I spent the entire day yesterday watching college football.  It's an occasional indulgence, mostly at the holidays and generally always with family.  I was indoctrinated at an early age (or perhaps am genetically predisposed), and it's more of an addiction than just a family tradition.  Anyway, it was fun to be a part of game day, Sockmans across the country screaming at the television.  

After the Big Game (go Bucks!!) I morphed into my chair and watched another rivalry:  Alabama vs. Auburn. If you missed it, you missed something really incredible- and I don't think you need to know about football or care about college sports at all to appreciate it.  It made no difference to me whatsoever who won that game. But it was a remarkable illustration that every second counts, don't give up, and you just never know what is going to happen.  

It was looking like game over for Auburn. You'd never have known from the fighting spirit of the players, but time was running out. A touchdown toward the end of the 4th quarter tied the game- OT was inevitable.  A long review of the last play of regulation showed that Alabama had stepped out with one second left on the clock.  One second? What's the point? All the same, one second on the clock, please.

So, with one second on the clock, Alabama decided to try for a field goal- a 56 yard long shot.  Why not go for it, right?  Nothing to lose. Well, the kick was short, Auburn caught the ball in the end zone, and proceeded to run 108 yards for a touchdown and a win.  That one second changed everything. It was the most amazing sporting moment I've witnessed. 

I have no idea what my point is here.  But I just can't get this "fantastic finish" out of my mind. There's something about the inevitable not being inevitable.  The impossible becoming possible.  One second changing everything.  I was moved, inspired, amazed.  And I'm pretty sure there's something in there for all of us to savor...  If you figure out exactly what that is, let me know. :) 

Peace,
Jill

holiday shopping at the blue

what to get the yogi (or yoga-curious) in your life

It's that most inevitable time of the year - time to buy things for people you love. Or at least like. We hope.

 

The blue wants to make the holiday gifting experience a bit easier, so we've made our list (and checked it twice) of gifts that may tempt you or a fellow yogi. All holiday deals are available December 1 through January 1, and you can buy several of them online. Check it out!

• Start/Re-start Package: One 60-minute private and three classes for $100. Perfect for beginners or for those looking for a refresher. 
• 2014 New Year's 10-class pass $100: Start your new year with 10 classes for $10 each! This pass activates January 1 and expires March 31. 
• Yoga mat: Buy a Jade or Manduka mat at 25 percent off!
• blue lotus gift card: The perfect gift when you aren't sure what to give. Our gift cards can be purchased online or at the studio, in any amount you like. 
• Little stocking stuffers with lots of spirit: Some of our favorite books, tools, and treats, which cover a range of prices and tastes:
  • DailyOM by Madysin Taylor
  • Meditations from the Mat by Rolf Gates
  • Therapy Balls for self-massage
  • Local, hand-made, love-filled malas by Lori Harris
  • Leilani Walker's lovely bead wraps, in leather or silk
  • Nag Champa incense - get the blue's "signature scent" at home!

the power of silence

join jill for a weekend of reflection, january 3-5

A new year is coming, bringing with it the opportunity to set new intentions and clear out unhelpful habits. Yoga teaches us that silence and stillness are our best tools both for recovering from stressful times and for starting a new chapter - they help us see both our greatness and the sources of the obstacles that hold us back from our full potential.

 

We invite you to join Jill for our Weekend of Reflection workshop, January 3-5: a weekend of silence in which you can explore you inner landscape through meditation, pranayama, restorative yoga, and yoga nidra. We hope you'll take advantage of this time for self-inquiry, which will help you create the changes you wish to see in the new year.

 

The Weekend of Reflection is part of our advanced training curriculum, but you don't need to be a yoga teacher to attend!

 

Set your intentions and clear old habits.

what was lost should be found

our lost & found clean out goes monthly

We will start cleaning out the blue's Lost & Found every month, on the first of the month (beginning January 1).  

 

What do we do with those piles of left-behind yoga mats, clothes, and headbands? Clothes and other gear go to a local charity, and all yoga mats are donated to teachers who are offering karma yoga classes in places where mats and props aren't easy to come by.  

 

But we hate to see any mat (or anything else) get donated unintentionally, so if you leave your yoga mat behind (or your water bottle or, somehow, just that one shoe...yes, it happens!), please come back for it as soon as possible.

 

Helpful hint from the blue to you: putting your name on your yoga mat is a great way to make sure it doesn't get sent off to a new home!

 

see you at the blue!