When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust, equally the beech, the oaks and the pines, they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself, in which I have goodness and discernment, and never hurry through the world but walk slowly and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves and call out “stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches. And they call again,
“It’s simple,” they say, “and you too have come into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled with light, and to shine.”
– Mary Oliver
This beautiful piece was shared with me after a community karma class that I held a few weeks ago on this sacred land, the birthing place for this 30 day yoga support challenge.
A group of us gathered for an outdoor community class in support of a precious little man, and in honour of all the brave little souls who are handed very big challenges in the early days of their lives. We know many of you have travelled some difficult roads these past 7 months, you are being held in my heart, always.
I wanted to share this poem by Mary Oliver with you today, it really hits home and I feel reminds us of what is so often forgotten. It perfectly encapsulates our time together over these 30 days, and the gifts of this practice, especially as we deepen our connection with nature.
We made it! Whether you joined us on our 5 check point days, checked in every few days, or were here for the full 30 days I want you to know how proud of you I am! Infusing your daily practice with self love and gratitude, such a gift.
I wish you could be with me today, dancing in the forest, for our celebratory day 30 – something to look forward to one day!
To view todays practice click here
I wonder how you’re feeling? How this experience has been for you.
Let this be a starting place for your own daily commitment to your self care and living a life infused with gratitude, that is my hopes, as the waves continue.
Thank you to everyone who stayed the course with me, you have been amazing companions – and I am sooooo grateful.
I also want to thank everyone who came out to the forest for our recent and spontaneous community classes. It has been magical coming together to practice again, quite emotional.
It makes my heart happy that Lindsey is offering some weekly classes, through to December, at the Old Town Hall. We can connect you directly with Lindsey if you’d like more details or would like to register. We have some other potential in person offerings being created, following all the COVID guidelines, just working out a few details.
We know this has been a long road, and the road of uncertainty continues, but we’re still here holding ground for you, as we navigate our next steps.
In the meantime, I wonder – what are YOU grateful for today?
Today I feel so grateful that mother nature supported this important project, our 30 day yoga support challenge, all the way up to where we find ourselves today
I feel grateful for the people that hold safe space for me, and for you
I am grateful for the music found in nature, a perfect symphony of support
Our journey doesn’t end here, and I am excited for what’s ahead (all of your seeds are being planted – thank you for your wish lists for video and online offerings going forward, yep, I’m excited).
For those of you who want to go back and move through the full 30 days, it will be staying up on my video page, the link is below.
Wishing you a beautiful and joyful rest of your week.
With so much love, and a huge congratulations hug,
Amber
xo
Amber also offers small group classes in your home, one on one sessions, and classes in the forest. Contact her directly to find out more details. amber@suryadaya.ca
