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news from the blue
monthly happenings at blue lotus yoga & movement arts
Vol. 3 / Issue 2
March 2009
In This Issue
bring it home
the art of feng shui
yoga in paradise!
march happenings
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Namaste!

The weather might say otherwise, but my internal clock knows that Spring is nearly here.  I'm itching to clear up the garden, and I yearn for some time to clean the dusty corners and cluttered drawers in my house.  Likewise, I've been craving fresh air and open space- both inside and out- and I feel a sense of anticipation about the new growth inevitable this time of year. 
 
Although the seasons of nature and life change without regard to our wishes, and sometimes those shifts take us off guard, right now, I feel ready.  Something inside is already awake and open to the possibilities that Springtime offers.  I'm happy to let go of a long cold winter and the hectic pace I kept through months better suited to solitude and introspection. I'm ready.  Bring on the Spring!      
 
As a side note, I'm so grateful to all of you who participated in the blue turns 2 anniversary weekend.  We raised $4600 for the Nepal House-- quite amazing and inspiring!  Check out the blue blog later this week for stories and pictures from the celebration.

Peace,
Jill
Bringing your practice home
Many yogis don't practice at home because they simply don't know where to start.

Developing and maintaining a home practice can be one of the greatest challenges for any yogi. Obstacles run aplenty -- family obligations, travel, lack of time. And when you resolve those, others appear. But getting to your mat once a day is worth the time, even if it's for a few minutes.
 

Yoga at homeThere is no "right way" to practice at home, and it doesn't have to look like the yoga class you took earlier in the week. Your daily practice may start with a few minutes of meditation. It may begin with pranayama and move into some easy stretches and downward facing dog. Or it could be an hour of flow, or anything in between.
     
The important thing about a daily practice is the "daily" part -- to get to your mat once a day, listen to what your body has to say, and move from that place. Whatever you choose to do during your practice, three things are nearly certain -- your practice will be different day-to-day, it will evolve over time, and incorporating yoga into your daily routine, whatever that looks like, will give you a newfound sense of inner calm.
    
Today is as good as any day to start. Just roll out your mat and give yourself a little yoga. You deserve it.
Ancient art creates harmonious living
Learn the art of Feng Shui

Feng Shui (fehng-shway) is an ancient art and science, but not an ancient secret. Developed more than 3,000 years ago in China, Feng Shui is a complex body of knowledge that reveals how to balance the energies of any given space to assure the health and good fortune for people who inhabit it.
 

Feng ShuiThe practice can actually result in attracting new opportunities into your life by redirecting the flow of energy in your space. When you change the "energetics" and "patterns" in your home, work or office, you can quickly discover how your environment is affecting and reflecting your life.
    
 
Learn more about this fascinating practice by joining us for the Feng Shui Workshop from 1:00 to 4:00 pm, Saturday, March 21. On this day of the Spring Equinox, you will learn how to create prosperous, balanced home and work environments that can enhance the quality of your life. Gain practical tips for arranging harmonious living areas, intimate bedrooms and productive offices. And get inspired to make positive changes that can improve how you and your family feel and interact in your space through purposeful placement, color and organization.
 
To learn how to apply the basic concepts of Feng Shui, register for the workshop today. Visit the online scheduler and click the Workshops tab for more details or to register. We recommend that you register in advance to reserve your space!
Need to get away from it all?
Join us in Tulum, Mexico!
Last year's retreat to Tulum was so fantastic that we've decided to go back again this year!
 
Join Carrington and Jill for five days and four nights at Suenos Tulum from May 6-10.  In addition to optional yoga classes every day, enjoy healthy, local food, pristine beaches, a beautiful pool, and all the time you need for a little relaxation and renewal.
 
Join us solo or with a friend or partner- all are welcome.  $1250 includes transport to and from the Cancun Airport, all meals, yoga and shared, beach-front accommodation.  Air not included, but current prices are under $400.
suenos
March Workshops & Events
In addition to a fave on everyone's list -- Trance Dance on March 6 -- check out this month's happenings at the blue!

Explorations - Twists
6:30-8:00 pm
Friday, March 13
Nothing feels better to a tired and stressed body than twisting! Wring out the kinks, and unwind your tension in this Friday Night Special with Jill. All levels welcome.

Spring Training
2:30-4:00 pmBlueLotus36_DownDog
Saturday, March 14
Spring is officially just around the corner! Time to get moving, get flowing, and get back into shape. Join Conni for this fusion of pilates, core strength and Vinyasa yoga. Does this sound like a rockin' practice or what?

Feng ShuiFeng Shui Workshop
1:00-4:00 pm
Saturday, March 21
Learn how different areas of your space represent key areas of your life and how to use your environment as a palette for positive change. Read more in the featured article above!
 



Laughter Yoga
11:00 am - 12:30 pm
Sunday, March 22Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga, or Hasya Yoga, combines simple laughter exercises with basic deep breathing for improved health and well-being. Developed by contemporary Indian medical doctor Madan Kataria, Hasya Yoga exercises stimulate laughter in order to stimulate genuine laughter. In other words, you can fake it 'til you make it! Laughter works best in groups -- the more the merrier. So bring a friend and come laugh with us! 

BlueLotus42_Deep StretchDeep Stretch Intensive
2:30-4:30 pm
Saturday, March 28
When our energy is flowing freely we tend to feel better and connect more easily to our inner wisdom, our friends and families, and our world. Explore longer holds in poses in Deep Stretch to dive into the less elastic spaces, uncovering the flexibility that gives us a sense of ease and lightness in our bodies. This class is appropriate for all levels of practitioners and newbies alike!

 Visit the online scheduler for the complete class/workshop schedule and to register.

See you at the blue!


 

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