Blog

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!!

I will be teaching yoga in the Skylight Studio in the upper room at United Methodist Saturday 8/17 @ 9:30. Use your card or walk in, $12.  Kripalu approach for all levels.

The vegtables in my gardens will be harvested throughout this month and  I will be weeding, picking, hauling, and processing the bounty.  And of course taking the time to breathe and stretch as I work away. Breathing for me is just as important as the stretching, in fact breathing is the most important part of hatha yoga practice.  

I'm currently putting together Pranayama for Yoga Students, and will offer a workshop or Guest Teach this fall locally. Location(s) t.b.a. I am marketing in the Twin Cities as well.  Also Kripalu Immersion.

I want to share part of a deligtful conversation I had yesteday with another Yoga Teacher.  I hadn't seen her for quite some time so we were catching up and she told me about some of the specialized classes she teaches in the state where she resides in the winter.  Then she reminded me that she became a yoga teacher because of me! And not because of my amazing skills! She said I laughed, smiled, and encouraged students to enjoy practicing.  What wonderful feedback.  Yoga is such an important part of my life, I'm excited to keep bringing the joy that I cultivate to you.

JAI BHAGWAN, Ambika-ren    

JULY YOGA

I will be teaching on Saturday 7/13 and on Saturday 7/20:

Skylight Studio, Upper Room United Methodist, Bemidji. 9:30-11:00 am.  Use your cards or walk-in $12.  All level Kripalu Approach.  

Mary Therese will be in her tent at Art In The Park, 7/20 & 21, selling her beautiful hand painted silk scarves.  

Yoga Teachers/Yoga Studios I am working on my fall schedule and I look forward to Guest Teaching. Thank you for collaborating with me.

Reminder to all Gardeners; dont hesitate to do down dogs in the dirt, cat and cows as you weed, stretching to the sun with arms spread!!  Mindfully chewing greens as you pop them into your mouth. Breathe in the basil.....aaahh.

Jai Bhagwan Karen AMBIKA