Right Where You Need to Be | Practices into the New Year
“Remember how far you have come while also recognizing: you are still becoming.”
— Morgan Harper Nichols
Mindful Monday evening to you my friends,
It feels fitting for me to be listening to this track from the Coming Home Playlist. It's one I've landed us in many times during Savasana and reawakening.
Coming off a messy year. Not always thriving for sure. Finding my way in walking the middle path, and as of late rediscovering the joys and reverence of my millennial upbringing, tears of family passed, appreciation of story, play, dance & laughter, disagreements and listening in connection with others, outside, and in the kitchen- being in the spaces away from the mat and times of solitary reflection. Somehow I've felt more challenged in coming back to the practice- the work of not internalizing guilt that comes from daily human experience and life indulgences- and then the great appreciation for yoga and what its practices bring me. How I appreciate sharing it with all of you. And what I know it brings to support the greater healing, alleviating suffering in which we are all connected.
As we move into the new year, I’m feeling called toward a quieter kind of reflection. Not a big poll or push—just taking stock. Svadhyaya (inquiry) sweetly from my solstice practice in this final shedding.
What is complete and ready to be released? What sharpened and still matters? What blessings do I have? How do I continue to keep my ember lit? Can I give myself permission to simply be? Yes. Taking stock. I've had fewer words in my own practice. More empty, and not always in the bliss way. Just for now, surrendering at the threshold with willingness, not necessarily readiness. May we pause in the courage to be willing? Then. What am I welcoming in?
Listening and Shraddha (faith in the path). Letting the rhythm of this season guide what unfolds.
And how are you meeting yourself as we turn the next page?
This week holds fewer but potent offerings. For me- space for being, tending, and some catch-up behind the scenes—supporting my own care while continuing to be of service in ways that feel sustainable and true.
If you’d like to join, I’d love to see you.
Tomorrow — Tuesday morning at Heart Spring Health (Sellwood):
• 7:00 AM · Strength & Flow
• 8:15 AM · Somatic Strength & Slow Power
• 10:00 AM · Root & Rise
My regular Mon Morning & Wed Eve Flow & Yin Classes are on in January.
Note- Heart Spring Health is having a $25 2 week unlimited classes special if you want to come explore. Breathwork, Nidra, Somatic practices & more. Their Radiant Heath Membership is worth considering. Discounted if joining in 2025. A non-insurance wellness-based membership that includes hands on massage, classes, naturopathic lifestyle resources and more.
Wednesday — Online Community Circle (45 min): 11:00am PT
New Years Eve- A pause for reflection and connection.
Inspired by themes from Wintering by Katherine May, and practices I’ve been receiving from my own teachers, we’ll take time to gently listen—how this year has been, where you’re landing now, and what may be quietly calling you forward. No resolutions. No pressure. Just presence.
Friday — Online Friday Flow (45 min): 8:00am PT
A grounding, enlivening practice to move energy, support vitality, and rejuvenate into the 2026.
I’m spending more time this year supporting the Yoga Therapy School, this weekend includes their Yoga for Cancer module—an honor and a reminder of the many ways service shows up alongside rest. Learn more about Yoga Therapy for personalized care.
The season of Vata (air/spacious/dry qualities) is very much alive. Many of us are feeling it—in scattered energy, fatigue, or tender immunity. The practices I’m holding right now are centered on revitalizing and rejuvenating: warming, grounding, gently strengthening, and restoring prana without pressure. A little fire, yes—but not the kind that burns us out.
If you’re simply taking things day by day—here you are.
If you’re just beginning to reflect—welcome.
If you’re longing to uncover, and return home to your heart and what matters most—you’re not alone.
Next week, the schedule will be full again, including Humberside Farm and a new free Monday accessible in-person classes for those in outer SW Portland and the Beaverton area. I’ll share details soon, will be updating the class page this week. Calendar is open for registering.
For now, you’re warmly invited—to practice, to pause, to reconnect. Be reminded, in the words of Mark Nepo, "You are not a goal to be achieved, or an obstacle to overcome."
Welcoming this mantra
I let patience, connection, and courage guide me.
I am right where I need to be. — inspired by Moon Tarot
May the connection you've cultivated within guide you through the rest of the year. Reminding you that while ever becoming, you are already whole, and that the journey inward is one of courage and love.
In radiance & rest,
with love & light,
Maya
✨ Free Resources
Centering, Mindfulness & Breath Practices:
➡ Practice: @MayaLakeYoga Youtube
➡ Listen: Maya Lake Yoga- Coming Home Playlist.
➡ Read: Insights & Inspirations- Past Blogs & Letters
➡ Follow: Instagram