Not Stealing from the Moment | Nourish & Replenish with Steady Presence
“May our hearts stay open in the storm.
May our voices speak for what is just.
May our hands extend in generosity.
May our presence be a refuge.” — Jack Kornfield
Dear friends,
The early morning arrives quietly, on the cusp of the fullness that awaits.
Monday morning in class, four words surfaced and stayed with me:
connection, capacity, strength, and spirit.
Not as concepts to strive for, but as places to anchor- through yoga, mindfulness, and somatic practice.
January’s theme of Nourish & Restore continues to feel very much alive in my body and heart. And in these demanding, trying times amid ongoing hurt, violence, and injustice in the world- I keep returning to a simple appreciation: to be awake. Awake to what is real. Awake to one another. Awake to the responsibility and gift of presence.
In Saturday’s practice, it felt especially clear that no class, no connection, exists outside our wider ecosystem of heart and hardship right now. And perhaps this is why yoga feels more essential than ever - not as escape, but as a way of coming further inward. Toward simplicity. Toward integration. Toward replenishing ourselves.
Sometimes that looks like nothing more than a balancing breath. Sama.
Or eight slow rounds of a humming exhale—feeling vibration move through the chest, gently supporting the vagus nerve.
I’m often reminded simple is not always easy, slowing can feel uncomfortable, and our needs change. Shaking, singing, screaming into a pillow- or a peer recently shared- a game of Tetris- maybe a medicine. What is yours that brings nonharm- ahimsa?
Alongside the very real rage and discontent so rightly felt within many of our systems, I am also witnessing hope. People listening more closely. People showing up for one another. Innovation and connection—very much the medicine of Aquarius season—taking root in quiet, meaningful ways.
One ethical principle that has been especially alive for me is Asteya—often translated as non-stealing. Lately, I’ve been feeling it as not stealing from the moment.
Not rushing past what’s here.
Not taking from another’s expression.
Practicing deep listening.
This landed strongly after a week with family—being with complexity, tenderness, and the discipline of presence. How we are with one another matters. How we stay matters.
Each time I come to hold space for you—in studios, online, at Reed College, or in small group settings—I find it deeply nourishing. Even in a full schedule, maybe because of it. And so the invitation remains, always: if it supports you and your spirit, please connect. And also, take care of yourselves in the ways that are most honest and needed.
For me, nourishment has looked very simple lately—clean, grounding foods like kitchary, music and walks with Koba especially midday sun. Last week’s blog shared an Ayurvedic-inspired lemon energy ball recipe to support ojas—that steady inner reserve we are asked to build in winter that carries us through. You’re welcome to revisit it anytime.
As a gentle offering of respite, I’ve added a track to the Coming Home Playlist – Soundscapes of the Soul that I often return to for refuge and regulation:
🎧 Shanti Mantra (from the Mahakatha)
A tamboura-rich cadence supporting peace of mind, prosperity, and joy.
Not to bypass what is real—but as respite. As replenishment. As a remembering of home within, so that we might rise again to meet our days more aligned, more wholehearted.
May your thoughts and words be kind—especially toward yourself.
May you press on through discomfort with steadiness.
May your heart be held in love and ease.
With care, presence, and gratitude,
In radiance & rest. With love & light.
Maya
Weekly Offerings
🌿 Heart Spring Health — Sellwood
Heart Spring is offering 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $25
- Mon 6:30am — Root & Rise
- Tues 10:00am — NEW: Embodied Yoga- A Yoga Therapy inspired Class
A small-group class blending mindful movement, breathwork, and therapeutic pacing to support regulation, awareness, and personalized healing. A gentle entry point for those curious about yoga therapy. - Wed 4:45pm — Slow Flow
- Wed 6:15pm — Ground & Release
🌿 Humberside Loft — SW Portland
Sat 9:00am — Root & Rise
Space is open — tea, treats, and connection always follow practice
(I’ll be back and very happy to see you there.)
🌿 Online
Wed 11:00am — Community Circle (Free)
Fri 8:00am — Friday Flow (Pay What You Can)
🌿 Monday Free Accessible Classes
Providence St. Vincent
Beginner-friendly, in-person, and welcoming
9:00am & 10:00am Mondays
Visit @Basecamp for full schedule
✨ Free Resources
➡ Practice: @MayaLakeYoga Youtube
Latest Centering in Winter | Sound & Chant for the Organs & Spirit
➡ Listen: Maya Lake Yoga- Coming Home Playlist.
➡ Read: Insights & Inspirations- Past Blogs & Letters
➡ Follow: Instagram
Members- your playlists are updated!
I’d love to practice with you when the timing feels right. 💛
