be part of a giant personal and collective energetic shift,

september 21 - october 30 

Pause and consider: What do you really want the most -- right now? Don't overthink the response. Your heartfelt desire may be to change the world. It also may be to kick a crummy habit, to kick up into a handstand, or to stand up for yourself at work. Whatever it is, committing yourself to manifesting a true heart's desire is a noble path.

That looks different in each of us on the outside, but it always starts in the same place -- a change that happens on the inside. 

How do you start? By making a commitment. It's time to put the power of the collective into manifesting the transformations we wish to see in ourselves and in our world.  

 Welcome to 40 Days of Yoga.   

Commit to what speaks to you. Practice for world peace, practice for a loved one in need, practice for the sake of practicing consistently. The power of setting an intention for your 40 days of yoga -- and keeping that intention for the full 40 days -- is worth exploring.

Make a habit. Make a change. Remember . . .  you're never in it alone.

Ready to sign up? Need more details? Visit 40 Days of Yoga.

When we asked Christy Rutan, our resident Baptiste Yoga maven, to tell us what's been going on in her life lately, she claimed she didn't have much of interest to report:  "All I do is cook and yoga," she says. But we beg to differ. So far this year, in addition to her full-time job and a full teaching schedule across the Triangle, Christy completed level 3 training with Baron Baptiste, ran her third half marathon ("And probably my last!"), and set up a new homestead in downtown Raleigh.

Christy moved downtown almost three years ago, and she says she's delighted to be a new owner of a condo in the warehouse district. "As a result of said condo," she says, "I now spend a lot of time and money at Cafe de los Muertos on Hargett Street." But she spends a lot of time in her own kitchen too, cooking up creations, such as the gazpacho recipe below. "That recipe is one of my all-time summer faves," she says. "It's a great choice for a quick 'fast food' lunch."

Level 3 training with Baron Baptiste is an advanced training for certified Baptiste teachers. Christy says, "For me it was a great opportunity to connect with the Baptiste yoga community and to recharge my teaching batteries." She also recently spent a bit of time recharging with a vacation to Ocean Isle Beach and Maine. Now that she's back in town, she's looking forward to spending the next few months reconnecting with the Raleigh community. Keep your  eye out for her at the Farmers Market!

Christy's class:   

Early Bird Yoga,  

Thursdays at 6:30 am 

Christy's Super Summer Gazpacho

2-3 large ripe farmers market tomatoes (or more small ones), chopped

1 large cucumber, chopped

1/4 cup good olive oil

heavy splash red wine vinegar

1 clove garlic

Maldon sea salt

fresh ground pepper

1 cup water

Combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Refrigerate for at least an hour.

The blue community came through once again for our July 4th Freedom Flow, where student donations for CORRAL Riding Academy for Girls totaled nearly $300. We are so proud and privileged to know so many generous souls. Many thanks to you for spending part of your holiday with us, and thanks to Yvonne for leading the way!