanas and let you feel where you need to be, then...we move!

I AM.....Posted: January 25, 2021

Deeper into winter and nearly a year of a pandemic has been bit of a solo journey. Seasonally, it is a time of going within. Then there are additional, external concerns of spreading a respiratory virus. It has become an extreme time to be with oneself. This whole time frame has been a deep dive of the “I AM”. From my perspective, I see some embrace the opportunity and others avoid inward peace. I wanted to see the gift in this chaotic mess we all are experiencing. From the start, I promised myself, I am going to be in integrity by doing my best with what I have available. I was given the time, opportunity, and space to process my thoughts, words, and actions. I have been able to learn more of my “I AM”. The distractions which took my attention and assessment away from myself were gone. This mantra: “I AM INWARD PEACE” has become an anchor in my meditations, contemplations, and reactions.
What are you doing to learn from your “I AM”?

Sending you with so MUCH LOVE, Laura

SLOW FLOW: INNER TRUST HERE