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Namaste!
So I was going on the other night in class about the occasional (read: often) disparity (to put it mildly) between what we want and what we need. I'm sure I've gone on about it before, and probably will again, but apparently I haven't quite gotten right with it. How about you?
First, I think it is important to debunk the idea that desire is a bad thing. It's not. Desires can give us direction, motivation and inspiration. The problem is our attachment to the desire. As in what happens when you don't get what you want or things don't go the way you planned/hoped? Are you every bit as content as if they had? Can you find peace that the order of things just as they are and faith that the unfolding of your life is perhaps at a scope so great you cannot see it all from your vantage point? Not always? Me either. Item #1: release attachments. Might be spending some more time with this one.
 So then we get to the need part. Needs are neither good nor bad; they are quite neutral. But do you ever find that when the chasm between the want and need is significant, you have some judgment around the need? Sometimes? Me too. I suddenly turn into a six-year-old version of myself, having a near tantrum to the tune of not only do I not WANT this, I don't want to NEED it. Why do I need this? My friend doesn't need this. It doesn't fit into my specially focused image of myself to need this. I don't really have time to need this. What's wrong with me? Item #2: let go of judgments about needs. Might be spending some more time with this one, too.
This shows up on the mat, off the mat, in our minds, our hearts, our relationships, our work . . . there is no shortage of opportunities to work on this one. Don't let go of desires and dreams. But maybe breathe a little space around them, and most certainly recall the part of the work that asks us to surrender the little will to the greater Will. And just as important, in those times when we finally recognize that the need far supersedes the want, let it be. Open up to receive what you need. Because maybe then you'll be ready to get just what you want.
Peace,
Jill
get away from it all! |
we've got five good reasons
The reasons to explore a yoga retreat are countless, but we've pulled together five pretty convincing ones. And we've got three great destinations you can choose from to get away from it all, to relax and soothe your body, mind and soul. You might even consider a yoga retreat as an alternative vacation option that just may leave you feeling even more relaxed and rejuvenated than your usual "getaway!"
Five Reasons to Retreat
Declutter your mind. Set yourself free from your day-to-day routine and give some space to your thoughts.
Detox your body. Dine on healthy, fresh vegetarian meals, and cleanse yourself of those nasty toxins through diet and, of course, yoga practice.
Re-learn your practice. Practice asanas you are familiar with and learn new poses, in an environment that is surrounded with all the space and time you need to drop into your body, unwind from the stress and tap into your place of peace.
Reconnect with nature. Yoga retreat locales are generally in some of the most beautiful natural spaces you have ever seen. Meditate in the mornings or take slow quiet walks to connect your body and mind with the abundant beauty that surrounds you.
Discover your truth. Take however much time you want to dive deep into yourself to discover your truth and connect with your own self in a loving way. With all the noise hushed, you might just be able to hear your own inner guidance, your intuition, and learn to trust what you receive through your feelings.
So, the question now becomes, "where to?" It just so happens we know of three awesome destinations you might want to consider for your yoga retreat.
Refill Your Cup: Retreat in the N.C. Mountains, October 14-16 at the Prama Institute. Escape to the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains for a weekend of yoga, meditation, hiking and more . . . or less. All events are optional with time to explore, rest and do whatever your heart desires.
A Fresh Start: New Year's Retreat to Xinalani, on the West Coast of Mexico, just south of Puerto Vallarta, January 2-7, 2012.  Steal away with Jill and Carrington to bid farewell to 2011 and welcome a fresh, new, promising 2012 in this private Pacific paradise -- the ideal locale for a post-holiday, stress-relieving, best-possible-start-for-the-new-year retreat. Learn more at the info session from 3:00-4:00 pm, Saturday, October 1, at the blue. Early bird discount ends October 15.
EcoYoga Retreat to South Africa, July 21-August 2, 2012.  Enjoy highly personalized yoga sessions in some of the most beautiful, remote parts of savanna Africa, combined with intimate, transformational experiences in rural villages in the Limpopo valley. Learn more at the info session Saturday, November 19, at the blue. Early bird discount applies through Nov. 30.
For details or to register, for the retreats visit the online schedule. EcoYoga Retreat info will be posted soon.
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our teachers |
meet margot martin
 Favorite asana: I love Viparita Virabhadrasana, reverse warrior. There is something so freeing about this posture. I always feel like a weight has been lifted of my chest. I can think more clearly and breathe easier when I come out of it.
Little known fact about me: I left my home in Dallas at age 16 to pursue my career in dance, I have roots in Trinidad and Barbados, and I am really good at taking naps.
Words that describe my class: Endurance-driven, direct, intentional and F-U-N!
Who inspires me: People who are coming in and out of my life. I so appreciate learning how people overcome and deal with what life hands them.
Favorite yoga music: To practice to, Steve Halpern's Tonal Alchemy. To belt out in the car, Wade Imre Morissette.
Favorite yoga book: Tantric Quest by Daniel Odier.
Favorite quote: "It's a helluva start, being able to recognize what makes you happy." ~Lucille Ball
Why I love blue lotus: The blue provides a sense of safety while at the same time encouraging you to explore new things. To step outside of one's comfort zone is difficult to do. To have the environment and community that gently pushes us toward potential life changing experiences is key. Our journey is a constant challenge, so I say enlist the help and wisdom of others. I am so grateful blue lotus knows how to lend that kind of support.
I knew I loved yoga: The first time I experienced Savasana. I finally settled into my mat and realized I had stopped moving, and that was OK. I have spent most of my life moving, dancing, going, going, going. Experiencing the utter joy that comes in stopping the chatter in my mind and wiggles in my body so that I can be ME made me fall in love with yoga forever
My Class
Warrior Hour
9:30-10:30 am, Wednesdays
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new prices november 1 |
As many of you know, we've been teaching yoga and nurturing our growing yoga community for nearly five years, during which time our prices have not changed. But other factors have changed, like expenses and competitive pay rates for our devoted and gifted teachers. So, effective November 1, 2011, we are changing our prices.
For those who love the practice but find it difficult to find the financial resources at times, there will always be options at the blue, like community yoga (free), classes by donation, $10 Early Bird and Lunch classes, and soon-to-be-introduced, a weekly pay-what-you-can class.
New fee schedule, effective November 1, 2011
drop-in $16
10-class pass $130
50-class pass $550
student/senior/yoga teacher/military drop-in $12
student/senior/yoga teacher/military 10-class pass $100
annual membership $975
annual membership debit at $95/month (no change)
We are grateful for our community and your ongoing support of the studio and look forward to celebrating our fifth year with you in February!
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you did it again |
thanks for your generosity!
 The blue community has once again come together to lend a helping hand to neighbors near and far.
Our Feed Our Children Food Drive resulted in more than 80 lbs! of food donated to The Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina. That's a lot of full tummies when times are tight for many in our community. Remember, we're also organizing a seva (community service) project on Saturday, December 3, at the Food Bank. Details to come!
Stepping outside of our local community to the global community, you all pulled together to raise $2,000 on Global Mala Sunday to benefit Hope for the Nations' Convoy for Hope in Somalia.
This is caring for others in need. This is loving all humankind. This is yoga off the mat. And we are grateful.
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october happenings |
so much to choose from!
Autumn in North Carolina! What's not to love? Plus great yoga classes, too! Enjoy your favorites, like Juicy Flow Yoga, Deep Stretch, Moon Sequence, Vinyasa Level 2/3 and more. Check the full schedule online for all the details!
Flow & Stretch $10 with Julie ** New Time **
8:00-9:00 am, Tuesdays
Vinyasa Open ** New Teacher, Jill Braly **
7:00-8:30 pm, Wednesdays
Jill B. returns to the blue from a brief hiatus. Check out her profile from a previous issue.
 Align with Your Purpose with Meaghan and Gil
6:30-8:30 pm, Friday, September 30
Be the Change with Meaghan and Gil
12:30-2:30 pm, Saturday, October 1
New Year's Retreat to Mexico INFO SESSION
3:00-4:00 pm, Saturday, October 1
Columbus Day Groove with Yvonne and DJ Ian
5:00-6:30 pm, Monday, October 10
Yin Yoga Intensive with Yvonne
12:30-2:30 pm, Saturday, October 15
Arm Balances with Mike
3:00-5:00 pm, Saturday, October 15
Seva Project: Coalition to Unchain Dogs Fence Build with Carrington
9:00 am, Saturday, October 22
Check out the video from our last fence build.
 A Sacred Evening of Kirtan with Kristin Luna Ray
7:00-9:00 pm, Friday, October 28
Yoga & Art for Kids (K-5th grade) with Jen
1:00-4:00 pm, Saturday, October 29
Freaky Flow with Yvonne
5:00-6:30 pm, Monday, October 31
A peek at November . . .
Restorative Yoga -- Moving into Winter with Julee
12:30-2:30 pm, Saturday, November 5
Yoga Foundations Six-Week Series with Julee
6:00-7:30 pm, Sundays, starting November 6
Visit the online schedule for details and to register for classes and workshops!
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