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Namaste!
In the morning scroll through my Facebook news feed, I was delighted to see a friend's simple post: Visoka va jyotismati. As if he posted it just for me.
So what does it mean? This little line is Sutra 1:36 and could be translated as "inner stability can be attained by concentration on the blissful inner Light, that is beyond all sorrow." It is one of my very favorite sutras, and with good reason.
Perhaps it is the nature of the mind to focus on what is wrong, and one could add that our culture bombards us with the message that we are not enough, don't have enough, aren't good enough, etc. But regardless of cause, I am probably not alone to admit that, unchecked, my mind does not always default to the Light within. Au contraire.
This is why I love the Yoga Sutras so much. There is no dogma, nothing to wait for, to look for or to find; rather, the message in the sutras is clear: do the practice. Be dilligent. Train your body, breath and mind and realize that you are already free.
Next time you catch yourself focussing on darkness in its many forms, remember the instruction: visoka va jyotismati, and see the Light. When you change your mind, you change everything.
Peace,
Jill
explore the twist |
a view from the inside
We yogis love a good twist, and with good reason. The benefits are numerous and undeniably valuable. Just think of how good you feel after a long stretch and twist before you get out of bed or after being seated for a long time. Twisting produces great results that may not always be apparent; so, here are a few reminders.
spinal mobility
Sedentary lifestyles and age reduce range of motion in our joints and can show up in our bodies as back pain. 
Twisting mobilizes spinal joints by lengthening the spine and gently rotating each vertebrae, restoring the natural range of motion to our spines, as well as to our hips and shoulders.
organ health
When we twist, our internal organs and glands are compressed, pushing out blood, and with it, toxins. When we release from a twist, fresh blood flows in, bringing oxygen and tissue healing. Twisting also can help reduce abdominal bloating and digestive discomfort.
muscular strength and flexibility
The affects of modern living can leave side-waist (oblique), waist (abdominal), and back muscles short and tight. Increasing flexibility in these muscles with twists can alleviate lower back pain and poor posture.
mental well-being
That wonderful “ahhhh” feeling when we twist is a prime indication of how it helps eliminate tension from deep within our bodies, which often manifests as emotional stress. Twisting helps the muscles of the chest, back, and shoulders relax, and draws our attention into the stable center of the pose. When combined with slow breathing, it allows stress to leave the body and at the same time, is invigorating, restorative, and can help elevate energy levels.
twisting basics
A simple twist once or twice a day can help to maintain or restore your normal spine rotation. Here are few pointers to keep in mind.
* in a comfortable seated position, ground your sit bones
* draw your spine straight up toward the crown of your head
* begin twisting at the belly, and let the twist slowly unfold up the spine
* as the twist unfolds, your neck and head will naturally turn. Don’t over-twist more mobile parts of your spine, and never force a twist. Go deeper by expanding the breath, not cranking your body into the shape.
* with each inhale, lengthen the spine, and as you exhale, soften into the twist.
So, one question remains ~ have you done your twist today?
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our peeps |
meet cindy yandle
 Favorite asana: Arm balances. I’ve been working toward bakasana (crow) and tittibhasana (firefly), and I’m getting closer (and stronger!) every day. These poses remind me to stay present, to be patient with myself, and to keep growing.
Little known fact about me: I’ve been known to rock the microphone. In high school, I sang in a rock band (covering glam band hits . . . yikes!) and had leading roles in several musicals. When I sang in my sister's wedding recently, I realized how much I love and miss singing. Next up on my bucket list: tap into my inner Billie Holiday and sing locally with a jazz/blues band.
Words that describe me: Creative, Impatient, Passionate, Kooky, Open-minded, Adventurous, Considerate, Loving, Genuine, and Fun. Did I mention I’m a list maker, too?
Who inspires me: People who actively pursue their passions and confidently share their talents with the world. The beautiful souls who motivate and inspire me on a regular basis are my husband, Brian, and my friend + yoga mentor, Conni Sithes.
Favorite yoga music: Shiva Rea’s Trance Dance and Kaya Project’s Elixir.
Favorite quote: Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive. ~ Harold Whitman
The best thing about being a yoga peep: I get to meet and practice with some extraordinary people. It’s rewarding to see the smiles on people’s faces when I greet them by name. Getting a behind-the-scenes perspective is another perk; seeing how much time and hard work goes into maintaining the studio makes me appreciate Jill and Kathleen and the rest of my blue lotus family even more. It really is a team effort.
Why I love blue lotus: It has such an open and inviting energy. blue lotus has become a second home to me -- a true community. I enjoy spending time with people at the studio who are transforming their lives in some way through their yoga practice. The instructors don’t just teach yoga; they help each student on his or her personal journey. It’s a unique studio; I'm honored to be a part of it.
I knew I loved yoga when: After years of sampling yoga styles at different studios, I came to blue lotus and tried an invigorating Vinyasa flow class. It was both graceful and playful, and it just felt right in my body. After a few classes, I started to really feel the connection between my body and my thoughts. Then something profound happened: I felt stronger and lighter, I stopped getting sick all the time, and my chronic muscle flare-ups that had been diagnosed as fibromyalgia magically went away.
When I'll be greeting you: On Monday nights, first for Yvonne’s Open Level Vinyasa and then for Anisha’s Flow and Stretch. Hope to see you soon!
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a path of purification |
join us for a weekend in the fire
As we integrate the yoga philosophies that enrich our lives, the experiences we have through contact with like-minded practitioners allows for the discovery of a spark within ourselves.
Our upcoming weekend with Will Duprey promises just such an experience. In this Advanced Training, Will will take you deeper into the integration of practice and philosophy to enrich your living experience. With Shadanga Yoga, a distinct path that focuses particularly on prana and awakening the divine energy, we will practice a way to develop the fire for living, teaching, and creating.
Will integrates his studies of traditional hatha yoga, ayurvedic & siddha medicines, mantra, and life experience to create well-rounded classes that are steeped in tradition and insight. Will studied yoga one-to-one with Sri Dharma Mittra for several years, and personally received his blessing to teach yoga. Drawn toward ancient practices in addition to yoga, Will has also undertaken a private course in Siddha Medicine, one of the oldest medical systems known to mankind, and mantra chanting with Dr. M. A. Jayashree as well. In his classes, Will emphasizes a system of personal transformation that encourages students to unveil their inner awareness and reach new heights.
Path of Purification with Will Duprey
June 8 - 10
YTT500/YTT200 CEU 15 hours
Single session drop-ins
A Yoga State of Mind: Bringing Your Practice to Daily Life
6:30-9:30, Friday, June 8
The Power of Pranayama
2:00-5:00 pm, Saturday, June 9
Yoga Philosophy, Sound, and the Philosophy of Sound
9:00 am - Noon, Sunday, June 10
Early Bird registration discount ends May 8.
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benefits of teen yoga |
easing the mind in the turbulent teens
We all know that as children enter puberty and the later teen years, significant changes take place in their body's chemistry and physiology. We also know that imbalances in these areas often show up in rebellion and mood swings. The good news is, yoga can help.
 A regular practice of yoga can help kids maintain balance in body and mind during those turbulent, sometimes confusing years. And now here is further proof: results of a Harvard Medical School study on the psychological benefits of yoga on 11th- and 12th-graders were published in the April issue of the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics. The study concluded that yoga may “serve a preventative role in adolescent mental health” by giving teens beneficial ways to deal with stress and trauma, instead of falling into sometimes dangerous and destructive behavioral patterns.
It’s also further proof that one can really never be too young to practice and reap the benefits of yoga for mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
Your teen just might be interested, and if he or she is, we’ve got just the class!
Teen Yoga with Jen
6:30-8:00 pm, Friday, May 4
Register today at the online WebScheduler.
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may happenings |
tamal returns and much more!
We love that Tamal is coming back to the blue for his sixth year in a row to share his much-loved teaching with our community! Be sure to check out his Master Class, along with all of the other wonderful yoga offerings this month. All of the details about May's special events, classes, and workshops can be found in the online Webscheduler.
Classes News  FREE Community Classes
May 5 and 26
Check the online WebScheduler for times.
Friday Night Specials
6:30-8:00 pm
Teen Yoga, Restorative Yoga, Candlelight Flow, Yoga Nidra. Check them out!
Workshops and Events  Master Class with Tamal
6:30-9:30 pm, Wednesday May 16
Yoga Foundations Six-Week Series with Kathleen
6:00-7:30 pm, Sundays, May 6 - June 10
Yoga Explorations Six-Week Series with Suzanne
6:30-8:00 pm, Thursdays, May 24 - June 28
 Yoga & Art for Kids ages 4-6 with Jen
1:00-4:00 pm, Wednesday, May 30
Kids Summer Art and Yoga Camp ages 6-10 with Jen
1:00-4:00 pm, June 18-22 and August 6-10
Saturday Afternoon Workshops
May 19, Vinyasa Level 2/3 with Carrington
May 19, Meditation Retreat with John
Advanced Training / YTT500 and CEU  Integrated Body: Anatomy Essentials with Julee
May 18-20
YTT500/YTT200 CEU 22 hours
This is a required module for the YTT500 certification program.
A Path to Purification with Will Duprey
June 8 - 10
YTT500/YTT200 CEU 15 hours
See related article above.
Visit the online WebScheduler for details and to register for classes and workshops!
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