Where the Light Gets In | Wintering, Warmth & What’s Ahead
Trees know when other trees are sick and send nutrients underground.
Community is ancient. The forest survives because the roots stay connected.
— @earthlyeducation
Saturday evening blessings friends,
It’s a bit unexpected to be sending a note tonight, but I’m coming off a nourishing, inspired day and felt compelled to reach out.
Even in a broken world, I keep remembering Leonard Cohen’s words:
“There is a crack in everything—that’s how the light gets in.”
Today held a few quiet reminders of that truth, gratitude, homecoming. An inspired Humberside gathering, bright sun, brisk air, later connections outdoors, and technologies gift as a doorway to reconnect with friends and witness stories, share important happenings.
Circumstances become reminders of how connection circulates.
How laughter, curiosity, dedication and reverence dance.
How nourishment restores when we let it.
My own heart feels tender and full. After a lingering winter cough, I’ve had appreciation for a 'normal' nights rest even as there’s still tending. This week, I felt deeply supported through guiding and holding space—through small groups and a few unexpected one-on-ones- the gift of small group classes across spaces. The sincerity and willingness people are bringing to their healing and the practice reaffirmed something essential for me: Presence. Grace. Heart. I feel grateful to keep sharing yoga in this way.
This past week also brought news of a family loss, arriving alongside Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Holding grief alongside remembrance always invites a slowing down, a taking stock, to reflect on how we care for one another, and how we tend the collective without losing ourselves in the process.
Because of this, I’ll be stepping away from teaching for most of this coming week to support family. I’ll be back next weekend, full the following week with a return to Reed College. From Saturday at Humberside, to online community, Heart Spring & Providence- with a New yoga therapy class offering, I’m excited to bring these containers for your practice. Updated calendar & registration lives here:
www.mayalakeyoga.com/classes
In the meantime, I wanted to share a few simple supports for wintering—quiet companions for rest, warmth, and nourishment.
A moment of warmth & quiet (5 minutes)
I invite you to listen to this short crackling fire track from my Coming Home Soundscapes of the Soul playlist
🎧 Sound of Fire (5 min):
If you can, put on headphones. Let the senses soften. Allow yourself to arrive.
As you sit:
- Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly
- Feel your sitting bones, letting your roots drop down
- Try this simple mantra with the breath:
Breathing in, I am here.
Breathing out, I am home.
Home in your body.
Home in your breath.
Home in the steady, alive presence within you.
Breathe into that which is stable.
That which is quietly nourishing your spirit.
Seasonal nourishment: supporting Ojas
In the spirit of restoration, I wanted to reshare a recipe I’ve been offering at Humberside these past couple of weeks—a small, tangible way to nourish from the inside out.
These kinds of foods support Ojas, the vital, grounding energy associated with immunity, stability, and deep nourishment. In winter, tending Ojas helps support our foundation so that prana (movement, breath) and tejas (inner fire and clarity) can function with more ease. Simple, steady nourishment—nothing fancy, just supportive- and especially in a busy world, having a yummy grab & go in the windy and cold season.
As we move through this week—through rest, remembrance, and whatever is stirring in your own life—may you feel the quiet roots beneath you. May you feel the unseen nutrients moving where they’re needed. And may you remember that even in uncertain times, you are not alone.
In radiance & rest, with love & light.
Maya
Upcoming Offerings
beginning January 26
🌿 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 Therapy
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
I’d love to practice with you when the timing feels right. 💛
