Yoga, Michigan—
LEELANAU CENTER for Contemplative Arts

By Sandra Carden

All manner of things in the Universe have aligned in support for the creation of the Leelanau Center for Contemplative Arts. Once a lovely dance studio, LCCA is now the Lake Leelanau home of UNION/YOGA LLC, “Painting Alive!” and a myriad of movement and visual expressions. LCCA’s shining wooden floors, leaded glass windows and cozy fireplace-warmed library shimmer with the vibratory quality of unbounded enthusiasm and unbridled creativity. From teensy tots to wild-child kids to meditative moms and statuesque elders, the community has opened its arms to this little Mecca of self-expression, right in the middle of magnificent Leelanau County.

Owners Sandra and Field Carden saw a natural new home for Sandy’s business, UNION/YOGA, an icon of yoga located in downtown Traverse City for over 15 years. And, Sandy saw a dream come true: a marriage of her love of yoga and all authentic expressions of art. Sandy feels that art is “spirit-born,” necessary for wholesome well-being, and personally available to everyone.

“By engaging the Contemplative Arts we aim to fulfill a growing need for opportunities to de-stress our every-days and provide a place for quiet contemplation, as well as wild and exuberant playfulness. We encourage unleashing the creative energy and intelligence of our natural being,” says Sandy. “The circumstances and timing have finally come together to make this wonderful vision possible.

Mardi Black, “Painting Alive!” instructor and Yoga teacher, explains contemplative arts: “To be contemplative is to be totally engaged and focused, to be aware of every aspect of our immediate experience, right now. Focusing awareness using the physical senses develops our sensory and intuitive intelligence—strengthening a deep sense of knowing. This state quiets the mind in the midst of stress and distraction. It provides a gateway to wholeness, playfulness and beauty—allowing deep insights and a sense of personal goodness and compassion. Yoga practice is a perfect example. The goal of contemplative art experiences is not to create beautiful works of art, or even to be ‘artistic’—although this may often occur. The goal is to reconnect with pure creative energy and experience the accompanying sense of aliveness, freshness and playfulness.”

Contemplative Arts “fear no art,” as all are expressions of truth, from the heart. For when we are expressing our truth we feel whole, well, safe and happy. May all beings be happy!

MISSION STATEMENT:

Leelanau Center for Contemplative Arts provides a safe, warm, welcoming community Gathering Place in which to support one another, guided by Spirit, in developing personal Introspection, Mindfulness, Awareness, Acceptance, Realization, and Joyful Expression through the Creative Arts.

LCCA offers art, yoga and meditation programs with regional and nationally known teachers. Contact UNION/YOGA and LCCA at 231-256-2110, 231-256-2100, or on the web at www.unionyoga.com.