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Namaste!
It's not news to anyone that most of us are living life at 100 miles per hour. We glorify the ability to multi-task and have become so adept with simultaneously finishing up a report, directing a conference call, making dinner and watching the news that the idea of slowing down can seem pointless. Why slow down? And the answer? When we finally do, it's less a process of slowing than crashing.
Operating at high speed was seemingly wired into my programming at birth, so I get it. But in a workshop last weekend with Patricia Walden, a renown instructor in the Iyengar method, I was again reminded about the danger of "hurry-up mind." Like any other habit, we can easily fall prey to being in a rush, even when we have plenty of time.
Think about those times when you are simply in the shower, walking the dog, or doing the dishes? How often do you find yourself "stuck on GO" when completing the simplest task? And how much do we miss out on because of that mental busy-ness?
This month, I am (and not for the first time) incorporating into my daily practice the art of the "slowing down mind." To breathe in the scent of autumn as I walk with Padma; to simply wash the soup pot when I am washing the soup pot; to enjoy the luxury of warm water when I shower.
It's not so different from what we practice on the mat. Be in the pose, opening to sensation and breathing into what is there.
So simple.
Peace,
Jill |
Hey, sport, how 'bout some yoga?
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 Yoga can make you a better athlete, no matter your sport
Ah, the athletic soul. Gotta sweat! Gotta burn! Gotta beat last year's PR! Must train harder! This is the soul that will find some way, any way, to get in a short run or ride or just a few laps no matter how jammed-packed a day is with appointments and must-dos and no matter how tired the body feels. This is the soul that needs yoga. Read More...
Learn more about the benefits of yoga during our workshop, 1:00-3:30 pm, Saturday, October 13. You MUST pre-register for this workshop, so visit the Web Scheduler and click on Workshops to sign up today! |
Explore the Bandhas!
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Unlock the gates to release your flow of energy
Have you ever been in a yoga class and heard the instruction to "engage your bandhas" and wondered, "Bandhas? Do I have bandhas?"
Bandha in yoga means lock or gate. And similar to the locks of the canals in Amsterdam or Venice, we use the bandhas to contain, build and release the flow of energy in the body. Each session in this series of three focuses on a major yogic bandha and its anatomy in Western terms. We'll explore movement possibilities, integrating the bandha into asana and pranayama practice. All levels are welcome for the workshops, guided by Julee, and held 1:00 - 3:30 pm on the noted Saturdays.
Mula bandha is the bandha of the pelvic floor. We will look at the bones of the pelvis, the muscles of the pelvic floor, and begin to find their relationship to the feet, the legs and the organs of reproduction and elimination. October 25.
Udiyana bandha is the bandha of the breathing diaphragm. We will look at the structure of the diaphragm, how it moves in normal breathing, and how to use it in pranayama to build heat and digestive fire in the body. November 22.
Jalandara bandha is the bandha of the throat. We will explore the small structures in the throat, mouth, and soft palate using movement, breath and sound. December 13.
For more information about each session and to register, visit the Web Scheduler and click on the Workshops tab.
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blue musical inspiration
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 Teachers' Music Picks continues to be a hit, with links to iTunes(R) lists for easy purchasing and downloading. In celebration of the HUGE success of Global Mala Weekend, where blue lotus, Gateway and Evolve raised $1600 for Prevent Child Abuse NC, here is a playlist from the event!
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Veggie Potluck returns
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 With all the activity in September, we took a short break on the potluck, but we couldn't keep it away for too long -- you love it too much! So, we are happy to announce the next Veggie Potluck for 6:30 pm, Saturday, October 4. Bring your favorite vegetarian dish and join us! You'll enjoy some real treats, like this one.
Robin's Divided Beet Salad
3 lbs golden beets
1/4 cup olive oil, divided
2 Tb minced garlic, divided
11/2 tsp chopped fresh thyme, divided
11/2 tsp chopped fresh tarragon, divided
1 tsp salt, divided
1 tsp black pepper, divided
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup sugar
2 Tb finely chopped shallots
1/2 tsp chopped fresh oregano
2 cups vertically sliced red onions
1. Preheat oven to 350.
2. Leave root and 1 inch stem on beets; scrub with brush. Place beets, 2 Tb olive oil, 1 Tb garlic, 1 tsp thyme, 1 tsp tarragon in a large bowl, toss gently. Place beet mixture in jelly roll pan, bake 1 hour or until tender. Drain and cool slightly. Trim off beet roots, rub off skin. Cut each beet in half; sprinkle with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.
3. Combine vinegar, sugar, shallots, 2 Tb olive oil, 1 Tb garlic, 1/2 tsp thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper in small bowl; stir with whisk.
4. Add vinegar mixture and and onions with beets; toss gently.
Yields 8 servings
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the yoga journey
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 Everyone comes to yoga in their own time and in their own way, and they show up in all shapes and sizes and for reasons as unique as the individual. Some may noodle the idea for years before taking that first class, others may just show up one day with a friend because they think it could be cool. Even more interesting than how people arrive at yoga, is what they experience when they get there. Visit our blue lotus Community Blog to read more about the yoga journey and share the story of your journey! |
October Workshops & Events
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 Jivamukti Yoga
with Allison Dennis
10:00 am -Noon
Sunday, October 5
Jivamukti Yoga is a dynamic, flowing style of yoga that was developed by Sharon Gannon and David Life, who teach that Yoga is the process of cultivating compassion and connecting with the enlightenment principle that is operating around us and within us at all times.
Learn the philosophical, spiritual, and intentional aspects that are the foundation of a Jivamukti yoga class, and break down the physical aspects of the practice. Then, move into a Jivamukti OPEN level class -- a dynamic, all-levels, flowing Vinyasa practice partnered with breath awareness, meditation, hands-on assists, traditional yogic and contemporary teachings, sanskrit chanting, and relaxation. A challenging class with gentle guidance towards your highest Self. Click the Workshops tab at the website and register today!
Yoga Foundations Six-Week Series
10:30 am - Noon, starting Saturday, October 18
If you are new to yoga or have a friend who is always asking "what's up with the yoga?" this is the perfect place to start. No need to feel intimidated -- all are welcome! You also receive a beginner's yoga book, 20% discount on all full-priced retail items, and $20 off a 10-pass card or one month of unlimited yoga at a discounted price. This session is already more than half-full, so visit our online scheduler to reserve your place!
For the complete class and workshop schedule for October, including NIA, Yin, Deep Stretch and Halloween special Freaky Flow,
visit the Web Scheduler! |
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See you at the blue, and bring a friend -- it's sure to make you smile! |
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