Radiance & Rest | Practicing inside the Season
“You don’t need to rise above this month. You only need to remain inside your life.
Trying not to lose yourself in a demanding season is a quiet kind of courage.
Staying present counts—even when you can only do it in small ways.
You haven’t fallen behind. You matter. You’re still here.”
— Tonyalynne of the Courage Practice
Mid December blessings dear seekers,
This season continues to ask much of us. There is beauty and bustle, tenderness and fatigue, light-seeking and longing—all moving together. I’ve been reminding myself that presence doesn’t need to be heroic to be meaningful. Showing up honestly, even gently, counts.
As we continue toward Winter Solstice in these darker days Tonyalynne writes: “We don’t get to choose what happens. We do get to choose what we carry forward.” For me, what I’m carrying forward is the continued practice Accompanying. Of walking alongside our humanity- walking with what’s here rather than trying to manage or rise above it. When our humanness comes through as hurts, pains, judgements, numbing, arguing, especially with self or its unskilled expression outward- its a wound revealing itself. Sean Fargo extends wise words we can offer ourselves in these moments. “This hurts — and I’m not going to abandon myself because of it.”
Love in action through kindness & acceptance. “I’m willing to turn toward what’s here — not to drown in it, not to fix it — but to be with it.”
In the wider world, there is so much grief, rupture, and suffering. My heart pauses with this. And alongside it, I’ve been touched by moments of connection and collective light—music, community, shared joy, and the simple power of gathering. These experiences remind me that even in uncertain times, our capacity for care, creativity, and repair is real.
Yoga, for me, continues to be a place to step aside from striving and let something wiser move through. Seasonal practices—slower, steadier, warming, grounding—support us in tending the nervous system while staying connected to our strength. This is the work of wintering: smaller outward reach, deeper inward presence.
As we carry forward through Vata season and the long nights, I’m holding practices that offer just enough fire for clarity, strength, and warmth—without burning us out. Practices that help us rest and stay rooted. That remind us of our light, even when the skies feel restless.
If your days feel full, tender, or uneven, you are not alone. You are allowed to need more rest. You are allowed to move slowly. You are allowed to seek support and circle back to what steadies you.
Inspired blessings from my teacher, shared with you:
May our thoughts and words be kind—especially toward ourselves.
May we have the fortitude to meet discomfort with steadiness.
May we not allow our energy to be scattered by the swell of the world.
May we hold steady.
May our hearts be healthy, loving, and at ease.
In radiance and rest,
With love & light,
Maya
December & Early Winter Offerings
Heart Spring Health — Sellwood SE Portland
Small-group classes in a warm, therapeutic space. Membership available- special rates in December!
Root & Rise Yoga (NEW)
• Mondays · 6:30–7:30 AM
• Tuesdays · 10:00–11:00 AM — 6-week series, New Year transition
Somatic Strength & Slow Power (Subbing)
• Tuesdays & Thursdays · 8:15 AM
Dec 16 – Jan 6 (no classes Dec 25 or Jan 1)
Strength & Flow (Subbing)
• Tuesdays · 7:00 AM | Dec 23 & Dec 30
Ongoing Wednesday Evenings
• Slow Flow · 4:45–6:00 PM
• Ground & Release (Yin–Restore) · 6:15–7:30 PM
(No classes Dec 24 & 31)
Root & Rise @ Humberside Farm & Loft
Saturdays · 9:00 AM
A cozy, warming morning practice in a quiet sanctuary. Where SW Portland meets Beaverton. Start the new year with us!
December full- January is now open.
➡ Details & Registration
Online
✨ Friday Flow – Energize & Ease
Fridays @ 8:00 AM PT | 45 min | Pay-what-you-can ($12–$25+)
A mindful movement practice with pranayama and seasonal themes to ground and uplift.
TBD Dec 26 later morning start time
➡ Flow @ Home
✨ Community Circle – Connection & Support
Wednesdays @ 11:00–11:30 AM PT | 30 min
A weekly pause for grounding, breath & gentle reflection.
➡ Join Us From Anywhere
💛 Yoga Therapy 1:1 Sessions
Personalized, trauma-informed support for embodied healing.
➡ Learn More
🕯 Root Support Membership
80+ replays, playlists, and seasonal practices.
➡ Join the Membership| One Time Support
✨ Free Resources
Centering, Mindfulness & Breath Practices:
➡ Practice: @MayaLakeYoga Youtube
➡ Listen: Maya Lake Yoga- Coming Home Playlist.
➡ Read: Insights & Inspirations- Past Blogs & Letters
➡ Follow: Instagram
Thank you for practicing with me as it serves, connecting with your light—inside the season, exactly where you are.