On Sunday, my friend Tamara invited me to go to Griffith Park for donation-based yoga and a nature walk – all guided by a lovely human being named Michelle Chua. Michelle’s guidance was kind and loving. She had a gifted way with words as she invited us to connect with the earth, trees, and sounds around us. As an experienced cuddle event leader, I recognized the skillfulness of her leadership.

And bonus! Michelle and I used to work together in the 90’s. I don’t know how she did it, but she remembered my face right away.

Michelle’s yoga community is called Root 2 Rise. The phrase “root to rise” is an apt one that applies to yoga and also to cuddling. The idea in yoga is that one must be grounded and use core strength in order to do fabulous things like stretch up into a balancing pose.

In cuddling, we are clear about our own needs and boundaries (our core strength) in order to do magnificent things such as sharing ourselves safely with another person.

When the yoga and nature walk were over, Tamara and I laid on the grass and enjoyed peaceful moments of ease and conversation. I consider spontaneous connection with a friend like this to be priceless. My cuddly heart was content!

If you’d like to learn valuable lessons on a yoga mat that you can apply to life and cuddling, the marvelous Michelle offers live Zoom yoga classes by donation four times a week. She also offers private instruction and healthy retreats.

Thank you, Michelle, for your tireless commitment and Root 2 Rise community!