In the way that time does, 2025 brought change… by way of evolution, possibility and heartbreak. In the rollercoaster of it all, I have been remiss to reach out in this way and thought I would send a sort of belated Holiday Card updating you on my 2025 happenings. I hope this start-of-year hello finds you in a peaceful place surrounded by all that defines warmth for you as we begin our Wintering.
As I write this, I am looking out the windows at the Whitefish Mountain Range glistening in the sun while I stay content and warm right next to the fire. I hope this will become my son’s Solstice tradition: welcoming winter and the slow return of the light from the coziness of our family’s Northwestern Montana home.
As you might have read somewhere along the way, I started a business this year in Moab, Utah. Moon River Yoga Collective is a place for yoga, movement, the mystic arts and I have really enjoyed getting the space set-up, meeting the community that is forming and returning to my own beginner's mind.
Wyatt helping me class plan at Moon River Yoga Collective
When we graduate our 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainees, it is always with the reminder to be humble as they begin their journey, knowing that it will take time, dedication, and a lot of disappointment along the way. I have had to be my own reminder of this truth as I offer classes in a town that doesn’t really know me (yet ;). It’s a humbling experience, to say the least, but also a challenge I’m attempting to accept as a teacher with grace and, hopefully, a bit of style. If you happen to live or be visiting Southeastern Utah, I’ll be starting a new winter schedule of classes this Monday, January 12th and I do hope you’ll stop in and join me for class!
In June of this year, we bid farewell to our 17-year old cat, Cleo. Many of you met and got to know Cleo during our Covid days - whether it was watching her weave in and out of my downdog during our online classes, or judging us from the front porch during yard yoga, the long-haired black ball of fur became a bit of a celebrity in her own right.
I was holding Cleo when her eyes opened for the first time that October day in 2007 and it was my honor to hold her as her eyes closed for the last time in the courtyard of the only home she has ever known at the exact moment of the New Moon in Cancer. Several squirrels and a murder of crows attended her funeral and as I covered her grave with flowers and herbs, the resident flock of ducks Cleo had spent her life teasing flew over in a Mallard Salute. Although she lived an incredible and long life - her passing and absence have left a hole in many hearts (and yes, of course I wrote a multi-page essay about this feline wonder that I’m sure I’ll depress you with one day) The house will never feel the same and our hearts will ache for years to come with the love, gratitude and grief of being her family.
My ongoing weekly offerings at Moon River Yoga Collective will continue through May. You can join me weekly online with Adaptive Yoga Northwest, and keep your eyes peeled for another Adaptive Yoga Continuing Education program for those seeking to deepen their teaching.
I visit Seattle often to co-lead the 200 hour Teacher Training program I have cultivated with my dear friend and colleague Jessica Winters of Cedar River Yoga. We celebrated a fantastic group of new teachers this past March and are looking forward to our current group graduating this upcoming Spring.
Graduates pose with their certificates from our 2024/2025 @00 hour Yoga Teacher Training program
If you’re in the Seattle area, I hope you will join me for practice at Cedar River Yoga, or in my West Seattle studio home of Junction Hot Yoga. I’ll keep my comings and goings updated on my website and do hope you’ll stop in to say hello and take class! Dates will be announced soon for our next Seattle-based training, and those of you in Moab can expect a teacher training opportunity soon as well!
On the home front… I imagine Wyatt will grow another foot or two this year. He says new and hilarious things daily and his love of books, music and desire to “go out and look at the moon” whenever possible make the hard moments worth it and keep me excited for what tomorrow will bring, looking through his eyes.
Final Family Walk of 2025 in Lincoln County, Montana
I look forward to connecting with you in 2026, whether it be online or in person… I’d love to hear how you are doing?! What triumphs are you celebrating as we draw 2025 to a close, and what heartaches could you use help holding?
I wish you a New Year filled with new ideas, honored rituals and, of course, Yoga!