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Namaste!
You'll get to read some more about Vata in the article below, but if you've spent more than fifteen minutes near me this month you've already felt that dry, Fall wind blowing.
I love Autumn, but this time of year more than any other (and it does happen other times!) I find myself moving at a hundred miles per hour-- even when there is no reason to be in a hurry. I'm constantly doing too many things at once, too quickly and with not enough attention.
But today, I enjoyed a soothing respite from my marathon end-of-month work-fest. I spent the day up on Falls Lake, paddling around, chatting, watching the clouds, looking for eagles. It was slow. There was no hurry. It was delightful.
There have been many times when I would have simply said I was "too busy" to take a day for such pleasure, but I'm working on that part of my "constitution." Hard work and efficiency are great, but to what end if there is no balance?
Any of this sound familiar? If so, consider taking someone up on their invitation to a long lunch outside. Better still, invite a friend to go for a hike, a bike ride, or a picnic in the park. Slow down and enjoy the beauty of the changing season.
Thanks, Conni.
Peace,
Jill
PS- Check out the blue community blog for the latest blue news!
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Pranayama: The Fourth Limb of Yoga
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The breath of life
When the Breath wanders, the mind is unsteady, but when the Breath is
still, so is the mind still. ~ Hatha Yoga Pradipika
Pranayama, literally translated as "life force extension," is believed not only to rejuvenate the body but actually
to extend life itself. Proper breathing brings more oxygen to the blood and to the brain and controls Prana, the
vital life energy. Pranayama involves breath control techniques intended to refine the respiratory process and tone the nervous system, connecting the breath, mind and emotions.
The combination of Pranayama and Asana, the third limb of yoga, is considered to be the highest form of
purification and self-discipline for the body. Pranayama is the last of the first four of Patanjali's eight limbs of yoga, which concentrate on refining our
personalities, gaining mastery over the body, and cultivating a deeper
awareness of ourselves. These four limbs prepare us for the next part of this
journey, which deals with attaining a higher state of
consciousness. Next month, we'll explore the first of these remaining limbs, Pratyahara.
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Our Teachers
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Meet Michele Shipley
 Favorite
Asana: Pincha Mayurasana, or Forearm Balance. It's both playful and strong.
Little
Known Facts About Me: I performed the role of "Sugar Plum Fairy" during my ballet
years (pointe shoes - OUCH!)
Our "almost 4"-year-old daughter, Alexa, was conceived
through traditional
surrogacy. To every couple out there trying: never give up! There are many amazing options.
Words
That Describe My Class:
Healing comes in many forms -- my classes tend
to be filled with hands-on assists to deepen the experience. It's an opportunity to connect breath &
movement, allowing yoga's "magic" to work its way into the body. If you're not careful, the peace of mind
& heart you create just may follow you off the mat.
Who Inspires Me:
Honestly, the students!
If I can be part of one student's "aha" moment where she or he is able to
"breathe" and let go of any "ickiness," I am
grateful.
Favorite
yoga music:
Oooooh, lots of artists -- Krishna Das, Maxwell,
Girish, India Arie, Anugama, Brent Lewis,
Coldplay, David Newman, Diane Arkenstone, Jack Johnson, Jai Uttal, MC Yogi, and
the list goes on & on...
Favorite
yoga book: Hands down, The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle,
and for inspiration on a daily basis, Meditations from the Mat by Rolf
Gates
Favorite Quote:
The best way to find yourself is to lose
yourself in the service of others. ~ Gandhi
Why I love blue lotus:
The awesome community -- and Jill creating a safe haven for
every walk of life that passes through the blue's doors to experience the essence of
what yoga is really about. Did I mention
how grateful I am?
I knew I loved yoga when: I took my first Power Yoga class and couldn't
move for two weeks. After returning and
steadily taking classes, my chronic pain began to dissipate. There was my "aha" moment.
My Classes:
Flow & Stretch
7:00-8:15 pm, Mondays and Wednesdays
Power Yoga
9:30 - 11:00 am, Thursdays; check schedule
Therapeutic Lunch Hour
12:00-1:00 pm, Thursdays; check schedule
Back Care Yoga
Sunday mornings, check schedule
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Winds of Change: The Vata Season
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To everything, there is a season -- including the doshas
Fall is the season of Vata, and it just blew in September 21. In Ayurvedic medicine, the Vata dosha, or constitution, is related to the element of Air, and the dry, windy conditions of the next few months are just what Vata ordered.
As nature evolves from the heat of summer to the cool of fall, our bodies naturally respond -- we crave warmer "comfort" foods, pull out thick blankets and sweaters, and adjust to fewer hours of daylight with more time indoors. But seasonal changes can also send our constitutions out of whack. You can't control nature, but you can maintain
balance by adapting your lifestyle to suit the season. Try these few tips to keep windy Vata under control:
- Eat warm, moist, heavy foods like stews and soups. Add some oil or ghee and warming spices like cinnamon or ginger.
- Don't go long periods without eating; prepare rice puddings or stewed fruits for snacks, sip on ginger tea or have warm milk before bed.
- Establish a daily routine; wake at the same hour and go to bed at the time every day and regulate your mealtimes.
- Moisturize your skin with an oil massage before showering; then take a warm shower or steam bath.
- Exercise with activities that don't promote more wind (such as biking and running); try walking or yoga instead.
You can offset aggravated or imbalanced Vata during this cold and dry season with just a few simple, mindful changes to keep you calm, warm and nourished. And rest assured that come early winter, Kapha season will arrive.
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Thursday Therapeutic Lunch - $10 Special!
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 Guaranteed No-Sweat Wonderfulness
For just $10 and one blissful hour, you can nourish your body and get some mid-day relief from your daily stress and anxieties. It's the best possible way to spend your lunch hour!
Stretch and relax your body without having to rush for a shower before returning to work. Postures and stretches move at a slower pace,
incorporating breath and relaxation techniques. This practice is just what you need to to promote positive health,
stimulate healthy organ function and give your nervous system a well deserved break. Reap the
rejuvenating benefits of what yoga has to offer.
All levels welcome!
Noon to 1:00 pm, October 8, 15, 22 and 29.
While you are welcome to use your Membership or class pass, the drop-in fee
for this class is only $10. This special rate is available only in the studio, and
not online. No refunds will be issued if you select to use a membership or class pass.
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October Workshops & Events
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October's schedule is filled with great classes like NIA, Vinyasa L2/3, Freaky Flow, Back Care Yoga and much more. Be sure to check the online scheduler for all the details.
Yoga Nidra - FREE -
6:30-7:30 pm, Friday, October 16
Join Alison for a short gentle flow class followed by "yogic sleep" -- a deeply relaxing and healing guided savasana. All levels are welcome to wind down their week with this ancient soothing practice.
Intro to Ayurveda - FREE -
2:30-4:00 pm, Saturday, October 17
Ayurveda is the 5,000 year old life-science
of India,
and is considered to be the sister science of yoga. In this afternoon workshop students will
learn to assess their dosha
(body-mind constitution) and learn the tell tale signs of
imbalance. We will also cover the basics for creating and sustaining
vibrant health: daily routine, seasonal routine, and diet.
 Yoga Anatomy with Julee
The Pelvis and Pelvic Floor
10:30 am-Noon, Sunday, October 18
Explore the anatomy of the lower
extremities and movement potential as it relates to asana.
Yin Yoga Intensive with Yvonne
12:30-2:30, Saturday, October 24
Yin yoga helps to stimulate and strengthen the connective tissue of the joints with more passive, longer holds in yoga poses. It offers balance to a more active "yang" lifestyle and is a great way to slow down and go deep.
Restorative Yoga with Julee
10:00 am-Noon, Sunday, October 25
Be still, relax, and let go~ This gentle, deeply relaxing and restful practice is accessible for
everyone. Enjoy this workshop as it takes you through basic postures,
gentle stretches, resting restorative poses and simple breathing
techniques to soothe the nervous system.
Partner Yoga with Carrington and Yvonne
2:00-4:00 pm, Saturday, October 31
Bring a friend or partner and discover the power of two in exploring
movement, trust, connection and interdependence. No experience with
yoga is required Only one partner needs to register, but do sign up in advance as space is limited!
FREE Community Yoga Classes  These free classes are open to students of all levels. Instructors have completed 9 Months of Transformation,
the blue lotus Yoga Immersion & Teacher Training program.
- 6:30-7:30 pm, Friday, October 2
- 12:00-1:00 pm, Wednesday, October 7
- 12:00-1:00 pm, Wednesday, October 21
- 12:30-1:30 pm, Saturday, October 31
Space in
these classes is limited, so please register in advance.
Visit the online scheduler in the Classes and Workshops tabs for the complete blue lotus schedule and to register. |
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See you at the blue! |
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