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Namaste!
It's one of those times when it simultaneously feels like a week and an eternity. I can hardly remember life before blue lotus! And this month, the blue turns 2!
In spite of difficult economic times, there is a lot to celebrate. I feel inspired to see the new administration asking each of us to take responsibility for ourselves and others. It's a reminder to us all about priorities and choices, and about how we live our lives. As a studio community, from the beginning, we've made giving back a big priority. We will continue to do so, and encourage you to do the same. If not you, then who?
Off the back of my trip to Nepal, this year's benefactor for the blue 2 celebration will be the Nepal House. This small center is funded through the private sector, by a small non-profit in Vancouver, BC, that my friends direct. While in Nepal, I had the opportunity to meet the Nepal House staff and hear and see first hand the amazing work they are doing for abused, neglected and traumatized Nepali children. All Nepal House staff in Canada are volunteers, so 100% of donated funds go directly to the source. If you've seen Slumdog Millionaire, and the portrayal of street kids on the Indian Subcontinent, you have seen some of the sad realities that impoverished children face. It's all very real.
And so we have a goal-- for just $2500 a year -- yes, a year, we can be the financial support for a new hire at Nepal House in Pokhara. I have no doubt we can do it. Read more below for details on the celebration plans. I hope you will be a part of it all!
I feel blessed to have work that I love, and I am grateful to be surrounded by teachers and volunteers who share the vision of possibility and change that is blue lotus. Thank YOU for making the blue the amazing, growing, supportive community that it is.
In case you missed it, check out the blue blog for stories and pictures from the trip.
Peace,
Jill |
blue turns 2!
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Weekend of activities benefits Nepal House
As has become tradition at the blue, our birthday celebration will offer classes by donation that benefit a local or not-so-local non-profit agency that is doing tremendous work to make a positive difference in our world. As the blue turns 2 this year, our celebration donations will benefit the Nepal House.
Nepal House Kaski, located in Pokhara, Nepal, is a therapy center for Nepali kids who have been severely abused, neglected, abandoned or traumatized by violence or natural disaster. In a country where there is no word for "therapy" in the native tongue, the work happening there is amazing.
Traditional counseling is supplemented with play and art therapies. The primary therapists -- Shiva, Bhima and Basantha -- are making a huge difference in the lives of the children they serve.
Nepal House Kaski is supported financially through the Nepal House Society, a non-profit based in Vancouver, BC. Those who work for Nepal House Society do so on a volunteer basis, so all funds gathered go directly to pay for rent and upkeep of the Kaski center in Pokhara and to pay Nepali staff salaries.
Having seen the facility, met the people, and heard  the stories about the situation in Nepal, I feel the call to help. And I'm inviting you to be part of the change.
Our fundraising goal for the blue 2 celebration is $2,500 in order to sponsor the salary for a new Nepal House therapist or administrator one year. An entire years' salary. $2,500. We can do it. |
Yoga by donation Feb 13 - 15
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Three days, ten classes, lots of prizes!
There's something for everyone as the blue turns 2!
All classes are by-donation, as we aim for our goal of raising $2,500 for Nepal House. Everyone who donates will be entered into a drawing for prizes, including facials, massages, free yoga, downtown dining and more! Out of town for our weekend celebration? We'll be accepting donations and taking prize entries starting February 1.  9:30 - 11:00 am Vinyasa ~ Open with Carrington
Saturday, February 14
8:00 - 9:30 am Vinyasa ~ Open with Conni
12:30 - 1:30 pm Partner Yoga with Carrington
2:00 - 3:00 pm Stretch & Restore with Alison
3:30 - 4:30 pm Go with the Flow! with Mike
Sunday, February 15
9:00 - 10:00 am Gentle Flow with Julee
10:30 - 11:30 am NIA with Rachel
12:00 - 1:00 pm Deep Stretch with Jill
1:30 - 2:30 pm Vinyasa ~ Open with Jill
3:00 - 4:00 pm Family Yoga with Julie Be sure to check the scheduler for all class details. We recommend that you register in advance to reserve your space in class! |
Veggie Potluck and Nepal Stories
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 Good food, good friends
It's been too long since we've all gotten together to enjoy the great food that shows up every time we host a Veggie Potluck!
Bring a meatless dish or beverage to share and catch up with friends at the blue! Watch a slide show from Jill's trip to Nepal, talk about a group trip next December, and learn more about the blue community's opportunity to make a huge impact on some little people's lives. If we're lucky, our own cupcake queen, Kathleen, will bring her famous Raspberry Berets. Just in case though, you can give them a go on your own with this recipe. These seductive ladies are one of Kathleen's most requested flavors and also among the easiest to make! We don't call her "Cupcake" for nothing! |
boo-tique and membership discounts
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 Get your sale on at the blue
February 13 - 15!
It's our birthday, but since the blue wouldn't be the blue without you, we've got some treats in store-- literally!
During "the blue turns 2" celebration, enjoy 25% off your retail purchases (including sale items)! If there's a book, yoga top or CD you've had your eye on, now's the time to buy!
In addition to the sale in the wee boo-tique, we'll also roll back to opening weekend prices on class pass options:
- 10-class pass (3 month expiration) $100
- 1-month unlimited yoga pass $125
- 3-month unlimited yoga pass $295
- Annual Membership $850
- Annual Membership (12 month contract for auto-debit) $85/month
Everyone loves a sale! |
February Workshops & Events
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In addition to your favorites like Deep Stretch on February 1, don't miss these events this month!
 Yoga Foundations with Julee
10:30 am - Noon
Six Saturday Series starts Feb 14
(no class March 7)
Discover the joy of yoga! This beginner series will give you a strong foundation for Level 1 and Open Vinyasa (flow) classes. Learn about how breath links movement, structural alignment, and modifications for your body. You'll feel empowered to attend classes with confidence in your own ability to safely modify or ramp up your practice according to your personal needs. Questions and discussions are welcome!
Register today and receive:
· nine hours of instruction over six weeks
· beginner's yoga book
· 20% discount on all full-priced retail items in the studio during the session
· $20 off a 10-pass card or one month of unlimited yoga at a discounted price
Class fee is just $99. Register online today! Visit the Web Scheduler and click on the Workshops tab.
Ayurveda and Yoga with Reuben
Two-Part Series
6:00-9:00 pm, Friday, Feb 20
12:30-6:00 pm, Saturday, Feb 21
According to Ayurveda, the sister science of yoga, different people require different yoga practices. Ayurveda, which means "knowledge of life", is the ancient art and science of keeping the body and mind balanced and healthy. Yoga is the ancient art and science of preparing the body and mind for the eventual liberation and enlightenment of the soul.
As a yoga teacher and Ayurvedic practitioner, Reuben has experienced first hand how Ayurveda -- in addition to the dietary and lifestyle advice that it is best known for -- can shed light on the practice of yoga. In this two part workshop, learn the attributes of the doshas, the energetic effects of certain postures, how to customize your practice for your body and mind, and much more.
For more information and to register today, visit the scheduler and click on the Workshops tab.
 Soulful Kirtan with Robin
7:00-9:00 pm
Friday, Feb 27
Kirtan is a form of call- and-response chanting in the Indian devotional tradition. The repetition of sacred, Sanskrit mantras helps take one to deep stillness, bliss, and a profound sense of oneness with All. Please do come, sing out, and join the joyful noise! Assertive, soulful, and deeply personal, Robin Renée's performances deliver through a passionate medium of edgy acoustic sound, singer/songwriter lyricism, accessibility, and the sonic impact of chant.
Visit the scheduler and click on the Workshops tab for more information.
Tulum Yoga Retreat Info Session
6:00-7:00 pm
Sunday, Feb 22
Join us in eco-paradise! We found this amazing spot quite unintentionally last year and can't wait to return to Tulum, Mexico for a five-day, four-night yoga retreat again this spring, May 6 - 10, 2009.
You'll have at least two class offerings each day, as well as plenty of time for walks on the beach and exploring Mayan ruins. Cost for the retreat is $1250, which includes: airport shuttle, four nights shared accommodation, and all meals.
Learn more at the information session at blue lotus at 6:00 pm, February 22. To tempt yourself in the meantime, check out the photos from last year's trip and Suenos Tulum!
Visit the Web Scheduler for the complete class/workshop schedule and to register. |
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See you at the blue! |
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