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I change my mind about as much as the next person. At least as far as I know. Sometimes my opinion or viewpoint shifts from experience or new information, but other times it is a random change of perspective that feels as unmanaged as the weather.
A number of years ago, I wrote about this idea in regard to a student in class. She was a long-time student of mine, and one evening I watched her struggling with her body (mind) in a pose, and I offered the question, "What would happen if you decided that you liked it?" As I recall, the question was received with hissing and thorns and perhaps expletives. But The Lesson was clear? We are as attached to what we don't like as what we do like. And it's a choice. We resist an experience or we receive it. Period.
Recently, I had this particular teaching come around again...as they always do. I was in a situation (not particularly unpleasant or at all harmful) but I watched my mind spinning in the 3-year-old-tantrum "this isn't what I want!!!" space. Apparently there was a pause, as seemingly out of nowhere, I heard a voice offer, "What would happen if you decided that you liked it?"
The nice thing about repeat lessons is that however slow we are, eventually we catch on. It gets easier. Less resistance and less pain. I actually laughed to myself, and changed my mind. And you know what? It worked.
I'm not suggesting that you use this as a way to rationalize painful or navigate unhealthy situations. But when faced with the day-to-day ego-driven "I don't like it/want it" tantrums, what would happen if you decided that you DID want it/like it? How much better would the experience be for you and anyone around you?
We have the power to decide. The mind creates the reality.
Change. Your. Mind.
Peace Jill
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meet jordyn "jo" matthews
Favorite Asanas: Vriksasana and, of course, Balasana Little Known Facts about Me: I have a four-month old son named Oxford, named after the Oxford Press. I love Jimmy Fallon, dive bars (especially when they have live music), and anything with tofu. And if it is lavender scented, I am buying it. I am from Chicago but have moved every year since I was 18. (Raleigh is officially my last move...thank goodness) I sew and love a good thrift store hunt. Words to describe my class: Slow flow with a gentle kick (I have students say  that my class is sneakily challenging). What inspires me: Other yoga teachers (actually teachers of all kinds), wisdom and old age, changing seasons and any other natural transitions, my son, and the color green. Favorite Yoga Music: Favorite Yoga Book: Yoga and Ayurveda: Self-Healing and Self Realizations by David Fawley or Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Classes by Mark Stephens (always like to brush up on some of my training books) Favorite Quote: If you want happiness, you have to share it. - Dale Carnegie Why I love blue lotus: What is not to love? From the moment I walked in the door, I felt the most calm and welcoming energy. Both teachers and students are so genuine and are honestly on their mats with sincerity and kindness (striving to make this community a better place). Just has a feeling of home... I knew I loved yoga when: Shortly after the sudden passing of my father in my early 20s, I could not find peace or stillness in my life. I was constantly in an unstable emotional and physical state. I took my first yoga class in which we did tree pose (hence why it is still my favorite) and for the first time, I was astonished how I immediately felt calm and was able to just let go. It was just me and my breath feeling supported and grounded -- finding that much needed peace and inner stillness. It was amazing and I was hooked. Jo's classes Monday & Friday, Morning Practice, 7:00-8:00 am Saturday, Slow Flow, 10:00-11:00 am (starting Sep 20) |
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40 days of yoga: the time is now
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registration deadline september 14
There's still time to sign up for the blue's 40 Days of Yoga, an opportunity to unroll your mat, take a deep breath, and dedicate 40 days of yoga practice to something that's meaningful to you.
Whether you dedicate your 40 Days to finally lifting your toes off the mat in Bakasana (crow pose), starting or kicking a habit off the mat, or offering your efforts on behalf of someone you love, 40 Days invites you to (re)commit to your yoga practice and your own transformation -- with the support a community of people who are standing with you.
Get all the details and register at 40 Days of Yoga.
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by-donation yoga mala, sep 21
Join us as we celebrate Global Mala on September 21 with a by-donation Yoga Mala led by Julie Realon, from Noon to 2:00 pm.
All donations go to the Ingrid School in Nairobi, Kenya.
Our friend and wonderful yogini Nina Be, of Global Breath studio in Durham, has been leading the charge for several years to bring much-needed resources to the school, which is a vital community resource for one of Nairobi's most impoverished areas.
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more ways to love your yoga
We've mixed in a few brand-new classes for fall...check them out!
Vinyasa Express
A 45-minute class that packs all the goodness you love from a 90-minute practice into one bite-sized power punch. Great for yogis with a busy day ahead. Move, breathe, play, and get your yoga to go!
Tuesdays at 8:15 am with Leilani
Slow Flow
Take the pace down a notch and find out why gentle is the new advanced practice! This class moves at a slower pace than our Open Vinyasa classes, but still offers a flowing sequence of postures to build strength and flexibility. Appropriate for all levels.
Thursdays at 4pm with Kathleen; Saturdays at 10:00 am with Jordyn
 Kundalini Yoga & Meditation Series
Kundalini Yoga includes repetitive movements called kriyas that are designed to strengthen the body as well as elevate the spirit. Start your week right with this gentle but revitalizing yoga practice, paired with meditation.
Four-week series on Sundays at 10:45 am (Sep 14 - Oct 5) with Amanda
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happenings
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classes Guided Practice - new time!
Tuesday evenings with Jill 7:00-8:15 pm
pay-what-you-can yoga September 13, 20, 27
6:00-7:00 pmYogaFest Raleigh: Free outdoor class with Carrington September 17, 6:00-7:00 pmGlobal Mala: Yoga Mala by Donation with Julie September 21, Noon-2:00 pmweekend extras
Yin Yoga with SandySeptember 12Yoga for Healing: Restorative Yoga with Jen September 14 Tune Up Your Asana: Half Moon with Nicole September 26 Yoga for Healing: Restorative Yoga with Kate September 28workshops & events
Yoga Foundations with Jen, now back on Sunday evenings! September 7 through October 19 New seven-week series begins September 9; learn the fundamentals of yoga asana.Yoga for Anxiety Relief with Jen & Barb September 13 Discover how yoga can help you diminish the effects of anxiety in the body and mind. Kundalini Yoga & Meditation Series with Amanda September 14-October 5 Start your week right with a gentle one-hour kundalini yoga and meditation session. yoga immersion
for all students
Mentorship Program for Teachers September/October
A one-on-one experience designed to enhance your teaching skills. Offered quarterly.
YTT300/RYT200 CEU - 15 hours
Holding Space with Jill September 20 Hone your ability to listen with clarity and compassion, respond (instead of react) to what is said, and hear what is unspoken. YTT300/RYT200 CEU - 3 hours
Refine Your Asana Posture Clinic with Carrington
October 5
A workshop open to anyone with at least six months of consistent yoga practice, designed to answer those lingering thoughts, questions and concerns about the who, what, and where of yoga postures.
YTT300/RYT200 CEU - 2 hours Satsang: Power of Community with Jill October 17-19 in N.C. mountains To walk the path of yoga successfully, you need a community of like-minded seekers to support, challenge, and enhance your practice and process. Immerse yourself in this community and its inspiration and support for a weekend of Satsang in the beautiful North Carolina mountains. YTT300/RYT200 CEU - 18 hours. Required module for YTT300 certification program.
Refine Your Assisting with Michele
October 26
This workshop is open to all yoga teachers and teachers-in-training of any style as a means to learn more about the art of hands-on assisting.
YTT300/RYT200 CEU - 2 hours What's Next? with Jill November 1-3 Take three days away to dive deep with Jill. Lecture, discussion, meditation and journaling will help you to identify your purpose, your obstacles, and the answer to the question what's next? Hathavidya Weekend Immersion with Will November 14-16 Join Will Duprey, director and founder of Hathavidya, for a weekend immersion in the practice. YTT300/RYT200 CEU - 11 hours. Ground, Heal, Forgive with Warren Grossman December 6 Learn how to create an active connection to the earth and how to bring that energy to the heart to access the healing energy of Love. YTT300/RYT200 CEU available; space is limited. Weekend of Reflection: The Power of Silence with Jill December 12-14 When we become still and sit in silence, we create space to see what lies beneath the surface: both our greatness as well as what holds us back from our potential. Jill will lead you through an exploration of your inner landscape with meditation, pranayama, restorative yoga, and yoga nidra.
YTT300/RYT200 CEU - 14 hours. Required module for YTT300 certification program.
The Business of Yoga with Elizabeth January 9-11 Join Elizabeth Crisci for a weekend of practice and lecture diving into the business of teaching yoga. Yes, you can love what you do and pay the bills. Let's talk about how! YTT300/RYT200 CEU - 11 hours |  |
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