Summer News 2023

Friends and Family - Greetings to all!

I hope this communication finds you well and thriving. The Summer Solstice is upon us, the half-way point of our year. It’s a time to pause and reflect upon what we’ve done thus far and to be recharged to move forward with positivity in the months remaining. Solstice comes from the Latin word sol which means sun and systre, meaning to stand still. The sun is at the highest point of its power in the Northern Hemisphere. Spiritually and energetically, the solstice is a time to stand still and acknowledge our achievements and victories, both big and small —as well as where we’ve fallen short in our yearly journey. With this in mind, I can’t help but feel compelled to step into the light; I’ve much to share, on many fronts.

“We’re here for a reason. I believe a bit of the reason is to throw little torches out to lead people through the dark.” — Whoopi Goldberg

For those of you who’ve been following the thread of my newsletters and have expressed interest, you’ll be happy to see that I’m including a link to a chapter of my memoir below. Although the book is far from complete, I feel that I’ve made a lot of progress and absolutely love working on it. Though at times it’s a painful process, I view it as a form of healing and my intentions are that it may serve as a source of inspiration for others. I hope as well, it will entertain and bring some levity and light to the reader. PutaSanta, A Yogini’s Journey from Darkness to the Light is the title of my book. It's a work in progress and will go through further iterations before it's published.

"Dancing for Pennies" is a chapter in my memoir about my first experiences at making money and working as a young girl. It spans the period from 1959 through 1966, juxtaposing a time of youthful innocence leading into the starker reality of my premature adulthood. This prompted me into a deeper understanding of the spiritual concept of karma — which means work or action. We all operate under this universal law: all of our thoughts, words, and actions create results. Much to reflect upon and so much to unpack! I’m eager for any feedback. Enjoy! 

”Stories have to be told or they die, and when they die, we can’t remember who we are or why we’re here.” — Sue Monk Kidd

On another front, I’m going through the last stages of my gigantic, astronomical, and long-overdue purge of my collections. I guarantee fabulous deals and am amenable to best offers. Some items will be sold in lots and there will be a giveaway table as well. Please contact me regarding location, hours, and a private preview.

Calling all lovers of:

Native American Collectibles, Art, Corita Art, Vintage Clothing & Accessories, Jewelry, Décor, Books, Magazines, Music, Dance, Yoga & Fitness

------- Save the Dates -------

Final Estate Sale

September 2 - 9, 2023

“There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life.”

— Unknown

Tuesday Yoga Zoom Group & Private Training
3 - 4:30 pm PST

If you'd like to try my online Tuesday afternoon Yoga Basics Plus class, let me know. The first class is free; thereafter, you can either pay on a drop-in basis or sign up for a series. Additionally, I see clients privately on Zoom, or in person in North County San Diego.

I hope you step forward into the light this coming season. Acknowledge your individuality and accomplishments while remembering your connection to nature and this planet. Be positive, even in the face of adversity and amid chaos. Be still, and know your inner light can never be extinguished. Breathe!

Above all, I wish you peace. I enjoy hearing from you. Feel free to text, email or call! 

Happy Summer Solstice!

Blessings & Namaste, 
Mara

Summer Theme:
Karma

"It's my karma" or, "Oh, woe is me."  Karma is so often thought about in a negative way. but it's really a neutral term. Your karma, or life experiences, whether good or bad, is the result of all your previous efforts through your actions (as well as your thoughts and words.) It's also the result of past lives – which of course, means the belief in reincarnation, and another conversation yet inextricably connected to karma. We can except that, even in this life, what we put out there...comes back to us. I've been thinking a lot about my karma lately, especially as I continue to clear and purify my physical surroundings, unleashing my creativity and rebooting my path forward. Read more about Karma »

Pose of the Month: 

Trikonasana - Triangle Pose

Trikonasana, or triangle pose, is one of the most common Hatha yoga poses practiced within a standing asana routine. Although it's considered a basic pose which is taught to beginners, it takes a lot of practice to perfect. The benefits are many, and among them are: strengthening the legs, promoting hip joint flexibility, stretching the spine laterally, and opening the chest. Additionally, I like to view this pose as profoundly symbolic. Your back foot and leg anchor you in your past; it will always be a part of you. As you reach out over the leading leg and foot you move into your future; projecting your destination. The uplifted arm and your gaze to that hand represent your focus on the present – being here now. Your whole body represents a triangle with the two feet planted, or grounded to the earth, while you reach upward, toward heaven. When we perform our asanas with this kind of body-mind metaphoric approach, our practice becomes more than physical; each pose becomes a prayer and an affirmation of our connection to the Divine.

Seasonal Oil:

Sage

I've chosen sage as this season's oil because of its wide range of uses and profound healing properties. The Lakota Indians considered it a master herb and it's been used for centuries in countries across the globe. The word sage comes from the Latin salvere, which means to save. Among its many medicinal uses it's known to remedy respiratory and digestive issues and as an effective anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent. Sage is one of my favorite herbs. Its fragrance brings me sweet memories of hiking at Rancho La Puerta in Tecate, Mexico, where I lived and worked for several years. This world-renowned  health and fitness spa is located at the base of Mt. Kuchumaa — the exalted one — considered sacred by the Kumeyaay, the indigenous peoples of this area. The trails there are lush with sage. This fragrant plant also makes me think of my late mother Iva, who was half Chippewa Cree. She was fond of making sage bundles wrapped in colorful fabrics. She tied them off with yarn, attaching a small printed prayer to each one. Iva did this for several years for her Native American Catholic church group, dedicated to the memory of Saint Kateri Tekakwitha, our first Native American saint.

For more on essential oils visit dōTERRA and Young Living.

Images: Courtesy of Mara's personal photo library