|
 |
Namaste!
I had the joy and privilege of spending a couple of days this week with friends who are in the throes of opening a yoga studio in Virginia. It was incredible to watch them in the midst of this process of realizing a dream and remembering so vividly just how it felt to be overwhelmed with so many details, responsible for so many decisions, and so generally uncertain of how it would all work out. It's a wild mix of excitement, fear, and joy, and easy to get lost in the swirl of emotion.
In a conversation about the process, we eventually circled around to shraddha: faith. It is one of the five qualities of enlightenment (and one of the practices to get there). And in our day-to-day Western existence, not necessarily a conscious practice or topic of regular conversation. So what is faith? And what does it mean to live in faith all the time- not just when it is easy or convenient?
From the yogic perspective, faith is a knowingness that everything will be okay, despite a lack of evidence to support the notion. In fact, it is precisely that lack of evidence that in some ways defines faith. Living in faith, we believe that something is shaping and guiding our lives. We choose to step forward as the way opens, even when we can't see what is next. Again and again we surrender control, acutely aware of the uncertainty that is part of moving through this life. And as we practice, we discover that the size of our faith, by and large, determines the size of our life.
Are you waiting for a sign? For certainty? For solid ground? Have faith and Live big instead.
Many blessings to Gil and Meaghan on their exciting adventure, and many blessings to you.
Peace,
Jill
our peeps |
meet natalie winters
 Favorite asana: Eka Pada Rajakapotasana (One-legged pigeon pose), though it can be a tough one some days, I appreciate the opening it brings physically, mentally, and emotionally!
Little known fact about me: I have a twin sister who also comes to the blue...but don't worry, we look nothing alike.
Words that describe me: fun, loving, hopeful
Who inspires me: My grandmother, mother, and aunt . . . they always worked so hard and taught my sister and me the power and impact women hold! They themselves were powerful women who made me who I am today. A couple of women entrepreneurs who have inspired me and my career path (although my addiction to bad reality TV will show with this!) are Tori Spelling and Bethany Frankel, who both work hard and have such passion and creativity in life. I admire these qualities immensely!
Favorite yoga music: My absolute favorite song is a version of Gayatri Mantra that I heard in Jill's Stretch & Restore class
Favorite poem: Hope by Emily Dickinson. It has always been and will always be what keeps my spirit going.
The best thing about being a yoga peep: Getting to know everyone at the blue from teachers to students! It's truly a blessing to meet so many wonderful people!
Why I love blue lotus: The space. The people. Enough said.
I knew I loved yoga when: I realized it was more than a physical practice. Little did I realize I was seeking something for my body and my soul . . .
When I'll be greeting you: Jill's lovely Vinyasa Level 2 Thursdays at 7:00 pm. I'm so grateful to be a part of this community and this practice and hope to share my love of it with all of you.
Natalie is also creator of the beautiful note cards sold in the blue boo-tique, and operates her own fine stationery and invitation business, Goose & Bear Paper Co.
|
refine & align weekend training |
first YTT500 required module
With the arrival of March comes the first required module of the blue lotus YTT500 program, and it offers a unique opportunity for you to dive deep into refining your yoga practice and teaching skills.
 But you don't have to be a teacher to benefit from this training. Dedicated students who want to explore the richness of the practice beyond a 90-minute class -- as well as YTT500 candidates and yoga teachers seeking CEU -- are invited to join us for the Refine & Align Weekend. Guest instructor Suzanne Newton joins Jill Sockman to lead these weekend sessions:
Noon-9:00 pm, Friday March 16
Explore the challenges and gifts of teaching yoga, participate in an opening group practice, and learn more about the power of touch with instruction on hands-on assisting.
10:00 am-6:00 pm, Saturday, March 17
Get detailed instruction on body reading and assisting with words, demonstration, and language. This day comprises two workshops led by Suzanne: How to Do and Teach Inversions; and The Art and Science of Observing Postures (how to see, what to say, and what to do).
8:00 am-4:00 pm, Sunday, March 18
Enjoy a Sunday Sadhana practice to refine your intention, and participate in a posture alignment and assisting session with Q&A.
The entire weekend provides 22 hours for YTT500 / YTT200CEU. However, you are also welcome to join just for the Saturday workshops (YTT200CEU available):
How to Do and Teach Inversions, 10:00 am-1:00 pm
The Art & Science of Observing Postures, 2:00-6:00 pm.
Want to register or learn more? Visit the WebScheduler for details, or email us with your questions.
|
detox & recharge |
spring retreat in n.c. mountains, march 30-april 1
Just as we take time at the change of seasons to clean out closets and drawers, address long-neglected home projects, and air out our surroundings, it’s the perfect time as well for a little Spring Cleaning for the body. Step away from the grind with us as we wring out the insides, sweat out the toxins, and breathe fresh air into our bodies, minds, and hearts.
 We'll be retreating at the Prama Institute, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and nestled among 150 acres of rolling hills and forest lands strewn with hiking trails.
Accommodations, meals, and all yoga/meditation activities from Friday dinner through Sunday lunch are included in the $340 fee. (YTT500 / YTT200CEU - 9 hours) Check the WebScheduler to register or for additional details.
|
blueversary raises $5,000 for RCF |
thank you, thank you, thank you!
The folks at Raleigh City Farm thank you for the wonderful turnout during our 5th blueversary yoga-by-donation weekend in early February. And we thank you for once again showing up to celebrate the blue lotus community by supporting a local nonprofit that is dedicated to improving our larger community. Thanks to your generous donations throughout the weekend, we were able to donate more than $5,000 to the farm!
Raleigh City Farm is the city's first urban farm, and your support will make it possible for RCF to start its first planting season this spring! We are so delighted to be part of its mission to restore our local environment and feed our community, and we can't wait to watch the farm grow.
There's still plenty to do to help the farm, and folks who want to get your hands dirty can learn more about becoming a Raleigh City Farm volunteer at their Web site raleighcityfarm.com.
Enjoy a look back on a great weekend with our Facebook photo albums here, here, here, and here.
|
march happenings |
new workshops and your favorite specials!
This weird, warmish winter has been taunting us with fleeting spring-like temperatures for months -- and now, at last, spring really is coming! This new season is chock full of great yoga here at the blue. Don't miss a thing -- be sure to check out all the details at the online WebScheduler!
Workshops & Events
 Rhythmic Flow Yoga with Kristin & the Kunga Drummers
Earth Practice: 6:30-9:00 pm, Friday, March 2
Thai Yoga: 10:00 am-1:00 pm, Saturday, March 3
Water Practice: 2:30-5:30 pm, Saturday, March 3
Fire Practice: 9:00 am-Noon, Sunday, March 4
Yoga & Art for Kids (K-4th grade) with Jen
Noon-3:00 pm, Friday, March 30
Spring Cleaning: Detox Yoga Retreat in the N.C. Mountains with Carrington and Jill
3:00 pm, Friday, March 30 - Noon, Sunday, April 1
YTT500/YTT200CEU - 9 hours
Integrated Body: The Organ System and Yoga -- Heart, Lungs, and Circulatory System with Julee
11:00 am-2:00 pm, Saturdays, April 1, 15 and 29
YTT500/YTT200 CEU - 9 hours (3 per session)
Yoga for Kids (age 6-10) with Jen
8-week series
4:00-5:00 pm, Wednesdays, April 18-June 6
Early bird discount ends March 31
Summer Yoga & Art Camps for Kids (age 6-10) with Jen
1:00-4:00 pm, June 18-22 and August 6-10
$140 for 5-day camp, supplies included
Classes News
Guided Practice with Jill
7:15-8:30 pm, Tuesdays in March
Intro to Qi Gong with Master Ou -- Free!
6:30-8:00 pm, Friday, March 9
Potluck & a Movie
7:30-10:00 pm, Saturday, March 10
Yoga Mala with Jill
7:00-9:00 pm, Thursday, March 22
Community Yoga Classes - FREE!
12:30-1:30 pm, Saturday, March 10
1:00-2:00 pm, Wednesday, March 14
12:30-1:30 pm, Sunday March 18
2:30-3:30 pm, Saturday, March 24
12:00-1:00 pm, Sunday March 25 (Studio Hargett)
Classes at Studio Hargett
The following blue lotus yoga workshops and classes will be taught at Studio Hargett Pilates @ Glenwood South, located at 410 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 150 -- just around the corner from the blue.
Pan Gu Yoga with Anisha and Master Ou
8:30-10:00 am, Sunday, March 11
Qi Gong Workshops with Master Ou
Sunday, March 11
The Moving Form: 11:30 am-Noon
Healing Techniques: 1:00-2:30 pm
The Nonmoving Form: 3:00-4:30 pm
Advanced Condensed Form: 5:00-6:30 pm
 How to Do and Teach Inversions with Suzanne Newton
10:00 am-1:00 pm, Saturday, March 17
YTT200 CEU available
The Art & Science of Observing Postures with Suzanne Newton
2:00-6:00 pm, Saturday, March 17
YTT200 CEU available
Yoga Foundations Six-Week Series with Suzanne
6:30-8:00 pm, Thursdays, April 5 - May 17
Visit the online WebScheduler for details and to register for classes and workshops!
|
|
