vol. 4 / issue 10 OCTOBER 2010
in this issue quick links
forward to a friend join our mailing list
visit us on facebook
Namaste!

Those who were in L2 Vinyasa last night sat patiently while I rummaged through a book I've been reading, as I searched for a quote I wanted to share. I still don't have it, so I'll again make it up as I go along, since I think it's worth repeating.

In short? Don't underestimate the power of being with the things/people/places you love. When I first read those words, something woke up inside me. So simple, and so brilliant. For the many "to-do," "should-do," "need to do" things that fill your days, what about those people, places and activities that (often inexplicably!) make you feel great? I'm talking about the people/things that you love because you like yourself and everyone else a little more just by being there.

Perhaps even more important than seeing the power of being with what you love is to recognize that the "love" feeling evoked by a particular person, place, activity or memory is not something that resides outside. Rather it is our greatest reminder of what lives in us.We are given these relationships and activities and places to bring to the surface what lives inside. Love.

Find time this weekend to be in the healing presence of love- time with your partner, a friend, your child, your dog; in a park, a museum, on a lake; dancing, singing, playing an instrument, riding your bike... Be reminded what you're made of. It's a gift to you and everyone you meet.

Peace,

Jill

speak your truth: throat chakra
practicing purification
Ascending through the chakras, we come next to the throat chakra, or Visuddha. In the physical body it corresponds to the neck, throat, jaw and mouth, and is associated with the color blue. The healthfulness of the fifth chakra is directly related to how honestly we express ourselves. This energy resonates with the vibration of our inner truth and provides the unique way we speak that truth to the outside world. Writing and speaking, as well as music, dance and singing can all be fifth chakra expressions.

Visuddha actually means "pure" or "purification." This relates to purification through diet, asana, meditation and exercise, as well as through our spoken words. When we make a choice in our lives, it is generally declared with our voices. And the choices we make have consequences, including speaking an untruth or repressing anger (not speaking out).

Those with deficient throat chakra energy may experience a stiff neck, tense shoulders, grinding of teeth, an ailment of the jaw, throat or thyroid, or a fear of speaking. (You have probably experienced that “lump in your throat” when at a crossroads of not knowing how to express your thoughts and feelings.) Excess energy in the throat chakra may manifest in talking a lot, not being able to listen, trouble hearing, stuttering or an overactive thyroid. Various neck stretches and shoulder openers, including Camel Pose (Ustrasana), Bridge Pose (Setu Bandha Sarvangasana), Shoulderstand (Sarvangasana) and Plow (Halasana), can help to balance this energy. Sound itself is also purifying-- think of how you feel after chanting or singing along with your favorite music. These vibrations and rhythms positively affect the body and its subtle energy.

The challenge of the fifth chakra is learning to express ourselves in a manner that is in alignment with our deepest truth, as the throat connects the wisdom of the heart with the higher understanding of the sixth chakra.
rejuvenate ~ retreat!
mountain air, yoga & meditation
Before you are swept up in the busyness of the season, step away and give yourself some space. Some breathing room. Some peace and quiet.

A dose of the North Carolina mountains, yoga and meditation is just what you need. And while we're there, we'll have plenty of time for relaxation, long walks, great food and laughs in the company of new and old friends in this great community.

Join us October 15 - 17 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- the perfect location to Refill Your Cup.

For details and registration information, visit the Workshops/Events tab at the online scheduler.
why meditate?
improved health, concentration, clarity
The practice of meditation, much like yoga, has become more "mainstream" in recent years and is regularly touted by scientists and medical practitioners as beneficial for health. Yet many are hesitant to give it a try. The reasons vary: it may be perceived as a little "out there," some feel they don't have the time, others just don't see the benefit. So let's try to break down those barriers.

Meditation is simply the art of quieting the mind. When the mind slows down, concentration is increased, and we can experience a greater sense of calm in the midst of daily ups and downs. This elusive sense of peace is what attracts so many people to meditation and is a benefit to all who practice. Other benefits of meditation include improved concentration, detachment from being bothered by "the little things," reduction in stress and anxiety, and gaining a better understanding of yourself.

Like anything worthwhile, meditation requires practice, in a place and time where you will not be disturbed. To get the most from meditation you need to do it every day, and it's best to start with baby steps. Sit in meditation for just five minutes and work your way up in five-minute increments until you can sit for at least 30 minutes.

What do I do when I'm sitting?
Sit up with your back straight, either in a chair or on the floor. Concentrate on only one thing -- your breath, a candle flame or a mantra, for example. When you become distracted by other thoughts or sounds, simply acknowledge them, and return your mind to the item of focus.

Don’t be discouraged, as your "monkey mind" has been running the show your whole life. It takes time -- and practice -- to unwind the habits of a busy mind. When it comes to meditation, we can come up with dozens of reasons why we shouldn't, which is exactly why we should.
i wonder . . .
your questions about yoga
What if I don’t have any experience with yoga and want to try Yin Yoga?

You don't need any experience to do Yin yoga. The practice focuses on the connective tissues -- ligaments and tendons -- of the lower body. Translation -- the entire practice is done sitting or lying on your mat. The poses are simple and can be easily modified for any body, including those with injuries or movement restrictions. Plus, Yin is a wonderful way to undo the effects of all the sitting we do in our daily lives, helping to open the closed and tight areas in the body. It's also a great complement to the more active "yang" practices, like vinyasa yoga, running and other high energy activities. In class, you will be guided through a combination of classic Yin postures, deep stretch and restorative asana, where poses are held for longer periods of time to find deeper ranges of motion and an increased flow of energy.

Curious? Give it a try!

Yin Yoga classes are held from 5:30 to 6:30 pm, Tuesdays. Starting this month, we'll have a ** new class ** from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, Wednesdays.
Ready to really dive in? Join Yvonne on Sunday, October 24, from 10:00am - noon for a two-hour Yin Intensive.

Send your questions to [email protected].
october happenings
something for everyone at the blue
October features the return of the Moon Sequence as well as Intro to Budokon for those who are interested but want to get clear on the basics first. And of course, what would a month be without Juicy Flow Yoga, Deep Stretch and a Vinyasa Level 2/3 thrown in for good measure? Check it all out at the online scheduler!

Early Bird Yoga **now Thursdays, too**
6:30-7:30 am, Tuesdays and Thursdays
A perfect way to start your day!

Intro to Ayurveda **FREE**
10:30 am-Noon, Saturday, October 2
Ayurveda is the 5,000 year old life-science of India, and is considered to be the sister science of yoga. Ayurvedic philosophy says that vibrant health is your birthright, and that disease is the manifestation of imbalance. In this morning workshop, learn to assess your dosha (your body-mind constitution -- Pitta, Vata and Kapha) and learn the tell-tale signs of imbalance for each dosha. We will also cover the basics for creating and sustaining vibrant health: daily routine, seasonal routine and diet.

Yoga & Art for Kids!
1:00-4:00 pm, Saturday, October 23
Help your child enhance the imagination and feel confident about his or her own creativity through yoga and art. Kids will use books, songs, games, and poems to explore meditation, breathing practices, and yoga poses. Then they’ll play with art supplies and let those creative juices flow!
Blue Lotus Yoga and Movement Arts

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