Yoga, Paddle Boarding & the Magic of Lake Itasca: Balance & Mindfulness

Some places leave an imprint on your soul, becoming a part of who you are. For me, Lake Itasca is one of those places. It’s more than just a scenic destination—it’s a wellness retreat, a place where time slows down, and the water reflects not only the sky but the quiet parts of ourselves that we sometimes forget to listen to.

Every year, I have the privilege of leading outdoor yoga and paddle boarding sessions on these sacred shores, and each time, I am reminded why this experience is so powerful. It is one of my greatest joys—to gather in this space, to move and breathe together, to witness how nature effortlessly supports our well-being, offering stillness, strength, and deep presence.

A Morning of Movement and Presence

We begin on the shore, our yoga mats nestled into the earth, with Lake Itasca’s waters stretching wide before us. Overhead, bald eagles soar, reminding us to take in the world from a higher perspective, while the gentle rippling of water sets the rhythm of our breath. Here, surrounded by towering pines and endless sky, we flow through gentle yoga poses, allowing the beauty around us to guide our practice. Each inhale is deep, filled with the crisp, pine-scented air. Each exhale releases tension, carrying away what no longer serves us. There is something profoundly grounding about practicing yoga in nature—the way the earth stabilizes us, the way the water reflects our stillness, the way the sky reminds us to stay open.

Yoga practice at Lake Itasca: grounding and centering in nature before paddleboarding.

Drifting into Peace on the Water with Balance and Mindfulness

After our yoga practice, we step onto our paddleboards, pushing off from shore and gliding into the tranquil embrace of Lake Itasca. The moment the board steadies beneath you, there’s an instant feeling of mindful presence—a reminder that balance is not about control, but about trust.

Some paddle with quiet determination, finding strength in movement. Others drift, letting the calm lake waters carry them, soaking in the towering trees, the distant calls of loons, and the gentle warmth of the sun. There is no rush. No expectation. Just this—this perfect, fleeting moment of harmony between self and nature.

After their refreshing yoga session, we paddle board and enjoy the peacefulness of the lake beneath a clear blue sky.

A Heart Full of Gratitude

Each time I lead this event, I am overwhelmed with gratitude—not just for the breathtaking setting, but for the incredible souls who show up. Those who come with open hearts, ready to pause, to connect, to allow the beauty of this place to weave its way into their being.

I carry these moments with me long after we roll up our mats and paddle back to shore. They remind me what it truly means to be present, to be in awe, to be alive.

If you’ve ever longed for a space to simply breathe, to move with the rhythm of nature, to reconnect with yourself in a peaceful setting—I invite you to join us next time.

Until then, may you find balance, may you find stillness, and may you always return to the places that bring you home to yourself.