Summer Light:
Energy, Growth, and Balance
Greetings!
I've just returned from two and a half weeks with my family in the British Isles. We visited Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Wales, and England. There was so much to see and do in each location but the one thing that stuck with me is how much we all enjoyed the lush green outdoor spaces in Scotland and Ireland. There was a liveliness in the birch forests, surrounded by lush green meadows dotted with sheep. The cities had many sites that were on our "must see" lists but nature is where we all thrived. I spent a lot of the time sitting and watching while my boys ran, climbed, and threw rocks into streams and lakes. It was rather magical.
Summer invites us outward — into longer days, warm evenings, vibrant gardens, and moments of connection. It’s a season full of energy and expansion, but also a gentle reminder to stay balanced amidst the heat and busyness.
In yoga, summer is an opportunity to cultivate both vitality and steadiness: to move, breathe deeply, and stay rooted even as life becomes fuller and faster.
In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me lay an invincible summer.
- Albert Camus
Upcoming Workshop:
Root to Rise: A Yoga, Meditation & Succulent Planting Workshop
In nature, growth begins below the surface. Long before a plant
blooms, it strengthens its roots — quietly creating the stability
and nourishment needed for future growth.
This two-hour workshop is designed to help you do the same.
We’ll start with a gentle open-eyed meditation, cultivating
presence and awareness. From there, you’ll create your own
small succulent planter, a hands-on reminder of the patience
and care that help roots develop and thrive.
Afterward, we’ll move through a slow flow and grounding yoga
practice, followed by a long, restful savasana to fully absorb the
benefits of the practice.
Together, these experiences offer space to pause, reconnect, and strengthen your own inner roots — supporting resilience, balance, and growth in everyday life.
Perfect for anyone seeking a moment to slow down, reconnect, and cultivate deeper roots.
Saturday, August 29th - 1:30-4:00pm
Breathe Together Yoga, Los Gatos
What’s Included:
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Guided meditation
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Succulent planter craft (all supplies provided)
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40-minute yoga practice
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Extended savasana
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Your planter to take home
Teaching Schedule:
Little House Yoga:
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Mondays ~ Candlelit Flow & Yoga Nidra 6:30-8:00pm
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Tuesdays ~ Flow 9:00-10:00am
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Thursdays ~ Ashtanga inspired 8:30-10:00am
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Sundays ~ Flow & Community Tea 10:00-11:30am*
* Grace Hampton is now teaching a regular Led Ashtanga class on Mondays at the Little House from 8:30-10:00 am*
Breathe Together Yoga:
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Thursdays ~ Tapas (hot ) 6:00-7:00am
Summer Gardening To Do's for Bay Area Gardeners
Summer brings with it heat and dryness here in the Bay Area, part of what gives us our Mediterranean climate. Here are a few simple ways to support your landscape this season:
1. Water deeply, not frequently
Water early in the morning when temperatures are cooler, focusing on deep root watering rather than frequent shallow watering.
2. Harvest regularly
Pick tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers, beans, and herbs regularly to encourage continued production.
3. Keep blooms coming
Deadhead spent flowers and add seasonal color with pollinator-friendly plants like lavender, salvia, and cosmos.
4. Protect your soil
Refresh mulch around plants to conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weeds during dry summer months. In the veggie garden I like to use a thick layer of straw to cover the soil. Once the season is over, I turn it in and it decomposes, giving the soil more nutrients.
5. Prepare for fall planting
Start seeds and plan for cool-season crops like kale, broccoli, chard, and peas as summer begins to wind down.
Summer Reflection
Gardening teaches patience in the same way yoga does — growth happens slowly, quietly, and with consistent care.
As we move through this bright and abundant season together, I hope you find moments to pause, breathe deeply, and enjoy the simple beauty summer offers: warm light, grounded movement, shared meals, and time outdoors.
Thank you for being part of this community. I look forward to practicing with you this summer.
See you in class. 🌸
~ Kourtney