Yoga and Art.....in Words

Meeting a new group of women on a retreat never fails to surprise, delight, and excite me.  And often, especially the day after they leave I am pensive; reviewing in my mind what the retreat meant to me and what I think it meant for them.  Each retreat I lead leaves me feeling blessed that I can share this special place and it's magic with other women.  It also allows me to reach out to both experienced and beginner yoginis and offer my perspective of the practice.

This group was cohesive and engaging and introspective.  It was interesting to teach them yoga in an effort to open their heart center and to see that translate onto their papers in an art studio.  I realized how I share their craving to express myself creatively, but my right brain rests in the beauty of words on paper where theirs spilled onto the pages of art journals.  There is something really beautiful about watching a person create art.

The other aspect of joy came from seeing how Madeline Island inspired them.  I challenge anyone to come to this island and not feel a spark to his or her creative center.  Prior to hiking the State Park I mentioned to them that we would probably be walking for a good 6 to 7 miles.  However, I quickly learned that hiking with artists is a completely different process.  They lie under trees and shoot cameras up to capture their majesty.  They take pictures of clouds, rocks, wildflowers, and mushrooms. They pick up rocks and our nature to incorporate into their art.  We spent two and a half hours on a two-mile hike.

As always, wrapping up a retreat was bittersweet.  I was satisfyingly exhausted.  Despite Madeline having treated  "us to days of sunshine symbolically, the rain came down hard on the day they left. One of the women shared this sentiment,  "As the Ferry pulled away from Madeline Island I couldn't help but be reflective of the wonderful retreat and new group of friends I had made there. I also had to say goodbye to an Island I am growing to love more and more."

Thank you Lynnae Burns for guiding them on their art journey and Hannah Stonehouse Hudson for teaching them a new perspective in photography. Thank you Madeline Island School of the Arts for hosting the creative yoginis.

Calling all Yoginis!

Christy and I practicing in our favorite space on  Madeline Island 

When did you realize that you were a true yogini?

Maybe it was the day you realized you hadn’t been in contact with your denim jeans for months. Or perhaps to your children’s dismay you found that chanting Om in the car was very therapeutic (I'm guilty). But whatever your “aha” moment was (serious or silly), I would love to hear it.  It’s National Yoga Month, I have Athleta gift cards to give away, and I love love love to hear from the yoga community.

Personally, yoga crept into my life quietly and without assumption.  What began as a few great stretches at the end of a kick boxing class over a decade ago slowly morphed into mindful movement.  Later, when I began teaching classes at our local YMCA, I invested into the understanding of how our anatomy benefits from these significant stretches.  Suddenly I was leading groups through sun salutations and receiving positive feedback from the class.  I had found something that spoke to me and to others and I was hooked.

Like many students of yoga, however, the idea that yoga was more than an exercise capable of making me feel great in my physical body was enough until a life upheaval.  I’ve written about it extensively (perhaps ad nauseum) but a cancer diagnosis was a life changing experience. I was strong and healthy when I found it, made the decision to unravel my health through western medicine and treatment, and then returned to full capacity via the practice of yoga. To state that I have a deep appreciation for my yoga practice is an understatement.  I credit it with saving me – mind and body.

I read somewhere lately that yoga (so much like life) can be as simple or complex as you want it.  I teach my students that yoga presents itself very gently as an unfolding of what the body can master. Unlike strength training, results are not always immediate. Practice and patience are critical components to understanding your yoga.  Even after I was healthy again I would start to believe that I had reached my full capacity of flexibility and strength and then voila, some part of my body would unfold a bit deeper with the assistance of my breath.

I hear this among others as well.  Understanding the power of yoga has helped countless women work through loss, anxiety, depression, and other ailments. It brings us together as a community and asks that we check our egos at the door. It gives us time to breath, reminds us to laugh when we fall, and sometimes gives us that proverbial kick in the asana.  Perhaps most importantly, tapping into our breath in our physical bodies is a constant reminder that we are all connected in this universe. So I ask all the yoginis out there, “When did you first realize that you were a true yogini?” Give us goose bumps, make us laugh, or even a head tilting hmpf…all answers are appreciated!  Lets enjoy the collective consideration that yoga makes our lives better and consequently makes us better people. 

So, when did you realize that you were a true yogi?

Here is the dealio:

One winner will be selected from the best answers to receive (insert drumroll here) $300.00 in Athleta gift cards (their new fall line is out!) and a $150 credit to be used towards a 2013 Madeline Island Yoga Retreat. 

Post your answer in the comment section of my blog (funny, creative, sincere…all entries will be considered). Consider that moment when that inspiration hit and you realized that you were happiest on your yoga mat!
1.  Post your comment and your name on this blog.

2. I need an email to notify the winner.  Either send me your email: amy@cleanspirityoga.com with a copy of your comment or you can submit your email and your name on Madeline Island Yoga Retreats Facebook page via our email sign up icontact button at the top of the Facebook page. Fair warning: you will receive retreat updates (a good thing!) 2-3 times a year. 

3. The winner will be notified via email and must acknowledge with a mailing address within 48 hours to receive the prizes.

4. Comments will be accepted from September 11-16.   The winner will be announced on this blog September 20th. 

5. The winner will receive the gift cards and gift certificate in the mail within three weeks of the winner’s announcement. There will be no substitutions or cash equivalents of the prize.  Any expenses relating to the acceptance of the prize are the responsibility of the recipient.

6. The cards will be mailed USPS. 

7. Participants must be 18 years old or older and legal residents of the United States.

Feel free to comment on your favorite entry as well.  The judges

(Including moi) will take your suggestions into consideration.

Not a rule but an awesome suggestion: share the yoga love!  Tweet, share on Facebook, and tell your yogini friends about this contest!  They will love you for it!

Yoga and Horses on Madeline Island

     We kicked off our first Yoga and Horses retreat this week with our Madeline backdrop of  sunny skies and glistening Lake Superior.  I have a couple of pics to share of some of the island riders with their horses.  Thanks to Kris Carey from Hippophile Farm for being a true teacher.  I still have to pinch myself to believe that we have a horse farm + a horse trainer and teacher + an island +  Lake Superior.  Wouldn't you agree that this is a very nice combination?

We are in the process of securing dates for our 2013 Yoga retreats.  Be one of the first to know by asking to be on our email list.  Send me a quick note at amy@cleanspirityoga.com and I will update you soon.

Sea Cave Kayaking

Last weekend I hosted a girl-friend get-a-way for ten  awesome women.  This was not a sedentary group and in between morning jogs, yoga classes, hikes, and even some cliff jumping we managed some amazing sea cave kayaking.  Yes, this is our beautiful state of Wisconsin and The Apostle Island's boasts world class kayaking.  It was exhilarating and I can't wait for my next upcoming kayak adventure .

We have a few spots left for our August 5th retreat so if you are on the fence give me a call or shoot me an email at amy@cleanspirityoga.com.  Bring a girlfriend.  You won't be disappointed. 

Moving to Madeline

"And so with the sunshine and the great bursts of leaves growing on the trees, just as things grow in fast movies, I had that familiar conviction that life was beginning over again with the summer.”
~ F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby

How fitting that this gem of a quote fell into my lap just as I am unrolling into my Madeline Island summer. Not only is Gatsby my all time favorite book but just yesterday I began to feel those moments of pure presence that I experience digging my feet into the sands of these shores.

The first few days up here were harried and I didn't stop moving.  Planning, packing, ordering supplies to be shipped, picking them up at the ferry, and dusting the winter spiders away from the highest corners were among my first priority.  I have a new gallon of paint just awaiting to be opened for a bathroom make-over and of course prep for the incoming  Yoga and Art  retreaters is on my check list too. 

Finally yesterday I let out a big sigh as I joined Christy from Yoga on The Rock for her first yoga class of the season.  We practiced on the dock and as I was twisting into a pose a momma duck and her babies floated by.  It almost brought tears to my eyes when Christy verbalized the exact thoughts I was feeling in that moment, "How lucky are we?"

By the way, if you are looking for a summer get-a-way still and are on the fence about a yoga retreat, shoot me an email.  I have a pretty strong conviction that it would be almost impossible to not feel your breath release a bit more gently through your body as you experience the peace, presence, and Madeline magic that we island yoginis have fallen in love with.

Namaste and I hope to see you on the island.  Here's a pic my twelve year old took overlooking the golf course and marina a few days ago.

My Kick- Ass Community

Our good fortune is dependent upon the cooperation and contributions of others. Every aspect of our present well-being is due to hard work on the part of others. As we look around us at the buildings we live and work in, the roads we travel, the clothes we wear, or the food we eat, we have to acknowledge that all are provided by others. None of them would exist for us to enjoy and make use of were it not for the kindness of so many people unknown to us.

~The Dahli Lama

There have been so many signs in my universe lately about the power of community and the above quote was today’s tidbit on my Facebook newsfeed.  In fact I had been mulling over in my head for weeks now the writing of this post without actually putting pen to paper so I believe this post was more of a proverbial kick in the asana than anything else.

The end of May marks a huge transition time for me in both my personal and professional life.  As my children wrap up their school year, my husband completes up his year-end, and I wind down the daily yoga classes I teach during the school year in Eau Claire, WI.  We all pack up and move to Madeline Island where I teach and run a yoga retreat business for women yoginis and adventurers.  The busy-ness is overwhelming at times but as I bid a temporary farewell to my Eau Claire community, I am welcomed with open arms into the Madeline Island Community. 

The power of community wasn’t much of a consideration in my life before 2009.  Yes, I was aware of the blessings a close-knit family, kick –ass girlfriends, and even a great neighborhood bestowed upon my world, but a crazy cancer diagnosis multiplied the value a hundredth fold.  Suddenly, I had a constant stream of support from my regular posse plus, a medical community, church community, the yoga community, and people I had never met.  With every bad turn of events, the love and energy I received diminished the painful hit of the diagnosis.  I felt compelled to be strong, to kick cancer’s ass, and to utilize every ounce of strength afforded to me by the show of support.  Nothing makes you want to fight for your life more than the knowledge of your personal value in a community and what you mean to others as a wife, mother, teacher, and friend.

Then yoga came along.  I mean, it was there before, but now I have a deeper understanding of the practice, the ability to tap into the healing components of it, and the knowledge of an inter-connectedness with myself and the world around me.

 I’m not sure if I should credit cancer, yoga, my community or a combination of the three but more than ever life has significant purpose. There is clarity and calmness in the knowledge that all of us are responsible for more than only the betterment of our own children.  Every child’s life made better contributes to the community that mine will exist in.  It became a desire of mine to develop, write about, teach, and vote for issues that I truly believe impact all of us.

Speaking of community, I had the privilege to work with amazing photographer James Adams in Eau Claire this last week.  My friend and fellow yogini Kristin from Drammen Yoga joined me for some beautiful  yoga in Phoenix park.  You can find (and like) both of their local businesses on Facebook.  

Meet Nancy: Our Third and Final Courage is Contagious Scholarship Recipient

Our third and final 2012 scholarship recipient for The Courage is Contagious Project is Nancy. We are thrilled to offer Nancy some encouragement and solace on Madeline Island after a grueling year.  She is a true example of a woman of courage.  Her friend and co-worker Jan wrote the nomination.

I would like to nominate my friend Nancy Nevinski as a woman of courage.  When I first met Nancy seven years ago, she said she would grow on me like a fungus, and boy was she right! I soon found her to be one of the most intelligent, uplifting people I know.  Whenever I need advice or someone to just listen to me I always turn to her.  But I know her life has not been easy.

Her daughter has a learning disorder, and Nancy performed intensive early intervention to help her overcome the related symptoms. Nancy's husband Dennis was also diagnosed with frontal lobe syndrome. This was devastating to their family, but they seemed to get along with much love and support, as they were each others biggest fans.

In September, Nancy was diagnosed with breast cancer-yet another blow.  She had a bilateral mastectomy and IV chemotherapy.  Her husband Dennis was by her side taking care of his “sweetie girl”.

Unfortunately this was not the end of bad news- Nancy’s husband Dennis became suddenly ill with viral myocarditis and all of his organs were shutting down.  Nancy was by his side night and day making sure he had the best of care and that she did exactly what he would have wanted.  After eleven long days, it became apparent he would not recover and he passed away.  My heart breaks for Nancy as she so bravely came through her cancer only to lose her best friend.

Nancy has handled all of her adversities in life with grace and humor which is why I would like to nominate her for the 5ive Madeline Island getaway. Several years ago Nancy lost 100 lbs. She loves to kayak, do walking marathons, and snowshoe so this experience would be a perfect fit for her.

Initially when Jen from 5 for Women and I had set up The Courage is Contagious Project we intended to start small and offer two scholarships.  We were not prepared for the amazing nominations and shows of exemplary courage that rolled in.  We ending up choosing three women to join us, understanding that this project has bigger plans than it's developers, and through grace and a little Madeline Island magic, we can offer more and more scholarships each year.

We only have room for 2 more for the Fall Yoga and Wellness Retreat.  Please consider reserving your spot today!

Meet Mel: Our Second Scholarship Recipient

Surprising Melody

I think telling Melody that she was going on a Madeline Island Yoga Retreat was the highlight of my month.  She was nominated for "The Courage is Contagious Scholarship" by her friend Karen, surrounded by her running group, "The Sole Sisters," and completely caught off guard.  It was the evening after their half marathon race was successfully completed and here is the beautiful nomination read  by Karen:






Baby Stella

  Karen: I can only imagine what my friend Melody was thinking when she crossed the finish line of her “second” marathon: relief, exhaustion, joy, gratitude.  This marathon followed a year in which Melody had completed a marathon of the spirit beginning with her daughter Stella’s premature birth weighing a scant 2 ½ pounds.  For 75 grueling days Melody ‘lived’ in the NICU nurturing her infant daughter and serving as a trusted confidant to many other NICU parents who, instinctively sought Melody’s perspective and comfort.

Thankfully, Stella shared her mother’s courage and strength and came home just a few weeks before her original due date.  Drained physically and mentally from the NICU experience, Melody sought a way to reclaim her body and spirit.  Though at the time, she could barely run a mile, Melody decided to run Grandma’s Marathon with me.   Five months later this amazing woman crossed the finish line a minute and a half ahead of me!

Leading the charge to wellness, Melody’s family of six has joined her in running multiple road races together this past year, including the March of Dimes run/walk and is eating healthier than ever.  Yoga has counterbalanced Melody’s running.  She recently mastered “side crow” and you would have thought she won the lottery!

Melody has inspired me with her physical, mental, and spiritual strength.  She survives adversity with grace, wit, and an unwavering faith in God.  Melody is selfless, and as a mother who consistently puts her needs behind those of her family would never dream of treating herself to a yoga retreat.

Recalling our marathon training, Melody says that she was always in the back of the pack, slowing the pace down.   Yet, I remember her only in the lead!

Courage

P.S.  Stella is a happy, healthy, sassy almost 2 year old.

It will be a great pleasure to celebrate life with Mel during our fall Yoga and Wellness Retreat. Scroll down to the bottom of our home page for all of the juicy details.  There is space available for all wellness warrios.  We are only a ferry ride away.