“Once we start to act, hope is everywhere. So instead of looking for hope, look for action. Then, and only then, hope will come.” ~ Greta Thunberg Hi friends!
Happy start to fall! 🍁 Fall equinox feels different to me this year. Yes, the days are growing shorter, and there will be more time in darkness than in light until Winter Solstice. This is something I want to both honor and embrace. And, knowing that we are now in the last quarter of 2026, I am spending time in a thoughtful return to how I was feeling at the beginning of the year. What was I hoping for this year? Where am I regrading the shifts I was seeking? Knowing this year is starting its final stretch, where do I now want to focus my energy and attention? This is where the quotation above comes in. 👀⬆️ I cannot simply hope to reach my goals. Hope necessitates action. The yogis have an expression: Movement is better than stagnation. To me, this is an invitation to participate in creating what we hope for. If I want to deepen a friendship? I need to actively participate in that relationship. If I want to lessen stress and increase calm? I need to explore what works for me. Limiting screen time? Doing a restorative yoga class? If I want to increase my energy and my focus? Maybe it’s a pranayama that delivers the magic. Maybe it’s prioritizing my sleep schedule or gifting myself a yoga nidra. The action doesn’t have to be huge. It simply needs to move us towards what we say we want. I hope you can join me this Saturday for a VERY SPECIAL full moon yoga circle. We’ll be exploring what it is we want to gather, savor, preserve, and shed as we move deeper into autumn. The season has shifted. Maybe it’s the perfect moment to pause, check in, and decide how we want to move with it. What am I hoping for? What small action can I take towards it? Come explore with us underneath the Full Moon. 🌾🌕 Join me and Teresa: this Saturday, September 26 | 6 - 7 P With love and light, m
0 Comments
“I have learned how to trust myself . . . perhaps one of the greatest gifts of getting older is realizing that trusting myself isn’t selfish; it is finally becoming someone I can count on.” ~ Alice McGinty, 96 years young Hi friends!
I am loving September Summer! Sure, the weather is a little less predictable these days . . . I’ve been rained on during an outdoor sound bath and a soccer game; choosing to leave ALL our windows open the other night may not have been the best choice (brrrr!); and, some of our recent boating attempts have been less than stellar. Too much wind. Zero wind. Flies. And you know what? It’s all been pretty great. This is my favorite time of year for boating. Having fewer boats coming in and out of our harbor means I breathe a little easier the entire time. And, the sunlight streaking through the moody sky? What a show. On Monday, as we were coming back into the channel, a monarch nearly landed right in the palm of Mike’s hand. It’s interesting. Every time before venturing out on the boat we look at the weather, the radar, the marine forecast, the Holland buoy report . . . with all of those data points, you’d think we’d know what we’re in for. Turns out, we are often surprised. And that’s one of the many reasons we love getting on the boat! It is different every time . . . always an adventure. I get it. The word “adventure” sounds both exciting and fun. In truth, “adventures” can be exciting and fun . . .and they are more complex than that. I’m sure my parents will have moments of uncertainty, challenge, and discomfort throughout their cruising adventure. All of that could be avoided by staying home. Getting out there, getting out of our comfort zone and our routines, can be discombobulating. I’m hoping their cruise strikes the right balance for them. That the fun, the beauty, and the richness of the experience outweighs the challenges. I think putting ourselves out there is a lot like caring for our muscles. We need to stretch, and strengthen, our ability to adapt and flow and get out there. It’s also important that we pick up the right-sized dumbbell. Too much weight = too much challenge . . . and then we don’t want to do that ever again. Maybe part of knowing ourselves is learning how much stretch is enough. I love the quotation featured above. ⬆️ I hope each of us acquires the wisdom to be someone we can count on. So, here’s to checking the forecast, gathering the data, and getting out there! Hopefully all the way to age 96! 😀 With love and light, m 
“As long as I’m alive, I will continue to try to understand more because the work of the heart is never done.” ~ Muhammed Ali Hello beauties!
I am very excited about September. The outdoor yoga season continues. Our humidity has dropped. I find myself reaching for an extra layer in the early mornings. The soccer season has started so I’m back in blue and orange. (How is Evan a college senior already?!) Every moment spent on our sailboat feels like an amazing getaway. And, after this past weekend’s absolute craziness on the water? I am ready for a few less boats bouncing around town! 🤪 Speaking of outdoor yoga, the deck at Lakeshore Resort has been stunning! Right now, the monarch butterflies are putting on a SHOW dancing around in the flowers. Simply the sight of them lifts my spirits and swells my heart with hope. Lately, I’m very curious about where I direct my gaze. My energy. My attention. Sometimes? What I value is not how I’m showing up. I practice cultivating presence, and yet my attention can be sideswiped by one electronic alert. I revere my relationships with family and dear friends, and yet weeks can pass without meaningful connection. I WANT to learn to understand, and to speak, Spanish. But, I’m not giving that any of my time. So, for the remainder of this summer season, I am tending to my attention. Not with a critical gaze. With the understanding that every “yes” to something is a “no” to something else. When I encountered the Muhammed Ali quotation featured above, it resonated. ⬆️ Here’s to always evolving because the work of the heart is never done. I don’t want life to simply slide on by. I want to be more intentional about what I decide to give my attention and my energy to. Isn’t it great that we can continue to learn and grow? Even as we age? I love that for us. ♥️ m 
“At any moment the fully present mind can shatter time and burst into Now.” ~ Br. David Steindl-Rast Hello and happy September!
September is off to a steamy start here in West Michigan, and our little towns still have strong summer energy. I’m hearing lots of conversations about this cusp time of year, where everything feels in transition. It’s back to school for kids, parents, and teachers. And that presents a whole host of shifts. For our small businesses, staff has most likely been reduced. For those workers who remain, it means even more hours and energy to keep up with summer season vibes. And, it’s hot. And stormy. I think folks are feeling it all. Driving home from acupuncture earlier this week, I had a challenging experience with a VERY aggressive, and VERY angry driver on the highway. It rattled me. Once safely back at home I took some time to unwind and breathe. The level of anger was so visceral. It made me sad. I understand that so many people are truly struggling. In real, and profound, and unimaginable ways. I think coming together to care for ourselves, and for one another, is especially powerful work right now. Cultivating peace. Fostering joy. Listening to our own internal knowing. Building a trust within our own bodies and beings. This is powerful medicine for the collective. This is how we move the needle towards light and love. I’m so grateful for ALL who are on this path. Deep bow of gratitude, m 
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead Hi friends!
It's interesting. With the work I do in coffee, I’ve traveled to Africa, Asia, South America, etc. Turns out? The one week in Detroit may have been the most exhausting of them all? 😀 Helping to host 27 people, from 8 different countries, for a week-long event is no small feat. While the Farm-Direct organization I work with (One BIGG Island in Space) is a small segment of BIGGBY Nation Summit, we definitely try hard to show up and show out. Our team is passionate about what we’re up to, and we do what we can to demonstrate that buying Farm-Direct verified coffee IS a better way. Why? Because 80% of the time coffee farmers LOSE MONEY for their crop. That means the never-ending, year-long work to get that crop? Costs the producers . . . in every way. When a crop is undervalued, that means the PEOPLE and the COMMUNITY are being undervalued. And that is not sustainable. And please, don’t get me started on what taking shortcuts through chemicals does for the sustainability of our planet! 😠 There has to be a better way. I’m proud to be part of an organization that is an industry-leader for this better way. We call it Farm-Direct. And Farm-Direct is built on one thing: relationships. Relationships with people who are value aligned. Relationships with practices that are regenerative for our planet. And, it’s great to be back at home. Getting back into routines with Mike. With Javier. With family and friends. I’m especially grateful for my return to teaching. I miss when I am not on the mat with all of you. I hope to see YOU Friday night @ Satya for the Full Moon / Lunar Eclipse Yoga Circle! And, Sunday @ Red Dock for some loud and festive music! Love and light to all, m 
“If we begin to get in touch with whatever we feel with some kindness, our protective shells will melt, and we’ll find that more areas of our lives are workable.” ~ Pema Chödrön Hello!
I’m excited to talk about two upcoming opportunities for connection. Here’s how YOU can bookend the final weekend of August in some serious goodness! First, join me and Teresa Van Eyk at Satya Yoga for the Sturgeon Full Moon Yoga Circle. These circles are special. Yes, we breathe and move together, and we also take a contemplative look within. So far in our Circles we’ve explored noticing, discerning, nourishing, and returning. I look forward to diving into deep waters for this very special Sturgeon Moon, which also happens to be during a Lunar Eclipse! All are welcome to join the Circle: Friday, August 28 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Second, whenever Mike’s band plays locally, it’s a blast. They have played a couple of times around here this summer, but neither of those gigs have been at public venues. So, this is your one chance to get out and join the fun. We hope to see you at Red Dock on Sunday, August 30. The band will play several sets between 3:00 - 7:00 P.M., and you may even get to hear Mike sing! Also, Michelle Fish will be guest starring on vocals for a few songs, and you definitely don’t want to miss her bring down the house! Okay, friends. Next week, I’ll be in Detroit for the BIGGBY NATION SUMMIT. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share why Farm-Direct IS a better way. Turns out, we can make a difference for our producers, and our planet, with every cup of coffee we drink. Love and light to all, m P.S. Summer Season 🥰 MIKE’S RED DOCK GIG | Sunday, August 30 | 3:00 - 7:00 P.M. 🎹 Saugatuck Yacht Club | Saturday | 8:30 - 9:30 A | EVERY SATURDAY in AUGUST! Satya | Monday | 8:30 - 9:30 A Sturgeon Full Moon Yoga Circle 🐟🌕 | Friday, August 28 | 6:00 - 7:00 P 
“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” ~ Nelson Mandela Hi friends!
Last week I wrote a love letter to all of you who are on this path. This path of presence. Awareness. And a return to the light. Again and again. When I re-read this quotation by Nelson Mandela, I sat up and took notice. I felt the conscious decision. And the effort. The acknowledgment of the pain and suffering and the choice to transcend it. That’s some serious internal power. To choose to leave bitterness and hatred behind in order to truly be free from imprisonment. I’m going to sit with that . . . and gently explore what’s holding me captive. I can feel a bit of strain this August. Town still bustling, and people sensing the end is near. There’s an added urgency. An intensity. I know in my house, the return of the Back To School ads do not help. 😀 Friends are visiting. Mike’s gigs are happening. Outdoor yoga is thriving. Coffee work is heightening in anticipation of the BIGGBY NATION SUMMIT later this month. The sailboat, and the soundtrack of the lake, are calling. Inhale everything we need. Exhale any residue or debris. Ahhhhhh, here’s to another breath, m 
“A great silent space holds all of nature in its embrace. It also holds you.” ~ Eckhart Tolle Hello!
Today, a quick note. I want to thank all the INCREDIBLE humans out there. You know, the ones who are out there showing up. Doing good and interesting things. The folks who are willing to lend a helping hand, a word of kindness, a shoulder of support. Your smiles, your connection, your light . . . are really helpful. I see you. I appreciate you. And guess what? You amazing beams of light are everywhere! You’re at the hair salon and in the grocery store. You're rocking it while my bone density is being scanned. You sparkle while serving at the restaurant, and I swear it makes the food taste even better. Rays of hope are out there, everywhere, casting brilliant beams. Whenever I catch a glimpse? Everything brightens a bit. Thank you. And, I understand that life is challenging for you, too. The fact that you are choosing to be a source of light? That you intentionally nurture and nourish the light within? Deep bow of gratitude. m 
“Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are.” ~ Brené Brown Hello, friends!
Last week I wrote about spaciousness. I want to further strengthen my connection to this lovely gift; it’s a practice I need more practice with. 🤩 And, I want to celebrate something that has emerged because of spaciousness. I have been teaching at Satya Yoga in Saugatuck for more than a decade. Throughout the years, my admiration and love for Satya's owner, Teresa Van Eyk, continues growing. This year, she and I took a powerful step together. We created the Full Moon Yoga Circles. The idea formed last winter when we sat together in my studio. Over a cup of tea and wide-ranging conversation, the Full Moon Circle idea took shape. We offered our first Circle in the Spring with the Flower Moon. That class was about Awareness: seeing what is here and ready to bloom. Later that same month, we celebrated the Blue Moon where we focused on Discernment: recognizing what is true. Then, Teresa lead the Strawberry Moon while I was in Mozambique. This Circle was centered on planting seeds and nourishing what matters. Now, it’s almost time for the Buck Moon. I can’t wait! The Buck Moon follows the rhythm of nature: the old is shed, the new begins in softness, tenderness is nourished, and strength develops over time. The Buck Moon honors the idea that growth is cyclical, not linear. For me? This is a celebration of Becoming. Trusting the unfolding of who I already am. And, that takes spaciousness and softness. Whether you have been to all of our Circles, or have yet to attend, these practices are deep, and special, and rich. I’d love for you to join us. Love, light, and extra appreciation for the air we breathe, m 
“The abundant heart embraces our world, holding all its joy and fear, gain and loss, nobility and selfishness, enveloped in a field of compassion and love.” ~ Jack Kornfield Hi friends!
I hope you are doing well in the heat of summer. Today? A loving note of encouragement to offer yourself spaciousness. To create spaciousness. For yourself. For your conversations. For your ideas and your dreams. For your rest. For your sorrows. And your triumphs. For your grief and your hope. I often talk in my classes about how yoga changes the volume dials. Turning down the volume, the noise, of the thinking mind. And tuning up the awareness in our heart and our belly. This is an ongoing practice for me. And I simply, lovingly, return to it again. And again. Recently, I have been experiencing glimpses into how important it is to create even more space around this. Around tending to ourselves. Showing up for ourselves. Nourishing ourselves. And more spaciousness for listening. Connecting. Feeling into the moment that’s right here in front of us. Maybe that moment when things seem to be going sideways? Leads to the breakthrough that was needed, wanted, all along. The heat of summer seems like the perfect time to slow things down. Offering ourselves, and one another, the grace of spaciousness. And remember, sometimes a big shift can happen in the first 90 seconds . . . simply by allowing that initial wave of reactivity to pass on through. Spaciousness can begin that quickly. It can also begin with attention to a round of breath. Inhale fortifying you. Exhale releasing. Something I’ve been experimenting with is listening without a desire to speak in response. Rather than waiting out the other person so that I can share my story, thoughts, ideas . . . simply listening. Fully. Ahhhhhhh. More space. It doesn’t have to be complicated. And, it certainly changes things. Love and light, m |
AuthorMichelle Shaw: Archives
September 2026
|
RSS Feed