Sat Nam Fest
April 12-15, 2012. Joshua Tree.
Unique Culture: Mantra and movement together are the hallmarks of Kundalini practice. This premiere weekend festival for Kundalini Yoga and music offers an in-depth experience meaningful to those who are Kundalini curious as well as long-term practitioners. Hundreds of Yogis will be together in a single track of classes beginning with early morning sadhana at 4 AM for a cohesive group energy.
Don’t Miss: powerful pairings of Yogis and live musicians including Saturday morning with Gurmukh and Snatam Kaur, Akasha and Mirabia Ceiba, and then Guru Singh and the GuruGuanesh Band to close the festival on Sunday.
What to Bring: While many people who practice Kundalini wear white, there’s no need to purchase a new wardrobe to attend, but bring a meditation shawl for cool desert mornings. Headcovers are encouraged for practice: anything goes from a turban to a bandana Pick up gear at the Spirit Voyage booth on site.
Satnamfest.com/west
Lightning in a Bottle
May 24-28, 2012. Silverado.
Unique Culture: Lightning in a Bottle (affectionately known as LIB) combines music (live bands and DJs), Yoga, workshops, sustainable practices, workshops, and more to create a fun and eco-friendly weekend. The solar powered gathering created by innovators the Do LaB allows people to unplug from society and live off the grid at an event that was a recipient of the 2010 Outstanding Greener Festival Award.
Don’t miss: The hand-constructed wooden Woogie Stage offers room to dance to music sets curate by some of the world’s most renowned electronic music DJs. Also, make sure to walk through the art and sculpture area to view a wild and playful series of art installations.
What to Bring: Bring the kids since daylight hours are full of child-friendly activities. Creative costumes are de reigueur since participants are part of the artistic action. But even without a costume, still dress for fun and festivities.
Lightningingabottle.org
Moksha Festival
August 4-5, 2012. Santa Monica.
Unique Culture: This festival is a celebration of the entirety of Yoga practice, through classes and workshops in asana, pranayama, meditation, philosophy, and chanting along with workshops on traditional India dance, diet, health, Ayurveda, macrobiotics, and more.
Don’t Miss: sacred Music programs including Dave Stringer, Jai Uttal, Momo Loudiyi, and Breath of Life Tribe on the Main Stage. Breathwork and meditation classes. Yoga classes feature world renowned teachers.
What to Bring: Bring your birth information (date, place, and time), as Vedic Astrology Bill Levacy will be speaking on Jyotish (Vedic Astrology), and if you’re lucky, maybe you can arrange an appointment to learn more about your chant when you stop by the ACVA booth. Bring something comfortable to sit upon. And venture out with the entire family, since there’s an area for moms and kids.
