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  • Free Yoga in the Park by Marylou P. Nunamaker
  • The Hazel Diaries by Roxanne Currie
  • Meditation: What, Why and How by Nina Johnson
  • A Practical Meaning of the Tàijítú (Yin-Yang Symbol)
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• AHYMSIN Newsletter Archive

Free Yoga in the Park

by Marylou P. Nunamaker

Karma Yoga+ of Fox River Grove, Illinois, ran a free 10 week outdoor yoga class every Friday from June 7th through August 9th, 2013.  Participants met at the Fox River, Picnic Grove Park, promptly at 9 a.m. and began each session with breath awareness, followed by centering, limbering, standing, sitting, backward and forward postures, twists, leg lifts, inversions, final relaxation, contemplation, and meditation.

On two occasions, we had special events such as Tibetan Singing Bowls by Patricia Caldwell  being strummed during the entire hour long practice; and a brief foot acupuncture lecture and workshop on another occasion, led by Shaofen Ai.

Healing techniques were presented each week. Toe stretching, and learning how to get up properly each morning were also presented.

Many of the participants made all sessions; and we had two visitors from Connecticut join us once. The weather cooperated for 9 of the 10 weeks, and on that one occasion, we quickly gathered our belongings and went to the ‘rain location’ to complete the class. It was exciting gathering everything up in the wild winds and downpour. Louis commented on he now knows who the fastest runners are.

On our final morning, Belen, one of the students, presented a Celtic Knot ceramic vase that she made to the instructor.

All in all everyone seemed to have enjoyed the experience. Just tonight a friend emailed that should there be other outdoor yoga sessions, to please let her know!  Guess better late than never applies here.

Being out of doors gave the students ample opportunities to center and be mindful of their practice when airplanes, trains, motor boats, and passersby made their presence known.  No student ever complained, and nothing seemed to be a distraction, not even the insects, spectators, fishermen, joggers, or kayakers.

A mixture of cloves and rubbing alcohol with a dash of oil was tossed over the grass where the mats were placed, and the Essential Oil Peppermint was lightly applied to the skin of all there; with any residue rubbed on the various mats.

Offering this FREE Yoga in the Park class prompted me to begin a Community Yoga class FREE to the students every Wednesday night at my studio. New students are taking advantage of this offering, and having such classes are a joy to teach. The enthusiasm of the students that have never practiced yoga before, and the dedication from those who make it a routine part of their lives allows the students to be open and helpful to one another.

Another wonderful outcome was the introduction of our beautiful park to those who never knew it was here.

If you are in the Chicago area

Come on out and enjoy both the Lions Park and Picnic Grove Park here in the Fox River Valley of Illinois, specifically in Fox River Grove, Illinois, 60021, USA.  Picnic Grove Park is located at 598 Birch Lane, and Lions Park is located at 102 Beachway Drive. Picnic Grove Park sits under the 70 meter ski jump where Olympic Champion Ski Jumpers come twice a year to compete with other jumpers at this 106 year old Norge Ski Club venue.

Be sure to let me know that you are here (mpngrove@comcast.net).  We have Walking Tour maps of our lovely village which has a castle, and great restaurants, i.e., Yummy Asian Bistro, an upscale Japanese, (with sushi bar) Chinese, and Thai restaurant all in one; El Sombrero with its outdoor seating; The Dead End tavern owned and operated by Dan, a Viet Nam Vet and his Vietnamese wife Yoki, now run by their daughter and her husband; and national chains to meet the tastes of any visitor. The Metra Train takes one right into the heart of Chicago for other wonders to see.

Love your Self; Forgive your Self; and Be your SELF.

With love and every blessing, NAMASTE,
Marylou P. Nunamaker

Editor’s Note:

Marylou P. Nunamaker of Karma Yoga+ is an initiate in the Himalayan tradition and a 200 Hour Certified Hatha Yoga Instructor. She is currently enrolled in the 500 Hour Yoga Certification Program at the Himalayan Yoga & Meditation Center, Palatine, Illinois, USA. This a three year continuing education course.