2009 comes to an end

Namaste!

I can't believe that it was just last December when I was writing to you from Nepal. It seems like much, much longer than that.

It's been such an amazing year at blue lotus, thanks to YOU. We've graduated our first class of RYT-200 teachers from 9 months of transformation, the blue lotus yoga immersion & teacher training program, and have started the next course. Already, the program and our amazing teachers are building a reputation for excellence around the Triangle. If you haven't had a chance to experience a free Community Yoga class at blue lotus, check the schedule and check out Raleigh's newest teachers!

For those who have been asking about a 500-hour training program in Raleigh, stay tuned! We'll have news on the next phase of the blue lotus yoga immersion & teacher training program in the coming months.

It would also seem that our reputation as the best yoga studio in the Triangle-- with the most amazing community around-- is spreading far and wide! Thanks to YOU.

2009 Citysearch Best of Raleigh

Gaiam's Top Yoga Trends (#9)

So as we wrap up the year and the first decade of the new century, I'm full of gratitude. Thank you to the amazing blue lotus instructors who are the best ANYWHERE, and to our dedicated and loving "Peeps" the work-trade staff who keep the studio running smoothly. Even more, thank YOU for your continued support of this studio that so many people in the Triangle call their Yoga Home. I'm awed and inspired by our loving, supportive, devoted student community. It truly makes blue lotus what it is.

Blessings,

Jill

Yvonne' Playlist from Saturday, 11/21

Hi Friends!

Here is the playlist (as requested) from our Saturday morning vinyasa on 11/21. Have fun!

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=342129897

thanks for making the blue an AWESOME place to be!

love,
-y
xo

Sunday Sadhana Playlist

This is the playlist from Sunday's YTT Sadhana. Enjoy my friends. ~Carrington

Click here to view...

Hi Friends!

I have posted a playlist to iTunes from the last Deep Stretch class. I thought you may enjoy the softer side of my music selections :)

Sending lots of love to all of you! Stay warm!

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewIMix?id=335519815

-y
xo

Global Mala Wrap-up

A note of thanks to all of the Triangle's yogis and yoginis who participated in classes and donated to the cause during Raleigh Global Mala! Here at blue lotus, we raised $1015 for Piedmont Wildlife Center and when added to an additional $265 from Evolve and Gateway yoga studios, our total Raleigh Global Mala contribution comes to $1280! Not bad for a weekend of awesome yoga celebrating our amazing community!

I also want to extend my personal thanks to all of the blue lotus instructors who are always so incredibly generous with their time, energy and resources. In addition to selflessly donating their time to teach classes on these charity weekends, they make cash contributions, support other events in the area and offer classes on their own time at various organizations. I feel so incredibly blessed to be surrounded by such beauty-- such grace-- such goodness. Raleigh is so lucky to have you all- and that you choose blue lotus for your yoga home is a gift for which I am daily and eternally grateful.

Likewise, I hope that as blue community members you have had opportunity to enjoy Community Yoga classes at the studio. Our teachers in training (and teachers-done-with-training!) are committed to continuing to offer these free yoga classes at blue lotus for everyone-- regular and new students, and especially those in the community for which a regular class might currently be an unaffordable "luxury" expense. I love that we can offer these free classes. Thanks to the teachers for their love and dedication to sharing the teachings, and thanks to you for your continued support.

Blesings, all, and many thanks.

YTT Module 1

Namaste!

This weekend was Module 1 of 9 for our new group of teacher trainees. By request, here is Sunday's playlist and reading. Because so many of the songs are unavailable on iTunes, here are all the selections:

Oracle by Maneesh De Moor, from Sadhana

Tenfold by Layne Redmond, from Shakti Rhythms

Fruits of Labor by Glen Velez, from Rhythms of the Chakras

Duality by Tumbara, from Jala

Janjara by James Asher, from Feet in the Soil 2

The Player's Hands by John de Kadt, from This Rhythm is Not Mine

Nomad by Niraj Chag, from Yoga Chill

Samba Tranquille by Thievery Corporation, from The Mirror Conspiracy

Kara Kum by Banco de Gaia, from Eden: Global Chill from Six Degrees

Bhangra Fever by Midival Punditz, from Midival Punditz

Ohm Transfix Mix by Adham Shaikh, from Fusion

Delerium by Euphoria, from Six Degrees 100

Air by Greg Ellis, from Epiphany

Earth by Uwe Neumann, from Jala

Twilight Magic by Russill Paul, from Nada Yoga

Ultimate Om by Jonathan Goldman

CDs Sadhana, Shakti Rhythms, Rhythms of the Chakras, and Jala are available for sale at the studio.

********

Fully Alive

by Dawna Markova

I will not die an unlived life.

I will not live in fear

of falling or catching fire.

I choose to inhabit my days,

to allow my living to open me,

to make me less afraid,

more accessible;

to loosen my heart

until it becomes a wing,

a torch, a promise.

I choose to risk my significance;

to live so that which came to me as seed

goes to the next as blossom;

and that which came to me as blossom

goes on as fruit.

******

Blessings, all.

Global Mala Celebration!

On September 18th - 20th Blue Lotus, Evolve Yoga and Gateway Yoga team up to celebrate the power of community by participating in Global Mala 2009!

The purpose of the Global Mala is to unite the yoga communities from every continent, school and approach to form a "mala around the earth" through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108. This weekend we also celebrate Fall Equinox and include special events to recognize the yoga world's offering to the UN International Peace Day.

See the weekend schedule!

All donations collected at all studios, for special event and regular classes, go to support the Piedmont Wildlife Center.

Please join us!