Jan 11, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Joy Nanda, CranioSacral Therapist, Yoga & Meditation Intstructor
We recently chatted with Joy and discovered bliss…
NAME: Joy Nanda
EMAIL: contact Joy through her website…
WEBSITE/BLOG: joynanda.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter/Instagram Facebook: craniosedona
Occupation: CranioSacral Therapist, Yoga & Meditation Instructor
Hometown: All over upstate New York
Current Town: Sedona
Where has yoga taken you?
Yoga has taken me to a place of self-acceptance and compassion for others that trascends everyday “reality.” I feel comfortable in my own skin, and no longer feel the need to project “negatives” onto others. When I truly embraced the philosophy and teachings of yoga, all my challenges in this life, including health challenges, were put into a perspective from which healing truly began, and I am enjoying the journey wherever it takes me.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- Leaving a Medical Scool faculty position to pursue alternative forms of healing.
- Becoming a Yoga Therapist to bring the healing power of Yoga to everyone, regardless of physical ability.
- Leaning how to use meditation techniques as therapy for stress-related condtions.
- Putting it all together to develop a holistic brain health program.
What do you never leave the house without? Water and awareness of where I’m going in this life.
Where are your favorite places to experience? The Hangover Trail here in Sedona, and the parking lot at Natural Grocers, where I almost always encounter a good friend or two.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?” Yogi, Muladhara, Santosha
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like? 20 minutes of seated meditation followed by asana flow as inspirted, or a yin sequence for specific meridians as needed. Checking in with my gratitude list to close.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul? Om, Gum, Ganapataye Namaha seems to cover every situation. Asato Ma is my prayer.
How do you channel your inner 5 year old? Marveling at nature and playing with my cats.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself. I lived through the 1960s. And I remember most of it.
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why? Balancing Half Moon – most of my students never dream they can do it when they see a demo, but actually manage it quite easily. The balancing in the pose is actually the sun and moon aspects of Hatha yoga brought together perfectly in one pose, not just the aspect of balancing on one leg. The exhilaration of completing the pose, the inversion and extension of all the limbs is balanced with the moon aspect of grounding into the earth with both leg and arm, and feeling supported in a way we don’t usually access in daily life.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you? Working with clients one-on-one in CranioSacral sessions or teaching meditation.
Jan 1, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Mimi Solaire, yoga educator…
We recently chatted with Mimi, just to see how things are taking flight…
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Occupation: yoga educator
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Current Town: Phoenix, Arizona
Where has yoga taken you?
On the physical level I have presented at workshops and conferences throughout the US. I have also led retreats in Southeast Asia- Thailand, Malaysia, and Cambodia. I have traveled to India to experience yoga from the Motherland.
The inner journey has been far more interesting. I rely on my inner GPS to guide me and often “redirect” me when I get off course. Although I ‘m still not sure where I’m headed I am enjoying the ride and the adventure.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- Ending my graphic design business to teach yoga full time
- My dvd “Back in Shape” got a good review in Yoga Journal
- Teaching at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
- Every day is a pivotal occasion living yoga.
What do you never leave the house without?
My cell phone and lipstick.
Where are your favorite places to experience?
I love to explore different cultures. My curiosity has led me to live with and photograph the Choco Indians in the jungle of Panama for two weeks. Also I traveled to Mexico, Southeast Asia, Pakistan, India, Australia and Europe.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?”
Balanced, focused, peaceful
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
I teach most mornings before 8 after walking my dogs. My schedule changes every day but I usually continue to teach or practice until 2. Then I begin the evening classes at 4 or 5.
My daily practice varies. I do hot yoga 2/3 times a week, lead aerial yoga classes 3 times a week and then practice aerials- silks, trapeze and ropes twice a week with my instructor. During my break in the afternoon I meditate and stretch.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
Be Truthful, Gentle and Fearless
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
My aerials practice is a result of climbing trees as a kid and hanging upside down on the swing set in my back yard.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I’m a Steelers fan.
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
I don’t teach poses. Although I begin with alignment, the focus is on the internal experience of the breath and how it awakens emotions, thoughts and underlying sensations in the moment. My favorite pose is awareness on or off the mat.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
Dancing, enjoying live music with friends, walking my two dogs.
Dec 13, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Amalia Camateros, N.D. author of Spirit of the Stones – A Retrieval of Earth Wisdom, is a Transformational Teacher, Shamanic Practitioner, Empowerment Coach and Intuitive Healer. She started her career as a Naturopathic Doctor in Australia where she owned and ran a clinic of 14 holistic practitioners and has worked in the field of health and consciousness for 30yrs. She was also the private health practitioner for the renowned Australian band “INXS” for over 6 years. She has taught Foot Reflexology to 3 colleges in Australia and continues to offer classes and trainings in the USA. She has garnered a notable reputation as a ceremonial dancer who has inaugurated conferences with her ceremonial dance for Alberto Villoldo, Jose Arguelles, David Hawkins, Michael Beckwith, and Robert Mirabal. She has also worked her shamanic dance segments into events and workshops for Neale Donald Walsch, Deepak Chopra and David Wolfe. Amalia is as a powerful facilitator of her shamanic based “EarthSpirit Dance™” workshops at conferences, expos, events and workshops both nationally and internationally. As a wisdom guide she inspires us to reconnect with the Earth as a sacred temple of Living Spirit. A service of her mastery is to integrate the Spirit Self into the Body, and embody the wisdom of the Earth into the blossoming of the full potential self.
Learn more about Amalia at: earthspiritwisdom.com
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Dec 7, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Anton Holmes Mackey
We recently chatted with Anton… he’s been in some cool publications lately! Congrats, Brother…
EMAIL:
Occupation: yogi
Hometown: Albuquerque, NM
Current Town: Scottsdale, Arizona
Where has yoga taken you?
Yoga has taken me on a journey to get to know my soul. It has taken me around the country and the world. It has been the best guide in my life.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- My very first yoga class August, 14 2008
- Getting my very first yoga class on the At One Yoga Schedule
- Teaching at Wanderlust
- Teaching at every Sedona Yoga Festival
What do you never leave the house without?
Never leave home without CONFIDENCE My lava rock Mala with protective crystal
Where are your favorite places to experience?
Favorite place to experience is Havasupai Falls.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?”
Calm
Peaceful
Direct
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
Wake up and lie in bed and think of 5 things I’m grateful, then get up and meditate for a minimum of 7 minutes, then walk my dogs, then off to teach.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
Everything that is happening to me is coming from me. And TRUST
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
Anything Star Wars channels my inner 5 year old!
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I’m partially def in one ear. Huh!?!?!
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
Favorite pose to teach GODDESS! Every class, every time. It channels the strength and softness in all of us.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
If I’m not on my mat I want to be Traveling.
Nov 13, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Kriya Yogini Camella (Swami Nibhrtananda)
We recently chatted with Camella… Her Aqua Kriya Yoga Certification is super cool!
Occupation: Yoga educator, Swami, Ayurvedic Health Educator, Home Funeral Doula, Author.
Hometown: Bedford England
Current Town: San Jose, CA
Where has yoga taken you?
Exoterically to India, across America and Mexico. More importantly though, esoterically to a higher plane, transcendent of time and space. Yoga is not the only path to enlightenment, but it is a safe and sure route. You don’t need a suitcase or passport either.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- Becoming ordained as a Swami in an unbroken line of teachers. Several years before Goswami Kriyananda died, he instructed the women of the sanga to reach out and help other women. I hope that I am making some headway in this field as it is much needed in our society today, with women being so busy and stressed.
- Teaching amongst a lineup of well-known yoga professionals at the Bermuda Conference. It was a bit intimidating at first until I realized that they are just doing a job they love, and still have a personality of their own. A bit like the rest of us.
- Officiating at a friend’s mother’s funeral, which lead to me getting trained in Home Funerals. I am really focusing on the final klesha of ‘clinging to the physical body’ at this stage of my career as I think it is sadly lacking in the yoga world.
- Getting my books published and training programs established. Such an incredible amount of work and sacrifice, but I feel proud that they are perhaps what the male forbearers’ in my lineage would have taught if they were women.
What do you never leave the house without?
I feel lost without a bag with ‘stuff in it’. I don’t know how men do it. It is super though when you dig in there and find something useful in the moment for me, the kids or someone else.
Where are your favorite places to experience?
Anywhere near water, or in Nature generally. Looking out of the window of an aircraft, special days like Christmas, womens’ circle events, Celebrations around the Solstice’s. Yoga retreats.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?”
Earth – Saturn – Capricorn
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
If I am not teaching, a walk by the Baylands and meditation is a great start to my day. If not, then a shower and cup of tea before setting off to teach yoga. My practice is my life these days rather than a formal personal asana practice that I used to do for years. I am far less of an evangelical yogi and I think that’s a good thing.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
Om Nama Shivaya seems to crop up again and again when least expected even though I love the Gayatri.
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
I try not to be too serious. Being childlike is great as long as it’s not childish. A huge difference in terms of self-awareness.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I have a house rabbit called Fonz that I adore.
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
Tadasana or mountain pose because it really is the reference asana for a balanced life. Swamaji used to tell us that the greatest asana is “learning how to stand on your own two feet.” There really are lots of people who like to blame other people for their lot in life and are stuck in fear, greed and anger.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
Swimming, taking a walk, in the Korean spa (not often enough) or of course in the pool teaching Aqua yoga.
Nov 12, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Albert Flynn DeSilver… Writer, speaker, retreat and workshop instructor.
We recently chatted with writer/speaker Albert Flynn DeSilver to get the inside scoop.
Occupation: Writer, Mindfulness Teacher
Hometown: Norwalk, CT
Current Town: Woodacre, CA
Where has yoga taken you?
Deep within to inspiration, divine creativity, practical realization, kindness, generosity and the heart of love.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- Getting sober (long story).
- My first silent meditation retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center with the Thai master Ajahn Jumnian
- Reading Poetry in Paris with the great American poet Alice Notley
- Leading a mindfulness and writing retreat in Maui, Hawaii with Cheryl Strayed.
What do you never leave the house without?
a good book and a pen
Where are your favorite places to experience?
Freedom and flow on a mountain bike in Lake Tahoe in late July, lying in an Aspen grove above 10,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies in early October. Walking the streets of Paris in the rain.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?”
Mountain, being, love.
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
Wake and drink tea, read 30 mins, write 30 mins to 4 hours, sit in meditation 30-60 minz, stretch (yoga), hike with Audrey-the-dog, get to work, eat, work some more, go for a mountain bike ride, eat, read, sleep, rinse repeat.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
“To see that I am nothing, that is wisdom. To see that I am everything, that is love. Between the two, my life flows.”
OR
Simply “I am”
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
Breathe, go for a hike in the hills.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I failed my year end review in graduate art school as a photographer, so I switched departments and eventually graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts degree in “New Genres,” which meant I could go out in the world and create anything. . .photographs, paintings, sculptures, videos, installations, even words. After graduation and flailing around from gallery to gallery, I switched again and became a poet and writer.
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
A standing meditation/skeleton scan because it guides you into experiencing your body in a primal, elemental way that breaks down perceived separation between self and earth, self and air, self and fire, self and water. You are left with just self as self, that which makes self possible!
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
Reading or writing under a Madrone Tree working on my next book. On a mountain bike cruising singletrack trails, perhaps on a SUP paddling along in Tomales Bay, or hiking the hills of West Marin with my scrappy little angelic rescue dog Audrey.
EMAIL: 
EMAIL: 
EMAIL: 
