May 1, 2024 in Yoga + Movement In our fast-paced world where the hustle and bustle of daily life can often become overwhelming, an interest grows in reconnecting with nature for the benefit of our health and wellbeing. One practice gaining in popularity is forest bathing, a therapeutic and immersive experience allowing individuals to benefit from the transformative effects of spending time in nature. What is forest bathing? Forest bathing is not a hike, naturalist walk, or strenuous exercise but rather a slow and mindful wander. The practice focuses on being present in the moment, engagi ..read more

April 29, 2024 in Health + Wellness A deeply traumatic experience, sexual violence can have long-lasting effects on survivors. The journey towards healing and recovery can be complex and unique for each individual, and certainly not linear. One powerful tool that can aid in this process is the harmonization of the mind and body.  I didn’t know yoga held this power when I started practicing years ago.  My yoga journey began with a Rodney Yee video. I did the same four 20-minute practices again and again. At the time I went in with the Western understanding of yoga being solely a ..read more

April 24, 2024 in Lifestyle In the Fall+Winter 2023 edition of MN Yoga & Life magazine (pg 68), we discussed the three P’s of essential oils for pets: purity, potency, and purpose. In this article, we’ll dive a little deeper into safe and effective use of specific essential oils for pets. As this article speaks to educate on general concepts regarding essential oils for pets, this should not be taken as medical advice, nor have single oils been FDA evaluated for property claims. Anytime we use essential oils on or around pets, we need to honor that animals have a significantly better ..read more

April 17, 2024 in Travel Situated in the heart of the United States, the Ozarks encapsulate the majestic wonders of nature. This breathtaking region offers a diverse landscape of rolling hills, verdant forests, clear lakes, and captivating caverns. With its rich cultural heritage and an abundance of outdoor activities, the Ozarks have become a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. The Ozarks region covers a significant area in the United States, spanning parts of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. However, no precise delineation or fixed boundary ..read more

April 15, 2024 in Health + Wellness A key characteristic of Midwest living is our relationship with nature. A comment about the weather is one of the first things non-Midwest people say to us when we tell them where we live, and we ourselves often develop entrenched habits and opinions related to living in a place with four incredibly dramatic seasons. In this setting, a time-honored and enriching practice takes root — foraging for edible wild plants. For many Midwesterners, foraging provides a connection to the land and a profound sense of wellbeing harmonizing with the region’s natural ..read more

April 10, 2024 in Yoga + Movement As a longtime practicing yogi turned yoga teacher, psychologist, and recovering perfectionist, I know a thing or two about how perfectionism can show up and wreak havoc on the yoga mat. Us anxious, active-minded types often gravitate to yoga for its remarkable ability to quiet down all of the noise on our insides. When the system works, we find healing and empowerment in our yoga practice. When our practice becomes imbalanced, we suffer. Learning to discern the difference internally for ourselves is immensely important. When does yoga support us in devel ..read more

April 8, 2024 in Spotlight A Minnesotan through and through, Minneapolis-based yoga conduit James Orione (he/him) shares his love of all things winter, his deep reverent practice for yoga nidra, and his thoughts on the importance of creating BIPOC-only spaces.  Laree: Tell us about yourself, James. James: First and foremost, I am a parent in the best ways possible: a parent to myself, in addition to a parent to another person. I am an African American black man living in America. I am a son and a brother. I am a lover of life and winters in Minnesota. I am a student of yoga who shar ..read more

April 3, 2024 in Yoga + Movement Fall Self-Care Retreat October 5, 2024 11am-5pm Steeple Center – Rosemount MN Join us for a day of intentional self-care at the beautiful Steeple Center in Rosemount. There will be a lovely mix of movement, stillness, reflection, and healing. Accessible and enjoyable for all, no experience necessary, come as you are. SCHEDULE:  10:15 – Registration opens 11:00 – Gentle Flow with Allison Miller 11:30 – Breath work with Holly Bustle 11:50 – Guided Meditation with Carly Puch 12:15  – BREAK 12:45 – Ayurveda Talk with Tiffany Reinitz 1:15 – Spilling ..read more

April 1, 2024 in Health + Wellness Ahhh spring! Can you start to feel it? Green grass pokes through the snow, birds start returning, the sun shines brighter, days grow longer, and perhaps you feel a  giddy anticipation within you of the coming seasonal change. Along with this excitement, springtime for many can be quite challenging. Whether you’re subject to colds, allergies, sinus infections, you name it – spring can be as difficult as it is lovely. Why is that? Luckily, Ayurveda offers both the answer and solution! Ayurveda, the world’s oldest medical science, describes everything ..read more

April 1, 2024 in Spotlight Name: Jennifer Golden Pronouns: she/her Where are you located? (city and state): Minnetonka, MN What gets you excited about Midwest YOGA + Life magazine? I love the community the magazine created and am excited to see it expand beyond Minnesota into the Midwest. As the only local print publication dedicated to yoga, it brings together unique individuals all sharing a passion for wellness. In addition to being a valuable resource for yogis, it fuels collaboration between teachers, studios, artisans, and small business owners, leading to new progra ..read more