Alluem Yoga in Cranford NJ Inspirational Chalk Messages

Cranford is so lovely during the early morning hours.  It’s such a lovely, peaceful neighborhood to enjoy a morning walk or run through!  And many residents make sure their route includes a jaunt past The Mill, located at 347 Lincoln Avenue East in Cranford, so that they can also begin their day with an inspirational message and a smile to the heart.

It’s beautiful enough to walk past The Mill.  It’s a waterside, peaceful setting, with a lovely historical building.  But the spot is made even more special by the inspirational messages that can often be found written beautifully and colorfully in chalk to inspire all those who pass by.

Children’s Yoga Trainer Karen Gilmour explains, “This originally started when our owner, Gina Pachkowski, saw an inspirational mural that read “You Are Beautiful” on the side of an old brick building. Gina, who is one of the most inspirational humans I have ever met, is constantly giving from the heart…and knows that sometimes a kind word is the best way to give a little love where you least expect it. During the Alluem Kids Summer Camp that year, the kids and I ventured out to leave the same “You Are Beautiful” message outside The Mill so the passerbys could feel some love!”

And the idea just took off from there.  For many local residents, it’s become part of the weekend morning routine to “get the message” during morning walks, runs, or bike rides . . . . many of which are purposefully diverted past The mill just for the purpose of looking for the most recent inspiration.  Sometimes it’s in the form of a chalk message written across the water, sometimes it’s pictures and messages written on the sidewalk of Lincoln Avenue.  But no matter what form it takes, it brings a moment of thought and a smile to the day of anyone passing by.

The Off the Mat Kids Camp (ages 9-12), that has been running under Karen’s direction since 2012, is a camp to get kids thinking about how when they find peace in their bodies, minds and hearts through yoga, they are more able to share that peace with those around them  in their homes, schools, and communities. “This,” explains Karen, “is called taking our yoga “off the mat”. Yoga is more than just the poses – it’s about being inspired and inspiring others – it’s about loving ourselves so that we can better love others – it’s about letting go of what holds us back so we can continue to shine forth. What better way to share this peace, love and light through some inspirational art for all to see!”

The message “Embody Love” that was up recently was in honor of the 15 hour “Embody Love Movement Facilitator Training” lead by Dr. Melody Moore that was happening at the studio. The Embody Love Movement was born out of the inspiration from a group of a few young women in Texas who, together, found a passion for inspiring and empowering other girls and women to recognize their value and their potential. In collaboration with Dr. Melody Moore, they developed Embody Love Movement’s founding program: the Inner Beauty Shop for younger girls struggling with eating disorders, self-esteem issues, and depression. They have brought the Embody Love Movement to schools, camps, and organizations in Texas and now Dr. Moore is traveling and sharing this training with women across the country,  including  right here at Alluem. Expect to see more of these Inner Beauty Shops popping up in the studio, schools, camps, community centers and more!

Alluem truly offers something for everyone, with programs for every age and every skill level.  For more information on Alluem Yoga and the programs offered, visit their website at http://www.alluemyoga.com/

Check out the video of the kids a few summers ago creating the “You Are Beautiful” message: