Hi Reader

We’re in full-blown summer and it feels so good. I’ve been soaking up as much outside time as I can 👀 I went paddleboarding with Finn and some friends (pics in this email!). He had no chill and tried to jump on everyone’s board. Chaotic, but 100% worth it.

This weekend I’m going camping in Crested Butte area, hoping to catch wildflowers (one of my favorite parts of Colorado summer). I might be too late (story of my summer). Same with this email (August snuck up on me). But I’m still here, still showing up. And that’s kind of the point, isn’t it?

These past couple weeks at park yoga, we’ve been playing with balance. Last week we tried Bird of Paradise, and I think people had fun trying something new without pressure for it to be perfect. Everyone tuned into what their bodies needed. There’s something freeing about trying something new outside, letting go of whether it “looks good,” and just being in the moment. Which in itself is a yoga practice.

🌼 Yoga Tip: Yoga teaches us Aparigraha (non-attachment) - which can mean letting go of expectations, timelines, and the idea that things have to be perfect to be meaningful. So whether you’re right on schedule or a little behind, keep showing up. That’s enough.

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🌀 Yoga tools for the month : 3 Ways to Relax Your Nervous System​
Life can be a lot. So this month, in class, I’m sharing simple ways to calm your nervous system and come back to center. Here are three you can try anytime to bring more balance to your day:

1. Box Breath (Sama Vritti Pranayama)​
   Inhale for 4 – Hold for 4 – Exhale for 4 – Hold for 4
   Repeat for 2–3 minutes. It helps create evenness in your breath and calms the body.
2. Sighing Breath ​
   Inhale through the nose. Then when you feel lyou can't breatthe in anymore take another small inhale. Then open-mouthed exhale with sound (Yes, actually sigh out loud. It helps reset stress and feels SO good.)
3. Nature Breaks​
   Walk barefoot in grass. Sit under a tree. Touch water. Anything that physically connects you to nature will ground your nervous system and regulate your energy.

We’ll be weaving these into every flow this month, so whether you’re joining in person or online, expect balance-building, breathwork, and a little bit of play.

🗓 Upcoming Classes & Events

Online Yoga! Narrowed it down to Thursdays or Fridays 6-7PM MST. If you have a preference, reply to this email and let me know! Other wise, I'll announce the day soon and we'll start online yoga again in September!

🌴 Costa Rica Retreat – November 2025​
If this summer has you dreaming of something deeper, I’d love to have you join us for 5 nights in the jungle. $500 deposit holds your spot, and August is the best time to book.

More info: yogimaria.com/retreats/
​Brochure: click here to see the brochure with room rates​

💬 Affirmation of the Month:​
​“I can soften, even when life feels full.”

Other Ways I Can Support Your Practice:​
✨ Desk Yoga Cards – Quick movement + breath for your workday
🎧 Fave Summer Meditation – Walking guided meditation
📚 Yoga Tips & Stories – Follow me on Instagram @yogawithmaria_ & youtube​

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Thanks for being here. I’m trying to keep these notes more grounded, real, and more about connecting.

Hope something in here meets you where you're at.

Happy summer,
💛 Maria

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Useful links​

​Private 1:1 Yoga​

​Online Yoga​

​Boulder Park Yoga​

​Costa Rica Retreat Info​

​​Shop the Desk Yoga Cards​