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Namaste!
The calendar says Spring is coming. But with just a cursory look around, it seems that's the only sign we've got. Wool sweaters, down comforters, fleecy hats and gloves are still daily staples. I've yet to take my morning walk with Padma and feel the Spring air. And you know the day when it happens. One day, even in the cold, the air feels a little bit...softer. And you are reminded that Spring in all its color and beauty, in all of its possibility, is just around the corner.
Looking more closely, I do see the signs. Daffodil shoots are breaking through, and crocus blooms have popped up among the dead leaves. Robins and bluebirds are everywhere and in full song. Nature is calling its Mother to bring on the Spring. It's just around the corner.
For me, I know that internal change is also on the horizon. I've been in a holding pattern of sorts for a couple of months now with the feeling that SOMETHING is about to shift. It's GOT to, right? We all have experienced the feeling inside that what you've been working on, or working towards, or working out is ripe and ready. And it's just then that we get impatient. Almost ready. Almost time. It's just around the corner.
And so for now, (like the flowers and birds) I will continue to shout out "All right, already! Let's do this thing!!" But I know on the inside the schedule is not up to me. Movement, growth, change-- it all happens in its own time. And so I breathe. And wait. It's just around the corner.
Peace,
Jill |
| Purusartha: The Four Aims of Life |
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Bringing together Patanjali's Eight Limbs
Patanjali's Eight Limbs of yoga provide us with a path for a good life. In the Purusartha, Patanjali lays out for us the four aims or goals of life. Practicing the eight limbs, we are ready to set our human purpose.
According to the Yoga Sutras, the four Purusartha or aims of life are Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksa.
Dharma is the observance of ethical standards and spiritual discipline. Artha is life in balance on the physical plane -- balancing work, family and money in keeping with spiritual values. Kama is the enjoyment of the fruits of your labors, love, wishes and desires. Mokṣa is ultimate transcendental liberation and ranks as the chief goal. In living tradition, the notion of the four puruṣārthas represents a holistic approach to the satisfaction of person's spiritual, physical and emotional needs.
As Rolf Gates explains in Meditations from the Mat, "Dharma, artha and kama are our actions; in moksa we surrender the fruits of our actions to the universe. We let go of everthing and hold onto nothing."
A hundred times a day I remind myself that my life depends on the labors of other men, living and dead, and that I must exert myself in order to give, in measure as I have received, and am still receiving. ~ Albert Einstein |
Get Soulful with Robin Renee
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Renowned artist performs March 5
 blue lotus welcomes the return of Robin Renee for an evening of soulful kirtan featuring songs from her CD, spirit.rocks.sexy. Robin comes to Raleigh following an 11-state, cross-country tour last year where she entertained a range of audiences.
Kirtan is a call-and-response style of chanting from the Hindu tradition meant to evoke peace, spiritual passion and Universal Love. Robin's style of kirtan is specifically designed to be accessible to those of any or no particular religious perspective or chanting experience. Most of the songs are sung in easy-to-follow Sanskrit, with some English lyrics thrown in for good measure.
"Last year, the chanters at blue lotus were incredibly warm and enthusiastic," Robin says. "I am really looking forward to another wonderful evening with the blue lotus community."
Space is limited, so please preregister at the Workshops tab on the online scheduler. |
| What is your spring ritual? |
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Welcoming the season with tradition
Each year, many of us engage (consciously or unconsciously!) in specific activities as winter draws to a close and we welcome the renewing season of Spring. Practices might include engaging in a cleansing twisting yoga practice to "wring out" the old; changing your diet to fresher raw foods; planting a garden; cleaning your closets and giving away unnecessary items that have been "cluttering" your life; or some other literal or symbolic Spring Cleaning. Look closely, as you may even have a ritual of which you aren't consciously aware.
 Regardless of what it is- be it practical, cultural, spiritual or otherwise- honor your practice as a recognition of the change of seasons, growth and fresh possibilities. |
| Rhythmic Flow Weekend with Kristin |
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Join us March 12-14 for Earth, Water, Fire and Thai Yoga practices!
Kristin Cooper Gulak returns to the blue to offer her popular, transformational vinyasa-based practice, guided and inspired by the creative rhythms of live drumming. Rhythmic Flow Yoga, which began in 2000, has evolved as a communal yoga experience that involves five elemental practices: Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Space. A non-verbal "play" evolves between practitioners and the drummers as each elemental practice synthesizes vinyasa sequencing, kriyas, intentional visualizations, instrumentation and rhythms.
This practice of movement and sound creates the power to transform, revealing passion, power and presence in your practice. Kristin will guide you through the first part of the practice leading to the opportunity for you to move into your own free form expression of yoga asana. Come play with Kristin, the Kunga Drummers and the blue lotus yoga community in this opportunity to break through and enjoy the evolution of your body through rhythm.
See Workshop & Events below for the full Rhythmic Flow schedule, Friday through Sunday, March 12 - 14. |
| March Workshops & Events |
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In addition to the workshops and events here, be sure to check the online scheduler for details on all of the classes and workshops offered this month! You don't want to miss favorites like Back Care Yoga, Deep Stretch, and a by-donation Fire Practice with Conni next Saturday afternoon!
Yin Yoga Intensive with Yvonne
3:00-5:00 pm
Saturday, March 6
Foundations II with Julee: Inversions!
12:30-2:00 pm
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.
Yoga Foundations Six-Week Series with Julee
10:30 am-Noon, Saturdays
March 20, 27; April 10, 24; May 1, 8
Rhythmic Flow with Kristin & the Kunga Drummers
Earth Practice
6:00-9:00 pm
Friday, March 12
Slow Flow Water Practice
10:00 am-1:00 pm
Saturday, March 13
Thai Yoga
2:00-5:00 pm
Saturday, March 13
Fire Practice
9:00 am-Noon
Sunday, March 14
Yoga Anatomy with Julee: Spreading Your Wings 10:30 am - Noon, Sundays March 21, Integrating Hand to Shoulder April 25, Integrating Hands to Ribs Yoga Mala with Jill 4:00-6:00 Sunday, March 21 Free Community Yoga! 12:00-1:00 pm, Wednesday, March 10 2:30-3:30 pm, Saturday, March 20 12:30-1:30 pm, Saturday, March 27 4:00-5:00 pm, Saturday, March 27 for KIDS! 4:30-5:30 pm, Sunday, March 28 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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