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Namaste!
It was an interesting Thanksgiving. I know we're moving on to December, a new month with new holidays, but I am a bit stuck. We had an amazing practice on Thursday morning (50 beautiful souls in all!), and then I enjoyed a beautiful hike with Padma in Umstead Park -- which it seemed we had completely to ourselves on that perfect, sunny day. There were friends and food and laughter. But something was missing. If I were to take some kind of external inventory, there were actually a number of things missing by most people's standards. But those tricky external comings and goings, trinkets and trimmings are not the gauge by which I was or was not measuring up. What I was missing was a grateful heart. Sure, I was thankful for this and that, but for all of it? The whole big, beautiful mess? Not so much. One of the things we are trying to learn in the practice; one thing of which we get an occasional, sweet glimpse is the place within where we know beyond knowing that we need nothing and no one to be happy. That all is truly well, just how it is. Santosha. And few practices get us there better than active, daily, hourly gratitude. It's the commitment to focus on what we have, instead of what we don't have. It's the discipline to mark every thought we entertain, discarding the unhelpful ones and cultivating the constructive ones. It's the willingness to surrender the individual, the small, the limited to the boundless, integrated Whole. And so for December, I am returning to a practice I have worked with many times over the years. The sort of practice that eventually becomes habit and over time and changes the interior of the mind and heart. Gratitude for what is. First thing in the morning and last thing at night: I am grateful for... Care to join me?
Peace,
Jill
learning from the sutras |
pranayama and ujjayi breath
Or that calm is retained by the controlled exhalation or retention of the breath.~ Yoga Sutra I:34, Patanjali
In this Yoga Sutra, Patanjali talks about pranayama, or controlling the movement of prana, which we are doing when we regulate the breath. In pranayama, we observe and discipline the breath: the inhale, exhale and the spaces in between. The mind and the prana have close connections. The great South Indian saint, Thirumoolar, said, “Where the mind goes, the prana flows.” When we are agitated, breathing becomes disturbed. When we are thinking seriously or concentrating, we may be barely breathing. When you regulate the prana by modifying the breath, you regulate the mind automatically. The next time you are agitated or angry, take a few deep breaths, watch the breath, and then watch the anger dissipate. Whatever may be the agitation in the mind, controlling the breath will help.
To explore the sutras on your own, check out The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali with translation and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda. Copies are available in the Boo-tique at the blue lotus studio.
Ujjayi Breath
Ujjayi, or Victorious Breath, is one of many breathing techniques. Gently pulling in the breath and gently pushing out the breath with slight resistance creates a well modulated, soothing sound, similar to the sound of ocean waves rolling in and out.
Ujjayi breathing is done by gently constricting the opening of the throat, or glottis, to create some resistance to the passage of air. For beginners, it is helpful to inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth, whispering a “haaaaa” sound on the exhale, which constricts the back of the throat. When comfortable with the pattern, you can close the mouth and feel the breath swirl in the back of the throat, so the breath passes evenly in a smooth and steady flow. The sound is the same on the inhale and exhale, and you need not attempt to forcibly make the sound particularly loud. Inhalations and exhalations should be equal in length.
When done properly, Ujjayi breathing is both energizing and relaxing. Ujjayi can be practiced anywhere at any time and is often used during asana practice. It is an excellent guide to help you notice when and where you are straining in your practice. If ujjayi is disturbed, you are moving too fast or too deep, or working too hard.
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YTT500 is here! |
"refine & align" module, march 16-18
with Jill Sockman and Suzanne Newton
We are so very happy to announce the blue lotus yoga enrichment program for teachers and dedicated students, Journey to the Self, which will launch with its first module this March.
Whether you are seeking personal growth, YTT200 CEU, or credits toward YTT500 certification, program modules will take you deeper into the practice.
Unlike our YTT200 program which runs consecutively for nine months, this program is designed in an open format, so participants can take any or all modules, in any order. There are seven required modules if you are interested in YTT500, plus additional workshops and modules of your choice to complete the hours necessary to reach 300 total hours.
For more information about the 2012 modules, including which are required for YTT500 certification, visit the blue lotus website or complete this simple form to be added to our program mailing list.
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yoga series for women over 50 |
dec 4, and tuesday afternoons, starting january 3
As women mature, their bodies experience significant health changes, like menopause, and encounter considerable health risks, such as osteoporosis. It helps to know you are not alone, and that these changes are a shared experience with other women at the change of life.
Our culture, with its notions about aging, can influence what physical activity women think they can and should be doing. We’ve developed a new series for any woman interested in exploring positive and proactive means for dealing with the changes in their bodies as they age.
 With a regular yoga practice, women can increase strength, energy, balance, and flexibility, and age with grace and vitality. Yoga can also help to strengthen bones without endangering joints, and can improve sleep and sharpen mental faculties.
Our new Yoga for Women Over 50 class, taught by Julie Realon, is open to women of all ages who want to be able to move joyfully into the next phase of life healthier, more relaxed, and more resilient. The class includes a gentle flowing sequence of postures, balance work, stretches, and restorative poses. You don’t need any previous experience to come and explore what yoga can do for you!
Yoga is a gift for older people. One who studies yoga in the later years gains not only health and happiness, but also a freshness of mind since yoga gives one a bright outlook on life. With yoga, a new life begins, even if started later. Yoga is a rebirth which teaches one to face the rest of one's life happily, peacefully, and courageously. ~ Geeta S. Iyengar, YOGA, A Gem For Women
Yoga for Women Over 50
11:00 am-12:30 pm, Sunday, December 4
class pass or $16 drop-in3:30-4:30 pm, Tuesdays, January 3 - February 7
$75 for the six-week series, or $16 per drop-in.
For more information or to register, visit the WebScheduler.
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december happenings |
slow down at the close of the year
How did it get to be December already? If you're like us, you're wondering where the year went. Take some time this month to breathe deeply and slow it down a bit. Check out all your favorite specials and more on this month's calendar. It's all on the online WebScheduler!
website transformed
The blue lotus website transformation is complete! Visit our new and improved online presence at bluelotusnc.com! We’d love to hear your feedback, so let us know what you think by email or on our Facebook page.
give the gift of yoga!
Trying to figure out what to give the favorite yogi or yogini on your list? How about a blue lotus Gift Card? Available at the studio or online, it can be used to purchase merchandise or classes. It's the perfect size, every time!
EcoYoga South Africa Retreat discount extended
 Good News! The $500 registration discount for the EcoYoga Retreat to South Africa, July 21-August 2, 2012, has been extended until December 15. 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. Registration for this adventure closes December 31. Learn more at the latest blog post.
Farewell, Stacy
We wish Stacy Ingham, our Ashtanga guru, all the best as she pursues other opportunities closer to her home in Cary. She won’t be very far, though, as we’ll look forward to her occasional Moon Sequence practice at the blue, including her class this Friday, December 2!
Karma Yoga for the Holidays: Help the Food Bank!
9:00 am-Noon, Saturday, December 3
We'll be re-stocking the shelves at the Food Bank. Join the blue karma crew for a healthy helping of community and giving back!
Trance Dance with Yvonne
7:00-9:00 pm, Friday, December 9
Weekend with Warren Grossman
The premise of Warren's work is that by creating an active connection to the earth and learning to bring that energy to the heart, anyone can access the healing energy of Love. Join us for one or more workshops December 10-11.
For details and to register, visit the Workshops & Events tab on the WebScheduler.
Christmas and New Year’s Schedule
 We are here through the holidays! Please be sure to check the WebScheduler for any modifications to our regular schedule during this holiday season.
Coming in January . . .
Deep Stretch becomes a regular Sunday class
Join Yvonne and Margot as they alternate teaching Deep Stretch, 9:00-10:30 am, Sundays!
Yoga for Kids 8-week series with Jen (ages 6-10)
4:00-5:00 pm, Wednesdays, January 4 - February 22
Early registration discount through December 21.
Yin and Yang Workshops with Heather Tiddens
Four classes, January 13 - 16
Check the Workshops & Events tab on the WebScheduler for times and class details.
Yoga for Golf with Alison
1:00-3:00 pm, Saturday, January 21
Visit the online WebScheduler for details and to register for classes and workshops!
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