Reflections from Laura Jane: A Return to Belonging

Community has always been my deepest intention in creating Yoga Among Friends.

Each month, I set a calendar not just to fill classes—but to inspire curiosity, courage, and a willingness to explore the many ways yoga can heal.

What often feels unfamiliar is not the practice itself, but the invitation to slow down… to listen… to become present enough to hear the quiet voice within.

In a world filled with noise, we begin by remembering what it feels like to belong—to ourselves, and to one another.

The Practice of Becoming Still

There is a quiet shift that happens when we step away from the outer noise and begin to listen inward.

To be present. To feel. To soften into the moment.

It takes a sense of safety to allow this unfolding. A willingness to pause long enough for the body to release what it has been holding.

Like ice beginning to melt in the warmth of the sun, something within us begins to soften.

What was once frozen begins to move… to flow… to rise.

Water becomes vapor, returning to the sky, only to fall again as rain—reminding us that life is always moving, always renewing, always beginning again.

A moment of balance, shared.

Choosing Love Over Fear

I have made a quiet commitment within myself.

To not feed the mind of fear.

Instead, I ask:

How can I serve today as a messenger of love?

Life is not without hardship. There is always something stirring beneath the surface in each of us.

And yet, the beauty of being alive is the ability to feel—even in the midst of sorrow.

There is a deep trust that the light we are seeking already lives within us. And sometimes, all we need is a space where that light can be felt again.

Why Yoga Among Friends Exists

The word that has been guiding me lately is neighboring.

It brings me back to why I created Yoga Among Friends in the first place.

When I left Los Angeles after the riots and the earthquake, I was searching for something deeper than success. I longed for community. For connection. For a place where I could continue to grow—not just professionally, but as a human being.

So I created a space to gather.

Not just for those who walk through the doors—but for myself as well.

A place to belong. A place to practice. A place to be.

Yoga for the Whole Being

Over the years, I’ve watched yoga evolve.

More and more, we are beginning to understand that yoga is not just physical. It is mental. Emotional. Spiritual.

It is a way of returning to ourselves.

A way of bringing the wandering mind into stillness.

A way of finding steadiness in a world that often feels like it is moving too fast.

Yoga Among Friends is a space that supports the unseen parts of ourselves—the places that need nourishment, compassion, and care.

A space where you are not defined by age, experience, or identity.

A space where you are simply welcome.

A Place to Begin (Again and Again)

Trust that our classes are for everyone.

Whether a class is called beginner, vinyasa, fundamentals, or yoga for stress—it is always a place to begin.

There may be moments of not knowing. Of uncertainty.

And that is part of the practice.

To step into something new.
To be willing.
To stay open.

Coming into Yoga Among Friends is stepping into a space of shared intention.

A place where we soften the grip of tension.
Where we breathe.
Where we feel.

Where we remember that healing is possible.

An Invitation to Explore

This practice is not about perfection.

It is about presence.

It is about choosing—again and again—to move toward connection instead of isolation, toward compassion instead of fear.

We are here to support that journey.

At Yoga Among Friends in Downers Grove, we offer classes and workshops that support both physical and emotional wellbeing.

→ Explore our weekly classes

→ View upcoming workshops and gatherings

Looking Ahead: Retreats & Adventure

I am deeply committed to continuing these adventures of the soul.

In the coming weeks, I will be sharing our 2027 retreats—opportunities to step beyond what is familiar and into something expansive.

In January 2027, we will journey to Patagonia—exploring the beauty of nature while deepening our yoga practice and connection to sustainable living.

And in March 2027, we will return to Jamaica—our beloved Good Hope—after a year of recovery and renewal following last fall’s hurricane.

These journeys remind us of something essential:

We are connected.
To the Earth.
To each other.
To something much greater than ourselves.

This is why we practice.

Thank you for being part of this community.

For showing up.
For being willing.
For continuing to explore what it means to live, feel, and belong.

We look forward to practicing with you.

With love,
Laura Jane

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What does belonging feel like for you right now? You’re welcome to share in the comments below—your experience may support someone else on a similar path.

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.

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

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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.

Meet Lynette Bromiel: Bringing Stability, Joy, and Accessibility to Chair Yoga

New Chair Yoga Class Begins Wednesday, June 4 at Yoga Among Friends

At Yoga Among Friends, we believe yoga is for every body—and we’re thrilled to introduce a new class that brings that belief to life. Starting Wednesday, June 4, our community welcomes Lynette Pitrak Bromiel, a passionate and grounded 200-Hour Certified Yoga Teacher, who will be leading Chair Yoga, a gentle, supportive practice designed for all levels and abilities.

For Lynette, yoga has been a steady thread woven through her life since high school. While she was initially drawn in by the physical benefits, it didn’t take long for the practice to evolve into something deeper. “A consistent practice has given me tools to help combat stress and anxiety, to keep working towards being more patient and accepting, and to deepen my mind/body connection,” she shares.

Her love of Chair Yoga comes from its powerful accessibility. “Chair Yoga makes yoga available to so many people who might not otherwise feel comfortable stepping into a class,” Lynette explains. “It’s a wonderful way to gently build strength, improve flexibility, and experience the breath-body connection—without ever having to get down on the mat.”

What to Expect in Lynette’s Chair Yoga Class

Whether you’re brand new to yoga or a seasoned practitioner looking for a supportive practice, Lynette’s class is designed for everyone. “We’ll work through modifications of traditional poses like forward folds and backbends in ways that are completely supported but still offer all the benefits,” she says. You’ll also experience stretching, gentle strength-building, breathwork, and balance—all while using the chair as a steady foundation.

And if you’re wondering whether Chair Yoga is “enough” of a workout, Lynette has a clear answer: “Your body is still doing the work. With repeated movements and focused engagement, you’ll definitely feel it. Plus, it’s an incredible introduction to linking breath and movement, especially for beginners.”

Rooted in Tradition, Designed for Daily Life

While Chair Yoga might seem like a modern invention for desk dwellers, Lynette reminds us that its roots run deep. “B.K.S. Iyengar used the chair as a prop to make poses more accessible,” she explains. “This style of practice is all about meeting people where they are.”

And that’s what Lynette loves most—when students tell her they’ve started using what they learn in class at home or at work to manage stress and feel more grounded. “It’s really inspiring to know that even a few simple poses or breathing techniques can make someone’s day a little easier.”

Why You'll Love Chair Yoga with Lynette

Lynette brings warmth, joy, and a sense of calm to her teaching. Guided by two of her most influential teachers, J. Michael Taylor and Laura Jane Mellencamp, she’s learned to balance effort with ease—and to always keep a smile. “Mike would often make his students laugh just to remind us not to grip or push too hard. Yoga should challenge you, but also feel really good and uplifting.”

In class, her favorite poses to teach are the Warrior variations. “They allow students to feel strong, stable, and aligned—without the fear of losing balance,” she says.

Her hope? That students leave feeling empowered. “I want people to walk out thinking, ‘Wow, I was able to practice yoga,’ especially if they once thought it wasn’t for them. And for more experienced yogis, I hope they’ve gained tools they can take with them throughout the day.”

Curious but Hesitant? You’re Not Alone

If you’ve never tried Chair Yoga before, Lynette has this to say:
“We’ve all been beginners at some point. Just trying it out could be the first step to really falling in love with yoga.”

So take that first step—slow down, connect with your breath, and discover how good it feels to move in a way that supports you.

Join Lynette for Chair Yoga starting Wednesday, June 4 at 9:30 AM.
Come as you are. Leave feeling grounded, uplifted, and connected.