Yoga On The Road
We could say that practice occurs outside of any place, that there is nothing we need; we could practice in a cave, in the dark, by moving aside the living room coffee table. But we all know that the place in which we practice offers an added sense of inspiration. As do the people with whom we share the room, the space, the community, call it what you will – sangha, kula, classroom, or our fellow yogis. This is why we love going to the studio, going on retreat, or packing for a festival. And each experience offers its unique alchemy, sense of time and place and magic.
For 2011, the Telluride Yoga Festival celebrates four years of bringing a joyful weekend intensive practice in this high altitude mountain haven known for its plethora of summer festivals that include everything from films to bluegrass.
Festival director and Jivamukti trained teacher Aubrey Hackman sees the festival as an embodiment of Karma Yoga, selfless service, giving back. It’s an attitude that manifests in the zero waste approach, the free classes and lectures offered throughout the weekend as part of the festival schedule, the partnerships with local nonprofits (including the Telluride chapter of the Nature Conservancy) and the dedication to offering the teachings.
When I arrived in the dark in the mountain town this past summer, for the third annual event, the spectacular scenery had yet to reveal itself. In the light of day, the crisp cool air, the peaks, the yogis toting mats were a welcome respite from everyday life in LA and the proof of why this Yoga festival has become a destination to add to a yogi’s summer calendar.
Favorite Moments of the Telluride Yoga Festival 2010
- Riding the gondola with Wah! above the trees, facing my fear of heights.
- Chanting to Shiva with Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band…and Shyamdas…and Wah! all in one night, beneath the Bhakti Fest banner.
- Practicing Yin Yoga and meditation with Chandra Easton in an art gallery with the sound of the stream dancing in the background, accompanying the practice.
- Dashing between raindrops as the mid-afternoon sun threatened to peer out from the clouds, to catch Waylon Lewis MC the Walk the Talk show while teachers discussed practice on and off the mat.
- Having the vegetarian lunch buffet out on the patio of Capella Telluride, laughing with friends old (Kasey Luber) and new (many cool yogis, including Aubrey Hackman).
- Cookies and tea and the friendly staff at the Inn at Lost Creek, where I stayed and I could walk to every Yoga class, or stroll to the gondola and ride down the mountain to town.
- Catching a glimpse of the mountain view through the windows as Tias Little’s calm and grounded presence provided a living embodiment of why practice.
- Running into Mark Whitwell, Aadil Palkhivala, Richard Freeman, walking through the streets of Telluride and being reminded that their very carriage and walk, and presence, offers up an inspiring example of the full practice of Yoga.
- Practicing in the mountains, and with teachers like Alanna Kaivalya and Karl Straub, whose humor rarely makes it to LA.
The dates for 2011 Telluride Yoga Festival are July 14 – 17, 2011. Registration opens December 1. For more information, visit: tellurideyogafestival.com.
By Felicia M. Tomasko, RN
