A conversation with a Madeline Island Yogini

One of the my favorite things about teaching on the island in the summer is the opportunity I have to work with great people. Christy at the top of that list. She is my yoga comrade and I've had the great pleasure of working with her, learning from her, and calling her a friend. This summer we will be crossing over into each other businesses again as I have the pleasure of teaching daily classes for her and she leads some of the retreat classes. 

Her passion for yoga is inspiring and I look forward to introducing her to the women who join me on the retreats. Recently she answered a few of my questions about her love for Madeline, her growing yoga business, and what we can both look forward to this summer.

Amy: How long have you been coming to the island and what continues to draw you back in:

Christy: While growing up I had visited Madeline on several occasions to camp with my family and friends.  But it wasn’t until my husband and I settled on the idea of a Midwest “destination wedding”, did we truly fall in love.  Ahhh, The ferry ride over pretty much sealed the deal.  Nothing that we looked at prior to that could compare with the feeling you get taking that ferry over and feeling your troubles melt away.  At that time the logistics of planning a large wedding (200 plus) on the island would have possibly deterred the majority of couples but there wasn’t a single island obstacle that could get in our way.  That was 10 years ago and we purchased our summer condo shortly thereafter and have been fortunate enough to call Madeline our summer retreat. 

Amy:  You are a yoga teacher and a kayaking aficionado.  What are some of your other passions?

Christy and Amy - off the mat and into the kayaks

Christy: Absolutely anything outdoors or travel related.  I love to be outdoors exploring and that is what is so wonderful about Madeline Island and the surrounding Apostle islands (22 in total).  It would take a lifetime to properly explore the other islands and see all the beauty on and around Madeline.  Experiencing yoga in the great outdoors is a treat like no other.  Savasana on the dock with the waves splashing below and cool breeze on your face instantly connects you to all your senses and transports you to present moment awareness.  My family and I also love to spend time on Madeline during the winter months, which opens even more hidden doors.  Every winter the frigid waters of Lake Superior crash up on the shores of sea cliffs.  The ice formations that result are absolutely incredible and each year they take on new beautifully unique forms different from the year before.  Snow shoeing along the State trails in the silence of the off-season is also magical.

Amy: You created Yoga on the Rock as a business that brings daily yoga classes to Madeline Island.  What was your inspiration and how is it going? 

Christy: My life quickly shifted after the sudden loss of my biggest fan, my best friend and the man I was proud to call dad at the young age of 52.  The realness of death and the reality that none of us know how long we will be walking this beautiful earth brought me closer to being in touch with THIS present moment because it is all we truly have.  Shortly thereafter I decided that time was more important than money.  With that shift it become even more important to spend that time wisely and with that a dream was born.  I wanted to cherish each and every moment I had with my family and friends doing what I love, yoga in my favorite place in the world, Madeline. 

Amy:  What style of yoga do you teach?

Christy: I prefer a vinyasa style, linking each breath with movement, which feels more like a moving meditation for me. It helps to quiet the constant chatter in my mind.  Within that stillness I can clearly see the oneness and beauty all around me.  

Amy: How does your yoga practice translate into life off the mat?

Christy: Through the practices of yoga I have been able to cultivate a deep and nurturing relationship to myself and life in general.  For me yoga is three parts consisting of asana (poses), pranayama (breathwork), and meditation.  Through Asana practice I have learned to focus on stillness and ease of body/breath rather than perfection.  Knowing each day that I arrive on my mat that my practice will be distinctively different than the day before.  Through my pranayama practice I have been able to move energy that I never even knew existed within my body and I am increasingly aware of the areas where my prana is stuck or stagnant.  Through my meditation practice I have been introduced to my very own unique all knowing inner light that continues to shine brighter and brighter as I bring more stillness to my mind.   In meditation, my heart speaks to me and I listen.  Most importantly, I know how each moment is fleeting and yoga has taught me presence, so I can fully enjoy living.

When she isn't busy with her daughters or adventuring the shores of Lake Superior, you can find Christy teaching classes at the Marsh.  Connect with her on Facebook and stay up to date on her classes and workshops. Join Amy and Christy this summer on Madeline Island.

The sparkling sea caves