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Namaste!
If you've spent any time around me, you know that yoga is probably my favorite topic of discussion. I can talk about classes, practice, philosophy for hours on end. So it's funny that there's this one yoga topic that gets me all jammed up. Every time. (Attachment, anyone?)In a discussion with a friend last week about physical training, I made a comment regarding a specific style of martial arts fighting, wherein competitors cut 20 pounds of weight in short time to be "at weight" for competitions. It was something along the lines of "that doesn't seem very healthy." I got a snarky reply akin to "well you do yoga all the time and it seems you're always sick or injured." At this point I had to pause and breathe. Not just then, in the conversation, but now, here as I write. This seems to be a not uncommon misconception about yoga: practice yoga and everything will be perfect. I am here to tell you otherwise. Yoga can do some amazing things for you. Check out our website or consult the great wise one, Google-ji for an extensive list of physical and psychological benefits of yoga: from reducing the effects of stress on your body to helping you get a better night's rest. But in the end, yoga doesn't make life go away. Unless you've signed up for a pretty cushy incarnation, you will still experience sickness, injury, disappointment, loss, anger, stress and grief. Yoga isn't a magic cure-all for what ails you in this body and in this life. But after about 16 years of practice, I'll share with you what yoga CAN do- at least what it's done for me. A consistent yoga practice will indeed boost your immune system and make you less injury-prone, but even more, it will give you the skills to cope with illness and injury with new-found patience and compassion. It will offer you insight into the lessons behind those physical struggles and an understanding into the imbalance that may have contributed to them in the first place. Yoga doesn't bring a sudden halt to life experiences that incite anger or disappointment. But it does offer you tools to manage those emotions and the space you need in order to implement them. And there's no prescription of postures or meditation practices that will remove loss and grief from the realm of your experience. But it will give you widened perspective and the regular opportunity to explore your attachments and cultivate present-moment mindfulness and gratitude. I think I'll keep practicing.
Peace,
Jill
ajna chakra: the third eye |
perception center
When we visualize the past or create positive images of the future, we are using aspects of Ajna Chakra. Associated with the color indigo blue, the sixth chakra is located between and just above the physical eyes, creating the spiritual third eye.
The Sanskrit name means "the perception center" or "the command center." As our two eyes see the material world, the sixth chakra "sees" that which is beyond the physical, from the potential of clairvoyance and telepathy to intuition, dreaming and imagination.
Even when we're not aware of it, we're sensitive to both the obvious and subtle images all around us. When the third eye is excessively stimulated, we experience headaches, nightmares and difficulty concentrating. When sixth chakra energy is deficient, we can experience poor memory and eye problems, and may have problems with visualization.
One way to promote healthy sixth chakra energy is to practice yoga with your eyes closed, drawing your senses inward and removing distractions like light or details in the room, other students or being critical of your own body. Asana that support the health of Ajna Chakra include forward bending postures where the forehead rests on a bolster or blanket, gently pressing on and stimulating the third eye center. Also, creating positive images and visualizations can stimulate positive energy in this area.
In our next issue, we'll explore the seventh and last chakra, the Crown, which we use when we communicate with our spiritual nature.
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our teachers |
meet suzanne weiner
 Favorite Asana: Adho Mukha Svanasana – I love many, but this one allows me to feel where I am physically from my fingers to my heels and to mentally let go.
Little Known Facts About Me: My nickname in grad school was Bubba. Even my Profs called me Bubba.
Words That Describe My Class: Balanced and challenging with notes of spirituality and fun . . . hmm . . . sounds like a description of a good red wine! I enjoy watching my students as they move deeper into the practice of yoga in its fullest sense. My hope is they are able to take this off the mat and into very full lives.
Who Inspires Me: My family, friends and students. I love the perspectives I get from these people I am lucky enough to have as a part of my life.
Favorite yoga music: Lots but a few are: Bob Marley, Girish, David Benoit, Krishna Das and of course Michael Jackson.
Favorite yoga book: Light on Life by B.K.S. Iyengar
Favorite Quote: In the attitude of silence the soul finds the path in a clearer light, and what is elusive and deceptive resolves itself into crystal clearness. Our life is a long and arduous quest after Truth. -- Mahatma Gandhi
Why I love blue lotus: It is a community of teachers and students who welcome, accept, give and nurture. In the many wonderful places on this earth this type of community is a rarity. I feel so lucky to have found it here in Raleigh.
I knew I loved yoga when: The seed was planted when I did padmasana (lotus pose) for the first time when I was about 5 years old.
My Classes:
Early Bird Yoga
6:30-7:30 am, Tuesdays & Thursdays
Vinyasa Level 2 Assisting
7:00-8:30 pm, Thursdays
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loving level 1 |
accessible to all
Vinyasa Level 1 is the class everyone seems to love. If you've been practicing for a while, it's a great place to slow down and check in at a more mellow pace. If you're just starting yoga or are new to the vinyasa flow style, it's a great place to practice the principles of proper alignment, breathing and mindfulness.
With so many benefits to Vinyasa Level 1, we offer it a number of times throughout the week. Check out our recently added Thursday lunch hour class, as well as a couple of Saturday specials this month-- along with our regular Sunday and Wednesday classes!
Vinyasa Level 1 Classes
Sundays 2:30-3:30pm
Wednesdays 5:30-6:30pm
Thursdays 11:30am-12:30 pm
Saturdays 11:00 am-Noon on November 6 and November 20
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belize bound! |
retreat to paradise march 26 - april 2, 2011
 This could perhaps be the best yoga retreat. Ever. Spend four nights in the Maya Mountains of western Belize in a jungle paradise, then it's off to the beach for three nights basking in the sun on a private island. Join Jill and Carrington March 26 - April 2, 2011. We know you'll emerge from this yoga retreat refreshed, rejuvenated and just a little bit pampered...you may never want to leave.
For a wee taste of a blue lotus yoga retreat, check out the photos from our fall retreat in the North Carolina mountains.
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moore square park clean up |
join us in the beautification november 13
We're joining the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, City of Raleigh Parks & Recreation and volunteers from across the city to Clean Up Moore Square from 8:30 am-12:30 pm, Saturday, November 13! Moore Square is one of the few green spaces downtown Raleigh residents and employees have to enjoy, and it is important to help upgrade, sustain, and provide continued maintenance of the park as a safe and clean public space.
The blue crew will meet at 8:00 am at Morning Times on Hargett Street. Register to volunteer at the online scheduler. More info on the clean up is at the DRA site, but do not use that link to register. We'll take care of sending our group's info to the good people at Raleigh Parks.
For a look at our last seva project, visit our Facebook album.
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november happenings |
new foundations series, ayurveda, DJ yoga and more!
The November chill brings yoga classes to warm your body and soul, like Yoga & Chocolate, Prana Flow, Restorative Workshop, Vinyasa Level 2/3 and more. Check it all out at the online scheduler!
Yoga Foundations Six-Week Series
6:00-7:30 pm, Sundays
November 7, 14, 21, December 5, 12, 19
This is the best place to start if you are new to yoga, returning after a bit of time away, or are just wanting to work on your basics. With your registration, get 20% off all full-priced yoga gear, books, CDs and more, as well as $20 off a 10-pass card or one month of unlimited yoga at a discounted price!
Introduction to Ayurveda
6:00-9:15 pm, Friday, November 12
Dr. Thomas Mitchell will provide us with an intro to this 5,000-year-old life-science of India, which is considered to be the sister science of yoga. Determine your dosha (your body-mind constitution), learn the tell-tale signs of imbalance, discuss motivation and how to move toward balance.
DJ Yoga - Vinyasa Open!
9:30-11:00 am, Wednesday, November 17
Boston-based DJ Ian Hyman takes us on a journey across a sonic landscape of groovin' beats and lush atmospherics as we move through our Wednesday morning flow. His music will infuse our yoga practice with a special dose of bliss, taking us deeper as we are carried along the vinyasa wave.
Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule
Thursday, November 25
9:30-11:00am Gratitude Flow -- FREE!
Friday, November 26
9:30-11:30am White Friday Flow
Saturday, November 27
8:00-9:30am Vinyasa Open
2:00-3:00pm Family Yoga
Sunday, November 28
9:30-11:00am Kriya Practice
4:00-5:30pm Vinyasa Open level
Be sure to visit the online scheduler for more information or to register for classes and workshops!
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