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Free Fall into Grace: What Humility Teaches Us

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Free Fall into Grace: What Humility Teaches Us

Each of us walks into life with only a limited understanding of who we are. We spend a lifetime staying inside our familiar comfort zones. Often, we define ourselves by what we do, rather than by who we are, or by the grace that comes from continually learning and unlearning, touching the deeper spiritual core of the soul.

For me, the spiritual path has always been more than a refuge in times of struggle. It is a companion. It helps me open my eyes to the complexity of life, the paradox of mystery, and the gift of not knowing. It invites me to meet those vulnerable moments of uncertainty and doubt—especially in times of social unrest or personal upheaval, when loss and fear feel near.

During those difficult times, I can slip into blaming, complaining, or rigid thinking. But sometimes there is a small opening, a flash of insight into my own beliefs. And that opening begins the journey of questioning what I’ve held as reality. It is like one is stepping into the dark night of the soul. Sometimes the doorway begins with a free fall—just asking for help. Sometimes it is as simple as realizing that my thoughts are getting in the way of loving, and my heart wants to feel less worry in the endless chatter of the mind.

“Sometimes the doorway begins with a free fall—just asking for help.”

I have whispered to myself more than once: “Laura Jane, you don’t see clearly, and you don’t hear clearly.” What I called “taking care of myself” was often just living with my attachments, clinging to a rigid identity of being right. I see how I keep myself in a bubble of my own making, craving sustained comfort.

In recent years, I’ve had to face that I isolated myself from the differences in our political landscape. My anger at those with whom I disagreed hardened into judgment, and my opinions became walls that excluded rather than embraced. I thought I was protecting myself, but those invisible borders were squeezing the life out of me. The pain of judgment leads to resentment, and resentment constricts the heart.

Patajali, in the Yoga Sutra, reminds us: practice non-attachment help us step out of the push and pull of likes and dislikes. We can remain captives, or we can choose to open. This takes practice—and the deep desire to love more freely, letting go of what I think I know, and remembering that everyone sees through their own lens.

Just weeks ago, I was humbled again. A dear friend was recovering from an injury, and I thought my job was to help—lining up rehab, arranging care, trying to make her better. But my “help” was not what she wanted. In my zeal, I became the bully. I wasn’t sitting with her fear, only with my own fear of watching her decline with age. What I thought was compassion was really my ego, needing to feel useful. And when I wasn’t heard, I got angry. It was not my best moment.

cupped hands holding a pink lotus flower

Grace blossoms when we soften, release, and return to love.

And so I return, again, to my breath. To remember that even these stumbles are teachers. To surrendering—gently, imperfectly—into growth.

I ask for help to stay steady and calm in the face of change, whether in myself, in my relationships, or in the world. My practice prepares me for the next right action: knowing when to speak, when to act, and when to rest. Every experience gives me a chance: to be entangled in reactivity, or to pause, listen, and choose compassion.

“Every day brings the chance to be entangled in reactivity, or to pause, to listen, to respond with compassion.”

We are all human. Life is all learning.

As my dear friend and teacher Deborah Adele says:
“It is not a weakness to see our attachments and resistance; if these are the cause of our bondage, then it seems like a gift to see the things that stand between ourselves and our freedom.”


With Love and Light,

Laura Jane


As always, these words are part of my own learning. We walk this path together, each with our questions, our stumbles, and our openings. I would love to hear how this reflection touches your own journey:

  • What part of this reflection resonated most deeply with you today?

  • And if you’ve walked through a “free fall” moment, what helped you discover grace on the other side?

Please feel free to share your reflections below in the comments—I would be honored to read them.

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Stay in the Focus of the Present

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Stay in the Focus of the Present

I can choose to return to my mat and practice being here.
I can draw my attention inward and become aware of my breath, linked to movement.
I can soften the grip of worry and the habit of constant doing.

My roaming tendencies often carry me into future stories shaped by past memories. I fall into the illusion that safety lies in fixing. But this only leads to spinning—into exhaustion, confusion, and anxiety. My nervous system becomes overwhelmed, even as my mind insists it's protecting me.

But true protection is counterintuitive to the learned mind.

And yet—I am grateful.
Grateful that I know I can return to yoga.
Grateful for the trust that arises in the presence of prana.
This life force flows through me, and I begin to experience a deep, mental relaxation. I fall into the spaciousness of the moment. My mind softens into ease, and my only intention becomes: simply enjoy.

Today, more than ever, we must raise the vibration of consciousness if we are to live with radiant hearts. The weight of the outer world is heavy—layered with judgment, division, and endless spinning stories. I choose not to waste my energy there. We don’t have to agree on everything to hold one another with compassion.

July has been a month of deep uncertainty.
From flash floods and fierce storms to the threat of a tsunami after the devastating earthquake in Russia, we’ve been reminded how unpredictable and fragile life is. With record-breaking heat and extreme weather, the only thing we can truly hold onto is the present moment.

Yoga students meditating and focusing on the present

This moment is an invitation.
To pause.
To see.
To listen.
To move inward with intention.

Yoga Among Friends is a safe harbor for the soul—a space to rest, be nourished, and held as we navigate uncertainty. Together, we create a collective force to uplift humanity and shine our individual lights.

As we move into August, let us recommit to our practice.
Let’s make a commitment to come inward and appreciate all the wonderful classes and workshops (including our new Mindful Yoga class starting August 4, 2025) that reconnect us with what matters most. Come reset your mind to rest and may your light to stay radiant in these confusing times.

With love and presence,
Laura Jane


Let’s reflect together...
What helps you return to the present moment when life feels overwhelming?
Share in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you.

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Start Your Weekend Grounded: Why Foundations Flow Might Be Your New Favorite Class

Start Your Weekend Grounded: Why Foundations Flow Might Be Your New Favorite Class

Saturday mornings at Yoga Among Friends are something special—and it’s not just the warm welcome or the way the morning light pours through the windows. It’s the people who show up with open hearts. And leading them each week with grace, wisdom, and a whole lot of authenticity are co-teachers Diane Doll and Marla Mothershead.

This is Foundations Flow—a breath-centered, beginner-friendly class designed to help you feel grounded, supported, and seen. Whether you’re brand new to yoga or returning to your mat after some time away, Diane and Marla are here to meet you right where you are.

So, who are the teachers behind the mat? We asked them to share their stories—and their answers are as heartfelt and inspiring as their classes.

 

Diane Doll: Therapist, Mother of Six, and Yoga Teacher with Heart

Diane first came to yoga seeking more hip flexibility, but she stayed for something deeper. “What kept me coming back was the ‘chill’ vibe of Yoga Among Friends,” she says. “It was more centered on the introspective benefits of yoga.” Over time, her practice became less about “achieving” poses and more about breath, presence, and grounding.

As a licensed therapist, Diane brings a unique depth to her teaching. She helps students not only move through postures, but also notice their thoughts and emotions with compassion. “Yoga teaches us to regulate our nervous systems,” she shares. “And that helps us bring attention inward safely.”

Her journey to teaching was inspired by a beloved teacher, J. Michael, whose legacy lit a spark in her. Now, Diane shares her own light every Saturday—with humor, insight, and a profound respect for each person’s journey. And yes, she’s a mom to six boys (some of whom have even joined her class!).

Her favorite pose? Ardha Chandrasana (Half Moon). “I used to be unable to do it. Now I can. It reminds me how far I’ve come.”

 

Marla Mothershead: Nature Lover, Longtime Practitioner, and Gentle Encourager

Marla’s yoga journey spans more than 20 years, and her teaching is rooted in kindness and curiosity. After decades of practice, she felt called to share yoga with others—especially those who may feel like yoga “isn’t for them.” “I wanted to encourage people of all stages of life and physical abilities,” she says.

Her love of nature often shows up in class. A blustery day might inspire grounding poses; a full moon might guide the theme. She weaves the seasons into her teaching, reminding students that just like nature, our energy shifts and flows.

Warrior II is her favorite pose—“for its steadiness and fierceness.” It’s a fitting reflection of her teaching style: strong yet soft, nurturing but never pushy. Her guiding mantra? “Do small things with great love.”

 

What to Expect in Foundations Flow

So what happens in this magical Saturday morning class?

Expect true acceptance. Whether it’s your first class or your hundredth, Diane and Marla create space for you to come exactly as you are. No need to look like the cover of a yoga magazine. Here, the focus is on breath, awareness, and meeting yourself with kindness.

There’s no pressure to “nail” a pose. In fact, you’ll be encouraged to explore modifications, use props, and choose what feels right in your body. As Diane puts it, “We bring the floor to us, rather than force ourselves into a position.” From blocks to straps, every tool is an invitation to support—not strain—your practice.

The hour-long class strikes a beautiful balance between challenge and ease. Whether you’re easing into movement or craving a little extra fire, you’ll be offered choices to honor your body’s needs.

And most importantly, you’ll leave feeling valued and whole.

 

Why Saturday Mornings?

Life is busy. We get it. That’s why Foundations Flow is intentionally scheduled on Saturdays at 9:30 AM—a time when even the busiest among us can carve out an hour for self-care. There’s no Zoom option because this class is meant to be felt, shared, and lived in the studio—together.

“There are benefits to being physically present that virtual classes just can’t offer,” Marla says. Connection, community, and a shared exhale—these are the gifts you receive when you walk through the door.

 

Come As You Are. Leave Reconnected.

Whether you’re navigating a new chapter, managing stress, or simply looking for a gentle way to move your body, Foundations Flow is a beautiful place to begin.

You’ll find warmth, wisdom, and two devoted teachers who genuinely care—not just about yoga, but about you.

Join Diane and Marla on Saturday mornings. Your mat is waiting.

👉 Sign up for Foundations Flow
Saturdays, 9:30–10:30 AM
Yoga Among Friends, Downers Grove

Let this be the beginning of something steady, soulful, and just for you.