In the hussle of the summer season— August greets us as a Space between. Steady and chaotic, we are about to shift from one season to the next. We hold Space. We take a moment to remember, and to dream. Every moment folding into the next brilliant step forward. We find presence in what is here and now.

Here are some beautiful words from Community member Kimberly Brown-Tessmer on the collaboration that each of our community members at the Space influenced through our Union class held earlier this year. Kim shares how the Union has propelled her forward in her life’s mission further. Reflecting on where it began and where she’s going. Leaning into the fullness of NOW.

Recently, I began to think about all the blessings that I am actively living right now in my life. I’m less than 2 weeks away from marrying the love of my life my son is entering his senior year in high school and is an amazing young man, my family is healthy, and we are safe. I’ve also been reflecting on how much I love the practice of yoga and how grateful I am that it found me, it brought together/joined so many things, not only the joining of breath and movement, but the philosophy and principles, the community ~ my tribe, The Space.

The welcome and warmth I received from the first day I walked into a Release class almost 2 years ago at The Space was undeniable. I had no idea what to expect…… I swore, I laughed, I cried, I wanted to quit ~ but I remember someone (no idea who) grabbed my hand, squeezed it and let me know that I got this, I wasn’t alone and I could do it! I was held and supported and seen. This reach of the hand and opening of the arms is a consistent experience here at the Space.

I have so much gratitude for you Kelli & Liv, you are amazing women, so full of not only love but fire and an inherent belief in “the greater good” you have cultivated an amazing community and serve them well!! Your simple gesture to me of support/Union changed the trajectory of my life, my reach as an instructor and my potential impact on many young lives

In the midst of not only a pandemic but coming off the heels of racial unrest, fighting to keep your business open, unsure of what the future held for you professionally and personally, being responsible for so many employees and a community that NEEDS you ~ you held a Union Class for me, to support my teaching yoga & mindfulness techniques to at risk black and brown teen girls in Kalamazoo at The Urban Zone. Taking this support back to them and sharing it with them thru brand new yoga mats that they got to take home, creating their safe space when life gets difficult and seeing the smile on all their faces when I walk thru the door on Thursday afternoons is PRICELESS This boost of support from The Union class, gave me the vision to make what we are doing even bigger, so we can reach farther and make a larger impact in these marginalized, under privileged lives. So, we (The Urban Zone) wrote a grant to train youth (grades 9-12) to be Mental Health and Mindfulness Ambassadors within their school, community or church. Our focus is on black and brown youth in order to break the stigma associated within these communities and bring the practice of yoga, mindfulness & mental health techniques into the community and homes of those that don’t have access. We were awarded the two year grant!!! We have a lot of hard work ahead of us ~ still LOTS of fundraising, getting creative to makes ends meet ~ but we are committed and so passionate to change as many lives as we can.

The people I am able to reach with my teaching, the lives I’ve already touched and possibly changed, all the good we now have to ability to do……I need to thank you, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, for inviting me in, encouraging me to stay, holding my hand and offering support when I could not see to the other side, thank you for being my tribe Thank you for linking arms with me, and thank you for being you!

Kimberly Brown (almost Tessmer!!)

Actively counting the blessing, reflecting on all that has come to serve you, to offer you the next step in your journey, the next phase of life.

It’s all here for us.

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“I’ve been listening to the We can do hard things podcast by Glennon Doyle and her sister. Every week, they discuss a hard thing they are going through at the time. And, as she does in untamed, she tackles these concepts with so much realness and helpful insight/reflection. I’ve been really enjoying listening!”

- Katie Schrock

“I am currently reading How to do the Work! It’s heavy, so I can only read a chunk at a time, but it’s totally up my alley on the world of psychology and why we act the way that we do.”

- Lauren Booth

“Blew through Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller recently, I LOVE that author because she has a masters in Greek and Roman classical history and writes books from mythological characters’ perspective, learn a lot about mythology and also the writing is just captivating! Read Circe last summer and it got me hooked on her! Highly highly highly recommend both!!”

- Destiny Holt

Liv Monte’s Lip Plumping Scrub

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“This at home lip treatment is one of my favorites things! It works great in the heat of summer and the dry winter months too. It’s quick and easy and a staple in my beauty routine!”

1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp cinnamon
5-10 drops of Vitamin E oil or melted coconut oil

Mix all ingredients and apply in a circular motion with your fingertips or a tooth brush for a little more exfoliation. You can double or triple the recipe and make enough for a week! I like to make mine each time I do it so I can slow down and go through the process of something. Enjoy!

"Choosing to participate in YTT with The Space was a once in a lifetime experience. I grew in more ways than I could have imagined - intellectually, spiritually and physically. I learned so much about myself, my personality, and my relationships. One of the best unexpected gifts of YTT was also the connection and close friendships I developed with fellow trainees - friendships that will reach far past the timeline of training. This experience is worth every moment you have to commit of the 200 hours (and then some). Say yes. You'll be glad you did."