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Build Your Yoga Practice ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Inner Connections Yoga
AUGUST and SEPTEMBER NEWS
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Ahhh, the journey. Life is life and it is ours.As I wait for my yoga class to arrive on the beach this morning, I am reminded of how much I learn from the ocean. Its water remains in constant motion, sometimes calm, other times abundant with unforgiving waves and turbulence. It can be as dangerous as it can be forgiving.The ocean mirrors the fluctuating nature of human experience, where challenges and smooth sailing coexist. Just as the water rises and falls, so too do our lives, filled with moments of peace and difficulty. This connection fosters resilience and acceptance, shapes our character, guides our path, molds our spirit, and brings clarity to our journey of life's natural ebb and flow.I reflect on why I am drawn toward mountains and beaches. Did you know that forests and ocean environments are known for having higher concentrations of negative ions compared to urban areas? The highest concentrations of negative ions are in nature: mountains, forests, waterfalls, beaches, oceans, and around moving bodies of water. Thunderstorms and lightening also create a plethora of negative ions. Negative ions, or anions, are known to improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function. Recent studies suggest they may influence brain chemistry, increase oxygen flow to the brain, and even have anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.As the waves crash on the beach, I find myself mesmerized by the steady and repetitive sounds and the rhythmic ebb and flow of the water. I feel as sense of calm and connection to all that is around me: a favorite 3-legged dog passing by with her humans trailing behind, sandpipers running back and forth near the water’s edge, and people embracing tranquility as they absorb the refreshing escape from the daily grind. Surf school is in session and often an eager group of teens come to the edge of the continent to explore the sea on a surfboard.I practice mindfulness- observing all without judgment, criticism, or analysis. I relax to a meditative state of interconnectedness with all.Suddenly, I feel the beautiful energy of the yoga students descending from the walkway onto Pawleys Island for beach yoga. Together we appreciate the vastness and natural beauty that invites and supports our yoga practice.Our view evokes a sense of awe and helps put daily stresses into perspective. We share sensory stimulation that begins to invite relaxation, well-being, and reminds us of who we are - without attachments, stress, and excessive emotions - as we embrace being a child of the universe.We are invited to let go of our attachments that no longer serve us as we meld into the rhythmic sounds, fresh air, visual expanse, and ground even more deeply in the physical sensations of being at the edge of the continent observing a vast ocean and all its healing properties.We discover a deep restorative reservoir within us, encouraging us to slow down and breathe with the ocean's natural rhythm. Sitting in sukhasana, simple seated posture, we are invited to connect to nature, our inner Self, and this present moment.Namaste
Jeanne
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Please enjoy this poem…
AUGUST REMINDERS
— Morgan Harper Nichols1
Let July be July by allowing yourself to trust: it’s okay if you cannot make sense of it all right now.
What matters is that somehow, you found grace to breathing through.
And now, you’ve made it to August where you’ll find:
there is more to you.2
Let August be August by allowing yourself to trust: you do not have to be so hard on yourself if you cannot make sense of all that is changing.
In the coming days, you will find mystery, and you will also find room to breathe and you might just find even in these unknowns: you are more prepared than you think.3
You are free to take the time you need to feel what you need to feel…including the good feelings.4
Don’t let them rush you. You are traveling at the pace you were meant to.5
You are still free to pursue peace right here in the in-betweens.6
Whatever happens this month, be gentle with yourself. 7
Even here, there is still space for us to rise above the fear...propelled into motion by love.8
There is more to come.More love.More joy.More grace.More peace.9
Let this be the August you look back on and say:
somehow, through it all, I learned to fall in love with the journey.
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NO CLASS at Waccamaw Recreation Center:LABOR DAY Monday, September 1, 2025
TIBETAN SINGING BOWL MEDITATION:
at Brookgreen GardensTuesday, Sept. 9th: 11:30 AM- 12 :30 PMSaturday, Sept. 20th: 12:30-1:30 PM
REMINDERS:
Friday’s CHAIR YOGA is at 9:30 in the Conference Room at Waccamaw Rec Center.Friday’s YOGA THERAPEUTICS II is at 11:00 in the Fitness Room.
Please make a note of the changes and reminders. We look forward to seeing you in classes!
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Embrace the Healing Power of Nature
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In a restaurant the other day, I found myself daydreaming as I gazed through a colossal window that overlooked the marsh. I noticed a woman sitting on the deck outside, alone. She was perched in her wheelchair, feeling the warmth of the sun, watching the water gently flowing by and birds as they flew in and out of her awareness. I watched her watch nature. I found myself observing the observer who observed! I wanted to reach out to her, make sure she was okay, and to ask if she needed a ride anywhere. She, on the other hand, alone, was watching nature. No one approached her; she seemed calm, relaxed, and untethered.It reminded me of experiences we used to provide in our yoga teacher trainings, leadership trainings, and in gatherings with friends and family. We brought people to our home in Pike National Forest to connect their yoga practice with nature, and in turn, provide an opportunity for a deeper, more personal connection to themselves. We practiced leadership skills using our low ropes course, walked the labyrinth, hiked, walked barefoot, meditated as we sat upon the earth, and connected our breath to that of the trees.In yoga philosophy, life is traditionally divided into four stages known as ashramas. The third of these stages, Vanaprastha, or “the forest dweller,” is particularly pertinent when considering the lessons of nature. This stage signifies a transition from active life to one of contemplation, reflection, and spiritual focus, often symbolized by a retreat into nature.The stage lasts for twenty-four years from around the age of forty-eight to the age of seventy-two, typically beginning after the birth of grandchildren and consisting of withdrawal from concern with material things, pursuit of solitude, and ascetic and yogic practices. One serves as a mature counselor. Although a vanaprasthi mostly withdraws from involvements in the world, a vanaprasthi nevertheless remains in the home working for the education of younger people. In the past, vanaprastha referred to a period in which a person prepared for the ultimate renunciation of sannyas by retiring to the forest or a solitary place for meditation (stage 4).Vanaprastha encourages us to seek wisdom and harmony from the natural world, making it a fitting metaphor for integrating natural principles into our yoga practice. Nature is a revered teacher, offering lessons in harmony, interconnectedness, and resilience. Among its many manifestations, the natural world stands out as a powerful symbol of life’s vibrant and intricate balance. As yoga practitioners, we learn many lessons from nature that can deeply enrich our practice and our lives.Harmony and Balance
Nature thrives on an intricate balance, where every plant, animal, and element plays a role in sustaining the balance of the ecosystem. This mirrors our quest in yoga to achieve balance in body, mind, and spirit. By observing the harmony in nature, we can learn to cultivate a similar equilibrium within ourselves. Invite this natural balance to inspire your yoga practice, encouraging you to find alignment and peace in each pose. Interconnectedness
We experience interconnectedness in the natural world, where every species contributes to the whole. This reflects the yogic principle of interdependence, reminding us of our connection to each other and the world around us. It also brings light to our name, Inner Connections Yoga, which invites us to go inside
ourselves to seek balance and harmony between our outer and inner relationship.
Embracing this understanding can deepen our sense of community and connection
within our yoga practice and everyday interactions.Strength and Resilience
Consider the resilience of nature. Have you ever observed a plant growing from a rock? Trees grow despite harsh conditions; plants adapt to their environment and animals evolve to survive. This strength and adaptability are mirrored in our yoga practice, where we build physical and mental resilience. Invite nature’s ability to endure and adapt to inspire you to do the same and let this fortify your yoga practice and approach to life's challenges.Adaptability and Growth
Nature is constantly evolving, and its inhabitants must adapt to change. Adaptability is a valuable lesson for yoga practitioners. Growth often requires flexibility and openness to change. Consider how adaptability and growth guide you in your practice, encouraging personal growth and a willingness to adapt to new experiences and challenges.In its early days, yoga was intertwined with spirituality. It was much more than physical exercise; it was a spiritual discipline for inner peace. Early practitioners sought enlightenment through meditation and poses that they believed connected them to the divine. These beginnings laid the groundwork for a rich tradition that would expand beyond its origins, and it is what we honor and celebrate in our yoga classes today at Inner Connections Yoga & Wellness – Pawleys Island. Won’t you join us?Namaste
Jeanne
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TIBETAN SINGING BOWL MEDITATION
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Tuesday, Sept. 9th
11:30 AM- 12:30 PM
Saturday, Sept. 20th
12:30-1:30 PM Immerse yourself in the serenity of nature and the ancient art of Tibetan Singing Bowl Meditation with Brookgreen Gardens’ Harmony in Nature series. The journey of this unique experience offers a tranquil retreat with gentle melodies and resonant vibrations of Tibetan singing bowls as you are guided into a state of deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Join us for an unforgettable journey of inner peace and harmony, where the beauty of the natural world and the healing power of sound unite to nurture your soul. ** It is recommended that participants bring their own folding chair or yoga mat.
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About the Instructor:Sound Healer & Energy Practitioner John Adams has played the Tibetan Singing Bowls for over 20 years. He is a master at awakening the voice of the bowls and their unique vibrations, creating a rich resonant tone from each of the seven bowls. John’s bowls were made in the ancient tradition of Tibetan healers. The bowls traveled from a small village in the mountains of Tibet where John’s teachers’ families have been creating these bowls, each designed with a blend of seven metals and mined in the Himalayas, for thousands of years. Each bowl is artfully blended and hand-shaped to produce a specific vibration. Enjoy your Singing Bowl experience at Brookgreen Gardens or in a private session with John.
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How a Simple Chair Can Transform Your Yoga Practice
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Chair Yoga classes provide a welcoming space for you to experience the numerous benefits of yoga, including improved physical health and a deeper connection with yourself, without the added challenge of difficult transitions or poses typically found in traditional yoga classes.Chair Yoga offers many benefits:Improves General Mobility, Flexibility, and Strength: Chair yoga utilizes adapted postures and movements to help increase range of motion, lengthen muscles, and strengthen various muscle groups, including the core, arms, and legs, making everyday activities easier and more comfortable.Eliminates the Struggle of Transitions: By focusing on seated and supported standing poses, chair yoga removes the need for challenging transitions from the floor to standing and back. This provides a safe and accessible environment for participants, especially those with mobility limitations, arthritis, or balance concerns.Invites Inward Focus and Mindfulness: When we remove the obstacle of physical struggle, it invites students to turn their attention inward, focusing on their breath, body sensations, and the present moment. Mindfulness- being fully present in our experience, rather than being lost in worries about the past or future- helps reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration, and promote a sense of inner peace and self-awareness.Chair yoga is an option for many people for many reasons – it may be to assist with balance, coordination, confidence, exhaustion, stiffness, illness, or pain. It supports all ages and all abilities. Using a chair invites students to feel safe and supported while creating an opportunity for them to practice the benefits of yoga, movement, stretching, strength, balance, breathing, and relaxation.
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