I grew up in a home where the phone was considered a tool- or an appliance maybe. Not unlike an oven or a drill, it had a purpose, generally work-related, and otherwise one should leave it alone. Time chatting on the phone was limited, and even as a teenager I was not permitted to have a phone in my bedroom.  In fact, I clearly remember my disciplinarian father telling me (in no uncertain terms) that the phone was NOT a toy.  My, how times have changed.

Fast forward to the present. During training last week, I was staying in a cabin, on a ranch about halfway up the mountain from Carbondale to Redstone, CO.  I had no cell service.  And unless near the main lodge, no Internet either.  Heaven.  In every way.  And it got me to thinking.

Between the (forced) opportunity to be technology-free and topics of the lectures I was attending, now more than ever I am making a conscious decision to PUT THE PHONE DOWN.  I sat in the airport and watched couples, friends, families not speaking to each other, heads dropped into the world of Angry Birds and Facebook. Is this productive, helpful or healthy?  It would seem a lot of yogis aren't even doing their practice without Phone In Hand.  Seriously? Is that actually yoga? How many times a day do you check your e-mail?  Yeah, I thought so.

For me, connecting online is, many times, a decision (conscious or unconscious) to NOT connect- whether that is with another person, with the internal landscape of my mind and body, the external landscape around me or simply the moment at hand. We don't have enough time and aren't experiencing spaciousness because we aren't giving ourselves the opportunity to have it.  

Repeat after me: PUT THE PHONE DOWN. There will be a period of withdrawal. But you can do it.  Take a deep breath.  Look up at the sky.  Feel fully 100% of the moment you are in.  We're here for a very short time.  Don't miss it.

Peace,
Jill

our teachers

favorite asana: Vrksasana (tree pose). I adore the balance between the lower half of the body feeling strong, stable, and connected to the ground while the upper half can be free, light, and airy!

  

little known facts about me: At the age of 13, I announced to my family I would be moving to North Carolina from Michigan, even though I had never visited the state before. When I was 17, I packed up my stuff and moved to the coast to attend college, and I have lived in North Carolina ever since.

 

words that describe my class: kind, loving,  nurturing  

what inspires me: The resilience of the human spirit

favorite yoga music: Zen Notes by Nadama and Shastro

favorite yoga book: Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates

favorite quote: The eyes are the window to the soul. ~ William Shakespeare

 

why I love blue lotus: I love the acceptance blue lotus emits out into the community. It is a sacred space where everyone can find what they need for their own journey within the mind, body, and spirit.

I knew I loved yoga when: I could not imagine my life without it! My journey on the mat has had a lot of starts and stops, but I have always found my way back to the mat. I find it most comforting that my higher Self is the one who has always been in charge of this aspect of my life.

 

my classes: Yoga for Healing, Wednesdays, 4:00-5:00 pm

unlimited pass - on sale!

gratitude pass special - unlimited yoga for $108!

For many of us, November is a month of family, celebration, and often a little holiday madness...and that's where we come in.  

 

Buy the Gratitude Pass for $108, and enjoy unlimited regular classes at the blue from November 1-30. Let us help you stay centered through your holiday season! You can purchase the pass online or at the studio. Pass expires November 30, no exceptions.

 

Get Unlimited Yoga for November 1-30 for just $108!

blueversary 7!
change one life, change the world

now accepting raffle prize donations through december 15

Believe it or not, in just a few short months we'll be celebrating our 7th anniversary(!), the weekend of February 7-9.

 

We are excited to announce the beneficiary of the fundraising this year is Big Brothers Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Triangle. More details are to come as the celebration approaches. But you can be sure, as always, we'll  hold a weekend of by-donation classes featuring raffle prize drawings for our birthday bash. We had so many folks approach us with requests to donate last year; so, we are giving everyone an early heads up this time around. 

 

If you would like to donate a raffle prize for blueversary weekend (and get a shout out on our Facebook page), please note the deadline for donations is December 15. Please contact Sandy if you want to donate a prize to this amazing weekend of yoga and community!

 

Contact Sandy if you want to donate raffle prize for blueversary 7.

retreat to nicaragua this january!

Register before November 25 for the Early Bird discount!

see you at the blue!