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monthly happenings at blue lotus yoga & movement arts
Vol. 2 / Issue 12
December 2008
In This Issue
blue gift certificates
holiday schedule
yoga primer!
in december...
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Namaste!

After having spent a year in Prague, in December 1998, I made arrangements for my hockey bag of belongings to be shipped back to the States.  I put a few things into a backpack, and hopped on a plane to Kathmandu.  It was an exceptionally eventful travel story, so I'll save that for another time.  
 
But here it is, exactly 10 years later, and I am again headed to Nepal.  It feels a bit like returning to the Mother Ship, as the months I spent there a decade ago tied my heart to the country and its people.
 
In Nepal, I'll be connecting with folks from the Nepal House Society to see how the blue lotus community might be able to help their efforts for displaced and traumatized children in the 10 orphanages they support.  I also hope to plant seeds and make the connections necessary to bring a group back next December for a service-culture adventure!
 
A little goes a long way on the Indian subcontinent.  If every person who received this message were to contribute even $10, we could far exceed the Nepal House Society's current project budget needs.  If you feel moved to share some of the abundance you enjoy, you can make a cash or check donation at the studio this month.  If you prefer to donate as an individual, you may do so online through GiveMeaning. Once I'm there I will have a better idea about what is needed for those who would prefer to donate "things" rather than money.
 
Either way, I hope you'll follow my adventure.  I promise to keep the blog updated with photos and share stories upon my return in January!
 
Many blessings to you during the holiday season.  May 2009 be filled with hope, peace and joy for us all!


Peace,
Jill

The Gift that Keeps on Giving
Gift Certificates available in amount of your choosing

blue lotusWhy box up and wrap another sweater when you can give the yogi or yogini in your life something you know he or she will LOVE -- the gift of yoga!  Think of it as a gift of peace, mindfulness, breath, grace, love, health, centering and sheer joy all wrapped up in one little envelope.

Buy online or stop by the studio for your blue lotus gift certificate today.
Holiday Practice Schedules
Christmas Eve/Day and New Year's Eve/Day

The blue will have a special class schedule for the Christmas and New Year's holidays.  Here are the highlights:
  • Christmas Eve 9:30 - 11:00 am Vinyasa Open with Jill
  • Christmas Day 11:00 am - 1:00 pm Flow & Stretch with Yvonne
  • New Year's Eve 9:30 - 11:00 am Yoga & Firebowl with Yvonne
  • New Year's Day 3:00 - 4:30 pm Vinyasa Open with Conni 
Please be sure to check the scheduler for all class details, changes and special offerings through the holidays.
Yoga Primer ~ Your inner yogi is calling
standing postureA great start to a new year!

The New Year is time for a fresh start. Clean slate. New adventures. Good intentions. 365 brand new days!

Welcome the new year by fulfilling your resolution to try yoga -- or maybe to return to your practice after a long absence. Our four-week series is designed for beginning students or those who want to brush up on the basics before attending regular group classes. Learn and review basic breathing techniques, sun salutations and foundations of standing postures.

The four class series will be held from 10:30 am - Noon, Saturdays, starting January 3 (no class January 17).  Drop-ins are welcome, or register for the whole series in advance and save!

Learn more about the Yoga Primer Workshop, and register online at the Workshops tab on our Web Scheduler.
December Workshops & Events
In addition to your favorites like Juicy Flow, NIA and Disco Flow, don't miss these December events!
 
Throat ChakraJalandara Bandha Workshop with Julee
1:00-3:30 pm
Saturday, December 13

A Bandha ("lock" or "gate" in Sanskrit) is used to contain, build and release the flow of energy in the body. Jalandara bandha is the bandha of the throat. Join us to explore the small structures in the throat, mouth and soft palate using movement, breath and sound. Toward the end of this session, we will begin using all three bandhas in asana and pranayama practice to draw energy up the body, stimulating the subtle glands of the head and opening the upper chakras. All levels are welcome!

Restorative Yoga Workshop ~ Moving Into Winter
Mudra 10
9:30-11:30 am
Sunday, December 21

The colder, drier, windier conditions of the season leave us yearning for a yoga practice that soothes and supports -- one that allows us to linger quietly, savoring life's sweetness.  Check out Julee's Restorative Workshop as we move into winter, and still your body and calm your mind.

Mala BeadsYoga Mala with Jill 
4:00-5:30 pm
Sunday, December 21

It has become tradition to mark the passage of time and celebrate the change of seasons with a Yoga Mala-- 108 Sun Salutations. As we embark on a new season, we invite you to join us for this symbolic ritual. Get inspired by the group energy, be uplifted by the great world music, and re-set your intention for a regular yoga practice as we celebrate the arrival of a new season! (Experience with vinyasa yoga is necessary for your enjoyment.)
 

Holiday Family Yoga (by-donation)
4:00-5:15 pm
Friday, December 26family yoga
 
Bring the whole family for some holiday yoga fun! Children (age 6 and up), parents, grandparents -- all are welcome to join Julie for this inter-generational, all-levels yoga practice. Stretch, balance, breathe and bond with your family in a playful, encouraging and non-competitive environment.  There is no fee for this class, but we welcome your contribution to the blue lotus Love Fund. 

 Visit the Web Scheduler for the complete class/workshop schedule and to register.

See you at the blue!


 

Friends 2