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Namaste!
I don’t know about you, but I have some pretty unrealistic expectations around “getting away from it all.” For the two weeks before I left for Belize, I was working around the clock, fiendishly moving through my to-do list (and probably everything else) so that I could LEAVE.
While any preconceived ideas about Belize I'd had were easily overcome, what was more of a challenge was moving through the disappointingly obvious fact that I brought myself with me on the trip. Because, perhaps oddly, I had the idea that “leaving it all behind” would include leaving all of my stuff at home. I packed lightly, but as I swung in a hammock on that first day, gazing up through the palm fronds at azure blue skies, Caribbean breezes washing over me: I was acutely aware of the baggage you don’t have to check. Wherever you go, there you are. Before I left, all I could think of was getting “everything” done so I could get away from “it all.” But the truth is, we quite purposefully surround ourselves in the “everything” precisely to avoid the real “it all”. We do it all the time. And while traveling gives us blissful respite from the day to day grind, it also provides a quiet backdrop with which to view everything we've been so busily avoiding. The answer? (It's always the same). Meditation: the any time, any where vacation to the Real. The same thing I have at home, but for two more days, in such a lovely, lovely setting...
Peace,
Jill
survey results are in |
thanks for your feedback!
Back in February, as we began our 5th year of yoga community at the blue, we shared a survey link with you so we might garner some feedback about the studio . . . what you like and what you might like to see done a bit differently.
Our 10-questions covered topics like studio environment, staff, teachers, retail offerings, communications and of course, classes. First and foremost, we'd like to thank each of you who took the time to respond. Your feedback, opinions and suggestions are truly valued.
We were happy to learn that the majority of our students are happy with the studio community, environment and classes. However, as you know, there is always room for improvement! So, thanks to your responses, you'll see these changes being made at the studio:
* a new policy on lost and found items, which will be cleared at the end of each month and given to a local charity
* the offering of a Refine & Align Workshop this month to help students of all levels feel more confident in the postures
* an additional Stretch & Restore class at lunchtime Tuesdays
* new momentum and diligence to keep the studio floor, and the studio in general, clean and tidy.
We'll continue to conduct surveys occasionally, but please know you are always welcome to give us your feedback at any time at info@bluelotusnc.com.
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our teachers |
meet carson mather
 Favorite Asana: Urdhva Dhanurasana (wheel), Adho Mukha Vrikshasana (handstand), Jathara Parivartanasana (reclined twist), Virabhadrasana II (Warrior 2) & most anything that involves a bolster
Little Known Fact About Me: I’m a Raleigh native who went by the double name “Mary Carson” for 18 years.
Words That Describe My Class: calming, grounding, restorative
Who Inspires Me: My Grandmom. As a new mom, whenever I get wound up about keeping up my day-to-day, I think of her strength . . . she had seven children and you’d never hear her complain about a thing. My yoga teachers and fellow yogis inspire me to live well. My husband Jimmy and my one-year-old son Evan inspire me every day to be a better person.
Favorite yoga music: I love Shiva Rea’s compilation CDs. I also like practicing yoga to artists like Bob Marley, Beck and Metric.
Favorite yoga book: Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates, and I can’t leave out The Invitation by Oriah Dreamer, Who Dies? by Stephen Levine and The Tibetan Book of Living and Dying by Sogyal Rinpoche.
Favorite Quote: The Sunrise Ruby ~ Rumi
Why I love blue lotus: It’s a place I know I can enter in any state of mind and leave feeling more supported, grounded and connected. The love is thick in that studio; it has become my church.
I knew I loved yoga when: After the first class I attended at a gym in Chapel Hill around 1997, I thought: “Wow. This is way more fun & relaxing than any other form of exercise I’ve tried." I was already “blissed-out” from the new movements, and then the neck adjustment the teacher gave me in savasana rocked my world.
My Classes:
Prenatal Yoga
1:00-2:00 pm, Sundays
Join us for Prenatal Yoga! Connect with your baby, and create a community of support with other expectant mothers. Our prenatal class is a safe and appropriate for all stages of pregnancy. We focus on breathing techniques, meditation, seated and standing poses, pregnancy exercises and relaxation.
Yoga during pregnancy:
* helps moms to adapt to physical changes
* can help reduce back, leg and shoulder pain
* can help reduce swelling and insomnia
* reduces stress and anxiety
* improves circulation and balance
* connects you with your baby
* helps you prepare for labor & delivery by increasing stamina, strength and comfort.
Check out class details at the online schedule.
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special guest teachers |
welcome gil elhart & meghan de roos AND simon park & DJ HyFi
This month we welcome Gil Elhart & Meaghan de Roos for two hours of transformational flow Saturday, April 16.  Together, Gil and Meaghan will bring us Embody-Empower: Cultivating Strength from Within, a class that uses asana, breath and dynamic movement to explore the yoga of empowerment.
Gil and Meaghan are inspired teachers whose yoga has helped each of them along their own healing journeys.
We also are equally excited to welcome acclaimed instructor Simon Park along with our friend DJ HyFi, as they take us on a sonic/spiritual journey with Liquid Flow - Restore Your Prana, when they stop in Raleigh Sunday, April 24, along their Mighty Mississippi to the Blue Ridge Mountains Tour.
For more information about either of these classes or to register online, visit the online schedule today.
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retreat with us to the west |
find yoga of gratitude at prama institute
As the lazy days of summer will soon stretch out ahead, you are invited to step away from the grind to relish the beauty of the mountains, the pleasure of relaxation and the fulfillment that comes from pausing to appreciate what is right here, right now.
Our Yoga of Gratitude Retreat, June 3-5, will be held in the serenity of the North Carolina mountains, at the Prama Institute.
The retreat features a weekend of yoga, meditation, hiking, laughter and community as you get away from it all for a bit of peace and quiet. All activities are optional, so you can make this retreat whatever you need it to be!
You'll find details and registration information at the Workshops tab at the blue lotus online schedule. Register and pay before May 3 to get the early bird discount!
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walk+ride for AIDS |
join the blue crew may 21
The blue crew is at it again, this time coming together from all corners of our community to support the AIDSWALK+RIDE, Saturday, May 21. The event offers a raucous good time for a great cause, serving those in the Triangle and surrounding areas infected and affected with HIV and AIDS.
It's a full day of celebrating life, where participants can get a great view of the Triangle from the walking or cycling routes and enjoy music, food and fun. Free HIV/STD tests also will be available. Choose from any number of events, including a 1-mile or 3-mile walk, and 30-mile, 60-mile and 100-mile (yes, for real) bike rides.Join us as we support the Alliance of AIDS Services of the Carolinas by walking, riding, volunteering, donating or sending your good mojo, as we remember those lost, those living, and those we must protect.
Learn more about AIDSWALK+RIDE, donate or register for the event on our blue lotus page (to "join our team," you'll need the password: downdog).
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april happenings |
new wednesday night & tuesday lunch classes!
April is full of your favorite monthly specials, just like always, plus it offers a few not-so-regular surprises, like Flow & Create with Jen, Hip Hop Flow with Yvonne, and Chakra Flow with Conni, as well as these special offerings.
Be sure to check the full schedule with class details online!
*NEW CLASS* Stretch & Restore $10 with Jen
11:30 am-12:30 pm, Tuesdays
*NEW CLASS* Vinyasa Open with Kris
7:00-8:30 pm, Wednesdays
Embody-Empower: Cultivating Strength from Within with Gil Elhart and Meagan de Roos
12:30-2:30 pm, Saturday, April 16
Refine & Align Your Practice with Jill
6:30-8:30 pm, Friday, April 22
Liquid Flow Yoga -- Restore Your Prana with Simon Park and DJ HyFi
1:00-3:30 pm, Sunday, April 24
Free Community Yoga
11:00 am-12:00 pm, Sunday, April 3
11:30 am-12:30 pm, Friday, April 15
1:00-2:00 pm, Wednesday, April 20
Space is limited in these free Community Yoga classes; we strongly recommend you register in advance.
Yoga Foundations Six-Week Series
6:00-7:30 pm, Sundays, May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and June 5
Plan ahead for Summer Camps!
Kids Summer Yoga & Art Camps for ages 6 to 9 with Jen
1:30-4:30 pm, June 13-17
1:30-4:30 pm, August 8-12
Details at the online schedule Workshops tab.
Visit the online schedule for details and to register for classes and workshops!
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