Cycling along the Western Maryland Rail Trail today we came upon this boulder that had dislodged itself from the steep mountainside above and landed at the edge of the trail. This one has been here long enough for other cyclists and walkers to build balance cairns along its spine…offerings to the power of Nature, to the inevitability of rocks to roll downhill, for peace, or perhaps in gratitude that they missed its descent!
A short distance further, we came to this fallen tree arched above the trail, its downhill end balanced precariously on the fence it crashed through as it slid down the same hillside as the boulder. This mountain has a notoriously unstable face of limestone, clay and sandstone, so there are often trees and boulders to be found along the bike path – an apt reminder that Nature is always in flux, that her forces are constantly moving and reforming the earth.
Similar shifting patterns are reflected in our lives – on a daily basis and over time. Aspects of our lives change like a kaleidoscope, constantly turning to create new patterns. Transformation comes when we realize the beauty of light and color and form in the new design that the process of change revealed, and choose to release the old form to embrace the new.
These past several weeks have been filled with momentous changes in our lives, challenging us to create new ways to stay present, adapt to restrictive ways of living, and offer our new life to the world for the health and welfare of other people. In the midst of this upheaval, how do we maintain our balance? Breathe, ride the waves of emotions, tend to daily chores, love our families, and find delight in the small parts of our lives. Just as in standing balance poses, we must set our roots, draw energy and strength from that vast reservoir up into our selves as we reach for the sun and fill with its light radiance. Balance is not static, it’s a dance of movement and stillness, of focused awareness and seeing broadly at the same time, of staying present … moment by moment. As we prepare for yet another shift towards reemerging back into the larger world around us, remember to create sustainable ways to maintain your inner balance.
May we all be kind, May we all be healthy, May we all know peace of heart and mind.
Sending an abundance of light and love,
-Carla
June Week 1 Unique Class Offerings
Moderate Plus Yoga
Exploring Balance
Join Carla to explore the interplay of movement and stillness, of focused and widespread physical awareness, and how to use them to establish balance through yoga. We will build standing balance pose series over the 4 weeks, using the principles of grounding, rising and expanding; as well as determine how breath, mudras, and affirmations affect our emotional and mental balance
Gentle Yoga
Stress Relief Series
Join Audra for various practices to release stress in our bodies in gentle practices of stretching, movement, breathing, and stillness. Releasing stress in our bodies positively affects our physical functioning and calms our mind and emotions. Week 1 – Based on a series from Cyndi Lee, Audra will guide you through a 6 poses featuring Bridge Pose and Gate Pose as well as some gentle twists and forward folds.
Create Bone Strength
This whole body fitness program utilizes balance exercises, weight bearing routines, and low impact movements to help maintain and stimulate bone health in a safe way. Come strengthen your whole body and improve balance! Chair and floor options will be given for all movements.
Friday Surprise Yoga!
June Week 1 and Week 2 – Back Care Revisited – Strength to the Rescue!
Join Carla to learn the importance of strengthening opposing muscle groups of the body to balance the opening and releasing of tight places. Without strength-building, the effects of releasing tension patterns is short-lived and less effective.
Week 1 – Lower Body Strength
Week 2 – Upper and Whole Body Strength
Tai Chi
Current Tai Chi Students – More videos coming your way this week, courtesy of Cain! Be sure to purchase the June Tai Chi Pass to continue receiving videos.
