Apr 15, 2017 | Sedona Yoga
One must attest, their is a magic in Sedona that is unlike other places. It isn’t found in a shop, or in the many touristy attractions. Its something else – something you can feel that IS tangible in the air … a taste, a presence that is not only in the beautiful weather, jaw dropping vistas, pink sunsets (with more golden light than your eyes can take)… or in the incredible rock formations that look like sleeping red giants, that draws people back for years to come.
In my life – I have come to practice (on a consistent basis,) yoga. I found my flow with perfect ease, only when I first practiced, on the land. It was during the the Sedona Yoga Festival, a few years ago, when I drove up from Phoenix to attend a few classes and hiked by myself out to one of the beautiful vistas. I felt inspired to flow- so I did. What an experience, to lay in Savasana after a rigorous movement, and open my eyes to the beautiful Bell Rock. I was transformed. My spirit, my practice, my heart.
I have come back every year, to hike, to flow and to practice my yoga. Until I eventually – just moved here.
Today, I have come to find Aumbase Sedona as my home studio and my happy place to both practice in the studio or out on the land with my teacher. Aumbase has the most incredible guides that help you bring that magical practice to the land. Perfect for small groups to find the energy of yoga, that when practiced on the land, is amplified, focused, and ready to support and reinforce your highest intentions. Their studio too is an extension of this, a big, bright, beautiful, clean and comfortable space in West Sedona with an incredible view of Thunder Mountain.
Aumbase Sedona is also the perfect and affordable location also to host your event, bring your team, offer your workshop, teach your class, practice yoga, or have an epic hiking adventure. Aumbase add-ons include amenities such as lodging at the Aumbase Ashram for your friends or out of town visitors, and they host a variety of yoga events including the Sedona Yoga Festival.
Visit AumbaseSedona.com – to book your experience on the land today!
Namaste~
“Why love? Because love is the purest, most important thing that we can bring, share and give to this world.”
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
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
