Yoga In DeMun

08/15/2025

On Tuesday evening, Bill and Kathy returned to Deep Stretch and Meditation class for the first time after fighting stage four Mantle cell lymphoma cancer for more than one year, after he was told he had about 6 weeks to live. Before the diagnosis, they were both in great shape and good spirits. Exercise and running were part of their lives—they were even training for an Ironman competition before receiving this heavy news from their doctor after a checkup for back pain that seemed to come from nowhere.


They knew they were fighting against odds and time, a challenge so much greater than Ironman. They were walking an unknown path with little time, putting nothing but positive energy toward moving to the other side. I stayed connected with Kathy during this challenging time. I understood how hard it was for a full-time caregiver with two high school kids while traveling between St. Louis and Charleston. She is an amazing person and soul. I love them a lot. There was very little I could do, but I knew good vibrations help calm the system, so Bill could shift his focus toward peace while he suffered. He told me that the music kept him calm during that time, and he listened to it on his flights back to St. Louis.


After class, he shared that being in class one year later was a miracle. His heart was filled with gratitude for his family and his amazing medical team, especially his doctor, not only for her knowledge but also her calming nature at the Siteman Cancer Center. I recognize he is a completely different man now. I could sense his presence as big as a whale in the room. In fact, I have heard many stories like Bill's over the years, including my father-in-law who fought cancer for over ten years. I asked myself what I could do to create something for people who need calm and peace the most.


Yesterday, inspired by many of you, amazing you, I began recording an Insight Meditation series called "The Practice of Freedom Here " I've made it public and sharable for everyone. The first recording is "Insight Meditation Intro with Tips," and I'll continue explore with the topics like acceptance and how to be with pain when there's no escape, and how can we shift our focus and meditate in that impossible moment.


And for many of you who work diligently in the healthcare system, and many more of you who contribute effort and work to lift the light and spirit in the community for many families—you are truly the light in the darkness, and I am inspired by you every day.

Hello, this is Christy Lin. These simple meditation introduces and tips are here to walk you through the basics of meditation and share some helpful tips to help your focus and presence while you prac

08/10/2025

Honoring Sunday Restoration

Thank you for this day of tranquil noiselessness. I'm grateful to learn how to be without sound, to close up shop in order to recharge my healthy, well-used voice.

Let no one mistake my muteness for reticence. Let my monologues be shared another time, trusting that the very good ideas that surface will return when I plug back into the world.

Commit me to the ceremony of fasting from language.

Press pauses on my thoughts and concerns, and help me tune out all but the radiant resonance of my being. Connect me to my breath, situate me comfortably, and ease the chatter of my mind. Give me a quiet place to lie down and indulge in my sacred space.

Dismiss my desire to work things out, to jump up to write something down, to tend the many loose ends; help me position a blank backdrop around me and release all tension. Let everything drain out of me and into the Earth.

Allow me to restore and soothe my senses under a midnight moon, or on the soft sand of a shoreline. Calm the space around me, and my need to explain, to share and to be heard. The hands I gesture with when speaking, the spine that works hard to hold my body upright. Hush the room I stay in, and pacify me into neutrality. Melt me down, and seal me inside a womb of peace.

When I emerge, allow me time to communicate my fresh understanding through the soul of my new eyes. Remind me that sound isn't the only way to forward the news.

Help those close to me be comforted by my renewed presence, and help me make it possible for them to retreat for needed rest, too.

By Pixie Lighthorse

Sunday 5:00 pm Restorative and Release (2 spots left today)
https://www.yogaindemun.com/class-schedule-

08/05/2025

In teaching meditation, I often advise students to develop a "soft and spacious mind." But once when I used that phrase while teaching in a financial group setting, I found that "soft mind" meant something quite different to people there from what I had intended, because we were surrounded by three giant wall-sized black screens. I felt cold and tight in their environment. So it seems important to elucidate what I mean.


I mean by "soft and spacious mind" the quality of acceptance. For example, suppose you are watching your breath in meditation and you feel a sense of struggle or tension. This feeling of struggle may be a sign that something else is happening in your experience that you are not recognizing or allowing. Perhaps you are not opening to some other sensation in the body, some discomfort, or some underlying emotion. Or perhaps you have become caught up in expectation, with too much effort or striving, wanting the experience of the moment to be different from what it actually is.


Softness means opening to what is there, relaxing into it (a deep stretching for the mind). At such a time, try this self-allowing: "It's okay. Whatever it is, it's okay. Let me feel it." That is softening of the mind. You can open to your experience with a sense of allowing, and simply be with whatever predominates: sensation, emotion, thoughts, image, even pain, anything.


Softening the mind involves two steps: First, become mindfully aware of whatever is most predominant. That is the core guideline for all meditation in any way, because meditation is shapeless, formless. So the first step is just to feel, sense, be aware, and be open. You can see it as your first few steps into the water before you are going to swim.

For the second step, notice how you are relating to whatever arises. Often we can be with an arising appearance but in a reactive way. If we like it, we tend to hold on to it; we become attached. If we do not like it because it is painful in some way, we tend to contract, to push away out of fear, irritation, or annoyance. Each of these responses is the opposite of acceptance.

The easiest way to relax is to stop trying to make things different. Rather than try to create another state, simply allow space for whatever is going on. Allow yourself to fully merge into the water, and be part of everything.

08/02/2025

Happy Saturday!

Join Us for Morning Yoga in the Park – 9 AM!

The weather is absolutely beautiful, and it’s the perfect day to stretch, breathe, and move under the open sky. Bring your mat, enjoy the fresh air, and start your day feeling refreshed and centered.

Class for All-levels
Date: 8/2 & 8/3, 9:00 a.m.- 10:15 a.m.
Location: We will be in the park across the street from DeMun Kaldi's Cafe!

Sign up here:
https://www.yogaindemun.com/class-schedule-

07/25/2025

Hello, Happy Friday!

Overheating doesn't just affect our bodies; it also impacts our minds and emotions. Physically, it can cause fatigue, dehydration, and inflammation. Mentally, it leads to irritability, brain fog, difficulty staying focused, and restlessness. Emotionally, we may feel more anxious, impatient, or overwhelmed.


Yoga offers a gentle way to restore balance during these times. We make slight adjustments to bring harmony to your body and help you achieve your personal goals: We give more time for the body to cool down. Slow, deep breathing to activate the body-breath connection, and calming meditation can help regulate body temperature, soothe the nervous system, and bring emotional clarity. It's a simple, yet powerful way to stay grounded and centered when the heat rises.


Check out the schedule here:
https://www.yogaindemun.com/class-schedule-

Have a lovely weekend!
Yoga In DeMun

07/18/2025

Did you know music can influence brain waves? One of the challenges for many people is slowing down their thoughts, or they feel they are doing many things all the time and having a hard time finding quiet moments for themselves. This weekend, you can try slowing down, for example, walking or driving without listening to podcasts, audio books, any conversational media or the most updated news. Let there be space for nothingness— At first, you will notice it is not easy, because we are so used to feeding something to our brain as we value knowing more rather than less. Let there be more silence and less words. Listening to slow drum beats and gentle wind chimes helps synchronize your brain with your heart, bringing inner harmony throughout your body, and peace in the heart 🌺

Slowly inhale and exhale the Air with the strong intention of balancing Your Heart Chakra (anahata chakra). When it is balanced, you can freely give and rece...

07/10/2025

Dear everyone,

I hope you are enjoying your summer time with yourself, friends and family, while allowing yourself plenty of quiet moments and space for resting, stillness and quiet time in your own way.I've noticed that the more I experience different things in my life, the more I am aware that I need time to rest and enjoy myself so that my experiences can nourish and expand my capacity to understand myself as a person and be resourceful for others. I found it incredibly grounding and it brings me clarity. Be content with life, not busy. Content feeds you great energy, busyness depletes you.

Due to the expected rain this Saturday, we decided to move "Restore Harmony and Healing with Forest Park" from 7/12 to 8/23, which is a New Moon day. The new moon represents a "blank period" as the moon is invisible in the sky, which mirrors the energy of people on the ground to reflect and plant a new thought seed. Setting your new intention during this time aligns your goals with this cycle of natural renewal. As the moon becomes fuller, your intentions can gain clarity, momentum, and manifestation in your reality.


As my energy both physically and spiritually feels fully charged with good vibration, so are our classes! All classes resume this Saturday 7/12. I'm deeply grateful for your great patience during my traveling and return back to my optimal self, please enjoy our 20% OFF summer class offerings (code:love 20) and I'm looking forward to welcoming you back to your practice, starting with a cleansing, refreshing breath!

Saturday,
9:00 a.m. Vinyasa Flow for All-Levels
Sunday,
9:00 a.m. Core Strength and Stability (Level 2-3)
5:00 p.m.- 6:15 p.m. Release and Restorative

Sign up here, and have a lovely weekend!

https://www.yogaindemun.com/class-schedule-

07/06/2025

We love our Forest Park. It has been a green heart, the lungs of the city that breathe for us. All animals in nature and people find relaxation, peace, and joy every time we turn to her loving arms. And yet, what happened in May is so devastating that it struck the core of the ecosystem. It is hard to imagine what it was like for those trees during and after the tornados. I felt they were hurting, because it hurts me seeing them now, and my heart feels heavy every time I walk by a tree that has been cut down.

If you are thinking: "I wish I could do something for those trees in Forest Park," please meet us on Saturday. No payment is needed, just your presence and love.

Date: Saturday, 8/23, 2025
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Location: Come meet Christy and the group outside of the 801 S Skinker Blvd building by Forest Park. We will walk over to the Forest Park, offering our love for healing and restoring sacred harmony for all beings.

What to bring:

1, Please bring some fresh flowers and incense to help heal the spirits in nature (best is palo santo stick or holy wood incense)

2, Practicing the power of intention

3, You will learn about the practicing of Anyi, a Quechua term often translated as "sacred reciprocity" or "right relationship," involves living in harmony with people, nature, and the spirit world through mutual support and balance. It’s a foundational principle in Andean spiritual and cultural traditions, especially among the Q’ero people of Peru. You can practice Ayni in everyday life, whether you live in the Andes or elsewhere.

I'm looking forward to welcoming you!
Christy

06/20/2025

My heart is filled with gratitude, love, and joy — words are limited in describing how this journey transformed each one of us within, leaving just pure loving energy.

06/09/2025

Studio closed June 10–July 6 for Sacred Heart Retreat in Peru

One of my favorite things to do with our students—besides practicing yoga—is traveling together to other countries, immersing ourselves in the diverse cultures and landscapes. We listen to local stories, take in the aroma of homemade dishes, feel the vibration of the local rhythms, and find inspiration in the many different ways of living—especially through the wisdom of the elders. Together, we create unforgettable, life-changing moments, and the memories we made still make my heart smile every time I think of them 🙂

Over the past two years, we've explored Italy, especially the stunning Tuscany region— This month, we are unplugging from the routines of everyday life to journey into the heart of Mother Earth and the majestic Andes. It’s a time for deep release, cleansing, and renewal as we explore the magic and wisdom held in this sacred land, so we can unlock something deeper within us, and provide the space for inner listening. I can’t wait to meet our amazing group in Cusco, and collaborate with our incredible local Peruvian team as we dive into this new adventure—and maybe even make some new llama friends as we hike to a sunrise at Machu Picchu!

We look forward to returning with refreshed energy and inspiration to share with you. Thank you for your support and understanding during this sacred pause.

In the meantime, please read Four Practices to Feed your Inner life this summer to help you cultivate a more grounded, balanced, and joyful way of being. You can follow our journey on Instagram.


https://www.yogaindemun.com/four-soulful-practices-to-feed-your-inner-life

https://www.instagram.com/yogaindemun/

Wishing you a lovely summer!

With light,
Christy

05/30/2025

Dear everyone,

I hope you are slowly settling into a calmer place and are finding breathing space within you and around you. I, just like most of you, am having a challenging week, but it is exactly during these difficult moments that I realize how important it is to cultivate inner grounding on a regular basis. You become the ground that you needed for yourself and for the people who need you.

This Saturday and Sunday's 9:00 a.m -10:15 a.m. yoga session will be in the DeMun park across the street from Kaldis Cafe, and we only have 2 spots available for this Sunday's 5:00 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. Restorative. My last class before our Peru trip is Saturday, 6/8, for Sacred Heart Retreat in Sacred Valley. I'm looking forward to seeing you!

Have a lovely weekend!
Christy

Sign up for class Here
https://www.yogaindemun.com/class-schedule-

05/25/2025

This love meditation, called Metta Meditation, is adapted from the Visuddimagga (The Path of Purification) by Buddhaghosa, a fifth-century C.E. systematization of the Buddha’s teachings.

To begin, sit still and calm your mind, body and your breathing. Sitting still, you aren’t too preoccupied with other matters. Begin practicing this love meditation on yourself (“May I be peaceful...). Until you are able to love and take care of yourself, you can’t be of much help to others. After that, practice on others (”May he/she/you/they be peaceful...)

May I be peaceful, happy and light in body and spirit.
May I be safe and free from injury.
May I be free from anger, afflictions, fear and anxiety.
May I learn to look at myself with the eyes of understanding and love
May I be able to recognize and touch the seeds of joy and happiness in myself.
May I learn to identify and see the sources of anger, craving, and delusion in myself.

May I know how to nourish the seeds of joy in myself every day.
May I be able to live fresh, solid, and free.
May I be free from attachment and aversion, but not be in different.
..................................................................................................

這個慈心禪修，稱為慈悲禪（Metta Meditation），改編自五世紀佛陀果沙所著的《清淨道論》（Visuddimagga），這是對佛陀教義的系統整理。

開始時，請安靜坐下來，平靜你的心、身和呼吸。保持靜坐，你就不會過分關注其他事物。先對自己修習這個慈心禪（「願我平安...」）。在你能夠愛護和照顧自己之前，你無法真正幫助他人。之後，再對他人修習（「願他/她/你們/他們平安...」）

願我身心平安、喜悅、輕安。 願我安全，不受傷害。
願我遠離憤怒、煩惱、恐懼與焦慮。
願我學會以理解和慈愛的眼光看待自己。
願我能認識並觸及自己內在的喜悅與快樂種子。
願我學會辨識並看清自己內在憤怒、渴望和迷惑的根源。
願我知道如何每天滋養自己內在的喜悅種子。
願我能活得清新、穩固且自在。
願我能遠離執著與厭惡，但不會漠不關心。