May Begins: Root, Rise & Return
“Life is amazing. And then it is awful. And in between the amazing and the awful, it’s ordinary and mundane and routine. Breathe in the amazing, hold on through the awful, and relax and exhale during the ordinary. That’s just living, heartbreaking, soul-healing, amazing, awful, ordinary life. And it’s breathtakingly beautiful.” L.R. Knost
Hello wholehearted friends,
As we close out April and step toward May,
I find myself resonant with the above.
Breathe in the amazing.
Hold steady through the difficult.
And soften into the ordinary.
✨
Have you had a moment to check in with yourself today?
If not, take one now—
A hand to the heart.
A gentle inhale.
A steady exhale.
Count each full breath from 1 to 10…
balancing the in and the out.
Let your eyes soften or close.
Notice what is moving in you.
Notice what is asking to settle.
✨
If you missed last week’s letter, I shared a reflection on the gunas—
the energies of movement (rajas), rest (tamas), and clarity (sattva).
Alongside soundscape companions to inspire more rajas- Soul to Soul or for resting back into tamas One Hour Relaxation.
This moment—right here—
is an invitation back to balance.
Back to steadiness.
Back to yourself.
🌿 Looking Ahead to May
May begins this Friday, and with it, a fresh rhythm.
I'm here with you in spaces to connect online or in person.
There is a lot of heart and vitality building right now—
especially at Heart Spring in Sellwood PDX.
Alongside yoga, you’ll start to see offerings like:
- ecstatic dance
- Pilates
- nervous system workshops
- herbal and holistic support
It’s a beautiful space to explore something new or deepen your current practice.
✨ Memberships are intentionally accessible, and there’s a lot of value if you’re craving consistency.2 weeks of unlimited classes for $25 and discounted rates for membership bundles. Stay tuned for more, including outdoor! Drop my name or message me for questions.
"Time spent in your classes is some of the most cherished of my week. Your skill and patience combined with the care you show for all of your participants is phenomenal. Thank you for teaching me such a helpful and beautiful practice." T.J.
🌿 Weekly Rhythm (Starting May)
Heart Spring Health — Sellwood
Tues & Thurs 7:00am — Root & Rise✨ New Morning Flow
Tues & Thurs 8:15am — Somatic Strength✨ New + Energizing
Tues 10:00am — Yoga Therapy (small group)
Wed 4:45pm— Slow Flow + 6:15pm Yin/Restore (midweek reset)
🌿 Online
Wed 11:00am — Community Circle (Free)
Fri 8:00am — Friday Flow (Pay What You Can)
In-Person (Free + Accessible)
Mon 9:00am & 10:00am — Providence St. Vincent
(Beginner-friendly, welcoming space)- Visit @Basecamp for full schedule
My weekly offerings includes occasional subbing. The most up-to-date schedule here: www.mayalakeyoga.com/classes
➡ Personalize: Yoga Therapy
➡ Practice: Practices on Youtube
➡ Listen: Coming Home Playlist
Lets restore, strengthen, regulate, and reconnect.
As the days grow longer,
may we continue to tend what is already growing within us.
To come back—again and again—
to the practices that steady us,
soften us,
and help us show up more fully for the amazing, awful, mundane, beauty that is this life.
You don’t have to do it all.
Just begin where you are.
In radiance & rest,
with wholehearted care,
See you soon!
-Maya
