Ground and Renew

Carta con Corazón

(A Letter from the Heart)

Welcome to the first Carta con Corazón!

May 2026 | Theme: Ground and Renew

Yoga con Corazón was born from a simple life intention: to live with an open heart. I embed this intention into every class I teach.

I often tell my students: “Yes, these classes will make our bodies stronger and more flexible—but that’s just a side-perk. The real purpose is to become stronger and more flexible in the heart.” We practice to stay connected to our center—the part of us that links us to each other and all things. The more connected we feel, the more we naturally care for ourselves and the world. We change the world one breath, one movement at a time.

Writing letters to you (my students and clients) feels vulnerable. If there is anything I've learned from my yoga practice, though, it's that moments when I'm most vulnerable are when my students and I experience the most profound growth and change within ourselves.

I cry sometimes when I'm teaching. My students cry with me.

We laugh too! A lot!

There we are,

on our yoga mats,

or sitting in chairs,

together...

our hearts exposed,

our spirits lifted,

renewed in our unity, grief, and joy.

Until I see you...here are some nourishing practices and tips to weave into your days.

Ground and Renew

Spring is a natural invitation to find renewal. However, the buzzing energy of this season can sometimes pull us away from our center (our bones, which keep us grounded). While Spring is often about "clearing out" the old to make room for the new, I encourage you to also practice gratitude and appreciation for everything that is already right within you. Take time for both assessing what needs to be released AND embracing the solid, steady, anchored parts of yourself. The quickening pace of spring can be something to appreciate and embrace, while also staying connected to the simple quiet within you. Your inner experience can be like the eye of a whirlwind—completely still and calm while the external world spins around you, offering you inspiration and joy.

This month, practice moving with cariño (affection) for your body and a deep respect for your heart.

Inside this month’s Carta:

• A Mindful Self-Compassion Practice

• Yoga Poses to Ground & Renew

• Seasonal Tips for Staying Rooted

• Yoga Class Information

  
  

The Practice: "What am I carrying?"

A Mindful Self-Compassion exercise to find internal steady ground.

1. Arrive: Sit comfortably in a quiet place. Close your eyes and take three deep, slow breaths. Notice where your body feels heavy or tense, and where it feels light or free.

2. Inquire: Ask yourself, “What am I carrying right now that is not mine to hold?”  These might be worries about others, old stories, or lingering anger. Identify the feeling without judging it. (A “feelings wheel” can help!).

3. Release: Imagine these burdens as heavy sand inside a bag you are carrying. As you exhale, imagine small holes appearing in the bag. See the sand slowly pouring out, falling away onto the earth until the bag is light and empty.

4. Preserve: Place a hand over your heart. Notice the new sensation of lightness in your body, while also feeling the steadiness of your bones. Ask yourself: “What am I embodying lately that I want to preserve?” 

5. Seal: Smile softly and hold that intention with kindness for a few more breaths.

   
   

Key Yoga Poses for Spring

To stay grounded while the world buzzes to life, focus on poses that strengthen the lower body and connect you to the earth. Find a balance between allowing the energy of spring to enliven you, while staying connected to your center. As I always say, only do poses that feel good in your body, and modify your poses as needed.

Mountain Pose (Tadasana): Root through all four corners of your feet. Feel the strength of your legs while remaining light through the crown of your head.

Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana): Sink your hips toward the mat to feel the earth’s support while reaching your arms up for new growth. Options: Thigh supported on a chair if you notice knee discomfort. Lift one, both, or neither arm.

Tree Pose (Vrksasana): Build a strong, stable base. Reaching upward helps you stay receptive to new possibilities without losing your footing. Options: Keep your arms down if you notice shoulder pain. Keep the foot on the ground with the heal propped on the opposite ancle or hold on to a chair for balance.

Chair Pose (Utkatasana): Build heat and confidence. Options: If you add a twist to detoxify, ensure you find length in your spine first. Arms can be in airplane shape, or hands to the hips.

Child’s Pose (Balasana): A moment to tune in with your breath and your center. Rest your forehead on the mat or a block and let the earth carry your weight. Options: If your shoulders hurt, bring the knees together and your arms at your sides resting on the earth.

Quick Tips for the Season

• Take Your Mat Outside: Practice in nature. Feel the earth supporting you, and notice the renewal of nature outside of you, and the renewal within.

• Focus on the Foundation: In every pose, bring 10% more awareness to whatever is touching the floor (feet, hands, or seat).

• Move Slow: Hold standing poses for 2–3 breaths longer than usual to build steady strength.

Opportunities to Practice with Yoga con Corazón

Would you like to schedule yoga classes for your community or business? Or attend a free yoga class? Click HERE to learn more about my services: yoga, meditation, chair yoga, laughing yoga, and more. 

Is there a specific pose, yogic philosophy, or practice you’d like me to cover in a future Carta? Would you like to share with me how these practices supported you? Please hit reply! I would love to hear from you.

With heart,

Linnea