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| Namaste!
For the first time in my life, I am very excited about the upcoming election. Never before have I followed a political race of any kind, much less dropped a sign into my front yard, announcing my political affiliation to the world. Like so many others, I'm (figuratively) holding my breath until Tuesday night.
What is so different about this race? Perhaps it has to do with the candidates, but I actually think it's more about all of us, as Americans, than the names plastered on every front lawn, car and t-shirt you see.
For the past several years, there has been an unsettling cultural momentum in the direction of unhappiness, discontent, and division. But what I have seen-and felt-in these past months of campaigning is a spirit of hope that perhaps has less to do with one candidate who may or may not be able to create major change (despite his best intention) and more to do with a new spirit of optimism, hope and a drawing together of communities with purpose and vision of what together we can do to create positive change.
Perhaps we are experiencing a slow recognition that the solutions to the troubles in our world begin and end within each of us. And only when we move away from the paradigm of "us" and "them" can we allow the unity that is our essential nature to begin to bring healing to us as individuals and as a society.
So, whether or not you are on the "winning side" come Tuesday night, consider faith that the direction of the people is more powerful than the man we put in office. And our dedication to living with integrity, to supporting equality, and to creating true communities that support and care for all of its members, is something that we can all truly celebrate.
Peace,
Jill
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Get into the (rhythmic) flow~
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 Space, Earth and Air PracticesRhythmic Flow Yoga is a transformational Vinyasa-based practice developed by Kristen Cooper-Gulak, and guided and inspired by the creative rhythms of live drumming. The practice has evolved as a communal experience, consisting of five elemental practices: Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space.
Don't miss this opportunity to join Kristen for three special classes at blue lotus the weekend of November 7, starting with Friday's Space practice: Rhythmic Dance! On Saturday, join Kristen and the Kunga Drummers for an Earth practice, followed by an Air practice on Sunday. All levels are welcome to come explore and play. Take one, two or all three classes! Learn more about the Rhythmic Flow weekend events and register online at the Workshops tab on our Web Scheduler. |
Thanksgiving Specials ~ Gratitude Practice, Potluck and White Friday Flow & Stretch
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Give a little Gratitude this Thanksgiving
Gratitude is the sweetest of all the practices for living the dharma in daily life. It is the most easily cultivated and requires the least sacrifice for what is gained in return. This Thanksgiving, as we contemplate those and that for which we are grateful, we invite you to join Jill for a Gratitude Practice at 9:30 am on Thanksgiving Day. And in gratitude for you, this class is free.
"If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, 'thank you,' that would suffice." Meister Eckhart
Thanksgiving Veggie Potluck -- It's free, too!
Yummy stuff is in order this Thanksgiving, especially if you plan to come to the blue's Thanksgiving Potluck! Bring your favorite vegetarian dish and feast on the smorgasbord. Who knows? Maybe Matthew will bring one of his great salad creations, like the Beet, Watercress and Indian-style Carrot Salad. Give them a try yourself sometime. The recipes are right here!
Skip Black Friday Shopping. White Friday Flow is Better!
On one of the busiest shopping days of the year, come to the blue to whittle away your holiday stresses. No lines, and no coupons needed for the Friday morning class! Move with the natural flow of the body instead of the "busy-ness" of our lives.
Visit the Classes tab on the Web Scheduler for more information and to register. |
Autumn is the perfect time to restore
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 Restorative Yoga Workshops and Classes
The colder, drier, windier conditions of autumn and winter make us long for soups over salads, tea over coffee, and stewed veggies and fruits. This season also makes us yearn for an occasional yoga practice that soothes and supports -- that allows us to linger quietly, savoring life's sweetness. Ahhh, the practice of Restorative Yoga (sigh).
For a sweet treat of a practice that leaves you feeling nourished and well rested, check out Julee's Restorative Workshops on Sundays, November 2 and December 21. Or come to our regular Thursday night Stretch & Restore class for your weekly dose of ahhhhh. Still your body, calm your mind and rest in the peace within.
For more information and to register, visit the Web Scheduler.
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lululemon coming soon to a blue near you!
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You've seen the ads in Yoga Journal. Maybe you've shopped online. Perhaps you've even been in one of the stores. Now is your chance to see and shop lululemon apparel live and in person at the lululemon athletica trunk show at the blue -- 3:30 pm, Saturday, November 15 (following the Jivamukti Workshop). And guess what? lululemon is adding a showroom in Raleigh soon!
It's hip. It's comfortable. It's positive. It's passionate. It's inspired. Come see for yourself what it's all about! |
New Flow & Stretch on Wednesdays
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Monday night regulars have been asking, and we're listening!
Come see what all the talk is about, and join Michele on Monday AND Wednesday nights at 7:00pm, beginning November 12, for Flow & Stretch--the perfect balance of movement and stillness to end your busy days. |
November Workshops & Events
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NIA Class
6:30-7:30 pm
Friday, November 14
NIA is a mind / body / spirit workout created from the fusion of nine movement forms, including martial arts, dance arts and healing arts. The choreography is innovative and flexible, allowing you to choose movements that are fun and feel good! As you deepen your NIA experience, the healing power of this movement art reveals itself through physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.
NIA is designed for anyBODY! Routines are intended for participants of all ages and ability levels. Join us!
 Jivamukti Yoga
with Allison Dennis
1:00-3:00 pm
Saturday, November 15
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.
In this workshop we will explore what Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and The Bhagavad Gita have to say about being happy, and keeping a calm mind. We will start the workshop with a short meditation, move into chanting and then into a Jivamukti OPEN level class. Work at your own pace and practice being exactly where you are. Be ready for a physically challenging and spiritually uplifting experience!
Click the Workshops tab at the website and register today!
Udiyana Bandha Workshop
1:00-3:30 pm
Saturday, November 22
A Bandha ("lock" or "gate" in Sanskrit) is used to contain, build, and release the flow of energy in the body. Udiyana bandha is the bandha of the breathing diaphragm. This workshop looks 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. Learn how udiyana bandha can be used with mula bandha to engage and support the abdominal cavity for increased overall vitality. All levels are welcome!
For the complete class and workshop schedules for November and to register, visit the Web Scheduler! |
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See you at the blue! |
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