4th anniversary celebration in the works

There are a great many things I love about the idea of community, and the blue lotus community in particular. Throughout the past four years, blue lotus has become a yoga home for so many -- from those new to the practice to those who have been long on the journey. Like a great community, blue lotus is not only a place of support, inspiration and nourishment for those who practice at the studio, but it also is a source of the same for those the community touches.

With that in mind, each February we celebrate the blue lotus community with a weekend of by-donation classes to support an organization in need. We are excited to announce that this February 4-6, our fourth “blueversary” fundraising efforts will support CORRAL Riding Academy.

CORRAL is a wonderful non-profit organization in Wake County that offers at-risk girls a chance to change their lives. The program gives troubled girls one-on-one mentoring, weekly tutoring, Equine Assisted Learning, Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and riding lessons, as well as responsibilities in the barn and caring for the horses, most of whom are rescues themselves. All of this provides the girls with the tools necessary to overcome the challenges they face. CORRAL engages the students in these activities over the long-term -- to create lasting healing and to offer a preventative diversion to the risky behaviors the girls would otherwise be tempted with or prone to explore in their homes, schools or neighborhoods.

Our goal is to raise $5,000, which will sponsor one girl for a year.

In the coming weeks, you’ll start to see more about CORRAL in the studio, in the newsletter, and on Facebook. There will be opportunities to donate online, in the studio and at by-donation classes February 4-6 (to be posted by mid-January in the online schedule). CORRAL also has a volunteer page for those who would like to help in other ways, and we're also working with CORRAL to introduce and offer yoga classes to the girls in program.

We are always overwhelmed and overjoyed at the response of our blue friends and family, and are truly looking forward to coming together to support CORRAL. If you have questions, ideas or comments, email us your thoughts.

Blessings,

Sandy

Namaste!

We are certainly bringing 2010 to a close with flair! Thanks to everyone who is part of blue lotus- instructors, assistants, peeps, students- you all play a vital role in sustaining and growing the amazing Raleigh yoga community.

December highlights:

Habitat for Humanity build day...yes, it was a week before Christmas and FREEZING, but the blue crew showed up full force for a day of selfless service. See photos of all the work/fun!

Yoga Mala celebrating the Winter Solstice...it really was the most fun mala I can remember. Thanks to everyone who came to salute, sweat, surrender and even sing! Check out the playlist.

In case you've ever wondered what we all do when we're not at the studio, take a look at the album from our blue family holiday gathering. Humble Pie provided the venue and everyone who attended provided great company, conversation and laughter!

And finally for the year, if you don't have plans for New Year's Eve and are tired of the same old thing...join us Friday night for Midnight Yoga from 10pm-midnight. Ring in 2011 with joy!

Thanks for being a part of it all...

Blessings,

Jill

Gratitude- Habitat Build Dec 2010

Just a quick note to say thank you friends. Thank you for carving out a large part of your day on Saturday to not just build a home. But to continue to build the foundation of service at the Blue. To Jill, myself and many others at the studio, this piece, Seva, is just as important at the asana, the pranayama, the meditation and the mantra. With your help we brought together the pieces of Yoga and hopefully inspired others to do the same.

Om Shanti,
Carrington