Wow, I cannot believe two years have already passed, and we are still standing strong and growing even stronger in our Blue Sky Yoga community. When it comes to creating changes and making a difference one must take risks. There is no doubt that taking risks can be very scary and it takes a lot of work and dedication to create a thriving community. Each person in the community makes a difference, contributes, and plays a part in creating the whole. Without each person, even the most minute things can have a profound impact and without them it wouldn’t be the same...that is how I feel we are at Blue Sky. I said this in the beginning when we began, and it all still rings true. Taking a look at our community-created logo also reminds me of the union of the community and our connection through yoga. The eight birds flying overhead represent the 8 limbs to the royal path of yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi). The human is representation of our self in the practice and seated as life on this earth that is the home for each of us. The circle surrounding the yogi represents the circle of life and complete wholeness or oneness, the yoking together of each part of our self spiritually, mentally, and physically and also to each other. The circle also represents how we can find ourselves limited in our beliefs, and it’s through our practice of the 8 limbed path that we find presence, peace, and the ability to expand beyond our limitations.
From the bottom of my heart, I believe we can take our vulnerabilities and suffering and turn that energy into strengths and grow from it to find clarity. The name Blue Sky represents a connection to the light without the distraction of clouds or rain but pure clarity and light. The blue sky has always been symbolic of clarity and peace for me from the time I was a child coming out of a coma and having to learn to walk again, having to find the strength to go back to school and dealing with pain and imbalances in my bony structure which had a domino effect on the rest of my system. Yoga has helped me find peace and presence and gratitude in the moment, and when I see a blue sky and sunlight, I feel hope and happiness. And when there are clouds and rain, I know that is a time I need to relax even more and take time to go inside, reflect and maybe even dance in the rain. I know the rain will pass and I’ve learned to live in the moment and appreciate both the light and the dark through this practice that brings us all together.
Life is celebrated by coming together with your community. For our anniversary, let us come together and offer each other the gift of practice and community. Join us on Friday night, July 19th at 6:30pm for a yoga relay class with many of our beautiful teachers: Annie, Kelli, Roxanne, Andrew, and Bryna offering a singing bowl savasana. You simply show up, have a fun practice with us and perhaps bring food or drink or a good story to share with the rest of the community. Hope to see you July 19 630pm!