Kid Zone Returns to SYF with Sitara Van Block

Kid Zone Returns to SYF with Sitara Van Block

Jan 1, 2017 | Sedona Yoga

It’s hard to be a kid today.  Luckily, there is a magical place at Sedona Yoga Festival for kids yoga ages 6-13! Scheduled to coincide with adult classes there is so much fun to be had at this years SYF. Our kids yoga program will include, Acro yoga, yoga dance, music, art, and much more. Mats and materials provided. Bring: water and snacks. Package details will be available soon.

Children deal with many distractions, temptations, overstimulation and peer pressure. Schools are challenged to do more with less and be creative in how they reach even the most isolated child. Yoga can help children develop awareness, build concentration,manage stress through breathing & meditation, develop focus and learn healthy movement.

Sedona is an ideal family destination, and Kids Yoga, is designed to support families. SYF kids will enjoy an exciting line up of talented presenters like SYF returning Presenter Sitara Van Block.

Kids Yoga Schedule: 

Can drop off kids any time between Friday – Saturday 9.45 AAM – 4.15 PM

Can drop off kids any time between or Sunday 9.45 AM – 4.45 PM

Classes are 1 hour long, supervision will be constant during open hours.

We have release forms available on site for parents*                      

Friday 10th

Class times               Presenters/titles                            

10-11 AM                   Fun  Yoga  with Alan Alcid

11.15-12.15               Valerie Pike  Rainforest Adventure                                                        

12.30-1.30                  Aya Sheevaya “YOGA IS KID FUN!”

Rest and Relax

1.45-2.45                      Ana Hansen Yoga Together Class for Families with Babies                                                                  

3-4                                Ali Geter Yoga  dance and  kids kirtan                                                     

Saturday 11th

Class times                  Presenters/titles                         

10-11                           Valerie Pike Deep Blue Sea Yoga

11.15-12.15                 Laura Fuller Lotus Yoga

12.30-1.30                   Turasa Yoga  Game

Rest and Relax                            

1.45-2.45                     Ana Hansen  – The Indigo Child Yoga Circle

3-4                               Ali Geter – Partner poses, games, dance and sing                                                           

Sunday 12th

Class Times                  Presenters/titles

10-11                             Sitara Van Block  Giant Mandala painting and partner play                                                               

11.15-12.15                   Laura Fuller Earth Medicine                                                                                                                     

12.30-1.30                     Jill Adams – Playful intro to yoga, games and more                                                                                 

1.45-2.45                       Jill Adams – Sound healing,  stories, games and yoga

Rest and relax

2.45-4.45                       Kirsten Rubis                                                                                                                                                                                  Empowerment 4                                                                                 

Girls Day Camp           

2.45-4.45                       Mandala Painting                                                                       

Sitara Van Block – Kids Yoga Program Director

Sitara has taught yoga internationally for 26 years. She has 2 best selling Kid yoga DVD’s on Amazon, Kids World Yoga and Family Acro Yoga. 

She has developed kid yoga programs for schools and taught mommy and me yoga for 8 years. Sitara developed the kid yoga program at SYF in 2016 and looks forward to making it even better this year. Sitara is a Transpersonal Psychologist also and we are so honored to have her at SYF 2017.

“There is a special magical place at the SYF for Kids ages 6-13! Scheduled to coincide with adult classes, there is so much fun to be had:  Acro yoga, yoga dance, music, art, and much more. Mats and materials provided.  Bring: water and snacks. Meet us at the tent on the lawn at the collective.” – Sitara

Meet your Teachers! 

Jill Adams- Playful intro to yoga.  

Teaching children awareness, centered behavior, story telling through yogic/animal poses & lots of games!  Jill also introduces kids to sound healing by playing tibetan singing bowls, bamboo rainstick and a moyo drum.

Laura Fuller- Earth Medicine Yoga

Stones, crystals, essential oils, yoga and imagination are used to give an experience of how nature can help us come back to balance and feel at home in our body and the earth.

Lotus Yoga – The making of a beautiful lotus craft is woven into the asana. We will talk about the symbols of the lotus growing from the mud and land in the sweetness of spirit.

AYA SHEEVAYA- YOGA IS KID FUN!

In this active hour of yoga fun, we will play with a variety of educational toys (wheels, juggling balls, blocks, dancing sticks…) and explore together animal yoga shapes & sounds, simple breath practices, group games, as well as some chanting… Bring your fun kid self!

Sitara Van Block

Giant Mandala painting and partner play Come and join in a big group mandala painting project and then explore fun partner and Acro Yoga like double headed dragon.

Valerie Pike- Rainforest Adventure Yoga with the YogaBerriesGuru 

Learn fun and interesting facts about the animals we do yoga poses to. Rainforest Lovers will enjoy the imaginative nature yoga poses. Breathing techniques and movements reduce stress and anxiety, improve concentration and bring a smile to your face. Great stretching for the family. Dads can be pretzels too!

Deep Blue Sea Yoga with the YogaBerriesGuru Valerie Pike

Ocean Lovers will enjoy the ocean themed yoga poses such as Dolphin pose, Boat Yoga Pose, Sea Otter, Plank, Shark Pose, Sea Turtle, Tilting Penguin Pose, Mermaid and partner yoga poses such as Double Boat and Whale Pose.

Join Certified Mini Yogis instructor Valerie Pike to play Yogi Games, participate in a Djembe Drum Circle and learn a guided beach relaxation and Sleeping Starfish guaranteed to help your child rest better. So come along on our Ocean Yoga Adventure and have fun with the YogaBerriesGuru! You can even imagine your yoga mat will turn into a surf board and be ready to spread the harmony wave by wave!

Kristen Rubis

Empowerment 4 Girls Day Camp educates, inspires and empowers girls, ages 9-16, to deepen their unique character, cultivate self confidence, develop core life skills and implement daily self-care through an innovative journey toward self-discovery and inner peace.

Mandala painting for boys Large mandala group project for boys, wear old clothes because of the paint.

Alan Alcid – Class Room Fun Yoga 

A traditional series system of hatha yoga, partner yoga and incorporates animal fun poses modified for children to enjoy.  The series helps develop physical balance, strength and flexibility, mental focus and concentration.

Ana Hansen – Yoga Together Class for Yoga Families with Babies

This class is specifically designed for mothers or fathers who have babies and toddlers younger than the age of three. This is an excellent opportunity for families to have fun together practicing yoga and playing yoga with the little ones!

Come and create memories as a family, and take your practice into your home!

The Indigo Child Yoga Circle

This class is specifically designed for children from the ages of 5 to 9 that have sensory issues. In this yoga class, children will sing, dance, do yoga, and paint!

Children will connect and learn about their bodies and have fun!

ALI GETER- Yoga  dance and Kids Kirtan

Sing, turn your body upside down with kids kirtan and yoga dance. Its time to have lots of fun. Ali blends a colorful mix of expressions to cultivate experience through community. Partner poses, games, dance and song.

Awareness games that use all the senses, an hour of fun with kirtan, dance and helping one another with partner yoga poses.

 

Robert Sturman on Tao Porchon Lynch; Asana Artist, SYF 2017 Presenter, Author, and 98-year-old Yogini

Robert Sturman on Tao Porchon Lynch; Asana Artist, SYF 2017 Presenter, Author, and 98-year-old Yogini

Jan 1, 2017 | Sedona Yoga

SYF asked Presenter Robert Sturman- who recently worked with Tao Porchon Lynch, to comment on their special time together shooting images for her recent press in the New York Times, and Autobiography “Dancing Light.”  

Tao Porchon Lynch is the oldest yoga instructor in the world and a master Yoga teacher. She has trained and certified hundreds of yoga instructors and is an award-winning author. She discovered yoga in 1926 when she was eight years old in India and studied with Sri Aurobindo, B.K.S. 

From World War II activist to model to actress to dancer to master yoga teacher, Tao Porchon-Lynch proves age has no limits. The 98-year-old was most recently seen on “America’s Got Talent” and is now in Kansas City for some inspiring workshops. Feeling young and being healthy is everything, and Tao Porchon-Lynch teaches people on the entire planet the wonderful world of yoga.

“She’s a very cool lady.”

Something so poignant occurred—she thanked me. This light filled 98-year-old, beautiful, intelligent, sharp woman thanked me (three times) for being patient with her while she got into her poses and we made art together in Central Park. I thought to myself, where do I have to be? What do I have to do? Who am I not to be patient? Tao showed up for our first shoot in 2012 in a red ballroom dancer’s flamenco dress and high heels and she told me she only wears high heels because they help elevate her consciousness. After we did the shoot, I knew we had created something profound and that the work would go on living a life of its own. And it did as it landed on the cover of her autobiography.

Since that day in 2012, Tao and I have worked with each other every spring and fall — each time creating something truly unique and special. It has been an honor to share her story and inspire people globally with her uncompromising approach to redefining possibility.  We are all blessed to have this living treasure with us lighting up the world and what a gift that Tao will be joining us at the 2017 Sedona Yoga Festival!”

By Robert Sturman SYF 2017 Keynote Speaker and Returning Presenter
www.RobertSturmanStudio.com

Blogs:
https://www.mindbodygreen.com/wc/robert-sturman
https://www.yogajournal.com/people/people/robert-sturman/

Ten Gallons – A Story of Strength

Ten Gallons – A Story of Strength

Dec 30, 2016 | Sedona Yoga

“Everything you’re going through- is preparing you for what you asked for.”  

Her words ring through my mind as I struggle to feel my fingers. I’m at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, scrambling through red slick, falling shale and pouring rain. The once beautiful travertine waters of Havasupai Falls, now turn an angry shade of black.

My vision swirls in watercolor stains across rain soaked skies. The canyon is flooding. We only have minute to reach the safety of higher ground before the rain water bottle necks like a wall of liquid destruction- submerging anything that stands in her way. There are men in tactical survival gear screaming in my ears to vacate my campsite, “MOVE, MOVE.”

My mind races. Maybe she’s right. Maybe, in some way, I asked for this.

Gripping the cold wet walls of the cave, I scramble upward barefoot carrying my backpack, as we find refuge in the dark. In the distance, the canyons thundering fury gaining momentum, I look up to see only the night. Eyes close, the same color… I invoke the sweet escape of sleep.

Like a titan revealing his gold purse- the sky parted and we awoke by the light of the clear morning. The cave our makeshift home, cold and hard, yet- a necessary refuge. The view below of abandoned camps, smeared and strewn across the dirt from the raging waters.

On this day, there is no shortage of pain. My leg recently wrapped from the accidental spill of boiling hot water and a pounding ear infection… yet, I found solace in the view of light leaks, dew stained trees and purple skies.

Behind me- most of our belongings are spread out on a makeshift clothes line, we perch in high caverns of the cave. Drinking instant campfire green tea- we found solace in smoke- reflecting on the intensity of the moments that had just passed. I suck the air and flick the front of my teeth with my cotton tongue.

“What a story this day will be”- she says. I pull the Earth around me and close my eyes only to be reminded of the pounding ear infection in my head. I will get through. I will be warm again

“Can you pass me the tea?” …. Maybe she’s right. Her voice comes back into my focus as I open my eyes. She tells me, I am a ten gallon person. Heavy, and full. She tells me, “Ten gallon people require an equal measure to be reciprocated to be happy.” Ten gallons. It makes sense- I could never get off on a pint anyways.

Ten gallon people are heavy. We endure, tremendously. We love beyond any measurable tool of fate. How difficult it is to love something fully and then for the sake of preserving it – you must let it go. Love opens doors and makes everything seem possible- yet, just as quickly it can take away the breath inside of you.

How difficult it is to come back from that. Zero gallons. When my love left, I thought it wound be my end. But my soul knew better and asked for this.

She says – “How can you expect to find your truth- if you’re walking around like the guy who’s already had his house blown down?” People are not all monsters and new lovers are not all big bad wolves. Mistakes happen.

“You asked for this.” – she tells me. “Your soul had to remind you what you are made of.”

A trial of the mind and body, to remind me- that despite how hard it can be- to weather the storm… and accept that although you may fail miserably, or lose everything… you still have the strength to get up after a night of loathing, tear stained pillows… make coffee and do what needs to be done to feed the children and get outside to stand in the light. The fact is – lost love is shattering. But these experiences remind us, we are ten gallon people. 

The trick, you must learn to forgive yourself before you can accept the forgiveness of others. There is no perfectly guilty party and no one is ever off scot-free.

I say, do not succumb to the torture of loss…let it wash over you, let the burns heal and the internal battle fade into a blaze of your memory. Be the full version of those ten gallons. Because life and amazingly wonderful things and people want to happen to you. Sometimes darling- you just have to get out of your own way to see it.

The sky is clearing now, and all I see are little clouds of possibility.

Photos and Story by Leah Joy Lindner

From Presents to Presence… the best gift of All.

From Presents to Presence… the best gift of All.

Dec 26, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Festival, Yoga Philosophy

This is part 3 of a multipart blog series.  Click here to read part 1.

It’s time…  the glory and the chaos of the holidays is drawing to a close; the new year is ahead now and our sight may drift to the future as we contemplate where we’ve been and where we would like to go… in presence.

Where do you want to go?

This time of year is universal in its opportunity to grow and expand our horizons; to find an inner solace that soothes the past in hopes of wiping the slate clean.  We all carry baggage; our  bodies often bearing the scars of times past and humanity as a whole has come to see the New Year as the time for fresh starts and letting go…

On the heels of Christmas (I grew up celebrating this time of year in this way), I think we have an Aumazing Opportunity!  I mean, let’s think about it…  The Spirit of the Holidays is the same, regardless of the Holiday one celebrates… Presence.

“Be like Him that we celebrate today… regardless of race, religion or creed; kindness and compassion. Love everlast.”

Spirit…  The Life Force, Consciousness.  God.  Whatever you choose to call it, even whether or not you choose to acknowledge it, it exists and is the very fabric of reality that weaves us all together in inexplicable ways. 

Presence

But, what does it want?

I have come to see, through a lifetime of empirical studies, my path, that it, ultimately wants nothing more than to expand into new territories of experience, and we, the human being, appearing to be its most advanced avatar, must realize that in its omnipresence it could not possibly want to destroy us, rather it is the giver of LIFE and without it I could no longer write, sit, think, or type, nor could it experience itself expanding through me anymore…  Why would it want to harm me, let alone any of its Creations?

Yet, we look around us today and there is such uncertainty and fear… tumultuous times, I have said often, even now, this Holiday Season, humanity seems to be walking the razor’s edge, precipice on either side, wondering when it all may come crumbling down.

I awoke today, the day after Christmas, with a slight panic…  like, something is wrong, and yet, I know this is not true.  It means something is out of balance within me, the scales tipped to the darker side of consciousness where fear and uncertainty live and after looking deep inside, again I find my solace; my peace.  Presence.  Om Shanti.

I have come to realize that  I HAVE A HUGE PART TO PLAY IN ALL THIS.  (and so do you… it turns out.) 

You see, my teachers have all told me, as have pretty much ALL the saints, sages and masters that have come before, that I (and you… ) are Happiness itself… Joy itself… Love itself… BLISS… ANANDA…  Ecstasy.

I have experienced this to be true, maybe you have too!  Fleeting at times, yet  when I release all the stress and trappings of our modern ways,  quiet my mind, purify my body and tune into my Souls’ voice… Peace is there.  Joy is there.  Happiness is there.  Presence.

Mark Whitwell tells us that if we come away from our practice in any other state than described above, then we aren’t  doing yoga….  I laugh out loud at this now, as it sinks in…

And like a ton of bricks it hits me (again)…  head in palm…

I don’t go to my practices to seek aggravation, frustration, anger, or fear… those only exist in my fragmented and unbalanced mind, body and spirt…. NOPE!!!!  what happens when I find my way… my balance… is undeniably PEACE…. Happiness, Joy Itself.

THEREFORE… that is the underlying reality for ALL OF US…

So, we have our work cut out for us… and to be true it is our work… your work.  Mine.

Focussed practice ahead!  Presence.

It is time…. that we come hOMe.

(I am planning to do a spiritual detox and total body cleanse beginning in the next few days…it has helped me in the past to gain, presence and clarity… let me know in the comments if you would like to join in!  and Click here to see part 1 in this multi-part blog series!)

Namaste.

Kathmandu Yogi – More Than Meditation

Kathmandu Yogi – More Than Meditation

Dec 16, 2016 | Sedona Yoga

We are thrilled to welcome Kathmandu Yogi as one of our 2017 Sedona Yoga Festival sponsors.

Kathmandu Yogi is a Chicago-based, fair trade social enterprise, Their model simple- create limited edition yoga and meditation accessories made by female artisans living in Nepal.

More than a yogi-minded retailer, Kathmandu gives back to the community.  Not only are their cusiuons beautiful, well-made, and functional; they also make a human impact.

This holiday season, feel good about where you are spending your money! Purchase mindful gifts for that special yogi in your life from Kathmandu!

Fair trade gifts are gifts that come with a story. It’s the story of the artisans who handcrafted the beautiful products. It’s the story of the artisan’s children who are in school and eating better because the artisan regularly receives a fair wage for the product. It’s the story of the community, the environment, and the cultural traditions that are sustained by the purchase of the handcrafted fairly traded product. When you give a fair trade gift to a friend or loved one, you give a great gift and a story that says so much more.

Kathmandu Yogi has just released limited edition Holiday Bundles. Check out the bundles and shop their one-of-kind collections here!

Kathmandu Yogi was founded with a strong wish that the company’s activities would benefit many, promote cultural exchange, and foster conscious development. This summer they had a successful crowdfunding campaign backed by supporters from around the globe, which raised enough capital to provide work for 100 artisan women.

“At Kathmandu Yogi we make more than yoga and meditation accessories. We make human connections that bridge an 8,000 mile geographical gap,” proclaims company founder, Natasha Casanova.

We are proud to partner with such a wonderful company. When getting your Sedona Yoga Fest tickets, consider adding a travel cushion by Kathmandu Yogi upon check-out. Not only will you support a great company with a mission, but your bottom will thank you. Remember you’ll be doing a lot of sitting and having a comfortable seat is a must!

“Meet our Artisans Video”

Total Body Cleanse – Find your way hOMe.

Total Body Cleanse – Find your way hOMe.

Dec 13, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference

This is part 2 of a multipart blog series.  Click here to read part 1.

We’ve been in the flow lately… undeniably so.  It has been remarkable and filled with insights and as I was cleaning houses (old and new), I found something!  Not a total body cleanse, although important and part of the story, rather something more profound; perhaps a miracle, I have to say the experience has altered me somehow.  Or… maybe I was just primed to see something (from my last total body  cleanse…), again, to be reminded just how this journey called life works.  I marvel at it, truly…  and yet, it seems to be a continuous struggle to maintain this view…  or did. Let me explain.

We moved…

20 or so days ago, Heather and I spontaneously discussed the perfect place to live; a place we could expand our lives and grow, something we could share with family & friends, a place we could grow our business and share with our tribe.  We listed all the things we would want, right down to the neighborhood; we were very specific. Today, I am sitting in the back office of that home writing this blog!

Everyone can relate, I am certain, to the experience of moving…   Yet, we both handled it in stride!  I admit, there were a few times that it got challenging, yet I was able to literally turn 180 degrees from the thoughts, words or actions that were noticeably blocking the energy of expansion.  Somehow, I was able to maintain a peaceful clarity throughout what certainly looked like chaos from the outside, eventually the perceived chaos diminished and now I gaze upon a completely new experience!  So, how did I do it?

I didn’t!  It was the Flow…  We are in it. All of us, all the time.   Prana, Chi, Energy, Universal Energy, God, the Great Mystery… on and on the traditions describe something like “a fabric of reality”, something that keeps it all together, connects all creation, and so on… (So I am gonna leave that part alone and know that if you are reading this, we are close enough or on the same sheet. )

I have been shown over & over again, on this near 20 year journey into understanding myself and allowing consciousness to expand through me, that indeed there is something working on our behalf… in the ethers, I like to say.  Now, I am thinking, just straight up what I am calling ethers is actually it!  But truthfully, I have NO CLUE!

My teacher says, “we are happy… that is our nature.”  And all the times I looked at him and thought, “hmmmm…. no shit, there must be something to this”, I am now realizing… yup!  there is.

These past several days have shown me yet again that we are indeed part of something much grander than I could ever figure out.  I received empirical data to support my conclusions and directly experienced something palpable and profound. The only way to describe it is to say this.

There is a place I found… only I don’t have to go anywhere, although it feels like I leave it sometimes, where I feel safe, secure and nurtured and HAPPY, yes, happy.  and I don’t mean ‘happy to have passed the test!’ or ‘happy to see you!’ or ‘my children make me happy’ or ‘happy its friday’, no I am talking about a deep sense of joy or bliss. ultimately, these words do it no justice.  but i know the feeling.  and when I feel that way, things work out…  the Energy wants to expand, Consciousness is evolving and it is doing it through us.  Aware or not, it is happening.  When I tune into that feeling…

I am that feeling.  I have come to that conclusion now and that it is up to me to support this human being in experiencing its birthright. Bliss, ananda… all the sages, saints, mystics and masters have pointed humanity to this fact.  Ok… mind blown.  again, as I said.  I am a yogi, that is what is ironic… one might think, I got it… but the chatter in my mind has had its way with me, too! (and likely will again, albeit each time is less and less intense!)

Lets do a little 2+2…

All the saints, sages, masters, mystics…, the Wayne Dyers and Eckhart Tolle’s, the Beatles and other celebs… Jim Carrey, for goodness sake!  google it.  Jim Carrey Awakening…  bam!  My teachers…  ALL SAYING THE SAME THING.

Now, again… me.

Does that mean what I think it means!  yup…  AVAILABLE TO ALL… They do call it the Infinite… that means everywhere… you, me, them…  over there, here, yesterday, tomorrow…  it is here, now.  Always.

Cleaning my homes last week (1 old & 1 new) I found something…  It was here all the time, silently waiting for me to return; to notice. (yes, i have been here before… maybe you have, too!)  I found a temple, a true hOMe that I carry in my heart… a place I can never leave, nor ever go; I have always been here; safe, nurtured, supported and cared for.  And so have you.

total body cleanse

Total Body Cleanse

It is up to each of us to gain the clarity; consciousness is evolving through us all.  Are you stuck?  This is where the total body cleanse comes in.  Of all the practices I have turned to over the years to gain and maintain my clarity, one sticks out to be the very best and quite honestly a rapid way to achieve clarity and gain insights when you are feeling out of sorts.  A total body cleanse has been my goto over the years to feel lighter in body… mind & spirit.  I firmly believe that our food system in the US is a contributing factor to systemic issues of low energy, physical & mental illness, along with a host of other issues plaguing our society.  Cleaning up your diet for 10 days, is not only  a great way to begin to entertain some discipline your life, but the healthy, happy vitality that results from the 10-day Transformation of a total body cleanse will bring some zing back into your life and a sure cure to feeling stuck over or after the holidays.  There are many out there so do your research; many are not pure, organic, non-gmo, sustainably harvested, etc…  but that may not matter to you.  If it does, click here to learn more about the products I use daily.

There are many practices available to facilitate the expansion of consciousness within you…  We aim to share what has worked for us: Yoga, Meditation, Energy Medicine, along with dietary support in the form of supplements and organic, non-gmo, minimally processed foods.  Please comment below what has worked for you…

Join us in the flow!  SYF2017 is right around the corner… and Aumbase Sedona has some great offerings, including a Total Yoga Detox with Luke Ketterhagen January 19-22!  and remember, this hOMe was inspired by something bigger than us … look for us on airBnB soon and as hosts to a private total body cleanse retreat in our hOMe… with us.

Namaste.

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