Wan-der-lust (n) A strong or irresistible desire to travel, practice yoga, eat well, be green, appreciate art and create a community around mindful living.
What an adventure upon arrival in Whistler for Canadas first Wanderlust yoga festival last weekend, I was greeted by event organizer Dania Jimenez, from LA, who gave me the lay of the land. It was pretty straightforward: attend any of the 50+ activities available over four days yoga classes, hikes, speakeasy talks, activities, live music and enjoy!
First up, Eoin Finns Vinyasa Earth Puja yoga class honoured our connection to the earth. I was reminded of my inner child, acting out bold fluid movements. We crawled like lizards, jumped like frogs, swam like fishes and even surfed some waves, surrounded by like-minded people on a positive, enlightened path.This process encouraged energy to flow and reminded me how important it is to take a break from day to day activities by immersing myself in the magic of life.
The next day, one of the highlights was a Sound Salad class with Vancouvers Mike Nichols, who incorporates the sounds of crystal, Tibetan singing bowls, the grounding energy of the didgeridoo, yin yoga, meditation and breathing techniques.The sound vibrations permeated through my entire core on every level imaginable. At some point, I felt weightless, floating through invisible plains wondering where this experience was taking me.
Then it was off to an exhilarating Detox Flow yoga class with internationally celebrated yoga teacher Seane Corn.
The intense, challenging class explored how making conscious and responsible choices can help purify our body, mind and over all health.Through a special vinyasa sequence, we cleansed vital organs and I was given manypositive motivational tools to aid me in awareness and guidance of my yoga practice and daily life living.
Later, Seane was on the main stage at the Olympic Plaza with Michael Franti, followed by the Rebirth Brass Band and thousands of dancing yogis.
The next day I signed up for a hike, followed by yoga in the park with Jackie Helton from Seattle was in order. Whistler was truly the perfect location for this event. Fresh mountain air, pristine landscapes and the beauty of all that nature has to offer.
That evening, Feast in the Mountains a collaboration between local restaurants, farmers, vintners and brewers was on in Rebagliati Park.
But the night far from over. We were off to the Whistler Conference Centre for one of the most amazing shows I have ever seen, performed by Quixotic an acrobatic, dancing, musical, light show sensation.
Needless to say the last day was a slower day for me. Yin Yoga Going Beyond the Muscles with Ichih Wang from Ottawa was just what I needed, topped off with a swing on one of the many hammocks outside Lululemon in the front yard.
Wanderlust touches your senses on every level a magical event full of progressive ideas, wonderful teachers, great music, delicious food for the mind body and soul.
A teary good bye was had by all at the last dance party and group hug in the Sea to Sky Ballroom.
See you next year. Namaste.
The Yoga Aid World Challenge is Sept. 9 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. YogaAid.com
