A New Journey

It has taken this seed of intention a long time to germinate but the plant is finally coming into its form. After a year of planning, and thirty years of teachings, 16 years of holding space as the Director of YAF, and many more years of living, I have teamed up with the amazing teacher and educator, JJ Gormley, Director Surya Chandra Healing Yoga School, to present Yoga Among Friends' first 300 hour yoga therapy teacher training! We are Yoga Alliance accredited. The intention of offering subsequent teacher trainings to complete a 900 hour yoga therapy teacher training program through the International Association of Yoga Therapy.

The Journey begins this year - April 2015 - which marks our 17th anniversary as one of the most highly regarded yoga centers in Chicagoland and the Midwest. I am so excited about this program and finally feel the time is now to bring these deeper tools of yoga education into a respected program.

I have been working with JJ for months to create a teaching model that will embrace the lineage of Krishnamacharya and the vast experiences we both have accrued as yoga therapists and teachers throughout our decades of combined experience. I feel confident our program will inspire, nourish and give a firm foundation for this powerful and inspiring work of teaching others from the heart. These teachings and this program are for anyone interested in further understanding the history, philosophy and depth of the mind and body and spirit. I am hopeful that teachers, psychologists, nurses, and of course all seekers will find the joy of what yoga can offer in your life.

I hope you will consider joining me on Saturday, January 31st at 3:00pm at YAF for an information session on this unique teacher training!

Giving Thanks with a Grateful Heart

Wake up

I love the early morning quiet, the magical stillness of the dark. In this space of dawn's awakening I am slowly roused with an inner desire to connect to something more as the muse of passion once again pushes me out of bed. It is at the cusp of this sacred time that the Soul begs to be heard and I at once go inward and listen.

Passion is the muse of authenticity. She is the primordial, pulsating energy that infuses all of life, the numinous presence made known with every beating heart. It is what the Sun feels for the Earth, it is what Spirit feels for you, the inner Self, the light within.

Without hearing the spark of passion we continue in our blind habits - rushing through our daily lives, moving through the mundane. Until one day we wake up and realize how exhausted, depleted, and saddened we are. We wonder where our passions have gone and why we no longer feel grateful for the bounty of life. In this time of darkness, we need to awaken the fire within and recognize our responsibility to something Greater that lives in all of us - our Soul.

Watch the sun rise

We are witness to the auspicious season of sacred darkness and gratitude as we moves ever closer to the Winter Solstice. As we prepare for the season of light, it is important that we nourish ourselves in this space and reflect on the wonders and blessings of being alive - alive in the mystery of living a full and passion-filled life. This does not mean a life devoid of struggles, sorrows or challenges. I am speaking of a life filled with gratitude and lived fully, rooted in the inner strength of your own authentic love for being - in essence, a life lived with passion for life itself.

Easier said than done, right? To live authentically and in gratitude means that you have a willingness to let go of the mind's fear and resistance with a readiness to receive assistance as you move forward through your heart. All of life's actions move through the heart - it is only our head that shouts "NO". This is the voice that clings to the "could've, should've, would've" sentiments. The fearless action to live in passion is love. And living through love takes a courage that only your inner voice can offer - when you listen you can hear the sweet "YES" of living authentically and in gratitude.

Even in this season or darkness we have so much to be grateful for. Take the time to create space within and reveal your inner light. Remove the cloud of darkness as you revel in your inner Joy at being alive to all of life. Breathe into the flames of your desire as you light the fires of your true belonging. Remember that practice of Yoga is so much more than just being on a mat. It is the gateway to reveal the Source within.

Let the light shine

The light is always within. Don't be fooled by harsh outer weather, it is only there to remind us, that there must be darkness for the light to be seen. Oh the sun is coming up!! Blessings for a Joyous season of gratitude and continue to shine!!

Namaste,

Laura Jane

Gratitude

We are what we think. All that arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.

Buddha (c. 563-483 b.c.)

During this month of thanks, be in the conscious awareness that our thoughts feed the actions of our soul. In honor of Thanksgiving, we are dedicating our practice to gratitude - in celebration of our aliveness and the bounty of blessings life has to offer. Throughout the month, witness yourself letting go of outcome and returning to your breath and heart - where your True Self rests. As you awaken this space of love and gratitude you may just find yourself experiencing the huge gift that is life in a whole new way.

Happy November—our month of conscious gratitude. Every day let your practice begin with your truth.