1. Modern Elder Academy (MEA)
2. Announcing Bloom Yoga Book Club 2025
1. Modern Elder Academy – Energy Follows Intention
As we ring in the New Year, many of us will take time to reflect on our intentions and resolutions. One powerful concept to consider is that “energy follows intention.” Think of an intention as having its own magnetic force field: when we focus our minds and energies on an intention, we attract what is needed to bring it to life – like a seed drawing energy from the earth’s elements to grow into a thriving, blossoming flower. While I can’t cite direct evidence of this phenomenon, I’ve witnessed it working repeatedly in my own life and others’. It’s a leap of faith, but one I embrace wholeheartedly.
This idea was renewed in my mind during a transformative workshop I attended the first week in December at the Modern Elder Academy (MEA) in Baja, Mexico. MEA is a unique organization dedicated to helping individuals approaching mid-life and beyond. The workshop I participated in focused on navigating life transitions.
The Baja campus is stunning, with accommodations that are 5-star quality. The facilitators are expert, and the curriculum is thoughtfully designed, blending rituals with opportunities to connect deeply with other participants during and after the workshop. One of the many highlights for me was practicing yoga and meditation on an outdoor platform overlooking the ocean—an absolutely inspirational setting.
I left the workshop with clearer intentions about my retirement, including when to move away from my corporate job to focus more on my yoga and meditation workshops. And I know that as I stay focused on my intentions, the energy will follow.
If you’re curious about MEA, I encourage you to explore their offerings. Feel free to reach out to me through my website with any questions. Full disclosure: the workshops are pricey, but scholarships are available. I can’t imagine anyone regretting the decision to attend. MEA also has virtual workshops and free webinars where you can get a flavor for their offerings before taking the plunge into an in-person workshop.
MEA Cohort, December 2-7, 2024
2. 2025 Bloom Yoga Book Club
Beyond reflecting on intentions, another way to cultivate growth in the New Year is through community engagement, lifelong learning, and health-focused pursuits. If that resonates with you, consider joining the Bloom Yoga Book Club.
Now in its third year, the book club provides a welcoming space to nurture your mind, body, and spirit through the joy of reading, meaningful discussions, gentle yoga, and meditation. The group meets every two months and focuses on books related to healthy aging. Typically, it’s a small group—about 6-8 of us—beginning with a gentle yoga practice, followed by an hour-long discussion, and a closing meditation.
The first meeting is January 27, so there’s still time to read the initial book. Below are the first three selections for 2025:
January 27 - Olive Kitteridge
A poignant exploration of small-town America through the lens of quirky Olive Kitteridge, this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Elizabeth Strout offers profound insights into love, loss, aging and resilience.
March 24 - Even the Terrible Things Seem Beautiful to Me Now
Chicago’s own Mary Schmich's Pulitzer-winning collection of essays captures the beauty and bittersweetness of life, offering heartfelt reflections on family, resilience, and the vibrant spirit of Chicago. (Fun fact: Mary Schmich is also a yoga teacher at Yogaview Chicago)
May 19 - Too Close to the Falls
Katherine Gildiner's memoir, the first in a trilogy, is a charming and often hilarious account of her unconventional childhood during the 1960s, blending humor with heartfelt reflections on family and community. It’s the perfect stimulus to unearth your own childhood memories.
Don’t miss the opportunity to join this thoughtful group. Learn more and register here.
Whether you’re exploring the magnetic power of intention, immersing yourself in a great book, nurturing your health with yoga and meditation, or building connections in a supportive community, may 2025 bring you new learning, meaningful relationships, and vibrant well-being.
If you're in the Chicago area, I hope to see you at Bloom.
Comments