Refinement & Rhythm | Uncover Serenity in Simplicity
"How easy it is to get caught up in the doing and to forget about the being, to take the beauty of the ordinary for granted. When we realize the serenity of simplicity, the most mundane tasks become sacred. Fulfillment lies in the simple—untangled from webs of complexity. When we uncomplicate we create more space to breathe." – The Yoga Almanac
Dear seekers,
This week I invite you to lean into Virgo’s gifts: refinement, clarity, and care. Perfectly imperfect as we come into a new week. Last week we reflected on the niyama saucha (purification)—tending to the layers of body, mind, and spirit. Seasonal themes here are of harvest, digestion, and integration as we rooted into soft structure. (Revisit the writing here).
This week, we continue from that foundation, leaning into saucha and turning toward santosha (contentment)—the quiet fulfillment that comes through simplifying as we enter September’s rhythm.
🎶 For your centering: Positive Aura Cleanse — a revisit from the Coming Home Playlist
Bonus Track resources:
- Hand Drum: Meditative Mind — for steady concentration, focus & rhythm
- Last week’s Earth Mother – Fáerhin track, for a more grounding return.
Take a cleansing breath in. Fill your lungs and exhale fully, shake it out, and arrive into your seat—sukhasana, steady through the muladhara (root). Let your spine rise, your collarbones broaden, and your breath guide you home.
Weekly Intention: To simplify and become more clear.
✨ Mantra:
Breathing in — I am here.
Breathing out — I create more space.
Breathing in — I am alive.
Breathing out — I am balanced & clear.
Simplicity clears the path. It reins in scattered energy so our precious prana can be channeled toward what truly matters. Virgo calls us to refine, to focus, and to step forward with less resistance and more ease.
This shift is alive in my own schedule: Garden Yoga will hold its last Thursday class this week (looking at new Saturday rhythm Sept 20th at Humberside, with an intimate all-weather space🌿). I’ve also been called to teach more at Reed College—an unexpected invitation that asked me to stay agile, simplify, and focus my energy where it can serve best. This is also your invitation. This fall you’ll find me more at Reed, at Heart Spring Health (open to the public), and anchoring us in online community. Grounding into root, the feet & pelvis, exploring the physical, emotional & energetic layers, and beginning again.
Details below; see Classes to join in!
✨ Inquiry for the Week:
How and where can you simplify?
So that you can hone your attention for task in front of you. Attune to the moment.
How might you refine your routines and supporting yourself in cleansing? How might you be more, uncomplicate and do less?
Here are a few of my own Ayurvedic-inspired morning practices for saucha & santosha:
🌿 Scrape the tongue upon waking (stimulate digestion & clearing residue).
🌿 Place feet on the ground + 10 rounds of sama vritti (equal breath)
🌿 Step outside to see the sky before the screen (my pup Koba and I go together)
🌿 A glass of lemon (warming) or lime (cooling) water with Himalayan salt (digestion).
🌿 Additional asana and pranayama as needed- then caregiving and daily tasks begin
If space allows—simplify beyond with a wardrobe cleanout or unclutter a drawer. One breath, one step, one item at a time. Be reminded- that yoga is about shedding so that we can come back to our essential clearness. Each act of refinement saves prana for what matters most.
As Melody Beattie reminds us:
"The things we create have energy. There is honor in all work, all tasks. Do your tasks in love. The work you do will be the work that heals."
Just like chores on the farm, washing the dishes, in the advocacy of the suffering, or the reassuring acknowledgement toward another- may we each honor the moment and give from that in us that is simple, steady, kind & clear.
When we uncomplicate, we breathe more freely. With each breath we return to balance, to clarity, to radiance. Saucha purifies; santosha fulfills. Together, they steady us in love, focus our light, and invite replenishment.
Own your rhythm dear friends. September call us forward. Do your tasks in love.
In radiance & rest,
with love & light,
Maya
🌿 Weekly Offerings & Updates
✨ Community Circle (Online) – Wednesdays @ 11–11:30 AM PT | Begins Sept 3
A 30-minute midweek pause: settle in, reflect, and share in a supportive space. Rooted in simplicity, community, and nervous system support.
➡ Join Us From Anywhere
✨ Friday Flow (Online) – Fridays @ 8:00 AM PT | Begins Sept 5
A full-body mindful flow with pranayama and seasonal themes. Ground, uplift, and balance.
➡ Flow @ Home
✨ Garden Yoga (Humberside Farm SW Portland)
Thurs @ 9:30 AM
Gentle hatha amidst goats & greenery. Cozy options when needed.
🌱 New Saturday Rhythm begins Sept 20 (all-weather space!)
➡ Details & Registration
✨ Heart Spring Health (SE Portland) – Begins next week
Small-group therapeutic yoga in a warm, healing space.
- Slow Flow Yoga | Wed Sept 10 @ 4:45–6 PM
- Ground & Release Yoga | Wed Oct 8 @ 6:15–7:30 PM
✨ Yoga Therapy 1:1 Sessions – In person & virtual
For nervous system support, trauma-informed care, and embodied healing.
➡ Learn More
✨ Supporter Membership
Access 70+ class replays, seasonal practices, playlists & more.
➡ Learn More & Join
💌 Comment below on how you’re simplifying this week—or join me in the Community Circle to connect live in community.