Sedona Yoga Festival 2019

We all know someone who has been directly, or indirectly, impacted by addictions or alcoholism. As people, we have an innate need to bond and connect with one another. When we cannot do that, when we cannot connect to each other because of our circumstance, we’ve been traumatized, beaten down by life, mental unwellness, marginalization, whatever the cause may be, when we cannot connect with each other we will connect with something, anything, that gives us some sense of relief. And today, that isn’t limited to drugs and alcohol. We turn to shopping, gambling, sex, pornography, gaming, eating disorders, social media, whatever it is, to give us some sort of connection. And to complicate things, people 18 to 25 are reporting that they are incredibly lonely, despite their facebook friends and twitter followers. So where does Yoga Recovery come in? Yoga Recovery explores the heart and science of yoga, meditation and physical activity in recovery (yes, there are volumes of studies that validate yoga and meditation in recovery!) In this “workshop” flow we will see how our asana practice connects us to our physical self. This is the foundation to allow us to go deeper through meditation, to connect with our inner self, our true self, the Divine within. Our ability to really tap into our true self is essential if we are to connect, bond and love one another. . Together we will flow, we will meditate and we will connect with one another in a deeply powerful way. Participants will leave our practice feeling rooted, connected to oneself and to others, and deeply aware of the power of love within. This is a sampling of the 100 hour Yoga Recovery course that has been approved by Yoga Alliance for Continuing Education credits.

Yoga and Vedic Astrology Vedic astrologer Sam Geppi will explore the connection between the sister sciences of Yoga and Vedic astrology. This talk begins with an overview of Vedic Cosmology and will touch on themes common to both Yoga and Vedic astrology, including Karma, the Yugas, the Chakras, the sacred number 108 and many more. We will examine important Sutras from the most sacred Vedic astrology text, which describes how (and why) Spirit takes form - as YOU and everything. We will also examine the (Western) scientific basis of Vedic astrology and all participants will leave knowing why and how astrology works - beyond just being told to just "believe in it". Finally, Sam will also discuss the year ahead and the big shifts we need to pay attention to this year. 

Nityda has a unique way of creating a sacred space that feels safe for doing deep healing work within the asana practice. The Trauma-Conscious Yoga Method℠ integrates yin yoga and gentle vinyasa flow with somatic psychotherapy techniques, always from a heart-centered & trauma-aware space. In this practice Nityda will empower you to approach personal feeling states that you might otherwise reject, from a space of curiosity and compassion. This practice is intended to inspire new insights and evoke shifts in consciousness that support your healing and personal evolution, and connection to your highest Self. The asana portion of this practice is appropriate for all levels, including absolute beginners. We will integrate gentle vinyasa flow with longer yin-style holds and restorative postures with the use of supportive props. Nityda will guide you through internal dialogues and contemplative practices within the asana that are inspired by her training in Somatic Experiencing, Internal Family Systems and EMDR therapy. This practice includes pranayama and meditation. Nityda is conscious of the common triggers for trauma survivors and so she always provides disclaimers and offers variations and differing options for those who may be triggered by breathwork and/or closing their eyes. Expect this class to feel like a combination of yoga and therapy and to be highly transformative.

Join us for a fun and interactive evening of sacred chant in an intimate setting. This Kirtan event will present original and highly accessible chants, connection with self/others/Divine, and a beautiful community. Kirtan will open your heart, calm your mind, and light up your soul! Kirtan (call and response sacred chanting) is fun and easy. No prior experience is required. Mike's top notch band features beautiful vocalist Dawnia Dresser, funky drummer Ken Matarazzo, and virtuoso cellist James Hoskins! Mike has released three critically acclaimed Kirtan albums, and in 2018 will release new music created with legendary producer Ben Leinbach. For over a decade, Mike has toured North America, offering accessible and potent Kirtan events in yoga studios, healing centers and at yoga/chant festivals. Mike lives in Boulder, CO where he is grateful to spend 100% of his time sharing Kirtan and training Kirtan Leaders.

Learn the fundamentals of connection and how to partner your practice.  The workshop is designed for all levels of AcroYoga practice.  Poses/Flows taught may include standing acrobatics, Acrobatic dance, as well as L-basing and AcroTherapeutics.   No partner is required to attend; each pose will include a base, flyer, and spotter, with an emphasis on safety at all times. 

Creativity is the magic force of life, and your body is the vehicle for that life force. When you let your creativity flow through the layers of your body, you also make your soul visible. Join this special flow yoga practice that helps you find pathways of connection from your center to the outside world. You will be challenged a little bit, not technically but creatively – you'll find yourself a tool to release any blocks you might occasionally meet. We will start slowly and end up having a lot of fun, we might even step out of the asanas every now and then... This practice works best if you have even a little bit of yoga experience.