Deep Roots, Open Heart: Nourishing through the Body.
Om āyur dhehi prānam dhehi
May my life be nourished. May the upward flow of energy be nourished.
(A mantra for health and nourishment.)
February welcomes us. We begin again.
Welcome
Hello everyone, hello Monday. This morning I had the great fortune of witnessing the fleeting, refreshing magic of gentle snow fall here in the hills of Portland, Or. We are still in the wintery season of Vata (air and space), inching closer to Kapha season (water and earth). My college students are in for a new term, and we each begin again. Thank you for your grace as I continue integrating the language and lessons of yoga, Ayurveda, and like modalities—deepening our connection to this nature-based wisdom and how it supports our daily lives.
Mindful Grounding
As always, I welcome you to drop in with me. Take in a fresh breath, offer warmth and gentle movement to the limbs—or perhaps a good shake or bounce to the limbs. Listen to your body. Get curious. Meet what your body is asking for, and then come to some stillness.
Take a few smoothing breaths. Let your eyes close and simply breathe for ten rounds in your natural rhythm. Allow yourself to steady without force.
As you open your eyes, find where the quality of earth—steadiness is within you. Notice the points of contact meeting the ground. Bring a hand to your heart and breathe into this space. Take pause.
“There are a thousand ways to kneel and kiss the ground, a thousand ways to go home again.” – Rumi
Releasing your hand, notice the sense of returning again and again—to your body, your heart, and what may be resting there. The space of the heart and lungs carries much for us—grief and love. Ayurveda places Kapha dosha (water and earth) at its best in this space, but it is also is home to air—the movement of oxygen and blood, vitality and inspiration.
Nourishing the Heart
This week, I invite us to nourish the heart through practices that ground and support. Last week, we explored steadiness in an unsteady world. The political, personal, historical, and cultural climates we engage with manifest in our thoughts, build up as residue in our bodies, and settle in our hearts.
With the entrance into February—Black History Month, winter’s cold, and the Western world’s hallmark themes of love—we meet a blend of energies. Many are experiencing colds, lowered immunity, a sluggishness of body, or overactive nervous system. Vata (air) moves the mind quickly, and while inspiring, it benefits from the steadiness of earth to manifest its gifts in a sustainable way.
As we continue our important work—supporting others, organizations, families, and personal aspirations—let us also be nourished. This week’s practices will move prana (life force) to bathe the body, rinse, soak, and repeat. From the dense to the subtle. In yin practices, we'll digest ama (unprocessed toxins) through lymph, into the spleen and stomach meridians, and toward nourishing the heart and lungs. The prana body—the layer that supports circulation, fluid movement, along with they lymph and the nervous system—is at the forefront.
Exploring the Lymphatic System
This week, my practices will explore the lymphatic system alongside supporting Kapha and Vata energies. The lymphatic system plays a key role in maintaining fluid balance, fighting infection, and absorbing nutrients. It reflects the steady, calming qualities of Kapha and, when functioning well, helps clear ama (toxins) from the body. Off the mat, you might consider a few simple practices:
• Dry brushing, abhyanga (self-massage), and gua sha: Techniques that encourage lymphatic cleansing.
• Gentle movement with the elements: A mindful walk or subtle exercises to warm stiff joints and help mobilize built-up water.
Remember Grace Selene’s words:
“I am miraculous. Every cell of my body is intelligent and fused with love. I honor all the parts that make me whole. In every phase, I am whole.” You are whole.
Offerings & Updates
Join me for integrated yin yoga tonight or upcoming morning practices. I’m here for personalized care with yoga therapy to support your goals and deeper connection with yourself.
I’m excited to share that Morning Sun Yoga (Tues & Thurs, 8:00 AM PST ) remains a pay-what-you-can practice, keeping it accessible for everyone. I have an expanded option: if you contribute $12 or more, you’ll receive access to my class recordings for two weeks after the session—allowing you to revisit and deepen your practice at your own pace.
Final Thoughts
As you continue to return to that inner steadiness—the grounding essence of earth—may it help you listen more deeply to what you carry. Continue to connect with your body. Soak, rinse, repeat. Listen for what needs releasing, and for what holds the wisdom of the heart, supported by your breath.
Allow the nourishing medicine of earth and air to permeate your being, dissolving residue and inviting deeper connection with what truly matters.
I’d love to hear from you. What practices or offerings would support your journey best? Please share your thoughts in the comments. My intention is to grow a sustainable online library of offerings, one mindful step at a time.
Thank you for your continued support. Stay tuned, keep nourishing, let your heart inform your head- to allow thoughtful choices guide your path.
This Week’s Offerings:
In Studio @ Yoyoyogi:
✨ Mon @ 6 PM – Mellow Monday: A 75-min integrated yin practice. Learn More
Online via Zoom:
✨ GENTLE MORNING YOGA – Rise, Move, Pause | 30 min
Tues & Thurs @ 8 AM PST / 11 AM EST
$PayWhatYouCan
NEW! For those who would like extended access to class recordings for two weeks, contribute $12 or more to receive access to the recent replays playlist. Register Here
Yoga Therapy Private Sessions:
✨ Virtual & In-Person options available.
Learn More
Support my Work:
✨ Subscribe to my blog, share it with a friend, or consider a one-time donation to sustain this work. Support My Work
Here with you in practice. In love & light,
Maya
2/3/2025