Let me tell you about “MI Gardens”...

In my front yard I am developing a base of native plants and flowers to support our wild friends and spread joy for my  family and neighbors.  But this isn’t the garden I want to talk about today.  The gardens I want to tell you about are some of the various locations I bring my services into. It is here that I am able to tend to, encourage, and help people to grow and thrive into their best selves.

NC

I park near sports fields, tennis courts and a playground. Once I reach the building, sliding doors open. Friendly faces greet me at a curved counter. Some members are seeking better strength and mobility, others crave the generational community atmosphere. Young children toddle down the hall while retired members play pickle ball. There are many rooms and always a flurry of classes and activities to join. I offer opportunities for preschoolers, adults and retired people.

GPMC

I slowly drive into a lot that often feels full.  I enter the back of a historic church with sturdy wooden doors. After walking up a couple flights of stairs quiet bustling rooms come into view. One room has older adults stretching in a circle, another offers programming for adults with disabilities. They share snacks and joyful conversations. I lug in bins and baskets of creative opportunities to a small group of empty nesters. 

GVST

I pull into a parking lot nestled between two store front buildings and park towards the back alley.  I turn the handle to the back door and enter. I begin preparing the space for mindfulness, movement and relaxation.  There are encouraging decorations on the walls.  There is a blend of witchy ways, yogic offerings, group fitness and networking opportunities. The range of participants is wide but offerings usually happen one class at a time. I support seekers of spiritual medicine and relaxation.

DN

I drive into a large parking lot which is next to a substantial old medical office building. I push a button which opens the double doors into the main grand lobby with security guards posted by a desk.  I take the elevator into the basement level and turn the corner walking down a long hallway.  I push tables together and pull out art supplies for our seniors. I sometimes have to wait for transportation to arrive with my clients. Here they are provided many free services, information and linked to other community organizations available for support. I bring a creative community atmosphere and an opportunity to leave the apartment building.

DRMM

I pass a small church preparing boxes for a food pantry. I pull into a lot with a tall fence next to a field full of urban wildflowers. I press a button to get buzzed in. I pass through a metal detector and sign in at an old metal desk full of stacks of papers. Those who choose to be here are in the minority. The goal is to help them kick the toxic habits that are dragging them down. My goal is to bring compassion to a difficult situation, invite relaxation and offer creative ways to integrate heavy topics. 

DPRD

I park in bright open lots near beautiful parks with flowers, playgrounds, courts, fields and walking paths.  I open the doors and see high ceilings. There are community games in the lobby area. Pools, gyms and studio spaces are available. I am delighted to share my yogic experience with the seniors and art activities with the intellectually disabled adults.

KD

I pull into a small back lot. I grab my bins and baskets and cross a lawn with a whimsical stone path. Taking a few steps up to a tiny porch I turn the door handle and walk in.  This cozy space is full of handmade treasures. I settle and sit at a pink table in the back corner.  This is where women come to connect and to create in a loving, supportive environment.

 “MI gardens” sometimes only need to be tended to once, others for a season and then there are those I return to year after year.  Currently my gardens can be found in St. Clair Shores, Detroit and Grosse Pointe.  My hopes and dreams are to one day tend to gardens all over the world!

I am filled with so much gratitude to be able to share these community spaces (and many others not mentioned).  My heart sings when I am able to provide experiences that bring joy, relaxation and clarity.  I love that I have such a diverse client base and “gardens” to tend. They keep me grounded in the present moment.  I am also so incredibly grateful to have jobs that don’t feel like work.  I get to do what I love: teaching and leading groups based in spirituality, movement, meditation, creativity, dance, nature, health, and authentic living.

I created MI Phoenix Gardens as a way to promote my  services. MI is a play on my and Michigan. The Phoenix is known for its ability to rise from the ashes like us and the collective soul of Detroit. Gardens symbolize us growing and thriving together. Gardens is plural because I find fulfillment in meeting and working with diverse communities. I enjoy offering novel experiences that help all souls to be present.

Seasonal Notes: 

from Mia Tolls “Wild Wisdom Companion: A Guided Journey into the Mystical Rhythms of the Natural World, Season by Season”

In late Spring, the element of air begins to transform into the fire of summer.  Now is a good time to wake up our solar plexus chakra, strengthen our center and tend to the fire within. 

Consider the following prompts for journaling this month.

• What can’t you digest either physically or emotionally?

• How do you tend the inner fires when the outer fires are blazing strong?

• Do you dampen your joy with overthinking?

• What dreams are lying dormant, ready to be potentialized?

Reach for your favorite Agate stone during this season.  These stones can assist if you need help refining yourself. Agates can also help you manage your inner fire.

Now is the time many of us return to our lawns and gardens.  Perhaps you can keep some of your yard waste and create a temporary mandala? Let that inner child out and play before cleaning up.  It is grounding, centering and peaceful.  Go with the flow and don’t be attached to the outcome because these are not meant to be permanent fixtures. Ideas for materials to use: rocks, pine cones and needles, sticks, leaves, flower petals ect. Create a circular design, take a photo, then either clean it up or let nature slowly break it down.

Numerology Notes: 

from Nam Har (www.3HO.org):

May is represented by the number 5.  Five represents: flexibility, endurance, spontaneous change/ opportunity, travel, the physical body, resilience, adaptability, communication, curiosity, balance and teaching! When 5 is in the positive polarity we are grounded, stable, and steady. When 5 slips into the negative we become restless, impulsive and chaotic.

“Conscious self-maintenance is your insurance policy against misfortune.”

“Being able to read the pulse of a situation is how you will navigate yourself to safety.”

“Physical flexibility lends itself to mental and emotional flexibility.”

“Having things to look forward to is powerful medicine in these times”

Mantra for May: 

I adapt and thrive in all changing circumstances.

MI May Calendar:

5-2-26 “Monthly Meditation Class” Saturday at 9:15am

5-9-26 Come see me at the first SCS Downtown Social of the season Saturday 5:00pm

Weekly classes

Tues-GVST 6:15pm

Thur-GVST 8:45am

5-9-26 I'll have a community weaving project and hearts for sale!