Reflections from the "Circle of Life"

Last night, June 24th I was fortunate to teach a yoga class at the Christopher Lake Nature Area - Circle of Life to celebrate Summer Solstice and International Yoga Day.  A few days late due to inclement weather on June 21st, but it couldn't have been a nicer evening.  Blue sky, enough breeze to keep most of the bugs away and some kind and generous people to share it with.


I had read a quote earlier yesterday - "Bloom where you're planted."  -Mary Engelbreit

We can each bring our own meaning to this quote, but I like to think of it as giving me encouragement to stay rooted and grounded through all the seasons and cycles of life.  The world seems to be moving so quickly to do more, show more, be more that it is easy to feel uprooted, anxious and not enough.  I know having a strong yoga practice - and strong Tadasana :) - helps to remind me that it is through my stability that I have mobility and balance and can bloom and open up to be my best self.

The class incorporated many standing poses with the outer awareness of nature helping us to bring more awareness inward and break our inert nature.  Flowing sequences connected the body, breath and mind and a feeling of poise, alertness, strength and mental peace.  The seated poses were to give rest and feel a release of tension in the body.  The class ended with Savasana.  A lovely experience to feel connected to the entire planet.

Below is a bit more information about the Circle of Life:

 Christopher Lake Natural Area "Circle of Life" Friends working in harmony with nature Dedicated to the memory of Lionel R.J. Roy Royal Municipality of Lakeland No. 521 Celebrating the New Millennium and Saskatchewan's 100th Birthday 2005

The inscription on the plaque at the Centre of the Circle of Life area.

The "Circle of Life" depicts the Creator as he beginning. It includes gifts from the Creator entrusted to humanity: plants, animals, air, water, and a loving world. The "Circle of Life" reinforces the sharing and interdependency between humanity and nature that have occurred throughout time on this planet, Earth. It serves as a reminder that all life begins, ends, and that the journey in life depends on the legacy that humanity leaves. As the keepers of these gifts from the Creator, we must be committed to live in harmony with nature. We must remember our past and creatively (responsibly) prepare for the future as we enter the new millennium. We dedicate this "Circle of Life" and the Christopher Lake Nature Area to our pioneers, our veterans, our children, and our citizens. [Officially designated as a protected nature area by legislation under the Parks Act on June 27, 2000. Hon. Buckley Belanger, Minister of Environment & Resource Management

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Donations from this class will go towards offering Youth Yoga classes in the community.  My goal over the summer is to raise enough to offer a youth session and bring more awareness to the benefits of yoga for youth and teen ages.  With the number of teen suicides rising the need for support to help our youth feel they can 'Bloom where they stand" is essential. 

If you or someone you know in the Prince Albert and area is interested in having youth classes at your school or community centre please feel free to contact me. 



Namaste.
Happy Solstice!

Pamela Nelson
Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor