Lighten Up Lessons

For many years my counseling office was in a yoga studio. And was directly off the lobby where students would mingle as they checked in at the front desk. I was also a teacher at the studio and my weekly classes were well-attended. Especially my Friday Morning Crystal Bowls class where I often had to pick up my own mat to make room for last minute arrivals. But as my counseling practice grew, I needed more time to devote to it. And gave up my weekly yoga classes. However with my office by the lobby I would still see the yoga students coming and going. Often one of them would come up to me saying they missed my classes. And many of them said the same thing, "I miss your words."

My style of teaching was not walking around the classroom adjusting student's postures. Instead I started classes by saying I trusted them to listen to their own bodies and modify the poses as needed. Then I would close my eyes and start instructing. I taught yoga the same way I practiced yoga by connecting inwardly. And having practiced yoga on my own for decades before becoming a certified yoga instructor, I could instinctually relay what each pose was offering. Such as grounding, fluidity, empowerment, etc. And then could reinforce that message with references to nature, Native American teachings, inspirational quotes and whatever came up. It was all stream of consciousness.

My intention with the Lighten Up Lessons is to make those inspiring words available again. Providing something that can calm and re-center you as needed. For me personally, I couldn't always relax and meditate after work. I was too wound up. That's why I'd often take a walk in nature instead. It helped me unwind and shift out of other people's energy and back into my own. And that's what I'd like to offer to you. A simple easy way to unwind and come home to yourself. On my You Tube channel I'll offer inspirational quotes, meditations and teachings from various cultures on how to clear stale energy and reconnect. I'm currently creating the content and hope to have it available for you by August 2026 so please check back.