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A beautiful countryside estate, Chateau de Fondjouan is set in the tranquil meadows of the Loire Valley in central France. Surrounded by forest and stretching over 70 hectares, the estate includes expansive fields and no fewer than two lakes. Each year, for eight days in late July and early August, these lush, sprawling grounds are host to over 1,500 people from over 20 different countries as they attend the 3HO Europe yoga festival.
Dedicated to the practice of yoga and most particularly to the teachings of Yogi Bhajan, 3HO stands for "healthy, happy, holy." Part festival and part intensive camp, 3HO Europe emphasizes yoga as a way of life or mindset rather than an exercise routine or theology. Certainly these elements are encompassed, but the focus is on seamlessly integrating all aspects of yoga into a particular lifestyle.
The work of Yogi Bhajan - and by extension the festival - is centered specifically on Kundalini Yoga and the associated White Tantra traditions. Historically considered dangerous by ruling powers in India, Kundalini Yoga is an ancient yogic discipline associated with attaining a higher awareness. Its postures, breathing, chants, and philosophy all direct the mind to a physio-psychospiritual awakening. Practitioners believe that by attaining this higher state, you can benefit from improved intuition, mental clarity, and creative abilities. White Tantric Yoga, a meditative technique associated with Kundalini Yoga, facilitates this awakening by clearing the subconscious of the myriad unchecked thoughts flashing through it, colouring our perceptions and reactions.
One of the aims of the festival is to bring the traditionally secret practices of Kundalini and White Tantra to modern practitioners. To this end, the festival follows a fairly specific schedule, including early morning meditation sessions, Karma Yoga, and workshops. Meals are prescribed and follow a simple vegetarian tradition to facilitate spiritual awakening.
While the festival is for dedicated practitioners, it does not require extensive prior yoga experience. Introductory Kundalini classes are offered for beginners, and there are camps for both children and teenagers.
The main attraction of the festival, however, is an intense, mystical three-day White Tantric Yoga session. During this powerful and spiritually purifying meditative exercise, partners sit together in rows, holding postures for 31 to 62 minutes. The Mahan Tantric, a spiritual facilitator appointed by Yogi Bhajan, forms a connection between himself and the participants, directing the flow of energy to clear the subconscious. The climax of the festival, this three-day session is a Kundalini tradition of community and transcendence.
To balance the intensity of the training, leisure activities are offered during the afternoons. There are a bazaar, sports events, and study groups as well as massage-therapy and spiritual healing.
True to its "Healthy, happy, holy" slogan, the 3HO Europe yoga festival is an enjoyable challenge. With dedication, beginners, experts, children, and adults can benefit from the purifying effects of the Kundalini tradition and share in the mystical White Tantra. Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of central France, the festival promises to be a singularly unique experience and a broadening of one's spiritual horizons.
The average healthy adult can inhale about 200-300 cubic inchines (3.3-4.9 liters) of air in a single breath. 5% of it is used when at rest. With deep yoga breathing, it increases the oxygen intake of cells but the benefits include reduced stress and muscular tension in a simple breathing exercise!
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A few years ago, I started organizing a casual pick-up game of soccer every week. No skill necessary - just a bunch of friends kicking a ball around. However, despite an initial deficiency of players, the tradition caught on. It has gotten to the point this year where we can expect a turnout of at least six or seven a side. On really good days we double that. And recently, there's been a push for a second game per week. 
Remember when I told you a while ago about a friend of mine who'd become totally hooked on yoga and wanted to take some classes with me?
