february 2016
news from the blue

Namaste!

In the same way it's hard not to write about gratitude in November, it's nearly impossible for me not to wax nostalgic at this time of year. And somehow this February feels bigger than most. Celebrating our 9th birthday means we are headed into our 10th year of community at blue lotus. And when I look back to where I was 10 years ago, with the exception of a very few most precious near and dear (you know who you are) nothing about my life looks the same now as it did then. Except the Booling. And if you think she's wee now, she was really wee then. 

As I was getting ready to open the door at 401 N. West Street for the first time, I remember thinking that even if it all failed -- if nobody came, if it didn't work -- I was still glad I did it, that I was gifted this process of having a dream and blood-sweat-and-tearing it into reality. I felt no matter how short-lived it might be, I was incredibly grateful for the experience -- how much I learned; the people who showed up out of nowhere and everywhere to help and be a part of it; the road I travelled to get to opening was worth the journey, regardless of the eventual destination.

Those who know me well won't be surprised to hear me say IT NEVER OCCURRED TO ME that it might work. It never occurred to me that all these years, so many faces and forms later, I would still be here. That we would still be here. But I am. And we are. And I am still grateful. Somewhat ironically, I'm grateful for the very same things, though they look so different now. Other than my own class rosters, I look at our student base and instead of knowing every single face and name, I just know a relative handful. Many of "the regulars" back then have moved on -- some I never see, some I rarely see, still others have moved from the role of student to teacher along side me. The dreams of Immersions and Teacher Trainings have also been made manifest -- growing beyond my wildest expectations or hopes. Our little staff and little schedule have exploded and expanded to and beyond capacity. 

This little vision for a sanctuary, for a place to be and to become is still here. And while it is here for you, it also is here because of you.

So thank you. And thanks to all of those who have come and gone along the way to make the journey exactly as it's been. As Hafiz said, All evolves us.

Blessings,
Jill
celebrate blueversary 9 with FREE yoga!
Join us for a weekend of FREE classes as we celebrate 9 years of community, yoga, and the love that grows at the blue!

In honor of our students, the blue will donate to Benevolence Farm, which helps women leaving prison learn how to grow food, nourish self, and foster community. You're welcome to support the farm, too; however, donations are not required. But wait, there's more!

BV9 Class Pass Sale!

Feb 6 & 7 ONLY

10-class pass for $110

Purchase online or in studio.

One per person, please.

 
View the BV9 schedule and save your mat space!

our first-ever summer immersion 

teacher training program

By May of this year, we will have graduated nearly 150 yogis from our 9-month yoga immersion and teacher training intensive. Over the 8 years we have offered the program, we've refined the course to be not only an education, but also a real excavation of Self -- a journey from the outside to the inside -- moving through blocks, misconceptions and illusions to a better understanding of ourselves and our world.
 
The Immersion: blue lotus YTT200
8:00 am - 5:00 pm, daily
July 11 - August 3 
We're so pleased to announce that for the first time, we will offer the program in an intensive format.
 
Classes meet daily to provide as complete an immersion experience as possible, right here at home. Interested students are encouraged to attend the information session on March 20 (article below). You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and speak to students who completed the program in the longer format.

Space is limited and registration closes June 1. View our Workshops for details
, or direct questions to Education Director Kathleen Yount. Interested? Complete the online application.
questions about teacher training? 
come to our info session!
attend our free info session - March 20 at 1:00 pm

Over the years, we have been witness and guide to many students' journeys through 9 months of transformation: the blue lotus yoga immersion and teacher training program. We look forward to welcoming our ninth class this September.
 
 
Are you interested?
Whether you aspire to teach yoga, already teach and want to refine your skills, or simply want to immerse yourself in the practice, you can find what you are looking for in this program. Learn more at our free info session!
 
Free Info Session
1:00-2:00 pm, Sunday, March 20
Learn more about the program at our website and FAQ.
drop a note in our happiness jar
The happiness jar, inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, is a simple way of reminding yourself of the good that came out of your day, even if the day has been a challenge.

And now we have a Happiness Jar on the altar at the blue!

We provide the jar and the paper, you provide the happiness. When the spirit moves you, drop in a note about a good thing that happened to you -- it's just that simple. Occasionally a teacher may pull a bit of happiness out of the jar to share during class, or we may post a note on Facebook to bring happiness to others.
booling rinpoche
 

in this issue

happenings
yoga immersion 
for all students

The Chakra System & the Emotional Body 
with Jen D. & Kathleen
RYT200 CEU  - 11 hours
YTT300 - 15 hours with outside assignments

Thai Yoga Bodywork Certification Training 
with Michael Sitzer
YTT300 - Up to 24 hours
NCBTMB & RYT200 CEU - up to 36 hours

Refine Your Asana
with Michele
YTT300/RYT200 CEU - 2 hours

Prana Weekend with Jill
YTT300/RYT200 CEU -11 hours


workshops 
& events

Kundalini Yoga & Meditation for the Heart Chakra Series
with Amanda
Register for the series, or drop in

Yin Yoga Intensive
with Yvonne

Fire Practice with Jen B. 
Melt away Winter and Prepare for Spring!
March 5

Yoga for Anxiety Relief 
4-Week Series 
with Jen D. and Barb
Full series registration only.

special class
offerings


Chakra Flow with Jen B.
6:45 pm, Feb 5

Flow & Stretch with Live Music with Michele & Courtney
7:00 pm, Feb 15

Yoga Nidra with Kathleen
6:45 pm, Feb 26

Kundalini Yoga & Meditation with Amanda
11:00 am, Feb 28

Community Yoga - FREE!
1:00-2:00 pm, Feb 2
1:00-2:00 pm, Feb 9
1:00-2:00 pm, Feb 16
1:00-2:00 pm, Feb 18
1:00-2:00 pm, Feb 25
6:00-7:00 pm, Feb 27
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