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

---

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.

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.

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.