On the Lamb
spring lambs are bouncing in Ireland
Finally. Little lambs are everywhere. I came to the right country at the right time for lambs. I realize they were out there in a field somewhere, but I did not see any in Scotland or England except but from a blurred distance on the bus or from my rental car while it was getting dark and I had another three graveyards to visit in Morayshire before darkness descended.
Ah, Ireland. The Emerald Isle. Cows are out here, too. They are “much more beautiful,” according to my friend Rob, who informed me that lambs are only cute from a distance. (I will investigate).
My time in the UK and in Ireland is coming to its seasonal close. I find that meditation is more easily surrendered to, as is sleep and waking. The rhythms of life are aligned and integrated again, steadying and fortifying me for what lies ahead in family and city life. We can infuse the Mother and her wonderous nature-miracles (morel mushroom hunting, anyone?) by walking in the woods, picking flowers, planting a garden, communing with a tree. She is always there. All we must do to access her bounty is slow down, look, listen, and partake.
One of my longtime Yogis, Helen McIlvain, wrote to me in response to Amy Nachman’s essay from last week. I asked - and received - her permission to share her words with you:
Amy’s words (referring to Amy Nachman’s essay from last week):
resonate with the way Yoga has helped me navigate the body changes which come from getting older. As someone who has always been physically strong, like everyone else, I began complaining and verbally abusing my body when it started slowing and becoming weaker.
As the oldest in the Yoga-group by at least 10 years, I was the first one to switch to only doing Yin classes, which felt a little shaming for a short while, but which made my body happy. Then one day during Restorative Yoga while focusing on my feet during a body scan, I started tearing up thinking about how my poor, little feet had been carrying this big 150lb body around for years without any complaining.
As the body scan continued, I realized the same could be said about my whole body! I ended that session and every yoga session since with so much thankfulness and gratitude to my body for all its past and continuing service to me! Namaste
Helen McIlvain, aka The Matriarch
For Your Consideration:
Virtual 12-Hour Restorative Yoga Therapy Training with Melanie
May 1 - 3rd, 2026
In this 12-hour virtual training weekend, you will learn and practice the skills that will enable you to guide and teach a Restorative Yoga class.
Schedule (CT): Friday, May 1st, 6 - 8 pm Welcome & Orientation | Saturday, May 2nd, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm | Sunday, May 3rd, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Following the training weekend, you will have the opportunity to participate in four Restorative Yoga Sunday classes for further experience and instruction.
Virtual Beginner Yoga Six-Week Session:
May 23rd - June 27th, 2026
Six Saturdays, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Playlist: Helen’s Woods
YouTube: Lambs, more lambs, and more lambs.
Blessings & Love,
