Apr 10, 2023 | Sedona Yoga
by Dusty Swehla: Vista Celestial Retreats, Guest, and Wellness Advisor
Be entered to win a vacation to Vista Celestial by joining us for our 10-year anniversary celebration April 27–30! Passes are available here.
The name Costa Rica means “Rich Coast” because of the many rich metals throughout the country. Today, Costa Rica is known for its beaches, volcanos, beautiful waterfalls, oceanlife and biodiversity. The Osa Peninsula, on Costa Rica’s southern pacific coast, has been called by National Geographic one of the most biodiverse places on earth.
Statistics show that approximately 3.1 million people visited Costa Rica last year. You may be thinking, “Why do so many people want to visit?” Do people visit the beaches, waterfalls and ocean life? Of course! But they also come to find more. We believe that visitors come back year after year for the natural beauty of Costa Rica but also for the magical energy present the moment a visitor sets foot in the country. Many are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They are looking for a place to connect to their inner selves and receive inspiration from the natural world. That pause and connection so many seek can be found walking in the lush rainforest mountainside, gazing at majestic ocean views, or walking along the vast and vacant beaches; all of which make up the natural setting that cradles our boutique resort called Vista Celestial.
The intimate setting of our luxury boutique resort is an ideal place to work “IN” and experience a transformational and relaxing stay in Costa Rica.
With just five, beautiful and newly renovated 1000 sq/ft villas set on 13 acres of mountainside rainforest with sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Vista Celestial is the ultimate sanctuary. Each villa features a private patio and private plunge pool. Your private plunge pool is the perfect place to cool off and enjoy the view of the Whales Tail shoreline feature by day; or to heat to a hot tub and stargaze at night.
With its incredible geography and climate, it is no surprise that Costa Rica is home to a wide array of freshly grown produce, fish, and more. You will find fresh, locally grown food all over Costa Rica and Vista Celestial is no exception. Our chefs take inspiration from our orchard and gardens and prepare nightly specials that incorporate the freshest available ingredients to create world class cuisine. Their 6-course, Taste of Costa Rica, chef’s tasting menu is out of this world!!
Beyond the natural setting and luxurious villas, the Vista Celestial team is what (or who) really delivers the magic of Costa Rica. Their heart and soul is put into meeting your every need, accommodating your requests and anticipating and meeting needs before they are even verbalized. They will become your friends and you will leave with a new family.
A few of the special touches created by our amazing team include cool eucalyptus scented towels and refreshing juice upon arrival, yoga props artfully displayed for each yoga session, local treats placed in your villa to welcome you in, and local coffee (grown by our general manager on his farm!) available complimentary in your villa. The list of magical touches go on and on. Vista Celestial sets the stage and takes care of every need so you can enjoy all the magical and spiritual experiences that arise throughout your stay. We welcome families, couples, yoga retreats and those seeking the magic of Costa Rica and Pura Vida.
A Costa Rican phrase that embodies the magic you will find here is “Pura Vida”. This term means simple life or pure life. It is used in everyday life to communicate “hello, goodbye, thank you, you’re welcome, and generally communicate a sense that ‘life is good’”. The phrase is a reminder of how little we actually need to be happy. We have the ocean, mountains, sunshine, hikes, coffee farms, waterfalls, waves and a culture that needs very little in order to find happiness.
I started my journey with Vista Celestial as a guest, I had a spiritual/transformational experience and I wanted more. Today, I live the Pura Vida lifestyle, literally. I find joy and happiness in the sounds of the ocean waves and the jungle. I find peace with the pure and simple pleasures of watching the wildlife, feeling the sunshine on my face, listening to the howler monkeys and knowing that all I need is within. Life is good here in Costa Rica, I hope you follow the path that leads you to Vista Celestial. Pura Vida!
We will be doing a vacation giveaway to Vista Celestial ONLY for SYF2023 attendees on-site during our 10-year anniversary celebration! To be entered to win, join us April 27–30. Passes are available here.
Apr 5, 2023 | Sedona Yoga
A new vision into the path of wellness and personal growth! Win a 3-night vacation in an oceanfront king suite. Learn more and enter to win here.
Located at the tail end of the most breathtaking beach in the Riviera Maya, surrounded by 988 acres of lush jungle and a kilometer of pristine beach, lies a natural enclave where the effervescent complexity of contemporary Mexico meets with ancient roots and sacred rituals.
A true haven for the senses ready to be discovered, Palmaïa – The House of AïA stands apart from other resorts, offering unlimited wellness activities paired with a unique culinary experience. Everything is included in the rate, meaning guests can enjoy a fully immersive experience without worrying about additional costs or expenses, focusing on their wellness journey without distractions.
Integrating mystical elements of the region, the property offers a program dedicated to your personal growth: The Architects of Life (AOL), designed to awaken the exploration of the inner self through daily holistic practices and ceremonies inspired by ancient Mayan and other pre-Hispanic and Far East cultures. From Cacao Ceremonies and Temazcal to Sound Healing sessions, Yoga, Pranayama, and much more, Palmaïa honors the region’s cultural heritage and provides guests with a unique opportunity to connect with their spirituality
and discover a healthier, more balanced lifestyle.
Palmaïa’s location is also a key factor in the resort’s unique appeal, where the concept of AïA is presented as humanity’s connection with Nature. The lush jungle, turquoise beach and abundant wildlife make for a calming atmosphere, perfect for mindfulness and spiritual practices. AïA’s energy provides guests with a serene and peaceful setting to reflect and unwind, where deep connection to oneself, others, and your surroundings can flourish. Nestled between the mangroves and clear water cenotes is the Spa, Atlantis, a hidden gem where guests are pampered with true nature-immersive experiences in the hands of master therapists.
Although an ideal place to reset and recharge while taking a break from today’s fast-paced world, Palmaïa’s holistic approach to wellness is not just spiritual. The resort provides top-tier accommodations in beautifully designed suites featuring vegan and sustainable amenities while carefully curating its plant-based gastronomy. Crafted by experienced chefs throughout their exquisite restaurants, specialty menus range from mouth-watering Asian fusion to street and high-end Mexican, Mediterranean, and International cuisine, delivering an outstanding dining experience.
Expanding further into the realm of the senses, the Rituals of Sound sessions offer a nightscape journey of curated beats and live electronic music. A chance to mingle with fellow voyagers, dance barefoot around the flickering flames of a beach bonfire, and indulge in some of the best mixologies.
Be part of Palmaïa’s Progressive Wellness journey and experience soul nourishment through conscious cuisine, nature-immersed treatments, and holistic practices.
For a limited time only, sign up for our newsletter list and be entered to win a 3-night oceanfront king-suite vacation at Palmaïa – The House of AïA! Enter to win here.
Mar 22, 2023 | Sedona Yoga
The Ancient Roots of Surya Namaskar
by SYF2023 presenter Grant Ifflander
The “plain old” Sun Salutation. Warm-up, or final stop?
According to the true Tantrik origins of this practice (yes, I said Tantrik), the surya namaskara sequence was not at all a warm-up. In fact, according to the Pashupata lineage of yogis, this sequence that is today known as the “sun salutation” was considered a ritual dance of prayer and emotion that led to the emancipation of one’s soul.
This was distinctly different than other yoga practices and the traditions of the times! Instead of needing to do penance for thousands of lifetimes to reach enlightenment, these yogis of the (Tantrik) Pashupata lineage had declared the possibility of enlightenment and moksha (liberation) happening right here in this lifetime. Of course, the practitioner’s sincere involvement was required, but still. Definitely far more than warm-up!
Lest we not forget that yoga emerged out of ancient India where the culture at the time was deeply influenced by the stories of sages and masters reaching the final goal of human life. Yoga as exercise came much later in the scheme of things.
To truly understand the ancient origins of what has become a staple in nearly every vinyasa yoga class (surya namaskara), we must look at the roots from which it comes and turn it back into what it was designed for: a reverential dance and movement-as-prayer dedicated to the Source of All Life.
A noble cause indeed! Join me at Sedona Yoga Festival from April 27–30 (passes available here!) to explore this topic in-person, or find out more about my yoga school, KeepersOfTheEarth.co.
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At Keepers of the Earth, we want to change how we view and align with creative power. We want to restore the balance in all that we do and awaken people to the sacredness of life. Therefore, we are reviving and renewing our innate and intuitive connection to mysticism and magic through Yoga and yogic spiritual science.
We believe that once an individual understands the actual mechanics of spirituality and transformation, they begin to naturally gravitate towards actions, behaviors and lifestyles that are in alignment with life. Their creative power is no longer used to self-satisfy but instead is used to serve and help the Whole. The result? Human beings who are bringing magic everywhere they go and in everything they do, living out their fullest potential, and taking care of the ground beneath their feet where they step.
We are becoming “Keepers of the Earth”: leaders embodied in our craft, sharing the teachings of our ancestors with authenticity, reverence and respect, and devoted to bringing more beauty & magic to our Earth.
Feb 18, 2023 | Sedona Yoga
Stick Your Marketing with Sticker Communications
by Lisette Cheresson, SYF Communications Director
As our world moves forward at what feels like the speed of light — but certainly the speed of texting — it can feel overwhelming to keep up with all the digital communiques. Email, social messages, messaging apps, texts… there’s no shortage of research that shows that the overstimulation of the way we share news and updates can be not only exasperating, but even harmful for our brain. The Mayo Clinic refers to this as “cognitive overload,” but for those of us who take seriously the mindfulness practices of stillness and presence, the constant dings and need for response is an inherent challenge. What ever happened to good old-fashioned marketing efforts?
The idea that “marketing,” as a concept, can be old-fashioned is perhaps a bit of a stretch — indeed, how many decades must something be in existence before we consider it to be endemic to a bygone era? What could possibly still be a meaningful way to get your brand or service out into the world that doesn’t rely on the digital space? Enter: sticker marketing.
As a child of the 90s, I remember plastering my Lisa Frank Trapper Keepers with free stickers of all kinds. Some I couldn’t even bring myself to use — I still have stacks of bespoke stickers from my favorite stores and coffeeshops from the town in which I grew up. There’s something magical about sticker communication. It’s graffiti, but semi-temporary. It’s art, but accessible. It’s marketing, but it’s fun. Who doesn’t have a fond memory of some object in which stickers played a prominent role?
For his birthday, a friend of mine got stickers made up by Sticker Mule for her partner’s birthday, in which she plastered their dog’s face all over their city. Every time I walk by one now — two years later — I smile. A sticker out in the wild with which you have a personal association is a special secret between yourself and everyone else’s interpretation of your art.
As a small business owner, I call back to those childhood propensities to plaster my notebooks, and rather than relying solely on the digital space for marketing, prefer to plaster my messages in the real world. Stickering is a great way to advertise yoga class, or an upcoming workshop, or a website. Art can be flashy or simple — it’s like a cooler business card that carries its own out in the world. SYF is no different. We love sharing our annual sticker with our attendees — and get absolutely tickled when we see them on water bottles or yoga mat bags or TT binders years later. And when we create them, we always go with our favorite fine sticker maker, Sticker Mule.
If you’re a yoga or mindfulness professional, rather than throwing spaghetti at the digital wall, try sharing your message with something that sticks. Literally.
Want your SYF2023 sticker? Don’t miss your chance to join us for our 10-year anniversary celebration April 27–30! Passes available here.
Mar 14, 2022 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Yoga Interviews
Desiree Rumbaugh — Moving Through the Ages with Yoga
When we tend to think of yoga that’s accessible for all ages and for aging bodies, we trend toward restorative and gentle yoga, as if our aging bodies across the board lose the will for a physical challenge. It doesn’t have to be that way, according to international teacher, author, and PBS contributor Desiree Rumbaugh. “When I was younger, I’d always hear older people saying, ‘I used to do this or that,’” she says. As a very athletic and disciplined practitioner, this wasn’t how Desiree envisioned her own practice changing through the years. She figured that there had to be a way to continue to age well, without giving up the difficult physical practice.
As she herself crossed the threshold of 50 and beyond, that’s what her teaching began to showcase. “How do we keep the party going? How do we keep the fun going? How do we keep our wrists and our back and our knees and our neck able to withstand these poses without injury? So that’s what my teaching is like,” she says, “answering those questions and giving people a lot of ideas.”
Creating a Community
Desiree isn’t alone in this pursuit. She has what she calls a pit crew of physical therapists, weight trainers, and different people to advise her and keep her — and her students — safe as she explores what it means to embrace physicality for older bodies. As the Western yoga world continues to move toward accessibility, Desiree says that she inhabits an important space. “I think that’s kind of interesting to go learn from the lady who’s 63,” she says, “the lady who has been doing this for 35 years, and does everything like handstands and backbends.”
It’s not only an inspiration because of her age, but because of what that kind of flexibility — both physical and of the boundaries we consider in our own minds about the physical — represents. “It’s not because I’m lucky,” says Desiree. “I’ve had to work to change habits and figure out why these pains were there. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs just like everybody,” she says. “How have I gone into it instead of around it or avoiding it?”
This doesn’t mean just haphazardly experimenting with advanced poses. In her thirties, Desiree recalls just being able to go the park, for example, and kicking up into a handstand. This isn’t a possibility at 63, when the stakes are much higher if she falls. This “makes me more aware and conscious,” she says, “so there’s the mind aspect. I think as we age, we need to have stimulation of new thoughts and new ideas and new experiences.” That’s what Desiree’s teaching is really all about.
What Students Can Expect in Her Class
Desiree recognizes that her approach may not be for everybody — but she’s not trying to be. She wants her students to explore their own boundaries, and learn something about themselves that they may not have thought was possible. Her classes inspire students to understand that hard work and dedication results in progress; that you have the power to change your body and your mindset for the better. She also wants to “stress the fun of playing in a yoga class with your friends, even though it can be solitary practice. That’s a big one for me,” she says, “the joy of connecting with others in a playful way where we encourage each other and the support of the community.”
That’s what being at SYF is all about for Desiree — that connection of being with others of likemind, “supported by the breathing and the chanting and the working together mindfully in the present moment.” It’s why we’re so excited to be back together after two years apart, and why we hope you’ll join us in June.
Tickets are on sale now! Come experience the transformation of SYF with us. We can’t wait to see you soon.
Mar 1, 2022 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature
Oneika Mays: Why Diversity of Ideas is Important at Yoga Festivals
Oneika Mays doesn’t consider herself a big “festival person,” and typically shies away from appearing at large scale yoga events. The New York-based Riker’s Island meditation teacher said that she’s most excited about the space that SYF is creating for the tough conversations. Among other things, finding common ground with people with whom she may not necessarily agree is paramount to Oneika’s teaching mission.
“I think the work needs to get a little messy,” she says. “And that’s what I’m hoping to bring to Sedona. I want to create a container of compassion and lovingkindness and metta — which I’m really passionate about — being able to move and talk and breathe and listen,” even when we may not agree with each other.
In the wake of Covid, civil unrest, political upheaval, conspiracy theories, and war, it’s never been a more apt time for the world to hear Oneika’s message. When we live solely on one end of the spectrum or the other, she says, “I feel like it’s damaging. The noise starts to sound the same.” She uses the hot topic of vaccination as an example. While she considers herself a staunch proponent of them, “I’m not going to cancel somebody who doesn’t believe in vaccinations,” she says. “What would that say about me?” Her work at Riker’s is the same way — she often interacts with people with whom she does not agree. “It’s all about finding places of compassion,” she says. “Walking the walk is really hard.”
Why the Experience of SYF Matters
In order to begin to bring about the collective healing for which we’re all searching — regardless of belief system of political stance — we have to start somewhere. “I think it starts with giving grace to ourselves individually,” says Oneika. That doesn’t mean that we don’t evolve, and it isn’t an excuse for the kind of spiritual bypassing that results in entirely individualistic evolution.
“The grace comes in when we understand that we all start somewhere; that our views and beliefs can change,” says Oneika. This means listening to new voices and perspectives — really listening — and then allowing for those perspectives to take root in a meaningful way. When the transformation happens within, you are able to start giving grace to others as well.
“I think that’s what yoga is all about,” says Oneika, “having these internal conversations with the noise that’s inside your head and finding ways to understand it, or even just ask questions about it, and to do that with compassion. That’s what I’m hoping people do when they’re in community with me.”
Why It’s Important to Hear New Voices
One of the main programming goals of SYF this year is to bring some new voices to the festival circuit, like Oneika. She said that this is crucial because when we don’t see other people who have come from other places and have had other types of experiences than our own, we really can’t begin to understand the concept of oneness. “The idea of oneness is easy to say when everybody that you’re standing in a circle with looks exactly like you and has the same experiences as you,” says Oneika.
This isn’t a starry-eyed or overly-optimistic perspective. “This isn’t about gathering a bunch of different voices and everybody holding hands and singing kumbaya and sort of going off into the sunset, because that’s not realistic,” laughs Oneika. “Life is uncomfortable, and we can learn to move through discomfort in these kinds of small doses, a little bit at a time.”
In doing this, Oneika believes that we really can work together to create a more compassionate, empathetic, and understanding society. It’s when we truly look through the lenses of truth and honor that we can live our yoga — no matter what your personal beliefs are. This is what grace truly looks like.
Join Oneika for the tough conversations, and create the space in your life for transformation by joining us this June! Tickets on sale now.
