The waiting is the hardest part.  Or so the lyrics go.  And oddly enough, even though I have more song lyrics than just about anything else stored in this brain of mine, those are the only words I know.

I'm in a hallway of sorts.  It's not a hall full of doors where I need to pick one and walk through it.  It's more like a transition area of some kind.  It's not unpleasant, and not terribly uncomfortable.  I feel clear on where I am.  

But understanding this waiting time theoretically is not at all the same as abiding peacefully with the open space on a daily basis.  My mom says I have been like this since I was just wee: I see where I want to be and I want to be there NOW. But now I've got this whole Yoga Thing and wow, does it ever throw a wrench into that mode of operation.

How do you handle the waiting?  In the small and short term ways like waiting in line, sitting in traffic, enduring a cold?  And what about the big ways, in your work, your relationships, in the transitions and transformations of old, bad habits into healthier, happier ways of thinking and living?

For me, it depends on the day.  Sometimes I am just fine in the waiting zone.  I feel content and trust that when the time is perfect, the doors ahead will swing wide open and a fresh breeze will pull me through.  Other days I feel impatient and frustrated.  I'm cramped in this damn chrysalis and I want to FLY!

So for now I take a deep breath.  I look at what's behind me with gratitude, relief and satisfaction.  I look at the closed door ahead with anticipation.  I look up and ask for grace and patience.  

And I flap my growing wings against the shell every now and again. I'll be ready...

Peace,
Jill

blueversary 7: many hands, full hearts

get to know our teachers

meet kristin monk

Favorite asanas: janu sirsasana, eka pada koundinyasana 2

Little known facts about me: I scuba dive. I feel most at home in Colorado, but anywhere outside will suffice. I'm an excellent cook, but I hate to do dishes. I grew up on a farm, and was a vegetarian for almost 10 years. My favorite word is yugen. I majored in history, and then received a master's in nutrition. I love to read, run, write, and practice yoga. If I didn't have yoga, I don't know where I'd be -- and I'm so happy I never need to know!

Words that describe my class: Playful, juicy, and accessible!

What inspires me: People who hope, against all odds!

Favorite yoga music: Beats Antique, Thievery Corporation.. anything mellow but still groovy

Favorite yoga book: Poser: My Life in 23 Yoga Poses by Clare Dederer

Favorite quotes: "My country is the world, and my religion is to do good." ~Thomas Paine.

"We are here to laugh at the odds and live our lives so well that Death will tremble to take us." ~Charles Bukowski

Why I love blue lotus: I love the blue because it was the first studio I went to in Raleigh -- one of the first places, really -- where I felt at home. I felt welcomed, and loved, before I even thought I'd be teaching here. The teachers and students were all so loving, so kind, and made me feel like I was among family. It was a little intimidating at first, being so far from everyone I knew, but being at blue was the first time I felt like I was going to be at home in Raleigh.

I knew I loved yoga when: I felt peace. One day during meditation the universe opened like a flower, where I was in union with what was -- and I realized that things were so simple. Every day, I practice finding that sweet place of yoga -- of union.

spring cleaning from the inside out!

Raleigh has received an extra helping of "winter wonderland" in the last month, but this weather can't last forever. (Can it?) Spring officially arrives this month, and we yogis often associate spring with cleansing: shedding the layers we collected during the "hibernation" of winter, and planting new seeds of intention that we can grow as the days grow longer and the weather warms.

 

Every time you come to your yoga mat, you're invited to make a fresh start -- to use the practice of moving and breathing to shed a layer or two of tension, whether it's in the mind, body, or heart. At this time of year, you might also be called to do a little extra shedding, so check out these upcoming special offerings that offer something new, or an extra dose of spring cleaning from the inside out!

• Rhythmic Flow Yoga: Kristin Cooper and her Kunga Drummers are coming March 7 for a weekend of flowing yoga practices, accompanied by live music, that celebrate the elements.
• Earth Practice 
• Water Practice 
• Fire Practice 
• Spring Cleaning Retreat to Prama with Carrington and Jill: Refresh and revive with a weekend getaway to the mountains. 
• Kids Spring Yoga and Art workshop with Jen: Has your young one unrolled a yoga mat yet? Share the joy of yoga and let the creative juices flow! Open to grades K through 5.
• Thai Yoga Bodywork Training: Bodyworkers and yoga teachers alike can add something new to their practice, as Michael Sitzer teaches techniques for giving a full, safe thai yoga massage. Take the whole training or just dip in for a day! 

Join us at YogaFest NC, March 22

The blue is proud to be a sponsor of YogaFest NC 2014, which offers a full day of yoga classes taught by teachers from across the Triangle.

Held at the McKimmon Center on the N.C. State campus, YogaFest offers a wide range of practices for all levels of movement, including meditation, yoga nidra, therapeutic, and chair yoga, as well as more active practices -- including an advanced practice with our own Jill Sockman!

Neomonde will provide a tasty lunch. If you get your ticket before March 16, you get this full day of yoga exploration for $45.

All you need to know about and register for YogaFest!

see you at the blue!