Coming Home🫶

darcyvalverdeyoga
Aug 4
15 min read

July 11, 2025

Greetings, Explorers -

Every Summer I look forward to escaping our beloved Boise, ID in August to “return home” to my Mom’s family’s cottage in a small town on Lake Michigan in the Midwest where I grew up. I’ve been visiting this magical corner of the Mitten state since I was in the womb, and whenever I return it feels like a homecoming.

Only this year it’s different.

This year our family cottage visit would be late June/early July. Because of this shift, mine and my husband’s annual “Hobbit Hike” (as we like to call it) - a ~20 mile, ~3k foot climb in elevation hike from our home up to Bogus Basin - a Summer playground in Boise and where we go skiing in the winter, would also not happen - at least not per tradition. We’ve done this hike every year since COVID on the Fourth of July, to celebrate the beautiful land, and our home. This would have been our 6th Hobbit Hike.

When I learned we’d be heading to MI before August, and over the Fourth of July, I struggled. Man, I struggled a lot. I was so bummed because things would be veering from tradition (I LOVE tradition!!!)…they wouldn’t be as expected.

It took me a while - maybe a week or two - until it finally hit me, while I was out on a solo hike, that I’m attached...and not only attached, my expectations were also bringing about unnecessary suffering.

When I became aware of my predicament - my attachment and the reality that my expectations were causing me to suffer - it became so much easier to lean into the shift. To understand that this is just life; ebbing and flowing. Another change. Another shift. Another opportunity to be in my practices.

I started to see it as an opportunity for growth. First comes the awareness that there is attachment; that my expectations have caused me some suffering. Once becoming aware of this, I saw much opportunity in the shifts that were occurring with our traditional Summer plans.

As I write you this newsletter from the cozy comfort of our family cottage, overlooking Devils Pond and Lincoln Lake - and just steps away from beautiful Lake Michigan, with birds chirping just after sunrise, I am looking forward to enjoying my final days here for the Summer as our cottage time begins to wrap up, mid-July.

And as time at the cottage begins to wrap up, as I’ve now lived through the shift in our Summer traditions, I can say that it’s been wonderful allowing myself to lean into this shift and just enjoy being here - coming home.🥰

What becomes possible when we begin letting go of expectations? When we start to open up to the possibilities of what we’re presented with - not attaching to any specific thing or way we believe it “ought to be”?

The more we practice - whatever your practice happens to be: meditation, yoga, breathwork, mantra, or something else - the more we’re able to see when we’re getting “caught” and the greater capacity we have to let go, to learn, and to allow ourselves to ebb and flow and be open to the possibilities life presents us in a more graceful, loving way.

I hope you’re gracefully and lovingly ebbing and flowing through your Summer, dear Explorer!

A sneak peak at what you can expect from this June/July newsletter. And a disclaimer - this newsletter is long(er) so feel free to jump to whatever is peaking your interest and skip what’s not:

Donation-based Somatic Breathwork Ceremony - July 27🌬️
YOU are invited, Dear Subscriber - A special online gathering to celebrate our FIRST year🎂
July Sunrise Hiking Meditation 🌄
4 Countries in Ten Days - lessons learned from my mid-Summer travels✈️
Adore Your Core - a special video for a daily practice - on our NEW YouTube Channel!💪🏼
Somatic Experiencing rates🕊️

With Gratitude,

-D’Arcy

donation-based

somatic breathwork ceremony

sunday, july 27, 1pm-3pm

ananda yoga space

At The Heart Space Center we love giving back to the community through our annual Scholarship Program, free monthly community Sunrise Hiking Meditations and sponsoring our favorite local nonprofit, Story Story Night. We also do our best to make our offerings as accessible as possible by always having sliding scale options available.

It is in this spirit of giving back that we invite you to join us in Ceremony and in breath, and just pay what you can as we offer this donation-based Somatic Breathwork Ceremony to help celebrate the one-year birthday we just had in June! Please, come and celebrate one year with us in this way!💫

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THANK YOU🤍

“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.”― A.A. Milne, Winnie-the-Pooh

Another way we’re celebrating THSC’s first birthday is by sharing with you, dear Subscriber💖

As a token of my gratitude to you for subscribing and joining me on a journey through year one of THSC’s existence, you’re invited to join for a virtual celebration of YOU as we celebrate THSC turning 1🎂

The one hour celebration will include an amuse-bouche of THSC offerings….welcoming anyone who joins to journey into their Heart Space Centers💫

don't miss the next offering!

By becoming a Heart Space Center newsletter Subscriber, you're one of the FIRST to know about our upcoming offerings, so you can ensure you won't miss the next one.

To subscribe, click the "subscribe here" button below, scroll to the bottom of our homepage, and add your email address in the bottom left corner where there is an invitation to subscribe.

Subscribe Here

free

silent sunrise hiking meditation

Friday, July 18, 6am

Join us this month for our sixth Sunrise Hiking Meditation on Friday, July 18 at 6am.

With Summer Solstice behind us, our sunrise hiking meditations should experience a bit more of the actual sun rising again (yay!!!) as it’s coming up a little later, bit by bit. Join us this July to welcome the sun in community and in movement!

What to Expect

The hike is roughly 5 miles, roundtrip (out and back).
We will hike northeast & east, towards the rising sun, at an incline up a large gravel road.
Participants are welcome to join for as long and far as they're able to make it. If anyone would like/needs to turn around before the group, that is welcome.

Format

May shift depending on how we’re feeling, but likely we’ll welcome:
- Time to connect in conversation on our hike up.
- Time for stillness; taking in the environment, the sunrise, and the view.
- Perhaps some chanting or other practices we’re feeling drawn to that morning.
- Silent hiking meditation on our way down (we’ll explain more on this at the hike).

don't miss the next offering!

By becoming a Heart Space Center newsletter Subscriber, you're one of the FIRST to know about our upcoming offerings, so you can ensure you won't miss the next one.

To subscribe, click the "subscribe here" button below, scroll to the bottom of our homepage, and add your email address in the bottom left corner where there is an invitation to subscribe.

Subscribe Here

lessons learned from my midsummer travels

First stop: Porto, Portugal

Length of stay: 1 night

Lesson learned: YOLO!😁 Sometimes it can be liberating and nourishing to just go with it. Let down guards and plans, and just go with what’s presented….sometimes when we do this, there’s so much more in life we get to experience.

Highlights:

One night in Portugal, after an international flight, jet leg, and settling in, we made the most of the evening we had there! Oddly enough two of my husband, Ricardo’s, good friends, Felipe and Clayton, had been traveling together the last week (or two - ?!?!) around Europe, and had just gotten back from Ibiza, arriving into Porto the night we happened to be there.

Ricardo and his friends are huge futbol fans, and one of their teams was playing, so we caught the futbol club members in Porto enjoying a huge gathering to cheer the team on - AMAZING!!! Before meeting Felipe and Clayton out at the game, I made it clear to the hubs that I likely wouldn’t last long and would need an early bedtime to help get settled - he felt similarly and this is the mindset we had as we made it out for a “brief catchup” in Porto with his good friends (HA! - jokes on us!!!).

Upon arriving I got so caught up in the joy, and the larger-than-life action that surrounded us - there is nothing like joining a bunch of futbol fans IN EUROPE where it’s much more a thing than in the States. We had a blast and ended up getting onto the local time fairly quickly; moving on from the game as it concluded (and their team won!), staying out to watch the sunset with Felipe’s cousin and her friends (who happen to live there) at a local park overlooking the ocean, and grabbing an authentic Italian pizza dinner before a bedtime of roughly midnight🥳

In present day life, this is very out of character - and I enjoyed it thoroughly; YOLO!

Second stop: Sanxenxo, Spain

Length of stay: 6 nights

Lesson learned: You can go with the flow - to a certain extent!

This is where we settled for most of our European travels as the main intention around this trip was for Ricardo to compete in his fourth Triathlon World Championship for Team USA which were to be held outside of Pontevedra, Spain. He was set to race cross-triathlon on Tuesday and cross-duathlon on Thursday. The rest of the days were race prep and touring🤓

We were able to see much of the Spanish countryside between hiking along the coast of Galicia, to cheering/racing in the National Park outside of Pontevedra, to sipping local Spanish wine and sangria, to exploring Santiago de Compestela, and having an especially unique journey in my attempt to find vegetarian cuisine in a coastal, European countryside (NOT easy!!).

This was the first World Triathlon I joined Ricardo for, and there was a certain feeling of oneness that came in cheering at it that was so beautiful - particularly right now. I was there to cheer on Ricardo, and Team USA, but once I arrived and the race began, I was cheering for everyone! “Vamos” to the Spaniards, “Allez” to the Frenchies, and as much noise as I could make for the athletes coming from countries where I don’t know how to say “Let’s go!!” in their language….I just CHEERED. I jumped up and down, screamed and shouted with love and enthusiasm, encouraging them ALL, regardless of their country, to give it their all - because honestly, we really were all there, together, as one.

A highlight of our time in Spain was going to Santiago de Compestela to see the Cathedral where many Pilgrims journey to on the Camino de Santiago (a journey I want to take in this life however we didn’t have time to do the walk but couldn’t pass up seeing the Cathedral while nearby!).

Being in this city was so much more than I could have imagined. The sacred sites housing history, devotion - and more. I was raised without religion, really, although have personally felt a connection to spirit since I was young. Just being at Santiago de Compestela brought me to tears. It was a sacred, special day spent touring, praying, questioning, and discovering.

One lesson I was reminded of as we made our way through these streets was that we don’t know what we don’t know…to always try to approach life with a Beginner’s Mind; through curiosity, questioning, awe and wonder. 🤍

As to the lesson learned from Spain….you can go with the flow - to a certain extent:

Being in Spain confirmed that, although I’ve learned in my life to slow down a LOT - Spain is at a speed that is just a bit (a LOT) slower than my comfort. Breakfast and dinner were not available until 8am and 8pm - and the midday siestas really slowed things down in the afternoons. I love this concept of slowing down, and offering a midday rest - and also I realize if I lived in that culture, I fear I would become TOO slow - even unmotivated. Being exposed to this way of life was a good reminder, for me, that everything is great - in balance! And also - that we all can embrace what works for us, and I’m glad this way of life works for the folks in Spain - vamos!

Third (impromptu) stop: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Length of stay: 2 nights

Lesson learned: Just go for it!

A dear teacher of mine, Govind Das - and his wife Jaqueline Michelle - are on a From the Ashes worldwide kirtan tour with their kiddos. After losing their home in the California fires early 2025 they decided to travel the world and share kirtan.

I’ve only been with them in-person once - at Bhakti Fest a few years ago, where they were sharing kirtan and yoga with hundreds of people! I “met” Govind Das during an online Bhakti Yoga module in my 300 hour Yoga Teacher Training and was instantly drawn to his perspective, practices, and offerings. I’ve since taken online training with him, I regularly listen to his NEW Love Everyone podcast (HIGHLY recommend; particularly if you’re interested in Bhakti Yoga), and listen to and share he and his wife, Jaqueline Michelle’s devotional songs in the yoga classes I offer, but that in-person experience hasn’t happened outside of Bhakti Fest - until Amsterdam!

I noticed on their tour that they were going to be popping into Amsterdam at the very end of our time in Spain. In mentioning this to Ricardo, he was set on making it happen - despite my hesitations (mostly - okay wait, completely, financial). Ricardo felt an opportunity like this doesn’t happen often….Amsterdam was a quick 2 hour flight from the nearest airport to us, and we could easily make some shifts for our flights back to the States - and to our fourth and final destination on our travels. So we went for it!

What an absolute joy and treat to discover beautiful Svaha Yoga - a studio (of which there are 3 throughout Amsterdam) owned by an amazing couple I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with, that is filled with so much love, devotion - exuding bhakti! Just walking through the doors was like receiving a full body hug! If you’re in Amsterdam I highly recommend dropping in for a class✨

Roughly an hour after landing in Amsterdam we arrived to Svaha for an evening of kirtan with Govind Das, Jaqueline Michelle, and a load of super talented musicians living in Amsterdam. Govind Das and Jaqueline Michelle have a special way of leading kirtan; it’s like this delicious soup - each participant it’s own special ingredient - and they’re adding in some spice here and there - and with Baba’s grace, it all just comes together in this absolutely divine dish. Throughout the full kirtan experience I was brought to tears multiple times; feeling joy, gratitude and love coursing through my veins. Folks from Amsterdam and around the world gathered; those I had never met in this lifetime, but quickly feeling like they’re all my brothers and sisters - satsang. That’s the power of kirtan; the power of bhakti. So much gratitude for this experience!

The next morning Govind Das led a two hour kirtan vinyasa practice, accompanied by Jaqueline Michelle’s angelic voice and harmony on the guitar, with local Bhakta, Tobias, accompanying her on the drums. We chanted, we moved, we eye gazed, and again - I cried.

Between the evening kirtan and the morning practice - and given there weren’t hundreds of participants, but less than 50-ish folks in attendance, I had the opportunity to connect more with this teacher who I’ve learned from, afar, in person, in conversation, and in gratitude. I am grateful that I have a partner who is supportive of me embracing opportunity for these special, deep experiences. If it wasn’t for him, I likely wouldn’t have made the move to get there, with many worries and hesitations. In Bhakti, and in all the practices we offer at The Heart Space Center, we learn to move from the heart, from a place of love and not fear. Although I’ve made huge strides in my life to get closer to that space of love, there’s always room for more growth - and this too is a lesson and a reminder in that.

We also took advantage of enjoying Amsterdam for the 2 nights we were there! From riding rented bikes EVERYWHERE, to a visit to the new Banksy museum (HIGHLY recommend - you could spend hours here it’s so inspiring, heartbreaking, and beautiful), TWO canal tours (one daytime, one evening), and a walk through the Red Light District, we experienced a lot in a short period of time - and we both agreed that Amsterdam was a highlight of our European travels. So cool that the stop that we hadn’t even planned was a favorite for both of us. 🥰 Which brings us back to the lesson from the Amsterdam trip - to just go for it!

Fourth stop: Michigan, USA

Length of stay: 13 nights

Lesson learned: There’s no place like home💖

This is where I write you this newsletter; from my Mom’s family’s cottage, nestled in a little corner of the Mitten state, just steps from big, beautiful Lake Michigan.

We journey here each year - since before I was birthed (my Mom having been coming here for almost 65 years!). Although I live - and love living - in Boise, ID - very much home! - whenever I journey back to the cottage, it always feels like a homecoming.

Rather than getting into the highlights of our time here - as it was primarily family time - I’d like to share the significance of this place. Perhaps you have a special place like this that you hold dear?

My Mom and her siblings haven’t changed a lot about our family cottage since my Grandparents’ passing years ago; mostly things are in the order in which they kept it - with intention.

When you arrive to the cottage - this place we call Topsy Turvy - the smell of mothballs ignite your senses. The humidity of the MI air is thick, kissing your skin with it’s moisture. There are creeks when you walk (it is 122 years old, after all!), and touches of Grandma’s stern love and Grandpa’s curious spirit exude through its’ walls.

Story has it my Grandpa came across this place that houses our cottage in 1931, when he was a young man, driving a model-T through Michigan with his younger brother. He had veered off the beaten path and kind of fell upon it. As he was, from my memory, never in a hurry, and always in awe and wonderment with life, he chose to pull over and take his time to investigate. He stopped at the front gate of the establishment and asked questions; curious about this gem on Lake Michigan that had captured him, inviting him to come back.

In 1931 when he fell upon our cottage, it was before he was shipped off to Europe to fight in WWII. It was before he met my Grandma. It was before he and my Grandma created a family of 4 children with a standard poodle my Mom talks about often.

20-ish years later, on a family trip in the late 50’s/early 60’s, with Grandma at his side, 4 kids and the standard poodle packed into the car, and having driven already for hours, an overnight rest was needed. Grandma, being the stern practical lady she was, continued to spot perfect places to crash for the evening - and Grandpa, as story has it, kept “holding out” for this gem on Lake Michigan he remembered falling upon in his youth. They continued on and on, Grandma, the kids, and the standard poodle readier than ever to pull over and rest their heads for the evening. Finally, and as if “by chance” they “fell upon” this place that - at the time - had a hotel where the family could crash….all a part of Grandpa’s “scheme” to learn more, investigate, and introduce his family to what has now become a cherished place for generations to love and enjoy!

When I’m here I often reflect on my Grandpa’s adventurous spirit and the curiosity that quite literally led us to Topsy Turvy. A place where 4 of his 6 grandkids (including myself) shared wedding vows. A place where his 10 great-grandkids have been coming to since they were in the womb (like myself) and love dearly. A place where his own kids look forward to coming back to, sharing with their kids, and their grandkids, each Summer, with anticipation, excitement, and a feeling of coming home.

Even if you do not have a place such as Topsy Turvy that you hold dear - with my travels through life, and about the world, I’ve learned that that place of home is actually with us wherever we go; deep in the essence of our hearts and our spirits. Often it takes practice, patience, and courage to find it, but it’s always there, within. That place we call home.

Welcome to The Heart Space Center’s NEW YouTube channel!

As we continue to share more and more video content it made sense to just host it there on YouTube. I hope this makes it even easier for you to enjoy the practices and offerings we put out there, into the virtual world!

This particular practice is something for you to take just 3-5 minutes out of your day to help you build a strong core! The video is long, but feel free to jump to 2:50 if you want to get straight into the instruction.

Enjoy adoring your core dear Explorers!

Click Here to Subscribe to Our YouTube

As a reminder, and as noted on our website, the closer D’Arcy gets to graduating from Somatic Experiencing International, THSC’s SE rates will gradually increase.

She is off to Colorado in August for her first advanced SEI training, so please know our SE rates will be increasing late Summer/early Fall.

SE packages will continue to be available at the current rate until the increase late Summer/early Fall.

SE is a gentle yet profound approach to healing trauma in the body. It can be truly life changing, liberating, and so much more. Book a consultation to begin your journey - at our current rates - today!

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