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may 2014
news from the blue
Namaste!

How content are you with things as they are?  If you're at all like me, it depends very much on the day (and how connected I am to my practice). Generally speaking, I think I can say with confidence that the closer the external circumstances align with the internal "how things should be" compass, the happier we are, right?  Hmmm. So, what about the other 360 days of the year?

I have been both the recipient and sharer of this teaching on many occasions. The Yoga is working when we are content and at peace with life (on the inside and the outside) regardless of circumstance.  As I've been in a spell of not-as-I'd-like for a little while now, I'm working on a list to help me spend more time as a happy and content person and less time as a sour malcontent. Perhaps something here will be helpful the next time you're choosing to make something other than lemonade with those lemons:

Be grateful- Whatever you have that you don't want-- or want and don't have-- remember that it could be a lot worse. The active practice of gratitude will forever be the greatest all-purpose lubricant for the gears of work, relationships and life in general.  
All is change- Bad doesn't last.  Neither does good.  Get over it. Get used to it. Get right with it. Breathe deeply and it shall eventually pass.
Accept, accept, accept- Yourself, the people around you, how you feel, how they feel, what is, what isn't...  While "it is what it is" carries a dismissive tone, it's true. Stop fighting, stop struggling, stop with the internal dialogue around how X situation would/could/should be so much better.  Chances are we'd kvetch about that, too.
Practice- My answer to pretty much every problem/question. Get on your mat and your cushion. Get connected to the source of your life and inspiration- that which is eternal and unchanging. It automatically resets your priorities and your attitude.  
Mantra- All is well.  All is well.  All manner of things shall be well.

Peace,
Jill

summer's coming

special passes and programs for the seasonal shift  

 

Pangu Shengong The official start of summer is already only seven weeks away! We've cooked up a few summer deals and special programs for you:

 

40 Days 'Til Summer Pass: $280 -- Good from May 13 through June 21: May be used for one class per day -- that's up to 40 classes for only $280. $7 per class? That's a hot deal if we've ever heard of one!

 

Kids Yoga and Art Summer Camps -- $140 if you register by May 14: These camps are open to kids ages 6-10. Let your young yogi's creative juices flow!

 

Summer Foundations Series: Explore the fundamentals of yoga practice. Thursdays, 4-5pm, June 12 through August 14 (eight classes total). $108, which includes one Saturday Yoga Foundations workshop, June 21 or July 19.

YogaFest Raleigh returns
YogaFest NC Beginning May 7, YogaFest Raleigh is back for another series of weekly free yoga classes on Fayetteville Street in downtown Raleigh. Teachers from studios around the city are participating, and our own Michele Shipley will be leading class at on May 14.

 

Every Wednesday at 6pm from May 7 through June 11 you'll be able to join these one-hour, free yoga classes on City Plaza, at the south end of Fayetteville Street. We hope all of Michele's students will show up for her class on the 14th -- and don't worry, she won't make you do tittibhasana (unless you want to)! See YogaFest Raleigh for details.
get to know our teachers
meet teacher kathy sell smith

Favorite asanas: Vrksasana (tree pose)! The act of rooting down and standing tall while balancing on one leg makes me feel happy and grounded.  

 

Little known facts about me: I lived at a tennis academy in Tampa, Florida between ages 13 and 17. I went to school early in the morning, played tennis all day, and went back to school in the evening. I'm the youngest of four children who all played Division I college tennis. I married the oldest of four children who also all played Division I college tennis. Portland, Oregon is my favorite U.S. city and I moved there after graduating from college.  

   

Words that describe my class: Relevant, challenging, fun  

 

What inspires me: My family, travel, people in general  

 

Favorite yoga music: I love this question! I play a mix of rock, alternative, reggae, and new age/world. I like to mix in soundtrack songs too. Songs of the moment are "Waves" by Mr. Probz, "Gaia Nector" by Masood Ali Khan, and "Here Comes The Sun" by Yuna. 

 

Favorite yoga book: How Yoga Works by Michael Roach  

 

Favorite quote: "What if soy milk is just regular milk introducing itself in Spanish?"  

 

Why I love blue lotus: I first fell for the collection of inspiring books in the entry of Blue Lotus. I quickly realized there was a special vibe at Blue Lotus due to a dedicated community of instructors and practitioners. Whether it is Carrington's Friday morning packed house or Jill's "horizontal yoga" (aka Yoga for Healing), I feel safe, supported, and challenged by teachers and students alike.   

 

I knew I loved yoga when: I realized the practice would complement my passion for tennis and that it would be a vessel for learning and sharing for the rest of my life!   


Kathy's class: Power Hour on Tuesdays at 4pm 
see you at the blue!


in this issue
happenings
classes
 
pay-what-you-can yoga
6:00-7:00 pm, Saturdays
May 10, 17, 24, 31

weekend extras
Yoga Nidra with Kathleen
Friday, May 9
Happy Hips Practice with Kristin
Friday, May 16
Yin Yoga with Sandy
Friday, May 30

modified schedule
Please note our modified schedule on this month's yoga immersion weekend, May 3-5.

workshops & events

Yoga Foundations with Kathleen
2:30 pm, Saturday, May 10
Get a two-hour introduction to the principles and practices of yoga! Take this workshop on its own or combine it with the weekly class in our new Yoga Foundations package.

Kids Yoga & Art
Summer Camps with Jen

Open to kids ages 6-10. Let your young yogi's creative juices flow!
2:00-5:00 pm
June 16-20
July 28-August 1

yoga immersion
for all students

Anatomy Essentials  

Refresher Course
1:00 pm, Saturday, June 7
Spend four hours exploring one of your most important yoga tools: your body!  

YTT500/RYT200 - 4 hours

This is a required module for the  YTT500 certification program. 

 

Anatomy Essentials Weekend
July 25-27
Add confidence and depth to your teaching by augmenting your knowledge of the body. 

YTT500/RYT200 - 15 hours

This is a required module for the  YTT500 certification program.


Seva: Yoga In Action 

August 22-24 

Join Carrington Jackson for a weekend exploring life as service.

YTT500/RYT200 - 22 hours

This is a required module for the  YTT500 certification program. 

 

Boot Camp for Teachers

September 25-28 

Heather Tiddens helps you hone your skills in communication, intuition, and hands-on assists. YTT500/RYT200 - 30 hours

This is a required module for the  YTT500 certification program. 

 

 

blue lotus
401 n. west street
raleigh, nc 27603
919.831.2583
www.bluelotusnc.com
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