Inhabiting the Fullness of Life | Alive and Sweet. July's Embrace
"Maybe the next chapter of healing isn't finding more things to heal. Maybe it's finding more things that make you feel alive." Lexy Florentina
Friday Eve and July blessings dear friends,
Soundscape for Calme to begin your read.
Coming to you this evening feeling sweet and well spent.
Summer has a way of inviting us into fullness. The days are longer, the earth is vibrant, and life seems to express itself with confidence and abundance. Yet even in a season of warmth and celebration, vibrancy and pause, many of us find ourselves struggling to balance our prana amidst responsibilities, travel, work, caregiving, or seasons of uncertainty.
This month, I am reflecting on inspirations from Andrea Rare.
What does it mean to inhabit the fullness of life.
Not by doing more.
Not by striving harder.
But by becoming more present to what is already here.
One offering that has been resonate with me from this full moon, the qualities of water and loyalty brought forward in cancer season- it's an invocation by Grace Selene:
"I invoke the spirit within me to assist my inner equilibrium. I release outdated beliefs. I make space to connect with love more clearly. I welcome flow without resistance and trust where it is carrying me."
That feels like a beautiful practice for July.
Can we notice the warmth of the sun on our skin?
Feel our bare feet meeting the earth?
Listen for birdsong?
Pause long enough to let moments of beauty linger instead of rushing past them?
Knowing that our rajasic efforts can bring forward the tendency to burn our flames to depletion. Letting our winds feed our fire- a discerning call for us to pay attention and attune to our inner landscape. We are meant to experience that which is alive, intense, that which pushes us to grow and expand. And so too, that which brings us pause, at times dulling, liminal spaces and that which can feel unsteady, restless. As the great Rumi's guest house says- invite them all in.
Nature reminds us that there is no striving in a wildflower and no self-improvement in a tree—only a quiet willingness to become what it already is.
To be.
What if we offered ourselves that same permission?
I continue to come back to this learning in my own life. Amid the meaningful work and challenge of growing programs at Heart Spring Health, holding space, and the steady rhythms of daily responsibilities, I've also been reminded that restoration isn't something we earn. Amidst the inner fires, longings, disappointments and growth- the deepest practices have happened away from the yoga mat. Outdoors with Koba, washing my hands and seeing my departed ancestors within them. Taking in wide-open skies on a simple road trip, gazing at the moon, the scent that brings memories, stories, song, and simply allowing myself to be present in conversation with the people whom I get to connect.
For truly, yoga as union, is about not only connection. It is about integration. Wholehearted presence. So that we can see more clearly. The practices that support the seeing. Drastu. Witnessing with clarity, connection, and the presence that we can bring to now.
The work of tomorrow is there. The beauty of now is here.
Yoga gives the tools to return again and again. Breath. Mindfulness. Senses. Attunement.
Not to escape life, but to inhabit it more fully.
I'd love to practice with you this month, whether you're joining me for a gentle outdoor class, a therapeutic small-group session, or simply carrying these reflections into your own days.
Enjoy the sweet tune of Now- above. A soundscape for the sunrise, the sunset, or the moments in between. From the the Coming Home playlist. New Tracks have been added for exploring your inner shades with sweetness.
July Opportunities to Practice
Whether you're craving movement beneath open skies, a therapeutic indoor class, or simply a way to stay connected from home, I'd love to practice with you this summer.
☀️ Sellwood Park Yoga
- Weekly Wednesdays • Slow Flow • 6:15 PM
- Monthly Saturdays • 9:00–10:00 AM
• July 11 • Aug 15 • Sept 12 - Yoga • Fresh Air • Community • Refreshments
- Suggested contribution: $20 (No one turned away for lack of funds.)
- Advanced Registration Greatly Appreciated!
Call Heart Spring Directly: (503) 956-9396 - dial 1 (existing patient) then 0 to reach reception.
🌿 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
✨ New to Heart Spring? •$40 Unlimited for 14 Days •50% Off First Drop-In
🌿Mountain Park Outdoor Gatherings
A Saturday morning outdoor yoga class rooted in movement, nature, connection, and community.
This Saturday- July 4th!! Register Here
Upcoming: July 4 • July 25 • August 15
🏡 Practice From Anywhere
• 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.
🌿 View all summer offerings, details, subbing:
https://www.mayalakeyoga.com/classes
As we move through July, may we remember that aliveness is not something we achieve.
It is something we remember how to receive.
I'll leave you with these words from Daniell Koepke:
"You don't have to solve your whole life overnight. All you have to focus on is one small thing you can do today to get closer to where you want to be. Slowly and lightly, one step at a time."
May this month invite you into greater presence, deeper connection, and the simple courage to take up space—just as the trees do, just as the wildflowers do. To know the fullness, the aliveness. To embrace the waves, to carry your parts with heart and presence.
With gratitude to the wisdom of yoga, Ayurveda, and to the beautiful reflections of the many teachers, seen and unseen, who continue to inspire this path. May you continue to let your heart lead your way. Let the fullness of the season, the aliveness from within be remembered. Inhabit your life.
With radiance and rest,
In love and light,
Maya
