Apr 13, 2017 | Sedona Yoga
Sedona is a magical place, and when I learned that there was going to be a yoga festival taking place in Sedona, I immediately signed up! This was actually the fifth annual
Sedona Yoga Festival which generally takes place in February/ March time frame. The festival lasts for 4-days and includes over 200 workshops on a variety of topics, besides yoga, that included spiritism, meditation, communication, sound therapy, healing, nutrition and more.
I have read many books on spirituality, explored different practices, do yoga off and on, and am always open to trying new things. I was excited to be hearing from the 100+ speakers coming to the festival from all over the world and eager to learn more.
Here are my top takeaways from the sessions I attended. Note, a lot of it is my own interpretation of what the speakers might have said.
There’s nobody here or out there who can hurt you more than yourself.
Heather Shereé Titus, Director of the Sedona Yoga Festival advised at the opening ceremony to love yourself, and be the love you want to see in others. It is only your own practices, behaviors and reactions that can cause you the greatest pain. You yourself allow the negative or positive energies to flow into you.
Nourish yourself with asana, meditation and inquiry before helping others.
This applies more to people who teach, help or care for others. Gina Garcia, 500-hour certified Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga teacher and founder of Yoga Across America (YAA), a non-profit corporation that teaches yoga and wellness educational programs across the country, conducted this extensive workshop.
Avoid prescription medication and alcohol to protect yourself from fallen angels.
I did not know much about unwanted spirits attaching themselves to human bodies in the time when we are most vulnerable. Professional Energy Cleanser Herman Petrick talked about keeping a clear and balanced energy field, and how it can help with depression, anxiety, sleeping disorders, re-occurring nightmares, chronic headaches, etc.
Sound is an important vibration that helps relax and quietens the mind.
“Like a dinner bell, the sound of bowls can alert you for meditation,” said Ashana in her hands-on workshop with quartz crystal singing bowls. Though I did not buy any bowls, I have started playing flute, tabla, gamelan, meditation and yoga music during meditation, before sleeping and while lounging, and it has had profound effects.
Make superfoods part of your daily diet.
Until now, I knew what superfoods generally are and tried to eat them now and then. But Jeff Breaker, who represents Purium Health Products, emphasized that eating real food can make you feel better, help recover faster and enhance the spirit. He recommended eating organic greens, whole grains, soaked nuts, and filtered water. Also, eat as much vegan as possible and add a superfood shake to your diet. I have started making my own granola with organic oats, chia, flax, almonds, dried blueberries, agave, honey and coconut.
Energy flows through the gaze of the eyes.
In the session on Drishti by Sara Elizabeth Ivanhoe (yoga spokesperson for Weight Watchers), I learned how to focus on a still image to improve my yoga postures with fluid transitions. The same can be applied to everyday life by working on the third eye to see beyond time and space.
When you want to connect with someone, look into their eyes.
Leah Misty and David Tietje of Thai Love Yoga did an interactive seminar on enhancing communication, which included Sacred Space Ritual, Soul Gazing, Thai Massage, Laughter Yoga, Connection Trio and Affirmation Circle. My husband and I gazed at each other’s eyes, gave each other gentle massages and exchanged words of gratefulness. I found this exercise very useful and repeat it every time I want to convey my message to another person in an assertive yet gentle manner.
Everyone is born with spiritual gifts. Learn to recognize and appreciate them.
I found Sunny Dawn Johnston’s workshop on intuition to be the most interesting as she talked about connecting with the spirit world. Every person has intuition, but sometimes cannot distinguish between mindless chatter and the angelic voice. To exercise receiving guidance we can raise our vibrations (through music, yoga, dance, nature), play intuitive games, and start trusting ourselves.
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Apr 12, 2017 | Sedona Yoga
The magic, the vibe, the community, the views, the connections, the vendor village, the spiritual mecca … there are so many reasons to love the Sedona Yoga Festival. It’s our favorite festival and we always look forward to heading to this unique yoga conference.
5 Reasons Why We Love the Sedona Yoga Festival:
There are lot of reasons to love the Sedona Yoga Festival, but here are our top five reasons why we love the Sedona Yoga Festival.
1. IT TAKES PLACE IN ONE OF THE MOST SPIRITUALLY CHARGES LOCATIONS IN THE ENTIRE WORLD
The magical city of Sedona has several energy vortexes scattered around town that bring the vibrant community together. Not to mention, the scenery is unbelievably beautiful. The festival was held at the Hilton Sedona with a perfect view on the majestic Bell Rock, one of the most popular energy vortexes in Sedona. Experiencing the sunset everyday on the red rocks was unforgettable and a top reason why we love the Sedona Yoga Festival.
2. THE SWEETEST PEOPLE YOU WILL EVER MEET ARE THERE
We couldn’t be more grateful for all the smiles, hugs and support we received at the Sedona Yoga Fesitval. Everyone we met we greeted with a hug and after spending four days at the festival, we had so many new friends from around the world! The mood was very welcoming and inviting. Yogis let their guard down and everyone we met had an open mind and open heart. If you think a one day yoga festival is amazing, think of how you will feel at the end of a four day yoga festival. We came back home feeling like we were on Cloud 9, ready to go back again next year!
“My daughter stopped by earlier and bought a pair!”
– Jane Sanders
3. IT IS THE MECCA OF YOGI INFLUENCERS
From Tao Porchon-Lynch, the 98 year old yoga guru to Mark Whitwell, who took us on a journey into the heart of yoga, we can learn so much from these experienced yogis. A special workshop was also organized to provide useful and unique training when teaching yoga to those affected by PTSD.
4. THE FULL MOON RISING
We were lucky enough to be in Sedona for the full moon rising! It rose the last night of the Sedona Yoga Festival. It is a tradition in Sedona to gather at the Catheral Rock, one of the famous landmarks, for sunset and to celebrate life with a full moon drum ceremony.
This was an intergalactic experience and life lovers of all ages made the hike to participate. Not only were we able to experience one of the most magical natural events but we also made great connections with like-minded people dancing into the night. A memorable experience makes it a sure reason why we love the Sedona Yoga Festival.
The next morning some of our new friends from the drum circle took us to climb Bell Rock with the one and only Vortex Jumper, Peter Gertsen. Best. Hike. Ever. He’s very organized and offers free tours everyday around Sedona, you can contact him HERE if you are ever in the area.
5. IT’S THE ULTIMATE YOGI SHOPPING SPREE
The diversity of unique yoga apparel from around the world in the entryways to the classes at the Sedona Yoga Festival had us on a shopping spree! You know those kids in candy shops who go goo-goo-ga-ga for all the different color candies? That was us in Sedona. With so many cute pants, jewelry, and new yogi fashion trends it was shop till you drop. Make sure to spend a few hours in town to go window shopping too. Sedona is a spiritual mecca with the fashion trends to match. When you’re in town make sure to stop by Urban Gypsies Boutique for their bohemian apparel and to find Pi Yoga Pants on the racks!
We Love the Sedona Yoga Festival – How About You?
There you have it! The top five reasons why we love the Sedona Yoga Festival. What’s yours?
The Sedona Yoga Festival was a first for us and before it ended we knew all too well that we would be here again next year. We cannot wait to see all those beautiful and smiley faces again and go explore more this amazing part of Arizona. We highly recommend that you join us next year and we know you will love the Sedona Yoga Festival too.
by Larissa Miller
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.
Aumbase Sedona, a center for consciousness evolution, is the manifestation of Marc & Heather’s vision of Sedona as a yoga destination. Created by the team behind the Sedona Yoga Festival, Aumbase Sedona is now open year-round, featuring Guided Yoga Hikes, Sedona Experiences, Land & Hiking Tours, Yoga Retreats & Local Sedona Yoga Classes. All things yoga in Sedona; your personal transformation awaits! Home of Aumbase Sedona Adventures, we are your one-stop to awaken your yoga in Sedona. Want to learn more about the Vortexes? Book your yoga hike in Sedona with Aumbase Sedona today! We also offer specialized and unique experiences such as 
