May 2025 Newsletter
With every sunrise we're given the opportunity to see with more clarity.
A reminder of who we are…
The Yoga Community’s mission is to explore how the wisdom of Yoga can guide us in addressing social issues, fostering compassion, and building a more just world through community and collective healing. We are passionate about integrating mindfulness with activism and we seek to live authentically in alignment with values of equity, empathy, and unity. Through the lens of Yoga, we seek to examine our shared humanity, and inspire each other to create positive change from within.
Hello May…
Before leaving a Yoga class a few rainy Saturdays ago, a group of us gathered in the Lobby chit-chatting about weekendey things. While stalling our departure into the chilly dreariness of Central New York, a dear friend reminded us of something her mom used to tell her, “April showers bring May flowers…” Another friend followed up by asking, “…but what do May flowers bring?” We shrugged as his face lit up with the joy of a child telling a joke for the first time.
“Pilgrims!”
We absolutely HOWLED with laughter! Sometimes a simple Dad joke is all anyone needs to lighten up. (The post-Yoga bliss didn’t hurt either, obviously!)
This is just a simple example of the power of community. We lift each other up on rainy days and in dark times. Community feels like the warmth of the sun. With every sunrise we're given the opportunity to see with more clarity, and on days when the sun is behind the clouds, our community is there to bring us light.
Yung Pueblo says:
Your nervous system relaxes around people who have:
Peace in their eyes.
Growth in their plans.
Kindness in their speech.
Compassion in their perception
Emotional maturity in their decisions.
Wouldn’t it be cool if our government had people like that?
Join The Yoga Community chat:
Yoga Community Singalong!
Because the streets are alive with the sound of… resistance!
A friend played this in her Yoga class a month or so ago and it’s been boom boppin’ in my head a lot lately. It’s an oldie (Y2K), but it might be new to some. I played it in my 420 Yin Yoga collaboration class with Ayrloom at Sky Yoga Studios a few weeks ago. I didn’t even realize the words “sky high” are in the lyrics until I heard it play though in class!
Starvation is the creation of the devil, a rebel
I'm bringin' food to the people like a widow
Bringin' flowers to a grave in the middle
Of the city isolation is a riddle
To be surrounded by a million other people
But to feel alone like a tree in a desert
Dried up like the skin of a lizard
But full of colour like the spots of a leopard
Drum and bass pull me in like a shepherd
Scratch my itch like a needle on a record
Full of life like a man gone to Mecca
Sky high like an eagle up soaring
I speak low but I'm like a lion roaring
Baritone like a Robeson recordin'
I'm givin' thanks for bein' human every morningBecause the streets are alive with the sound of Boom Bap
Can I hear it once again
Boom Bap tell your neighbour tell a friend
Every box gotta right to be boomin'
Because the streets are alive with the sound of Boom Bap
Can I hear it once again
Boom Bap tell your neighbour tell a friend
Every flower got a right to be boomin'Be resistant
The negativity we keep it at a distance
Call for backup and I'll give you some assistance
Like a lifesaver deep in the ocean
Stay afloat here upon the funky motion
Rock and roll upon the waves of the season
Hold your breath and your underwater breathin'To be rhymin' without a real reason
Is to claim but not to practice a religon
If television is the drug of the nation
Satellite is immaculate reception
Beaming in they can look and they can listen
So you see don't believe in the system
To legalize you or give you your freedom
You want rights ask em', they'll read em'
But every flower got a right to be bloomin'
Stay humanBecause the streets are alive with the sound of Boom Bap
Can I hear it once again
Boom Bap tell your neighbour tell afriend
Every box gotta right to be bomin'
Because the streets are alive with the sound of Boom Bap
Can I hear it once again
Boom Bap tell your neighbour tell a friend
Every flower got a right to be boomin'All the freaky people make the beauty of the world
You see Y2K ya know is a moment
In time we find that we can open
Up a heart that's locked or been broken
By the pain of words not spoken
Or shot by guns a still smokin'
Cartwrights out on the Ponderosa
Or drive by bang in Testarossa
We need to heed the words of Dalai Lama
Or at least the words of yo mama
Take a mental trip to the Bahamas
Steam your body in a stereo sauna, sauna, commaBecause the streets are alive with the sound of Boom Bap
Can I hear it once again
Boom Bap tell your neighbour tell afriend
Every box gotta right to be bomin'
Because the streets are alive with the sound of Boom Bap
Can I hear it once again
Boom Bap tell your neighbour tell a friend
Every flower got a right to be boomin'
Random Musings
In no particular order…
Speaking of '‘Sky High”… join us in August at Beak & Skiff! Amazing vendors, swag, Yoga and a supportive community. Perfection.
Friends, please find something, anything… that takes your mind off of the news. Even if it’s just for a few minutes. Your nervous system needs regular time-outs to function. For me, obviously practicing Yoga does that… but Yoga on a rooftop, just me and my sister, flowing, breeze in our hair, overlooking the sea where our Dad rests peacefully was one of the most comforting, embodied experiences I’ve had in recent weeks. Just wow. A privilege I don’t take lightly. (Miss you Captain.)
Fort Lauderdale Beach near Las Olas, April 2025
Join Me on the Yoga Mat
Q & A (Ask Me Anything!)
This space is for you! Please send me your questions and I’ll reply here next month. Your question will be displayed, but your identity will remain anonymous.
Seriously, ask me anything!
Q: “I’m afraid I’ll fart when I’m doing Yoga.” (Not a question… but a statement that warrants a response…)
A: I know it sounds strange, but I actually love it when people pass gas in class. Yoga activates the parasympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system which is the “rest and digest” part of the system. As opposed to the sympathetic nervous system, also known as “fight or flight,” parasympathetic is the body’s natural response to a calm and safe environment. Passing gas is part of the digestion process, so farting in Yoga means you’re relaxed- evidence that Yoga is working its magic.
PS: You’re not the only one who farts in class.
ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
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Books and Things I’m Digging Right Now:
GREENHOUSES!!
My favorite is Crazy Daisies in Camillus, NY. If you haven’t been, check it out. They have an adorable cafe that serves all kinds of yummy foods and drinks. You have to try the mimosa flights!
What’s your favorite greenhouse, garden center or place to shop for plants? Please let me know in the Yoga Community Chat. I love visiting different ones throughout the growing season.
The main greenhouse at Crazy Daisies, May 3rd *UPDATE: I’ve still been too busy to read this but it’s worth sharing again…
Gen Z isn’t playing when it comes to “THE CHANGE” and I can’t wait to dive into How To Menopause by Tamsen Fadal. I pre-ordered it months ago and I’m bummed that I’ve been too busy to read it. Tamsen’s mission:
“My mission is to empower women through menopause and midlife.
Women everywhere are taught that their stock goes down as their age goes up. But life’s not over at 50. I am working to shift our collective perspective on midlife. You can set audacious goals at 50 and beyond. Change your career. Unlock your bold. Discover something beautiful that’s been hidden within you for decades. Now’s our time to thrive.”
***Spoiler Alert***
Coming this fall/winter: I’m planning a Yoga series that will be offered at Sky Yoga Studios, specially curated for women in this special time of life. Stay tuned!
