Nov 12, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Albert Flynn DeSilver… Writer, speaker, retreat and workshop instructor.
We recently chatted with writer/speaker Albert Flynn DeSilver to get the inside scoop.
Occupation: Writer, Mindfulness Teacher
Hometown: Norwalk, CT
Current Town: Woodacre, CA
Where has yoga taken you?
Deep within to inspiration, divine creativity, practical realization, kindness, generosity and the heart of love.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- Getting sober (long story).
- My first silent meditation retreat at Spirit Rock Meditation Center with the Thai master Ajahn Jumnian
- Reading Poetry in Paris with the great American poet Alice Notley
- Leading a mindfulness and writing retreat in Maui, Hawaii with Cheryl Strayed.
What do you never leave the house without?
a good book and a pen
Where are your favorite places to experience?
Freedom and flow on a mountain bike in Lake Tahoe in late July, lying in an Aspen grove above 10,000 feet in the Colorado Rockies in early October. Walking the streets of Paris in the rain.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?”
Mountain, being, love.
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
Wake and drink tea, read 30 mins, write 30 mins to 4 hours, sit in meditation 30-60 minz, stretch (yoga), hike with Audrey-the-dog, get to work, eat, work some more, go for a mountain bike ride, eat, read, sleep, rinse repeat.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
“To see that I am nothing, that is wisdom. To see that I am everything, that is love. Between the two, my life flows.”
OR
Simply “I am”
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
Breathe, go for a hike in the hills.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I failed my year end review in graduate art school as a photographer, so I switched departments and eventually graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts degree in “New Genres,” which meant I could go out in the world and create anything. . .photographs, paintings, sculptures, videos, installations, even words. After graduation and flailing around from gallery to gallery, I switched again and became a poet and writer.
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
A standing meditation/skeleton scan because it guides you into experiencing your body in a primal, elemental way that breaks down perceived separation between self and earth, self and air, self and fire, self and water. You are left with just self as self, that which makes self possible!
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
Reading or writing under a Madrone Tree working on my next book. On a mountain bike cruising singletrack trails, perhaps on a SUP paddling along in Tomales Bay, or hiking the hills of West Marin with my scrappy little angelic rescue dog Audrey.
Nov 1, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience
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At the 2016 Sedona Yoga Festival, I will be sharing (for the first time) how participant’s can best use Sedona’s special sites for enhanced Yoga and increased Energy Connection.
Each year Sedona becomes more and more known for “The Vortexes.” What are they, where are they, and is there any science that explains them? The Vortexes are geographical/topographical sites on the Coconino National Forest that can enhance yoga, meditation, mind/body vitalization, stress reduction, healing hurts from your past, and outside-the-box creative thinking and problem solving.
Sedona’s spiritual heritage actually goes back for millennia. The Spring 2015 Edition of the Visitor’s Guide published by the Sedona Red Rock News, states that archeologists believe the Sinagua (native people of this area from 600 – 1400 A.D.) may have held Sedona as Sacred ground, because their ruins ring Sedona. It is felt that they lived on the outskirts and traveled into the red rock area for sacred ceremony. (The vivid colors red/orange and greens ARE physiologically and spiritually inspiring).
Starting in the 1960’s word spread in the United States among spiritual seekers to visit Sedona’s high energy meditation sites.” In 1979 those locations were nicknamed “The Vortexes” and that shortened label has stuck. One of the Sedona Chamber of Commerce’s recent slogans has been, “Isn’t it ironic that the most beautiful place on earth is famous for what you can’t see.” The fundraising bike ride in Arizona for the MS Society has moved from Scottsdale to Sedona and is called, “Ride the Vortex.
The Vortexes are NOT electric or magnetic sites. There is no major electric or magnetic field difference at them. That labeling system was meant to be symbolic, NOT literal. The same is true of the masculne/feminine, and positive/negative labeling systems. It is more accurate and helpful to describe the Vortexes as Upflow or Inflow sites and match that to the topography and the type of prayer/meditation you seek.
I explain more in the video below… Enjoy! See you at SYF2016!
Pete.
[/vc_column_text] [divider type=”standard” text=”Go to top” full_width=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”] [vc_video title=”Vortex Expert Pete Sanders laying it down…” link=”https://youtu.be/OQECdxPyJ18″ full_width=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first”] [vc_video title=”Part 2 – UpFlow Vortexes” link=”https://youtu.be/67vSH5ilz8Q” full_width=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”last”] [vc_video title=”Part 3 – Inflow Vortexes” link=”https://youtu.be/5jRTswszXeA” full_width=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”first”] [vc_video title=”Part 4 – Combination Vortexes” link=”https://youtu.be/lSens5bgEaY” full_width=”no” width=”1/2″ el_position=”last”] [vc_column_text pb_margin_bottom=”no” pb_border_bottom=”no” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
Pete A. Sanders is an Honors Graduate of Massachusetts Institute of Technology with principal studies in BioMedical Chemistry and Brain Science. He is a 35 year Sedona Resident, the Founder of Free Soul (www.freesoul.net), and the author of Scientific Vortex Information, Access Your Brain’s Joy Center, and You Are Psychic!
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Oct 31, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience, Yoga Philosophy, Yoga Pre-Conference
I have been watching a dear brother on the path lately… Nick Hansinger, co-founder of Source Movement has been laying it down, Realzies these past several weeks. I have been inspired. There is something deeply profound available to each and every one of us, literally right now. The conundrum, oft mistaken as the Truth, exists in only the fact that humanity has become sensitized to a perception of reality, created over millennia, that is incongruous to… ‘what is really going on.’
Consciousness is seeking to take the leap and open into new experiences predicated upon soulfully divined and deeply intuited inspirations. We can all feel it. That deep knowing that propels oneself towards ease and grace in all that they endeavor in the world. The Divine support lended to that one, steadfast in Truth, is what most would call Miraculous.
We have evolved and will continue to explore the edge throughout time, and yet, the ancient scriptures and mythology points to a human experience much likened to human challenges we face today. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Yogis have gone before us and smoothed the path to our enlightenment; to our awakening. It is clearly defined and we are forging it anew in this fiery transformation of consciousness itself.
Heather, myself and the SYF Team have created the platform for your transformation. SYF, a consciousness evolution conference is truly the environment for exceptional growth and change… a transformation into the next phase of your life experience. Whether you have decades of practice or you are just drawn out of curiosity to this notion of a ‘good life’, SYF will meet you right where you are, impeccably providing the perfect teachers and classes to take you to the next level. Newcomers to yoga can experience Master Yoga Teachers, adept at conveying the simplicity of the practice, along with the astounding benefits of a yogic lifestyle, to all levels of experience.
The lineup of presenters, speakers and special guests, each bringing unique and authentic perspectives, were selected to share the many and varied ways to begin or expand a yoga practice. With over 77 presenters and 150 workshops, the fourth annual Sedona Yoga Festival is something to experience.
Our collective experience, cradled in the Sedona energies, will be filled with opportunities to release into the highest and best you. Yoga, meditation, mindfulness, pranayama, energy medicine, kirtan, and more will be the landscape of transformation amidst the spectacular backdrop of red rock country. Sunrise asana and meditation on the lawn, plenary speakers, forums, workshops & classes, blissful kirtans and a World Peace Meditation led by monks of the Dhammakaya Foundation and the World Peace Initiative’s Peace Revolution Project. We are the first ever United States event, blessed and supported by World Peace Architect, Dulce Ruby. SYF2016 will launch you into the stratosphere!
We have taken SYF Gives Back to new levels this year as well. Traumatic Stress: Resiliency and Healing with Yoga unites masters in the field of PTSD and Trauma and presents a holistic, deep dive training in the use of yoga, mindfulness, meditation, and other proven methods to alleviate the symptoms and heal the roots of post traumatic stress and trauma related illnesses. On the heels of previous years service projects aimed at supporting Yoga For Veterans and Yoga For First Responders, we recognize that the human physiological response to trauma is universal, regardless of the experience. This years training will provide proven methods to heal and resolve past trauma, alleviate and eliminate symptoms and lead a more stable and resilient life, along with expert instruction on all aspects of trauma and its affects on the human being. Focus groups, panels and expert testimonial to bring cultural competency various fields in need. i.e law enforcement, fire service, nurses, abuse survivors, etc.
Attending this pre-event training will prepare you to be in service to your family or community if you choose and/or provide insight, awareness and solutions towards the very real and oft debilitating effects of Post-Traumatic Stress.
Dharma. Service in Action.
Click Here for more information about pre/post-festival experiences.
This is the yoga event not to be missed! Feel into it and sense the Sedona experience that awaits you. You will be ever so glad you did.
Namaste.
Marc
Sep 26, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Denise Thompson, aka Yogirunner, Teacher and Vice President of Group Fitness at Mountainside Fitness
We recently chatted with yogi, teacher and corporate exec, Denise Thompson – AKA Yogirunner, to find out just how she keeps it all together in a fast-paced life…
SOCIAL MEDIA:
Find me as Yogirunner on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook!
PINTEREST: Yogirunner
Occupation: Vice President of Group Fitness – Mountainside Fitness & Fit Republic
Hometown: Santa Fe, NM
Current Town: Phoenix, AZ
Where has yoga taken you?
Yoga has taken me to the real me! I finally realize, understand, accept and appreciate exactly who I am. I honor and respect that person.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- Jumping from Corporate Wellness to Pharmaceutical Sales (chasing the almighty dollar)
- Realizing it was more important to do what I love than focusing on the dollar – LEAVING pharma sales
- Moving from a fitness focus to a Mind/Body focus
- Making Yoga part of my personal and professional life.
What do you never leave the house without?
I never leave the house without my phone and my Yoga mat.
Where are your favorite places to experience?
Sedona and Kauai are among my two favorite spots on this earth.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?”
Truth, Consciousness, One
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
I wake up at 5A everyday. I grab a cup of coffee and check email/social media. By 5:45A I start my daily practice in my Buddha Lounge. I get the kids up at 6:45A, make breakfast and have them to school by 8A. My workday THEN begins.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
To Thine Own Self Be True
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
I dance, sing, run and practice Yoga with my children ages 6 and 11.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I am incredibly Type A and a Black and White thinker. Yoga has opened the door to shades of gray.
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
I love teaching Bakasana. It brings me so much joy to witness people putting trust in themselves and learning to fly. It’s like witnessing a toddler walk for the first time.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
Running! That’s why they call me YogiRunner.
 
Sep 17, 2015 | Sedona Yoga Festival Teacher Feature, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Interviews
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Meet Silvia Mordini Founder LIFE Inspired: Alchemy of Yoga, Alchemy Tours, Prescriptions for Happiness
We recently chatted with Teacher, Healer, Happiness Coach, Silvia Mordini, to find out more about what drives her creativity and stokes her joy. Silvia shares from her heart on how you can stand behind your own, true voice and make today the best day ever.
NAME: Silvia Mordini
EMAIL: silvia@silviamordini.com or silvia@alchemytours.com
WEBSITE/BLOG: silviamordini.com and alchemytours.com and alchemyofyoga.com
SOCIAL MEDIA: Twitter/Instagram @Inspiredyogagal
PINTEREST: https://www.pinterest.com/silviamordini/
Occupation: Writer, Happiness Coach, Adventure Addict, Spiritual Traveler, Teacher Trainer, Retreat Leader, Yogipreneur, Fashionable Yogi, Travel Junkie, Healer
Hometown: Chicago, IL (previously Quito, Ecuador)
Current Town: Seattle, WA (6 months per year)
Where has yoga taken you?
Yoga has taken me to the heart of my own joy. A place I feel as the beginning of the beginning of love. My practice began with asana as part of my recovery from a hit and run. I didn’t aspire to do wheel pose or handstand, all I hoped for was to be able brush my hair by myself.
From there, my investment in my own healing brought me to various wisdom traditions, all of which I’ve integrated to embody the tantric path. Yoga has taken me to a place of deepest awakening to life as a Bhakti Yogi. I am committed to loving myself, loving my day and loving my life.
And yes, yoga has literally brought me around the world from Costa Rica to Italy to Bali to teach from this place of sweetest devotion to inspire others to their greatest happiness. Happiness to me is the manifestation of love. It is the look of love.
What are the 4 most pivotal occasions in your career both in and outside of Yoga?
- Over 20 years ago Iwas in a hit and run that served as the catalyst for waking me up to the power of love to heal.
- While at the peak of my corporate career, that I adored, I decided to take an early retirement to focus full time on my already successful Chicagoland Yoga Studio, Total Body Yoga. This action felt incredibly liberating and was one of the most rewarding experiences I enjoyed for 10 years. I went on to turn over the studio to another steward a couple years ago so its legacy continues today!
- For the last 10 years I’ve offered an internationally Yoga Alliance recognized RYT 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training Program. My Yoga School is known as Alchemy of Yoga. I had the vision of creating an integrated experience that was a reflection of my personal passion and practice both on and off the mat. The process of having a vision that took 5 years to make happen was love in action. I’ve now led that program 21 times from Chicago to Costa Rica to Seattle and more!
- On June 23, 2013 I suffered a level 3 Traumatic Brain Injury(TBI) that left me unable to see, write, cook, walk, let alone do downward dog. In a moment I unlearned everything I knew and started again. It was in fact the ultimate reset. I thought I was already awake and then I discovered there was more.
What do you never leave the house without?
I-phone, Mala beads (I know it sounds so stereotypical yogi, but it’s true), a pretty scarf and fun hat (you can dress up any outfit before or after yoga with the magic of a scarf and hat!)
Where are your favorite places to experience?
I’m traveling away from home 6 months of the year teaching yoga. My favorites are Bali, Costa Rica, Cambodia, Big Island Hawaii, Tuscany, Ischia, Ecuador, and Sedona.
What are the first three words that come to your mind when someone says: “grounded” or “connected?”
Peaceful, Happy, Loved.
We want to know what your typical morning looks like! What does your daily practice look like?
As soon as I’m awake I practice my daily mantra: “I love myself, I am love, I offer love, I receive love. May I be empty so love flows through me.” Before leaving bed I sit up and silently meditate for at least 11 – 30 minutes and then in the evening before bed. Meditation is the anchor to my daily practice.
Then I chant the Venus, Saturn or Moon Mantras to set my energy. I get up do my Ayurvedic morning rituals known as dinacharya and then enjoy a decaf chai tea soy latte, read something inspirational and then practice some asana. While many recommend asana before meditation, I prefer the other way around. In comparison to my meditation routine, my asana practice is organic, different every day based on how my heart and body need to be nourished.
In the morning I usually prepare my class for that day (theming, playlist and sequencing) when I feel the most creative. Then I make progress on the many articles I’m writing simultaneously for weekly publication like Mantra Magazine, Do You Yoga, MindBodyGreen, and Yoganonymous amongst others. Finally, I start revving up all social media for Alchemy of Yoga and Alchemy Tours and check a gazillion emails until I need a break and go for a walk where I do my mantra practice with my malas. My favorite mantra is Aham Prema.
What is one mantra that is like a remedy for your soul?
Aham Prema. I am love.
I see with love, I think with love, I move in love, I live as love, love is me, I am love.
How do you channel your inner 5 year old?
I color or draw every day. I stay in the practice of it even it means simply creating mandala after mandala. It keeps me connected to sacred fun and tapped into the pure joy of doing something for pleasure. Did I mention I use crayons too? I also love vision boarding (check out my article on how to) and cutting things up with kid safety scissors. I’m pretty much the worst at cutting straight lines.
Tell us one fun fact about yourself.
My ears have been pierced since I was 2 days old. It’s tradition in Ecuador where I was born, and it was a good thing too because my hair grew slow. This is how people could tell I was a girl. Also I have no tattoos. I love them, just can’t commit to any one so keep waiting.
What is your favorite pose to teach in your classes? And why?
The hardest poses aren’t asanas. The hardest pose of all is being ourselves. Without awareness and knowledge of self-identity you will always feel internally chaotic. Knowing the answer to “Who Am I” brings internal and eternal peace. There are also my other two favorite poses: Loving Yourself and Accepting others. I love teaching these in every class so that the way we make yoga can become the way we live our lives.
If you’re not on a yoga mat, where can we find you?
Either on my laptop on the couch when I’m at home (by the beach if I’m traveling) or going for really long walks along the beach finding more shells or special rocks to take home with me. I also love watching movies so you’ll find me at those cool theaters where you can have prosecco during the movie. I love that. I should also mention you will find me shopping small boutiques for that one magical dress.
Sep 10, 2015 | Sedona Yoga, Yoga Conference, Yoga Festival, Yoga Festival Experience
There’s this beautiful turning point…
in all of our lives where everything begins to click for us. Anything that is no longer resonating with our frequency, serving higher good or purpose, just seems to just dissipate and be no more – while everything we dreamt would be, IS, and we begin creating/manifesting so many more opportunities to live a fantasy-like reality & dream even bigger.
A few years ago, I was cruising through the commencement of this very point in my life (my awakening if you will). I had a clear knowing that I no longer wished to live in big cities modeling and aiming for fame, and meditation was beginning to take over my life (and trust me, no complaints!). It was then that I was driven to the idea to go on a life-long journey; but first, I just ‘had to’ make my way back home to Arizona, head north and be present at the Sedona Yoga Festival. It’s funny how that works, isn’t it? How one thing, idea or mission turns out to be so perfectly aligned with all else – as if by divine timing, or destiny.
Having manifested the trip, made my way and aligned with the coordinators (Marc, Heather as well as Stephanie), I felt at peace and knew this was solely the beginning of so much more to come into fruition. The vision was there, it had always been. I love Arizona – it’s home and it’s magical – but even more so – Sedona is a place I can escape to & discover more of my Self and of the Universe, with each visit bringing to life new parts of mySelf and shining light on different aspects which need cleansing, healing, balancing, focus or simply… Peace & Love.
In short, am completely at awe with the energy Sedona holds, and as I was here amongst many others who too felt it’s pull – I knew one day, and soon, I would return to amplify that very energy.
As mentioned, I crossed paths with beautiful Souls whom I completely loved from the moment of introduction. Everything at Sedona Yoga Festival was what I wanted to do, be a part of, and BE. There were so many things going on throughout the weekend that lured me in – from yoga, meditations, healing, lectures, film screenings – this was it! I felt I had ‘found my calling’ and purpose a bit prior to then, but furthermore – and when I left that weekend, I left shining, brighter, inspired and DRIVEN to come back again with something to offer, gift and spread. That was the mission, and so the journey began…
Life and the Universe conspired/happened soon after, and before you knew it I had started a brilliant Self-Development Program online for meditation through Peace Revolution (a project under the World Peace Initiative Foundation). After completing the initial 42 day Self-Development Program that they offer online (free of charge!), felt beyond connected. I knew this had fallen into my life and path for something beyond that in which could be seen at this moment, and had a continuous strong feeling & knowing to fully confirm that very notion.
From then on, my meditative practice continued to evolve, and my drive & determination towards wishing to be a part of something so beautiful kept expanding. Having gone through the application process once before, knew there was still reasoning behind my desire for involvement. Applied to join in on their fellowship where ‘Peace Rebels’ then become ‘Peace Agents’, and this is what manifested…
I spent a few weeks in an intense (but pure & life-altering) meditation retreat and training with our beloved teaching Buddhist monks in Thailand. Joined together with 29 others from different countries all over the earth, it was an experience unlike any other I had yet had. Our days began before the sun rose; we meditated to welcome in the day, and did yoga upon sunrise at the scenic view to welcome in the Light & Life. We bonded, took in lectures, did activities – all of which taught us valuable lessons – and of course, more and more meditations throughout the day. So much peace was harvested, grown and prepared to be shared as we all channeled to our purpose of spreading sustainable world peace.
As the weeks past by, and my practice which had been put into motion for years now grew even more still & bright – I knew this was home. Beyond the beautiful views, people, energy and values – Peace Revolution, this group of people & organization, were precisely what and where I wished to be – and I was – and it all came together. I was going to be sure I was a big part of this project, and I was going to bring it with me as this ‘home’ was not a location, but more so a feeling of belonging, love of Self and others… this was PEACE.
Weeks, months, and now years, passed. Travels to India to visit His Holiness for teachings, Mother Theresa’s House and tomb for further study and research, Swami Sivananda’s Divine Life Society, cleansings, more teachings, International Yoga Festival, Holi, temples upon temples – visits to sacred spaces and places all over the world to meditate and absorb all of the beautiful energy to eventually come back to reciprocate, reflect and share with the world – it all came down to this very moment, our NOW.
Now here I am, grateful to announce and tell you all of the beautiful alignment which has come to be. I reached out to Sedona Yoga Festival not too long ago (after having been away on my personal journey since our last crossing), and told them all about my visions, and wishes to join forces of positivity, light and love for PEACE – and of course, they are all in! We have now joined together and begun to organize in bringing what shall be the very first Peace In Peace Out (PIPO) event to the United States of America, and will be having a Global Peace Meditation this coming year at SYF!
Am so excited and am ever so grateful for all of the magic that has come, and that shall be – thank you ALL for being here, now, with us. Do hope to see you all in person soon, raise vibrations & hold frequency together to aid in bringing world peace, home.
From my journey, heart & Soul, to your own – may we see that we are all One.
See you in the stars…
Dulce Ruby
Meet Dulce Ruby
EMAIL: email Albert.
EMAIL: 
