Hi friends. First things first...I will not be able to teach next weekend so there will be no class at the Rose Garden on Sunday. Instead, I invite you to attend a free yoga class at 9am at Martin Luther King, Jr park during the Kingfield farmer's market. The studio where I teach, Up Yoga, is closed for repairs next weekend so they are hosting free yoga classes at MLK park Saturday and Sunday mornings at 9am, taught by a couple of my colleagues. There is no sign up....simply bring your yoga mat and show up! All are welcome.

Next....we will celebrate the summer solstice, also known as midsummer, during our 7am online class Wednesday, June 21. In the northern hemisphere, the sun is at its highest point in the sky. It is the shortest night and the longest day of the year where we can expect almost 17 hours of daylight. According to pagan folklore, to ward off evil spirits, people would wear protective garlands of herbs and flowers. Other traditions include a belief that the ashes from a Midsummer bonfire can protect one from misfortune or that the ashes—when spread across one’s garden—will bring a bountiful harvest.

Last Sunday at the Rose Garden, we met outdoors in spite of rain in the forecast. I will always hold class unless the weather is dire and I love that it feels imperative (even though it truly isn't) that you count on me and I count on you to show up to create the magic. We had our online contingent via Zoom and six of us found shelter outdoors underneath the canopy of two walnut trees. At one point, the raindrops were soft and we could see the curtain of rain in front of us but we stayed dry under the trees. In that moment, we were the only ones in the park and as always, staying present to the elements provided a unique experience that we could never re-create.

Following the cycle of nature provides us with an opportunity to turn inward at this time of the year; to check in with our intentions and goals and readjust them as needed, to affirm that we are living in a way that is aligned with our true nature and our highest self, to reflect on how we are affected by the big energy around us and decide what we will do to ensure we are in balance when we participate in all the activities summer affords us. These could include reading a book, lying in a hammock or swing, working in the garden or yard, or simply taking time to be still and observe nature.

Finally...Happy Juneteenth! Like many things with racism and the legacy of slavery, the date and circumstances surrounding the celebration of the news finally arriving that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were free, is complicated. It doesn't mean it isn't cause for celebration to mark that historical moment, but it is important to keep learning our history and understand the nuances that not all enslaved people were actually freed on that date. Juneteenth has only been recognized as a federal holiday since 2021 and Minnesota just declared it a state holiday this past spring.

Have the best summer week with your long days and short nights!

Love, Ahndi