No matter how many individuals appear in the pages of each edition of Keys Weekly, there are always so many more of our community members who deserve to be recognized. In an effort to shine a spotlight on more of the incredible individuals who live and work in these islands, Keys Weekly is proud to present our Neighbor of the Week feature, dedicated to celebrating a community member with each issue.
Our neighbor of the week is Lynne Murphy, who is a yoga and wellness instructor and founder of niuyoga in Marathon. She teaches yoga, leads sound baths and meditation and guides scuba experiences throughout the Middle Keys in both community and resort settings. When she’s off the mat or out of the water, she’s usually exploring the islands with her camera, enjoying the beauty of Keys life, or connecting with the community through outreach events and her volunteer work.
LYNNE MURPHY
Niuyoga
How long have you been in the Keys and what brought you here? I relocated from Venice, FL in early 2021, where I owned a yoga and wellness studio. While Covid closed that chapter, it opened the door for me to follow a lifelong dream — moving to the Keys and becoming a dive instructor.
What’s a local business you couldn’t live without? St. Columba’s Nearly New Thrift Shop and Furniture Store. I’m a dedicated thrifter and they keep my treasure-hunting spirit alive.
Which living person do you most admire? My sister, without question. She’s an incredible friend, mom, wife and sister. She reminds me so much of our parents, both educators, and carries on their legacy through her work supporting children and families as the executive director of Tableland Services Inc., a community action partnership in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.
What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show right now? I’m a devoted Brené Brown fan. Her work on courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy has deeply influenced me.
What is your greatest extravagance? Indulging my love of unique people, places and experiences, and filling my home with meaningful reminders of them.
What’s a talent you wish you had? I’d love to improve my singing voice.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be and why? That’s a tough one — I’m generally comfortable with who I am, and when I’m not, I work on it. But I do sometimes wish my hamstrings weren’t quite so tight.
What is your most marked characteristic? I’m part Energizer Bunny, part creative problem solver.
Who is one of your real-life heroes? Everyday people who show up, stay aware and act with kindness. That kind of presence is heroic to me.
If you could be any animal, what would you be and why? A bird, hands down. I’ve always wanted to fly. It’s also one reason I love diving; gliding underwater feels like flying, and watching schools of fish move is like watching flocks in the sky.
What’s a habit you’d love to break? Letting go of perfectionism. I’ve been working since 2010 to embrace the idea that sometimes “good enough” truly is.
What is your greatest regret? Any time I ignored my gut. When something feels off, I wish I had always been bold enough to trust that instinct and speak up.
What’s something you’re really proud of? My ability to support others on their wellness journey — helping them learn new skills, grow and challenge themselves is a joy and an honor.
What is your most treasured possession? My memories and my health—everything meaningful stems from those.
What do you most value in your friends? Acceptance, honesty and the willingness to help me see myself more clearly.
What’s a simple pleasure that brings you joy? Time with my two tiny parrotlets. Watching and listening to them interact is incredibly soothing.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? My dad always said, “Always ask; what’s the worst that could happen? Someone tells you no.”
What’s a secret about you that people might be surprised to learn? Something surprising about me is that I’ve wandered and lived in so many corners of the world. Those adventures taught me adaptability, gratitude and how connected we all are.
What are your favorite & least favorite smells? I love the unique scents of different landscapes. Table Mountain in Cape Town has a distinctive aroma that reminds me of the area just beyond the Golden Gate Bridge. My least favorite? The smell of cooked fish!
What was in the last Amazon package that arrived? I can’t reveal that — it’s the holidays, and I don’t want to spoil someone’s surprise!
What’s one of your all-time favorite movie quotes? From my favorite, and arguably the best, Humphrey Bogart film, “To Have and Have Not.” Lauren Bacall’s Slim tells Bogie’s Steve, “You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and … blow.”
Know someone who would be a good “Neighbor of the Week?”Email keysweeklyjen@gmail.com.
