CO YOGA + Life® | Summer + Fall 2023

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L I F E S T Y L E • C O M M U N I T Y • W E L L N E S S • N AT U R E • M O V E M E N T • A D V E N T U R E

SUMMER + FALL 2023

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PUBLISHER Jaunt Media Collective YOGA + Life® OWNER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Fuller YOGA + Life® OWNER + DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS Bobby L'Heureux YOGA + Life® MAGAZINES FOUNDER Juli Rathke CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chelsea Connolly MANAGING EDITOR Lexi Reich ASSISTANT EDITOR Lauren Farrauto COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT MANAGER Laura Mills PARTNERSHIPS COORDINATOR + DIGITAL EDITOR Kristen Grace EDITORIAL INTERN Riley Tedesco CONTRIBUTORS Erin Phillips, Marita Provus, Kelsey Foster, Lexi Reich, Sandy Ferguson Fuller, Kim Fuller, Kaitlin Emig, Laura Mills, Lisa Blake, Jessica Hughes, Amy Zellmer, Kali Basman, Selena Rodriguez, Kristen Grace, Julia Clarke, Sarah Jane Sandy, Cathy Woods, Wendy Wilkinson, Riley Tedesco

PHOTOGRAPHY + ART Cara Bloch, Catherine Eichel, Morgan Manley, Ash Mills, Jeffery Anderson/GreySpot Photography, Jessica Hughes, Lauren O'Neill, Lisa Blake, Walker Brice, Jack Affleck, Kaitlin Emig, Carol Engan Borrelli, Sandy Ferguson Fuller

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2023 YOGA + Life® Magazines. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Company cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine.

Letter from the publisher / Summer + Fall

My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.

Maya Angelou

YOGA + Life® publishers Kim Fuller + Bobby L’Heureux

Photo courtesy of Kim Fuller

DEAR READERS,

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

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he “survival mode” many have endured the past few years has been necessary to move through some of the most challenging and unpredictable circumstances in recent history. The theme of this issue, and Maya Angelou’s very thoughtful quote, has me thinking that the act of surviving in the world is becoming more common than the art of thriving. zAs captured in our stunning cover scene by artist Morgan Manley, known as Morgan Mandala (read more about her and her art on page 8 and page 22), inspiration from moments like a sunrise in the mountains can create awe, wonder and hope. We need to continue to embrace and celebrate these times when we’re living in light — when we’re thriving.

Every contribution to this magazine can illuminate a path toward more joy, curiosity,

connection and love. Profiles on individuals, businesses and organizations offer great inspiration on working toward big goals and helping others along the way, and articles on topics like manifesting your dream life (page 42), eco-therapy (page 50), dharma parenting (page 54) and flow state (page 58) offer fresh insight on the existence we choose and the evolution we create.

We hope this publication can be a guiding light for you now and always. We invite you to read through it now, or read through it later; read through it whenever you need some extra support on your path, and pass it along when someone else needs some, too.

As we’ve witnessed, we can survive.

To thrive, however, that is the art of living.

In Gratitude,

Kim Fuller with Bobby L’Heureux Publishers of YOGA + Life® Magazines Founders of Jaunt Media Collective

KIM FULLER Owner, Publisher + Editor-In-Chief @lifeinfull kimfullerink.com

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contents / Summer + Fall 2023

CONTENTS 26

THRIVE 5

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER Thrive, from the inside out

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ABOUT THE COVER “Sunshine Daydream” by Morgan Mandala

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TEAM YOGA + LIFE®

The people behind the publication

PROFILES

CO influencers // teachers + leaders // studios

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COLORADO INFLUENCER Kelsey Stoll, yoga teacher + founder of Compass Retreats

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TEACHERS + LEADERS Jere Friedman; Melissa Jones

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STUDIOS Yoga Olas, Salida; Ahimsa Yoga & Wellness, Denver

LIFESTYLE

books // art // community // travel // what we love

20 YOGA + LIFE READING CORNER

Reviews by Y+L Staff + Sandy Ferguson Fuller + Wild Yoga by Rebecca Wildbear + Standing Room Only by Sheri Fisher with Lori Holden + The Night Gardener by The Fan Brothers

22 MORGAN MANDALA Thriving as a visionary artist

23 RITUAL HEALING Intuitive tatooing

24 FROM GRASSROOTS TO MOUNTAINTOPS Localized food systems create solutions

26 SOCIETY COLORADO Denver’s newest wellness collective

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28 CO ESCAPES + Sprouts of entrepreneurial spirit in the San Luis Valley + A-Frame Club in Winter Park

32 TRAVEL + Rancho La Puerta in Mexico

34 DENVER SPA DAY Thrive from the inside out at The Brown Palace

36 WHAT WE LOVE Essential products for summer + fall

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YOGALIFELIVE.COM

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YOGA + FITNESS

movement // in the practice // retreats + trainings // seva

38 THRIVING WITH CHAIR-BASED YOGA Amy Zellmer highlights top postures

40 PRINCIPLES OF PRANA Realms of the subtle body

42 MANIFEST YOUR DREAM LIFE A modern guide

44 “MY FIRST YOGA RETREAT EXPERIENCE” + Tips for other newbies

46 VETERANS YOGA PROJECT Serving those who have served

OUTSIDE

WELLNESS

fresh air // environment // gear

ayurveda // health // inspiration // food

48 LESSONS FROM THE BLACK CANYON

54 DHARMA PARENTING Raising happy + successful children

Climbing out of rock bottom

56 ADVOCATE FOR YOUR PELVIC HEALTH

50 ECO-THERAPY

Our pelvic bowls house the sacral chakra

Go outside + reclaim your power

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58 ARE YOU IN FLOW STATE?

ORIENT LAND TRUST

Learn more from the Flow Performance Lab

Protecting + preserving in the San Luis Valley

60 MENSTRUATION, MOTHERHOOD + MENOPAUSE

52 GEAR GUIDE Goods for summer + fall

5 ways to supports your hormones through all life stages

62 THE SPIRIT OF THE HORSE Inspiration from the equine

63 RECIPES

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From Farow in Niwot

EVENTS + DISTRIBUTION

gatherings // community listings // ambassadors // partners

66 FEATURED GATHERINGS Embrace the magic of the full moon

68 EVENTS THIS SEASON May through November 2023

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YOGA + LIFE AMBASSADORS Meet these inspiring individuals

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DIRECTORY YOGA + Life Annual Partners

74 NAMASTE “Thrive” by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

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profiles / About the Cover

Q +A What was the inspiration for “Sunshine Daydream?”

I was inspired to create "Sunshine Daydream" after a stunning sunrise at Rocky Mountain National Park. The painting was inspired by a photo I took that morning, as well as the spirit of the day. After a night camping with friends, we were the first ones on a long trail before the sun came up. It was a blissful summer dawn, where the morning dew drops seemed to be refracting the morning sunlight into colored prisms, matching the carpet of wildflowers that decorated the landscape. I wanted to paint the memory of being there — to try and describe in pigment how it feels to be next to the rushing river, in the crisp air, under the alpine morning sun.

"MORGAN MANDALA"

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It was a blissful summer dawn, where the morning dewdrops seemed to be refracting the morning sunlight into colored prisms, matching the carpet of wildflowers that decorated the landscape.

What does THRIVE mean to you?

To me, to thrive is to continue growth at a fast pace, to do more than just survive. To flourish within your environment. Thriving involves the efficient use of available resources for abundant development and the ability to go beyond expectations.

What is coming up next for you in 2023?

2023 is an exciting and very full year for me! Besides some live painting events and festivals around the country over the summer, I will be spending a lot of time and energy creating work in my Boulder studio for my next art show at Threyda Gallery (Santa Fe Arts District in Denver) October 14, 2023. I will have 10 (or more) new large paintings from within the year. The creation of this body of work will (of course) involve excursions into the mountains to continue to gain inspiration and reference photos. After my show, I look forward to taking some time to vacation with my love, continue to paint and ski through the rest of the year. +

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

photos courtesy of morgan manley

READ MORE

about Cover Artist Morgan Manley, “Morgan Mandala" on page 22.

S HI NE Liv in g CO M M U NI T Y

A journey of self discovery~a place where we come together to feel seen, heard, accepted and connected while we energize, nourish and awaken from the heart.

The SLC movement membership offers classes, workshops, retreats and community events. yoga dance

meditation breathwork

nutrition cooking

and more to SHINE from within.

Together we practice to awaken our inner healer, ignite our inner fire, and turn on our heart light.

Visit our website for more information: shinelivingcommunity.com

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profiles / Behind the Pages

meet the team

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1. KIM FULLER Owner + Editor-In-Chief

3. JULI RATHKE YOGA + Life® Founder

6. LAUREN FARRAUTO Assistant Editor

Based in Vail, Colorado, Kim is a freelance writer, editor and photojournalist in addition to her role at YOGA + Life®. She is co-founder of In Your Element, a yoga and outdoor adventure company, and a board member for the nonprofit Big Heart Big Hands. Kim has been published in a number of national publications and is the co-founder of Jaunt Media Collective, the publishing company behind YOGA + Life®, Spoke+Blossom and Covered Bridge. When she is not diligently writing and editing in her mountain nook, teaching yoga around town or finding a new adventure, find Kim at a local café or craft brewery where she enjoys the more indulgent side of inspiration. See more of her work at kimfullerink.com and follow her on Instagram @lifeinfull.

Juli is a multi-passionate entrepreneur and is the creator and founder of the YOGA + Life® brand.

She is a multifaceted business woman, teacher and media executive bridging the gap between the yoga and business worlds while remaining a fearless optimist for the human condition. With several magazine publications and business ventures under her belt, she is an experienced leader with a talent for motivating people and driving results. Throughout her career, she has won several awards, given keynote presentations, while coaching and guiding many others to their very own successes. Connect with Juli at linkedin.com/in/julirathke.

An avid reader and writer for as long as she can remember, Lauren has always loved the power of the written word and a good story.

As assistant editor for Spoke + Blossom, YOGA + Life® and Covered Bridge magazines, her dreams of helping others craft their own stories are finally becoming a reality. When she's not knee-deep in edits for Jaunt Media Collective, Lauren can be found in her Boulder home curled up with a good book.

2. BOBBY L’HEUREUX Owner + Director of Partnerships At the heart of his work, Bobby thrives on community and connection. As co-founder of Jaunt Media Collective, the company behind YOGA + Life®, Spoke+Blossom and Covered Bridge, Bobby successfully develops and sustains collaborations with entrepreneurs and businesses all over Colorado and beyond. Bobby lives in the Vail Valley where he teaches yoga and runs Big Heart Big Hands, a non-profit that supports mountain safety and awareness. He is a legacy ambassador for Lululemon and Lolë, and his yoga classes are always led with a big smile and a relaxed demeanor. jauntmediacollective.com.

4. CHELSEA CONNOLLY Creative Director With a cultivated eye for design, Chelsea's work has been influencing luxury publications and brands for over 15 years. Chelsea calls Breckenridge her home, but the Colorado native has been shaped personally and professionally by living all over the world. In addition to designing CO YOGA + Life® and Covered Bridge, you'll find her spearheading the look and feel of award-winning beauty brands, world-class restaurants and bespoke boutiques. In her spare time, Chelsea enjoys the outdoors, live music, yoga, Pilates, gardening, traveling and spending time with her husband and two sons.

Follow her @thechelseaconnolly.

5. LEXI REICH Managing Editor Lexi’s love for the mountains led her to plant roots in Denver, Colorado. You’ll often find her waking up with the sun and burying herself in a computer, glasses on. Outside of writing and editing, she likes to read, hike and lead yoga classes. Learn more at lexireich.com.

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7. LAURA MILLS Community Engagement Manager Laura is currently the community engagement manager for Jaunt Media Collective and finds immense joy contributing to our print publication, when she's not elbow-deep in digital marketing.

Laura graduated with a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Southern Maine in 2019. Whether she’s on the beaches of Maine or adventuring in the White Mountains, her border collie mix Fern, can be found by her side. Follow her adventures @l.millsy.

8. KRISTEN GRACE Partnerships Coordinator + Digital Editor Kristen Grace ardently loves all forms of storytelling. Writing and reading light her up, and she feels immensely lucky to contribute to culture through her writing. In addition to her journalism, Kristen is digital editor of Covered Bridge, Spoke + Blossom and YOGA + Life magazines.

In her free time, she spends time in nature, enjoys baking and pursues her other passion, nutrition.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

KELSEY STOLL Noticing What We’re a Part of

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People ask me often how I had the courage to start this by myself, and honestly, I didn’t overthink it. I just did it. I think that mindset allowed me to reach where I am right now,” says Kelsey Stoll, yoga teacher and founder of Compass Retrats. Founded in 2016, Stoll’s global retreats are based on three pillars: mindfulness, nature and plant-based nutrition.

Stoll is a certified 500-hour yoga teacher with over 10 years of teaching experience

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and a certified wilderness first responder.

She currently teaches full time in Denver at CorePower Central Park and LifeTime Fitness Cherry Creek. Stoll is particularly passionate about connecting with individuals who are overcoming challenges and have experienced trauma, domestic violence, incarceration and eating disorders. She was awarded Lululemon’s Here to Be grant for I-Grow Chicago, which accelerates the work of community-led organizations around the

globe that are creating inclusive access to innovative well-being practices. Stoll is particularly passionate about connecting with individuals who are overcoming challenges and have experienced trauma, domestic violence, incarceration and eating disorders.

“I realized through working with these individuals that even if, in the moment, we aren’t able to reach for the external things to help us, we can find this internal sanctuary to come back to that can help move us forward,” she says.

Stoll was first introduced to yoga in middle school and started teaching in high school. “Since I was a kid, I wanted to explore deeper questions and yoga really filled that bucket,” she says. Although, over time, she felt like a piece was missing.

There was a period when she wasn’t able to practice yoga due to health reasons, but she felt so drawn that she still went to the studio to watch the students.

“What I noticed was that, at the beginning of class, people muscled their way through, and then, there was a beautiful softening that happened, almost like a spiritual acceptance of themselves,” she shares. “The class became a beautiful symphony of everyone moving differently, but still being very connected.”

She realized that rather than just a physical practice, yoga was something so much more profound. “When you're able to just breathe and surrender, people’s authentic power begins to shine through, and they remember they are part of something so much bigger than themselves,” she says.

The perspective she gained from sitting in the back of class reinforced a lesson she had learned from her dad, who instilled in her gratitude and slowing down to notice what we’re already a part of.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos by Jeffery Anderson/GreySpot Photography

profiles / Colorado Influencer

Stoll’s dad, who instilled a deep love for the outdoors onto her, tragically passed away last year from a falling accident in the Grand Canyon. She shares how, whenever they were outside together, he would frequently pause and say, “How lucky are we to experience this? How grateful are you that you’re here right now and connected to nature?”

Now, she tries to carry on that same mentality. “That can be challenging, especially when society celebrates a default to keep moving forward and muscling through,” she says. “But, it's in that space of slowing down that I see beautiful symbols and signs that we’re all connected and feel my dad’s still with me.”

Compass Retreats carries on this concept, recognizing through mindful existence we can realize we’re connected to all beings and the earth in a profound way.

Stoll values being present in every aspect of the retreats, from educating guests on gut-brain connection and preparing a fun, interesting, fine-dining experience alongside chef and mind-body eating coach, Lindsey Shifley, to the deep conversations while hiking up the mountain.

Stoll incorporates a lot of storytelling in her teachings. “As with breath and movement practice, stories have a way of connecting everyone together,” she says. In a yoga class, she shared a message about practicing nonviolence, ahimsa, by being there for someone else without expecting anything in return.

“I was at the airport when I found out my father had passed away,” she recalls.

“I didn't even realize someone was holding my hand. This girl said, ‘You don’t have to say what happened. I just can tell from your voice it’s family.’ I talked about how meaningful it was to have someone sit with me in that moment of despair and hold space. I will always show up when I see anyone in that place because of what that person did.”

Stoll recently went back to school for a masters in social work to learn more about

effectively holding space for others. She is currently working as a program therapist in an eating disorder clinic and has taught yoga at Lake Cook County Jail, A Safe Place domestic violence shelter, Lake County Haven and I-Grow Chicago. “All of these experiences showed me there is a bridge between mental health, trauma and yoga as supportive in the healing journey,” she says.

“I try to help guide people towards knowing they have these incredible tools inside of themselves and that, through awareness and intention, they can stay grounded amidst a lot of chaos and find a way through,” she says. It all comes back to that internal sanctuary, adds Stoll, where we take pause to feel gratitude for this greater ecosystem that we’re a part of.

This year, Compass Retreats is going to Guatemala, Peru, Big Sky and Azores, and all of the trips are sold out. Stoll will be announcing upcoming retreats and online classes soon. +

I try to help guide people towards knowing they have these incredible tools inside of themselves and that, through awareness and intention, they can stay grounded amidst a lot of chaos and find a way through.

To learn more about her retreats, visit compasshikingandyoga.com, and follow @the_outdoorsy_yogi.

ERIN PHILLIPS Writer + Adventure Photographer @erinmp93 erinmariedesigns.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

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profiles / Teachers + Leaders

JERE FRIEDMAN Soul-Centered Coach

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You already have the answers that you’re looking for. Sometimes, what you need is just the right questions.

Junction in 2020. What pulled him there was, “the strongest force in the universe — grandchildren,” he says.

When they first moved here, it didn’t outwardly appear that a spiritual community existed. But, Friedman insisted on feeling that they’re just hiding, and that if a safe space is created for them, they’ll show themselves.

After some time, towns such as Rifle started reaching out to him and he realized all these small communities throughout Western Colorado are thirsty for what he has to offer. He says now, “It is very clear to me that Spirit sent me to Grand Junction and my ministry is to serve Western Colorado as a coach and with sound medicine, meditation and mindfulness in whatever way, shape or form I can be of service.”

He founded the Spiral Light Sound & Meditation Center in Grand Junction in 2021. “It’s not about a building or a place; it is about community and bringing people together,” he says. “People have come from all over, and they’re thanking us for creating a space, saying ‘I didn’t know that these like-minded people are here.’ It’s wonderful and thriving!” +

Learn more at jerefriedman.com, or contact him directly at info@jerefriedman.com.

ERIN PHILLIPS Writer + Adventure Photographer @erinmp93 erinmariedesigns.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photo courtesy of Jere Friedman

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If you think there’s something missing in your life, it’s probably you,” quotes Jere Friedman from one of his teachers, Dr. Robert Holden. Many of us focus on getting from point A to point B — landing that amazing job or checking off that bucket list item — to achieve happiness and success.

Why though, oftentimes, do we get to the arrival point and instead of lasting fulfillment, still feel something is missing?

Friedman, a soul-centered coach, breathwork healer, gongmaster, ordained minister and attorney, describes how in spiritual psychology, which he holds a masters in, he learned to use the goal-line of life (I want to be better at, more of, less of, etc.) to look at the soul-line of life (Who am I? Why am I here? How can I really make a meaningful difference in this world?)

“You already have the answers that you’re looking for. Sometimes, what you need is just the right questions,” says Friedman who practices out of Grand Junction.

He recently launched The Authentic Man Project, a men’s group in which he guides himself and other men to explore who they really are when they lean into expressing their masculinity from a place of love and their authentic self. The very first exercise involves

taking five minutes with a partner to tell them who they are without talking about work or family. “It’s a tough exercise,” he shares.

“Those men get to know each other, but not as a software developer, a tree trimmer or whatever, because that’s not who they are.”

When people find out that Friedman plays gongs and is an attorney they are surprised.

But his response is always, “What I do is not who I am.” He found when he started sharing this sound healing side of himself with his attorney clients, they saw how he lit up and would say, “Tell me more!” He realized he was giving them permission to get out of the box and follow their own heart in some way.

Friedman expressed that he sees himself as a teacher only to the extent that he has learned from his own experiences. “I definitely do not have all the answers, and I may only be half a step ahead of you in my understanding and experience, but if I can help you take that next half step for yourself, that would be wonderful,” he shares.

Friedman coaches both individuals and organizations. He uses a client’s experience of structuring, say, a move into retirement from her law practice to deepen her spiritual inner-awareness and integrate those skills into surrender, acceptance and self-forgiveness. He says, “Then, no matter what is happening, like the you-know-what hitting the fan on a regular basis, we have tools to find inner peace and actually leverage those into personal growth and share that with others.”

“It’s about finding the love that is always there within us and the divine essence that we already are,” Friedman adds. That’s what the gongs and breathwork help with, as well. “It gets us out of our heads and into our hearts, where growth and healing happens. Those 18 inches are the longest and best journey you can ever take.”

He believes learning and growth can only happen when we step out of our comfort zone, and adds that “if I’m not learning and growing, I’m dying.” One of the scariest leaps out of his comfort zone was leaving behind his established communities and businesses in Phoenix to move to Grand

THE

PRACTICe

Online Classes + Workshops with YOGA + Life® Get moving with live and on-demand movement and mindfulness classes with YOGA + Life® team members and friends from around the world! This platform offers a wide-variety of classes and workshops to support well-being and inspired living every day, any time, anywhere.

yogalifelive.com/thepractice

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profiles / Teachers + Leaders

CHANGING THE MIND THROUGH PSYCHEDELIC HEALING Q+A with Melissa Jones

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here is quite the buzz going around lately about psychedelics in the healing space. The benefits of therapy in general are clear, including stress reduction, increase in self-esteem and improvement in depression and/ or anxiety. Studies show that therapy can greatly improve the quality of someone's life. According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 75% of people who enter psychotherapy show some benefit from it.

Traditionally, talk therapy has long been the gold star in treatment. However, as more advances have become available, modern healing modalities have led to newer, experiential forms of therapy.

Enter, psychedelics. Psychedelics are a newly revived option that have allowed therapists to provide a wider range of available treatment options. As a licensed clinical social worker, Melissa Jones is a professional guiding the field, offering ket-

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amine therapy treatments in her practice.

“Over the past 20 years or so, ketamine has proven to be an off-label treatment for certain mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” Jones shares.

“Psychedelic therapy is a new paradigm.

It is not about popping a pill; it is about changing one’s mind.”

You perform ketamine-assisted psychotherapy. What made you want to incorporate this type of treatment option into your practice?

I work with a lot of clients that suffer from treatment resistant depression as well as PTSD. I believe that being able to incorporate psychotherapy with ketamine will be the most beneficial for these clients. However, ketamine is not for everyone. Clients need to be screened carefully to determine if ketamine is a good fit for them.

How does it work?

The short answer is that it causes growth in different parts of the brain, such as the prefrontal cortex. These areas of the brain are associated with emotional regulation and mental health disorders. I like to describe it to my clients as ketamine allows them to see things that are going on in their lives from a different lens. During the session, most clients feel relaxed, open-minded and less defensive. People often describe it as feeling like they are floating outside their body.

Does it work better than traditional therapy approaches?

Institutions such as Yale, Stanford, Harvard, UCLA, USC, NYU, the National Institute of Mental Health and the Cleveland Clinic have found that 70% of patients treated with ketamine showed a significant decrease in depressive symptoms; virtually all of these

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

We explore and apply insights gained during the treatment session, while also identifying places of growth and strategies for positive change in one’s life. Clients may start to see things in a more positive light and find it easier to integrate new thought patterns.

patients failed to respond to traditional forms of treatment, including medications.

What can a client expect from these sessions?

There are three possible modes of treatment which may be administered: ketamine via oral lozenges, IV or intra-muscular injection. Each has its own specific benefits depending on the client's needs.

In between ketamine sessions, a client returns for an integration therapy session.

During this time, they’ll revisit their treatment goals and envision the life they want to create. We explore and apply insights gained during the treatment session, while also identifying places of growth and strategies for positive change in one’s life. Clients may start to see things in a more positive light and find it easier to integrate new thought patterns.

What does the future look like for these types of therapies?

As the stigma around using psychedelics decreases, they are slowly moving more into the mainstream. However, there are two big barriers for using other psychedelics, such as psilocybin and MDMA, in a treatment setting — decriminalization and cost. Decriminalization has begun in a few places, like Denver, but cost continues to be

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a barrier for many people. At this time, I am not aware of any insurance companies that cover this type of treatment.

Any exciting things you experienced in the training or in your sessions that you are excited about for the future of this type of therapy?

The training consisted of an intensive, 10-month long program where I was able to experience the effects of ketamine for myself. Through my training, I was able to gain an understanding of how useful ketamine can be in a treatment setting. Because I was able to face negative things during my ketamine session, I’m better able to face them and cope with them outside treatment. I was left with that warm, tranquil, happy feeling afterward as well.

Where can people learn more information or work with you?

To learn more about how a full treatment is performed and more information, you can visit my website mjpsychotherapy.com. +

MARITA PROVUS Writer + Content Manager @marita.anne

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elissa Jones brings to psychotherapy her real-world experience as a licensed clinical social worker. While studying for her degree in family studies at the University of Arizona, she worked at Las Familias, an organization providing support for sexually-abused boys, and Child Protective Services in Tucson.

Pursuing her master’s in social work at Barry University in Miami, Florida, Jones held internships and professional positions that catered towards physically and mentally handicapped children and at-risk youth.

By the time she arrived in Colorado, Jones was well-equipped to counsel students affected by the Columbine High School tragedy in her position with the Jefferson Center for Mental Health. She went on to become a psychotherapist for the Mental Health Corporation of Denver and the coordinator of the Child and Family Program for Developmental Disability Consultants (DDC) in Denver. While at DDC, she transitioned to working with adults, which remains her primary practice. Jones has since started her own private practice, is certified in EMDR and brainspotting, as well as certified as a psychedelic-assisted therapist.

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profiles / Studios

YOGA OLAS Salida

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Kahn realized the demand for vinyasa style yoga in the Salida community, and in a serendipitous sequence of events, the dance studio closed abruptly, leaving an opening to be filled. Shortly thereafter, she signed the lease on the studio and hired a few teachers.

“The day after I signed the lease, I found out I was pregnant with my third child. I was also a full-time practicing attorney. But, timing is never ‘perfect.’ We started with five classes per week and three guides,” Kahn recalls.

As classes caught on and the community grew, she realized that Salida was home to an immense pool of like-minded talent, like certified yoga teachers and wellness practitioners, and they all needed a place to share their offerings.

Kahn recalls, “Teachers began reaching out regularly wanting to come on the team and offer a class or two. I gave everyone who reached out a chance to teach.”

Since that time, Olas has moved into a space downtown, their teachers have birthed over a dozen children and they now have a staff of 25 and about 35 classes per week.

“We remain heart centered, focused on community and serve as a space for our

yogaolas.com KELSEY FOSTER YOGA + Life Ambassador + Contributor @kelsofosta

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Photos by Catherine Eichel

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recently relocated to Salida, a small town about two and a half hours south of Denver. High on my priority list before moving was finding a yoga studio to call home.

My first stop was Yoga Olas, and I didn’t need to look any further. When you open the door to Yoga Olas, you’re greeted by an unsuspectingly large room — expansive and bright. The beautiful wood floors back up to a full brick wall and in the mirrors are reflections of a dozen students, moving with their breath. Located on F Street in the heart of Salida, a town with a population of about 5,000 people, Yoga Olas welcomes 1,000 to 2,000 students each month.

Megan Kahn, founder of Yoga Olas, details the origins of the studio. “After teaching yoga classes in the Denver area for many years, in 2012, I moved to Salida and desired to keep sharing the yoga magic. I whipped up some fliers and tagged the town, rented a dance studio one day a week and launched what was the very early stages of Olas. For about a year, one to three people showed up. The entire focus of the work was seva-driven, any profits were donated, mainly locally. I loved guiding yoga and wanted to share and give back in any and every way possible,” she shares.

guides and visiting teachers, musicians and artists to share their gifts. We are about to run our fourth international retreat, have held two teacher trainings and hundreds of workshops and programs,” she shares.

When asked what it means to thrive as a yoga studio, Kahn thoughtfully explains that, “To thrive as a studio means to always stay intentional with our why — to adapt to changes and go with the flow, to take risks and experiment and learn from mistakes, to dream big and aim high, to remember, at our heart, we are a community center, to stay student driven and hold supportive and nurturing space, to have fun and not take ourselves too seriously, to support and not compete with other local wellness businesses, to stay inspired, to collaborate, to practice great communication, to ask for help when we need it and to strive for excellence and continue to grow and learn as teachers.”

“Since moving to Salida, I’ve established a foundational community through Yoga Olas,” she adds. “The people I’ve met in this space are some of the kindest, most welcoming folks I’ve ever had the pleasure of crossing paths with. Now, I have the high honor of teaching yoga in this beautiful space. The mission of Olas resonates deeply and through this community, I find myself thriving in a new town. Olas’ story is a true reflection of what it means to thrive. The studio seed was planted in a random way, but with a continuous demand for yoga and mindfulness, a dedicated community and a dedication to their mission and values, Yoga Olas can expect to thrive for many more years to come.” +

AHIMSA YOGA & WELLNESS Denver

Photos courtesy of Ahimsa Yoga

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s the first of the five yamas in Patanjali's eight-fold path, ahimsa is the principle of nonviolence and compassion for all living things.

To Nicole Matta, the founder of Ahimsa Yoga & Wellness in Denver, this message is needed now more than ever.

A lifelong practitioner thanks to her yogi father, Matta opened a studio of her own on March 20, 2021 — the Spring Equinox — at a time when she felt the community needed it most. With over a dozen local studios closed permanently due to the pandemic, Ahimsa has become a home for Denverites to reconnect with health and wellness again.

“The community at Ahimsa is one of connected family,” Matta shares. “The studio is a smaller and more intimate space, which really cultivates personal connections and a sense of family and belonging.”

The studio offers a range of hatha classes accessible to any level practitioner.

Sound healings, cacao ceremonies, donation-based kirtan, gong baths, yoga nidra

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and yoga teacher trainings also frequent the schedule. There are two small studio areas, ample props and an overall friendly feel, as Ahimsa teachers describe it.

“Ahimsa reopened the door for me to return to teaching at a studio post-COVID, and when I taught my first class there, it felt like coming home again,” Janie Gianotsos, a yoga teacher who joined the Ahimsa team early in 2021, says. “Nicole believes in living the practice of yoga and encourages teachers to embrace their authenticity and bring the yoga sutras, traditions and ancient wisdom into their class offerings.”

One of Gianotsos’ students refers to her Sunday morning class — which includes a short Satsang, meditation and singing bowls — as her “yoga church.” Class sizes are kept small, so teachers can better know their students and learn how to help them on their yoga journey.

Frances Tharp, another teacher at Ahimsa, says her most beautiful moments at the studio are when students introduce themselves to one another before class.

“It’s hard to find that these days,” Tharp says. “I have learned what brings people to their mat at Ahimsa; maybe it’s the first time a student has touched their mat since

the pandemic, postpartum or injury. Hearing students’ ‘why’ makes my experience as a teacher more impactful to listen and learn how Ahimsa can benefit them.”

This was exactly Matta’s intention — for the Ahimsa community to thrive. “The idea of ‘thrive’ is what our studio has been growing on for the last 24 months,” she explains.

“Thrive at Ahimsa means cultivating a strong community through communication and our collective love for yoga. Just as a seed is planted, cared for, nurtured and grows, our community takes a similar path.”

Ahimsa teacher MC Brogden describes the studio as the gift of a new family.

"What began as a chance to shepherd others out of COVID loneliness and back into the yoga community has since grown into treasured weekly intimate moments on my mat,” Brogden explains. “As a teacher at Ahimsa, I have been able to meet students of all walks of life, from those that have never stepped onto a yoga mat to those that are on a long road of recovery from injury or illness.”

At Ahimsa Yoga & Wellness, the principle of non-harming is held above all else. Even though Ahimsa is a hidden gem in Denver, the community continues to grow, and thrive, with each new season. +

ahimsayogadenver.com

LEXI REICH YOGA + Life Managing Editor lexireich.com

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lifestyle / Books

STANDING ROOM ONLY: HOW TO BE THAT YOGA TEACHER

Wild Yoga:

A Practice of Initiation, Veneration & Advocacy for the Earth

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hrough simple movements and creative concepts that will inspire beginner and seasoned yogis alike, Wild Yoga: A Practice of Initiation, Veneration & Advocacy for the Earth is an invitation to live from the soul. Author Rebecca Wildbear empowers readers to create a personal practice that stretches their awareness and awakens their connection to the place we all most deeply belong to: the Earth.

“When we are in our bodies, at one with nature, we are in touch with intelligence more significant than our minds,” shares Wildbear. “Nature can inspire our movements, align us with our instincts, initiate us into living our soul’s purpose and guide us in tending the well-being of all life.”

Part one encourages readers to return to their instinctual nature, welcome ferocity, receive the love of trees and listen to dreams. Part two invites them to open up to the mystery of what they love and grieve, descend into darkness and be sung back to life by the living planet. In part three, Wildbear guides readers to listen to their muse, dream for the world and protect wild places.

Each chapter concludes with a yoga pose that supports the theme of the chapter, with illustrations by Sarah E. Brooks to help readers visualize the poses.

“Marrying the healing practice of yoga — strength, flexibility, relaxation, presence

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— with reverence for nature, Wild Yoga catalyzes our curiosity to explore our dreams and the mysteries of life and to grow our capacities to live in reciprocity with the Earth,” adds Wildbear. “Our wellness and our planet home are linked. The Earth needs people who can live their purpose and honor and advocate for the natural world.”

By honestly sharing her personal experiences, as well as the experience of many clients, Wildbear shows readers how to: meet their bodies and emotions where they are, including grief, trauma and vulnerability; tune in to the natural world around them — whether backyard, seashore or mountain — or an imagined dream place; commune with the Earth’s body through their own body and, thus, to all the peoples and places around them.

“May these teachings, stories and practices offer a path to open your heart to what is most sacred. May they ground you in love and strength,” says Wildbear. “May they restore your relationship with the Earth so that you and your dreams, mystery and muse, may live in co-creative reciprocity with life on the planet.”

Learn more and order a copy at newworldlibrary.com.

YOGA + LIFE STAFF

By Sheri Fisher with Lori Holden Colorado-based sisters and yogis, Sheri Fisher and Lori Holden joined forces to bring this guide to yoga teachers everywhere. Fisher’s experience as a certified yoga facilitator paired with Holden’s work as a published author powerfully comes together in this book, featuring a forward by certified health and wellness coach Gina Caputo.

This book includes five pillars of powerful teaching: Communication: Effectively communicating with your students.

Character: Setting the tone and feel for the classes you teach.

Connection: Building a community inside and outside the studio, setting up a meditation practice, tuning in and trusting your intuition.

Commitment: Maintaining a high level of commitment to yourself, your students, your fellow teachers and the studio or fitness facility where you teach.

Consideration: Teaching all students with compassion in diverse and meaningful ways.

Learn more, and order a copy at roottoriseyogis.com.

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The Night Gardener

A Story of Renewal from The Fan Brothers

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n a recent hike along a trail turned dusty with summer use, I crossed paths with a friend I hadn’t seen for a while. Her bright smile and warm greeting matched her hiking attire — a brilliant magenta shirt, flashy crimson hat and spruced-up walking shoes. I complimented her on her outfit, suddenly conscious of my drab khakis, misshapen black hat and muddy boots.

She laughed, “Well, I guess I’m doing everything I can these days to bring more color into the world. It’s the least I can do!”

Next time out, I upgraded to mostly turquoise, head-to-toe, including mountain décor socks and my vintage Hokas. Much more fun.

Our chance meeting reminded me of a favorite children’s book, The Night Gardener, and its timeless message about change, creativity, coming alive and living fully. As with so many classic picture books, this beautifully illustrated, brief story is a reminder for all ages to make the most of each day by adding in something special.

Several pages of artwork coax us into

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the book and set the scene in a quiet town.

Nothing much ever happens on Grimloch Lane. The folks who live there simply exist, going through daily motions without spark, without growth, without joy. No one notices a stranger enter their midst in the daylight, not even the young orphan boy, William.

The gentleman quietly passes by on the sidewalk, carrying his ladder and tools.

But that night, magic begins to take shape through the work of the Night Gardener. The next morning, William hears a commotion outside on his street. A small crowd has discovered a majestic owl topiary, formed in the tree right beside William’s window. Each night following, William goes to sleep with new excitement, because every morning, he and the townsfolk discover yet another fresh tree topiary sculpture.

First a rabbit, then a parakeet, followed by an elephant, even a dragon.

Something good is happening on Grimloch Lane. New energy and wonder, new levity and light. So curious, one evening William finally decides to follow the Night Gardener, who invites the boy to help him with his work. Together they turn the entire town park into a menagerie of animals, color, imagination and fun.

Everything and everyone comes alive … and thrives!

Eventually, the Night Gardener departs to go his own way, seeking a new place in need of refreshment. He leaves William with a special gift to remember him by and to carry on. The autumn leaves drop and winter arrives on Grimloch Lane. But, life has changed for the better, and no one, especially William, will ever view it in the same way.

Award-winning author/illustrator team,

As with so many classic picture books, this beautifully illustrated, brief story is a reminder for all ages to make the most of each day by adding in something special.

The Fan Brothers, publish another gem with The Night Gardener. (CO YOGA + Life featured their picture book, The Scarecrow, in the Summer + Fall 2022 Renewal issue.)

This time, Terry and Eric share their words and images in a message about living each day to the fullest by bringing more imagination, color and joy into the world. +

The Night Gardener by Terry and Eric Fan is a picture book for all ages.

Note: Not to be mistaken for The Night Gardener, an adult crime novel by George Pelecanos or The Night Gardener, a middle grade Victorian ghost story by Jonathan Auxier.

SANDY FERGUSON FULLER Author, Editor + Illustrator alparts.com

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YOGA + Life Cover Artist

Morgan Mandala Thriving as a Visionary Artist

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y personal opinion might be biased, but I believe Morgan Manley — also known as Morgan Mandala — is Colorado’s top visionary art painter. With over 108,000 followers on Instagram, I know many would second this opinion. Her art breathes Colorado through the geometric infused landscapes and flowy, psychedelic imagery that draw viewers inward through

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the painting. Morgan gained popularity through live art performances at music shows and collaborative art installations.

As a full-time artist, her work isn’t just paint strokes but focuses on building the visionary art community in Colorado.

Manley regularly invites fellow artist friends over to her mountain cabin up Fourmile Canyon outside of Boulder to gather for communal painting sessions. For her,

this is just one way to help build and uplift the artist community. These connections continue into collaborative art paintings where two or more artists work on a piece together like at a music show or festival.

“This develops support and growth in the art practice similar to yoga,” Manley says.

“We do it individually as artists, but when we come together, we can uplift each other.”

Manley live paints at numerous venues around Colorado and plans to attend Electric Forest Festival in Michigan and Boom Festival in Portugal as a featured painter this summer. She feels these gatherings and chances to work together influence and strengthen her work. When working on an art piece with more artists, she says there’s both a lot of trust as well as an intuitive process of collaboration. “We mess it up before we make it beautiful,” she comments about how each artist adds new layers upon another artist’s work, and through the final product, one can feel the depth of all the layers of paint.

Manley enjoys reaching a flow state when live painting by feeling the energy of the crowd and the music. “There is a performance aspect to live painting. However, I don’t have to face the crowd, which is less intimidating, but can still feel their energy,” she says. This makes her want to paint more and experiment with how the painting will evolve. “I let the painting become what it wants to become,” she adds. “I like to keep it fresh and fun [when painting at live shows] and try something that hasn’t been done before.”

She admits her style of painting tends to play with your subconscious. Some of her biggest art influences are Martina Hoffmann, Robert Venosa, Ilene Meyer, Joseph Parker, Alex & Allyson Grey, Mark Henson and collaborations by the Further Collective. After reviewing these artists, you can see how their techniques are blended into Manley’s creations. I’d describe her style as a mix of Salvador Dali and Bob Ross influenced by the mountains of Colorado.

“Nature is high up on the list of influences,” Manley agrees.

Manley has built an amazing career as a professional painter through her unique style as a visionary artist. She believes this would be the best category for herself, be-

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Photos courtesy of Morgan Manley

lifestyle / Art

cause her work transcends the full physical form. She tries to portray an idea or theme through her images. As evidenced in her name, she uses mandalas throughout her art. Mandalas are used in various spiritual traditions as a guidance tool to help the practitioner through meditation and achieve a trance like state. For Manley, painting is a way to integrate her meditative process.

She finds thriving is being able to maintain a balance of all that her spirit and body needs. “All of the experiences I have in my life — yoga, skiing, hiking and spending time in nature — help me put more energy into my art. These activities keep the flow happening by not being stagnant, especially when having to sit for a long time to work,” she says.

She finds making art is similar to practicing yoga, because one has to develop the skills or stretch their muscles both physically, like in yoga, or artistically. “It’s never too late to start the practice of something you’ve been missing,” she adds.

Manley always loved to draw as a kid growing up in Chicago. “I didn’t know I would end up doing it full time and was told I couldn’t,” she says. She went into college planning to study veterinary but switched to painting and art history. “I had lots of friends who were musicians and invited me to join as a live painting artist,” she explains on her first start into live painting.

Later, she taught private art lessons for a while and realized how she could make it a viable income. In 2006, she moved to Colorado because of her love of the mountains and was lucky enough to happen upon the growing art and music movement at the right time. She went from hustle to hustle doing live paintings, collaborating and selling art to being a full-time artist with an upcoming gallery showing this October at the Threyda Gallery in Denver. +

Photos courtesy of ash mills

Check out Manley’s work at morganmandala.com or @morganmandala on Instagram.

KAITLIN EMIG Writer @sunflower_lion

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Ritual Healing

Intuitive Tattooing

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ven over Zoom, I can feel the the grounding presence of Ash Mills. As we introduce ourselves, I admire her beautiful plants and her dog who curls up on the couch behind her. Mills’ tattooing journey began when a friend and mentor offered to buy her the setup and equipment she needed in exchange for tattoos. Then, when asked by another friend to give them a tattoo, Mills was given full creative freedom. It was hard to land on a single phrase or image to fully encapsulate her friend, so she let her intuition lead the way. The result was a simple, symmetrical design made up of fine, thin lines. The simplicity of the design and light-handed style of tattooing sets Mills’ work apart from other tattoo artists.

The traditional tattoo shop setting was one that never resonated with Mills. She noticed a gap in spaces where people could come and receive a different type of experience while getting tattooed. Ritual Healing was born, and through social media and word of mouth, her clientele grew, and she began designing more symbols.

In a session with Mills, clients can expect to spend time grounding through breathwork and meditation. With a 200hour yoga teacher training and over a decade of journey-work in her back pocket, Mills knows how to create and hold space. Some of her clients in the past reflect on their time with her with sentiments like, “I feel so much lighter,” and “I feel really safe.” After settling and grounding, clients will share their story.

She has heard full life stories, from critical chapters to life changing experiences. As the stories go on, Mills will ask questions or simply listen and let her intuition guide her through the design. Once a client feels complete in sharing, Mills will reveal her design. If the client resonates with the symbol (which they typically do), they have the option to get it tattooed on their body.

Choosing placement for their new art is often informed by energy meridians in the body, chakras and proximity to the heart. Of course, there’s no requirement to get the symbol tattooed.

The concept of making healing a ritual comes from the fact that, “You can’t wave a magic wand and expect to be healed,” Mills shares. “Healing won’t be found in one reiki session; it’s found in continuously coming home to yourself.”

The root of the word healing is “to make whole,” and by sharing an experience and seeing a beautiful representation of that experience, we can recognize our journey as a whole one, even as we continue to grow. +

Mills currently tattoos out of Nurture in Denver and is accepting new clients.

You can learn more about her and Ritual Healing at ritual-healing.com and see her symbols on Instagram @ritualhealing.

KELSEY FOSTER YOGA + Life Ambassador + Contributor @kelsofosta

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lifestyle / CO Community

From Grassroots to Mountaintops Localized Food Systems Create Solutions

M LAURA MILLS YOGA + Life Community Engagement Manager + Contributor @l.millsy

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ountain Roots is a nonprofit food system initiative driven by the community of the Gunnison Valley and spearheaded by executive director Holly Conn. Conn moved to Gunnison Valley back in 2010 to raise her young daughters in a mountainous landscape. At the same time, the K-12 school in Crested Butte had just undergone expansion and was leaning towards the community on how to redesign the school lunch program. Conn, with a background as a personal chef and a love of her new home, ran with the opportunity.

This was the birth of Mountain Roots’ original Farm to School program. The grassroots team pushed through Colorado’s short growing seasons to produce 600-plus pounds of food from a 2,100-square-foot plot in the first year. This food was spread across the county to various food pantries, schools and as trade for volunteer work.

THE CURRENT FOCUS Mountain Roots has five areas of focus: education and culture, food protection, food security, food economy and policy. These five pillars are woven into everything that Mountain Roots touches.

When discussing what Mountain Roots is focusing on right now, Conn simply explains, “We are a food systems initiative. By design, when you work as a system, you are working on multiple pieces at the same time, because everything intersects.” At any given time, the Mountain Roots team has their hands in educating future generations, running their community farms, moving excess produce around the state where it is needed and pushing forward on future goals.

Mountain Roots, in unison with Gunnison County, has been focusing on understanding the economic position of the community post-pandemic. Gunnison County implemented a comprehensive study and, from that, were able to identify a substantial group referred to as the “missing middle.”

This group is just above the poverty line but below the Self Sufficiency Standard.

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Photos Courtesy of Mountain Roots

THE START After a successful four years of building the foundation for food security in the Gunnison Valley, in 2014, Mountain Roots implemented a fully comprehensive community assessment to gain information on the needs of the community and how to best strategize their efforts. Two years later, Mountain Roots launched a multi-farm CSA that has completely taken off and now provides fresh local goods to over 140 households. This system not only helped farmers sell their produce and improve access to healthy food in the community, but it also kept $95,000 in the local economy. In the years following, Mountain Roots established multiple fully-functioning farms throughout Southwestern Colorado to further educate the community on regenerative farming practices and production, while simultaneously including biodiversity.

For a little background, the Self Sufficiency Standard (SSS) pinpoints the income needed for working families to meet basic human needs at the lowest level, depending on geographic location. These families that meet the SSS are not upper-class families, but rather those that can afford both utilities and groceries each month.

Conn explains that, since the pandemic, the pocket of the “missing middle” has grown to represent about 30% of the population in Gunnison County. When this information came out, Conn and the Mountain Roots team got to work on formulating ways to assist these families in making ends meet.

“We now have 110 families that are being delivered fresh produce each week to not only help with their food budgets but to help with their health,” Conn shares. “Food is the basic need; it’s where you start. If you don’t have good health and you don’t have good food, it’s very hard to move up the ladder on all the other factors and work your way out of a poverty.”

Conn continues to explain the importance in localizing our food systems to fulfill the needs of our community from within. If we are able to sustain ourselves, even partially, with the local food produced in our areas, the positive impact on the economy, environment and well-being of the places we call home grows exponentially.

on the highway truck-to-truck and making transfers in real time, which is really not sustainable,” Conn says. “We did a regional feasibility study from 2020-2022, and it emerged that we need to solve the transportation issue, and we need to have facilities in key locations.”

The four commercial kitchens in the facility give local self-starters access to the tools needed to finally launch their hot sauce company, take their wedding cake business to the next level or to prepare food goods to sell at farmers markets.

These industrial kitchens will not only connect small business owners with the resources they need but will connect farmers with small business owners who want to buy their excess product. This allows farmers to sell their “seconds” or ugly produce to someone who is going to cook it down anyway to make a sauce, jam, etc. and doesn’t mind a misshapen tomato. The exchange of unwanted produce to someone who has a direct use for it will reduce the cost of doing business for the maker and put money back into the pockets of the farmer all while reducing food waste.

To further sustain the success and to stimulate the food economy in the area, Moun-

tain Roots is partnering with the Colorado’s West Central Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The West Central SBDC offers business advice and guidance in efforts to start and grow more small businesses within the community.

Mountain Roots is always working on “what’s next” but Conn reminds us, “Our goal is to bring people through the need for food relief into a place where they are not just self-sufficient but are able to participate back to be teachers, growers, sharers and participate in the local food system.”

They want to find real solutions to problems, not just Band-Aids. To further that, Conn emphasizes, “We are focused on incorporating more underrepresented audiences in our training programs, so that we can see more representation out there in the worlds of agriculture, environmental education and community food security in the future.” +

If you would like to get involved with the Mountain Roots efforts or are interested in helping local food security initiatives, head to mountainroots.com for more information.

WHAT’S NEXT Around this time next year, the Gunnison Food Hub will be complete, giving access to four commercial kitchens for food-focused small business development, a CSA pick-up location, packing and sanitization stations for family-owned farms and, eventually, an egg processing room. This 2,500-squarefoot facility will further the nonprofit’s efforts towards regional connectivity across the food system.

As of right now, the closest food hub to Gunnison is 110 miles away, making relocation of quality produce to areas of need a lot more difficult. With more drop-off locations throughout the state fully equipped with dry storage, freezers and refrigeration, fresh food can be cycled around the region to decrease food waste and to fulfill the needs of our communities.

“Currently, in order for produce to move around the state, our trucks are meeting

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lifestyle / CO Community

Vibe is our flex social lounge/co-working space where one can meet with friends for a cocktail, have a casual meeting or work on a personal project.

At night, it switches to a bar atmosphere, with live music and full production on the weekends. Vibe will also host occasional art galleries and pop-up marketplaces.

Alive is our wellness space, featuring yoga, dance classes, massage, sound healing, energy work and a series of workshops.

How do the three elements of Thrive, Vibe and Alive work together in this space?

The cooperation and integration of Thrive, Vibe and Alive under one roof is one of the aspects that truly makes Society so unique and special. Having many facets of the mind, body and soul operating under one roof can be revolutionary. There is often so much separation between these things, and we end up having to jump from place to place to integrate each aspect of our lives, which hinders the sense of community. With Society, it’s a one-stop destination where the community can work, relax, connect, celebrate, be inspired, fuel themselves and truly unite. It’s like many organs working in synergy to make a body system work.

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Denver’s Newest Wellness Collective Opens This Summer

his summer, Society Colorado is opening a 15,000-square-foot multipurpose collective in Denver that will house three unique concepts within food, entertainment and wellness, and the buzz surrounding it is palpable.

“Our intention is to bring our community together to inspire one another, enjoy experiences of the highest quality and facilitate growth,” shares co-founder Iman Haidar.

“Keeping the synergy of the mind, body and soul as a guiding principle, we are committed to creating a space that nourishes creativity, inclusion, meaningful change and genuine connection. We’re driven to offer more than just a physical item or space but to fulfill a pur-

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pose to see our community flourish, as well.”

CO YOGA + Life sat down with Haidar to learn more about Society’s three main spaces: Thrive, Vibe and Alive, and what readers can expect after its early summer grand opening.

What can our readers expect from Society Colorado this summer?

Thrive includes our food concepts, which will offer a full plant-based menu in our seated restaurant and healthy grab-and-go foods and beverages in our café. We will also craft in-house brewed beverages in our winery and host dinner theaters featuring variety acts, such as belly dance, burlesque and aerial arts.

Learn more at societycolorado.com.

LEXI REICH YOGA + Life Managing Editor lexireich.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Society Colorado

society colorado

The theme of this issue is THRIVE. What does THRIVE mean to you?

To me, thriving is pushing past surviving. Surviving is when you're at your bare minimum in quality of life. You're going through the motions to just get through each day. However, when you’re thriving, you’re growing, you're learning and you're integrating with your community. Thriving is staying inspired, driven and motivated to push past what your previous constraints have been to elevate yourself to new levels of progress and growth. I think it’s important to remember that thriving doesn’t come overnight though.

It is a practice in mindfulness and requires planting your seeds and following through with watering your proverbial garden. +

paid partnership

REGENESIS PLASTIC SURGERY, DERMATOLOGY & SPA

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he Spa at ReGenesis is a medical spa that holistically serves patients through a full-service experience in a beautiful and relaxing environment in Grand Junction, Colorado. The Spa at ReGenesis is part of the greater ReGenesis medical practice known as ReGenesis Plastic Surgery, Dermatology & Spa. Fifteen years ago, Colorado West Otolaryngology and Plastic Surgery separated to create ReGenesis Plastic Surgery and Skin Care. Over the past fifteen years the practice has grown to include a full medical spa, dermatology and three Board-Certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Duane Hartshorn, Dr. Matthew Swelstad and Dr. Jeffery Pitcher.

“The catalyst for ReGenesis was our drive to develop an environment that was comfortable and focused on plastic surgery, specifically aesthetic surgery. Patients want to be in a soothing locale, be able to confidentially discuss their concerns and wishes and feel they are in the presence of professionals who care about them and their safety,” shares Dr. Hartshorn. In creating this environment, Dr. Hartshorn, and Dr. Swelstad, founders of ReGenesis, also created the medical spa to complete the full circle of care for their patients.

With certified laser specialists, aestheticians and certified massage therapists working

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together under the guidance of medical director Dr. Swelstad, the ReGenesis team can help patients from head-to-toe. Their medical grade aesthetic services include HydroLuxx Facials, Microneedling, dermaplane and chemical peels.

team has immediate access to our physicians to discuss when to customize a treatment or treatment plan for a patient’s long-term success and results.”

The Spa at ReGenesis really excels when a custom treatment plan is created for a patient.

The custom treatment plan establishes the patient’s goals and needs and is the roadmap for long-term success. For example, a patient that has undergone a facelift will see more taught skin and fewer wrinkles. But when Microneedling treatments are added, which cause the skin to produce collagen, the skin becomes healthier.

Then, combined with ADVATx laser treatments to reduce dark spots, hyperpigmentation and pore size, the patient begins to see their skin come alive. Next, they bring the patient back for HydroLuxx facials that add moisture and radiance to their skin. Finally, the patient is given an at-home skin regimen with the spa’s own medical grade skin care products to complete the plan. This customized treatment plan provides full-circle care and long-term results.

“ YO U L A D I E S A R E S O A M A Z I N G ! YO U H AV E H E L P E D M E P H YS I C A L LY, M E N TA L LY, A N D E M OT I O N A L LY T H E PA S T T W O Y E A R S ! ” – C .V. Laser services with ADVATx, IPL and CO2 lasers to eliminate veins, sun spots, unwanted hair and resurface the skin. Their physicians also offer Botox and fillers to help each client achieve their individualized goals and desired outcomes.

The spa has recently added medical massage, which aids the body in healing and recovery after surgery, treats chronic pain, boosts mental health, treats migraine headaches and is an alternative to opioids.

The team continuously monitors products, treatments, procedures and technology in aesthetics and prides itself on bringing the latest to their patients — treatments that provide proven results, successful outcomes and age management. Kellan Williams, certified laser specialist, emphasizes that “care and treatment at ReGenesis really is a team effort. The spa

The ReGenesis team of highly specialized surgeons and providers has been a choice destination for patients from across Colorado and the nation seeking cosmetic excellence and compassionate care.

They will continue to seek procedures with distinct outcomes, aesthetic treatments that are backed by research, and skincare products that help clients look and feel their best in their own skin.

R E G E N E S I S P L A S T I C S U R G E RY, D E R M ATO LO G Y & S PA 2 5 1 5 Fo re s i g h t C i rc l e , S u i t e 1 0 0 , Grand Junction, CO 970.242.8177 r e g e n e s i s p l a s t i c s u r g e r y. c o m

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Frontier Drive Inn

Lauren Coleman of Mellow Moon Lodge

The General Store

Boomtown Breakfast Co.

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YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Jessica Hughes; SLV Food Co

lifestyle / CO Escapes

LEARN MORE

on page 51 about environmental protection and preservation in the San Luis Valley.

ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT SPROUTS IN

C

Colorado’s San Luis Valley

onnected by a mosaic of county roads and cradled by the Sangre de Cristo and San Juan Mountains, the San Luis Valley is a high-desert playground for outdoor adventures.

The region lures in travelers who come to sand surf at the Great Sand Dunes National Park, soak in the area’s hot springs or summit its jagged 14,000-foot peaks. But since its boom days in the late 1800s, the vast valley has experienced hard times as one of the poorest rural areas in Colorado.

Now, thanks to a few local hopefuls and spirited newcomers, a rural renaissance is making its way across the valley as a collection of communities looks to one another to help the area thrive, not just survive.

Del Norte sits at the epicenter of this change. Named as the gateway to the San Juans, Del Norte touts itself as an epic outdoor recreation destination. But with its latest influx of entrepreneurial transplants and loving locals, it’s quickly becoming a travel haven for so much more.

Corey Hubbard, a self-proclaimed cowgirl and spirited newcomer from all over, planted roots in Del Norte as a full-time business owner of the General (Specific) Store. Hubbard brings not only a gold-mind of antique treasures to her store but a social presence that has reinvigorated the community.

“I was inspired by the space and the spirit of the place,” says Hubbard. “Del Norte is a confluence of communities with a wellspring of artists, culinary innovators, outdoor enthusiasts and locals who have worked to lay a solid foundation of community.”

Hotelier and Denver-transplant, Lauren Coleman, feels the same way. Coleman has brought a fresh take on lodging with the Mellow Moon Lodge. A retro revamp of the 15-room vintage motel in 2019 by its previous owner helped recapture the spirit

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of travel and the local community.

Coleman aims to create a gathering place for both travelers and locals alike by offering events, such as farm-to-table dinner parties along with social gatherings inside the onsite Moon Bar. Envisioning a shoppable boutique hotel, rooms will be outfitted with purchasable items from local artists along with an onsite boutique marketplace — the Rodeo Mercantile.

But, it’s not just about retail and roadside motels. “People aren’t going to travel just for a retail shop; they need a good place to eat,” says Hubbard. The Windsor Hotel, a restored historic Victorian beauty, added a menu of items to its offerings with the 1874 Food Truck and its award-winning 1874 Distillery. A social hub for the town, the distillery also makes a name for itself with its Bloody Mary brunches and social events.

When they say “it takes a community,” that is exactly what helps so many new businesses in the valley thrive. David Carlberg, a valley-native and owner of SLV Food Company and local food truck Boomtown Breakfast Co., attributes the valley’s revival to its community connection and cultivating its own resources.

“We throw a lot of business at one another. It’s nice to have allies in this process,” shares Carlberg. In fact, he credits part of his boom in business to Hubbard, who hired him to cater an event she threw in town.

Aside from running his food truck and catering business, Carlberg has even bigger dreams of creating an accelerated food program for those who want to start a food concept in the valley. “I would like it to be an official program, like a non-profit, that gives access to resources for those who want to start a food concept,” says Carlberg.

Roughly 30 minutes from Del Norte, another culinary creation sprouted last year in

Alamosa. Housed inside a nearly 100-yearold church, the Friar’s Fork, a casual Italian eatery, and its next-door neighbor, the Sanctuary, an elevated cocktail and coffee lounge, are the latest innovations from owner, chef and Alamosa-native Denise Vigil.

After years of studying under a number of James Beard award winning chefs, Vigil returned to Alamosa with her own restaurant concept that was recently nominated for best new restaurant by the James Beard Foundation.

15 miles north of Del Norte, along US 285, other creative visionaries see the valley as a thriving arts and culture scene. Frontier Drive-Inn, once an old drive-in movie theater, aims to celebrate the agriculture presence of the valley with movies, architecture, food and art.

Plush yurts and re-imagined SteelMaster sheds provide a campground of overnight experiences with summer movie nights on a field of grass. In addition to movies, there are cultural programs and art installations helmed by program director, Adam Gildar.

“The ethos of the Frontier Drive-Inn is to connect the past with today’s contemporary technology,” says Gildar. They are doing so with award-winning artist, Ron Rael and his 3-D printed, adobe, open-air observatories — connecting earth to sky.

For those who grew up in the valley like Vigil and Carlberg, and for those new-comers like Hubbard and Coleman, there is a sense that blending some of the old with the new brings a fresh way of thinking about how the valley can become more than a place you just pass through. + JESSICA HUGHES Writer + Photographer @small_town_stops

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lifestyle / CO Escapes

Euro Lodge + Leisure Scene

K Each 31 stand-alone A-frame cabins were designed with ambiance and privacy in mind.

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yle Zeppelin grew up in Summit County in the 70s and 80s. His carefree time on the slopes embodied a purist quality preceding cell phones, EpicMix and high-speed sixpack chair lifts. So, when the founder of Zeppelin Hospitality — the award-winning development team behind Denver’s wildly popular RiNo projects The Source Hotel and Market Hall and Zeppelin Station — conceived his latest attraction, he wanted to celebrate Colorado’s rich ski culture lineage while treating guests to a modern mountain experience.

The answer: The A-Frame Club, a throwback to classic, time-honored mountain hospitality with cabins and a historic saloon situated on three acres in historic Old Town Winter Park.

“A-Frame Club is taking mountain hospitality back to the heyday for skiing in the 70s and 80s that I grew up with,” says Zeppelin. “It’s a throwback to a simpler time with cabins at the base of the ski hill that

open up directly to the forest and a turned up party in the lodge.”

The project’s throwback Saloon opened in December 2022, and the first A-Frame cabins opened the following month, drawing locals and Front Rangers with stylish, 1970s-inspired design nods, elevated culinary offerings and an expansive patio.

“The response has been overwhelmingly strong and positive,” says Zeppelin development COO Adam Larkey. “The locals who remember the old Adolf's days have been so appreciative that we leaned into the history of the property and kept as much as we could, like the actual wooden bar itself.”

Developers tapped Portland-based Skylab Architects to shape the 31 standalone, 475-square-foot A-Frame cabins with privacy and ambiance in mind — a geometric snowflake-shaped elevated boardwalk connects the cabins, preserving existing pine trees while creating a natural, wooded, together-but-separate community.

Constructed with cedar, fir and birch

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Photos courtesy of A-Frame Club

Winter Park’s New A-Frame Club is a 1970s-Inspired Mountain Experience

A-Frame Club is a throwback to a simpler time with cabins at the base of the ski hill that open up directly to the forest and a turned up party in the lodge.

A geometric snowflakeshaped elevated boardwalk connects the cabins.

panels, each two-story chalet matches the tree line and contains a main floor living room, kitchenette and full bath with a lofted bedroom (don’t miss the custom designed, tufted, leather headboards and Noguchi lighting) and freestanding Onsen-style soaking tub. Tall windows peek out at the surrounding forest and Fraser River, and a communal event lawn and fire pit invite that old-school summer camp vibe and community connection.

Nostalgic highlights show up in an old Wagoneer to ferry guests up to nearby Winter Park Resort (less than a half-mile away) for summertime hiking and biking, furry taxidermy, Malm fireplaces and vintage ski art, and original Hunter S. Thompson photographs taken by renowned photographer David Hiser.

Open daily to the public and hotel guests, The Saloon celebrates French Alpine-inspired eats with culinary director Nic Weber of the James Beard Award-winning team at Denver’s Mercantile Dining &

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Provision at the helm.

Standouts include Weber’s French onion soup, grilled vegetable mosaic and campfire banana split. “You'd also be hard pressed to find a better burger,” Larkey says. Higher-end dinner items include a charred beef short rib with bone marrow mustard glaze and venison schnitzel with wild mushroom fricassee.

The A-Frame Club's rustic bar features a linger-worthy outdoor deck, perfect for post-hike hangouts paired with classic cocktails, herbal liquors, Colorado beers and a large European wine selection. Expect a crepe station, live DJ and happy hour patio offerings to unfold this summer. +

aframeclub.com

LISA BLAKE Freelance Writer lisablakecreative.com

The Saloon celebrates French Alpine-inspired eats.

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Photos courtesy of Rancho La Puerta

lifestyle / Travel

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YOGALIFELIVE.COM

DESTINATION WELLNESS:

F

Rancho La Puerta

rom the moment I stepped off the bus, I could feel the soft pulse of magic. It quickly became clear to me that something special was at work. It was as if each breath I took started to dance with this omnipresent serenity.

Rancho La Puerta feels like a dream — one with opportunity to live as your best self. Sitting on 4,000 acres in the mountains of Baja California, the intimate spa and fitness resort invites travelers on week-long journeys of self-discovery with its world-renowned programming, facilities and staff.

Located an hour from San Diego in Tecate, Mexico, “The Ranch,” as frequent guests call it, offers 40 miles of hiking trails, 32 acres of landscaped gardens, an organic farm and even a cooking school, in addition to its numerous fitness centers and spas (yes, multiple). 86 private casitas, each adorned with distinct personality and unique architectural flair, make for perfect nooks to end each packed-full day.

Since its founding in 1940, The Ranch has stayed firm in its roots as a family owned and operated retreat center. Having been to a handful of retreat centers in my life, I can confidently report Rancho La Puerta is the real deal. With so many returning visitors, they even constructed permanent residences in its outskirts, so for some, the dream just never stops.

A DAY IN THE LIFE Accompanied by my mom, I’d start my mornings with the sun. As early as 6 a.m., a handful of colorful options line the daily schedule by the hour. The true treasure is the Organic Breakfast Garden Hike; no matter your skill level, this excursion may be the most memorable part of your Ranch experience. Signing up in advance is required, and it includes a sustainability tour of the garden with farmers who’ve worked on the land for decades.

Throughout their stay, guests at The Ranch are invited to choose their own adventure. A wellness concierge can help you plan your days exactly as you envisioned

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them, or you can take a more laidback approach. Most classes are first-come, first-serve, but as The Ranch sees anywhere from 150 to 200 people a week, it’s best to arrive on time. The pool areas and plentiful spa treatments are always available during down time — and some may argue are just as important as the scheduled activities for a true retreat experience.

The instructors are truly the best in their field, sharing everything from Pilates, yoga and weight training to guided hikes, meditation, pickleball, water jogging, tai chi and so much more. Presentations on topics like breathwork and mental resilience frequent the schedule. Each week at The Ranch often revolves around a certain theme, like sound bathing or Gyrokinesis, a form of yoga that increases spinal mobility.

The dining hall serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and there are snack breaks in between. The food at The Ranch deserves a glowing review on its own; it’s what elevates the experience to be a complete mind, body and spirit rejuvenation. The fresh and delicious meals are served buffet-style except for dinner, where you have the option to sit with other guests to instill community.

Some people may choose to partake in a silent meal, where mental stamina is really put to the test. All dietary preferences are accommodated; as a vegan myself, I felt completely taken care of.

Inspired by the quality of the cuisine, I enrolled in a cooking class and admit it was worth the added ticket price. A traveling chef shares specially crafted recipes in the world-class cooking facility, and the lessons I learned about preparing food still inspire me in my home kitchen over half a year later. The Ranch is all about bringing your experience home, and it’s what really makes the investment worthwhile.

BOOK THE RANCH What started as a grassroots wellness camp over 80 years ago has become the go-to destination for a modern fitness retreat. As a luxury wellness destination, Rancho La

Weeks later, sitting in my noisy, I-25-facing Denver apartment, I got a notification that a letter arrived — one I wrote to myself my last day at The Ranch: “I choose balance, I will be balanced, I am balanced.

I prioritize my health and wellness, so I can share my gifts with the world.

I have all the tools to make this happen.”

Puerta is truly an investment in your health.

While it’s recommended to check in on Saturday and stay for the week, three- and four-night stays are also available to book.

The property is colorful, beautiful, authentic — and massive. Be sure to go to the beginner’s orientation to learn the lay of the incredibly bountiful land. Take the time to explore The Ranch and listen to its soft, but powerful messages. Embrace the Wi-Fi-free zone (if you really need connection, the main lounge has access). It genuinely feels like a once in a lifetime experience that never stops giving and inspiring. +

rancholapuerta.com.

LEXI REICH YOGA + Life Managing Editor lexireich.com

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lifestyle / What We Love

THE SPA AT

The Brown Palace Denver

SUMMER SPECIALS June through August

O

pen since 1892, The Brown Palace is a historic icon in downtown Denver. The property has been acclaimed for its beloved dining experiences and boutique rooms, not to mention it’s hosted multiple celebrities and even a movie set. The hotel is a core cultural site for the Mile High City, and its full-service spa is worth a look.

Upon entering the Colorado granite and red sandstone structure, the vast, eight-story atrium guides guests to the spa, which once housed the grand fireplace. The spa retreat is 5,200 square feet, encompasses two floors and features a private couples suite, six treatment rooms, two locker rooms with relaxation areas and a salon.

The Brown Palace team specializes in custom treatments designed specifically for Colorado’s climate and lifestyle. Having recently checked out their spring specials, I can confidently recommend the summer and (soon-to-be-announced) fall treatments at this lavish hotel.

Spa guests are greeted with champagne, tea and fruit-infused water. While

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SUMMER LOVIN' COUPLE'S MASSAGE 50 minutes - $320 Includes customizable pressure to give a better sense of relaxation.

The service is finished with an ultranourishing cream infused with citrus and orange blossom oils to aid in skin's hydration and uplift mood. the amenities are on the lighter side, the soft oversized robes and steam room with cold eucalyptus-infused towels were all I needed. Plus, all spa guests can make use of complimentary valet parking, adding to the ease.

I booked the Indulgence Scrub + Massage and appreciated the infusion of earl grey tea in the body scrub and French lavender in the moisturizer. The pressure was consistent and relaxing, and I left feeling rejuvenated, which is all you can really ask for from a spa.

Be ready for steep prices, but really, a day at The Brown Palace naturally calls for a special occasion. If you’re able to throw in afternoon tea before or after your treatment, it’s basically guaranteed you’ll walk out of there with a tangible glow. +

The Brown Palace Spa offers Weekday Wellness specials, with $25 off 50-minute treatments on select evenings.

Learn more at brownpalace.com or 303.312.8940.

CITRUS SUNSHINE MANICURE & PEDICURE Manicure: $65 / Pedicure: $75 Includes a bright and citrusy foaming exfoliating scrub, nail and cuticle care, beachy moisturizer and nail polish.

SUMMER SAVIOR SKIN RITUAL 50 minutes - $230 Includes microdermabrasion for a deeper exfoliation, an amethystinfused hydrogel face mask and Brazilian propolis to keep skin protected, nourished and soft.

BEACH WAVE BLOW-OUT $95 Includes shampoo, deep conditioning treatment and a blow-out.

LEXI REICH YOGA + Life Managing Editor lexireich.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

paid partnership

EXPAND YOUR SENSES AT DRISHTI BEATS FESTIVAL 2023

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ift yourself a one-of-a-kind experience with yogis, musicians and speakers at Drishti Beats Festival 2023. Nestled in the Colorado mountains of Snowmass Village, this three-day yoga and music festival is sure to engage all your senses.

Explore the symbiotic relationship between yoga, music and nature July 7-9, 2023. “The serenity of nature, the rhythm of music, and the mindfulness of yoga come together to create a multi-dimensional experience that

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nurtures the mind, body, and spirit, fostering a deeper connection to oneself and the world around us,” says festival director Lori Lowell.

“The connection of movement to music takes one to a higher level of consciousness, [and] therefore serves as the theme of the Drishti Beats Yoga and Music Festival,” she adds. Drishti Beats Festival will leave you feeling refreshed and reconnected to yourself, your community, and the natural world. Every element of the festival is designed to ignite a sense of unity.

The yoga and music lineups are curated with great intention. Lowell explains, “We, Drishti Beats, have traveled the world playing and teaching at some of the largest music festivals.

We have spent the last 10 years focusing on music, sounds, frequency and vibrations to heighten our Drishti Beats Yoga class experience and have studied this. Through this process we have been able to connect with teachers and music artists who truly understand what it takes to create a heightened experience.”

The Snowmass Village location adds to the euphoric vibe of the event. With perfect summer weather and the beautiful scenery of the surrounding landscape, Snowmass is an idyllic place to rediscover that sense of connection and freedom that yoga and music so uniquely set in motion. With a myriad of accommodations from hotels to Airbnb’s, rest and rejuvenation is ensured.

Drishti Beats Festival offers yoga and music simultaneously all day long, which differentiates the event from other festivals that only offer some music experiences.

During the day, festival goers can expect a robust lineup of options, ranging from different styles of yoga including vinyasa, yin, acro, slow flow, inversions, ecstatic dance and blindfolded yoga, to mindful focus and hoola-hoop sessions. Another highlight of Drishti Beats Festival is the opportunity to indulge in nourishing and delicious food from vendors and surrounding restaurants.

The Drishti Talks portion of the festival brings in fascinating speakers who cover an

array of topics to color your thinking. The diverse array of offerings caters to the varied interests and preferences of participants, allowing them to explore and discover new practices and deepen their yoga journey. Beyond the physical aspects of yoga and the rhythm of music, this festival also offers opportunities for self-reflection, mindfulness and connection with nature. From hikes to meditation and sound healing, participants can immerse themselves in the beauty of the outdoors, allowing for a deeper connection with the natural world and a sense of grounding and presence.

With a full and vibrant music lineup, participants can not only enjoy yoga during the day but also dance the night away to popular house and tempo chilled music and a variety of ear candy to move our participants in a different way that heightens and enhances their overall experience. This unique combination of yoga and music provides a holistic experience for the senses, elevating the festival to a new level of celebration and connection. In addition, many of the music artists accompany the yoga teachers during the day which heightens the experience even more.

“By maintaining the essence of what has worked in the past while also exploring and enriching [our] offerings, we have struck a balance between familiarity and innovation,” Lowell shares. “This attention to detail and commitment to excellence ensures that the festival continues to offer a memorable and transformative experience for all who attend.”

Pick your adventure — enjoy one day or all three, just the music, just the yoga or all of the offerings. Within the atmosphere created by gifted musicians and teachers, your time at Drishti Beats Festival will expand your senses and deepen your appreciation of the symbiotic relationship between yoga, music and nature.

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lifestyle / What We Love

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1. Green Llama These eco-friendly cleaning products are a great alternative to single-use, throw away plastic cleaners. Fill each glass bottle with warm water and a biodegradable pod before use; then, refill as needed. The non-toxic solutions are safe, sustainable and effective at removing dirt and grime. $39.95 for complete home cleaning kit greenllamaclean.com 2. HOLOS Organic Overnight Muesli This delicious and nutritious breakfast option can be prepared the night before for added convenience. Made from high-quality ingredients, such as whole grains, nuts and fruits, this muesli provides a good source of fiber and protein to start your day off right. It also comes in a variety of flavors and is free from artificial additives.

Starts at $4.42 per meal us.liveholos.com

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3. Cotopaxi Cerro Travel Tight From yoga and hiking to errands and road trips, these are ideal for anyone who wants a comfortable and versatile pair of leggings while on the move. They are stretchy, moisture-wicking and quick-drying, and they feature a hidden pocket to stash your cash or car key. $90 cotopaxi.com 4. Klean Kanteen 14 oz Rise Mug Get your hefty mug fix when you’re on the go with this durable option that features a leak-proof cap and comfortable handle. It’s made from postconsumer recycled stainless steel. We’ve used it at the office and on a backcountry hut trip, with hot and cold beverages, and its only downside is that it may not fit in your car cup holder. $32.95 kleankanteen.com

5. The Wild & Sacred Feminine Deck This beautiful and empowering tarot deck celebrates divine feminine energy. It features stunning artwork and insightful messages, offering guidance and inspiration for those who want to connect with their intuition and inner wisdom. Included is a guidebook that provides detailed explanations and interpretations of each card. $35 shambhala.com 6. Adidas Sport SP0060 Aviators Pair an active lifestyle with these lightweight sunglasses. Their stylish and practical design has modern features with a timeless look, and the high-quality KOLOR UP lenses help to enhance color. Wear them to and from yoga, on the trail or during a sunny outdoor lunch. $156 adidas.com

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7. ICEMULE Jaunt This backpack cooler bag comes in two sizes — 9 liters and 15 liters — with a lightweight and portable design that keeps food and drinks cold for up to 24 hours. It features a roll-top closure and adjustable shoulder straps for added convenience and comfort. $89.95-$109.95 icemulecoolers.com 8. Rumpl Everywhere Mat Made from high-quality materials, such as ripstop nylon and waterproof TPU coating, this packable mat is designed to withstand the elements and provide a comfortable surface to sit or sleep on. It features a compact and lightweight design, so it’s easy to take on outings like picnics, camping and to the beach. $80 rumpl.com 9. BioLite SiteLight String Light up any season, inside or out, with this compact and lightweight string of lights that can be easily hung anywhere. It features a USBrechargeable battery and a durable construction, YOGALIFELIVE.COM

so you can use it on an outdoor patio, to illuminate an evening yoga class or create more ambiance at a campsite. $19.95 bioliteenergy.com 10. Royal Robbin’s Hempline Short Sleeve Shirt This shirt is made from a blend of hemp and organic cotton, combining style and sustainability.

The classic design made with more modern fabric makes it wrinkle resistant, versatile and comfortable to dress up or down. $85 royalrobbins.com 11. Patagonia Regenerative Organic Cotton Stand Up Shorts Available in men’s and women’s styles, these shorts are made from regeneratively grown, organic cotton. They are a durable and comfortable addition to your Colorado summer wardrobe. $79-$89 patagonia.com 12. Knog Scout Bike Alarm & Finder This convenient and reliable device helps protect your bike from theft. With its loud alarm and real-

time tracking capabilities, the Scout can deter thieves and help you locate your bike in case it gets stolen. It also features a long battery life, a waterproof design and a user-friendly app. $59.95 us.knog.com 13. Chaco Townes The Townes Collection is Chaco's all-new lifestyle, around-the-town footwear style. The Townes, Townes Midform and Townes Slide are made with full-grain leather straps, are lined with leather and have a metal buckle. The Midform is pictured here. $110-$115 chacos.com 14. No Stranger Mushroom Coffee Made with a blend of organic coffee and medicinal mushrooms, such as Lion's Mane, Reishi and L-Theanine, this coffee provides a natural energy boost and mental clarity. It also has a smooth and rich flavor that is perfect for coffee lovers who want to try something new. $19.99 per bag nostrangercoffee.com

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YOGA + FITNESS / Movement

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THRIVING WITH

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y yoga journey began like many people's — at a fitness class in college. Through the years, I tried different yoga classes at the gym: yoga pump, yoga burn, etc.

But somewhere in my late 20s, I decided it was time to properly learn yoga poses. I purchased the Yoga for Dummies DVD with Sara Ivanhoe and found a yoga teacher who transformed my yoga into a way of life, as it was meant to be. I was hooked.

It wasn’t until a fall on ice left me with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), along with numerous physical injuries, that I would truly come to understand the full potential of yoga and how it can positively serve us.

Among the serious physical injuries I sustained were a dislocated sternum and severe whiplash. Combined with the crazy TBI symptoms that included dizziness, lack of balance, depth perception issues and numerous cognitive issues, I was in need of some helpful guidance. I met with my yoga teacher privately to figure out what poses I could actually do, and those ended up being reduced to five: tree pose holding onto a chair, cat/cow, seated twists, eagle arms and cobra.

My sternum injury had left me only able to take shallow breaths — unable to get my breath down past my diaphragm. I be-

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gan daily breath work, along with my five poses, and as the days went on, I noticed my range of motion was increasing. In addition, my balance was becoming more stable, and my dizziness wasn’t triggered as frequently.

Most importantly, yoga had helped me turn inward, and it guided me to listen to my body in ways I never had done before.

My road to recovery was long. It has been nine years, and I’m still re-creating myself in some ways. I will never be the same person I was before my accident, and I have come to accept and embrace that fact. I looked for yoga teachers and classes that could accommodate me with my modifications and quickly found that most studios have no idea how to modify classes other than to offer child’s pose (which is not actually a resting pose). Frustrated, I began my own journey of experimenting with yoga at home and figuring out how to make it work for me.

I still didn’t discover chair-based yoga for another few years. I completed my own teacher training in 2020, and while I had been shown how to use the chair as support for standing in tree pose, no one ever showed me how you could do poses while seated. This was a game-changer for me and led me down a new path in my

own classes.

My own experiences transformed the way I teach. My yoga students are mostly brain injury survivors and those with other neurological and cognitive conditions.

I genuinely understand that if you have never had to modify your yoga due to an injury or illness, it’s not top of mind for you. And, far too many teacher trainings guide us to put a student in child’s pose or mountain pose if they need a rest. We tend to think that the modifications we have been taught apply across the board to every student with different abilities or body types. (Hint: they don’t.)

I believe that every single yoga teacher should know how to instruct a student in a chair and help them navigate class in an accessible and compassionate way. Yoga is an individual journey, even though we often practice as a group.

There is already too much of a stigma around yoga that you have to be skinny and bendy and able to get into impossible poses to participate. That is most certainly not true. Remember, asana is only one limb of yoga and is often the first way folks experience it. If we can make it more accessible to everyone, we have an opportunity to help individuals thrive in their practice and lives. +

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Amy Zellmer

chair-based yoga

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WARRIOR I (Virabhadrasana I): Come to the corner of your chair and place a bolster or pillow on the floor to support your knee.

Bend the front knee and push your foot into the floor. You can either raise your hands overhead, bring them to cactus or simply keep them on your hips.

WARRIOR II (Virabhadrasana II): Come to the corner of your chair and bend your front knee while extending your back foot out.

Lift your arms to your sides, or you may keep them on your hips.

BIRD DOG (Dandayamana Bharmanasana): Sitting to the front of your chair, keeping both sit bones equal on the chair, lift your right leg out in front while raising your left arm overhead (or to cactus). You may also lift your foot off the ground and bring your knee up instead of extending your leg.

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The chair is an underrated and underutilized prop in yoga, yet it can open up the door to help folks who might not be able to do traditional asana.

Amy Zellmer

CAMEL (Utrasana): Sitting to the front of your chair, bring your hands to the back of your chair while slowing coming into a backbend, only bending as far as it feels comfortable for you. You may also place a block behind you if that is easier to reach than the back of the chair.

EXTENDED HAND-TO-BIG-TOE (Utthita Hasta Padangustasana): Sitting to the front of your chair, place a strap around one foot. Make sure your sit bones stay equal on the seat as you raise your foot up off the floor (try holding the strap with just one hand if you can, so that you’re not twisting your body). Then, slowly bring your leg out to the side while again checking in with your sit bones.

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AMY ZELLMER Editor-In-Chief of MN YOGA + Life Magazine @amyzellmer • mnyogalife.com

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YOGA + FITNESS / In The Practice

PRINCIPLES OF

derstanding the mystery” through wedding both compelling Western gains and compassionate Eastern insights.

Before outlining the principles of prana, it’s helpful to describe this term which can often feel abstract and elusive. Prana itself is indescribable, which is why embodiment practices are the most effective in emphasizing its impact on the system. However, analytically, we can feel into the vibrational body and the subtle realms.

Prana is vibrational energy. In Sanskrit, pra means with, while na means movement. It’s the galvanizing of foundational awareness as it moves through the subtle body systems.

Breath is not prana but merely a vehicle to move prana. We often conflate the two, but in actuality, prana follows the breath.

The two are strong allies.

Prana

Y

oga, as a contemplative science, can be thought of as a laboratory — a space for experimenting with and experiencing the vividness of life, experimentation with the formless dimensions of prana. Deep research into the realms of the subtle body.

These energetic constructs are not esoteric; in fact, they are accessible technologies to understand and refine the mindful mechanics of the way the life force is balanced and distributed through the nervous system.

It’s been said that this era of practice in the industry of yoga, and the potential awareness and insights that are available,

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is unlike any other time on the planet.

As yogis, I really feel we chose to be positioned here and now as practitioners in a collective awakening.

As a species, we are at the precipice of groundbreaking, evidence-based research in mindfulness and neurological function (in fact, they called 2010 to 2020 the decade of the brain for all the advancements we made in understanding cognitive development), coupled with thousands of years of introspective and contemplative practice under our collective belt as meditators, practitioners and insight seekers.

This means we are at the frontier of “un-

YOGA CIRCULATES PRANA There are specific pathways of pranic circulation called meridians, or nadis, the streams/channels for prana’s path to flow, translated as “little rivers.”

Looking close up at a leaf, or the blood vessels of a human or the river networks on Earth, we can see clearly these natural processes all established the same mode of carrying energy, water, prana, blood flow, life force — whatever is essential — through.

We use asana to stimulate this circulation.

In yin yoga specifically, we hold each shape, practicing stillness to observe the flow of prana through tissues, the inner circulation and inner dialogue of the organs and the streams which nourish those organs.

These meridians run through the fascia, or connective tissue, which covers the musculo-skeletal system. As our objective

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Photos by Lauren O'Neill

THE 3 IMMEASURABLES OF PRANA Yoga and prana interact with one another; there are specific ways in which the practice of yoga movements, or asana, relates to our pranic patterns. I call these “the three immeasurables,” because the more you harness this relationship, the more infinite its activity and benefits, a boundless depth of practice life. In short, there are three ways yoga asana stimulates qi, or the movement of prana.

of yin practice is to lengthen connective tissue through muscular relaxation, we can open the fascia under muscle to access fluid tubes of meridians.

If prana is stagnant, the fluidity of the meridian can get sticky, harden or even calcify. Even our thoughts can influence this, which is why, in anger, the jaw hardens and, in grief, the upper back rounds.

We can lubricate and lengthen these lines to circulate the life force through a system seeking balance.

YOGA BALANCES PRANA Prana has two aspects: yin and yang. The yang of prana (simply called prana) is experienced as an ascension, carried on the wings of the in-breath; it’s an opening, an expansion and vigor and revitalization. It often comes with muscular lengthening, fascial lubrication and a levity in the system.

The Yin of prana (called apana) descends through the body-mind on an exhale. It’s downward moving, a closing contracting and returning to our basic ground of being. It’s often accompanied by a sense of surrendering or letting go. The organs prolapse slightly; even the skeleton softens and the bone marrow releases blood, and the field of the practitioner widens as it settles in.

With this in mind, we can sense that yoga isn’t stretching or strengthening or softening; it’s pranic management, organizing the skillful movement and distribution of prana.

In a relaxed state, prana can flow unimpeded and balance the system. When flowing in and out of specific asanas, it’s essential to remember that a pose is never in and of itself complete. Rather, it's a way to notice the balance of prana/apana through the system and how to cultivate and balance it in each posture. (Am I assuming a stimulating/yang-centric pose? Where can I ground?

Does this next pose engender more lethargy/sinking in my system? If so, where can I increase stimulation and focus?)

YOGA INCREASES OUR ACCESS TO PRANA This is a principal concept in the shapes we take, as yoga asana becomes a mechanism to build and distribute power/awareness.

It’s been suggested that the vital center of the body is the low belly, what the Japanese call hara. Some joke the Buddha was always pictured with a full round belly, because he was so full of prana!

In asana, we play with the movement of meridians from the center, so that awareness of the storehouse of prana is emphasized. From the center of your being, this wide abidance is where prana flows outward. In fact, in each pose you might inhale into the center of your low abdomen and exhale to distribute the qi. +

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YOGA + FITNESS / In The Practice

A MODERN GUIDE TO

Manifesting Your Dream Life

W

hat if you could completely transform your life by simply thinking your way to a new reality? This is the basic premise of manifestation. It’s the idea that, if you change your mindset, you can change your life, too. Manifestation teaches that you can “draw in” your goals by thinking positively and envisioning them as if you already achieved them.

The concept isn’t new. From books such as The Secret to methodology outlined by Esther and Jerry Hicks, manifestation is a well-established practice. But, modern times call for modern solutions.

In an era where apps like TikTok rule the day, there’s bound to be some nuance and repackaging to spruce up the understanding of certain practices. This generation is fully prepared to sink their teeth into manifestation — just don’t expect it to look exactly like the stiff, regimented techniques of time’s past.

TAKE WHAT RESONATES, LEAVE WHAT DOESN’T Modern manifestation is an amalgamation of the new and old. Sure, there are definite-

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ly tenants of the Law of Attraction sprinkled into the mix. But, with so many micro thought leaders to discover on social media, there are countless variants to what may be the best way to manifest.

Take what resonates, leave what doesn’t.

It’s a phrase you’ll hear a lot if you’re on the spiritual side of TikTok. It encapsulates the modern approach to manifesting well. You don’t need to stick to one course of action to manifest. You can create a patchwork of methods that feel right to you just by scrolling through #howtomanifest.

HOW TO MANIFEST — A MODERN TAKE So, what does modern manifestation look like? There’s a seemingly endless stream of options right at our fingertips. Here are just a handful of examples you may see on your “For You Page.”

I’m a Lucky, Lucky Girl “Lucky girl syndrome” was a malady we all wanted to catch in early 2023 after creator @lauragalebe described how simply claiming to be the luckiest person alive helped her create a life she loves.

Her method is to never speak phrases like “nothing ever works out for me.”

Instead, she only speaks positivity over her life. She even says the practice may seem “delusional.” But for her and a lot of other people on TikTok, simply claiming to be lucky seems like an effective manifestation technique.

Dance Towards Your Goals I think most of us can agree that music has a powerful, dare I say magical, quality about it. Since manifestation is about marinating in all things positive, it’s not a huge jump to see how listening to positive music may be a great way to manifest.

Cue "Lucky Girl" by Carlina Likely inspired by the “lucky girl syndrome” trend we talked about before, this tune is essentially an affirmation you can hum along to. Carlina sings, “I’m a lucky girl, I do lucky things. Getting all my dreams. For what it's worth, it seems that I'm a lucky girl.”

Some other songs in the same vein are Just Like Magic by Ariana Grande and I Am

by Yung Baby Tate.

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Write it Into Existence Scripting isn’t a new manifestation technique.

But, there are plenty of new ways to use writing as a tool to move towards your goals.

One approach TikTok creators swear by is the 3-6-9 method. You simply write down what you’re trying to manifest three times in the morning, six times in the afternoon and nine times in the evening.

Stay Hydrated You drink water every day. Or at least you should be! Why not imbibe in some manifestation at the same time?

TikTok creator @divinelymagnetic claimed that one way to manifest your dream body is to whisper your goal into your water before drinking it. As silly as it sounds, this is a popular technique that has been around since long before social media.

SO, IS MANIFESTING LEGIT? So, does manifestation really work? Well, it depends on what your parameters are. There’s

plenty of anecdotal evidence that can lead one to conclude manifesting is effective.

Does that mean it’s a magical fix-all? No, not necessarily. But, there is evidence that the practice of shifting your mindset does have very real, positive effects on the brain.

Our minds are more malleable than you may think. Through this neat feature called neuroplasticity, you can rework the wiring of your brain at any point in life. In fact, according to the University of Utah, there is scientific merit to the idea that thought alone can change your brain. They found that visualization can increase neuroplastic gains.

One study found that piano players could successfully practice through visualizing. Another study found that tennis players that visualized themselves playing better actually did see a performance improvement. These are just two examples of how manifestation-like practices can truly be worthwhile.

Remember, both in the spiritual and practical implementation of manifesting, it’s vital

to take action. There is no “cheat code.”

Achieving your goals will never be realistic if you’re twiddling your fingers waiting for them to materialize out of nowhere. In the spiritual sense, you must be a “co-creator” with the powers that be.

Whether you need concrete proof or you’re on board with having faith in the unknown, manifestation has a lot to offer.

As new generations take up the helm, we will surely continue to see new, sometimes silly, ways to incorporate it into our lives.

From the practical to the esoteric to everything in between, manifestation is here to stay. Now, all that’s left to explore is how you‘ll think your dream life into existence. +

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MY FIRST

Yoga Retreat Experience What I Learned About Myself + Tips for Other Newbies

I

heard a fellow yogi say retreats aren’t a privilege, nor a luxury. They’re a necessity. I get that. I feel it in my core. And, I’m making it a mantra. Here’s why.

Momming, emailing, driving, cooking, laundry and dishes, walking the dog, all of the loving tasks that make up life — I can happily say I did zero of those things in Costa Rica.

And when I returned at the end of January from a week-long retreat with Minturn, Colorado-based Anahata Yoga, I fell back into step with brighter-eyed gratitude.

I’d been craving a retreat for years, and I’d placated that hunger with a steady feed of mountain town yoga classes, energy work, women’s circles and epically rewarding journaling workshops I’d recently started leading. I am fortunate to have a malleable, freelancer’s work-from-anywhere schedule, able to pop into a noon vinyasa class, a

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weekend meditation circle or a Thursday night sound healing. That’s non-negotiable me-time, and I prioritize it.

But, the full immersion was missing.

I have a son who’s now 7 and, for his first five years, I was the main person in his every day. The thought of leaving him for a week and breaking that bond of stability — him knowing I’d be there, dropping him off and picking him up from school, packing his snacks, tucking him in at night and sewing legs back on his favorite lovie when the dog chewed one off again — was hard to embrace. My husband’s high-demand administrative role keeps him away 60 to 70 hours a week; he pitches in every minute he can, but logistically for me to leave for a week, back-up troops would need to be called in.

So, that’s what we did. Nana came to live with my husband and son for a week,

and I grabbed a direct flight to Liberia, Costa Rica to take a pause from the race to be productive.

What I expected was a lot more do and go. What I got was glorious free time to roam and rest and reconnect with myself.

Encantada (literal translation: enchanting) brought the pura vida pace of life to 18 of us retreating souls. The beach cottage destination had everything we needed: hammocks, a pool, an open-air yoga shala, a full-service restaurant serving three locally sourced, healthy meals a day, cruiser bikes, miles of sandy beach to walk, surf lessons and massage offerings.

A daily itinerary wasn’t sent out pre-travel.

The retreat organizer and Anahata studio owner Chelsea Winters planned each of the seven days out with a beautiful blend of mindful precision and flowing free time. I loved that.

I knew that morning yoga would begin at 7:30 a.m. next to the warm, salty ocean and that rich Costa Rican coffee and fresh plucked bananas would be waiting in the open-air restaurant where the house cats lounged and occasionally lifted their heads to watch tiny lizards flick by. I knew that after a breakfast of fresh juice (passion fruit and mango was a crowd pleaser), chia, eggs, gallo pinto and sticky sweet grilled plantains, I could read a book (I finished three books that week! Unheard of at home) or take a barefoot beach walk, lounge on an oceanside bed or doze off by the pool and sneak in a nap (also unheard of). I knew that we’d reconvene late afternoon for an intentional shala workshop on meditation, mantras, cacao or mala-making and that I’d learn something new from a sun-kissed retreater that night over our woodfire-grilled

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Photos courtesy of Lisa Blake

YOGA + FITNESS / Trainings + Retreats

dinner. I treasured the fact that I’d probably go to bed by 9 p.m. and relish in my nine hours of slumber before rising with the sun to journal and breathe by the water in the 72-degree morning light.

We were 30 minutes south of Jaco on the Pacific coast and in a radiant zone of positive energy, deep peace and slower, simple living.

After a day or two of feeling a little off kilter — like I should be doing something, right? — the zen seeped into my pores and bones, and I felt that full alignment with my true essence, connected to source energy and fully embracing the joyful wholeness of just being.

Retreat time reinforced those hometown rituals I’ve come to grow quite fond of (okay, borderline addicted to) in daily life. My yoga, meditation and journaling practice is strong and a crucial anchor. I left Costa Rica feeling truly present and tapped into myself. I think that’s the most coveted retreat gift — that time we don’t or won’t take for ourselves when we’re blindingly deep in the grind to be present and listen to that inner voice.

It’s an introspective gift, one that I plan on giving myself at least once a year. +

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S CA N T H I S + S I G N U P To receive inspiring emails from YOGA + Life®

YOGA RETREAT TIPS FOR FIRST-TIMERS

Yoga pants are great for airport travel, not so great for humid Central America al fresco yoga practices. Pack yoga shorts and tanks or athletic bras.

Take the time to journal and reflect while you’re there.

Read books. Lots of books. The ones you’ve been wanting to finish for years.

There’s a great sense of accomplishment there.

Go on an excursion. Just choose one or two. No need to spend the whole time seeing the sloths, hiking, ziplining, riding in shuttles to and fro. But maybe try a surf lesson one morning or get a massage.

Drink a ton of water. Hydrated bodies and minds perform better. Bring travel Pepto and Imodium. Just in case.

Try the local fish. Don’t be scared if its head is still on or you don’t know what that green sauce is (it’s probably chimichurri, and it’s delicious).

Unplug. There will likely be Wi-Fi access, but other than checking in with my husband and son once and snapping a few pics, I found great benefit from being away from my phone. The weight of it, the temptation and addiction of a quick Instagram scroll — there’s no need.

LISA BLAKE Freelance Writer lisablakecreative.com

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YOGA + FITNESS / Seva

Veterans Yoga Project

S

eva is a sacred yogic principle that translates to “selfless service.” More specifically, it is service free from expectation of reward. Seva seeks the amelioration of humanity; seva unites us with others.

Military members are often commended for serving and providing the ultimate sacrifice, yet they are frequently forgotten in civilian society. Veterans and troops embody seva, and Veterans Yoga Project (VYP) is providing the tools for them to thrive by serving those who have served and by guiding them through recovery and building resilience with yoga.

Val Brainerd, Veterans Yoga Project Colorado state director, yoga instructor and navy veteran, says, “We believe that every veteran has earned the right to reintegrate into civilian life fully empowered to become

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successful, well-rounded individuals with healthy relations to their families and communities.” VYP believes that through breath, meditation, mindful movement, guided rest and gratitude, veterans can accomplish that.

Brainerd points out that yoga is for everybody, and VYP extends help to all veterans, active-duty troops, first responders, their families and their communities. The organization works in partnership with other veteran services including Veterans Affairs, American Legions and student veteran organizations.

Yoga is not one-size-fits all, and it does not cure post-traumatic stress or post-traumatic stress disorder, PTS(D); it is simply another tool to help people be their best. “Veterans with PTS have found that yoga therapy does, however, help them sleep better, concentrate, think more

clearly, manage anger and aggression more easily and find comfort in their own skin,” Brainerd shares.

Many veterans and active-duty troops may be hesitant to jump into a yoga class because of the unique atmosphere. As Brainerd explains, though, yogic values align with military values, making yoga an inviting medium for healing and self-exploration; each branch of the military holds a specific set of values, and many of them are rooted in integrity, respect and commitment to service before self, which are foundational yogic principles, too.

VYP instructors are encouraged to call upon these values in their classes. They offer a myriad of classes including gentle yoga, yin yoga, chair yoga, power yoga, breathwork and more. VYP instructors teach over 100 free yoga classes a week — both

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Photos courtesy of Veterans Yoga Project

Serving Those Who Have Served

in-person and online — for veterans, service members, first responders, their families and their communities. Plus, VYP organizes in-person and online events around the nation to bring people together.

To create more safe spaces for veterans, military members and first responders, VYP offers trainings for yoga teachers, yoga therapists, clinicians and others who assist those with PTS(D) and mental health challenges. The trainings are created by the military community for the military community. Some of their trainings include the Mindful Resilience for Trauma Recovery training and a 200-hour yoga teacher training, and they are held online and in varying states, including Colorado.

The call to union through selflessness is deeply woven in military service and the practice of yoga. As yogis and teachers, it is vital that we recognize veterans — and the other groups of people that have made commitments to serve 24/7, 365 days a year — and welcome them into our spaces and classes. “Some of us have visible injuries, some do not. Some might want to ask for help, most will not,” Brainerd emphasizes, “but veterans, just like everybody else out there, can benefit from a yoga practice.

Welcome veterans into your classes, and accept them as they are.”

“I feel really fortunate; I’ve had a lot of great teachers along the way, a humongous support network, and I wish everyone else could have that,” Brainerd says. “In the classes that I teach, I try to bring that approach to it.” In addition to the classes she holds for veterans each week, Brainerd also works with Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports, where she teaches VYP classes at their facility and as part of their veterans’ camps.

Seva comes in many forms. For some, seva shows up in their work, others volunteer with organizations such as VYP (like Brainerd, one of the many volunteers that make VYP prosper) and others find seva through random acts of kindness. When we are aware of the endless opportunities to serve, seva becomes inherent and synergetic, benefiting our communities and ourselves. Supporting every human effort to thrive is a patchwork of others who have chosen to serve in both small and big ways. +

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To find veteran resources, yoga classes, teacher trainings or support the recovery and resilience of military members and their communities, visit veteransyogaproject.org.

You can also connect with Veterans Yoga Project on YouTube at Veterans Yoga Project and on Instagram @veteransyogaproject.

KRISTEN GRACE YOGA + Life Partnerships Director + Digital Editor @kristengraceyoga

47

Outside / Fresh Air

Lessons

from the Black Canyon

W

e can only meet others at the depth that we’ve met ourselves, and Colorado’s 2,722 foot-deep chasm of the Black Canyon of The Gunnison is one heck of a metaphor for that. It takes ability, willingness and courage to bring yourself to the base of the dark canyon floor and to climb the massive shadowed walls back out. Walker Brice — EMT, student of nursing and member of the Black Canyon Search and Rescue (SAR) team — has learned some of the most

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valuable life lessons within those walls.

Climbing ranger Vic Zeilman describes the canyon as “chossy rock as old as time marred by thick bands of loose pegmatite, steep approach drainages filled with poison ivy thickets, vampire-like ticks, chupacabras and god knows what else” in The Climbing Zine. When you choose to go to the bottom of a place like this and start placing gear up the fissured wall, well, you’re committed now.

Brice first heard about the Black on a Wilderness Medicine and Rescue National Out-

door Leadership School (NOLS) course. The canyon, located about 13 miles north-east of Montrose, was referred to as the “anti-Yosemite” — not flashy, not a lot of people and sandbagged climbs. He was hooked before even laying eyes.

“This place will push you to find out what you’re made of and there’s value in that,” he says. This SAR team has some of the most skilled rescue personnel in the world, yet you’d never know it. They train not just in highly complex systems and scenarios, but in all aspects of communication and showing up for each other. “This has everything to do with the canyon, because that place will strip you of your ego,” Brice believes.

“I credit 85% of my success in rescue and health care to learning to become an active follower,” he says. “I wasn’t great at that before my NOLS course and climbing in the Black.” Through experiencing those demanding environments, he realized he loved problem solving his way through challenges.

A deep desire and will to run into the depths took root through Brice’s being and translated into a passion in emergency medicine.

Although, this comes at a cost to himself.

“Yeah, it’s my job, but I also pay a price,” he says. “Meeting someone at their worst deeply affects me, but in the moment, I put those things aside to perform — to look that person in the eyes and tell them we’re going to walk them out.”

How Brice has felt at moments climbing in the Black, uncomfortable and afraid but fully tuned in to calculated performance, is how he feels when he goes into those situations.

“I’m taking everything in. I’m thinking ahead.

I’m looking at the vital signs and questioning what’s happening inside the body of the person that is sick.”

Part of being in healthcare and the climbing community is also about showing up as a

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Photos courtesy of Walker Brice

Walker Brice

team with compassion, like communicating with the parents of a sick 2-year-old or a climbing partner in a sketchy situation or walking a patient through a 1,800-vertical-foot uphaul rescue. Brice's capacity for empathy comes from the depths he’s faced himself.

In 2020, Brice and climbing ranger and mentor, Philippe Wheelock, had just finished a route on the Painted Wall when they got a call that a college student had driven off the south rim. The recovery took a full week due to snowstorms and helicopter needs. At the time, Brice was struggling at his own rock bottom, yet he chose to move beyond his pain to stay there through it all. Afterwards, he knew this bond with the Black, a place that represented, literally and metaphorically, climbing out of this massive dark hole, was sealed.

Brice is a guy who’s going to get the rope up no matter what. The Black carved him out to be that way. When the only way is up, “Make it happen,” he says, in memory of his late colleague, Cortney. +

ERIN PHILLIPS Writer + Adventure Photographer @erinmp93 • erinmariedesigns.com

Spoke+Blossom is a lifestyle print and digital magazine based in Western Colorado — an incredible place to live, work + play.

S+B builds community by creating thought-provoking content and stunning photography that highlight a truly vibrant way of living.

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Outside / Fresh Air

Ecotherapy Developing a reciprocal relationship with nature may be the key to improving your own health, and that of the planet.

H

ave you ever been out on the trail and found yourself inexorably drawn towards a particular tree, plant or flower? Whether you want to look at it, touch or smell it, some hidden part of you feels that it has something to offer you, even if you don’t understand exactly what. According to integrative psychotherapist Stefan Batorijs, the reason for this may lie in your genes.

“We've all been hunter-gatherers in past lives, and that's still inside us, so we have this instinctive knowledge and wisdom within us to do with plants,” explains Batorijs, founder of the Ecotherapy Project and mountain leader. This understanding of our ancestral relationship with nature forms the foundation of his work as an ecotherapist.

Ecotherapy is an increasingly popular form of counseling that uses physical interaction with nature as a tool for healing. Now, the idea of nature time as therapy probably isn’t news to you as a Colorado resident. You probably practice it every day, inhaling the scent of pine on a sunrise hike, listening to the sound of rushing water as you run alongside a creek or feeling the breeze in your face as you ride your mountain bike downhill. But, however much joy you derive from your time in nature, it’s common to also feel a sense of disenfranchisement around the health of the planet, and many of us seek out talk therapy as a result. Here, Batorijs explains that heading

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outdoors for ecotherapy can be really beneficial, because it actually requires you to build a more reciprocal relationship with nature than you might currently be enjoying on your daily hikes. As in, you don’t just come to nature for healing; you give something back. ​​"The origins of the word ecotherapy mean to take care of our home, which means taking care of the earth, so what I try to encourage is a reciprocal relationship, so that when people come out into nature, there's a give-and-take between people and nature,” he adds.

Stepping into the role of becoming a steward of nature is something that helps many people to feel more empowered and cope with the stress of climate change — something that 84% of people said they were at least moderately concerned about in a 2021 survey of 10,000 people across the globe.

“It's not just about nature being a resource for people's mental health, but it's also about educating people to then want to protect nature,” explains Batorijs. "I think we're becoming increasingly aware of the destruction that we're causing to the planet. More and more people are being affected negatively by climate change and how we as a species are impacting the environment.”

Of course, you can start with the obvious — taking part in conservation efforts such as local trail cleanups, examining your recycling practices or working with a local wild-

JULIA CLARKE Author + Yoga Teacher @juliaclarkeyoga juliaclarkeyoga.com

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Photo by Jack Affleck

RECLAIM YOUR POWER WITH

life trust. Taking the bull by the proverbial horns and engaging in activities like these positively impacts your natural surroundings, and it can also help you overcome any sense of helplessness you may be experiencing around the health of the planet.

“A lot of people feel disempowered, but I really feel very passionately that by going out and creating a reciprocal relationship then we feel that we're doing our little bit to try and restore the balance,” says Batorijs.

If you want to take things a step further, he encourages working with a trained ecotherapist and developing a more spiritual relationship with nature. Such a relationship can include reading a poem aloud to nature, bringing food and drink to share with the forest or taking your meditation or yoga practice outdoors.

"It's really powerful to feel connected to the land and the forest and feel that we're giving something back, because just by sitting with the forest and becoming sensitive to it, it's helping us to understand our impact on the environment."

Though it may take time for us to soothe the strain we’ve put on our planet these past couple of centuries, individual transformation can happen quite quickly with this type of work; according to Batorijs, it ordinarily takes just a few sessions for his clients to form a better sense of their place within the grand scheme of things. At the same time, some things that have been bothering them no longer seem of any consequence and so-called "short-term" mental health issues are quickly resolved.

"People tend to get in touch with their true selves. Through this process of working together in nature, people access a part of themselves that has a strong sense of authenticity and of their own identity that has a place outside of the constructs of culture and society. By working in nature, people feel that they're being heard and they have a place there,” believes Batorijs.

And of course, you do have a place here.

It’s your home. +

Outside / Environment

Orient Land Trust Protecting + Preserving in the San Luis Valley

Photo by kaitlin emig

T

he Orient Land Trust (OLT) is a stakeholder in environmental protection and preservation of the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado. This organization encapsulates a unique high desert area that is both full of life and raw from the vulnerable landscape that surrounds. The Orient Land Trust’s mission includes preserving and protecting wildlife habitat, natural and biological resources, history, open space, agricultural activity, clothing-optional opportunities and the hot springs for the education and enjoyment of current and future generations.

Nestled in the foothills of the San Luis Valley close to Crestone and the Great Sand Dunes National Park, the Orient Land Trust occupies land with a rich history of mining, homesteading and healing waters. The land trust was set up in 2001 as a nonprofit organization to protect an area that was then experiencing significant development, explains Doug Bishop, executive director of the OLT. This was when open space was being subdivided into 35- and 40-acre parcels for people moving to the area to build their houses and homesteads.

“We wanted to preserve a little of the remaining undeveloped land for the history, the agricultural heritage and the remarkable high desert views,” he says. Bishop was on the original board that helped create the nonprofit and has been in his current posi-

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tion for nine years.

The founders of the land trust, Neil and Terry Seitz, began their involvement in the mid-1970s by reclaiming the structures and pools that have decayed over time since their inception in the 1920s. Their goal of maintaining the land for future generations developed into the creation of the trust encompassing the Orient Mine, Everson Ranch, over 1,000 acres of open space and the small oasis known as Valley View Hot Springs.

Just some of the many resources under OLT include a free-flowing natural spring water on the land for soaking, drinking, heating, electricity generation, endangered fish habitat and natural irrigation. The 760acre Everson Ranch, a remnant of a large acreage homestead from the 1870s, models sustainable agriculture, conservation of natural resources and promotion of responsible alternative energy. The historic Orient Mine, active from 1880 to 1932, once mined iron but now houses over 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats, which is Colorado's largest migratory colony. Seeing these emerge from their cave at dusk to feed is a memorable sight for all ages.

The Orient Land Trust is supported through membership and partnerships with organizations, such as Central Colorado Conservancy and the U.S. Department of the Interior Bureau of Land Management. Through conservation easements and research part-

nerships with The Nature Conservancy and Colorado Department of Parks and Wildlife, the OLT protects thousands of acres of open space free from development pressure while maintaining uninterrupted landscapes for over 11,000 visitors annually to enjoy.

Bishop acknowledges the steady and reliable supporters as a diverse and widespread community. “Many of our supporters have been coming for a long time; in some cases, people have been involved for 30 years and longer,” he says. “The guidelines are minimal, which allows the guests and supporters to establish the culture and values.”

The culture created with the Orient Land Trust and Valley View Hot Springs is different than any other area in the state. Bishop acknowledges that, when guest arrive, they are invited to create the experience they idealize, which results in a tranquil, open and accepting place. “We do very little in the way of dictating and regulating the experience,” he says. There are not many rules, except the golden rule to treat others fairly. Bishop urges visitors to take responsibility for their actions and acknowledge the local environment.

Bishop believes the land trust can be an inspiration and serve as a model for other land trusts. “We would like to see the opportunities for clothing-optional living increase.

We would like to see historic places and structures receive protection. We strive to protect the natural resources of soil, geology, wildlife habitat and vital natural areas by encouraging others to make efforts to increase environmental knowledge and action,” he says.

The Orient Land Trust regularly offers information about the wildlife, the night sky, geology, alternative energy, responsible stewardship and history to its community.

Upcoming projects include irrigating the hayfields, fixing fences and maintaining the infrastructure and grounds.

Details about membership and ways to support can be found at their website, olt.org.

KAITLIN EMIG Writer @sunflower_lion

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outside / Summer + Fall 2023 GEAR 1 3 2

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1. UCO Gear Four-Piece Mess Kit This lightweight and durable kit is made of 90% natural materials. The plate, bowl and spork all tether for easy storage and transport. $18.99 ucogear.com 2. Isle Pioneer Pro Series Isle’s new Pioneer Pro Series bridges the gap between an inflatable and hardshell watercraft, delivering performance and versatility, and offering two to three times more rigidity, durability and glide than traditional inflatable models. Isle’s stainless steel G-Hook system allows you to link up with other Isle Link compatible boards, seamlessly convert between kayak and SUP modes, and attach new Isle accessories such as coolers. $895-$1,095 islesurfandsup.com

3. Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts Go light with these high-performance shorts, available for men and women with several options for inseam length. With a range of pockets and reflective detailing, these shorts are super functional and a top choice for all types of runners. $85 patagonia.com

5. Therm-a-Rest Honcho Poncho Down Hanging out at camp just got a little cozier. The Honcho Poncho is now available with down insulation (the original has synthetic insulation).

This blanket-like fireside staple moves with you when you’re wearing it but packs down when you’re transporting it. $195 thermarest.com

4. Nathan Limitless Run Sling 2L This versatile and functional hydration pack is suitable for running and other outdoor activities.

With its 2-liter capacity and easy-to-use design, it provides enough space for essentials like water, snacks and a phone. $70 nathansports.com

6. Wondery Parks of the USA Water Bottle Celebrate the wonders of the U.S. with this fun and practical accessory for those who love the great outdoors. The design features illustrations of iconic national parks, making it a great way to show off your love for the natural beauty of the United States, while staying hydrated as you roam. $58 wonderybrand.com

YOGA + LIFE STAFF

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7. Ortovox Peak Light 32 Pack For the love of mountaineering, this high-tech pack provides enough space for essential gear and features a range of pockets and attachment points for convenient storage. The backpack's lightweight and durable construction, coupled with its comfortable and adjustable fit, make it an excellent choice for alpine adventures. $200 ortovox.com 8. Eddie Bauer High Route Grid Fleece Half-Zip Mock Next-to-skin comfort is noticeable with the grid fleece material on the interior of this essential layer. The fabric provides warmth and breathability, while also wicking away moisture. $90 eddiebauer.com

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9. Outdoor Research Ferrosi Transit Pants These will be your go-to pants for before, during and after outdoor activities. Stretchy, light and breathable, the pants feature a range of pockets and a durable, water-repellent finish. $89 outdoorresearch.com 10. Habitude Family & Group Camping Tent Ideal for a small family, this tent has a high ceiling, so standing up isn’t an issue. It’s easy to pitch and dialed for ultimate camping comfort. Available in four-person and six-person sizing. $450-$530 msrgear.com

11. onX Backcountry App This is truly a powerful tool for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the backcountry.

The app provides access to detailed maps, including topography and satellite imagery, and it has offline capabilities. The app also includes features such as waypoints, tracking and weather updates, making it a valuable companion for hikers, campers and hunters alike. $29.99-$99.99 per year membership onxmaps.com 12. Outdoor Vitals Summit Sleeping Bag With its ultralight and compressible design, this sleeping bag is made for backpacking and camping trips. Insulation options range from -15 degrees to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmth to weight ratio on this bag is truly impressive. $285-$390 outdoorvitals.com

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wellness / Ayurveda

Dharma Parenting

Raising Happy + Successful Children

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icture the scene: you’re trying to get all the kids fed and out the door for school on time. One has plowed through two bowls of cereal and is screaming for a third. Another is still in their room doing God-knows-what while their cereal gets soggy. The third has dumped their breakfast down their clothes, because they were eating it while running in circles pretending to be an airplane.

Having more than one child virtually guarantees conflicting personalities and traits; even having an only child that’s different from you can be a challenge. But, what if there was a way to better understand your children and tailor daily life to meet their unique needs without losing your mind in the process? This is the subject of a book by neuroscientist Dr. Keith Wallace, Dharma Parenting, which offers a personalized approach to raising happy and successful children based on the wisdom of Ayurveda, and it could revolutionize your home life.

Dharma is a Sanskrit word meaning a way of living that upholds evolution by promoting balance, prosperity and spiritual freedom. Ayurveda is a traditional, holistic system of medicine from India. Together, the two can help you to overcome frustration and develop compassion for your children.

“It helps parents become more empathetic to their kids,” says Wallace, who developed the technique after parenting his two sons, thanks to his schooling in Ayurveda which

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outlines three distinct brain-body types, called doshas. The doshas teach you how to view your child’s behavior and tendencies through the lens of the five elements.

THE KAPHA CHILD The kapha child is governed by earth and water and has a grounded disposition and an easygoing attitude to life. They sleep deeply and find it difficult to wake up in the morning. From the moment the alarm sounds until bedtime, the kapha child takes twice as long to do anything as everyone else. They’re always late for school, slower to pick up new information and slow to forget. They don’t often have meltdowns, but may be prone to melancholy. Rather than trying to get your kapha child to move faster, which will make them impatient and stubborn, Wallace explains that you need to give them more time — for everything.

“They need more time for getting up in the morning; they need more time for eating breakfast; they need more time for putting on their clothes, even getting out the door,” he adds.

View your kapha child like a slow-moving river, and let them flow at their own magnificent pace. But, you’ll want to start setting the alarm earlier.

THE PITTA CHILD The pitta child is governed by fire. This child may be organized, efficient and top of the

class. They run hot and sharp in every way; good luck getting them to wear a coat in winter. Fire also rules in their appetite, and if they have to wait for food you can expect fireworks. The biggest thing you can do to avoid a meltdown is to make sure meals are on time, and never get caught out of the house without emergency snacks on hand.

“If they’re super pitta, and they have a big temper, you're in serious trouble at that moment,” says Wallace. “The only thing you can do is try to get them some food as quickly as possible, knowing that if you can get them some food, you can at least begin to calm them down.”

Tend to your pitta child’s fire, and don’t let the flames die down due to lack of fuel.

THE VATA CHILD The vata child is governed by air and space and is slender and like a whippet in nature — always moving. They’re creative, imaginative and pick up new information quickly but are easily distracted. Everything is unpredictable with vata children, including their appetites, and they tend to be light sleepers from birth. Vata children are highly sensitive, so sensory overload can be stressful for them and a nourishing routine is like a tonic.

“They're much more sensitive, so you take them to a shopping mall and suddenly they're overwhelmed by everything. And, they're out of focus; they're not going to do what they're told. They're just in another universe. So, you have to protect them more when they're younger,” Wallace explains.

Your vata child is like the wind and can’t be tamed, but you can build a shelter for them.

Shield them from overwhelm and distraction with a to-do list on the wall, so they always have a reference for what they need to be doing.

“They don't like it, but they absolutely need it. They need to be grounded,” says Wallace.

Having more than one child is a challenge, Wallace acknowledges, but it can be done. The key lies in recognizing each child for who they are and not who you want them to be. +

JULIA CLARKE Author + Yoga Teacher @juliaclarkeyoga juliaclarkeyoga.com

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paid partnership

LIGHTWORKER UV Fitness & Yoga Mat Sanitizer

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n the beginning, just a humble inventor John was trying to solve a problem for his wife Laurie.

Her yoga mat was stinky, and she couldn’t get it clean enough to stop smelling bad. He discovered that ultraviolet light was the best way to kill bacteria and bacteria was causing the smell.

After a few tries John created a way to move the yoga mat between two UV light bulbs, leaving the yoga mat clean and fresh smelling.

10 years later, the founder of Manduka Yoga Mats, Peter Sterios, and the co-founder of Mindbody teamed up with Derek Spurlock, the CEO who purchased the concept from John Burnaby, to create a new delivery system for yoga mat cleaning. The Lightworker UV was born from this amazing pairing of talent.

As yoga studios across the country come to life again after challenges and periods of closure, many of us are returning to our sacred space to practice and restore our inner peace.

Some yogis are rolling out their mats again after extended time off with the hope of reconnecting to community, fresh energy and a sense of hope for what is ahead. Some feel deeply committed to their practice as it has been a beacon of solace during the pandemic, while others have hesitations and apprehension about getting back on their mats, though wanting to reconnect to their sacred center.

For most of us, our yoga mats feel like a trusted friend. A grounding and familiar spot where we cycle through all emotions, movements and shifts in our being. We trust our mat to ground us as we change. Yogis invest in their mats, wanting the best technology, performance and dependability from them. So, after a powerful yoga class, we struggle with how to honor our mat for its contribution.

Concerns of germs, grime, sweat and funk have always been here, but the world feels different now. Humans have implemented advanced cleaning in so many areas to create new peace in the middle of a pandemic life. Studios like yours have invested in advanced chemicals, wipes and

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cleaning methods which require time, effort and too many additional processes. Many students feel comfort in how the studio space is cleaned for them, but then they unroll their own soiled mat and practice again on the same uncleaned material. We know that our mats aren’t clean, we just don’t have a fast and easy solution that allows us to do anything different. Without realizing it we are treating our best friend poorly, right after the spiritual reset we have just experienced with them.

We are here to help. Lightworker UV has the latest cutting-edge addition for you and your studio to use. An elegant technology that cleans with UV Light. Our unique sanitizing system ensures that you can easily dry sanitize any mat in about 20 seconds.

Allowing every student with a mat in your studio to be empowered by cleaning their mat before or after class.

Today's fast paced world requires that we stay focused on the most important aspects of our community’s journey with us. You can easily keep pace with those requirements for safety and peace of mind during daily practices by providing the newest technology to effortlessly sanitize their yoga mats while removing odor and all harmful bacteria instantly.

It’s our sincere hope that your sacred space is beginning to flourish. The fall teacher training sessions are being scheduled and are filling up quickly. Many are joining uplifting studios to practice and deepen their connection. The magic that happens while on our mats and the collective energy of in-person classes is amplified by renewed peace of mind knowing that we can sanitize our beloved mats with ease and look forward to the next session. We are here to help you take your studio safety and wellness to the next level by spreading light.

View a Demo of the technology in action lightworkeruv.com

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wellness / Health

Advocate for Your Pelvic Health Youngs. Connective tissues that line every part of our body — bones, muscles, organs, etc. — can store those stress hormones and become tight and tense.

“Beyond musculoskeletal consideration, energetically our pelvic bowls house the sacral chakra, where inspiration, creativity, pleasure and sensuality emerge. Feeling stuck in any of those areas is just as valid a reason to get curious or seek out a practitioner as having something we traditionally consider ‘wrong,’” says Youngs.

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nless we experience “something wrong down there” or receive postpartum care, we often don’t learn about the very core region of our human bodies — our pelvic bowl.

“Pelvic health is so often out of the normal repertoire of health care and our vernacular of how we’ve learned to take care of ourselves,” says Jessa Youngs, a licensed acupuncturist and fertility awareness educator, who holds a master’s in oriental medicine. She owns Embodied Wholeness, which provides holistic cycle and pelvic care in Fort Collins. In this article, Youngs and Rachel Ohene, a licensed occupational therapist (OT) and owner of Liberate Pelvic Health in Denver, share their experience of why pelvic health education is important, how dysfunction can present itself in all bodies and what interventions are available.

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WHY PELVIC EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT “We're conditioned to be tight in our pelvic bowl, partially because of a toxic sexual culture and a medical system that doesn’t inquire or empower people with their pelvic health,” Ohene believes. She values marketing her practice across all genders, stages of life and backgrounds, especially with marginalized populations, to acknowledge how those factors may play a role in seeking and receiving appropriate health care.

Specialists believe everything is connected into this region, including our spine and nervous system, and the way we behaviorally hold our bodies throughout the day plays hugely into our pelvic health. “We're not taught to move through our emotions in a healthy way, and when we go through our day stuffing down stress, trauma and emotions, they get held in the pelvic bowl,” adds

DYSFUNCTION CONSIDERATIONS “There is a huge emphasis on postpartum care, which our society needs, but there’s a lot more to be acknowledged and addressed,” stresses Ohene. “In our traditional medical system, diseases get labeled into one category, such as digestive or reproductive, but they’re systemic immune and endocrine disorders resulting in inflammation and hormonal imbalance. And our mental and emotional well being also plays largely into our cellular and hormonal response,” adds Youngs.

She noticed one common thread among her varied clients is that every single one of them experiences some level of anxiety and tight gripping on to life. “Think about what we call someone that is anxious — a tightass,” adds Ohene. “Well, that’s the pelvic floor muscles being tight, and it’s tied into an embodied experience of anxiety, control and hypervigilance.”

In Youngs’ practice, she has only ever seen about 5% of clients having a hypotonic, or weak, pelvic floor. Ohene reports similarly that hypertonicity, or tight pelvic floor, is more prevalent, but, “They go handin-hand, and sometimes, the hypotonicity is because of the hypertonicity. The ability to recruit and hold the muscles is impaired when they are always tight and don't have the full range of function.”

Thinking from the pelvic congestion perspective, Ohene considers that when “10% of tension in the pelvic floor muscles can create up to 50% constriction in its vascular and lymphatic systems; what is that going to

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Beyond musculoskeletal consideration, energetically our pelvic bowls house the sacral chakra, where inspiration, creativity, pleasure and sensuality emerge.

Photos Courtesy of JEssa youngs and rachel ohene

do to the overall health of the tissue, organs and everything there?”

BEYOND YOUR TRADITIONAL INTERVENTION “Coming into awareness is 90% of healing, always. The other 10% is the few things that we actually have to change and shift,” shares Youngs. Amazingly, there are a wide range of interventions available. For both Youngs and Ohene, trauma-informed, holistic care is vital. They solicit sovereignty, autonomy and informed consent with the approaches that the client is most interested in. Ohene says, “I always want to work myself out of a job by empowering people with their own experiences, knowledge and tools.”

Youngs emphasizes deeply nourishing and feminine care that is cyclically and pelvic attuned. She offers interventions such as pelvic bowl chi gong, yoni steaming, Maya abdominal massage, grounding somatic work, acupuncture and cyclical-living education resources. “The biggest piece is to come away with presence,” says Youngs.

“I’m holding space for the client to learn to re-hold themselves.”

As an OT, Ohene loves working with the subtler body components, like pelvic congestion, vascular and lymphatic systems, chakra energy centers, myofascial systems, neuromuscular processing and functional movement and postural realign-

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ment. “It is really important to teach people how to safely be in their body. Pushing your body may reinforce maladaptive movement patterns,” Ohene cautions. She's also trained in the occupational narrative, that storytelling piece. “I’m actively listening and creating a space for someone to tell their lived experience and to be witnessed in it, which is different from psychoanalyzing it,” she believes.

“It’s really about inviting the body to see what it’s able to release,” says Ohene. “That comes with helping to regulate the client’s nervous system so that they can develop curiosity and different ways to experience and breathe into the nuances of the body.

If I feel the tension release, but the patient doesn't, the change isn’t going to stay. Can they bring awareness to their pelvis while brushing their teeth or driving?”

FIND A PRACTITIONER YOU TRUST “Health advocacy is so important, so the client can be informed on recognizing pelvic dysfunction to advocate for their own health,” continues Ohene. “Without that, the doctor's approach is likely going to be labs and a speculum, which can create trauma to a tight pelvic floor and a rupture, in turn, leading to internalizing a sense of brokenness.”

Advocate for finding the practitioner that you trust and vibe with, just like you would with a psychotherapist over the course of your mental health healing.

The world is vast, and there are a lot of differing and emerging opinions, so allow it to be a healing journey in which different practitioners along the way give you the healing nuggets. +

ABOVE:

Jessa Youngs, a licensed acupuncturist and fertility awareness educator.

BELOW:

Rachel Ohene, a licensed occupational therapist (OT) and owner of Liberate Pelvic Health in Denver.

To learn more about Jessa and her offerings, visit embodiedwholeness.org or follow @jessa.youngs. To learn more about Rachel and her offerings, visit liberatepelvichealth.com or follow @liberatepelvichealth.

ERIN PHILLIPS Writer + Adventure Photographer @erinmp93 erinmariedesigns.com

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wellness / Health

weigh on us, we often find ourselves burnt out, stuck in a rut or addicted to something.

Finding what makes us come alive and eager to create is the key to unlocking what psychologists call the "optimal experience" or "flow."

This Colorado Consciousness Optimization Lab Wants to Help Get You There

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hen we reach states of flow, we are totally immersed in an activity and experience, a sense of selflessness, timelessness, effortlessness and richness. This results in higher intrinsic motivation, greater creativity and better emotional regulation.

Breckenridge-based Flow Performance Lab wants to make flow a part of everyday life. The lab-meets-playground is merging science and spirituality by melding modern and mystical methodologies. What does this mean for you? Tools, techniques and technology — think playful card decks, online courses and in-person events — for training your mind and body to shift states and access flow on demand.

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We sat down with Flow Performance Lab facilitators John Peralta and Kat Carter to chat flow state.

“With ever increasing numbers of people struggling with mental and physical disorders, our current state of collective consciousness is desperately in need of a radical reboot,” says Flow Performance lab founder, John Peralta.

How did we get to this current stuck state?

Kat Carter: Over many years of cultural conditioning, our inner creator, who is at its core a curious child eager to play with ideas as if they were sand to be sculpted into castles, fades into the background. As the burden of our daily responsibilities and challenges

So, why do we need flow?

JP: Flow describes a very special state of consciousness in which a person is completely focused and absorbed in an activity.

People sometimes describe this as being “in the zone.” Think of extreme athletes, musicians, artists and other passionate creators.

There are so many incredible ways we can experience flow and even more methods for priming ourselves to get into flow faster and stay there longer. The creator in each of us is simply waiting to be re-connected with and

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photo courtesy of Flow Performance Lab

Are You in Flow State?

What inspired the original Flow Lab? John Peralta: The concept of a Flow Lab developed in 2020 during COVID. An eclectic group of international nomads met in Costa Rica during lockdown and began dreaming together about how to reliably access and even harness flow states. They wanted to explore both known and unknown ways to get into flow, reduce stress, increase happiness, amplify creativity and possibly achieve self-mastery.

25 people attended the first Flow Performance Lab in Costa Rica and discovered that flow can be harnessed through music, movement, meditation, mindset, medicine and more. Educating people about this optimal state of consciousness and empowering them to experience it for themselves is what the Flow Lab is all about.

cultivated. This is where the fun begins. By playing and experimenting with novel activities that intrigue or excite us, we can learn what turns us on and gets us growing again.

What’s next for Flow Performance Lab? KC: Since that first Flow Lab, we have held two more experiences in Costa Rica and almost a dozen events in Colorado. Our goal is to continue to come together and experiment with this awesome altered state of consciousness that we all love so much. We hope to find and connect with more likeminded creators, innovators, movers, explorers and educators to spread the concept of flow and make it accessible for everyone.

LEARN HOW TO HARNESS YOUR FLOW Tap into flow for peak performance, creativity and innovation. Flow newbie? Here’s how to get started.

Flow Formula 101 — An Online Course The Flow Formula 101 Lab walks you through the science and spirituality behind flow state consciousness. It includes writing exercises and feedback forms to help you find your unique flow formula.

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After completing each module, you will have opportunities to run your own experiments and gather as much data as you can.

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By filling out each Lab Report, you will quickly develop self-awareness and understanding of what flow means to you and how to reliably access it.

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You will be able to begin creating your own flow formula, which will consist of your personal preferences for priming and preparing, as well as unwinding and recovering from flow.

The Experiment — A Card Deck A Flow Formula card deck for finding flow is currently in prototype production. You can play a digital version of the game at flowlabcolab.com. The digital deck includes quick exercises for both priming and unwinding from flow.

In-Person Experiences Visit flowlabcolab.com for upcoming Colorado and destination Flow Lab experiences, and join the growing community of professional artists, musicians, athletes, coaches, entrepreneurs, holistic healers, therapists and flow fanatics that are co-creating a collaborative culture. +

Listen to Find The Flow Show podcast on Spotify for the latest interviews, tech and flow-state breakthroughs.

LISA BLAKE Freelance Writer lisablakecreative.com

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59

wellness / Health

Menstruation, Motherhood + Menopause

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he title of this article indicate major life stages where hormones fluctuate, need change and your beautiful body can sometimes feel a little foreign. With a few tweaks here and there, you can confidently thrive through all of these chapters in life and find harmonious hormonal flow.

YOUR HORMONES DURING MENSTRUATION A menstrual cycle starts with the first day of bleeding and ends with the start of the next bleed. A typical cycle is approximately 24 to 35 days; however, it is not abnormal for a woman’s cycle to occasionally be shorter or longer.

Your menstrual cycle can be broken down

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into phases: the follicular phase begins on day one of your bleed. Without conception, a drop of hormones signals the uterine lining to shed and blood and tissue to leave the uterus through the vagina. Estrogen begins to increase to build up the uterine lining and mature the eggs.

The ovulatory phase is usually days 10-16. Estrogen levels rise until they peak, triggering the most mature egg to be released from the ovary. Testosterone also rises, increasing your libido. Egg fertilization, marking conception, can only occur during this time.

The luteal phase begins the day after ovulation through your next bleed (or until pregnancy is confirmed). An egg can be fertilized if sperm are present during the 12-

to 24-hour lifespan of the egg. If fertilized, the egg travels down the fallopian tubes to the uterus and tries to implant in the uterine lining. If the egg goes unfertilized or does not implant successfully, it will disintegrate, shedding along with the uterine lining during menstruation.

Progesterone appears post ovulation (if you successfully released an egg). Progesterone thickens the uterine lining, so it’s ready for a fertilized egg to implant. If the egg isn’t fertilized, estrogen and progesterone levels plummet, triggering the uterine lining to shed, and bleeding begins.

Ebbs and flows in hormones naturally occur during the menstrual cycle; however, the side effects of these fluctuations shouldn’t negatively affect your day-to-day life. Many women accept these side effects as normal when they’re common but not normal.

Signs that your hormones could use some extra love during menstruation: • Painful or irregular periods • PMS and mood changes • Breast tenderness • Hormonal acne • Low energy, fatigue, burnout, chronic stress YOUR HORMONES DURING MOTHERHOOD Sperm and egg meet, marking conception and the official start of your mamahood journey. Pregnant women experience sudden and dramatic increases in estrogen and progesterone — the primary pregnancy hormones. The increase in estrogen during pregnancy enables the uterus and placenta to create and form new blood vessels, transfer nutrients and support the developing baby.

Estrogen levels increase steadily during pregnancy, reaching their peak in the third trimester. The rapid increase in hormone levels during the first trimester contributes to the side effects many women experience during this time — nausea, bloating, constipation and fatigue. During the second trimester, estrogen plays a major role in the milk duct development that enlarges the breasts.

Progesterone levels are high during

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pregnancy, because it’s essential for the viability and health of the pregnancy. Changes in progesterone cause a loosening of ligaments and joints throughout the body, making it essential for growing the uterus to accommodate a full-term baby.

Immediately following delivery of both your baby and placenta — whether via vaginal or cesarean birth — progesterone and estrogen levels begin to drop, leading to one of our first big hormone shifts post-birth.

When do postpartum hormones go back to normal? It’s safe to say that your hormones will begin to return to pre-pregnancy levels once you have your first postpartum period.

Signs that your postpartum hormones could use some extra attention and care: • Postpartum hair loss that continues beyond six months postpartum • Severe anxiety or depression • Inability to regulate moods • ​​Chronic fatigue • Weight gain YOUR HORMONES DURING MENOPAUSE As you age, your reproductive cycle begins to slow down and prepares to stop. As menopause nears, your ovaries make less of your female sex hormones and your ovaries no longer release an egg each month.

Menopause is marked by the point in time when you’ve gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual cycle.

Due to the slow and continual drop in hormone production, menopausal women can have some high highs and low lows; however, here are some signs that your menopausal hormones could use some support: • Low libido • Weak bones and bone loss • Vaginal dryness • Urinary tract infections • Hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia +

SARAH JANE SANDY Functional Nutritionist + Women’s Health Expert @sarahjanesandy sarahjanesandy.com

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5 WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR HORMONES THROUGH ALL LIFE STAGES

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upporting optimal hormone balance goes beyond looking just at your estrogen, progesterone and testosterone; there are many factors that can impact your hormone levels and overall health. Implementing small tweaks to your day-to-day life will help you thrive through the three major hormonal shifts women experience in their lifetimes and contribute to an improved quality of life.

DIET AND NUTRITION Learning how to plan meals that uplevel your energy, keep you satiated and meet nutritional needs, while also keeping your hormones balanced, is all about building each individual meal at a time. Focus on real, whole, fresh food that you primarily cook yourself. Pick a rainbow of colors of vegetables, and eat a lot of them. Eat good fats and plenty of high quality, organic, clean protein — both from animal and plant-based sources. Enjoy raw nuts and seeds, a variety of spices and high-fiber, unrefined, unprocessed carbohydrates.

EXERCISE The main artery that supplies blood to our legs also supplies blood to your uterus, ovaries and vagina. At least 60 minutes of daily movement is usually the perfect amount to get your heart rate up, increase circulation to your reproductive organs and help maintain the delicate balance of your hormones.

SLEEP When your body is able to get quality sleep day in and day out, it’s can detox, restore and nourish your hormone-producing endocrine system. Poor sleep quality negatively impacts fertility, immune function, hormone balance, mood and appetite. Go to bed early, get at least eight to nine hours, sleep in complete darkness at 68 degrees Farenheit or cooler, get an eye mask, get rid of the electronics from your bedroom and use sleep to, well, sleep.

STRESS MANAGEMENT Chronic stress can wreak havoc on your body and your hormones. It does this by messing with the communication between your brain and adrenals. Find a healthy way to manage your daily stressors through breath, meditation and mindfulness to help offset the negative effects of stress.

CLEAN UP YOUR ENVIRONMENT We are exposed to more chemicals than ever before in history, and many of these chemicals are estrogen-based, meaning your hormone health is the first to suffer. Use cleansers, soaps, sunscreens and personal care products that are toxin-free to avoid disrupting your hormone health.

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wellness / Inspiration

The Spirit of the Horse Inspiration from the Equine

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At my Body, Mind, Equine retreats, I have several participants lead the same horse around the arena, one at a time. It’s always interesting to see how the horse reacts differently to different handlers, responding to their unique energy. Sometimes, these shifts are obvious, and other times quite subtle, such as the horse’s body language, how slow or fast the horse walks or how confident he/she feels in that person’s presence.

Other exercises include breathing with horses, which is calming and connecting for horses and humans. Another is mindful equine grooming and mounted meditation in motion; these are done in silence as we step into the non-verbal word of the horse and become keenly aware of all our senses, experiencing the present moment fully.

There are always many teachable moments when interacting with horses.

In yoga and horsemanship, there’s no endgame; we continue to learn and expand as perpetual students of the Earth school.

As a longtime horsewoman, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention this point; though horses are mystical and amazing creatures, bringing a spiritual or yogic approach to horsemanship does not negate good horsemanship. It’s paramount to apply safe practices when interacting with these large, powerful beings — safety first for the horse and human. If you’re thinking about exploring yourself through the world of the horse, be certain you’re doing so with a qualified equine professional.

May the totem of Equus bring you on new journeys and teach you to ride in new directions, awakening and discovering your full potential, freedom and power. May the Spirit of the horse enliven your Spirit! +

CATHY WOODS Writer + Facilitator cathywoodsyoga.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

photo by Carol Engan Borrelli

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umans are attracted to horses for a variety of reasons — perhaps for their sheer beauty or a fondness for their soulfulness — while others admire their wild and strong spirit.

Some like to ride, others prefer the training aspect, while some extract great joy by just watching them or being in their presence.

Many have a passion for these great beings who share our planet.

People are embracing mindfulness and the many modalities that cultivate it. One of those paths is through the way of the horse.

As a lifelong yogini and horsewoman, I find it natural to apply yogic principles to my time with horses, such as slowing down, body breathing and energy awareness to name a few. I thoroughly enjoy sharing the parallels between yoga and horsemanship with fellow horse lovers.

Through yoga, we aim to practice unity, which is the meaning of the word yoga; to yoke or to unite. This is a great concept in theory, but it’s not always easy to put unity consciousness into practice. Sharing space with horses can give us that opportunity. In yogic teachings, it’s believed that

prana (life-force energy) flows through all of creation, interconnecting us on a deeper level. When mindfully spending time with horses, we can tangibly experience unity as we connect on a heart level with another sentient being.

Equines can be great teachers if we truly listen; I call them creature-teachers. They operate from a place of authenticity and see us in our pure and genuine form; they see our essence self, and they know the energy behind our words.

Horses live in the present; as yogis, we aspire to do the same, but horses are indeed the masters of living in this way. “A horse takes every step into the present moment, take that step with him,” Paul Striberry, author of Conscious Riding, says.

Horses are known to mirror our energy back to us; they can show us our imbalances and what energy we’re bringing to our lives — centered, calm, collected and grounded or nervous, fragmented, fearful and scattered — so we can course-correct accordingly.

Every time we pick up a horse’s lead line or reins, we transmit energy to our equine partner. Every time we come into their space bubble, we share energy; it’s helpful to understand what energy we’re bringing not only to our horsemanship but to our lives.

My favorite saying is, “How you do anything is how you do everything.” If you’re timid around horses, you’re likely timid in other life situations, too. If you are dominant or overconfident with horses, you may see that theme elsewhere in your life, along with many other ways of being that horses can show us.

Horses will indeed call us out on our stuff and help us come to know ourselves more deeply. Sometimes, as humans, we try to mask what’s going on, but the horse will simply not allow this. If we are going to interact with them fruitfully and positively, they require us to honor ourselves by showing up authentically. In my book, Yoga for Riders, I say, “You can’t lie to a horse or a highly attuned human.”

wellness / Recipes

Recipes to Help You Thrive From Farow in Niwot

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Photos courtesy of Farow

arow — the community-oriented restaurant concept in Niwot, Colorado — believes local and seasonal food not only tastes better but is the best practice to support farmers and artisans. The restaurant sources 90% of its ingredients within 10 miles to support the growth and elevation of the Niwot community. Co-owner/chef Patrick Balcom makes everything on the weekly rotating menu in-house with his partner and pastry chef Lisa Balcom.

Inspired by their culinary philosophy, CO YOGA + Life asked the team at Farow to share three recipes to help readers thrive this summer and fall. +

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

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wellness / Recipes

Tomato Pie Serves 6-8

2-3 heirloom tomatoes (we love Cherokee Purples) ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup ricotta ¼ cup parmesan Salt and pepper, to taste 1 small sweet onion Basil, for garnish Chive, for garnish

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1. Blanch the tomatoes by putting them into a pot of boiling water for 60-90 seconds. Once the tomato skins split open, transfer tomatoes into a bowl of ice water to cool. After taking them out, the skin will be easy to strip away from the rest of the tomato.

2. Slice tomatoes thick (1/2-3/4 inch) and salt them.

Let them sit on a rack for a few hours to purge some liquid.

3. Mix mayo, ricotta, Parmesan, 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp pepper. Spread mayo mixture on the blind baked pie dough.

4. Arrange the tomatoes over the mayo mixture.

5. Julienne the onion, and sprinkle over the tomatoes.

Lemon, for garnish

6. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the center is bubbling. Let sit 10 for minutes.

Homemade pie crust (preferably) or store bought

7. Slice and top with a mix of basil, chives, a squeeze of lemon juice and a drizzle of olive oil.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Corn Ribs Serves 4

4 ears of corn, quartered lengthwise ¼ cup mayo 1 Tbsp lime juice 1 Tbsp cilantro, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish ½ Tsp chili powder, or more to taste Queso fresco, crumbled 1. Whisk together mayo, lime, cilantro and chili powder with a pinch of salt. Set aside.

2. Heat a fryer or deep pan of oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry quartered pieces of corn until blistered and curled.

3. Pile high on a plate, drizzle with mayo and sprinkle with crumbled cheese.

Negroni Dell' Etna 1.5 oz Colorado’s Abbott & Wallace Rye Whiskey 1 oz Amaro dell’ Etna amaro 1 oz Lustau’s Red Vermouth 1. Combine all ingredients, and stir over ice in a mixing glass.

2. Strain over a large cube, and garnish with an orange peel.

LEXI REICH YOGA + Life Managing Editor lexireich.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

“We concocted this delicious spin on a negroni as part of our negroni week menu in September,” says Lisa Balcom. “Amaro is a fabulous swap for Campari, especially this Amaro dell’Etna, as it has really bright orange undertones combined with bitter herbs and roots. It plays nicely with whiskey and is super fun to drink when the weather cools off.”

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events / Gatherings

Embrace the Magic of the Full Moon Summer + Fall Full Moon Ceremonies in Colorado

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023 is an exceptional lunar calendar year with two full moons in August. A lunar calendar is based on the monthly cycles of the moon's phases where the time interval between a full moon and the next repetition of the same phase averages about 29.53 days and takes 354 days to complete 12 cycles. As the 12 cycles are a bit shorter than the 365-day calendar year, roughly every two-and-a-half years there is a 13th full moon.

During the month or phase, the sun illuminates the entire moon, making her as full, round and bright as can be, representing completion, fertility, abundance and transformation. In addition, new research is beginning to reveal that the moon may play a unique role in regulating different aspects of the natural world.

The following are three of the many spa and wellness centers in Colorado that practice full moon ceremonies.

JULY 3 — SUPER BUCK MOON Yoga, soaking, ceremony and live music with Kat Tudor at SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs The Super Buck Moon marks the month when young bucks grow their new antlers and "are very sensitive to the world around them, radiating out through their antlers,"

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explains Kat Tudor, co-founder of SunWater and full moon yoga practitioner.

"Water is part of the full moon ceremony via 7 Minute Spring. This spring fills the tubs at SunWater Spa and is the one most connected to lunar energy. Our teacher, a Ute Native, blessed our waters when the spa opened and taught us a lot about their healing properties. These waters are also connected to the divine feminine and help heal the skin and joints and are particularly powerful during the full moon," Tudor adds.

Tudor hosts monthly full moon events tied to what the moon teaches us each month.

AUGUST 1 — SUPER STURGEON MOON Ashtanga Yoga in Denver Ashtanga Yoga Denver is located on Larimar Street and teaches traditional ashtanga yoga, as well as primary classes. The studio celebrates both new moon and full moon classes throughout 2023. Enjoy the Super Sturgeon Moon evening on August 1, one of the biggest full moons of the year.

Bhava Yoga in Breckenridge This studio offers full moon workshops, as well as a summer solstice workshop on June 21 to celebrate the longest day of the year. +

OTHER FULL MOONS IN 2023 JUNE 3 • Full Strawberry Moon This full moon correlates with the strawberry harvesting season for Native American tribes and was a celebration of the red and juicy fruit that fed them through the summer.

SEPTEMBER 29 • Super Harvest Moon A time to harvest summer crops.

OCTOBER 28 • Full Hunter's Moon The harvesting work was usually done under the September harvest moon, and by late October, the fields were bare, so the hunter could see the animals searching for food before the winter.

NOVEMBER 27 • Full Beaver Moon In November, hunters usually trapped beavers to collect their thick fur ahead of the cold months ahead. Also, during this month, beavers hide in their lodges, having collected enough food for the winter.

WENDY WILKINSON Writer + Publicist wendywilkinsonwriter.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

jaunt /jônt/ noun a journey for pleasure.

Jaunt works with a collective of professionals to connect you to the creative services you need in design, public relations, writing, editing, publishing, brand management + web development.

jauntmediacollective.com

events / Community Happenings

JUNE Mike the Headless Chicken Festival

Fruita, CO • June 2-3, 2023 This festival is based on the unique story about a chicken and includes lots of fun for the whole family. Events range from a 5K run to a poultry show to live music and will not leave you disappointed. A full schedule will be available on the website soon, so be sure to check back. miketheheadlesschicken.org

summer + Fall 2023 MAY Colorado Hiking and Yoga Retreat

Nathrop, CO • May 18-21, 2023 Learn to connect with yourself, others and nature at this annual mountain retreat that takes place at the Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort. Engage in meaningful activities to help promote your body’s health and wellness, as well as indulge in foods that nourish your body. fireflycommunity.com

Yin Inspired Flow

La Junta, CO • May 18, 2023 Enjoy an evening of peace and serenity at this all levels class that mixes yin principles with hatha and vinyasa elements. This event takes place at the Mystic Mayura Yoga and Wellness Studio and is bound to help you learn how to stretch and move your body in a way that helps improve your lifestyle. mysticmayura.com

Cerus Fitness Festival

Frederick, CO • May 20-21, 2023 Compete in a number of various fitness activities and enjoy a day of healthy exercise. The Cerus Fitness Festival includes a kids run, obstacle race, strength games and so much more. Sign up now, and start moving towards your fitness goals. cerusfitness.com

Mountainfilm Festival

Telluride, CO • May 25-29, 2023 Calling all movie lovers! Come together with a community of filmmakers and change makers as they showcase their documentary films that celebrate activism, adventure and social and environmental justice. Come witness some inspiring films and enjoy great company. For more details and how you can enter your own documentary, visit the website. mountainfilm.org

Meadowgrass Music Festival

Colorado Springs, CO • May 26-28, 2023 Enjoy a variety of local musical acts to kick off the summer in the Pikes Peak region. Besides extraordinary musical acts, there are a variety of other activities to participate in, such as guided hikes, workshops, yoga and late-night shows. rockymountainhighway.org

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Telluride Balloon Festival

Telluride, CO • June 2-4, 2023 Get ready for a magical experience as you witness colorful hot air balloons lift off and float over the Telluride Valley. This picturesque event is sure to bring a smile to your face and is guaranteed to make for a memory you’ll never forget. telluride.com

Strength in the City Festival

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival

Crested Butte, CO • July 7-16, 2023 Gather your people and head to this 10-day festival that features over 100 workshops in wildflower expertise ranging from painting, pollination, photography, culinary arts and leading hikes. Register now and advocate for the preservation and appreciation of wildflowers. crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.org

Hanuman Festival

Longmont, CO • July 13-16, 2023 Experience this intimate retreat taught by a variety of world class yoga teachers and begin your spiritual transformation. This festival focuses on yoga, music and climate consciousness while teaching about the importance of impact through the power of community. hanumanfestival.com

Keystone’s River Run Village Art Festival

Denver, CO • June 4, 2023 Experience a whole day of health and wellness as the community comes together with local studios, trainers, vendors, entertainers and so much more. Learn how to best take care of your body from professionals in yoga, strength training, biking and everything in between. eventbrite.com

Keystone, CO • July 21-23, 2023 Attend this event and get ready to shop to your heart’s desire with a variety of one-of-akind art pieces that will always remind you of the fun you had at the festival. Come explore the original, handmade paintings, sculptures, photography, ceramics and more, and support the local community. keystonefestivals.com

GoPro Mountain Games

Tough Mudder Colorado

Vail, CO • June 8-11, 2023 This is the perfect event for active, mountainloving people. Be surrounded by a plethora of music and art as you spectate or participate in these thrilling games. Some of the games will include biking, hiking, kayaking, yoga, fishing and more. To register, visit the website. mountaingames.com

Telluride Yoga Festival

Telluride, CO • June 22-25, 2023 Enjoy four days of deep connection and inspiration in Mountain Village that will leave you feeling rejuvenated. This festival features over 100 offerings, including yoga, meditation, hiking, music, SUP yoga, wellness and wisdom talks, social gatherings and more. tellurideyogafestival.com

JULY Cherry Creek Arts Festival

Denver, CO • July 1-3, 2023 Attending this enriching event will not let you down. It brings together hundreds of artists and community members to enhance life through education and art. Enjoy various activities, such as creating art at the creation station, listening to live music, tasting culinary masterpieces and so much more. cherrycreekartsfestival.org

Byers, CO • July 22-23, 2023 Calling all those who aren’t afraid to get a little dirty. This event is the perfect combination of endurance and adventure mixed with a little mud. Whether you are competing by yourself or with a group, everyone is guaranteed to get muddied up with memories. toughmudder.com

AUGUST Denver Burger Battle

Denver, CO • August 3, 2023 Calling all grill masters and foodies for this delicious event. Come enjoy Denver’s top burger restaurant as they battle for the title of the best burger in Denver. In addition to burgers, you can also enjoy a variety of other beverages and treats. denverburgerbattle.com

Gentle Flow Yoga

Grand Lake, CO • August 4, 2023 Experience a slower, flowing Vinyasa yoga class and find focus, balance, strength and flexibility with lower intensity postures and flows synchronized to breath. This slower paced class is open to students of all ages in all levels on their yoga practices, whether you are just starting out or are advanced. steamboatpilot.com

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Beanstalk Music Festival

Bond, CO • August 10-12, 2023 This music festival in the Rocky Mountains is one of the state’s most premier music and camping events. In addition to enjoying a variety of national and local talent, there are also numerous outdoor activities to participate in, including rafting, hiking and biking. beanstalkfestival.com

Brew’Au Avon

Avon, CO • August 19, 2023 For the fourth year in a row, attend this day full of fun for the whole family. This festival includes unlimited samples of amazing brews, seltzers and ciders in your souvenir sampling glass, live music, water lanterns, food trucks, kids’ activities, lawn games and more. avon.org

SEPTEMBER Longs Peak Scottish Irish Highland Festival

Estes Park, CO • September 8-10, 2023 Immerse yourself in Irish and Scottish cultures with festive traditional activities. There are many events for you to participate in, including dog expeditions, whiskey tastings, Scottish athletic competitions and more. scotfest.com

Sunnyside Music Festival

Denver, CO • September 9, 2023 This event provides free music, fun entertainment, local food, beer and kids’ activities. Join a community that supports their local bands, businesses, artisans and youth organizations for a day full of fun. sunnysidemusicfest.org

AWAKE Festival

Evergreen, CO • September 15-17, 2023 Experience this weekend-long wellness gathering to restore, rejuvenate and reconnect with yourself and others. This festival offers over 50 yoga and wellness talks and workshops, live music, conscious dance, a vendor village and so much more fun for the whole family. allevents.in

Telluride Blues and Brews Festival

Telluride, CO • September 15-17, 2023 Enjoy the 29th annual Telluride Blues and Brews Festival with a beautiful mountain backdrop.

This festival is full of fun for the whole family, including the perfect mix of live music with blues, funk, indie, rock, jam-band, gospel and soul performances. Also, enjoy kids’ activities, cozy late night club shows, free morning yoga sessions, local and regional food, craft vendors and so much more. tellurideblues.com

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Wholeness and Wellness Weekend

Colorado Springs, CO • September 15-17, 2023 Connect with nature and restore your spirituality at this weekend retreat. Become re-centered through storytelling, movement, mindfulness, creative expression, massages and spiritual direction. Also experience popular Wellness and Arts Market to further engage this spirit-centered event. allevents.in

OCTOBER Applefest

Cedaredge, CO • October 7-9, 2023 Enjoy Colorado’s award-winning apples at this fruit-themed festival. This festival is sure to have something for everybody as activities range from crafts, food and beverage vendors, a 5K, a classic motorcycle show and so much more. cedaredgeapplefest.com

Vail Farmers Market and Art Show

Vail, CO • October 8, 2023 For its 22nd year, over 148 tents of delicious fresh food, handmade products and beautiful artwork will be available. Enjoy the fun of the hand-picked food vendors mixed with a gorgeous view of Vail Valley. This is the last Sunday of the season that this famous farmers market will be open, so go show your love for the local community. vailfarmersmarket.com

Telluride Horror Show

Telluride, CO • October 13-15, 2023 Calling all horror fans for the 14th annual Horror Show in the beautiful mountain town of Telluride.

Come enjoy an eclectic mix of horror, suspense, thriller, dark fantasy, sci-fi and dark comedy. The festival line-up includes many feature films and short films from new and rising talent. telluridehorrorshow.com

All-Out Kooky-Spooky Half Marathon

Golden, CO • October 29, 2023 Bust out your best Halloween costumes and attire for a fun, festive way to get some exercise before you indulge in your favorite Halloween candy. Awards will be given out for best costumes in addition to various other awards.

Celebrate reaching the finish line with breakfast burritos, fruit, bagels and chocolate milk. halfmarathons.net

NOVEMBER Arkansas Valley Balloon Festival

Rocky Ford, CO • November 3-5, 2023 This family friendly event is perfect for balloon enthusiasts, balloon crews and pilots. Along with fun, colorful hot air balloons, this festival also includes an art show, a photo contest and so much more. This is sure to be a weekend to remember for the whole family. rove.me

Urban Holiday Market

Denver, CO • November 4-6, 2023 This is a holiday shopping spectacular not to be missed, featuring an awesome selection of one-of-a-kind seasonal items, high-quality handcrafted goods, fabulous holiday gift ideas, delicious specialty foods and more, made from a diverse collection of local artists and crafters. coloradoevents.org

Creede Chocolate Festival

Creede, CO • November 24-25, 2023 This annual two-day event is the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving and is full of all the luscious and delicious chocolate you can imagine. There will be a variety of samples from local business owners and individuals. creede.com

Spiritual Craft Fair and Bazaar

Littleton, CO • November 25, 2023 Jumpstart your holiday shopping with this fair that includes small, local vendors. Shop local and choose from a variety of dreamcatchers, candles, crystals, intention jewelry, art, feathers, teas, pendulums, bath products and more. eventbrite.com

coming up in 2024 300-Hour Advanced Yoga Teacher Training with Holistic Yoga School

Wilder Nest Retreats, Loveland, CO February 21 - September 11, 2024 • Every Wednesday from 5:30-9 p.m.

• Every third weekend Sat-Sun Attend In-Person or Online/Hybrid Take your yoga teaching skills and credentials to the next level. Embrace profound selfhealing and character-building in tandem with the ancient teachings of holistic yoga. In this hands-on training, you'll develop immensely through daily peer teaching, interactive group discussions, the opportunity to teach three yoga classes and the design of a complete retreat or workshop Series. holisticyogaschool.com

Nurture Through Nature: Hot Springs Yoga Retreat

Avalanche Ranch Hot Springs Redstone, CO • January 25-28, 2024 This magical setting provides the perfect backdrop for quiet reflection. In this retreat, you’ll be supported to strengthen your connection to Mother Earth while embracing the cycle of letting go, rest and rejuvenation. Enjoy daily yoga classes, nourishing meals, breathwork, meditation and unlimited soaking in the mineralrich hot springs pools! holisticyogaschool.com

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partners / YOGA + Life Ambassadors

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3. KELSEY FOSTER

YOGA + Life®

ambassadors 1. DANNY CAMPOS Yoga, community and family are Danny's daily motivation. She is proudly a Mexican yoga teacher since 2015, and director of Lotus House of Yoga Mexico. She is dedicated to sharing her passion through classes, workshops and retreats that allow people to connect with themselves, generating a space of self-knowledge, relaxation and gratitude. Her days are full of yoga, meditation, walks, books, music and family time. She is always aiming to be present and grateful.

2. JENNIFER CHWALEK Jennifer Chwalek, M.D. is a NYC-based dermatologist and yoga instructor. She began her yoga journey over a decade ago and since has studied meditation, Ayurveda and other energy therapies with some of the most respected practitioners. Her mission is to help others feel more beautiful in their skin while healing their body image and self-worth issues. She is particularly interested in how lifestyle factors interact with genes to affect health and skin aging.

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Kelsey is a Colorado native, born and raised in the Vail Valley. She found yoga in 2013, and she never looked back. Kelsey is a 200RYT and also teaches barre. Now based in Salida, Kelsey loves to spend time on her mountain bike and in the mountains with her dog Bandit.

4. SHERRIE GIUSTO Sherrie Giusto is the founder and owner of Open Door Yoga Studio in Coconut Grove, Florida. She has been teaching all forms of fitness for over 30 years, including owning her own studios together with hosting yoga retreats in Colorado. This mother of three grown children and grandmother now shares the gift of yoga through her teachings in Miami, Colorado and via her online platform. Her mantra is “Yoga with a Heart.”

5. RACHEL GLOWACKI Rachel Glowacki is a yoga teacher, writer and thought leader in the kids yoga field. She specializes in mindful movement for all ages and abilities and has been teaching since 1999. She's an award-winning author of the Kids Yogaverse storybook apps. Rachel hopes that one day mindful movement will be taught regularly in schools just like math and science!

She believes that a calm brain is a learning brain and a healthy body is a happy body, principles she shares with her students young and old. Rachel lives with her husband and two sons in Edwards, Colorado.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

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up to big things in this world!

We are thrilled to help spread the word on their inspiring + passionate contributions.

6. DYLAN HOWLEY

8. JENN SMYTH

10. TONI VINEY

Dylan Howley is the founder of The Lefty Cycles Project, Inc. & Positive Perceptions LLC. He is a one-armed athlete, a positivity pusher, a proud recovering alcoholic, an Ironman and a family man. Inspired by the mission of helping others, Dylan showcases that anything is possible throughout everything he does — both on a personal and professional level. A Connecticut native, he’s happiest when he’s with his family, enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature and sharing his life story. With each new goal accomplished, Dylan constantly perpetuates the power of a positive mindset complimented by dedication and a set plan.

After teaching English internationally, Jenn decided to blend her passions for people, fitness and teaching by becoming an E-RYT 200 yoga instructor. She primarily teaches in Northern Colorado and also travels extensively in pursuit of furthering her yoga experiences. As a daughter of Korean immigrant parents, she strives for inclusiveness and equality both inside and outside of the yoga studio. When not teaching, Jenn loves exploring beautiful Colorado with her husband and rescue dog.

Toni Viney grew up as a city girl in the Chicagoland area with close country life and farming ties. She spent her summers on a river in Southern Wisconsin and learned to drive a boat well before learning to drive a car. As an adult, Toni made her way to the mountains to pursue a master’s degree at Colorado State University and discovered her love for yoga during graduate school. She became a yoga teacher in 2011 and has been teaching group classes, one-on-one private sessions and workshops ever since. She founded Best Day Ever Yoga in 2021.

7. PAMELA SHIFRIN Pamela Shifrin was born and raised in Townsend, Massachusetts. A competitive athlete since she was 5 years old, she used those skills through a Division 1 softball program and still today. After which, she went on to Costa Rica to become a certified massage therapist. Recruited to Denver, Colorado to help open and teach at a new massage therapy school, she took many weekend trips to Vail, where she would eventually land. Local Revival came into fusion in November 2016, and quickly became the spot for locals to get their integrative bodywork. Pam loves all mountain adventures, traveling, camping, games, cooking and helping others. She is the president/founder of newly established ALS nonprofit, Runs For ALS, Inc.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

9. SHARI VILCHEZ-BLATT Founder and creator of Karma Kids Yoga, Shari has been sharing her love of yoga with kids of all ages since 2002. Shari has developed yoga programs and curriculum for many schools and consultants on various healthy living articles for numerous parenting magazines, blogs and corporate initiatives. Shari has been featured on Sesame Street, sharing yoga with Murray and Ovejita, and is currently writing and consulting for Sesame Street’s new global effort in yoga and mindfulness. Shari has trained nearly 3,000 people around the world to teach yoga to children through the Karma Kids Yoga Teacher Training Program, which includes courses for infants, preschoolers, kids, tweens and teenagers, as well as professional development for educators.

Shari lives to play and plays to live!

11. AMY ZELLMER Amy Zellmer is the publisher and editor-inchief of MN YOGA + Life®. She is an awardwinning author, keynote speaker and brain injury survivor. She has her 200-hour RYT and is a Reiki master. Amy is passionate about increasing awareness around yoga accessibility and believes that every body can do yoga. She recently published The Chair Yoga Pocket Guide.

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partners / Directory

Forever Young Yoga + Wellness Stretching, flexibility and mobility coaching. Striving to improve others' quality of life through a holistic lens of a physical, mental and spiritual practice. foreveryoungyogaandwellness. com @forever_young_yoga_wellness 303.594.8477

Garden of the Gods Resort & Club

3320 Mesa Road Colorado Springs, CO gardenofthegodsresort.com 719.632.5541

GOAT Training

210 Edwards Village Blvd. #A-209 Edwards, CO goattraining.com 970.306.8524

Gravity Haus Vail

352 E. Meadow Drive Vail, CO gravityhaus.com/locations/ vail-haus 970.476.7960

Ahimsa Yoga + Wellness 1303 E. Sixth Ave. Denver, CO ahimsayogadenver.com 303.832.0827

Allumen Yoga

2590 Lawrence St. Denver, CO allumenyoga.com 303.953.9201

Be Free Healing Center

Bookworm of Edwards

295 Main St. Edwards, CO bookwormofedwards.com 970.926.7323

Chill Angel

Merino wool sleepwear + loungewear. chillangel.com

Coalition Snow

1006 Spring Creek Lane Fort Collins, CO befreehealing.com 970.286.4447

Award winning women's skis and snowboards that perform, inspire and elevate. Women owned and operated. coalitionsnow.com

Better Buzz Yoga

Color Up Therapeutics

2714 W. 44th Ave. Denver, CO betterbuzzyoga.com 303.495.6996

Biz Yogi

A coaching and creative consultancy that helps people accelerate profitable and aligned businesses. bizyogi.co

BODY of Santa Fe

333 W. Cordova Road Suite 200 Santa Fe, NM bodyofsantafe.com 505.986.0362

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1448 W. Cedar Ave. Denver, CO colorupco.com 720.420.1734

Desert Dose

Transformative mountain bike retreats for women. “If not now, when?” thedesertdose.com

Drinking Vessels

1040 Main St. Unit B Minturn, CO drinkingvessels.com

Drishti Beats

Yoga teacher trainings, workshops + festivals. drishtibeats.com

Drunken Goat

56 Edwards Village Blvd.

Suite 103 Edwards, CO drunkengoatco.com 970.926.1393

EarthCharmer

Divinely Inspired Meditation Tools earthcharmer.com 970.236.6188

Endorphin

717 Sylvan Lake Road #A Eagle, CO myendorphin.com 970.328.5770

Exhale to Inhale

Exhale to Inhale (ETI) uses the healing practices of traumainformed yoga to empower survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, while helping communities to develop the skills and knowledge to support them. exhaletoinhale.org 800.585.6081

Firefly Community LLC

Located in Colorado, Firefly provides holistic wellness coaching and consulting, yoga classes and retreats and workshops in nutrition, stress management and mindfulness. fireflycommunity.com 720.744.0603

Hanuman Festival

Yoga. Music. Celebration. hanumanfestival.com

High Country Healing

40801 Highway 6 Suite 5 Avon, CO highcountryhealing.com 970.470.4794

Holistic Yoga School

9144 Glade Road Loveland, CO holisticyogaschool.com 970.412.4114

Hovey & Harrison

56 Edwards Village Blvd.

Unit 120 Edwards, CO hoveyandharrison.com 970.446.6830

Inner Peace Yoga Therapy

10 Town Plaza #411 Durango, CO innerpeaceyogatherapy.com 970.946.8961

JalaBlu Yoga & Collective Healing

301 East 301 East Main St. Unit #260 Buena Vista, CO jalablu.com 303.807.5138

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Jere Friedman Enterprises, LLC Soul-Centered Coaching and Sound Medicine jerefriedman.com 602.619.7145

Liz Layne Yoga

With a focus on the mind, body and breath connection, Liz guides students through important aspects of life and yoga. info@lizlayne.yoga lizlayne.yoga

Local Revival

40780 US-6 #205 Avon, CO localrevival.com 970.401.2449

Loveology Retreat

941 Lockwood Valley Road Maricopa, CA loveologyretreat.com 1.877.405.6838

Maine YogaFest

A three-day celebration led by amazing Maine and New England yoga talent. maineyogafest.com

Miraflora Naturals

Organic full-spectrum CBD. Grown in the Rockies, backed by science and blended with ingredients you can pronounce. miraflora.co

Nurture

2949 Federal Blvd.

Denver, CO visitnurture.com 303.390.1252

Open Door Yoga

2801 Florida Ave. Suite 20 Miami, FL opendooryoga.com 305.496.7619

Osmia Organics

2607 Dolores Way Carbondale, CO osmiaorganics.com 970.510.6610

Palmaïa – The House of AïA

Playa del Carmen, Q.R. — México thehouseofaia.com 1.863.485.8268

Pamela Brinker

Author, speaker + advocate for those affected by addiction and mental health challenges.

Conscious Bravery book available now on Amazon. pamelabrinker.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

ReGenesis Plastic Surgery, Dermatology, & Spa 2515 Foresight Circle Suite 100 Grand Junction, CO regenesisplasticsurgery.com 970.242.8177

Renascent Healing

Under the guiding pillars of inclusivity, education, Earth stewardship, joy and healing, hosted events and products include earth magic, intention setting and manifestation, interior decor, apothecary items and more. renascenthealing.com

Revolution Power Yoga

101 Fawcett Road Avon, CO revolutionpoweryoga.com 970.478.3176

Ridgway Yoga Shala

540 Sherman Ave. Ridgway, CO ridgwayyogashala.com 970.218.4799

Root To Rise Yoga Teaching Method

Root To Rise Yoga Teaching Method and the book, Standing Room Only | How to be THAT Yoga Teacher, bridge the gap between a yoga teacher’s yoga teacher training and teaching extraordinary classes with ease, grace and confidence. roottoriseyogis.com 970.260.3551

Rooted Heart Yoga + Wellness 1409 Ogden St. Denver, CO rootedheartyw.com 720.770.8280

Sangha Fest

Aztec, NM Yoga and music festival, hosted

by Tico Time River Resort. Near Durango, Colorado, July 13-16, 2023. sanghafest.org

Sedona Yoga Festival

Sedona, AZ sedonayogafestival.com info@sedonayogafestival.com

Shine Intuitive Beauty

105 Edwards Village Blvd. #D105 Edwards, CO shineintuitivebeauty.com 970.343.4728

Shine Living Community

A live and online community to energize, nourish and awaken TOGETHER from the Heart. shinelivingcommunity.com 303.842.2133

Soul Tree Studio

1280 Centaur Village Drive #7 Lafayette, CO soultreecolorado.com 303.665.8134

Sunward Jewelry

Vail Public Library

292 W. Meadow Drive Vail, CO vaillibrary.com 970.479.2187

Vail Recreation District

The VRD offers diverse and exceptional recreation opportunities that enhance the physical, social and emotional well-being of the Vail Valley’s residents and guests. vailrec.com

Handmade, casual, lightweight leather and metal jewelry, laser engraving and custom hat design.

Inspired by way of the sun. sunwardjewelry.com

YoBucha

Telluride Yoga Festival

770 S. Broadway Denver, CO yogacenterdenver.com 720.570.9642

Telluride, CO Since 2007, the Telluride Yoga Festival has been working to bring the gift of yoga, in all of its many forms, to Telluride for a weekend filled with world-class instructors, philosophers, scholars, artists and musicians. tellurideyogafestival.com

Probiotic kombucha snack company in Denver, CO. yobucha.com

Yoga Center of Denver

Yoga With Heart – Sherrie Giusto

Yoga, Pilates, Retreats sherriegiusto.com 305.496.7619

The Belden Witch

Meadow Mountain Business Park 23698 US-24 B4 Minturn, CO thebeldenwitch.com 970.445.7911

The Vitality Collective

Annual Partners receive advertising discounts and other great benefits.

The Yoga Expo

CONTACT: bobby@coyogalifemag.com to learn more.

700 Chambers Ave. Building C Unit 3 Eagle, CO thevitalitycollective.com 970.376.5434

North America's largest indoor yoga/wellness expo. Join in Los Angeles, California + Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2023! theyogaexpo.org

The Zen Den

129 S. Mulberry St. Fruita, CO thezendenfruita.com thezendenfruita@gmail.com

Two Arrows Coffee | Bar 225 Wall St. #103A Vail, CO twoarrowscoffee.com 970.763.5101

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namaste

thrive Do you meet and greet the day’s sunrise … Or just survive from nine-to-five?

Do you avoid challenges to try … Or will you dare to take a dive?

Do you step out to exercise … Or just burn out in overdrive?

Do you set free your dreams to fly … Or, too often, see them fade and die?

Do you tempt your soul to strive … Or simply covet more to buy?

Do you celebrate surprise … Or laugh and joke and share high-fives?

Do you care when others cry … Or never hear a quiet sigh?

Do you ponder with the wise … Or ever wonder how or why?

Do you realize your heart relies On sharing truths held in disguise?

When the end of day arrives, Does a blessed sunset light your eyes?

It’s your one life. It’s your one time.

Photo by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

Don’t deprive yourself …

Come alive and THRIVE!

By Sandy Ferguson Fuller

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