Telluride is one of my favorite places in the world. From Spain to Indonesia, or even my father’s Costa Rican homeland, for me, none captures the beauty and majesty of this destination’s scenic landscape.
How fitting to have one of my favorite activities – yoga, in one of my most favored locations as the festival takes place July 14-17 in Telluride’s Mountain Village. A not-so-quick, but definitely picturesque jaunt from Denver, the weekend is sure to inspire even the most maudlin city-dwellers.
Attracting popular and accomplished yoga instructors of Western Yogic tradition, The fourth annual event boasts teachers including Beryl Bender Birch (a 40-year veteran who considers yoga an “experience,” not a “thing”), Mark Whitewell (who has taught in the U.S., Australia and New Zealand for more than two decades, and author of Yoga of Heart and Hridayasutra), Chandra Easton (Co-founder of Metta Journeys, a service oriented offering international yoga retreats aimed at helping women and children in developing countries), Scott Blossom (who also is a traditional Chinese Medical practitioner and Ayurvedic Consultant).
“Expect top notch instructors in a peaceful mountain setting, clean air, great food and beauty every place you look,” gushed Ashtanga and Vinyasa Yoga Instructor David Hollander. “If there was ever a good place to reach Samadhi, this is it folks – come to the high places for the ancient knowledge.” Samadhi, in yogic terms, is the state of consciousness induced by complete meditation.
What’s especially great about this particular festival, is its commitment to not only helping individuals develop themselves, but also a community and awareness of environmental issues. Not only do organizers emphasize eco-friendliness at every turn, one quarter of proceeds from each festival is donated to a different environmental organization every year. This year’s donation will go to the New Community Coalition, a group that emphasizes renewable energy, food security, waste reduction, environmentally responsible waste disposal and recycling in San Miguel County (where Telluride is located).
The three-day festival opens with mediation, three two-hour workshops and a reception with live music. The itinerary also includes a variety of free public events for participants and families, from hula-hoops to “monkey chanting” to acrobatic partner yoga and lectures on health and how to set up a home yoga practice space. Throughout the weekend, there are workshops and sessions for all levels, from beginner to seasoned individuals.
It seems like the perfect venue to fully refuel yourself – mind, body and soul – while giving back to not only the local community, but also the environment and the world.
For more information on the Telluride Yoga Festival, visit tellurideyogafestival.com
Doni Luckutt is a lifestyle expert who believes by enhancing interpersonal connection, we can stop simply living, and become Simply Alive! If you have a suggestion on what brings you to life, connect with her on Twitter @SimplyAlive, via e-mail Doni@SimplyAliveWorld.com or on her blog: .
