vol. 4 / issue 9 SEPTEMBER 2010
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Namaste!

I’ve reached an age where I can look back and see the shifting tides of people who have come and gone from my life. Sometimes they have simply faded out over time and other times situations or events created an abrupt departure. Some I think of frequently and others seldom come to mind. But an awareness of the coming and going of souls and the imprints they have left on my heart has heightened my awareness of those with whom I am walking right now.

The people who come into our lives are our teachers. They hold up mirrors that allow us to see our own light and beauty; our own grief and pain. And this is a gift that allows us to see what we are unable to see alone.

As you scan your own life- the people who have been there for years and those just at the fringes of entering- take note. Each relationship holds a light on something within you that needs to be illuminated: the parts that are beautiful and perhaps forgotten, the bits that are broken and need tending, and the reminders that even in brokenness we are whole.

In the words of Rumi:
Be grateful for whoever comes,
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.

Many thanks to my many guides.

Peace,

Jill

connection to the spirit: heart chakra
"love heals all."
The fourth energy center, the heart chakra, is called Anahata, “the unhurt.” This love and acceptance center of our human energy system is often the focus in bringing about healing. Associated with the color green, it is the channel through which we open to and connect with peace and harmony.

The heart chakra rests in the center of the chakra system, and corresponds to the physical heart, chest and back. It is the balance point that integrates the physical world of the lower three chakras and the spiritual world of the upper three chakras.

We all know that hurtful situations can affect our emotional being. They also wound and can create deficient heart chakra energy. This can manifest in the emotions as feeling shy, lonely, unable to forgive or lacking empathy, as well as the physical symptoms of shallow breathing, asthma and other lung ailments. Notice when you find yourself sitting with rounded shoulders and your head forward, and remember to practice chest-opening poses to give your heart some breathing space.

Asana that open and enliven the heart include Cow Face pose (Gomukhasana) and Eagle Pose (Garudasana), as well as all backbends. In many backbend poses like Camel, Fish, and Wheel, the heart rises higher the head, letting the mind drop away and rising to trust and full opening of the heart. Remembering what you love and appreciate as you practice these postures also can enhance the power of the pose -- and your general well being.


There are situations, too, in which the heart chakra energy is overpowering and shows up in the emotions as jealousy, possessiveness or co-dependency, and in the body as heart disease and high blood pressure. To create balance, try gentle forward bending poses that ground you and promote introspection. Discover nourishment within that you may have been seeking from others.

The “wounded child” resides in the heart. Learning to love and forgive yourself and others is a powerful first step in securing a healthy fourth chakra that is open, energized and balanced. Love is the greatest healer of all.
our teachers
meet sidney julich
Favorite Asana:� Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle). I love the twisty-ness of this pose. Also the power and strength of�Chaturanga�Dandasana.
Little Known Facts About Me: I can't think of anything.�For better or worse I'm pretty much an open book.
Words That Describe My Class: fun, challenging and different
Who Inspires Me: My children.
Favorite Yoga Music: I love all music and always use different music each class. Sometimes the Beatles, sometimes '80s alternative, sometimes classical-- I like it all.
Favorite Yoga Book: My Daddy is a Pretzel by Baron Baptiste. There are some flash cards that go along with this series, and my daughter and I used to do them a lot when she was younger. It is so fun to do yoga with kids!�It brings me back to the beginner's mind concept. There is little ego in a child's practice, and that grounds me and reminds me to let go of mine as well.
Favorite Quote:
St. Theresa's prayer
May today there be peace within.
May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.
May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.
May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you.
May you be content knowing you are a child of God.
Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
It is there for each and every one of us.
Why I love blue lotus: I love the aura around blue lotus . . . plus the people there are cool.
I knew I loved yoga when:� I did my first revolved prayer twist- I refer back to the twisty-ness thing!
Anything else you’d like to add: Budokon is an amazing practice that will strengthen your mind as well as your body.�The part I love most is that it does these things while also being fun.
My Class:
Budokon
7:00-8:30 pm, Wednesdays
fall retreat . . . ahhhh. just what you need.
refill your cup at a retreat in the nc mountains
Get away from it all for bit of peace and quiet. Join us for a weekend of yoga, meditation, hiking, laughter and community in the beautiful North Carolina mountains, October 15 - 17.

Fall is a busy time, as we get back into a groove after the lazy heat of summer. The holidays are right around the corner, and while the pace of life quickens on the outside, there is an inner calling to slow down and turn inward. We invite you to take a weekend with us to do just that.

We'll be staying at The Prama Institute
, a retreat center located in Marshall, NC. Surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains, it’s nestled among 150 acres of rolling hills and forest lands strewn with hiking trails.


For details and registration information, visit the Workshops tab at the online scheduler. Take advantage of the early registration discount and sign up before September 15!

global mala
day of yoga-by-donation supports local women's shelter
On Sunday, September 19 we join yoga studios around the world to celebrate the power of community with Global Mala 2010! This event unites yoga communities from every continent, school and approach to form a "mala around the earth," supporting charities that spread hope and peace.

All Global Mala classes at blue lotus are by-donation and support the Women's Center of Wake County, which was devastated by a flood this summer. This amazing organization actively addresses the growing issue of homelessness of mothers and single women.

Sunday, September 19
All classes by-donation

8:30 - 10:00 am: Prana Flow with Conni
10:30 - 11:30 am: Flow & Stretch with Michele
12:00 - 1:00 pm: Partner Yoga with Suzanne and Sandy
1:30 - 2:30 pm: Kids Yoga ages 6-11 with Jen
3:00 - 5:00 pm: Yoga Mala with Jill

Classes are by-donation, but pre-regisistration is encouraged to ensure your space is reserved.
high-speed rail could take out blue lotus
new plans could mean the end of the blue
The NC Department of Transportation has three design options under consideration for the proposed high-speed rail to come through Raleigh. The current option recommended to the Raleigh City Council by the Passenger Rail Task Force, NC3, would claim land by eminent domain and displace businesses and homes along the current Northern Southern rail area, from Peace Street to Wake Forest Avenue.

NC DOT and Federal Railroad Administration’s own research shows that NC3 has the most negative impacts, including an impact on blue lotus. Learn more about NC3, the opposition from the Five Points area, and what you can do to voice your opinion. The City Council has extended the deadline for feedback to September 10, so don't delay in providing your response about this important issue.
september happenings
check out the new fall classes!
September brings new classes for kids going back to school, new offerings for you, along with tried and true favorites like Juicy Flow Yoga, Stretch & Restore and Back Care Yoga. Check them all out online on the scheduler.

Sumits Hot Yoga with Gabriel
12:30-3:30 pm, Saturday, September 4
The evolution of Hot Yoga! The unique practice of Sumits Yoga was developed in Phoenix, Arizona by Bikram’s nephew Sumit Banerjee. It combines the principles of Bikram Hot Yoga with Vinyasa Flow, all set to inspiring music. This powerful and exciting practice is spreading across the country! Be among the first to experience it in the Triangle!

Budokon ** NEW CLASS **
7:00-8:30 pm, Wednesdays
Imagine a combination of yoga, martial arts and meditation. A dance of agility, control, power, balance and flow. Give it a try! Exclusive to the blue, you won’t find it anywhere else in the Triangle.

Mama-Baby Yoga -- $10 ** NEW CLASS **
11:30 am - 12:30 pm, Tuesdays
Bond with your pre-crawler baby and other moms while receiving the benefits of yoga postures, breath work and meditation. Can you think of anything better than holding your little one while resting in savansana? Sweetness.

Yoga for Kids ages 3-5 ** NEW SERIES **
1:00-2:00 pm, Tuesdays
September 7 - November 9
We all know it does not take much to get this age group moving, so channel that energy in a positive direction!

Yoga for Kids ages 5-9 ** NEW SERIES **
4:00-5:00 pm, Tuesdays
September 7 - November 9
Kids benefit from yoga, too! They gain confidence, improve strength and flexibility, and learn relaxation techniques. Most importantly, they begin to understand the power of their breath to help them when they feel sad, mad or scared.

Yoga Foundations Six-Week Series -- Sunday Evenings!
** NEW DAY AND TIME **
6:00-7:30 pm, Sundays
September 12 - October 17
By popular demand, we are offering our Yoga Foundations Series on Sunday evenings. Weekend activities and chores are checked off the list, and a new week lies ahead. What a perfect time to dedicate some time to you! Come learn about the basic elements of the yoga -- the breath and how it links movement, as well as correct structural alignment and how to modify poses for your body.

blue lotus sponsors SPCA's Down by the Tracks!
4:00-8:00 pm, Sunday, September 19
We are friends of all animals at the blue, especially the home companions who keep us sane and shower us with unconditional love. We want to give that chance to as many dogs and cats and humans as possible as we support SPCA's Down by the Tracks. Bring your favorite canine fur baby and come on by The Shops at Seaboard Station in Raleigh for this year's activities! There will be music, a silent auction, fashion show, beer and wine tastings, and more! The Booling (aka Padma) hopes to see you there.

Yoga & Art for Big Kids (i.e., Adults!)
6:00-9:00 pm, Saturday, September 25
The kids don't get to have all the fun. We've decided that adults might like a yoga & art experience, too! It's time for the grown-ups to get their creative juices flowing with some flow yoga and then pull out the paints and brushes and create some art! No experience with art is needed, and all supplies will be provided. Registration closes one week before the workshop to ensure there is enough space and adequate supplies, so register early!

Studio Closing for Maintenance
We've been in operation for 3 1/2 wonderful years, and all that yoga in one place can wear a building a bit. We'll be closed all day Friday and Saturday, September 17 & 18 to give some love to our beautiful urban sanctuary. We are sorry for the inconvenience, but promise the building -- and you -- will be happier when the work is done.
Blue Lotus Yoga and Movement Arts

401 n. west street
raleigh nc 27603
919.831.2583
bluelotusnc.com
see you at the blue!
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