Wanting to unwind from the hectic holidays? Wanting to start the New Year off positively? Odell Public Library, 307 S. Madison, Streeet, Morrison, IL, can help, as it begins the 2016 Life-Long Learning Series with the theme “Calming the Mind.” Martina Maxfield, a local Yoga instructor, will lead off the series with a class on Monday, January 18, 2016, titled Exploration of Breath and Movement for Relaxation.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m. in Program Room, she will offer an exploration of Yoga and Meditation “to relax the mind and lift the spirit.”
Maxfield originally is from Dietmannried, Germany, in the Bavarian Alps. She came to Rockford, IL, for a business internship 21 years ago. While in Rockford, she met Vaughn Maxfield, and the rest is history, as they say.
“Why did you begin Yoga?” I asked.
“My mother and other women of the community began Yoga when the local extension office offered the classes. I would watch my mom do Yoga in the dining room, as I was getting ready for school,” she replied.
In 1994 she began taking yoga, watching the taped series Yoga with Lilias Folen on PBS. “I then took a class at Sauk Valley College and was told, ‘You should do this, Martina.'” So, 13 years later, Martina Maxfield is still teaching and is grateful to all those who are willing to try something new.
The January 18 class will be an exploratory of using the breath to focus the mind. “Because of this focus [on breathing], it calms the mind and grounds us, making us feel safe,” she explained. After a short explanation of the benefits of Yoga and Meditation, she will involve the audience in breathing and stretching techniques. “This is for people of all ages,” exclaimed the instructor.
There is no experience needed and no equipment. There is no charge for the class.
Try something new! Be open to new ideas! Come and join Martina Maxfield to learn the tools of relaxation. I hope to see you there!