Seen and Heard: Sedona Yoga Festival 2015
Sedona’s reputation as a spiritual power spot makes it the ideal place for a yoga festival, so it is no wonder that festival founder Marc Titus and producer Heather Sheree Titus created a yoga gathering in the region. The 2015 lineup of talented teachers and musicians, coupled with the breathtaking backdrop of the Arizona red rocks, made the February’s third annual Sedona Yoga Festival (SYF) a magical, memorable experience. In case you missed it, here were my top 5 highlights:
1. Vortexes
Sedona is filled with vortexes, or swirling centers of subtle energy. Many believe that visiting these vortex sites can be spiritually enhancing. Whether you go to meditate or simply to catch a beautiful view, each of the four main vortexes are a relatively easy hike.
2. Local Shops
The shops throughout Sedona offer a variety of New Age treasures such as crystals, jewelry, and original artwork. You also don’t have to look far for psychic readings, tarot readings, or energy healing.
3. Music
Whether it’s live music or DJs during a yoga class, or the nightly kirtan offerings (Scott and Shanti Medina, Steve Ross, and Saul David Raye), SYF buzzes with devotional music to complement your practice. You might also find yourself dancing to drumbeats in ecstatic dance, or meditating with gongs and singing bowls in a sound healing session.
4. Variety of Classes
The classes include a wide range of styles: Vinyasa, Yin, Kundalini, Yoga Nidra, Thai Yoga massage, Urban Zen, Yin-Yang, varieties of flow, and more. The additional workshops and talks provide education on everything from stress-relief and trauma-sensitive yoga, to Astrology and Ayurveda. Teachers came from near and far to share their specialties, beginning at 6 or 7 am and lasting well into the evening.
5. Red Rocks
It seems that no matter which direction you turn, Sedona will greet you with stunning views of its characteristic red rocks; it is an excellent setting for hiking, meditating, or even taking yoga selfies. Soaking in this natural beauty is one of the truly unique advantages of attending SYF.
The 2016 Sedona Yoga Festival is scheduled for March 10-13, 2016. For more information and to make your vortex plans now, visit: sedonayogafestival.com.
Alisha Kali Shakti is a yoga teacher, world traveler, bookworm, and handstand enthusiast.
