Your Practice: Fall In and Back To

Sellwood Yoga part of Align Integrative Wellness, LLC

Finding My Religion

My son, Isaak, some times says he loves things or people so much that "hearts are popping out of my head". I have been feeling a similar way lately, especially when I am teaching, practicing and especially when I am talking to someone about how yoga or being more present and mindful is changing their life.

At the studio, this past year, I have seen many breakthroughs, changes, and growth. I love seeing friendships form, rekindle and strengthen. I am moved by deep cathartic relase. I have seen tears, healing and those "a-ha" moments of understanding. I am delighted when someone shares an "on the mat" observation or when I hear spontaneous laughter, quips of wit and summaries of wisdom.

You may not know how much your presence and practices make a huge impact and reverential difference in our teachings, offerings, and inspiration. Thank You.

There are twin sisters who practice regulary at the studio. They have really been making hearts spill and pop out of my head. Here's a bit of why:

Finding My Religion
by Kerri P.

As I stretched out of downward dog last Saturday, I was struck at the beauty of the scene in front of me. Gazing forward, my breath was taken away at the sight of strong and varied bodies joining together to reach towards the sky. The sun was streaming through the cathedral-like windows and I was awed at the quiet force of what felt like a single organism, unified by effort and a collective release.

Rooted to my little horizontal patch of sticky mat at the rear of the studio, I felt so grateful to have found this small sanctum of peace and strength. Recently I had stared down the physical and emotional penance that comes with a breast cancer diagnosis. And through a summer of uncertainty, yoga became my salvation. A mere three blocks from my home, Sellwood Yoga was an anchor in the swiftly tilting universe that became my life.

Wednesday nights found me pushing my body further than I ever thought possible into a yin pose, lit from the outside by candlelight and from within by the gentle and meditative words of Savonn. Strong Yoga had me dripping with chemo-laden sweat on my mat but feeling real power and accomplishment. In the mother/daughter class, I joined my girls in sessions that provided a net of trust and empowerment that these young and flowering daughter-bodies so needed. And again, on Sundays, I loved to end the week with Rosey in a restorative class that soothed both the body and the spirit.

I look back to a snowy evening last January when my sister and I, resolute in our post-holiday state, first stumbled into the studio and found Bill there.

"uuum," we said, as we peeked in awkwardly. "Is class still on?"

"Yes," he said with a kind smile. "Welcome!"

And in this season of solace, shaky but still planted firmly on my mat in the back, I have felt exactly that.

With gratitude to all-

Savonn, Bill & everyone at Sellwood Yoga

Feeling Stressed Out? Overwhelmed? Anxious? Unmotivated?

Take Care of Yourself With
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction
(MBSR)

facilitated by Denise Gour (LCSW)

Starts this Sunday
8 week series: Oct. 3rd-Nov. 21st (6-8:30pm)

Registration will stay open until Oct. 10th. We encourage you to sign up in advance or at least email if you are planning on attending. This helps Denise tailor the sessions to best meet the needs of the group and individual participants.

Register online for the MBSR course