Grieving + Healing ❤️‍🩹

6 months ago, we welcomed a newborn into our family through adoption and we were in the process of finalizing our adoption as early as this upcoming January. Sadly, our baby was taken away three days before Christmas because the biological mother decided to raise her. It was a complete shock to us because in the 10-years history of our adoption agency, such a change in heart this long into the process was a first, the longest being days after placement in an adoptive family. This baby is being taken care of by a foster family until the family court decides whether the biological mom is fit to raise her.

I’ll never know if this outcome is the best for this baby, but I do take comfort in knowing that God is sovereign and He is in control. Still, I miss her and can’t believe she is gone. I hurt the most from wondering how our two littles are handling with this loss, not being old enough for me to explain this situation to them other than, “She’s gone,” to which my daughter replied, “She’s coming back!” This baby doll happened to be my daughter’s Christmas gift and I bawled while my husband wrapped it, being reminded of the real baby we used to hold in our arms.

This experience taught me to 1) hold on tight to the ones we do have in front of us, never taking them for granted, and 2), the consequences of our actions, including the good and bad we do to others—and even ourselves—having a ripple effect on not just ourselves but families, and even a nation. Marnie embodies this and her classes is the well I go to for my healing journey; I found myself doing her classes the day I learned our baby will be taken from us and on the actual day we said goodbye. I was still crying during the warm up but by the end I felt such a release and was so glad I have a space to get out of my head through movement.

Whether you are rejoicing or weeping this season, you’re not alone. Wishing the M/BODY fam a wonderful holiday and cheers to us in 2026 🤍

Dear M/BODY friends,

Our family welcomed a third child—a baby girl—into our home through adoption yesterday 🕊️ Yay to another mini who will be joining me on the mat!

Thank you for the shout out during the latest live, Marnie 😭💕 It means so much to me as I can’t connect with you and the global fam on the lives as it is 1 or 2 AM here but I’m always there in my heart as you said. I celebrated my 2nd M/BODY anniversary this May, but it feels more like the 5th!!! There’s nowhere else I’d rather be from here and forever on… Seriously! No other instructor has the best energy, passion, knowledge, and compassion like Marnie. M/BODY enables me to be the ballerina I never knew I could be 🩰, ignites the happy childlikeness within me, and keeps me active and healthy! Here’s a video I’ve been a little hesistant to share, but how cute are these littles ones that loveee joining me on the mat?!

Question about ankle/wrist weights: how many pounds is the one Marnie uses?

Snaps of my mini son and fur baby joining me on the mat over the months! My husband grabs his own mat when I invite him, too 😁

For anyone interested, this is a glimpse of fall where I am in Japan 🇯🇵 So serene, isn’t it? I’m so thankful I live in a country with four seasons to enjoy 🍁 It’s harder for me to feel connected here since I can’t join lives or IRLs or post on Instagram, but I hope that in sharing a part of my life here I can do my part in feeling like a member in this community. It’s been over 1.5 years since I joined! I considered leaving a few months ago because our ¥ (Yen) rate is horrid against $ (USD), but no other platforms motivate me as much as M/BODY so I budget in other areas because my physical health contributes to my mental well-being immensely... The upcoming lives look incredible and I’m glad to be here! Happy holidays to everyone 🤍

With my minis by the pool side, taken by my sweet husband. It was the first time for our two months old daughter to dip in the pool ☺️, followed by some delicious matcha for dessert. I wish everyone a summer full of wonderful memories!

Hi, fam! 🤍 We recently welcomed a second mini through adoption! I realize more than ever how much working out all these years have helped me stay fit to raise little ones. Oh, and this is my first M/BODY anniversary! Although I can’t join lives due to the time zone in Japan, I try to make it to the mat 2-3 times a week. My favorite is the 45-mins sessions 🧘🏻‍♀️I enjoy checking for updates on this community page and enjoying Marnie’s feel-good workouts!

Hi, fam! I first discovered Marnie through PopSugar Fitness. It was before the pandemic and I looked Marnie up to see if she had online workouts but I was disappointed to discover there were none. Fast forward to this year, and I was over the moon that I could sign up! I’ve been working out to M/BODY since this May, but it’s the first time to introduce myself ☺️ My name is pronounced MAH-yo, and I have a mini as you can probably tell from the things behind me 👦🏻 The last time I went to LA was in 2017. I’m based in Japan so I’ve never been able to join a live, but I wanted to connect with you all! It would be a dream to join Marnie and the fam at a studio IRL ✨