Blog

To be Jolly!  I hope you are feeling cheerful, in the moment, and enjoying treats. They seem to be everywhere.  I recently went to Mpls Yoga Center Retreat where I endulged in delicious baked goods, guitar music, a great class, and Reiki (customer appreciation day.) Be sure to take in some yoga classes at your favorite studio, we Teachers are super tuned in to trying to keep you breathing and sane.

As for breathing I have proposed "Light Up Your Yoga" to several studios; Kripalu Approach pranayama infused class(es) or workshop(s) beginning after the new year. Locally I'll start @ Lilypad, but stay tuned for other locations including the Twin Cities. Ill also post details of what you will learn or how you'll refresh your practice.

One of my Kriplau Master Yoga Teachers, Sudah Lundeen, will be Guest Teaching at; The Marsh in Minnetonka, the day after Christmas @ 1:00. I'll be there with her, also family and friends. Look at their Dec. calendar if you're interested in a deeply relaxing class.

Whatever your tradition is this time of year may it be good, and may you enjoy it.  May ALL beings be happy, healthy, and know peace. Om Shanti Om

Ambika-ren JAI  

It is already the second week of November! I devoted most of my time to this fall to getting some immediate things done on my Dads farm. Next thing on the agenda is to sell cows, non milkers but they still require work.  Im splitting my time between two homes, lucky for me theyre both in the northwoods, and my husband is so present and supportive.  I have an awesome extended family, and a great brother so life is good.  What keeps me balanced is my practice which is a big priority and I am now more than ever committed to sharing it. 

I will teach a Kripalu approach class Saturday Nov 23, 9:30 in the Upper Room @ United Methodist. MT has something else going on that morning so please join me if you can.  I love seeing any old students of mine and new faces.

I'm wrapping up the "lesson plans" for Pranayama and Asana. I just need to schedule some Guest Teachings locally and in Mpls. so again stay tuned.  My intentions for fall totally changed due to losing my Dad but I should be back on track by the end of the month.

I cant instruct well unless I practice what I teach.  Heres to let you know I'm all oiled up and ready to go (literally, its Almond Oil season.)

Hope to see you Soon!!  JAI BHAGWAN, Ambika-ren 

I spent most of the summer in gardens and hanging with my 91 year old Dad Art (Bud) Lillquist on his farm where he lived indepently and alone.  I stopped over to say good-bye and was given the "Swedish Hug" before I left for the east coast in September.  I was gone for about ten days when I recieved the call that his heart instantly stopped. My brother was in the other room.  So I am back in Minnesota and people are currently gathering to celebrate his long, interesting life.  I vacillate between sadness and joy, he lived fully, and though he traveled the world, he was most content on his land and in the woods. A 100% Swede. I am in daughter in more ways that I can express.

I had to go to the Twin Cities briefly last week  and while I was there I went to Minneapolis Yoga Center Retreat in St Louis Park two houirs early for an event!  So I stayed for a slow flow class and then attended an intimate circle focusing on the season change which was led by Coco.  I was there for six hours and it was Exactly what I needed. Sangha.  It reinforced in me the desire to bring people together to find inner peace and healing. 

My marketing for classes and my own yoga events has been postponed the last few months by the passing of my brother and now my dad.  I'm the first born and am at the helm of instigating ritual and closure.  However, Pranayama is my constant companion.  I will teach and post my intentions at the end of the month.  In the meantime I now have cows.....

Sending you love and light, Karen Ruth, thats what my Dad called me

I spent most of the summer in gardens and hanging with my 91 year old Dad Art (Bud) Lillquist on his farm where he lived indepently and alone.  I stopped over to say good-bye and was given the "Swedish Hug" before I left for the east coast in September.  I was gone for about ten days when I recieved the call that his heart instantly stopped. My brother was in the other room.  So I am back in Minnesota and people are currently gathering to celebrate his long, interesting life.  I vacillate between sadness and joy, he lived fully, and though he traveled the world, he was most content on his land and in the woods. A 100% Swede. I am in daughter in more ways that I can express.

I had to go to the Twin Cities briefly last week  and while I was there I went to Minneapolis Yoga Center Retreat in St Louis Park two houirs early for an event!  So I stayed for a slow flow class and then attended an intimate circle focusing on the season change which was led by Coco.  I was there for six hours and it was Exactly what I needed. Sangha.  It reinforced in me the desire to bring people together to find inner peace and healing. 

My marketing for classes and my own yoga events has been postponed the last few months by the passing of my brother and now my dad.  I'm the first born and am at the helm of instigating ritual and closure.  However, Pranayama is my constant companion.  I will teach and post my intentions at the end of the month.  In the meantime I now have cows.....

Sending you love and light, Karen Ruth, thats what my Dad called me

Here in Minnesota September means fall!  My life remains centered on harvesting three gardens, my practice, and connecting with family and friends.  A highlight of August was sinking down in Ely and assisting with part of a Yoga Retreat led by Sudha Lundeen. It was a beautiful experience for all and will hopefully be repeated next year.  The boundry waters are a wonder & being fully emmersed in nature is the ultimate for healing and balance.

So, Im ready to pack my bags again mid-month and head east with my husband.  Were already filling The Pleasure Way (little R.V.) and first hit his home turf, NY, NY, and then travel up the coast. Oct 1st I'll attend Kripalu's Annual Yoga Teachers Conference. This year will focus on the Therapeutic Benefites of Yoga. Aside from learning more on that I'll be reuniting with other dear friends/teachers from Mass. and around the country.  I'll come back with bells on, jazed to teach new things!!

I have been slow but steady in marketing Pranayama instruction locally and in Mpls.  Slow and steady is how I practice pranayama myself.  The benefits are amazing, my Intention is to lead students in various techniques, encourage them to stand in the center of sensation as energy builds, and integrate through asana.  I'll have some dates in the book for October!

I hope you had a great summer (or are still having one.) I am grateful that  the weather in northern Minnesota hasn't been harsh and am sending light and support to hurricane victims. Be Well,  Ambi-Karen

JAI!!