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Namaste!
I've come to observe that I spend a lot of time spinning. And I don't mean locked inside, pedaling madly on a bicycle to nowhere, although that image is rather fitting. Rather, I'm talking about the kind of spinning where I whip a thought, a conversation or an idea into a crazy, whirring tornado of energy. Round and round and round about the same thing, and going nowhere. Endless ruminating, pondering, devising, planning and all for no real purpose- no constructive end.
Mental spinning is closely related to emotional spinning, which is another favorite hobby. This is where I go from calm and content to over-rotated in sixty seconds, simply by creating a heated conversation (with myself or someone in my mind) that HAS NEVER EVEN HAPPENED.
Spinning can even be an activity: checking my e-mail for the seventy-third time in one hour, roaming around the kitchen poking and grazing because I don't have time to cook something healthy (when there could be plenty of time), moving piles of paper from stack to stack, room to room-- not filing, or reading or paying bills. Just Spinning. Riding the bicycle to nowhere.
And the thing about this little ride? It is exhausting. It is counterproductive. It leaves me irritable and a little fried.
So I've got a new practice I'm trying out. On a regular basis throughout my day, I stop and check in with my current activity, mental processes and their ever-so-closely related emotions. It's the three-part, three-point checklist: Is it productive? Is it fun? Is it nurturing? If it (the activity, thought and/or emotion) is not at least one of the above? Time for something different. Get off the bike and go for a walk outside.
Maybe your check points are a little different. Those three fit for me, for right now. Try it out, and see what you find.
Peace,
Jill |
| Samadhi: The Eighth Limb of Yoga |
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State of Ecstasy and Peace
Samadhi, which means to bring together or merge, is the final step in the eight-fold path of yoga. Patanjali describes this eighth and final stage as a state of ecstasy. At this stage, the meditator merges with his or her point of focus and transcends the Self altogether. The body and senses are at rest, but the faculties of mind and reason are alert.
In this state of total absorption, the meditator realizes a profound connection to the Divine, and an interconnectedness with all living things. With this realization comes the experience of bliss and being at one with the Universe.
This may seem to be a rather lofty kind of goal. However, when you pause to examine what you truly want out of life, are not joy, fulfillment and freedom on your list of hopes and desires?
What Patanjali has described as the pinnacle of the yogic path is what, deep down, all human beings aspire to: abiding peace. Yet this ultimate stage of yogic enlightenment can only be experienced through sustained and devoted practice, over a long period of time, without attachment to the result. A lifetime of practice.
Just as the naturally pure crystal assumes shapes and colors of objects placed near it, so the Yogi's mind, with its totally weakened modifications, becomes clear and balanced and attains the state devoid of differentiation between knower, knowable and knowledge. This culmination of meditation is samadhi. ~ Yoga Sutras, I-41
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| 3rd Birthday Bash! |
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All classes by-donation February 5-7 benefit Haiti
 We're 3! And like most 3-year-olds, we're excited about our birthday!
Each year we share our gratitude with the community by offering a weekend of yoga-by-donation in support of a designated non-profit organization. This year, all donations will support our MercyCorps fundraiser to benefit Haiti disaster relief efforts. Every donation you make also enters your name into a drawing for gifts from local businesses.
Join us for a weekend of gratitude, yoga, love, sharing, community, good food, giving back and all good things!
Check out our full schedule of classes by-donation and events, and visit the online scheduler to pre-register for classes. (Not necessary, but encouraged.)
In addition to classes and raffle drawings, we'll have a three day sale in the Wee Boo-tique and a rollback sale on memberships and class passes-- all for three days only, so don't miss it!
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| Join our Facebook community |
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We are all about community at the blue, and so is Facebook! Become a fan of our Facebook Page and stay up-to- date on upcoming events and yoga news, and receive an inspirational thought from time-to-time to help you through your day. Invite your friends to join, too!
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| Our Teachers |
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Meet Jill Braly
Favorite Asana: Urdhva Padmasana. There is something delightful about flipping this meditative posture upside down into a shoulder stand.
Little Known Facts About Me: I am a closet science geek. I love to read physics books and Scientific American magazine in my free time. You'd be surprised at the yogic philosophy you can find in a book on quantum physics!
Word That Describes My Class: Diverse. I completed my teacher training in India, so I offer my interpretation of a variety of yoga styles and traditions, grounded in anatomy and offered in a modern context.
Who Inspires Me: My mother, who is always evolving and accepting; and anyone who envisions a way to make the world a better place and then acts on that vision.
Favorite Yoga Music: Currently, I am enjoying the album Invocation, a compilation featuring Ty Burhoe, Krishna Das, Manorama, John Friend and Amy Ippoliti.
Favorite Yoga Book: Anatomy of Hatha Yoga by H. David Coulter is a challenging book that I've been reading for years now.
Favorite Quote: "All who wander are not lost." -- J.R.R. Tolkien. I believe certain types of wandering support our constant evolution as individuals, as humans, as parts of the whole.
Why I love blue lotus: blue lotus provides a unique space for the Raleigh yoga community to come together for practice, friendship, healing and sharing. It makes me smile to reminisce about the parts of my own yoga journey that have unfolded in this special place.
I knew I loved yoga when: I found my self doing half moon balances in the parking lot, tree pose while hiking, and stealing every opportunity that presented itself to go upside down or fly in crow pose.
Other bits about Jill: I come to the mat, and continue to come to the mat, because through yoga I have found a way to honor my constant growth and change. And through teaching, I have been able to share and enjoy the the journey of my fellow yogis. I am very thankful for the constant evolution of the ancient tradition and science of yoga, and am grateful for the blue lotus community that is a part of that tradition.
My Classes
Early Bird Yoga ($10) NEW CLASS
7:00-8:00 am, Tuesdays
Lunch Hour Yoga ($10) NEW CLASS
12:00-1:00 pm, Fridays
These clases are gentle enough that no post-class shower is necessary, but invigorating and energizing enough to give you the "umph" to make it triumphantly through the day!
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| Teacher Training info session |
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Immerse yourself in yoga!
Our upcoming Yoga Immersion and Teacher Training info session will cover all the bases and answer your questions about the program. Join us from 6:00 to 7:00 pm, Sunday, February 7.
Students enrolled or interested in enrolling for the next session, September 2010 to May 2011, are invited to ask questions, while current students and recent graduates will share their experiences.
If you are considering participation in the blue lotus 9 Months of Transformation Yoga Immersion and Teacher Training starting in September 2010 or 2011, please join us to learn more about the program.
You can also visit the FAQ on our website, or contact us at info@bluelotusnc.com or 919.831.2583.
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| February Workshops & Events |
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In addition to the workshops and events below, be sure to check the online scheduler for details on all of the classes and workshops offered this month!
3rd Birthday Bash!
February 5-7 (PDF)
Friday, February 5
9:30-11:00am -- Vinyasa Open
Noon-1:00 pm -- Lunch Hour Yoga
7:00-10:00 pm -- Veggie Potluck and Movie Night
Saturday, February 6
8:00-9:00 am -- Yin Yoga
9:15-10:15 am -- Vinyasa Open
12:30-1:30 pm -- Community Yoga for All Levels
2:00-3:00 pm -- Partner Yoga
3:30-4:30 pm -- Yoga for KIDS!
Sunday, February 7
9:00-10:00 am -- Back Care Yoga
10:30-11:30 am -- Flow & Stretch
2:30-3:30 pm -- Vinyasa Level 1
4:00-5:30 pm -- Vinyasa Level 2
Yoga Anatomy Series with Julee: Spreading Your Wings
10:30 am - Noon, Sundays
February 21, The Shoulder Girdle
March 21, Integrating Hand to Shoulder
April 25, Integrating Hands to Ribs
Candlelight Yoga & Chocolate
6:30-8:00 pm
Friday, February 26
Indulge in a new experience. The Nahualli Trading Co. will unveil new variety of Chocolate Seeds during this special sense driven event of yoga and chocolate. Dive into a soothing of your senses with calming, rhythmic melodies combined with a gentle, easy flow. This is an open level class so everyone is able to find their individual comfort.
Yin Yoga Intensive with Yvonne
2:00-3:30 pm
Saturday, February 27
Four-Week Foundations II with Julee: Inversions!
12:30-2:00 pm
February 28, March 7, 21 & 28
 Take it upside down as you focus on the basic principles of inversions. Cultivate basic principles of core strength and shoulder action for inverted poses increasing our skill level with each class. Poses include downward dog, legs up the wall, extended bridge, plus poses that work our way towards shoulder stand, head stand, hand stand and others.
Free Community Yoga!
12:30-1:30 pm, Saturday, February 6
12:00-1:00 pm, Wednesday, February 10
6:00-7:00 pm, Sunday, February 21
12:30-1:30 pm, Saturday, February 27
4:00-5:00 pm, Saturday, February 27 for KIDS!
Visit the online scheduler in the Classes and Workshops tabs for the complete blue lotus schedule and to register. |
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Join me and my friends at the blue! |
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