A Sunday Exhale- Returning to Wellness with Devotion
A Sunday Exhale- Wellness as Devotion
"And what if who you are keeps blooming? Season after season. May the parts of your confidence you learned to hide find daylight again."
— Morgan Harper Nichols
Dear friends,
Sunday has a way of inviting reflection and preparation, albeit too- a desire linger with weekend enjoyments. As July gives way to August, a recent walk has me appreciating. Gardens ripening, longer evenings, and nature's quiet reminder that growth doesn't rush. It simply returns to the light.
Perhaps we are invited to do the same.
Summer is vibrant, but in Ayurveda this season also asks us to tend the fire. If you've been feeling stretched, overheated, or simply carrying a lot, cool the body and soften the pace. Reach for mint, cucumber, fennel, coconut water, or an evening walk. Create rituals that help you exhale. Embrace your heart and all your parts.
If you missed my last letter- or want to revisit soundscapes, mantra, its messages:
Maya Lake-Freeman
One anonymous reflection stayed with me this week:
"It can feel foolish to pause to marvel at the stars when the world is burning... But wonder is a liberation practice. Beauty is our origin and our anchor."
May we keep remembering and returning to what matters—not through striving, but through devotion. Andrea Rare write well- that devotion isn't measured by intensity. It's found in the quiet practice of coming home to the body, to nature, to spirit, and to ourselves.
"Leo is the sign of courage, confidence, and taking up space… where the universe says yes to you. Your only job is to be brave enough to ask."
Leo season welcomes. And doesn't have to be loud and outwardly expressive. It can look how it needs to look for you.
Perhaps your practice this week is simply this:
Speak and listen honestly, with ahimsa as your guide.
Make the call that you've been avoiding. Reconnect with your goals. Appreciate the present. Lean back more. Let your next meal be simple.
What is asking you for your kindest, most loving and dedicated attention?
Take up the space your life is asking you to inhabit.
Atha yoga anuśāsanam.
Now begins the practice.
If practicing with me would support you, I'd love to welcome you back. Sometimes the greatest act of self-care is simply putting it on the calendar. The act of tapas- a nourishing self-discipline. Whatever your self-care looks like. Dedicate time to it.
You'll find this week's offerings below, along upcoming Saturday outdoor gatherings in August. If you've missed connecting for yoga therapy, or want to get that supportive space started, I'm here.
Let your courage and confidence be further embodied. Let your radiance shine.
In love & light, with steadiness & heart.
-Maya
🌿 Heart Spring Health | SE Portland
Small-group therapeutic wellness, community, and movement.
Weekly Schedule
• Root & Rise — Tues & Thurs 7:00 AM
• Somatic Strength — Tues & Thurs 8:15 AM
• Yoga Therapy (Small Group) — Tues 10:00 AM
• Slow Flow — Wed 4:45 PM
• Slow Flow in Sellwood Park — Wed 6:15 PM (donation-based • all welcome)
🌿 Additional Community Offering
Providence St. Vincent (Free + Accessible)
Mondays | • 9:00 AM Rise • 10:00 AM Stability @Basecamp
🏡 Practice From Anywhere- via Zoom
• Community Circle (Free) — Wed 11:00 AM
• Friday Flow (Pay What You Can) — Fri 8:00 AM
• Private Yoga Therapy & individual support available year-round.
Free Friday Flow Summer Class on Youtube!