|
 |
Namaste~
One of the reasons we love vinyasa yoga is because we love the flow. It's a way to enter "the zone" where we are outside of thinking mind, in the breath and body and riding the current of Prana River. I believe that we understand at a deep level that this is home: moment to moment, breath to breath, taking one thing at a time. It resonates with how we are meant to move through all of life. So how are you doing with that?
There are endless opportunities to practice being in the flow. How do you navigate the rivers of finances? Work? Family? Friends?Do you operate from the knowing place that there is enough money, or do you waste energy worrying? Can you trust that you are exactly where you are supposed to be in your work life- that if you pay attention, doors will open and energy will shift if there is somewhere else you need to be? What about family? I love the Eastern notion that you chose your family before you were born. These people who you love, who make you crazy, who push your buttons, you pre-selected them, that they might teach you what you need to learn in this life? What about friends? Do you grip and cling and manage those relationships, or do you allow for the ebb and flow inherent in all things? Do you follow the current where it leads, allowing people to come and go (and perhaps come back again) as part of the larger collage of your life?
There are places in my life where (most of the time) I live in the flow. I breathe, trust and take one breath at a time. There are some others where I could use a little less white-knuckled gripping to the rocks at the shore. One day at a time, one relationship at a time, one job at a time, can you sort through where you are futilely holding on to the "known" instead of letting go so the River can take you where you need to go?
Peace,
Jill
prop it up! |
tools for a lifetime of practice
Say it with me: “I love my yoga props!” Whether you realize it or not, your props are your best friend on the mat. And just like a best friend, we hope they are with you throughout your life. It’s a common misconception among yogis- and not just beginners- that props are for newbies or the injured. We are here to tell you, that is simply not so. They are not like the training wheels on your bike that you eventually outgrow.
 Closer to the truth is that props actually help to prevent injury and can help make poses more accessible in their proper alignment, which is all good for your body and your practice. So what is it that makes us push those blocks aside when offered by our teacher? One answer is our old friend, the ego. Now, the ego plays a valuable role in that it gives us our sense of identity. But it also has some negative associations because it holds onto our desires and opinions of ourselves, which can sometimes (well, often) cause us suffering. And isn’t suffering what we try, day after day, to eliminate from our lives?
The next time you shun the prop, get clear about why you don’t want to use it. Asking yourself some questions might help. Will a prop help me access or master a new pose in a safer more supported way? Why am I hesitant to use the prop? Is my alignment proper and safe for my body?
Now, here is the flip side. You also want to be careful you don’t become so dependent on your props that you use them even if they aren’t necessary, turning them into a crutch of sorts. In other words, have you become attached to your props?
So, how is a yogi to know -- to prop or not to prop? Will a prop help or hinder a deeper exploration of a pose? Start by keeping an open mind and really listening to your body to determine what purpose the extra support serves, and let that answer be your guide. And listen to your teacher. If she or he is offering you a prop, it’s generally with the aim of helping you more fully experience the asana -- with proper alignment and to keep your body safe from injury.
|
our teachers |
meet elizabeth upchurch
Favorite asana: Trikonasana is my favorite pose! It has all of the alignment cues that are synonymous with all of my other favorite standing poses but allows you to push into a few different edges at once, and it's very heart opening!
 Little known facts about me: I aspire to compete in Olympic Lifting competitions and am an athlete and assistant coach at CrossFit Invoke. It's my yang!
Words that describe my class: My class represents strength and empowerment. You have choices and options, and you can create your own experience within the hour. I love to be hands-on and connect with everyone, which also allows me to read the energy in the room.
Who inspires me: People who go against the grain and do their own thing! If you surprise me, I am drawn to you. It's cool to see what each human is capable of!
Favorite yoga music: I love practicing yoga to modern music. I have been loving Andrew Bird's Hole in the Ocean Floor and songs from Ellie Goulding's new album, My Blood, Joy, and In My City.
Favorite yoga book: How Yoga Works by Geshe Michael Roach and Christie McNally. It was the first required reading in my teacher training with Rolf Gates, and I was so drawn to the simplicity and organic nature of yoga described in the book.
Favorite quote: If you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams, and you will always look lovely.~Roald Dahl
Why I love blue lotus: I love the community that flocks to blue lotus. As I am still getting acquainted with the yoga community in Raleigh, I have felt most connected since I began teaching at the blue. It's an exciting time!
I knew I loved yoga when: I cried the whole way home from a heart opening class! I remember feeling so open, alive, and free, and I sobbed tears of gratitude. It was the most cathartic moment of my life.
My classes
Power Hour
12:00-1:00 pm, Wednesdays
7:30-8:30 am, Fridays
|
'tis the season |
5 ways to give
In giving we receive, especially when we give with meaning and from the heart. Here we offer you some ideas on how to give of your time, as well as perhaps a meaningful gift for the yogi in your life.
1. give of yourself  The best gift you can give this holiday season is you. Join us to deliver for Meals on Wheels on Tuesdays (just sign up at the studio), or volunteer your time with the organization of your choosing. It's the gift that gives back!
2. yoga! what else?! New to the blue? Get a new student 3-class pass for $30 through the month of January. Good for three classes one month from purchase. New(ish) to yoga? Register for our six-week Yoga Foundations Series starting Sunday, January 6, or try the new Gentle Flow class on Monday afternoons, starting January 7.
3. a good read Whether it's a book on yoga philosophy or an inspiration-a-day book, the blue boo-tique has you covered. Here are just a handful of favorites from the blue's teachers:
* The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar
* How Yoga Works by Geshe Michael Roach and Christie McNally
* The Wisdom of Yoga: A Seeker's Guide to Extraordinary Living by Stephen Cope
* Anatomy of the Spirit: The Seven Stages of Power and Healing by Caroline Myss
* Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom by Rod Stryker
* Rumi Daybook by Kabir Helminski and Camille Helminski
* A Year with Hafiz: Daily Contemplations by Hafiz, translated by Daniel Ladinsky
* Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison
4. a tropical getaway A week in paradise at an eco-adventure yoga retreat in belize, February 23 - March 2, would make quite the "stocking stuffer" for yourself or someone you love.
5. one size fits all And if you can't decide what to get for the yogi on your list (or simply someone with whom you want to share the practice), blue lotus gift cards provide a one-size-fits-all solution.
|
diggin' where we live |
karma yoga at raleigh city farm
Volunteering at Raleigh City Farm? We dug it! The blue crew, joined by our friends at lululemon, had a great time at the Farm on December 1. Check out more photos on our Facebook page.
|
december happenings |
create space in this busy season
December is a month full of holiday cheer, merriment, and gathering of family and friends. It's a wonderful time! But we all know too much merriment and togetherness can be a source of tension and stress, as well. Take some time on your mat to breathe and reconnect body, mind, and spirit. Check out our schedule highlights below along with the full schedule online.
Classes  *New Class*
Gentle Flow with Julie
4:00-5:00 pm, Mondays
starting Jan 7
Honor the change of seasons
Yoga Mala with Jill
7:00-9:00 pm, Thur, Dec 20
 Holiday Schedule
Y-O-U Flow with Yvonne
9:30-11:00 am, Dec 25
Midnight Yoga with Julie
10:00 pm to Midnight, Dec 31
New Year Flow! with Leilani
9:30-11:00 am, Jan 1
Check the online WebScheduler for full holiday schedule details.
It's the Friday Night Special!
6:30-8:00 pm
December 14, Yoga Nidra with Kathleen
December 21, Solstice Practice with Yvonne
Yoga on a budget
Community Yoga - FREE
1:00-2:00 pm, Wed, Dec 6
Pay What You Can
6:00-7:00 pm, Sat, Dec 15, 22, 29
December 8-10 weekend
It's a Yoga Immersion weekend, so we're on a modified schedule. Check the online WebScheduler for details.
Workshops and Events Sing from the heart
Kirtan with the Full Shanti
7:00-9:30 pm, Sat, Dec 8
Whether you sing or simply listen, kirtan is a wonderful way to shift the inner landscape of your thoughts and feelings, quiet your mind, and joyously connect with yourself and others.
Combine Yoga and Qi Gong
Pangu Yoga with Anisha
2:30-4:00, Sat, Dec 15
 Balance your practice
Yin Yoga Intensive with Yvonne
2:30-4:30 pm, Sat, Dec 22
Yoga for beginners
Yoga Foundations Six-week Series with Kathleen
6:00-7:30 pm, Sundays, Jan 6-Feb 10
Advanced Training for All Students Weekend with Warren Grossman
Bring the earth's energy to your heart
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 throughout this weekend.
10:00 am-1:00 pm, Sat, Dec 8
2:00-6:00 pm, Sat, Dec 8
8:00-11:30 am, Sun, Dec 9
12:30-3:30 pm, Sun, Dec 9
Learning to See and Respond: How to Conduct Structural Assessments with Julee Snyder
2:30-5:30 pm, Sat, Dec 29
Learn how to use the power of observation, anatomical landmarks, and basic movement tests to determine student structural imbalances.
Optional module for YTT500 certification program 3 hours; RYT200 CEU and NCLMBT CEU 3 hours
Yin and Yang Series with Heather Tiddens
Jan 18-21
 Join special guest Heather Tiddens for this series of workshops that combine Yin and Yang (active Hatha) Yoga asana. These workshops may be taken individually, but they are designed to be taken in sequence, building to the last class.
Unlocking and Opening Hips and Shoulders
6:30-9:30 pm, Fri, Jan 18
Backbends: Energizing Your Core
2:30-5:30 pm, Sat, Jan 19
The Core Connection
9:00 am-12:00 pm, Sun, Jan 20
Master Class
9:30 am-12:00 pm
Yoga and the Emotional Body with Nina Be and Jill Sockman
Part 1: Jan 25-27
Part 2: Feb 15-17
 The Emotional Body is the dynamic and evolving energetic aspect of being human. It defines us every bit as much as (or more than!) the physical body and busy brain with which we most often self-identify. This two-part series explores the basic physical and energetic aspects of Chakras 1-6. Learn how understanding these energies can support personal transformation.
Optional module for YTT500 certification program 32 hours (with outside assignments); RYT200 CEU 11 hours per weekend
Visit the online WebScheduler for details and to register for classes, workshops, and trainings!
|
|
