Aug 18, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience
SYF wouldn’t thrive without the expanded community that has come together around it! We were blessed with the participation of some outstanding photographers at SYF2016 and the yoga photos they took are absolutely spectacular! Kudos, ALL and Namaste.
Director, Sedona Yoga Festival
The 2016 Sedona Yoga Festival has gone down in the history books as the most yoga photos shot and shown on our website… We are well aware of over 1111 photos, but we are sure there are more! Below you can peruse the myriad of photos taken by the absolutely AUMazing photographers that SYF2016 Photographer Liaison, Jeness May (Click here to see her Facebook Page)
Be on the lookout! Please tag with #SedonaYogaFestival, #SedonaYoga. Soon we will be able to scoop those Sedona yoga photos up to show you as well! This is gonna be fun! Like a scavenger hunt… only different. Way different.
Whether you were there or not, these photos of yoga in the beautiful landscape and wonderful venues of SYF2016 are sure to delight! This consciousness evolution conference is nearing it’s fifth birthday! Marc & Heather have alluded to some pretty special experiences planned and to date Team SYF has been on point to blow your mind at SYF2017. Check out the SYF Yoga Blog if you want to see more of what has and what will be happening in years to come.
For now, sit back… relax. Perhaps a little Nadi Shodana… then click away and see what everyone has been talking about!
The Sedona Yoga Festival Experience – consciousness evolving. Together.
Sedona Yoga Photo Gallery at SYF2016
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Did that whet your appetite? As we said… SYF2017, you do not want to miss it! Cruise the website and see what is in the making… Start Here.
Mar 8, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience
Hi Yogis!
Team SYF, on the ground in Sedona, reporting. The weather is perfect, the surroundings spectacular, the details in place. We await you to complete the experience!
This message is chock full o’ details so relax and get ready to picture yourself in Sedona! At ease, filled with shakti, and most of all… connected.
Registration opens at 3pm Thursday and will be open until 10pm. On Friday and Saturday registration is from 6:30am-9:30pm, and on Sunday from 6:30am – 4:30pm. Make registration your first stop! You do not need to print your ticket, simply state your name and show ID when you check in.
Registration is located in the Tequa Ballroom of the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock. The Ballroom is a separate building “downhill” a bit from the main building, and at the end of the parking lot (bear right) that you enter from. Overflow parking is at the Collective Sedona, closer to the roundabout than the Hilton.
Tequa Ballroom is our Heart Center of SYF2016, filled with vendors, a classroom area and ChocolaTree Organic Eateries conscious cafe. Chocolatree serves organic, non-GMO, soy-free, gluten-free, processed sugar-free deliciousness to keep you fueled throughout the weekend. We have created a “Where to Eat” guide in the program and on the website, as well, for your convenience. Most of the Village of Oak Creek (our neighborhood for the weekend) is walkable. (Sedona restaurants close early so plan accordingly).
And… it is a new moon! Sedona/VOC is an international dark sky town. Please bring a flashlight, a headlamp, or keep your phone charged because you will need something to light the way when the sun is not up. Which… is perfect for stargazing!!! Join us Thursday night on the deck at the Collective Sedona (right next door) where Sedona Stargazing will point us to celestial objects. Jupiter is in the sky!
6am classes: If you arrive late and are unable to check-in at registration prior to a 6am class please simply print your ticket and be sure that your name is on the list for that class – our Angels are instructed to let you in without a wristband in this case. In all other cases you will need your wristband – which we will give you at registration along with a few other things to get into classes, workshops, and events.
Not preregistered for a class or its showing as full on our schedule? Arrive at the class early and join the “rush line”. If all preregistered attendees have not arrived by 5 minutes into class time, the rush line will be let in. So, turn that over and what do you get? Be on time! Please also be mindful not to stay after and chat in the classroom as there are only 15 minutes between most classes. And please refrain from wearing scents, many people are sensitive.
Driving in Sedona can be a bit tricky – what with no streetlights and the roundabouts. For roundabouts, you wait for an opportunity to enter them, and once you’re in you have the right of way so keep going! Be very mindful of other drivers as not everyone gets this simple formula… Getting here and around.
We do hope you will join us at the general plenary sessions every day – AMPLIFY sessions are our one opportunity to gather together in a single space and set a shared intention. We have amazing speakers lined up for these and will have Q&A. We are having our first gathering at the Opening Ceremony on Thursday, and will meet both Friday and Saturday mornings in the main ballroom. Sunday morning we are so blessed that World Peace Initiative will lead us in a meditation for world peace, something they do all over the world – Sedona is their first World Peace Meditation in the US! We will all have plenty of opportnities to Release, Gather and Integrate throughout the weekend, learn meditation practices, and juice up our vibe. With Sedona’s charged vortex energy we have the opportunity to AMPLIFY some big waves of peace and healing to the world on Sunday morning! Be there!
If you are wanting to gain CEs for NCBTMB or Yoga Alliance you can visit Sedona Wellness at registration and they will assist you with the process. Yoga Alliance also has a booth and are eager to answer any questions you may have about their CEUs or anything else!
We have added a couple of post-conference opportunities on Monday so be sure to check them out! The Yoga for PTSD pre-conference is already underway and we are so honored that yoga teachers from all over the country have come to learn from the outstanding faculty we have assembled! There’s still time to sign up for Tymi Howard’s Yin Immersion on Thursday and Stephanie Spence’s Secrets of Social Media Thursday at noon.
Which reminds me! Follow us on social media! We will have plenty of cool prizes from our sponsors, partners, and vendors to give away throughout the weekend for playing with us on instagram, twitter, and facebook. (Yes, we have heard of snapchat, no we don’t know how to use it yet!).
We already told you how great the weather is – blue skies, clean air, warm sun, birds chirping – but you do need to know it cools down significantly at night in the desert. So while you may be down to shorts and a tanktop during the day with hat and sunglasses on, you will want layers for before the sun comes up and after it goes down! And drink lots of water! We are in an arid climate and at elevation, this is important.
Recommended to bring:
- hiking shoes, hat, sunscreen, water bottle, cushion, any props you love (a strap in particular is something we won’t have very many of). We will be using Three Minute Eggs throughout the conference, those cool yoga props that work as a block and a bolster and have nice curves… Bring your yoga mat but don’t worry, we will have some travel mats for sale and a limited number to rent if you are unable to bring yours/don’t have one. Bring a notebook or journal and an open mind.
A few more details that may be of interest:
- We have a Kids Yoga program all weekend long! Can be drop-in or half day passes, or weekend passes. This is a family affair.
- The Conscious Expo is free and open to the public so tell your friends to come on by and do some shopping and maybe stay for an evening kirtan (single tickets are available).
- Wasa crackers (have you not had them? Their catchphrase is perfect: Surprisingly Satisfying!) will be offering us some yummy options at morning and midday break times every day. They are non-GMO and Marc and I have been eating them for years. Super yummy and good in a million different ways. So be sure to stop by and say “hi” to Tanya while you snack.
- Robert Sturman has just agreed to do a yoga photo shoot on Sunday morning at daybreak! We are so grateful for his support of our trauma-sensitive yoga programs and this fundraiser event. And you are sure to be super-shaktified by then. Limited space available. Book now!
With performances by Lamonte Tales Goode, Vo Vera of the Sacred G’s, White Lotus Bellydance, Joanna Mack, AcroBody and more we have a fun-filled weekend planned for you above and beyond the sessions you choose. We are so grateful you trust in us to usher in a transformation of sorts, and we thank you for being willing to explore your own self and to show up in the world from a place of cultivated ease.
We will see you shining soon.
In service & joy,
Heather & Marc Titus and the SYF Team
Still have QUESTIONS?
Contact us at info@sedonayogafestival.com
PS – We have a FAQ page 🙂 Here’s one:
How do I find the schedule that I created?
Navigate to the schedule page of the SYF website, there is a login option at the upper left. You can either view the check marks next to the classes or you can click on your profile icon and select “my Sched”
Jan 13, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
We recently chatted with Teri Undreiner who excels at Loving and encouraging people, and being an LMT , Life Recovery Consultant, Yoga Instructor, Songwriter/Singer/ Writer, Essential Oils Wellness Advocate/ Workshop Teacher, Warrior Posse Designs ( Yoga Shirts & Apparel)…
NAME: Teri Undreiner
EMAIL: velvetsteel@q.com
WEBSITE/BLOG:asacredsong.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook, Twitter/Instagram: teriundreiner
Occupation: Loving and encouraging people, LMT , Life Recovery Consultant, Yoga Instructor, Songwriter/Singer/ Writer, Essential Oils Wellness Advocate/ Workshop Teacher, Warrior Posse Designs ( Yoga Shirts & Apparel)
Hometown: Phoenix
Current Town: Phx. Az.
Where has yoga taken you?
Yoga has taken me to a deeper place within me and challenged me to live a much more conscious life than I was doing before it. It’s opened me up to reading different things that help me to get in touch with the “inner woman of the heart”. It brings me so much joy and peace and helps me live a more contented , yet adventurous life. It’s given me courage to branch out and challenge myself to do things I haven’t done before or things that fear use to stop me doing. It has connected me to so many different types of people as well. I feel that my world and my heart has become so enlarged to take in so much more of life. Yoga has taken me into other venues, and stretched me to reach out to demographics that I had no previous connection with, such as the Military and First Responders world.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
1. About 5 years ago, I was choosing between going through Yoga teacher training and Life Coaching and so I decided on a 200 YTT certified through Holy Yoga,, because I wanted to bring Yoga to the Church since most Churched people didn’t engage with yoga I wanted to show them the two were compatible. I use theme related classes that challenge not only our bodies but the way we look at things emotionally and spiritually.
2. Two years ago I began a journey into Life Coaching because I thought that including Yoga with how to help others live more productively and positively would be helpful to my career. Venturing into becoming a Yoga Instructor that included Life Coaching themes and meditations has enabled me to begin my dream of holding Workshops.
3. I began doing Essential Yoga Workshops just this year that incorporates a yoga class, essential oils, and a Nidra class with powerful affirmations to encourage people to move forward in their lives. This Workshop helps them learn how to intentionally relax and let go of those things that n o longer serve them.
4. I have also ventured into becoming trained for Trauma Sensitive Yoga and working with a Veteran and his equine therapist Horse, Bella and have began making videos of such work.
What do you never leave the house without? My phone, computer, backpack filled with books, journal, pens and food/water.
Where are your favorite places to experience? I have traveled to the Mediterranean and it is my favorite out of the country place by far. But I travel although right now to see my kids and first grand-baby, Barrett and that is my favorite of all and my daughter in Ventura Beach.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?” Centered. Content. Strong.
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
My daily practice …First thing in the morning I make coffee and I take it outside with my Bible, and or another book I’m reading about living a conscious lifestyle. I also take my journal to write down my thoughts and then my computer as well. I like to share my most fun thought of the day first to encourage others if I can.
I either go to a yoga class or I do a 5/15 minute sequence of my own before work. I put on some emotionally moving music and use those moments to do my sequence as a dance. I use it as a worshipful practice to begin my day off in the right attitude and mindset.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
I made this mantra up coming from a lifestyle before Yoga that was a people pleasing lifestyle. “ I’m not who I thought I was, and I don’t know who I will be, but I am confident of this, that I am becoming who I am.” I also ask myself the question, “ How are the connections?” I do this because if the connections aren’t encouraging me to live that life of authenticity and worry free of pleasing others, then I seek to change that.
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
I think that I live with such wonder already in my life, that I stay in that child-likeness all the time. I also play with my crazy dogs. They keep me playful. Plus having a grandchild. Nothing better than that for calling out to that child within.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I got my nose pierced at this years SYF ( 2015) and my first tattoo at 62 years old a bit later. It’s the lotus because I love the story of the journey of the lotus. When the light draws up the lotus from the muddy and murky pond, the pressure of the rising against the water enables the soil on the lotus to begin to fall away and by the time it reaches the world outside of the water, that which muddied it up and held it down has been purged. That has been very fun to watch happening in my life!
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
I love Warrior Two straight into Exalted Warrior because it is so strong and confident. I love that it is reaching forward as well as back signifying that often life takes you back and forth and you get to learn how to steady yourself. I love going straight into Exalted Warrior because as a faith based yoga teacher, the strength I receive from God through that gives my heart such a burst of gratitude that it just is natural to go from warrior 2 straight there. I like to add on Humble Warrior right after that because it just makes sense to me in that trinity. I think I love these because they give great ideas for intentions, meditations, and themes. So, even though there are 3 here, they become as one pose for me together.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
Work, writing, songwriting/ singing, walking dogs.
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 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.
EMAIL: 
