Nestled in a box canyon at an elevation of 8,750 feet, Telluride, Colorado is the picture of idyllic mountain splendour. Together with its sister town, Mountain Village, the area is regarded as one of the world's foremost ski destinations. However, since 2008, there has been more to Telluride than world-class skiing.
This year, July 10th to 12th marks the second annual Telluride Yoga Festival.
Initiated and masterminded by Jivamukti yoga instructor and devout environmentalist Aubrey Hackman, the festival is not only dedicated to celebrating yoga traditions, but also to raising ecological awareness. These two beliefs, Hackman feels, are irretrievably intertwined. "You can't really call yourself a yogi and not be conscious of your relationship with the earth," Hackman says. To this end, environmental awareness and holistic living are taught and encouraged throughout the weekend. Furthermore, 25% of the festival's net proceeds will be donated to the Telluride Chapter of the Nature Conservancy.
Despite only being in its second year, the festival boasts numerous high-profile instructors and - covering a wide range of styles and lineages - unites yoga enthusiasts with experienced practitioners.
Starting early Friday morning and continuing into Sunday evening, workshops, classes, demonstrations, and entertainment are offered every day of the festival. Classes can range from beginner to advanced, although most are all-access, covering both restorative and rigorous styles.
Returning this year are a few big headliners - Scott Blossom, Chandra Easton, and Alanna Kaivalya not the least among them - all of whom were featured in last year's "Top 21 Yoga Instructors Under 40" (as published by Yoga Journal).
Also returning are demonstrations and workshops for a few rather unique practices, including acroyoga and slackline yoga. Acroyoga combines acrobatics and yoga. It requires a great deal of strength, as well as a partner. Slackline yoga is just like it sounds. It is the practice of yoga on a slackline - similar to a tightrope but looser - about a foot or two off the ground.
Another unique demonstration (pending fire marshal approval) is the Fire Wheel that will follow the evening Kirtan (group chant). Primarily a piece of art, the fire wheel is a mesmerizing, spinning, circular cage of burning brush, powered only by a hand-crank. Each demonstration is unique, as the frame and inflammables are different each time, making for a one-of-a-kind spectacle.
With outdoor and indoor venues spread between the two towns of Telluride and Mountain Village, attendees will be able to experience the rugged splendour of Colorado both during and in between events. The area's spectacular, natural beauty is not to be missed and is an integral part of the July yoga festival, which is taking place near the peak of wildflower season. To further enjoy the setting, however, guests are encouraged to take advantage of the regular activities offered, such as hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, off-roading, fly fishing, golfing, and camping.
Inspired by the traditions of yoga, Aubrey Hackman's Telluride Yoga Festival unites a constellation of yoga practices with environmental awareness. Fuelled by the surreal beauty of an idyllic mountain setting, it is the perfect way to explore yoga while being immersed in a tapestry of diverse personalities and styles. Whether you're just starting out or have practiced for years, the three-day festival promises to be an incredible experience of fascinating events and community spirit.
I've been thinking a lot recently. There's been a good bit of upheaval and tension in my life, and lately I'm getting the impression that I'm not handling most of it altogether gracefully. I'll not get into the sordid details, but suffice it to say that I've been better. Continue Reading...
Yoga on A Cruise Shipby Francesca Silva
Well, I'm back from my Mediterranean cruise - did you miss me? No, I didn't think so….
My husband and I had a fabulous time and it was just what we needed to reconnect with each other. The ports of call were amazing and the cruise was over before we knew it. As I suspected, we ate our way through most of it but, that said, I managed to keep my weight down - thanks partly to yoga on board. Continue Reading...
Spread the Love - Referral Rewards
Special care goes into the preparation of each weekly Yoga Newsletter. We invite you to help us spread the word by sharing this message with others. Once a month, we will select an individual to receive a special gift as a token of our appreciation for passing it on. Gift-It-Forward and Win »
I've been thinking a lot recently. There's been a good bit of upheaval and tension in my life, and lately I'm getting the impression that I'm not handling most of it altogether gracefully. I'll not get into the sordid details, but suffice it to say that I've been better. 
Well, I'm back from my Mediterranean cruise - did you miss me? No, I didn't think so….
