Nov 18, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Yoga Festival
Yoga music and a Yoga DJ’s are becoming common place with events sweeping the nation infusing the celebratory festival environment, with yoga practice. Just five years ago, having a live DJ or live band in your local studio was a rarity. Some may have heard of a DJ Drez playlist, or if your were in LA you may have gone to a special event to hear MC Yogi. However, for the most part, you probably practiced yoga in silence.
Today, there’s an entire roster of DJs on yoga-festival lineups, and up-and-comers like (SYF Presenter, DJ TAZ), Bhakti Styler, and more booking regular gigs in studios and event spaces across the country.”– Andrea Ferretti of Yoga Journal
But what is yoga music? Is yoga music simply derived from a series of Sanskrit chants? Is it Kirtan? A Gong? Or, is it a playlist created by the teacher for his or her flow class? Does music played in a yoga class, lessen the authenticity of yoga? Many of us have asked these questions ourselves, and have heard both sides of the argument.
“While some yoga teachers dismiss the live-music trend, as a mere ‘distraction’ from yoga’s most powerful exercises, such as listening to your breath or observing your thoughts to bring calm and focus, others see it as a tool for going inward, for timing the breath to the beat, or for simply feeling joy during the practice.” – Andrea Ferretti of Yoga Journal
“There is a time and place for a quieter, more introspective practice, and you shouldn’t dismiss that,” says Stephanie Snyder, a San Francisco–based vinyasa teacher who travels across the United States and Europe and teaches some classes with a live DJ.
Lets start with the basics. Music played in a yoga class most notably, provides a new way to market the practice to a more diverse demographic such as those from other regions, spiritual beliefs, physical shapes and ages. Since the benefit of yoga, we hope, is to bring it to everyone. Therefore, some yoga, is better than no yoga. Right?
Perhaps what we should look at is that music itself, in this scenario, is getting a bad rap. Music for thousands of years has aided the human condition, aided our consciousness evolution, provided solace in every emotional scenario, and plays an integral role in virtually every culture since the beginning of time.
Enter DJ Taz, a person who both defines this new sub genre, but also is growing inside of it. While India may be a starting point for this indescribable subset of music, musical accompaniment, that flows as we do – it has become an integral part of our lives in the Yoga community.
“My Mission in life is to help awaken the collective consciousness with music. “ DJ TAZ
Isn’t that good news for a brighter future for yoga? If the term ‘yoga music’ seems so fleeting and undesirable perhaps its speaking to something deeper. If the point is union, why are we judging the vehicle that carries us there?
“I’ve talked to a handful of classical Indian musicians who say that their music is their yoga, which makes sense: classical asanas and pranayama were performed at certain times of the day, to attune the yogi to nature’s rhythm. Ragas were invented with the same idea in mind.” – Derek Beres
Tazdeen Rashid is a yoga DJ. brings a high vibrational energy to any crowd instantly by mixing a wide range of music beats and rhythms including, Ancient New World, hundreds of electronic Remixes, House, Kirtan, Devotional, and cosmic sounds. His vision is to be a channel to cause the expansion of all those around by tapping into the creative wisdom of the body and allowing them to feel, let go and awaken.
For DJ Taz, his music is his yoga. Taz has been producing and part of creating mindful events globally over the last few years and as a musician, he plays guitar, keyboard, Native American Flute, didgeridoo and hand percussion. He takes these instruments and connects to the Divine and what comes through has the ability to move his crowd to connect to their Divine higher selves.
The aim of the yogi: unifying all seemingly disparate elements into one continuous moment. Just as we celebrate the change in our physical practice as we progress and bend into new asanas and states of meditation, we can also appreciate the changes in our perception.
Still, a persistent yet undefined image of ‘yoga music’ continues to wield its confusing head. I say, breathe and let it go. The fact is friends, while India may have been a starting point for this indescribable subset of music, the result is an amazing new platform in which we can all come together and celebrate.
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Nov 17, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Retreat
Sometimes we feel stuck… Lord knows I have! It seems it is an inevitable aspect of the Spiritual Journey and the whole body cleanse & spiritual detox is a good way through. Often I have found myself in troubled times, wondering why everything seems to be held in suspended animation while my heart & soul quietly continue to keep my attention on what is really going on. Trust me… the awful chatter that can arise in our minds, often self-directed negative talk, is an incredibly destructive force. It is what prevents most of us from stepping into a deeply authentic place, sidelining ourselves from life… stuck. It doesn’t feel good. It doesn’t feel right, and yet, stuck is the harbinger of greatness!
Consciousness is always evolving, and aligned with it, we, too are always expanding. We just need to keep up… and I believe when we feel stuck, it is merely a clear sign that we are not keeping up. So, here’s the cool thing… the Spiritual Journey is all about noticing the signs, right? Then we can respond to them in a manner that allows unimpeded growth in all areas of your life… physical, emotional, energetic and spiritual. However, it does take some personal discipline and desire to move forward… to get unstuck.
It feels good to be in the flow, we all know it… have all been there at least a few times, albeit, often unawares of how we got there, yet undeniably so, it feels really good! You know it, deep in your body, the only way out of those heavy sensations and experiences is through…
Spiritual Detox & Whole Body Cleanse – a way to the light…
Think about it… how it feels. Heavy right? Dense… Dark. These are and so many more words can describe the feelings we have when we are stuck. So, logically, it would make sense that if we got “lighter” ourselves something might shift. Yes? I thought so… and every time I have undertaken either a spiritual detox or whole body cleanse (often together), I have experienced a lighter & brighter state of being. Much more peace, clarity, balance, harmony, serenity… downright goodness has followed.
It’s a pretty simple formula really, cleanse the body, mind & spirit… inside and out. Ten days is pretty standard, although I have experimented with a variety of lengths of time and have somewhat concluded that your body will tell you when you are done. It’s all about cultivating a greater intimacy with yourself, being able to filter out what is not you, to find you; that quiet whisper, always guiding us, always present. Often we can’t hear it over the cacophony of distractions our senses report. Our bodies, minds and spirits are polluted with so many toxins from every day western life that it is near impossible to feel into our intuition, or get in the flow. If this is your first Spiritual Detox or whole body cleanse, commit to at least 10 to 14 days. (there is something deeply profound about a 40-day experience… let me know in the comments below if you would like to know more about that.)
There can be no other outcome than transformation, if one commits. No other possibility than to know the lightness of being or effortless ease possible to every human being.
The Spiritual Detox & Whole Body Cleanse can be as simple as switching to a mono-diet with only organic, non-gmo ingredients and turning off the tv (particularly the news and social media) to sophisticated ancient protocols, practices and treatments all aimed at purifying the body and mind. As body/mind become pure, our energy increases, as does our ability to move energy through the more subtler aspects of our being. We become clear.
Who doesn’t want clarity these days, right!!??
Stay tuned, as we explore this topic further in future posts… The holidays are a good time to begin practicing some mindfulness and create an awareness around your own personal situation. Often the stresses pile up during the holidays and we find our selves exhausted and strained in the new year. Let’s prevent that from happening this year! We know this time of year can be challenging, so go easy on yourself and plan a post holiday getaway where you can experience your own Spiritual Detox and whole body cleanse. Supercharge your New Year with a New YOU!
Make life epic… because it is. Namaste.
Nov 4, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Trauma Sensitive Yoga, Yoga Conference
Does adventure travel inspire you…? We have all done it, and if not, we want to… we all dream about it, whether aware or not, and the big screen provides innumerable examples of losing ourselves in EPIC adventures; we are a culture of dreamers, oft just dreaming, not as much doing. But you can change that!
Choose your own adventure – Always.
Adventure Travel
A common theme in the adventure travel arena is the backdrop, of course being ‘out there… in nature’ is the ultimate and where it happens can actually contribute (positively and/or negatively) to the experience. Aumbase Adventures, based in Sedona, Arizona, USA, certainly boasts a very distinctive and unique backdrop for the discerning Adventure Travel enthusiast, providing intuitively created transformational experiences focused in yoga, meditation & mindfulness (on the land & in the studio) in the heart of an undisputed spiritual mecca of the American West. Sedona and her surrounding lands, the vistas and vortexes, the red rocks and Oak Creek, all combine to provide the backdrop for a very special adventure travel experience…
Five must-have ingredients for your next adventure
Backdrop… It’s not about the destination, really it isn’t. All the pundits, sages & masters would point you to presence in the moment, and as such, wherever one is on their journey, it’s fairly easy to see that this is something that one should cultivate in their own practice and daily life. However… if daily life has gotten a bit stagnant and/or stuck, often it takes a jump start to get back on track. Here’s where adventure travel enters the equation and an energized and stunning backdrop for a personal journey becomes a bit more important to cultivating that ever-so important ingredient to successful mindfulness, Presence. Trust me when I say, “just sit for twenty minutes… on the red rocks, overlooking stunningly colorful and vibrant vistas with blue sky panoramas… and not have an experience. It’s just not possible! You can be forever changed by the backdrop to your personal journey. Undeniably, Sedona is a powerful one indeed, unlike anything else in the world; you’ll need to see for yourself.- Perfect Weather, of course I am biased, but hey… When most of the rest of North America is in a deep freeze, Sedona, AZ is enjoying outright warmth, with blue bird days better than 278 days a year, the odds are you will experience some gorgeous weather to go with your Personal Transformation! Yeah… sure, we are supposed to not want anything and all that, but really, I have spent equal time in the rain, snow, sleet, hail and worse; I can tell you, the sun is quite conducive to personal growth… and relaxation, yes it is linked to that, too. Whether, you want to sit by the pool and drink coladas or hike and meditate on the rocks, again, trust me… its lovely in the sun. (Summer temps do get warmer than most are used to…. carry and drink plenty of water on & off the trails.)
Water — Oak Creek Canyon & West Fork of Oak Creek… With sun and the summer 100 degree days, water is always nice and there is an ample supply here! Oak Creek runs right through Sedona and provides wonderful opportunities to experience cool waters, red rock waterslides, sycamore shade and much, much more. Sitting in or by this nourishing waterway is a soul-cleansing experience, certainly on par with the rest Sedona has to offer.- Friends or Family, Colleagues & Associates… Yes, bring em all! Adventure travel is just the stuff for family reunions or corporate retreats, creating deeper, shared bonds with those experiencing transformation and growth together. I did say that radical change and instant transformation is possible, didn’t I…? Sedona has a penchant for up-leveling everyone’s experience, so why not plan to bring your team here for a corporate retreat facilitated by Aumbase Adventures? Family or friend reunions, parties and gatherings of a high vibe nature can be hosted at Aumbase Sedona, a center for consciousness evolution. It will truly be unforgettable! and transformative.
- Proven, tried & true... That’s right. Since time immemorial, humans have been drawn to what we now know as Sedona for its mystical and metaphysical experiences and potential. The discerning adventure traveler will quickly realize that Sedona is indeed a mecca for personal growth, rapid transformation and lasting effects… tried & true. I literally guarantee that everyone has their own unique & powerful experience, here… no matter how aware of it they are… or aren’t. This is a powerful place and has been used as such for spiritual, metaphysical and personal growth for good reason. Something happens here, undeniably so…
Come and see for yourself… better yet, let your mind go and sink into the present moment, now… and feel yourself here. See if she calls to you, Sedona… and if she does, we’ll be here… Click here if you are ready…
Aug 23, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience
[addtoany] Photo: Alan Alcid
| Hi Marc,
Now is the pivotal time… we have been looking back, as we consider your feedback and pore over the 1000+ photographs of SYF2016… are we really at the point half way between last year’s festival and next year’s festival? And, looking forward we are super excited to share some awesome news with you in the SYF Newsletter! Below you can begin to visualize your experience, perhaps reminisce or plan for the future… if you buy your all-access pass by August 31st you will get the best price before it goes up the next day... Regardless, we are doing it together, as we always do… And next year, full expansion into our trifecta of neighboring, walk-able venues… And now we’re proud to introduce our newest venue partner and festival supporter: The Collective Sedona! Read on for this and more for a look back and a look forward. We hope to see you in Sedona in March if not sooner, in fact, we’re planning on it~
Namaste,
Team SYF |
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The COLLECTIVE Sedona is the best venue EVER for SYF!
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| We are so excited to announce that The Collective Sedona, adjacent to partner venue the Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock, is hosting the Sedona Yoga Festival 2017! The Collective Sedona is the newest lifestyle and cultural venue in Sedona featuring shops, art and culture galleries, wineries, breweries, and dining experiences that celebrate modern Sedona and honor its rich heritage. Nestled in Sedona’s red rock formations, the 13,500-square foot indoor-outdoor entertainment plaza is home to award-winning chefs, artists, fine jewelry, cultural collectibles, gifts, spa treatments, and events…it’s collection of “hot spots” has something for everyone. Just like SYF! Its a match made in heaven. Click here to see why you should include the Collective Sedona as part of any Sedona adventure… |
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Experience SYF2016 Again!
The photos are here! The outstanding photographers that showed up to capture the spirit of Sedona Yoga Festival are all featured in this album, and we’re excited to share it with you! Discover SYF through their lens and experience the magic (again!) Can you find a picture of yourself? Feel free to create galleries of your own and share them on our social media… Curate and share your point of view! Check them out here… |
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Latest from the blog: 5 Reasons Sedona Will Rock Your Asana…
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| Sedona, Arizona… The undisputed spiritual mecca of the American Southwest, red rock canyons, spires to inspire, the water element of Oak Creek Canyon, and of course, the ENERGY. No matter your beliefs or background, Sedona is sure to make you feel something. And it has been known since time immemorial to support … Read More |
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Introducing the SYF2017 Heart Center Conscious Expo Vendors
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| We simply cannot wait – but we must! – until it’s time to share all the details of what is coming together for SYF2017 (keep an eye out for next months newsletter and on social media for presenter and program announcements and more). For now, here’s a sneak peek at just a few of the amazing vendors who will be helping to generate the pulse as you stroll down Vendor Way through the Heart Center of Sedona Yoga Festival! Check them out! |
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Prices increase on September 1st. Invest in your All-Access pass now for the best price!
If you haven’t reserved your space yet, know that our Namaste pricing ends August 31st! Now is the time to save on your All-Access festival pass. Wake up in one of the most powerful places on the planet from March 9-12, 2017. Choose from a festival All Access Pass or the integrated Yoga for PTSD training for yoga teachers. Day passes also available now. BOOK NOW!
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| “Low on the yoga diva quotient. Easygoing and genuine community. Braced to feel self conscious and instead felt welcome and integral.” – Tess |
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| Remember~ Now is the best time to book your flight deals for March 2017 and book your lodging at our host property the Hilton Sedona Resort and Spa. With these and your All Access Pass in place all you need to do is dream – until you wake up in Sedona. |
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Thank You to Our SYF2017 Sponsors!
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Aug 22, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival
SYF2017 At The Collective Sedona… a walkable experience this year!
[addtoany]
We are super stoked everyone! They weren’t quite finished last year… you may remember, if you were here. Directly below the Hilton, this AUMazing space, recently revision and repurposed, is now fully occupied and open for business! Did we say we were stoked…? Everything is in one place! Sedona’s finest views, deep blue sky, red rock vistas in the distance and some super cool venues that we get to expand completely into this year. We keep telling y’all… Year 5 is going to be heralded as one for the times, when it comes to consciousness evolutionary gatherings. You don’t want to miss this one!
The Collective Sedona is the newest lifestyle and cultural venue in Sedona featuring shops, art and culture galleries, wineries, breweries, and dining experiences that celebrate modern Sedona and honor its rich heritage. Nestled in Sedona’s red rock formations, the 13,500-square foot indoor-outdoor entertainment plaza is home to award-winning chefs, artists, fine jewelry, cultural collectibles, gifts, spa treatments, and events…it’s collection of “hot spots” has something for everyone.
Located on Highway 179 outside of the Village of Oak Creek, The Collective Sedona includes the following for everyone to enjoy: Cucina Rustica, J Wine Bistro, Schoolhouse Restaurant, The Village Grind, Full Moon Saloon, Miley’s Café, Grand Canyon Winery, Historic Brewing Company, Four Eight Wineworks, Sedona Health Spa, The Salt Room, Bilby & Moss Boutique, Adorn Collection, Buddy’s Grocer, Sedona Arts Center, and the Culture Studio.
The Culture Studio showcases local artists, exhibits and the world’s largest 3D printer, along with nightly events focused on mindfulness, spirituality, heritage, wellness and fun. The Collective Sedona also includes Vista Hall, an indoor-outdoor event venue space for private events that will be home to some awesomenasana and boasts unobstructed red rock views.
So, there you have it! Next year SYF, a consciousness evolution conference promises to be off the charts… Plan your experience… and check out all the cool shops at the Collective Sedona… www.thecollectivesedona.com
Aug 21, 2016 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Retreat, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga for First Responders, Yoga for Vets, Yoga Interviews, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Pre-Conference
Photo: Alan Alcid Yogi’s Vo Vera & LaMonte Goode Inverted in the Vortex
What can you expect at SYF2017…?
Photo: Alan Alcid Yogini Taylor Kurz
Well, the conference and festival itself evolves each year so there’s lots we will be unfolding in late September about the Who, What, When,and Where of it all. But the WHY remains steady. We create and nurture this platform and the relationships built within and around it for the purpose of uplifting and expanding human consciousness and providing Sedona transformations with a focus on yoga and meditation.
SYF is accessible to all, and there is truly an access point for the newest beginner as well as in depth networking, studying, practice, and continuing education opportunities for the professional. We believe this intermingling leads to authentic and powerful interactions.
Photo: Alan Alcid Taylor Kurz @ Bell Rock Vortex… Flying.
Have a look at the SYF2016 pages to get a taste of what’s to come in March 2017. We hope you will join us in Sedona, where the magic happens…
If you’re curious how we’ve evolved over the years, there’s a complete archive menu over on the “About Us” page.
Stay curious, friend.
