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This morning I suited up to take Padma for a walk just as I have for the past week or so: sevevteen layers, complete with ski socks and a hat. By the time I got back to the house, I was sweating (profusely) and cursing my inability to gauge the outdoor temperature with more -- or any -- skill. It made me realize just how much I've been bracing against the cold.
I grew up on the north shore of Ohio. (I know, you didn't realize Ohio had a shore, right?) For all of the things you might or might not know about that part of the country, perhaps you've heard of something called Lake Effect Snow. What is that? Well, basically it boils down to what happens when you live to the south of a giant body of fresh water with Canada to the north: in the winter months (there are about six of them) you get DUMPED on. Driving along the country roads with 8-10' snowdrifts on either side of the road was normal. Bottom line: Cold. As. *$(*^#. So I should be immune to our coldest 20-30 degree days, right?
Apparently not. Even with the many layers, I curl in, harden, truly brace myself as if cold is somehow detrimental to my very being. As though it is trying to get in and steal my soul. (It might be, it really might be.) Today's weather made me realize just how much I have been futilely guarding myself, and how that hardening against what is uncomfortable is a habit not solely confined to the cold.
What would it feel like to soften, accept, allow the discomfort in our lives, in the many forms it comes- from the bitter cold outside to the dis-ease of change on the inside? Perhaps on this mild day, it's a good opportunity to try and see. Shall we?
Blessings,
Jill
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meet sona desai
Sona first experienced true freedom through movement while performing with two dance companies in New York. Her yoga practice is a further and deeper expression of that freedom, where she has realized the body's innate wisdom and healing potential. Learn more about Sona below, and check out her Vinyasa Open Level class at 9:30 am, Tuesdays, and her Power Hour at Noon on Wednesdays.
 Favorite Asana: Adho Mukha Vrksasana (handstand) and Ardha Chandrasana Chappasana (sugarcane). I love feeling rooted into the earth and suspended in the air all at once.
Little known facts about me: I am equal parts tomboy, free spirit and adventurer, which makes practicing non-attachment a breeze. I was born in the land down under. I eat and drink anything and everything I want, in moderation. Because tomorrow isn't guaranteed. I can't bring myself to ever waste food. I was a vegetarian from ages 11 to 21. I love animals. I am a purger (of things and thoughts, not people). I am trained in several dance styles, including two types of classical Indian dance. I taught yoga to veterans and active duty military for two years. One of my proudest moments was dancing on the stage of Lincoln Theater in NYC; that same week I sprinted seven Soho blocks to shake Kanye West's hand.
Words that describe my class: explorative, cleansing, dynamic, fluid, free
 | | Sona and her Shiba Inu pup, Pickle. |
What inspires me: simple things, spontaneity, impetus for change, acts of generosity, others experiencing transformation, the instant you receive the universe's gift of perception in a single aha! moment.
Favorite yoga music: breath and silence, mostly.
Favorite yoga book: Though not explicitly a yoga book, The Celestine Prophecy shifted the way I viewed the world in a major, major way -- long before I ever stepped foot in a yoga class.
Favorite quote: Fear is not your enemy. It is a compass pointing to the areas where you need to grow. Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. Tip toe if you must, but take the step. It's not the strongest of the species that survive nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change. Steve Pavlina
Why I love blue lotus: I can show up exactly as I am... raw, accepting, empty, abundant, grateful, blocked, grumpy, excited, compassionate, conflicted, clear, loving or confused...no matter if I woke up feeling like banging my head into a wall, or excited and ready to take on the world, I feel my worth shines through within those four walls. When I leave, I have rediscovered that I am perfect, whole and complete.
I knew I loved yoga when: Once you truly understand yoga meets you where you are, you want to share this experience with as many people as possible, every day, all of the time. I knew I loved yoga when I got out of my own way, shed the control and rigidity, and allowed myself to reside smack dab in the center of my truth, for better or worse, with a clear promise that the only extreme I would allow myself was LOVE.
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10-class pass for $100!
 It's a Festivus Miracle! From December 1 through December 15, get a 10-class pass for $100 -- save 30 bucks! Good for three months from the first use; limited one pass per student. Make your purchase online or at the studio! |
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make your holiday party a yoga party!
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group private yoga classes
Trying to think of a new way to celebrate the holidays with your co-workers?  How about a Group Private Class at the blue?!
It's a great holiday de-stresser, and can also be a prelude to a holiday dinner or happy hour.
We have a number of openings still available, generally between 1:30 and 3:30 pm weekdays. Contact Sandy for details or to schedule.
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prize donations for blueverary 8
to benefit CASA
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mark your calendars for feb 6-8!
 Our 8th anniversary celebration benefits CASA with a weekend of by-donation classes, complete with awesome raffle prize drawings!
If you'd like to help support CASA by donating a raffle prize, please contact Sandy by December 15.
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thank you, Endurance readers!
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best yoga studio in the triangle!
Many thanks to Endurance magazine and to everyone who voted the blue as the Best Yoga Studio in the Triangle! |
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update your newsletter preferences
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let us know the news you want to receive
As we approach the new year, we want to make sure we are providing you with exactly the information you want to receive from the blue, whether that's the monthly newsletter, regular updates about workshops, or occasional announcements about retreats.
Please use the Update Profile / Email Address link at the bottom of this email to update your email preferences and double-check we are using your preferred address for blue communications.
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happenings
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classes
Community Yoga -- FREE!2:00-3:00 pm Dec 16
Pay-what-you-can Yoga Modified schedulePlease note our modified schedule on this month's yoga immersion weekend, December 5-7.Holiday schedule
 Y-O-U Flow with Yvonne December 25
New Year's Eve Flow & Fire Bowl with YvonneDecember 31New Year's Eve Chakra Practice and Candlelight Meditation with SonaDecember 31New Year's Yoga & Fire Bowl Celebration with LeilaniJanuary 1weekend extrasYoga Nidra with KathleenDecember 19Yin Yoga with SandyDecember 21workshops & events
Restorative Yoga for Healing and Balance with Kathleen December 20 yoga immersion
for all students
You don't have to be registered in the 300-hour yoga training program to join these workshops. All you need is a desire to learn and to immerse yourself in the evolution of your practice. Join us and explore!
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 Thai Yoga Bodywork Certification Training with Michael Sitzer Three weekends: March 7-8, 14-15, and 21-22 YTT300 - up to 24 hours RYT200 CEU - up to 36 hours NCBTMB CEU - up to 36 hours |  |
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