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Namaste!
According to Dictionary.com, a generally accepted definition of Sabbatical is "any extended period of leave from one's customary work, especially for rest, to acquire new skills or training, etc." I had the idea that these few weeks off were for rest. Oh my. Was I ever wrong.
Exploring my edges. That is what I am doing. And I've come to understand that while I think of myself as someone who goes through life exploring edges, the truth is that I'm adept at exploring the edges of my comfort zone. I am now learning about exploring edges well outside my comfort zone. And that is a whole new ball game. Sure I can sit with discomfort in a familiar place, but how about in a completely foreign environment where I have no control? Not so much.
Since leaving Raleigh March 17 with the hangover of a high fever and stomach flu, I've been without itinerary, on someone else's ever-changing schedule, sleeping out in the elements under the stars, on multi-pitch granite climbs, stuck in a sand ditch at 1:00 am in the middle of nowhere, paragliding between storm fronts, living out of a backpack and torn grocery bag, eating peaches from a can for lunch...you get the idea. New Understanding of My Edge. And an incredibly powerful lesson on letting go.
And through the process, I am reminded (over and over and over) that the only obstacle is my mind. And it's such a huge obstacle. This is where the edges live. Intellectually I get it: Experience is what we make of it; Reality is truly based on our perception alone; How you see it is how it is. Sheesh. So that means that ultimately I am still responsible for how this all goes? Sheesh!
So for Part 2 of this little adventure, I'm adjusting my notion of Sabbatical to the latter definition. For the next two weeks I will be in Panama. In the jungle, on the beach, sleeping in a hammock, no shower or toilet, no guide or guidebook. I suspect there are a few more edges just around the corner. I know I'm not ready. But I'm willing. And if I've learned anything along the way, that's half the battle. We're here to learn and grow and generally WAKE UP. And perhaps that can't always happen in the comfort zone. Out I go...
I'll be glad to be home, and so happy to see you mid-April.
Peace,
Jill |
Yogic Spring Cleaning
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Shedding the protective layer
In the traditional Indian system of health and medicine known as Ayurveda, the doshas -- vata, pitta and kapha -- are the three general body types. They are defined by their elemental qualities and constitutional tendencies of mind, body and spirit. Each dosha has its gifts, but a dosha out of balance also can cause dis-ease in a body. Ayurveda helps people heal by balancing their dosha.
Just as individuals have unique doshas, so, too, are the Lord of Ayurveda, Dhanvantari | seasons identified by dosha. Kapha is highest in late Winter and Spring. In Winter, Kapha fat rises to protect the body from coldness and drives the heat of the body inward. In late Winter and into Spring, as the sun heats the air and the body sheds the layer of protective fat, Kapha is released into the blood stream. Regardless of your primary dosha, you may experience the effects of the season's dosha.
If you've noticed a lot of twisting in the yoga classes you've been taking lately, coming out of Kapha could be the reason. As temperatures rise and Kapha is shedding, twisting asana allows the body to "wring out" toxins and flush the system of its winter storage. (Check out the four-class Foundations II series on Twists below.)
The information available on the Internet and in book stores about doshas and Ayurvedic medicine is abundant. We encourage you to do your own research as you learn more about this system of traditional Indian medicine.
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Our Teachers
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Meet Stacy Ingham
Favorite Asana: Kapotasana (King Pigeon Pose)
Little Known Facts About Me: I recently joined a rock climbing gym in Morrisville -- really enjoying learning to climb with my hubby!
Words That Describe My Class: Energizing, informative, inspiring (I hope!)
Who Inspires Me: My kids -- I strive every day to set a good example for them.
Favorite Yoga Music: Golden Bowls of Compassion by Karma Moffett
Favorite Yoga Book: How Yoga Works by Michael Roach and Christie McNally
Favorite Quote: "Be the change you want to see in the world." ~ Ghandi
Why I love blue lotus: Beautiful, Welcoming Space; Beautiful, Welcoming People; Beautiful, Welcoming Energy!
I knew I loved yoga when: I took my first six-week session of Ashtanga classes, and read Beryl Bender Birch's book Power Yoga.
Anything else you'd like to add: I'm so excited to be at blue lotus with such a wonderful and enthusiastic group of yogis!! Thanks for having me!
My Classes: Ashtanga
11:30 am-1:00 pm, Mondays 9:30-10:45 am, Thursdays
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Learn Thai Massage
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The Art of Therapy taught by Gabriel Azoulay
Indulge yourself in learning the art of Thai Massage for an entire weekend in May. This ancient practice uses passive stretching and gentle pressure along the body's energy lines to increase flexibility, relieve muscle and joint tension and balance the body's energy systems. Thai Massage is both deeply relaxing and energizing.
Gabriel Azoulay, an innovator in the field who has been teaching for 15 years, will lead the instruction for the Thai Massage Certification Weekend, May 21 - 23 at blue lotus. His training includes two years in Thailand studying with Thai Massage master Pichest Boonthume. Later this summer, Gabriel will be a presenting speaker at the Thai Healing Symposium in Washington, D.C.
The weekend training at blue lotus begins with an introduction to the practice's history and modern influences and continues throughout the weekend with instruction on applying massage to the upper body and lower body and more. Finally, Gabriel ties it all together with instruction and discussion on how to take Thai Massage into your daily life and practice.
Gabriel's teaching blends his practice with a memory for ancient poetry and stories, weaving his love of mind-body psychology, Indian mythology and authentic spirituality into this extraordinary event. We are honored to host this training.
For details and to register, visit the Workshops tab at the online scheduler.
Sessions may be counted as continuing education for NCBTMB and Yoga Alliance.
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Newsletter Archives Online
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Peruse previous issues
If you've ever wanted to go back and look for an article, recipe or one of Jill's messages from a previous issue of news from the blue, now you can!
We've archived all previous issues of our enewsletter online for your convenient reference. And we've added the hotlink to our Quick Links in the left sidebar in each issue (soon to be added to the website and blog, too).
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April Workshops & Events |
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In addition to the workshops this month, be sure to check the online scheduler for details on all of the classes in April. You'll find your favorites like Deep Stretch, Juicy Flow and Explore & Restore and new classes like Rock Flow (April 9)!
Ashtanga twice a week!A second Ashtanga class has been added at 9:30 am, Thursdays, in addition to the current 11:30 am, Monday class. Yin Yoga Intensive with Yvonne
9:00-11:00 am Sunday, April 4 Partner Yoga with Yvonne12:30-2:00 pm Saturday, April 10 Foundations II with Julee: Twists!12:30-2:00 pm Sundays, April 11 & 25, May 2 & 9 Lengthen and move your spine, and then venture into twists. Twists are excellent for flushing the organs and cleansing the system of toxins. It's the perfect practice for Springtime!
Assisting Workshop with Jill 12:30-3:00 pm Saturday, April 24
Yoga Anatomy with Julee: Spreading Your Wings Integrating Hands to Ribs10:30 am - Noon Sunday, April 25 Free Community Yoga! Please be sure to pre-register online for these free classes. Space is limited, and classes are often full. 10:00-11:00 am, Saturday, April 3 2:30-3:30 pm, Saturday, April 10 12:00-1:00 pm, Wednesday, April 14 4:00-5:00 pm, Saturday, April 24 for KIDS! 6:00-7:00 pm, Sunday, April 25 Visit the online scheduler at the Classes and Workshops tabs for the complete blue lotus schedule and to register. |
Join me and my friends at the blue! |
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