Lessons in Moments of Transition
As summer begins its gentle retreat and fall steps forward in vibrant hues, we often find ourselves falling into one of two camps: those who eagerly welcome the crisp air, cozy sweaters, and pumpkin-spiced everything—and those who mourn the fleeting warmth of summer, reluctant to let go, knowing winter lurks just around the corner. I tend to fall into the latter.
But fall, in its essence, is a season of transition. It marks the shift from heat to chill, from long sunlit days to early dusks, from blooming gardens to frost-kissed earth. When we embrace this transformation, we allow ourselves to stay grounded in the present—neither clinging to what was nor fearing what’s to come.
This idea of transition reminds me of the flow between asanas in a vinyasa class. We often rush through these in-between moments, focused on the next pose, unaware that the transition itself holds grace, strength, and beauty. Just like the seasons, these spaces between are not empty—they are alive with meaning.
In life, too, we move through versions of ourselves. We evolve, shed, stretch, and grow. And in those moments of change—those quiet, uncertain spaces—we find lessons, resilience, and unexpected beauty.
So, I challenge you, and myself, to linger in these transitions. To honor the now—the present moment, the present season, the present self. There is wisdom here for those who choose to sit in it.
With Love,
-Natalie
Exploring Mudras - Dhyana Mudra
At it’s core, a Mudra is a hand position, or seal, used to enhance energy movement through the body, aid in meditation, and promote well-being of spiritual, emotional and physical health. Mudras can play a significant role in your mindfulness practice both on and off the mat.
Dhyana Mudra
provides calming energy and deep contemplation and reflection during meditation
Can also aid in cultivating harmony and serenity
To Practice: Find a comfortable seated position. Place your hands in your lap, palms face up. With your right hand resting on top of your left palm, allow the tips of the thumbs to touch. You may choose to practice Ujjayi breath here or any other pranayama that allows your mind to focus.
Teacher Feature: Tammy Bayer
Tammy is a belove and familiar face around Toula and our surrounding communities. Tammy began her career in public education but decided to become a doula after having had the support of one during the birth of her daughter. Her passion for teaching led her desire to educate and support expectant parents on their journey to expanding their families. Tammy spent 13 years as a doula before venturing into teaching yoga. Her first few certifications were in baby, toddler and kids’ yoga, followed with a prenatal yoga certification. She found that as she approached teaching prenatal yoga, she was well prepared for the pregnancy and birth information sharing, as well as the anatomy of the pregnant body. She chose to pursue another yoga certification to help prepare her for teaching other forms of yoga, after a 20-year practice. When asked what she hoped students could take away from her class, Tammy stated, “In my yoga classes, students can expect to be offered many options and modifications. They can expect to be encouraged to listen to their bodies and create the yoga practice that works for them. I might throw in some breathwork, mindfulness practice, a mudra/hand pose, or a quote for reflection. I also always offer the option of hands-on touch and a little essential oil during savasana as a special treat. I hope that my students leave class refreshed, and feeling a little more confident in their yoga practice. Taking a yoga class is an exercise in self-care, and I’d like my students to feel rewarded for making the time to attend.” When Tammy is not in the studio, she enjoys gardening and a wide variety of crafts. She also loves to travel and has plans to visit the Dominican Republic and South Korea in the near future.
Roasted Garlic Tomato Soup with Walnut Pesto and 'Fancy' Grilled Cheese
We are speeding toward ‘soup season’ in the Midwest and may also be enjoying the last of our late summer tomatoes. This tomato soup, pesto and grilled cheese combo may feel like a decadent meal, but it comes together with minimal ingredients and in a fairly short amount of time!
Soup Ingredients:
2 LBS fresh tomatoes
2 peeled carrots
2 heads of garlic, top cut off and papery layers peeled away
Olive oil
3 cups veggie stock
salt and pepper
parmesan (optional)
1cup heavy cream
1 tsp oregano
1 tsp basil
1tsp paprika
1/2 tsp sugar
Directions:
Rough chop veggies and toss with olive oil and salt and pepper
Place tomatoes cut side up
Roast on foil lined baking sheet at 400F for 35-40 minutes
Once roasted, place all veggies into stock pot and squeeze garlic out of skins.
Add stock, tomato paste and spices to pot and bring to a simmer for 10-15 minutes.
Use an immersion blender until soup is smooth.
Add cream and adjust seasonings.
Basil and Walnut Pesto
Ingredients:
2 cups fresh basil
1/2 cup walnuts
2-3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup grated parmesan
1/2 cup olive oil
juice of 1/2 lemon
salt to taste
Directions:
Blend all ingredients together until smooth
Fancy Grilled Cheese
Ingredients:
sliced bread
mayo
cheese of choice
grated parmesan
Directions:
Smear a thin layer of mayo on the outside of each slice of bread and press parmesan onto mayo
Using a flat top of skillet with butter, cook grilled cheese until desired gooiness
Green Witch Column with Saloni Thompson
Tips for using the natural magic of herbs, flowers and essential oils
Rosemary Bundles
Create small bundles of rosemary and hang them above your bed for protection and to ward off bad dreams. Rosemary is also great for enhancing memory and mental clarity.
200 Hr Cloud Nine Yoga Teacher Training
January - May 2026
Are you ready to deepen your practice, transform your relationship with yoga, and possibly step into the role of a teacher? Whether you feel called to teach or are simply seeking a more meaningful connection to your practice, this 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training is designed to meet you where you are—and support where you’re going.
Led by experienced and passionate instructors Andrea Parks and Tammy Bayer, this immersive training offers a supportive, inspiring space to explore yoga far beyond the mat. You’ll gain a strong foundation in alignment-based asana, functional anatomy, breathwork, philosophy, meditation, and the art of safe, skillful teaching. But just as importantly, you’ll be invited to deepen your self-awareness, build lasting community, and uncover the unique voice and presence you bring to your practice—and potentially, to your future students.
This training is perfect for:
- Aspiring yoga teachers who want a comprehensive, empowering start to their journey
- Devoted practitioners looking to understand the “why” behind their practice
- Anyone curious about how yoga can support personal growth, healing, and transformation
By the end of this training, you’ll not only be eligible to register as a RYT-200 with Yoga Alliance—you’ll walk away with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper understanding of yourself, and the tools to confidently share yoga with others, or simply live your practice more fully.
This program will start on January of 2026. We will meet on Tuesday evenings, and one weekend per month. These class sessions are offered both in-person and virtually. Your training fee includes an in-person weekend retreat in Hiawatha, Iowa.
Join Andrea and Tammy for a transformative experience that will expand your knowledge, deepen your practice, and open your heart.
