One month each year I get an easy out on trying to come up with something interesting, thought-provoking, or simply readable for the monthly newsletter. But it’s February again, which means it’s the blue’s birthday, or the 13th anniversary of this community we created in 2007. I’m never sure which one is right, but that doesn’t really matter. Let’s reminisce…
Each February, I think back to the first time I crossed the threshold of what is now blue lotus. The original Glenwood South neighborhood hardly resembles its current self. No The West condos, no Smoky Hollow. No Tiki Bar. No traffic. Lots of parking. Those who know me well- especially those who work with me- know that I have a terrible memory. But I remember with crystal clarity the first day I stepped into 401-105 N. West Street. Curious about the new glass storefronts on the old Creamery Warehouse, I push the door. It opens. Part cement and part dirt floor. Cold dark shell. I see my younger self as though there had been a skylight overhead. I hear the words as clearly as if someone had been in the space with me: “This is it.” And then my response, “this is what?”
I was not looking to open a yoga studio. I was mostly just in a painful season of life trying to get by. But the universe had other plans. A community was needed. A refuge, a gathering place, a sanctuary to hold awakening, seeking hearts and minds. It was a privilege to get to birth this thing that the universe had in mind, and I can’t take much credit for the doing. So many people stepped up to help. So many people shared their time and talents. So many people taught me, guided me, helped me. I was in the right place at the right time, and I said yes. I guess this is all we are really asked to do when the universe comes calling. It is, without question, the thing I’ve gotten the most right in my whole life.
So, thanks to all of you who were there before we opened our doors. Who believed in me and this idea of a space for community and yoga, service and friendship and study. Thanks to those who have come and moved on over these many years. Your footprints and heartbeats are still present. Thanks to those who are with me today, teaching, sharing, guiding, cleaning, answering e-mail, making flyers, getting the HVAC serviced. All the things. I couldn’t ever possibly do it alone, and I wouldn’t want to even if I could. While I never wanted it to be “mine” I couldn’t have known how many people would come to take a bit of ownership in this shared space and call it home.
Most of all, I have so much gratitude for our student community. I get that we are not for everyone. But those whom we are for? You’re our people. When I talk to teachers and studio owner friends across the country who lament about their community only wanting a workout, how they can’t get people in engage in deeper study, self inquiry or selfless service, I can’t add anything to the conversation, because that’s not been my experience. Not ever. Not once. This community shows up over and over again in ways that inspire and astound me. I feel humble and full of gratitude.
Thanks for supporting our amazing, incredible, better-than-anywhere-else-I-know teaching staff. Thanks for making 42 circuits around the block in the mess of construction and paying to park your car to come to class. Thanks for making space when the room is full, and taking up space when it’s not. Thanks for welcoming new faces like old friends. Thanks for doing this work in a dedicated and consistent way because what I know about the nature of this practice is that it brings the light that lives deep inside us to the surface; and that means with every mindful breath you—we— are bringing more light into this dark world.
People rarely comment on these posts, but if you got this far, I’d so love for you to share how you came to be at blue, or a special story, or a personal share of how this community has made an impact in your life. Because the beauty and transformation that has happened in those four walls bears recording. That is if we can fix the glitch that is apparently not letting you post. 🙂
Happy Birthday, blue. Thanks to you.
Blessings,
Jill
8 Comments
Lori M.
Love the community you've built and all that you do!
Rayneen Thebeau
Oh, the blue.
Just about 5 years ago is when I started playing with the idea of becoming a yoga teacher. My reason was mostly for continuing education as a personal trainer, learning another practice to share with my clients. Yoga wasn’t something I did often, I had even lied on the blue’s YTT application because I did not have a consistent practice- I know, not at all satya of me. Lol
But I am so glad I did, that I followed the little whisper of interest under whatever reasons I needed to at the time. There was a part of me that was sleeping for what feels like a thousand years and it wasn’t until I entered the space for the first time that it finally woke up.
When searching for teacher trainings, I had narrowed it down to three studios and told myself to try each one to find the best fit. The blue was where I started and let’s just say that after my first class, which happened to be with Jill, I did not feel the need to look any further. She had me at om. Seriously. That vibration, that sound, that moment. It lit me up. And life has never been the same.
I could seriously go on and on and on but I won’t, so I’ll wrap this up with saying that I am eternally grateful for this urban sanctuary. It’s my school, my church, my work, my community, my nourishment, and SO much more.
Melinda Taylor
Blue Lotus and Jill changed my life. Because of Jill and the Blue Lotus Community I took a giant leap of faith and jumped ship from my success in corporate America to follow a dream. Recognizing my gifts I was given and skills I developed over the years in a successful career had a higher purpose, I surrendered to the unfolding of a bigger life vision: to lift women who were less fortunate. In the open space created by that brave jump into the unknown, I began the process of bringing BLOOMHERE – a space and place of empowerment for women survivors— to life. This is all because of the BLUE LOTUS community. Thank you Jill Sockman for your strength and courage to open Blue Lotus. I love you.
Glenda Mackie
Oh Dear Blue! About six years ago my dear friends Stacey Hodges and Lisa Barrie told me about a 40 day practice event that they planned to do at Blue Lotus. I had been looking for a yoga home that felt like it supported my spiritual journey so I signed up. It was clear that I had found it at Blue Lotus. I took SO many amazing classes from very gifted teachers during those 40 days. I also felt the warmth of a welcoming community.
To say that I was hooked is an understatement. Since that sign up, I signed on to take part in the 200 hr. training. I had a previous 200 hour but wanted to do Blue's because I loved the way the yoga was making me FEEL! Next, the 300 hr. bridge training. For me it was about the content and personal transformation offered and when the soul says "Yes! This place and these teachers! " I listen.
I now teach at the Blue and feel so honored to share yoga in multiple ways with our beautiful community. I take my beloved Jill's Lunchtime Flow almost every week because hearing my teacher's voice and being a student keeps me from spinning off the planet and connects me with my heart :) I am forever grateful to be a student, teacher and community member at Blue Lotus. And to Jill who heard the call and answered, I am so glad that you created a sacred space that encourages me and others to practice yoga both on and off the mat. It is not an easy job to hold space for so many and you do it with GRACE. Happy Birthday Blue and Jill - you are so very loved.
Glenda Mackie
Oh Dear Blue! About six years ago my dear friends Stacey Hodges and Lisa Barrie told me about a 40 day practice event that they planned to do at Blue Lotus. I had been looking for a yoga home that felt like it supported my spiritual journey so I signed up. It was clear that I had found it at Blue Lotus. I took SO many amazing classes from very gifted teachers during those 40 days. I also felt the warmth of a welcoming community.
To say that I was hooked is an understatement. Since that sign up, I signed on to take part in the 200 hr. teacher training. I had a previous 200 hour but wanted to do Blue's because I loved the way the yoga was making me FEEL! Next, the 300 hr. bridge training. For me, it was about the content and personal transformation offered and when the soul says "Yes! This place and these teachers! " I listen.
I now teach at the Blue and feel so honored to share yoga in multiple ways with our beautiful community. I take my beloved Jill's Lunchtime Flow almost every week because hearing my teacher's voice and being a student keeps me from spinning off the planet and connects me with my heart :) I am forever grateful to be a student, teacher and community member at Blue Lotus. And to Jill who heard the call and answered, I am so glad that you created a sacred space that encourages me and others to practice yoga both on and off the mat. It is not an easy job to hold space for so many and you do it with GRACE. Happy Birthday Blue and Jill - you are so very loved.
Lisa Grele Barrie
My pathway into the blue lotus community was through my dear friend, Stacey Hodges, who invited me to attend classes at the former CapFit facility where Jill and Yvonne were instructors. I remember their vibrant energy (and attire) and my body’s initial pushback of Ashtanga as a former practitioner of Iyengar. I got into the flow, followed them to 401 N. West and never left. I’ve attended two retreats to Mexico, a 40-Day practice and many inspiring workshops that have exercised my mind and body and fueled my purpose.
Having this sacred space to unwind and restore has been a gift; practicing with my friends and husband (who’s also a friend) is the icing on the yogic cake. Our community is better because of the many reverberations of love, service, friendship and study that extend into the darker nooks and crannies that need filling up with light. So much love and gratitude to Jill for creating this blessed sanctuary and to all of the teachers and yogis who contribute to making blue lotus so much more than a yoga studio. Happy 13th blueversary!
Lisa Grele Barrie
My pathway into the blue lotus community was through my dear friend, Stacey Hodges, who invited me to attend classes at the former CapFit facility when Jill and Yvonne were instructors. I remember their vibrant energy (and attire) and my body’s initial pushback of Ashtanga as a former practitioner of Iyengar. I got into the flow, followed them to 401 N. West and never left. I’ve attended two retreats to Mexico, a 40-Day practice and many inspiring workshops that have exercised my mind and body and fueled my purpose.
Having this sacred space to unwind and restore has been a gift; practicing with my friends and husband (who’s also a friend) is the icing on the yogic cake. Our community is better because of the many reverberations of love, service, friendship and study that extend into the darker nooks and crannies that need filling up with light. So much love and gratitude to Jill for creating this blessed sanctuary and to all of the teachers and yogis who contribute to making blue lotus so much more than a yoga studio. Happy 13th blueversary!
Anne
The Blue became my sanctuary, my love, laughter, tears, sweat, dance, prayer, classroom, seed of humility and wings of growth. I cannot believe it’s been 13 years.
You planted the seeds of community and tended to the growth...the souls that have followed you across the threshold became the trunk. branches and leaves; as many of us that have blown in the winds to plant new roots , others have followed. That's the beautiful thing about creating something so magical...we have carried it with us across the country and the world. The Blue is my home that I carry in my heart wherever I go. Thank you for creating this sacred space xo