CO Yoga + Life Magazine | Spring Summer 2016

Colorado

Creates

SPRING/SUMMER 2016

COMMUNITY, ARTISTS, ENTREPRENEURS, CANNABIS, BUSINESS, FESTIVAL GUIDE, TEACHERS, & MORE

COLORADO IS PART OF THE YOGA + LIFE FAMILY OF MAGAZINES.

YOGA + LIFE MAGAZINES Juli Rathke - Founder/Publisher

COLORADO EDITORS

WWW.YOGALIFEMAGAZINES.COM

Sami Lea Lipman Juli Rathke

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sami Lea Lipman

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FALL 2015 // COMPLIMENTARY

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Spring/Summer 2016

CONTENTS 14

PROFILES

TEACHERS // STUDIOS // ENTREPRENEURS

10. TEACHER PROFILES

A few of our favorite teachers

12. STUDIO PROFILES

Odyssey Yoga & Amana Yoga

14. WHAT ON EARTH?

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Shannon Paige tells us about her new studio

16. COLORADO ENTREPRENEURS SHARE

Good Day Chocolate, Bhakti Chai, and Y + L Founder

18. COFFEE. HUMOR. MANTRA

Daily medicine with Juli Rathke

20. Q&A WITH JEWELRY MAKER

Cristine Googins, Owner/Artist at Synergy Designs

LIFESTYLE

COMMUNITY // TRAVEL // BOOKS // ART // MUSIC

22

22. MADELIFE

The art and community

24. LIVIN’ LA PURA VIDA

Eco-chic luxury at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort

28. BOOK REVIEWS

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I am Yoga, Ayruveda Cookbook, and Meditation as a Way of Life

30. THE ART OF ANDROID JONES

Digital Alchemist

38. ART IN THE COMMUNITY

Local Colorado artists talk about what drives them to create

43. SOUNDTRACK

30 6

Now That’s a Yogi by N8tron

YOGA

ASANA // HOME // SEVA // BUSINESS // MEDITATION // PHILOSOPHY

44. YOGA FOR SKIERS AND SNOWBOARDERS

A practice to prepare you for the slopes

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48. WHAT’S A MUDRA

Learn about chin mudra

49. YOGA AND TBI

How yoga helped me rehab my traumatic brain injury

50. 5 KID-FRIENDLY YOGA TOOLS

Poses to cultivate creativity for kids

54. UNITY TABLES

Off the Mat with Ari Pliskin

56. KIRTAN

Achieve peak happiness

58. BREAKING OPEN

A goddess getaway to the Telluride Yoga Festival

62. THE YOGA OF NO YOGA?

64

A crash course in non-attachment

64. LOVE YOURSELF

Taylor Rose Worden talks love

67. WHAT ARE YOU BUSY CREATING?

A mantra for living a creative life

HEALTH

72 80

FOOD // PSYCHOLOGY // ASTROLOGY

68. WHEN EAST MEETS WEST

Shifting the paradigm for complementary alternative medicine

70. IT’S ALL ABOUT BALANCE

The dish on doshas

72. CANNABIS

And the unification of consciousness

76. RECIPES

Eggs Benedict, Parmesan-Crusted Chicken, & Blueberry Peach Pie

80. HAVE THE GUTS

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Stay healthy with fermented foods

82. ASTROLOGY

Trifecta of the T-square

EVENTS FESTIVALS // LISTING

84. UPCOMING EVENTS

Listing of this season’s best events

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88. LAST, BUT NOT LEAST

What are you doing for selfless service?

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this issue’s

OUR COVER STAR

Contributors

JUSTIN KALISZEWSKI OUTLAW Yogi, Justin Kaliszewski is an avid student, artist and adventurer. He teaches OUTLAW Yoga across the country infusing a creativity and perseverance into his teachings, along with a distinct blend of humor and wisdom that redefines what it means to be an Outlaw and a yogi...Author of The Outlaw Protocol: how to live as an outlaw without becoming a criminal, you can find him at www.outlawyoga. com, on the OUTLAW Yoga channel on www. yogadownload.com, and at his Littleton studio at 2590 W. Main St.

CHRIST Y PRIOR Christy is a slopestyle specialist from New Zealand and spends

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half of the year here in the northern hemisphere following the endless winter. This past season she took home a gold medal at the Burton European Open and bronze at both Winter X Games and Dew Tour. Outside of snowboarding, she is passionate about yoga, mediation and Ayurvedic medicine.

In her own words, “I love to travel but I also enjoy time spent in just one place. I love learning, seeing other people learn and I hope to inspire others to be themselves to the fullest.”

LEE CLAYTON ROPER Lee is an award-winning cookbook author, cooking instructor, public speaker and TV personality. Her first book, A Well-Seasoned Kitchen, was co-written with her mother Sally Clayton, received numerous rave reviews, and is often featured in local and national press. In 2010, A Well-Seasoned Kitchen achieved national acclaim, winning the

prestigious “Living Now” gold medal.

With Fresh Tastes, Lee expands the A Well-Seasoned Kitchen collection, serving up fresh, delicious and sophisticated dishes guaranteed to inspire creativity in kitchens everywhere.

CRISTINE GOOGINS I took my first yoga class about 18 years ago in Summit County Colorado and it definitely resonated with me in a big way.

Throughout the years, I saw the amazing benefits of a regular yoga practice. I came to find that yoga became my favorite way to gain physical strength as well as mental and emotional strength and as a mom of 3 kids I need all the strength I can get!! I finally received my 200 hour RYT certificate through Core Power Yoga in Boulder after wanting to become a yoga teacher for many years! I now teach private and corporate classes as well as run my jewelry business Synergy Designs!

N8TRON More than a DJ but also less than a DJ, N8tron brings clean beats from all over the world. He crisscrosses genres with Mashups, Funk, House, Rock ‘n’ Roll & Hip-Hop. N8tron honed his sound playing late nights following bands such as The String Cheese Incident and Phish. He got his start on Radio Free Minturn in the Vail Valley of Colorado. Check out www.n8tron.net and www.soundcloud. com/n8tron for free singles and mixes.

JULI RATHKE Juli is the CEO/ Founder of YOGA + LIFE Magazines and has been teaching for over two decades. She has channeled her professional career into helping others do the same. Juli is a yoga and inspirational presenter/speaker.

With an entrepreneurial spirit and mother of three, Juli also mentors and leads global retreats. Follow her @ julirathke, @yogabizgirl or watch her show on JuliTV online at julirathke.com.

AMY ZELLMER Amy is a professional photographer and author located in Saint Paul, MN. She suffered a traumatic brain injury in February 2014, and is currently advocating to raise awareness about the severity of concussions and TBI. She released her first book “Life With a Traumatic Brain Injury: Finding the Road Back to Normal” in 2015. www.facesoftbi.com

SAMI LEA LIPMAN Sami Lea Lipman is the Creative Director for Yoga + Life Magazines and a vinyasa yoga teacher in Boulder. She has taught at various festivals, internationally, and on the White House lawn. Sami chronicles the journey of love, suffering, and loss on her blog: grievingmybeloved.blogspot.com.

Learn more about her at samileayoga.com.

SHANNON PAIGE Living wholeheartedly as an author, yoga teacher, and mentor of yoga teachers; Shannon is a spoken word artist, poet, sacred storyteller and TedX speaker.

She infuses her bodies of work with a fullness of artful living and passion for life on and off the yoga mat. Her instruments of instruction and expression are detailed and clear cuing woven through a fluid progression of imagery, poetry and truth. Shannon encourages and supports the practitioner to unlock secrets held in the human heart, release stuck patterns that no longer serve, and attain new levels of integrated embodiment.

She is described by many as being “confidently vulnerable;” as a result, she is one who inspires positive change. Off the mat, she loves to spend time in the sun, wake surf, and run. Based out of Boulder, Colorado from her home studio, Earth, Shannon globetrots to deliver transformative classes, talks, trainings and retreats.

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ADAM SOMMER I am an Astrologer, yes, yet I never planned on being one. It happened through a series of strange and synchronistic events, which I think all of us can relate to. I was trained and certified

by Maurice Fernandez, and have been at it for seven years full-time, making podcasts, interviewing Astrologers, writing out my inspirations, teaching, and giving Readings to people all over the planet. It’s the greatest gift, and I think I found my calling… let me help you find yours!?

MIKE COHEN For over a decade, Mike Cohen has toured North America, offering accessible and potent Kirtan events in yoga studios, healing centers and at yoga/chant festivals.

Mike released two critically acclaimed Kirtan albums, and in 2016 will release new music created with legendary producer Ben Leinbach.

Founder of the Kirtan

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Leadership Institute, Mike loves working with those who possess grand ambitions to contribute through Kirtan. Since 2010 Mike has trained and apprenticed hundreds of aspiring and emerging Kirtan Leaders across the globe, guiding them to build thriving chant communities, lead with power and grace, write compelling original music, tour, play at festivals, create albums and much more. More at www.MikeCohenKirtan.com.

LESLIE GLENN Leslie’s energy and enthusiasm for yoga and life is contagious.

She was introduced to yoga 16 years ago and it has remained an anchor of balance, growth, and radiance ever since. Traveling the globe as a competitive snowboarder, Leslie integrated yoga into her life realizing its power harmonize the body, mind and breath cultivating focus and connection. These skills have proven advantageous on the mat, on the mountain, at the top of the X Games halfpipe and in everyday life.

Examining yoga in a holistic way, she blends alignment, breath, creative sequencing and intention steeped in the traditions of Tantra Hatha Yoga to inspire courage, grace, and

freedom for students.

As a teacher, she hopes to hearten students creating a safe environment to find balance, space and freedom in their lives, reach their full potential and shine bright.

NELSON OLIVER Nelson Oliver has been studying meditation his entire life, most recently under the guidance of Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda; is an old student of Vipassana meditation; is the Controller and Meditation Leader at O.penVAPE, the leader in cannabis extraction technology as an American brand dedicated to wellness through cannabis (www.openvape.com); and has as his primary goal in life to maintain centered awareness of the breath 24 hours a day.

DR. JONATHAN BLOCH Dr. Bloch is medical doctor, a yogi and

a father. He sought yoga as a reset by which to balance his physical well being with the mental stress of day-to-day living. Yoga became his new best teacher and a strong practice has helped carry him through great personal and professional challenges.

As a new foundation for the exploration of health, he hopes to build a practice where patients achieve better medical outcomes through yoga and other more natural alternative approaches to treatment, either in lieu of or alongside standard western medicine.

TAYLOR ROSE Taylor Rose is a dreamer, writer, and wildly energetic being.

She has her Masters in Environmental Leadership, certified in Authentic Leadership, and is a SUP Yoga Instructor. She believes we are a physical embodiment of the sacred source, and our purpose is to not only witness, but to participate in the inexhaustible celebration we call life. Taylor strives to help others reach new levels of awareness and appreciation for the magic and the mystery of our world, both internally and externally.

Want to be on the cover?

enter our cover contest!

COLORADO YOGA + LIFE IS CONDUCTING A COVER CONTEST FOR THE NEXT ISSUE! SUBMIT YOUR PHOTO ENTRIES ONLINE AT: COYOGAMAG.COM

About our

cover

Model: Shannon Paige Photographer: Wari Om Location: Estes Park, CO Clothing: Hanuman Top & Lululemon Pants Studio Affiliates: Earth Yoga Boulder

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BEING A CONTRIBUTOR FOR COLORADO YOGA + LIFE MAGAZINE OR YOGA + LIFE MAGAZINES?

GET IN TOUCH!

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profiles / Teachers

Rachel NELSON

PHOTOS: JAY RUSH PHOTO

Studio: Revolution Power Yoga City: Avon, Colorado

PHOTOS: (TOP) DANIELLE ZIMMERER, (BOTTOM) CHRIS TRACY

MEREDITH

Cameron Traveling yoga teacher based in Winter Park, Colorado

What has your practice instilled in you?

My practice has allowed me to breathe bigger and take that home to my family, my friends and my pets. I strive to make the simplest of acts very intentional which has provided increase in my life. Every time I am on the yoga mat, I am also reminded to strive for greatness – and that is different every day.

How do you create a powerful sequence?

My sequences are highly inspired by what is going on in my own life and by reading the room to which I am teaching. I try not to stick to my sequence exactly. I think it’s really important to give the students what they need and you can feel that out by tuning into your classroom.

Where do you feel the most creative?

Both sequencing and words. My teachings evolve just as I evolve and I am a forever student. The students who took my class a year ago are still taking my classes now because I like to keep them fresh and different. I feel that my words can be inspirational for most and I hope to leave students something to chew on in regards to their life.

What has your practice instilled in you?

My yoga practice has given me a deep, deep sense of acceptance and peace with myself. It has given me trust, faith, and love.

How do you create a powerful sequence?

First, I think it is so important to learn one sequence from a teacher and study, practice, and teach it A LOT, for years! It truly is the path to mastery, repetition forces the magic to arise. Having a great well-rounded sequence actually gives me freedom to create in the moment or create a something with a specific focus, like hips, or backbends. When creating a specific or new sequence I always think about the impact and experience I want the students to walk out of class with. Then, it’s what poses will bring that experience to the surface and what poses build up to that experience and then what poses are needed to close and counter and still keep that experience alive. I think of my sequences a lot like building a house – a strong foundation is needed first – then I can start to add to it so that everything supports the whole.

Where do you feel the most creative?

In nature and in the mountains.

Name three Coloradoans who are creating big things...

Jacki Carr – amazing goal coach and beautiful person!

Scotty Stoughton of Bonfire Dub – his love of combining spirituality, music, connection and he just walks the walk!

Rachel DeLong – amazing yoga teacher and so dedicated to service and bringing mindfulness to kids who need it most!

Name three Coloradoans who are creating big things...

Me – with my message of finding your freedom, I know I am blazing my own trail in the yoga world.

Shannon Paige – with her new studio in Boulder: Earth.

Gina Caputo – Colorado School of Yoga is going to be amazing.

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How do you create a powerful sequence?

The way I go about creating a powerful sequence depends on what type of class I am going to be teaching. In my Women’s Yoga classes, the sequencing really revolves around the themes. If we are working with a particular goddess for example, I will choose mantras, mudras and poses that help us to feel and embody the energy of that goddess. When I am teaching women’s yoga, I do my best to surrender any ideas or agendas of how I think the class should go and instead I let myself be surprised by what arises. Often the class will go in directions I never could have imagined. For vinyasa style classes, I typically build towards a peak pose. I consider what parts of the body need to be opened or strengthened to move towards the more challenging poses. Then I try to find creative ways to start warming up those parts of the body right from the beginning. As the class intensity builds, we will move through a series of interesting transitions and revisit similar positions that continue to deepen and get more complex as we go.

Where do you feel the most creative?

I feel the most creative early in the mornings. When the kids are still asleep and the new day’s light is just starting to show, I love to tiptoe downstairs, light candles at my altar and dive deep into meditation, chanting and asana practice. Often I get some of my most creative moments of inspiration here. The other place I find it is out in nature. I go for long quiet walks whenever possible and consistently find that fresh mountain air, and the raw beauty of the natural world awakens a creative energy within me.

Name three Coloradans who are creating big things...

Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh – www.earthguardians.org/xiuhtezcatl Lucy Wallace – www.dance2bfree.org Chantal Pierrat – www.emergingwomen.com/team

PHOTOS: (TOP) VASCHELLE ANDRE, (BOTTOM) RICK CUMMINGS

KIRSTEN

warner

I ALWAYS KNEW THAT THERE MUST BE SOMETHING MORE TO LIFE THAN SIMPLY GETTING BY. I HAD MY FIRST REAL TASTE OF WHAT THAT SOMETHING MORE IS WHEN I FOUND YOGA.

Studios: The Little Yoga Studio, The Mama’hood Boulder City: Boulder, Colorado What has your practice instilled in you?

Wow, that’s a big question! After nearly 25 years of practice it feels impossible to even imagine who I would be without yoga. Yoga has deeply influenced every aspect of my life. One thing in particular I think it has instilled in me is a tangible connection to the Divine. I grew up in a family of atheists and always felt like an outsider among them. I always knew that there must be something more to life than simply getting by. I had my first real taste of what that something more is when I found yoga. Now in my practice and my teaching and my life I am committed to letting myself be guided by that river of grace.

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profiles / Studios

Odyssey Yoga

Amana Yoga WHAT IS YOUR RECIPE FOR CREATING A STRONG COMMUNITY? Humility mixed with gratitude, remembering first and foremost as teachers and leaders in the community- we are all students of the practice.

The focus is the true recognition of namaste, seeing the light of each and every soul in the community; the teachers and students alike, knowing we are all human, given this gift of life. The way the Amana teachers transmit the teachings of the practice to the students make them excited to feel embodied and develop the practice as their own tool, their unique prayer.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR STUDIO? WHAT IS YOUR RECIPE FOR CREATING A STRONG COMMUNITY?

While offering vigorous and sweaty classes, our teachers emphasize being in the moment, breathing deeply, and a higher purpose to the practice... I believe this creates a deep sense of calm, lightness, and connection. My teachers and students know and enjoy each other, and that shows up in our classes! Our community is full of trust, compassion, openness, and empowerment.

WHAT IS SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR STUDIO? Odyssey is a unique combination of being an intimate, privately-owned studio AND a beautiful, spacious studio with state-of-the-art heating. We have a highly qualified teaching team, and teachers are given freedom to explore and grow their own styles. And -my favorite- the students are incredibly dedicated and hard-working, without any of the competitiveness or intimidation.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF CREATING A SUCCESSFUL YOGA STUDIO?

(See answer to question one ha!). It’s special because we are about making the practice approachable, helping people develop the most beneficial habits that yoga help us to create, at any age, on your lunch break, no matter your level of fitness. Its not a show. Amana is a place to reconnect to SOURCE. The biggest piece of feedback that we’ve received about Amana is that the community has co-created the atmosphere of a sanctuary where one can come and practice in a way that nourishes not just their mind and body, but their soul.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES OF CREATING A SUCCESSFUL YOGA STUDIO?

Running a brand new business as a budding entrepreneur is daunting no matter who you are. But to open a new business with the 8-limbs of Yoga as your brand filter is the greatest challenge AND most wonderful gift. Keeping abundance, gratitude and balance top of mind under novice entrepreneurship... by using the very product that we are in business for- yoga! Social media is also inundated with beautiful people doing yoga, how do we promote this practice without tapping and appealing too much to the ego and aesthetics. Its such a gift to be given this challenge, it has become my greatest teacher.

Having a solid vision while constantly working on personal growth! Creating a successful studio takes passion, curiosity, and confidence. Yoga in America is a dizzying array of variety, opinions, ancient lineages, new science, and competition... it can be overwhelming!! I have learned to simply grow my own practice, follow my heart, connect with my community, and love the journey!

longmont, COlorado / odysseyyoga.com

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boulder, COlorado / amanayogaboulder.com

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What on

Earth?

BY: SHANNON PAIGE PHOTOS: RICHARD CUMMINGS

Blaze on with Fearless Heart!

– Alan Clementz

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health / Medicine profiles / Studios

I

t happened: the idea was born, the perfect studio space emerged, the lease was signed, the walls went up, the floor went down, and the collaborators gathered. Even the smallest of the pre-opening details were somewhat thrilling; as we stepped forward in the creation of Earth, our new yoga studio in Boulder, Colorado.

As life had done what life does, taken its toll over the last several years, I had shifted some serious gears. I thought I was done stewarding a studio. I had nearly stepped out of public yoga teaching and had stepped into simply directing my yoga teacher trainings and writing full-time. The idea of stepping back in front of a classroom full of people gave me more than a few twinges of fear.

However, underneath my doubts, I felt my great love of community glow.

Though glowing, my great love of community still fell prey to my wondering whether or not this offering might land well in a town more than sprinkled with great yoga studios. Further like many, manage a litany of enough-ness complaints against myself daily. I have memorized all of my mistakes and missteps and am an expert in making them weapons against my happiness.

Taking this leap of faith and opening another studio only seemed to made them louder.

There are a 1008 ‘what if’s’ in manifesting anything. With any creation, a piece of art, a poem, anything might not be celebrated to the degree that the creator had hoped. However, what would happen if the creator simply ceased worrying about the creation’s outcome and simply created for the love of it?

What would happen if you, if I, if we, created from our unique passions simply for the joy in its endeavor?

wonder, and shared purpose in several teachers, our builders, and marketing partners.

It turns out, Earth, is more than a studio. It is a project aimed at connecting people, celebrating diversity, igniting passion in art, effort, value, and positive world change making. It is a home for creativity on every level.

Creativity changes everything. It changes everything for everyone. Once it is lit, passion burns and cannot be easily put out. It tends to burn the shorts off of self-limitation, doubt, and fear. If Earth Yoga Boulder is an example of life changing by diving in deep to what one and many love, may it serve as an inspiration for many to lean towards their inspirations, dreams, and creative sparks.

I began a practice.

Every time fear gained a small foothold, I turned my attention towards one aspect of the studio’s beginning.

It was a dance between creativity and fear.

Awesome-ness. That’s what.

I began a practice. Every time fear gained a small foothold, I turned my attention towards one aspect of the studio’s beginning. It was a dance between creativity and fear. Though these two poles of reality were loud in my head everyday, every schedule choice, class description, paint chip, and floorboard that went down seemed to light my heart on fire. Creating something new, from the depths of my passion, was lighting me up and limiting the heaviness of the shadows about its being received.

I was tireless and on fire. “Passion burns down every branch of exhaustion…”

– Rumi This project shifted the balance in my head and heart.

My heart took over and my head sat and listened.

I watched the project, from its inception, not just light me up, but others as well. Fear and doubt were not just the monkeys on my back; they seemed to be an epidemic for many of us. This project turned on a sense of childlike fearlessness,

COYOGAMAGAZINE.COM

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profiles / Entrepreneurs

Colorado entrepreneurs share...

SIMEON MARGOLIS & DR. ANDY GOLDMAN,

BROOK EDDY Founder of Bhakti Chai

Founders of Good Day Chocolate

What is your secret for success in bringing an idea into physical existence and sharing it for profit?

The secret is - there is no secret. If you’re looking for a magic formula or welltrodden path to follow to insure your success - be prepared for a healthy dose of disappointment. Bringing your idea to market will be both a painful and exhilarating exercise in managing the unknown. Once you recognize this, then you can begin working on the tried-and-true fundamentals that will ultimately lead you step-by-small- step toward an outcome. At Good Day Chocolate, we strive to: always make execution our #1 priority; listen to others – our customers, our advisors (and recognize when to ignore them and trust our gut); stay humble in our approach; empathize with (and learn from) our customer’s experience, and to find pleasure in the smart decisions and small (and medium sized, and big) victories.

What motivates you?

New products, new flavor combinations, innovative marketing ideas, the intersection between nonprofit, policy, and business. Being told no so that I have to find a way to make it a yes!

What are some of the obstacles of an entrepreneurial lifestyle and what have they taught you?

The list is long and often obvious: long hours, very little pay, stress, sleepless nights (thank goodness for our Sleep formula), and sacrificing the time you enjoy doing other things. Perhaps the toughest one is coming to terms with the fact that ‘no one cares.’ While you’re giving your entire life (financial, emotional, and physical) to build something, you’re often be faced with the reality that people, even the ones that should, just don’t care. Why should they?

What does the word “create” mean to you?

To us, “create” means setting an intention and committing to a course action, listening and learning every step of the way. If you’re in it to “create” something for yourself, be prepared to block out the world, focus on your internal motivations, and truly pay attention to that little voice inside. It can be powerful, even spiritually enlightening. And if you’re “creating” something for a consumer audience, your evolutionary road map must include empathy and the ability to truly understand what others are saying, even if they’re things you don’t want to hear.

Another day dream was to build a company that focused on social impact. My ginger-infused, homemade chai just happened to gain a cult following and became what Bhakti Chai is today. It’s our commitment to supporting small projects and women and girls via our GITA Giving platform that has made Bhakti truly shine.

In one word, characterize your life as an entrepreneur.

Unpredictable.

What is an obstacle of the entrepreneurial lifestyle and what has it taught you?

Lack of balance, non-stop stress, and there is never a real “off” button – even on vacation. It’s taught me that since we only have a limited amount of energy output per day, choosing carefully how I expend that energy is vital to my balance. That’s why my yoga practice is so important to my survival. The most critical yoga pose is the one that’s not on my mat – it’s the stance I take in the world and how I move through the world grounded in letting go, breathing, trusting and knowing that it always works out.

What would you say are the top three skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur?

Vision, tenacity, and stamina – it’s a long distance course!

How many hours do you work a day on average?

10-14. My most productive time is usually 8-12pm when my kids are sleeping and I’m not interrupted.

What does the word “create” mean to you?

Letting inspiration take you on a ride. It could be subtle moment pulling flavors together for an amazing feast, throwing down an impassioned poem in a rebellious mood, or bringing a new arousing product line to market.

WWW.GOODDAYCHOCOLATE.COM

WWW.BHAKTICHAI.COM AND WWW.GITAGIVING.ORG

Understanding this last piece is the single most important lesson needed to survive the entrepreneurial obstacle course. More often than not, you’ll find the answer to “why should they” is “they shouldn’t!” Once you get comfortable with that, the obstacles you’re facing begin to look a lot more like building blocks.

What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur?

To be a successful entrepreneur, you have to fall out of love with your idea so you can fall in love with executing on it. When I say love, I mean insane love, the kind you’d do even the most extreme things to fulfill. If you don’t have the support (or the solitude) to make executing your vision the #1 priority in your life, just forget it.

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What is your secret for success in bringing an idea into physical existence and sharing it for profit.

Setting intentions, day dreaming, and thinking of ways to work around obstacles. For years, I dreamed of Bhakti owning a beautiful Rickshaw or Tuk Tuk. It took time to be able to afford such an endeavor, but we now own the first-ever, street legal electric Tuk Tuk in the U.S. We named her “Ginger” and take her all over the country where she connects with people and spreads the spicy love of Bhakti.

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Juli Rathke Female Entrepreneur & Founder of: Yoga + Life Magazines GOYO Adventures & Retreats Teacher, Speaker, and Presenter Thought Leader at JuliTV

To be willing to create something new one must also be willing to be judged. and then you must be willing to let judgement go. no matter how good or bad it feels.

– Juli Rathke

profiles / Yoga + Life Founder

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We also believe in giving. We have a karma ad program that I haven’t been able to replicate anywhere else in the industry. It just feels right to give an ad for each ad sold.

What is GOYO and where did it come from?

In the same regard where people in

How do you juggle the vision, family, and your work?

“It is all in the practice.” as Yoda would say. Seriously though, my priority is always family first. That means things may take a little longer and I accept that and I let others know this as well. When I am working I try to choose only meaningful work.

That means farming out stuff that I am no longer learning anything from (like social media or databases and newsletters). Don’t get me wrong, I rock a killer spreadsheet, but visionaries need to get out of the trenches often. This is one of my top 5 lessons when mentoring other entrepreneurs - master and move on.

How do you incorporate your yoga into making money?

For some this is quite counterintuitive and again takes practice. We pay rent, right? We have to feed our families, right? If we all worked for free, then it would make sense. But we don’t and we can’t. Value what you do. I have a strict “yes” filter, and if the criteria isn’t met, the answer is no. It is part of establishing your core values in you, your business, your life, and even your marriage. Mulhadhara people.

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What was the inspiration for Y + L? I started teaching yoga at a very young age. But what I didn’t know is who I would become as a teacher. I think a lot of people still struggle with this. As a teacher I packed the house (and still do) but I truly felt I deserved to be on the big stage. But what I didn’t know yet, was my message. It has taken years of practice to listen for my calling and living my life has helped me to find my story - other ventures,

this industry needed another outlet to share their voice, I have also seen the need for guidance in navigating the waters of leading and guiding retreats. How is it that a starving yoga teacher has to throw down their credit card on blind faith to fill a retreat just to get the chance to travel, wander, and grow. GOYO takes the scare out of it for many and offers marketing support, legal advice, in addition to packaged retreats for small studios around the country to take their group on an amazing adventure. If your not in the retreat business, it can be a full-time job planning one if you aren’t careful.

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When starting a new business, how do you know if it’s right?

There is no guarantee you will succeed but I would always bet on myself before I would bet on others. I have learned a lot about myself along the way. Go with your gut! I’ve been judged, ridiculed, I’ve failed, been ripped off, hurt, lied to, and cheated.

Being an entrepreneur is not for the thin-skinned, and few are encouraging you telling you how amazing your ideas are. So... you truly need to believe in the power of you and the gift you have to share and then create a powerful filter to protect it from self-sabatoge and then build a team around that. That is what we have done with Y + L. Only believers allowed. The rest are likely not our customers anyway. (Well, not yet!)

travel, family, and karmic connections.

I knew I needed to create the niche that I was seeking. So I merged my ideas from all other aspects of my yoga, magazine, and TV ventures. On a long road trip home a few years back, I wrote the business plan for Y + L and I set out finding the right team. Now with five markets, more in the works, and nearly 100+ ambassadors and contributors in less than 18 months, people seem to really understand where we are coming from and I am forever grateful. Give me a hellz’ya!

What makes Y + L different from other yoga magazines?

Well, I guess I am here for the lynching. Judge as you will, but I don’t think we compete with the YJ’s of the world, in fact I think we complement them. The difference between “us” and “them” IS IN FACT the people in the magazines AND the people who MAKE the magazines happen. They are not your typical “experienced” authors and editors. This industry is saturated at the top, in other words, tough to break into at the level of the “Shivas” and “Seanes” and the “YJ’s” (no dis ladies) of the world. But there are so many amazing people doing amazing things in their communities who also deserve their voice to be heard. I felt it my calling to bring about this opportunity for everyone - including myself. There is nothing more paralyzing than climbing that mountain to the top of your platform to find few are listening. Well, we are!

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What motivates you?

I tend to answer questions with questions. I do laugh a lot and ask myself often, “Self... what’s the worst thing that could happen?” Identifying the worse case scenario during adversity shifts perspectives immediately to the positive. I also require a huge daily dose of coffee, humor, and my mantra “why not”. Most often people only see reasons why they can’t do something. This separates many from achieving what they desire in life.

This intrigue is part of what keeps the fires burning for more.

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the daily medicine for a passionate female entrepreneur

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Coffee. Humor. Mantra.

What does the word “create” mean to you?

Create to me means opening up to all possibilities while removing expecations or limitations. Whether I’m creating a layout in a magazine, prepearing an interview, or a yoga flow for my class, I am open to the energy and new interpretation as it comes to me. My mind is a blank canvas, this allows for totally unique and new masterpieces each and every time.

When someone removes the hold an expectation has on them, it is only then they are able to truly tap into their creative flow. Choose to ride the wave - I have.

To learn more about Juli and her teachings, retreats, and JuliTV, please visit: WWW.JULIRATHKE.COM WWW.YOGALIFEMAGAZINES.COM WWW.GOYOADVENTURES.COM

In order to succeed, you truly need to believe in the power of you and the gift you have to share and then create a powerful filter to protect it from selfsabatoge.

- Juli Rathke

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profiles / Entrepreneurs

Q&A with jewelry maker,

Cristine Googins Owner/Artist at Synergy Designs PHOTOS: JAMIE CARUSO PHOTOGRAPHY personal style but mainly when I sit down to create beautiful pieces of jewelry the creativity just starts to flow and I just go with it!

Do you ever get blocked creatively? If so what do you do to bring the creativity back?

Yes, I do get blocked creatively. When that happens it can be very frustrating for sure. I will sit down to create and it just won’t feel right, or I’ll start a piece, change it a million times, then end up putting it down and walking away. Then, I wait to hear the “call “to create. That’s always a welcome sound to hear!

When did you start making jewelry?

It’s funny, people ask me that all the time! I don’t remember exactly when I started. I’ve always been a creative person. As a kid I put glitter on everything and had a roll-top desk filled with creative supplies. As far as making jewelry, I really started doing it consistently in 1999-2000 when I went to a bead store in Frisco, Colorado to start creating my bridesmaid’s necklaces for my wedding. I had a lot of bridesmaids too! My craft has evolved greatly over the years.

How do get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from many different things, but mostly from the materials that I use. I use semi-precious stones and beads, also a variety of metals and natural materials. I will get inspired from nature, certain shapes, angles, and unique

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You’re a mother of three children. How do you find the space to fit in your creative time?

I try to create when I have some alone time in my house, which is not that often! My two eldest children are in school full-time while my three-yearold goes to school three full days a week. If I’m not teaching yoga or doing a family-related to-do list, I will utilize those days, otherwise I try to tell my kids that it›s “mommy time” when I’m making jewelry!

Sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t!

They like to watch me work. They are creative souls as well and I hope that seeing their mom create inspires them too.

What do you love about jewelry?

Wow, so many things! With the use of natural materials such as stones, crystals and semi-precious stones there are so many amazing benefits that come from wearing elements from the earth. Each stone has certain metaphysical properties that might resonate with some people for a variety of healing benefits, both physically and spiritually.

Also, jewelry is worn to adorn the body no matter what size you are or what you’re going through in your life. A beautiful piece of jewelry can brighten your day in a very simple and uncomplicated way.

Jewelry is such a personal item to wear and to give as a gift. Plus, who doesn’t love to sparkle?

YOGALIFEMAGAZINES.COM

SYNERGY DESIGNS HANDMADE JEWERLY BY DESIGN CGOOGINS@COMCAST.NET PHONE: 720.341.7167 PHOTOGRAPHY: WWW.LEMONDROPPHOTOS.COM

lifestyle / Community

THE ART AND COMMUNITY OF

MADELIFE BY: CHASE ALLEN TAYLOR PHOTOS: LADD FORDE

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ften, when faced with our own processes, it is of great advantage to have a community of similar-minded folk to bounce ideas off of so that – through outside perspective - we may develop, more fully, our senses of self. In a city defined by its unique culture and wide array of communities, madelife has developed the platform on which we may educate with this in mind. Located in the heart of downtown Boulder, madelife is a launchpad for artists and entrepreneurs founded on mentorship and collaboration.

Out of our 6000-square-foot retail and art gallery space, black box theater, visual arts lab, and sound studio, we harbor the initiative to create. Through our Creative Accelerator program, we run highly customized curriculums with individuals who intend to further hone their skills and assimilate into their respective professional creative landscapes. The program focuses on the spheres of Music, Video Production, Photography, Graphic Design, and Creative Entrepreneurship. Together, we craft teams of highly-skilled mentors, coordinators, and interns, to provide a support network for individuals. Accelerants then have the opportunity to work on their projects with support from the collective.

Since it’s inception in 2012, a primary vision of madelife has been to nurture the local community that we reside in. By hosting events, spanning from art shows to performances and workshops, we have built a platform of local art reception that contributes to the wonderfully creative spirit of Boulder. Our storefront, which is filled with an eclectic mix of art in virtually every medium, is all either locally-made or locally-sourced – and is constantly evolving with different artists’ submissions to the gallery.

We function with a constant awareness that we exist because of the huge community of creators that reside here.

Collective creating has become a critical part of our culture; not only at madelife, but in a broader sense, modern times. We live in an era marked by connectivity. Both nationally and worldwide, we have become an increasingly synchronized world. More now than ever, collaborations in art take the limelight, with co-operative projects having more potential to fulfil more needs personally, professionally, and socially. Concurrently, the creative world has expanded into more mediums and capabilities than ever before. It is through this expansion and connectivity that creative communities form. Within these communities, individuals can find sociability in their artistic endeavors, receiving the much needed support and feedback to help them develop their craft. At madelife we have found that our Creative Accelerants tend to excel to far greater heights, and expect far more from themselves when given access to the community – by far our greatest asset.

Furthermore, the collective ambition to create is not limited to the artistic world. Creativity, in its most basic form, can be attributed to and found in every human activity and interaction. We create the people that we become, create the world that we want to live in, and create the mediums and modes by which we express ourselves. It is no surprise that we want to create together.

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coloradoschoolofyoga coloradoschoolofyoga

livin’ la pura vida ECO CHIC LUXURY AT BODHI TREE YOGA RESORT

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lifestyle / Travel

BY: JENNIFER DERHAM EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, MN YOGA + LIFE MAGAZINE

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THE WATER FEATURES, BALINESE STATUES, AND WINDING WALKWAYS, SET AMONG A LUSH GREEN BACKDROP WITH PURE BLUE SKIES AND GOLDEN SUNSHINE, MAKE BODHI AN ENCHANTING PLACE TO EXPERIENCE.

estled in the hills of Nosara, Costa Rica, Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort does appear magical from the moment you arrive. The grand staircase upon entry is both grand and beautiful, yet it is far from pretentious. It seems to have existed there since ancient times, and blends seamlessly into the natural environment. A statue of Ganesh greets you as a testament of the symbiotic relationship between human and nature here.

Just about everything is mindfully executed at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort — from the food, to the building materials, to the flora. Gary Edwards, former cement contractor from Canada, a yogi, and the sole owner of Bodhi Tree says, “I have put my heart and soul into this place.” Gary should be more aptly named, Curator. His eyes shine proudly as he tells me about how he’s done everything from pouring cement, to designing chairs, building furniture, planting trees, and operating a backhoe.

After learning about the smallest of touches and considerations put into Bodhi Tree, it’s readily apparent that he indeed has put forth his heart and soul. His goal: “to make Bodhi Tree Yoga Resorts one of the most sought after places to enjoy a yoga retreat.” He is on the right track to do just that.

Gary went to great lengths to preserve the natural environment of the property while building Bodhi.

He built around the Guanacaste trees, and maintained the natural hilly terrain. Stone terraces, bridges, waterfalls, and walkways reminiscent of a fairy tale take you where you wish to go. The stone was brought in from a nearby quarry. The wood used for building is local, as is the majority of the staff. They’re warm, unassuming, committed, and friendly. Bodhi Tree utilizes solar power, and collects recycled rainwater to maintain all of the native plants and trees. Bodhi Tree does not use any plastic, herbicides or pesticides.

These finer details don’t go unnoticed. The water features, Balinese statues, and winding walkways, set among a lush green backdrop with pure blue

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skies and golden sunshine, make Bodhi an enchanting place to experience. Specific fruit trees and flowering trees were planted to keep the resident howler monkeys happy. You can see and hear them throughout the day. Though luxurious finishes and amenities abound, the Howlers and cameo appearances by Guillermo the resident Iguana, are surreal reminders that you are residing in the heart of the jungle.

All meals are provided at Bodhi Tree, each of which offers indulgent yet nutritious delights, whether you’re an omnivore, vegan, or need gluten free options. The fish is caught from nearby Garza beach, and the

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wonderfully fresh and potent coffee is from nearby Nicoya. If you get hungry between meals, swim to the end of the salt-water infinity pool, and visit the juice bar where you can enjoy a variety of freshly pressed juices, smoothies, or natural snacks.

Things to do Bodhi Tree offers bikes to take into town or to the beach. You can also get surfing lessons, shop the boutique, hit the gym and enjoy spa treatments or a Pilates class. Bodhi partners with local companies to offer a variety of off-site adventures such as stand up paddleboard lessons, ATV tours, horseback riding, turtle watching, and zip lining.

Oh yeah. You can practice yoga too. Classes are offered two or three times a day in beautiful classrooms ranging from partially enclosed, open-air, and glass-enclosed amidst the green treetops. Practitioners of all levels can find a class to suit. Opt for more traditional classes such as Ashtanga, Restorative, or Kundalini, or try Bodhi-unique variations such as Hip Bliss, Sunset Flow, or Surfer’s Pre-hab & Re-hab. No mat? No problem.

Bodhi offers quality mats and props, free of charge. If you’re an instructor looking for a wonderful place to lead a retreat, look no farther. The Bodhi staff are very accommodating and eager to help you with all of the finer details.

THERE’S SOMETHING MAGICAL ABOUT Hospitality with a Conscience THIS PLACE. While it may be relatively easy to find a yoga retreat that provides eco-conscious luxury, it’s more difficult to find businesses that truly care for their communities. Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort has committed to help rebuild the local school, Esperanza. Much

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of the original building was destroyed in a major earthquake.

Currently, children attend in what remains of the building. It’s overcrowded, and many of its amenities are no longer functioning. Efforts to rebuild are spearheaded by Stacy Seebart, Minnesota native and Public Relations Director at Bodhi. She says, “local schools here do more than educate, they are revered as the heart of the community.”

About Nosara Nosara is a yogi and surfer’s paradise. The beaches of Nosara are unspoiled, raw, rugged, and beautiful. There are no restaurants or hotels to be seen. There’s no “strip,” in Nosara. You can find quaint shops and open-air market stalls filled with lovely wares crafted by local artists. Author Dan Buettner dubbed this area of Costa Rica as a Blue Zone. A Blue Zone is a specific region of the world where people live longer and happier lives as evidenced by the number of centenarians that reside there.

“La pura vida,” a Costa Rican motto, can be directly translated to “the pure life.” A more nuanced and deeper meaning of the term embodies the culture in Costa Rica, and refers to the way in which they fully appreciate and embrace both the good and bad that life has to offer.

I came across the saying, “those who are lucky enough to live in Nosara, are lucky enough.” Same goes to those who are lucky enough to visit Nosara and the Bodhi Yoga Tree Resort.

For more on the Esperanza School Project: www.crowdrise.com/bethevision2015 For more on Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort: www.bodhitreeyogaresort.com

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lifestyle / Books

Book Reviews

I AM YOGA

BOOK WRITTEN BY SUSAN VERDE, ILLUSTRATED BY PETER REYNOLDS

AYURVEDA COOKBOOK

BOOK WRITTEN BY RUPEN RAO AND APARNA PATTEWAR REVIEW BY: JULI RATHKE

I was so stoked to see an easy to follow way to ayurveda health with this New cookbook.

Author Rupen Rao is a Indian food entrepreneur and an international travel chef. I don’t know how he found Y + L but I sure was pleasantly surprised to receive his new book in the mail a couple months back. It is now a favorite on my shelf for go-to-healthy meals. A delightful and easily organized cookbook for anyone coming into Ayurveda for the first time or with experience.

The book gives a nice introduction to both Ayurveda and Sanskrit and doesn’t overwhelm. It addresses in it’s firs chapter the doshas so you can quickly move onto the recipes based on body constitution or prakruti.

All of the easily-to-follow recipes are organized by prakruti, which is such a great way to learn what works and doesn’t work for your body based on the seasons of change we all endure.

ANNAPURNA IS THE GODDESS OF FOOD ANNA=FOOD, PURNA =FULL. New York Times bestselling illustrator Peter H. Reynolds and author and certified yoga instructor Susan Verde team up to create the powerful new book I AM YOGA (September 2015, $14.95), about creativity and the power of selfexpression as discovered through the popular activity. It encourages aspiring yogis to explore poses that strengthen the body while relaxing the heart and mind for the world beyond.

Kid-friendly yet also ideal for the novice and devotee, I AM YOGA is at once an evocative guide to discovering one’s inner self as well as a primer in popular yoga positions. 16 fully-illustrated poses come with annotations written in clear, concise language. From child’s pose to peaceful warrior, airplane pose to boat pose, Verde’s expert instructions paired with Reynolds’ bright watercolor drawings are a match made in yoga heaven.

Just as yoga strengthens bodies, calms minds, and holds the power of transformation, I AM YOGA will make a strong connection to readers of all ages and be an inspiring yet relaxing resource on the journey to inner balance.

WHEN I FEEL SMALL IN A WORLD SO BIG, I CALM MY MIND, MY BODY, MY BREATH.

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Book Review:

MEDITATION

AS A WAY OF LIFE

BY REV. ALAN L. PRITZ REVIEW BY: JENNIFER DERHAM, MA, EDS

Forget the fluffy, new-agey stuff. Meditation As A Way of Life is a no b.s. guide to meditation.

If you want a quick and dirty Meditation for Dummies type of read, look elsewhere.

Meditation As A Way of Life is intelligently written and saturated with spirituality. The central tenet of this guide is strong, authentic, and bold, which is why I loved it. Pritz says that meditation is a method by which we become closer to God. Period. Mindfulness, peace, a sense of calm, etc., are powerful byproducts of a consistent meditation practice — not the ultimate goal. It’s our separation from God and focus on the external, that often underlies human misery.

This is not a religious book in the traditional sense. It’s free of dogmatic bias, and in fact, respectfully explores religion versus spirituality. Pritz explains that we are made to seek connection with our Source, and quotes Jesuit Teilhard de Chardin to underscore the point, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.” Pritz makes a similar point using the words of Patanjali, “By total surrender to God, Samadhi (enlightenment) is attained.” Throughout the book, he proves himself as a spiritual scholar, and not one to play religious favorites.

I appreciated Pritz’s non-divisive approach. He draws parallels between religions.

For example, he explores the connection between the sacred words, Aum, Om, Amen, Hum, and Amin. Likewise, the often difficult-to-understand concept of one God manifested as three, is illustrated using Taoist, Vedic, and Christian frameworks. He refers to God as God, but also as the Source, Infinite Spirit, Divine Mother, and the Holy Spirit in addition to exploring what, or who, God is. Pritz, an interfaith minister, references an inclusionary ambrosia of visionaries such as Krishna, Jesus, Buddha, Rumi, Martin Luther King Jr., Chief Seattle, various saints, and scholars.

Mantras unique to secular, Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions are shared.

Physical, mental, and spiritual applications of the Yamas and Niyamas are offered, as well as various breathing and meditation techniques. Pritz sprinkles in poetry, excerpts from sacred texts, and everyday anecdotes as beautiful illustrations.

Because this book is inclusive of various religious and spiritual ideals and practices, one may wonder if it’s watered down to appeal to the masses. It’s not. For those who may draw upon a Life of Pi type of spiritual belief system such as myself, that is part of the allure. As Iyengar states, “As bees savour the nectar in various flowers, so the Sadhaka absorbs things in other faiths which will enable him to appreciate his own faith better.” While Meditation as a Way of Life is not a light vacation read, it will attract those seeking more. It captures, in a meaningful way, the very definition of yoga, to yoke, or unite,

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IT’S OUR SEPARATION FROM GOD AND FOCUS ON THE EXTERNAL, THAT OFTEN UNDERLIES HUMAN MISERY.

which Pritz contends, “is the ultimate goal of meditation.” To quote the author, this book will help people “through meditation and spirituality to achieve greater life balance, happiness, and growth.”

About the Author: Rev. Alan L. Pritz, a spiritual disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, is an Interfaith Minister, and has trained in inner sciences for more than 40 years.

Selected by the US Army Reserves and Blue Cross Blue Shield of MN as a Meditation & Life–Balance Provider, he provides personal/couples meditation instruction and spiritual life coaching and counseling, plus related corporate programs and coaching through his Minneapolis practice, Awake In Life. To learn more about his services see, Awake-In-Life.com.

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lifestyle / Art

THE ART OF

android jones DIGITAL ALCHEMIST BY: SAMI LEA LIPMAN ART: ANDROID JONES

THE ACT OF CREATION, OR THE MOMENT OF THE ACT OF CREATION, IS THE MOST EXHILARATING PART OF THE ENTIRE PROCESS. A FINISHED PAINTING IS ONLY A SHADOW BORN FROM THE LIGHT OF THAT EXPERIENCE.

THIS PAGE: METAMORPHINE RIGHT PAGE: FORWARD_ESCAPE_GRID___X

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“I have seen things in this life that I am incapable of translating into words. In my practice I have visited realms where the imagination ends, and the terrifying beauty of infinity unfolds over and over again.

If I could distill into words exactly what motivates me to create the art that I make than it would not be worth making it. Instead I have chosen the Pen. Honestly I don’t know why I make this art, or what compels me to keep creating it; it’s a mystery I intend to pursue for the rest of my life, and each image brings me closer to the Ultimate Truth.”

ANDROID JONES: ARTIST STATEMENT

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ndrew “Android” Jones’ art isn’t a pretty picture that can be admired for a few seconds and then forgotten. His art leaves a visceral imprint in its audience. Studying his work is experiencing the unfolding of consciousness. When I look at his art, I see beyond the visual. I can hear his art – musical resonance of sonic power. I can feel his art – deeply human emotions dripping through electric energy. I experience new ways of understanding time in his art – shown through layers upon layers of nature, patterns, events, life, technology, space, social commentary, spirituality, and more – all moving and shape-shifting in a mystical, fractal dance. His art asks me to question both the known and unknown. It’s about then when I realize I’ve only looked at one small corner of the canvas. This is why Jones is often described as a digital alchemist. Through his medium, along with manipulating light and energy, Jones is determined to alter the viewer’s perception and push the boundaries of the imagination.

Lyons, Colorado native, Andrew is a visionary artist who has evolved to become an innovator of digital painting and projection art. He began studying art at the age of eight, studied drawing and animation at Ringling School of Art and Design, interned at George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic, and worked as a concept artist at Nintendo. In 2005, Jones founded LA-based art development company, Massive Black. Later, he moved back to Lyons, where he now works as an independent artist creating his masterpieces in his studio – a repurposed barn. His immense body of work is at the forefront of the visionary art movement. He participated in the Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Tour and his work has been projected on the Sydney Opera House and the Empire State Building.

A long time member of the Burning Man community, Android has traveled the world exhibiting his work and has contributed to events on six continents.

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Jones describes himself as an electro-mineralist.

His perception is that, “mankind is a medium that the universal creative spirit expresses itself through, and that expression is dependent of the medium that is made available to mankind.” Art history defines the artist by their medium. While Jones’s work is typically seen as digital-art, he argues that, “technology and computers are born from the intelligent directed manipulation of earth minerals infused with the power of electricity. It is the next natural evolution of artistic mediums.

Therefore, I feel electro-mineralism is a more appropriate terminology to describe the medium that consciousness has now chosen to express itself.”

While moved by artists from the past and present, such as the recently deceased Viennese artist,

Ernst Fuchs, Jones is also deeply inspired by nature, such as macro-photography or Hubble Space Telescope images of space. He told Mushroom Magazine, “the overwhelming majesty of deep space galaxies in contrast to the intricate complexity of microscopic patterns help me to create a more integral set of parameters that I can contextualize the sublime beauty of creation.”

Viewer and artist alike, witnessing Android Jones’ artwork is like stepping into another state of consciousness. Jones told the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), “the creative process has been a refuge for my mind and a meditation for my imagination.” He continues, “the more I succeed in shattering my awareness, the more I learn as I am forced to reassemble the pieces.” And while admiring Jones’ finished pieces is an experience in itself, his actual process of creation is an integral part of his work. Beyond the canvas, Jones is renowned for his live painting and participation in perfor-

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LEFT: ADAM AND EVE TOP: PAREIDOLIA

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LEFT: SEEING IS BELIEVING TOUR (DETAIL)

THE CREATIVE PROCESS HAS BEEN A REFUGE FOR MY MIND AND A MEDITATION FOR MY IMAGINATION.

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mance art. He explains, “…the act of creation, or the moment of the act of creation, is the most exhilarating part of the entire process. A finished painting is only a shadow born from the light of that experience.” Jones’ digital art becomes a vehicle for navigating human awareness and reality, and invites others to join in the process.

Certain themes show up across Android Jones’ artwork. He uses nature as a catalyst for connecting the dots. Wings are included to communicate freedom. Butterflies appear often; the universal symbol of transformation and change. Indian symbolic figures, such as Shiva, are incorporated

like an archetypal pathway for connecting art and audience with spirituality. He shows dichotomy by using contrasting elements, such as water and fire, or love and riot.

Andrew’s work often includes the human face as a centerpiece. He told Fractal Enlightenment, “I study a lot of human psychology and just within our human brains in our neocortex there is a specific amount of our brain that is allotted towards recognition of the human face. Its something that we really are hardwired, programmed to have a deep and powerful response to …[]… Not that this statement is really about the face, but its a vehicle to get the attention of someone and once you have the attention, then the symbols, colors, composition start to relay a deeper story.”

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Once Jones gets our attention, he wastes no time making sure to use his works as a vehicle for social or political change. He told Sol Purpose, “I find that art is one of the most powerful and one of the most under-appreciated ways of really getting inside of somebody’s world, planting a seed there and inspiring a certain type of curiosity…[]… The political and social issues that we’re dealing with are so complicated and so multidimensional. Art is one of the best mediums that we have to not only convey how an individual artist is feeling about something, but to tap into the

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TOP: UNION BOTTOM: LOVE IS A RIOT

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energetic zeitgeist of what’s going on.” He participated in an exhibition where dozens of images of animals were projected onto the Empire State Building. His portrait of Kali (the goddess of time, change, power, and destruction) was displayed in order to make the point that Mother Nature now more then ever needs a fierce avatar to fight the dangers of pollution and extinction.

I own two of Jones’ prints. I purchased them with my soul mate who is no longer alive. Both works show a synchronistic moment between two lovers. When we bought the pieces, a year apart, we thought we understood why were were so drawn to them. But now, as I continue study each work, every day, alone – without my other half – I see things in them that tell the story of the future we didn’t know back then. On top of the infinite love and connection captured in those single moments, I also see the chasms of chaos, heartbreak, confusion, and loss. Maybe it’s my imagination, maybe it’s coincidence, or maybe it was subconscious, but

the prints tell our story.

Almost in response to my experience, during an interview with Fractal Enlightenment, Jones said, “I’ve come to realize that art has the ability to not only convey messages and meanings, sometimes people see what they need to see in a piece.

Its nothing to do with what the artist intended to or not, when they look at it, it catalyzes something deep within them, it gives an opportunity to an individual to connect with something

I’VE COME TO REALIZE THAT ART HAS THE ABILITY TO NOT ONLY CONVEY MESSAGES AND MEANINGS, SOMETIMES PEOPLE SEE WHAT THEY NEED TO SEE IN A PIECE.

TOP: NOCTOURNAS LEFT: NIGHT RAINBOW • ART SHOW

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My personal experience with these prints have redefined my understanding of being a witness to art with a belief that we are a container, a participant, and maybe even a muse in the mystical and inter-connected web of creation.

Android Jones’s art cannot be described in words. To even try, as I have, feels lackluster. Enjoy viewing samples of his work here and also check out his full portfolio and upcoming events at www.androidjones.com.

TOP: ELECTRIC LOVE SOURCES: The Droid Team. Androidjones.com. n.p., n.d. Web. 19 January 2016.

Bhavika. “An Interview with Android Jones.” Fractal Enlightenment. n.p., n.d. Web. 19 January 2016.

Brown, David Jay. “An Interview with Andrew “Android” Jones and Phaedrana Jones.” MAPS Bulletin. Volume XXI Number 1. n.p., n.d. PDF. 19 January 2016.

Casey, David. “This is how you use art as a tool for change: Interview with Android Jones.” Sol Purpose.

NuMundo, 21 December 2015. Web. 19 January 2016.

Raval, Roberdo. “Android Jones.” Mushroom Magazine. Impressum., 25 April 2014. Web. 19 January 2016.

StapletOM

YOGA. MOVEMENT. MUSIC.

September 16-18th 2016

A festival for everyone...

Come shop, mingle, take a class, eat and drink. Free kids yoga classes and activities. A variety of yoga classes, barre, bootcamp, sculpt, and much more!

Visit www.stapletom.com for more info!

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art in OUR COMMUNITY

local Colorado artists talk about what drives them to create 38

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THE DESIRE TO CREATE COMES FROM WITHIN. IT MEETS A PRIMAL NEED FOR EXPRESSION THAT I ONLY EXPERIENCE WHEN I MAKE ART. I CREATE FOR THE SAKE OF WONDER AND CURIOSITY, FOR THE MAGIC AND DELIGHT OF BEING SURPRISED AT WHAT COMES OUT.

UNA VIGGIANI Denver, Colorado

Why do you create art?

The desire to create comes from within. It meets a primal need for expression that I only experience when I make art. I create for the sake of wonder and curiosity, for the magic and delight of being surprised at what comes out.

My favorite quote about creativity comes from Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic. “Do you have the courage to bring for the treasures that are hidden within you? The universe buries strange jewels deep within us all, and then stands back to see if we can find them. The hunt to uncover these jewels - that’s creative living.”

What is your most important artist tool?

My most important artist tool is my curiosity. The willingness to engage in the process of making art comes with a variety of unknown outcomes. Flexibility and the ability to be present in the process as its evolves is crucial. When I stay curious I can make changes without attachment and just see what happens if I try a new technique or add a new color to the canvas. I often ask myself, “I wonder what would happen if,” and then I get to discover something new.

Who inspires you to create art?

There are many artists that I admire including Martina Hoffmann, Andrew Jones, Amanda Sage, Autumn Skye Morrison, and Flora Bowley. I enjoy people who stretch the limits and boundaries of our perception and invite possibility with their work. I am also motivated by everyday people who have chosen to live a creative life. Whether they are writers, scientists or eccentrics, I am moved every time any person shows their bravery and expresses themselves to the world, no matter what form it takes.

My family and friends have also influenced me to create art by their support and encouragement.

LEFT PAGE: MAHA LAKSHMI RIGHT PAGE (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT): CHANT FEST, SURRENDER, EXPRESS!, GRATITUDE MUDRA, YOGA IN THE PARK

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Where in Colorado do you feel the most creative?

I love the mountains but most especially crave water. In dry Colorado that can be a challenge, so I usually seek out lakes, rivers and hot springs. One of my favorite spots to go on a solo journey is Grand Lake. I just love an early morning stand up paddle board session combined with a late night soak at the nearby Hot Sulphur Springs. One of the best things about Colorado, is even though I have lived here for 20 years, I am still discovering new places to visit and explore.

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wearing down the rough edges and creating a smooth shape. It would be difficult to create a really polished and precise piece without it.

Who inspires you to create art?

The athletes who create moving art in the snow, streets, and sea are a huge source of inspiration for us. It is truly an honor to take their old gear and transition it from one life to the next through our art. Our families also inspire us, from the wildly imaginative kids to Pascal’s 86 year old mother. To this day she continues to fill the house with her singing and paintings. We are also hugely motivated by the smiles on the faces of people who view our art. It feels wonderful to bring a moment of joy to someone we don’t know.

Where in Colorado do you feel the most creative?

Colorado is such a wonderful state to live in as an artist. Beauty surrounds us everywhere. Pascal feels the most creative after he’s hiked up a snow covered mountain. The silence and the nature nurture him. The exhilaration of the ride down the slope fill his head and heart with creative ideas. Lisa finds herself drawn to the lakes and rivers. Sometimes she’ll capture the fluidity of the water from the shore, other times she can be found examining the movement of the light as it reflects on the water while she’s practicing downward facing dog on her stand up paddle board. What a view!

PHOTOS: LUCI WESTPHAL.

LISA EATON & PASCAL DESILIO OF BOARD VIBES Fort Collins, Colorado Why do you create art?

We create art because it makes us happy. Creating is a very natural part of our lives. It’s easy to be present and in the moment when we are deep in the moving meditation of mosaic. It’s amazing to be able to share our perspective this way. Our art is intentional, conscious, from the heart, and good for the earth. We have kept hundreds of skis, snowboards, skateboards, and surfboards out of the landfills. We hope to inspire others to consider reusing their old treasures in new ways.

What is your most important artist tool?

As artist’s, our most important tool is our connection to our heart. From this place of love we are able to create and share beauty. We also really appreciate our glass grinder. Glass can be unpredictable; one wrong score and a whole sheet can be ruined. That’s when our grinder comes to the rescue,

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GABRIEL ALEJANDRO SANCHEZ Boulder, Colorado Why do you create art?

I create art because it is there that my heart feels most at peace, it is the medicine that takes me away from space and time and calms the waters of my soul. It is a way to influence the world beyond the capacities of my physical body. I am deeply moved by the divine energy and I feel it is my calling to be a channel. The Divine Mother is the aspect of God that continuously shows me the love and compassion that is needed in the world at this moment. I feel as if it is my duty to be a messenger for that.

What is your most important artist tool?

I believe my heart is my most important tool as an artist because it guides me to trust unconditionally the path before me. (Especially the uncertain path of an artist). My heart is constantly moving me in the direction of Love. My intuition I believe comes from the heart center and this is where I tune into when choosing my next move in life. All of my commissions are in alignment with that belief.

Who inspires you to create art?

I am constantly inspired by all the beings that came before me who have created change and inspiration through their work. I paint portraits of those who have significantly brought the divine energy. My paintings are meant to bring that into the audiences’ lives through a visual Darshan. I hope to transcend space and time with my art and bring to you a spiritual message that reaches your heart.

Where in Colorado do you feel the most creative?

The Rocky Mountains have been essential in my creative path. I have evolved and changed rapidly since my transition here from Miami Fl. Boulder has been a place that has cradled and nourished me enough to feel confident to express myself through painting. It has held space for me to express fully my feminine and masculine side with harmony and balance.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: ANATOMICAL SUSPENSION, MATERNAL LOVE, YEMAMÁ, THE BLISSFUL MOTHER, SRI ANANDAMAYI MA

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OUR MINDS ARE JUST THE VEHICLE WE USE TO COMBINE ALL OUR IDEAS WITH OUR IMAGINATIONS TO CREATE SOMETHING.

ERICA OHMES Dillon, Colorado Why do you create art?

Creating art for me started as a hobby when I was younger. I loved using my hands and imagination to create ideas and pictures. School never came easy to me and through my struggles with my studies I used art as an outlet for personal expression.

In more recent years I have discovered art is one of my passions in life, as well as being my truest form of self expression. For me creating art is similar to meditation. I was and still am discovering who I am through my artistic expression What is your most important artist tool?

I believe my most important artistic tool are all of my senses.

Our ability to see colors, patterns, and textures created in nature as well as physically feel and touch what we see. Our minds are just the vehicle we use to combine all our ideas with our imaginations to create something.

Who inspires you to create art?

I am inspired by other artists and their stories about their own artistic path. I love learning about others artistic expression and why we do what we do. Each story is different but at the end of the day we use our art as a way of self discovery and self expression. I love bouncing artistic ideas around friends. But the real reason I create art and continue to create art is me and for me.

It is who I am.

Where in Colorado do you feel the most creative?

I feel my most creative when I’m outside in nature experiencing the beauty this earth provides to all of us. Finding simplicity in nature and life is the beauty that draws me in to my creative self. The textures, lines, and patterns that are created in nature are majestic and abundant. It’s crazy looking at small details in simple natural forms such as a piece of bark from a tree or the patterns of snow fall on a hill. Even the lines and patterns formed in the rocks of river beds. These small details in nature are so beautiful and constantly remind me how simple the most beautiful things are.

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lifestyle / Music

Soundtrack: NOW THAT’S A YOGI 60-MINUTE FLOW CREATED BY N8TRON Priano: Kool Kojak Comandante Have We Met: Deeb Southern Cars: Patrick Lee Amsterdam: Raul Ramirez Bodhi Mandala (Drumspyder Remix): Desert Dwellers Schulme: Smith & Mudd Bopalong: Kinobe The Flow (Digitalis Remix): Kaya Project Violet Morning Moon: Bubble Club Khalghi Stomp: Thievery Corporation From The Mind: Govinda Imagined Herbal Flows: Departure You, Me, Here, Now: Detroit Swindle

GIVE IT A LISTEN: SOUNDCLOUD.COM/N8TRON-494480035/ NOW-THATS-A-YOGI

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FREE QUOTES and SAMPLES

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balance. movement. comfort.

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YOGA FOR

Skiers and Snowboarders in all seasons BY: LESLIE GLENN PHOTOS: JULI RATHKE

Challenge: Add a visualization of your perfect run or mountain experience to the practice. Envision yourself at the top of the mountain as you start the practice, adding in small sections of your run as you hold each pose. As you reach Savasana, see yourself accomplishing your goals, navigating any obstacles with artistry and ease. Embrace the moment, let a feeling of boundless joy and bliss wash over you.

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yoga / Asana

S

This sequence is designed for the avid athlete, aspiring or new snow-sport enthusiast. The poses incorporate strength, stability specific to winter sports along with poses for recovery and release of chronically tight and overused muscles. Incorporate props and modifications as needed. As we move through the poses use the power of breath and intention to maintain present and focused.

The photos feature myself and fellow snowboarder, yogi and friend, Christy Prior. They were taken at Meta Yoga Studios in Breckenridge, CO. Christy is a slopestyle specialist from New Zealand and spends half of the year here in the northern hemisphere following the endless winter. This past season she took home a gold medal at the Burton European Open and bronze at both Winter X Games and Dew Tour.

DYNAMIC CHAIR POSE Stand tall in Mountain Pose, Tadasana.

Inhale and lift onto your toes and lift the arms. Exhale, plant the feet flat, bend the knees and sink the hips into Chair Pose, Utkatasana as you sweep the arms back with palms up. Inhale back to stand and onto the toes, arms lifted into a full body extension. Repeat 5-10 times then Hold Chair Pose, Utkatasana with arm overhead for 5 additional breaths.

SEATED BREATH WITH GANESH MUDRA:

ixteen years ago, as an impressionable freshman at the University of Vermont, snowboarding led me to yoga. A competitive snowboarder and a lifelong skier before that, I had heard about all the benefits of yoga and someone, whom I must have respected suggested adding yoga to my training. If I could remember who that was, I would most certainly send them a note of gratitude, well let’s be honest…many notes of gratitude. I immediately noticed the physical benefits of yoga, there are many-a strong core, balance, stability, flexibility, strength, injury prevention. As my journey led me to Colorado to follow my dreams and pursue my career as a professional athlete, my yoga practice grew as well. Integrating yoga into my life and travels kept me centered, healthy and agile as I traveled to halfpipe events all over the world.

Through the breath and movement, I was able cultivate focus, mindfulness, calm the mind, face fears and harness my best self whether I was on the mat, faced with everyday obstacles or dropping into the X Games Superpipe. That is what I truly love about yoga, in its depth and complexity is the ability inspire mindfulness, transformation and inspiration on many levels. It has heartened me to strive towards the full potentiality of life, to follow my dreams, to teach yoga. In my experience, the lessons of yoga from presence to gratitude and virtues of the heart have proved relevant and advantageous on the mountain, when sharing yoga with my students or sharing a smile with a stranger.

Find a comfortable cross legged seat. Bring your left hand across your chest with the thumb down, place your right palm on top of the left, giving yourself a high five. Lock your fingers into Ganesh Mudra. Resist the finger lock by pulling your elbows in opposite directions. Close your eyes and find an equal parts breath, Sama Vritti. Ganesh, the love-able elephant headed deity is known as the remover of obstacles. Visualize something or someone who brings you boundless joy, unconditional love, your happy place. Let a sense of gratitude wash over you and soften each and every cell of your body.

Focus: Presence, Gratitude. Carry this softness throughout the practice.

Benefits: Centering, Focus, Expansion, extension and release of the cardiac muscles, chest, shoulders, and arms.

Benefits: strengthens feet, Strengthens the feet ankles, thighs, calves, and spine. Hones balance and focus.

TRIANGLE, UTTHITA TRIKONASANA Step your right foot back 3 1/2 feet with heels aligned. Keep your front foot pointed forward and allow the back foot to angle slightly forward from 90 degrees. Extend your arms in opposite directions, parallel to the mat. Hinge from your hip crease to extend the spine forward. Release your left hand to a block or the mat and lift your right hand and gaze up to the ceiling. Hold 5 breaths each side. Step back to Downward Facing Dog, Adho Mukha Svanasana 5 breaths.

Focus: Extension and length of the spine and side bodies, stability, hip opening.

Benefits: Stretches and strengthens the thighs, knees, and ankles. Stretches the hips, groins, hamstrings, and calves; shoulders, chest, and spine, helps relieve stress.

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EAGLE POSE, GARUDASANA Stand tall at the front of the mat and find a dristi, a single point to focus your gaze. Transfer your weight to your right foot. Softly bend the knees and cross your left thigh over the right hooking once or twice into Eagle Pose, Garudasana.

Squeeze the legs towards the midline and the navel to the spine. Sink the hips lower. Cross the left arm under the right hooking at the elbows and at the wrists if accessible. Press the elbows towards each other with the forearms perpendicular to the mat. Find 5 full breaths and focus your gaze softly forward. Repeat on the second side.

Focus: Balance, Coordination, Concentration

WARRIOR 3, VIRABHADRASANA III 46

Stand tall in Mountain Pose, Tadasana at the top of the mat with left arm under the right in Eagle Arms.

Transfer weight to you right foot and lift the left knee towards the chest.

Inhale stand tall, exhale kick your left leg straight back hinging forward until both the torso and leg become parallel to the mat, Warrior III. Take 2 breaths maintaining eagle arms then extend the arms for 3 more breaths.

Release into a forward fold. Inhale with a long spine up to stand. Repeat on the second side.

Focus: Extension, Balance, Agility, Focus Benefits: Strengthens the ankles and legs, core, shoulders and back, improves balance focus, awareness,

CRESCENT WARRIOR

Benefits: Stretches and strengthens ankles, calves, hips, wrists and shoulders,releases tightness between shoulder blades and across sacrum, cultivates confidence and clarity.

From Down Dog, Inhale the right leg up and exhale the knee down the mid-line to your nose. Step the foot forward with the strength of your abdominal muscles. Align the knee over the ankle and squeeze the right heel and left toes together isometrically to stabilize.

Inhale the arms overhead for Crescent Warrior. Soft gaze forward, Hold steady in your legs and add dynamic movement with the arms. Inhale lift the thumbs, arms straight, exhale into Cactus arms.

Repeat 5 times. Step back to Down Dog and repeat on the second side.

Focus: Strength and stability, Dynamic breath with movement to expand mindfulness and the depth of the pose.

Benefits: Strengthens thighs and opens hip flexors, chest , shoulders, improves balance, body and breath awareness.

FOREARM PLANK POSE From Down Dog, drop to the knees and place your forearms down on the mat, elbows stacked under shoulders. Tuck your toes under, extend your legs back and come into Forearm Plank. Feel engagement of the core and full body from shoulders to toes. Hold 5 breaths. Rest in Childs Pose, Balasana.

Focus: Core engagement, Stability Benefits: Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, and arches, strengthens the arms and legs, and core, Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and uplift.

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LIZARD POSE, UTTHAN PRISTHANSANA From Childs Pose, lift into Down Dog. Lift the right leg up and step it outside the right wrist.

Lower the back knee and then flex the toes of the right foot towards the shin. Rotating from the hip joint open the right leg out to the side. Options stay on the palms or lower the forearms to a block the mat and take 10 deep breaths.

Focus: Release for hip flexors, groins, hip opening from all directions.

Benefits: Release tension in the hips, improve range of motion, flexibility and recovery.

Opens and releases the chest, shoulders and neck.

LIZARD POSE WITH QUAD STRETCH From Lizard Pose, plant the left hand or forearm down on the mat inside the front leg and bend the left knee in towards the glutes. Reach back towards the lifted left leg with the right hand and capture the top of the foot with the hand or a strap.

Lean the head and neck back in space, open the chest to the right. Repeat both poses on side two.

Focus: Deep stretch and release of the hips, groin, gluten and quad muscles.

Benefits: Improved mobility, range of motion and release of tight leg muscles, heart opener.

RECLINED HERO, SUPTA VIRASANA Sit back comfortably in between the heels or on a block in in-between the heels. Bring you hand back behind you with fingers facing your toes. Stay here if the intensity is high. If you would like to continue, Lower down to your elbows and forearms comfortably resting your torso down to a bolster or two, fully supported.

Take 10 breaths and enjoy.

Focus: Relaxation, Release, Recovery

RECLINING HAND TO BIG TOE POSE (IT BAND STRETCH) Lay on your back, stretch your right leg to the sky. Grab onto your toes or a strap for a deep hamstring stretch. 10 breaths. Add an IT band stretch; Take your left hand to the outside of the foot or to both ends of the strap then cross the leg over the right 10-20 inches for 5 breaths. Bring the leg back to center then open to the right side for an additional 5 breaths. Release the leg down and repeat the series on the left side.

Focus: Release, Recovery, Mindfulness, Ease Benefits: Stretches hips, IT band, thighs, hamstrings, groins, and calves, strengthens the knees, improves digestion, releases the low back, aligns pelvis.

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COW FACE POSE, GOMUKHASANA

Benefits: Stretches the abdomen, thighs and deep hip flexors, knees, and ankles, relieves tired legs

Come to a comfortable seat with the legs stretched forward, modify with a blanket or block under the sit bones as needed. Bring the right knee in and cross in over the left thigh. Lean your weight to left and then bend the left heel in towards the opposite hip. Stack the knees and wiggle the feet into a symmetrical position. Add a side stretch; Walk the left hand to the side and right arm up, 3 breaths. Repeat to the opposite side. Add cow face arms; lift the left arm up to the sky, bend at the elbow, turn the tricep and elbow forward. Reach the right arm back, thumb down, lock the fingers. Use a strap over the left shoulder and grasp the strap with each hand if fingers do not comfortably reach. 5 breaths. Extend the legs forward and repeat on the second side.

Focus: Release in the hips, shoulders, length in the side bodies.

Close the eyes and look inward.

Benefits: Stretches the ankles, hips and thighs, shoulders, armpits and triceps, and chest.

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RECLINED SPINAL TWIST Take a supine twist of your choice, 5-10 breaths each side.

Focus: Clarity, Ease, Revitalization Focus: Lengthen the spine, Benefits: Lower back release, Alignment, Toning, Cleansing, Stress Relief.

LEGS UP THE WALL, VIPARITA KARANI Place your right hip next to the wall and then shimmy onto you back to extend your legs up the wall. Stay for 10 or more breaths or more.

Focus: Recovery, Rejuvenation, Relaxation Benefits: Helps flush lactic acid from sore legs and feet, gently stretches the back legs, front torso, and the back of the neck, releases low back, calms the mind.

SAVASANA, FINAL RELAXATION Lay comfortably on your back with legs and arms out to a slight V. Scan the body from head of video and release andy tension. Focus on the breath and connect to your state of gratitude. Cultivate stillness and ease, releasing a layer of tension, stress or judgement with each exhale. Hold for 8-10 minutes.

SEATED MEDITATION, GANESH MUDRA Final equal parts breath again, in and out the nose. Establish Ganesha Mudra with the right hand facing out; cultivate a presence of unconditional love and grace. Breathe.

ALTERNATE NOSTRIL BREATHING, NADI SHODHANA Take a comfortable seat; Fold your index and middle finger into your palm.

Block the right nostril with your thumb, inhale through the left, close the left nostril with your last two fingers; inhale through the right. Repeat alternating side to side for 5 cycles.

Benefits: Calms the mind, balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain, aligns the body’s energy channels (nadis)

BY: JENNIFER DERHAM

TO ENGAGE IN CHIN MUDRA FIND A COMFORTABLE SEATED POSITION PLACE YOUR HANDS PALMS UP, ONE ON EACH LEG, OR ON YOUR LAP.

What’s

a Mudra?

THE WORD ITSELF CAN MEAN SIGN, GESTURE, OR SEAL. A MUDRA IS A SYMBOLIC POSTURE OR POSING OF THE HANDS AND FINGERS, THAT HOLDS A SPECIFIC SIGNIFICANCE OR HAS SPECIFIC BENEFIT. MUDRAS ORIGINATED FROM BUDDHIST AND HINDU TRADITIONS, BUT ARE USED TODAY AMONG PRACTITIONERS OF VARYING FAITHS AND BACKGROUNDS. THEY ARE COMMONLY USED IN SEATED POSITIONS AND AFFECT PRANA, OR FLOW OF ENERGY AND BREATH, WITHIN THE BODY. ONE OF THE MOST WIDELY KNOW MUDRAS IS CHIN MUDRA, PICTURED TO THE RIGHT. IT HELPS TO PROMOTE DIAPHRAGM, OR “BELLY BREATHING.”

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PRESS YOUR THUMBS AND FOREFINGER TOGETHER. YOUR OTHER FINGERS ARE GENTLY EXTENDED.

CHIN MUDRA BEACH PHOTO: EDER ACEVEDO PHOTOGRAPHY. TAKEN AT PLAYA FIESTA IN PUERTO VALLARTA. BLUE LOTUS YOGA RETREATS. ALSO PICTURED, ANJALI, OR “PRAYER” MUDRA. PHOTO: IANA VELEZ AT ABC CARPET & HOME. MANHATTAN. CLOTHING: LUCY. MALA: BONJULI

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HOW YOGA HELPED ME REHAB MY

traumatic brain injury BY: AMY ZELLMER

I HAD AN EXCRUCIATING PAIN IN MY SKULL WHERE IT HIT, AND I WAS SEEING WHIRLY, BRIGHT LIGHTS OUT OF MY LEFT EYE.

BY NELSON OLIVER

AMY DEMONSTRATES HOW SHE HAD TO USE A CHAIR TO BALANCE AND MODIFY HER LEG LIFT IN TREE POSE.

O

n a cold February morning, my life changed forever. Walking down the driveway of my building, I slipped on a patch of sheer ice. My feet went straight up, and I landed with my head taking the full impact, briefly knocking me unconscious.

When I started to get up, I knew I wasn’t okay. I had an excruciating pain in my skull where it hit, and I was seeing whirly, bright lights out of my left eye.

The doctor confirmed I had a severe concussion, major whiplash, C4/5 damage, a dislocated sternum, and multiple torn muscles. I had no idea the road to recovery I’d face, and how drastically my life had just changed.

I had been doing yoga since college because it brought me balance and peace, and was an instant de-stresser me. With all of my physical injuries added to my traumatic brain injury (TBI), I could no longer do yoga.

After months of vertigo, dizziness and balance issues, cognitive problems, short-term memory loss, and the pain of my physical injuries, I was at the end of my rope. I felt like I would never find any relief, and worried that the TBI would leave me permanently impaired and unable to ever do physical exercise again.

I consulted with a neurologist, chiropractic neurologist, as well as the National Balance and Dizzy Center. I was encouraged to attempt some physical movement, as it would eventually help my body work out its kinks and stabilize my balance issues. It seemed counter intuitive at the time; however, I was desperate to have some sense of normalcy and routine in my life.

RIGHT: AMY HAS COME A LONG WAY WITH HER BALANCE AND IS ABLE TO STAND WITH HER FOOT ON HER LEG IN TREE POSE.

About fifteen months after my accident, I took private lessons with my yoga instructor in an attempt to find poses I could do—poses that wouldn’t trigger my vertigo or cause tension in my neck or sternum/clavicle area.

My instructor taught me how to use a chair or wall to support myself in standing poses so I didn’t feel like I was going to fall. We found five poses I could do with modifications that didn’t cause any problems or flare ups, including: Tree, Mountain, Cat/Cow, Puppy Dog, Forward Bend, and Seated Spine Twist.

Within about six weeks of doing these five poses every day for 10 minutes, I gradually added Down Dog, Plank, and Warrior for a breath. My vertigo and dizzy issues seemed to almost completely subside, and my balance was coming back closer to what it was pre-accident. Now with modifications I can do many of the poses I used to do. I still can’t do any back bends or tip my head backwards, but I am on an amazing road to recovery, thanks to yoga.

I urge anyone with a TBI or other injury to try to incorporate yoga into your daily routine. If you think, “I’m not flexible, I can’t do yoga,” you are absolutely wrong! If I can do this, I know you can too.

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5.

Kid-Friendly Yoga Tools

BY: ERIKA PRAFDER ILLUSTRATIONS: PETER H. REYNOLDS

to Cultivate Creativity

B

orn with it or not, the creative spark takes nurturing to stay aflame. Kids are ripe for such conditioning, as their sponge-like ability to soak up the wonder in life is so fresh and pure.

Yoga is a practice that promotes the qualities –both external and internal—often necessary for innovative juices to start flowing, says Susan Verde author of, “I Am Yoga,” (Abrams, $14.95). The new children’s picture book is trending in yoga circles for its important message on the power of self-expression and creativity.

“Whenever I have a day or moment when I feel “writer’s block,” or just plain stuck, I try to take it to the mat. My yoga practice helps to make space in my often overly critical, overly cluttered mind for creativity to flow,” says Verde.

In the peaceful ambience of a yoga studio, or while practicing outdoors in nature, the stage is set for introspection.

A non-judgmental, atmosphere and instructor help to lift pressures from competition and insecurity. “There’s always a shift, a clearing, a change in attitude and self-talk that opens up the possibilities,” says Verde.

“Yoga allows the same for children,” says Verde.

Breathing exercises turn a child’s focus inward, quieting the mind from the hustle and bustle of a tightly-scheduled day.

Asana work tones bodies and challenges physical and mental boundaries, like fear, rigidity, doubt, and defeat – empowering a child from the inside out.

“All poses are an opportunity to stretch the imagination and stir conversation. Ask a child what kind of tree he is and you will get a myriad of answers from a mighty oak to a Star Wars tree. Yoga is a wonderful way to foster creative exploration,” says Verde.

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>> MOUNTAIN POSE

In this pose, you’re solid and grounded. You can pause, connect to your breath and check in with your feelings. Mountain is a starting point to gather your strength and draw your focus inward, allowing you to open up. With such awareness, you can do anything.

Stand tall, with your feet together or slightly apart. Find an equal balance on both feet.

Firm your thighs and pull in your belly. Roll your shoulders back and down away from your ears. You can let your arms hang down by your sides, palms facing forward, or lift them straight above your head and bring your palms together. You are a mountain.

Breathe in and out slowly. If you like, close your eyes and imagine you are strong and sturdy, still and calm.

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>> AIRPLANE

Prepare to take off –anywhere in the world! Test your limits in this pose, open yourself up to risk. Putting yourself, or your creative work – be it music or fashion – means not worrying what other’s think or judging others either.

Begin in Mountain pose. Reach your arms out to either side. Breathe in. Upon breathing out, lean forward and lift and extend one leg behind you. Hold the pose for a few breaths. Lower the lifted leg and repeat on the other side.

>> DOWNDOG

Literally see things from a new perspective! In this pose, you’ll see things from a different way, opening you up to more ideas and more creativity.

Start on your hands and knees, with your toes curled under. Breathe in, and as you breathe out, lift your hips in the air, straightening your legs and pressing your heels toward the floor. Push your palms into the floor, with your fingertips facing forward. Look between your knees. Wag your tail, bark, lift one leg or the other. Be playful!

WITH SUCH AWARENESS, YOU CAN DO ANYTHING.

>> HALF MOON POSE

Let go of fear – of falling, looking silly and embarrassment in this pose. Just as critical talk from others can hold you back from expressing yourself, being able to feel awkward in a pose, (as opposed to doing it with perfect alignment) is courageous.

Start in Mountain pose. Bend forward and place your right hand on the ground about a hand’s length away from and slightly to the outside of your right foot. Lift your left leg parallel to the floor. Once you feel balanced, lift your left arm and reach for the sky. Breathe deeply. Look straight ahead or up at your hand.

Open your body, imagining you are leaning back against a wall and expanding your chest. Put everything back on the ground and repeat on the other side.

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51

yoga / Asana

THIS STATE OF RELAXATION PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY TO RECONNECT TO BREATH AND BODY, APPRECIATE WHO YOU ARE AND THE SPECIAL THINGS THAT MAKE YOU UNIQUE.

your om away from home

offering 50+ classes weekly hatha • vinyasa • hot • acro • yin • meditation • restorative

200 hour teacher trainings train in the mountains and take your practice to new heights.

>> SAVASANA

Rest and give yourself that moment to soak in all you’ve accomplished in trying other poses and exploring your practice. This state of relaxation provides an opportunity to reconnect to breath and body, appreciate who you are and the special things that make you unique. With this over-all feeling of self-acceptance and a calm nervous system, there is space to create and express yourself. It is always a wonderful exercise to follow up Savasana with a creative activity such as journaling or drawing as the mood is set and selfdoubt cast aside.

Lie down on your back with your legs straight and your arms by your sides, palms facing up. Let your legs separate naturally and your feet flop out to the side. Try not to talk or look around. If you are comfortable, close your eyes. Let every part of your body relax and sink into the ground and be supported by the earth underneath you. Feel proud of and thankful for all poses you have been able to practice.

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53

yoga / Seva

OFF THE MAT WITH

unity tables BY: ARI PLISKIN

On Martin Luther King, Jr. weekend, 90 people gathered in Denver from around the world for a summit of pay-what-you-can community cafes. Participants visited Denver’s SAME Cafe, the longest standing member in the One World Everybody Eats network, as well as the SEEDS Café in Colorado Springs. One leader is determined to bring a spirit of mindfulness to this emerging movement. Ari Pliskin is a yoga teacher and Minister in the Zen Peacemaker Order. He is a One World board member and the founder of the Stone Soup Cafe and Unity Tables, which provides training and management support to cafe leaders.

At the summit, he taught participants how to approach business planning as a spiritual practice.

The following weekend, he led a workshop at Naropa University to help them create a community cafe. He demonstrates that dharma practice, philosophy and community provide a path that integrates personal and social liberation from suffering.

I came to this work after living on the streets for a few days as part of a “street retreat” with the Zen Peacemakers. Soup kitchen volunteers treated us with lots of love, but not with dignity.

There was a big separation between those serving and those being served. In search of an alternative, we created the Stone Soup Cafe in Western Massachusetts, which continues to serve a luncheon every week since we started in January of 2012.

In addition to socially engaged Buddhism, yoga has helped me establish both Stone Soup and make the leap to serving on a national scale. I’ve particularly benefited from training with Off the Mat Into the World, a non-profit dedicated to bridging yoga and activism.

When I arrived at the Off the Mat five-day Yoga, Purpose, and Action Leadership Intensive in the summer of 2012, a few months after starting the Stone Soup Café, I was weary of collaboration. Over the previous year, I had tried with some friends to create a cooperative intentional community dedicated to yoga and social action. We practiced in the morning and worked together to launch Stone Soup. However, before the first year was over, the intentional community descended into conflict and fell apart. I was able to salvage and grow the cafe, I believed, because I took charge.

COMMUNITY CAFES STRIVE TO SOURCE FOOD LOCALLY AND ORGANICALLY, AIMING TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY.

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Older male role models that provided strong centralized direction had shaped my understanding of leadership. At the Off the Mat training, the three women leaders taught us that the dominant culture overemphasizes linear progress and centralized leadership while undervaluing more cyclical and collaborative forms, which are considered feminine. The Off the Mat training helped me realize and grieve how deeply I wanted to be part of a harmonious team and to collaborate successfully.

Through a mix of chakra-based asana practice and teachings on the spirit and science of trauma, I saw how acting without awareness from the place of my own unhealed wounds contributed directly to conflict in my community. The training helped me learn to recognize when I feel triggered and choose to empathize with myself and others. It helped me develop the skill of responding

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COMMUNITY CAFES FIGHT THE VIOLENCE OF EXCLUSION AND ISOLATION

to the moment instead of reacting from ineffective habitual patterns. While other trainings worked towards these goals as well, integration with yoga asana helped me experience the sensations of emotions in my body with greater sensitivity. It helped me understand how to use embodied tools to ground myself, such as feeling my feet on the floor and focusing on my center. These skills proved indispensable as I navigated the anxieties of fundraising, building a new team and putting my livelihood on the line for a vision that many thought was crazy.

When I started Off the Mat’s yearlong Project Springboard at the end of 2013, I was still working on staff at Stone Soup. True to initial vision that inspired me, I had started working with a few leaders that wanted to start cafes in other parts of the world in an online community café Incubator. I applied lessons learned from the Off the Mat Project Springboard online meetings to our Incubator conference calls: I started each session with meditation, guiding participants to notice sensations in their bodies and to share in the spirit of open, non-judgmental listening. As we did in Project Springboard, the community café Incubator developed a community of practice in which we

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focus not just on what we are doing, but who we are being.

At the concluding retreat a year later, my coach Kerri Kelly asked whether there are any major groups building a network of community cafes. I told her about One World Everybody Eats.

“Have you reached out to collaborate with them?”

“No.” “What are you waiting for?”

I had been hesitant to collaborate because I was afraid my own project would be overshadowed.

However, I realized we could accomplish much more working together. I reached out and introduced myself. A few months later, at their annual summit, I joined their board and solidified a partnership between our organizations. Today, Unity Tables is a key partner of One World Everybody Eats, providing their network with training and management support grounded in love, mindfulness and dignity.

a meaningful contribution to social justice and peace. Ultimately, I believe effective management practices will ensure that community cafes realize the value of ahimsa. Community cafes strive to source food locally and organically, aiming to promote environmental sustainability. They aim to pay workers a living wage in order to ensure that those who prepare our food can afford excellent food themselves. Community cafes fight the violence of exclusion and isolation, working to create a world in which all have access to healthy, delicious food and vibrant community.

Through the development of Stone Soup and Unity Tables I have committed myself to integrating my personal practice for liberation from suffering with

55

yoga / Kirtan

ACHIEVE PEAK HAPPINESS

PHOTO: DEANDRA WALKER

THROUGH KIRTAN BY: MICHAEL COHEN

Peak Happiness

“How was it?” he asked. Before my mind could even consider a response, words sprung forth from the depths of my being “Amazing… absolutely amazing.” He tilted his head, squinted at me and declared, “You know, in all the years I’ve known you, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you this happy.”

This conversation took place in South Beach (Miami, FL) with one of my closest friends. It was New Years Eve 2003. My friend and the woman who would one day become his wife decided to celebrate their first New Years together with a great meal, and a night of drinking and dancing out on the town. I had something different in mind.

I felt called to join a local spiritual community in a New Years celebration that featured food and Kirtan (sacred chanting). I arrived unannounced, without knowing a single person. When I shared with the chant organizers that I was a musician and loved Kirtan, they immediately put me in the choir. For 3 solid hours I chanted my heart open a few feet away from some of the most masterful singers and drummers I’d ever experienced. I didn’t have one ‘real’ conversation with anyone that evening. And yet, I felt an incredible sense of coming home.

What my dear friend said was, in fact, quite true. After three hours of chanting – with total strangers – I achieved a state best described as “peak happiness.”

“Perhaps,” he advised me, “you ought to do this more frequently.”

What is Kirtan?

Kirtan – my pathway to “peak happiness” – is an ancient spiritual practice and an integral part of the Indian yoga tradition.

Kirtan is call and response chanting which utilizes Sanskrit mantras to calm the mind, open the heart and generate profound connection with self, others and the Divine. As the central prac-

56

tice of Bhakti Yoga (one of the 4 Paths of Yoga), Kirtan easily and consistently generates moods of gratitude, joy and profound happiness.

Following my friend’s advice led me to participate in Kirtan events, join a Kirtan band and eventually begin leading Kirtan. I discovered Kirtan musicians used traditional Indian instruments such as harmonium (a mini acoustic keyboard) and tablas or mrdingam (Indian drums), as well as Western instruments like guitar, bass, drum kit, flute, violin and more. I even experienced Kirtan that incorporated dancers, healers, fire spinners, visual artists, DJ’s and even Video Jockey’s!

I became fascinated by Kirtan’s ability to blur the distinction between performer and audience, and individual and collective. The leader calls (chants) and the participants respond (chant back). Unlike most music, which involves performers and an audience, through the mechanism of call and response, each and every audience member truly becomes part of the band.

Participants sing and breathe together, calling out the names of the Divine. Throughout the chant experience, a disparate group of participants become as one – collectively surfing currents of sound and energy. This profound synchronization leads individual chanters to dissolve into the chant like waves disappearing into the ocean. From this state of greater unity, bliss arises.

Stepping into the Practice of Kirtan Kirtan requires no training or previous experience. The results from chanting are as available to a total newbie as a decades long practitioner. Chanting is a basic human experience we all engaged in as children. Unlike many practices that take years to move from beginner to competent to expert (i.e. tai chi, playing the piano, swing dancing), Kirtan is so easy and

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natural that participants quickly experience the full effects of the practice. Kirtan transforms this youthful impulse for simple and fun musical communication into a potent vehicle for connecting deeply with ourselves, others and the Divine.

Those new to the practice will be relieved to know there’s no need to obsess about correct pronunciation of Sanskrit mantras. Simply calling out to the Divine is enough. Bhakti Yogi, Janet Stone advises those new to this practice, “go easy on yourself, the calling out alone is enough… Thinking we have to have exactly correct pronunciation to be heard by God/the divine is like thinking that a baby must cry in just the right pronunciation to be heard by its mother.”1 In Kirtan, there’s no need to worry about having a ‘good’ or ‘bad’ voice. Heartfelt and authentic participation is all that is required.

Kirtan in the West

In the 15th century Kirtan democratized spirituality within India, offering access to potent mantras to common people and the upper classes alike. A second Kirtan wave crashed upon the shores of the West in the 1960’s merging with pop culture and satisfying a thirst for Eastern spirituality.2 Since the 1960’s, Western Kirtan has migrated through ashram’s, yoga studios and yoga/chant festivals.

It has been shared through vinyl, CD’s, downloads and streaming. As a musical form and spiritual practice, Kirtan is quite eclectic and ranges from traditional Indian approaches to more Westernized, secular and multi-cultural approaches. Kirtan can be folky, and it can be funky! Like any alive and evolving spiritual practice, Kirtan seeks and finds niches to inhabit within our postmodern Western society and culture.

The Science of Kirtan Kirtan reliably and dutifully produces states of profound joy, peacefulness and connection. Participants often wonder, “Why does this make me feel so happy?”

There are many benefits to the practice of Kirtan.

There’s something fundamentally human and nourishing about ecstatically singing, clapping and perhaps even dancing with fellow members of our tribe. As a social practice, Kirtan is a rare opportunity to co-create an experience with others. It offers a potent collective practice that can balance our hyper-individualistic culture and lives.

A growing body of scientific research demonstrates the health benefits one can achieve through chanting. Scientists are discovering that the inner hum generated through Kirtan “helps to increase energy and stamina; improve clarity, focus, and reading comprehension; balance brain waves; and strengthen the immune system by increasing the number of our antibodies.”3 Kirtan allows us to “access and tend to the deep parts of ourselves that can become disconnected and imbalanced.” This process “stimulates the tenth cranial (vagus) nerve, which connects the ear to our deepest involuntary centers… heart, lung, and stomach.”4 Chanting may offer a quick, fun and easy way to access the brain wave patterns achieved by long-time meditators. Studies show that chanting mantras for only 10-12 minutes can generate “shifts in brainwave amplitudes consonant with the brain-wave profiles of deep, long-time meditators.”5 A 2012 study at UCLA showed chanting mantras can create beneficial effects on stress and inflammation.6 And other studies found mantras supporting cardiovas-

PHOTO: KATELYN VONFELDT

cular health7 as well as improving depression and sleep8 as well as memory function.9

Accessing Kirtan Excited to experience Kirtan, but not sure where to start?

The New World Kirtan podcast (www.newworldkirtan.com) is a fantastic resource for Kirtan recordings and artist interviews. This podcast has thousands of regular listeners, and over half a million downloads since its inception.

Ready for a live Kirtan experience? Contact your local yoga studios, healing centers or spiritual centers to identify local Kirtan leaders and upcoming Kirtan events offered by touring Kirtan artists.

You will find Kirtan at many yoga festivals (like Hanuman Festival in Boulder), as well as Kirtan focused festivals like Bhakti Fest which features a full lineup of top Kirtan artists.

Kirtan is fun and easy, and offers tremendous benefits to those who step into the practice. Give it a try - perhaps you too will achieve ‘peak happiness!’

KIRTAN RELIABLY AND DUTIFULLY PRODUCES STATES OF PROFOUND JOY, PEACEFULNESS AND CONNECTION.

FOOTNOTES 1

http://www.yogajournal.com/yoga-101/chanting-

101-5-things-know-dont-get-kirtan/ 2 For a wonderful timeline documenting the intersection of Kirtan and pop music, check out http://www.yogajournal. com/article/lifestyle/sounds-divine/ 3 http://psychologytomorrowmagazine.com/kirtan-chanting/ Kalyani, B. G., et al. Neurohemodynamic Correlates of “OM” chanting: A Pilot Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study. International Journal of Yoga. 2011 Jan- Jun; 4(1): 3–6.

4 http://psychologytomorrowmagazine.com/kirtan-chanting/ Hernandez, Ana. The Sacred Art of Chant. Woodstock, VT: SkyLight Paths (2005).

5 http://psychologytomorrowmagazine.com/kirtan-chanting/ Khalsa, D.S. et al. Cerebral Blood Flow Changes During Chanting Meditation. Nuclear Medicine Communications. 2009, 3–6.

6 http://www.eomega.org/article/kirtan-a-new-healingtool-for-veterans and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/22795617 7 http://www.eomega.org/article/kirtan-a-new-healing-toolfor-veterans and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC61046/ 8 http://www.eomega.org/article/kirtan-a-new-healingtool-for-veterans and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/22454689 9 http://www.eomega.org/article/kirtan-a-new-healingtool-for-veterans and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/20164557

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57

yoga / Festivals

Breaking

OPEN

A Goddess Getaway to the Telluride Yoga Festival BY: SAMI LEA LIPMAN

I

was experiencing “heavy stuff” last July – grief, confusion, heartbreak, turmoil, change – the works. Sometimes, my cure for heaviness is a Band-Aid – numbing my pain with a distraction, a dance party, too much work, a drink, or another drama.

But when I’m in alignment with my truth and my higher-self, I meet heaviness with peace. I bury myself in introspection, quiet, nature, and my own cure-for-the-common-crisis – yoga.

I was mid-shift last July, moving from Band-Aid to true healing, when the Telluride Yoga Festival came around.

I went through a major loss in October of 2014.

My fiancé very suddenly passed away. (I wasn’t kidding when I said I was experiencing “heavy stuff”.) There’s never a clean way to insert this into conversation or writing, but the fact is pertinent to essentially everything that I talk about, specifically my yoga and my healing.

Being alone – coupled with sitting in grief – translates to “loneliness” in my subconscious. I don’t operate best solo; I feel more comfortable in partnership. So, cautious of my inner-workings, and not ready to face that specific inner demon quite yet, I reached out to my dear friend Elizabeth and asked her to join me on the road trip and yogafilled weekend in Telluride. Luckily, despite the lastminute plans and busy social calendars, Elizabeth excitedly obliged.

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Elizabeth has a beautiful and strong yoga practice but doesn’t really know it; she was a bit nervous about attending her first yoga festival. Six-hours of yoga-programming a day can be quite daunting. I, a serious practitioner and long-time teacher, was also a bit concerned about overdoing it. Being mindful of our anxieties and injuries, we independently created our schedules online before heading to the festival. I wanted to balance powerful vinyasa – my go-to – with the more challenging aspects of my practice – philosophy, yin, breath.

Elizabeth wanted to dive into her hips and work out some kinks, as well as open up to elements of yoga other than asana through lectures and workshops. With our classes coordinated, we headed out, my car packed with supplies: yoga mats, a cooler filled with healthy-ish food, layers of clothes, and camping gear.

Camping gear.

I have a love-hate relationship with camping – which is mostly on the hate side, until I’m actually doing it; and then I love it… until I get cold or there’s a bear (or maybe it was just a deer) outside the tent. But, I know that when I’m in a state of healing, nature is a real cure. And luckily, Elizabeth loves camping, so she was game.

Elizabeth and my friendship is like a knot. She was one of my fiancé, Ted’s long-time, best friends. She had only known me for several months prior to his

TOP BANNER: THE VIEW FROM CAMP, ABOVE: OUR GLAMP

death. His passing tied us together without choice.

Though, it was during that weekend of the Telluride Yoga Festival when Elizabeth and my friendship shifted from a messy knot – quickly looped with trauma and confusion – into a bow – tied together with respect, compassion, and healing.

I want to focus mainly on the time Elizabeth and I spent at the festival itself, but my story would be incomplete if I didn’t mention that our drive to Telluride really set the scene for our experience. The six-hour drive allowed Elizabeth and I to open up and get to know each other as individual women, not just as subscribers to the same strain of love and grief. We unloaded all of our “heavy stuff” and got on the same page.

After Ted passed away, friends and strangers from all over reached out to help and offer support in

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IT WAS DURING THAT WEEKEND OF THE TELLURIDE YOGA FESTIVAL WHEN ELIZABETH AND MY FRIENDSHIP SHIFTED FROM A MESSY KNOT – QUICKLY LOOPED WITH TRAUMA AND CONFUSION – INTO A BOW – TIED TOGETHER WITH RESPECT, COMPASSION, AND HEALING.

whatever way they could. I grew up with an “I-cando-it-myself” attitude, but while living in the crater of grief, I softened. I started to say “yes” to some of these offers. One such offer was from Albert Roer.

TOP: GIOCONDA & I, BOTTOM: (LEFT TO RIGHT) ME, CHRISTINA SELL, AND ELIZABETH

Albert and Ted knew each other through mutual friends and interests. Albert became co-owner of Telluride Yoga Festival around the same time Ted met me and started practicing yoga. Albert invited Ted and I to the festival in 2014, but the timing didn’t work out, and we never made it. After Ted died, Albert, despite never meeting me, followed my journey of grief and healing. He reached out to let me know about the approaching festival when the summer of 2015 came around. There was a pass for me – and a place to stay at his house.

In an effort both to heal and to say “yes” to more offers of support, I took the pass and asked if we could camp in his yard (Albert’s yard has views equal to a national park).

Being that we ended up setting up camp (literally) two steps from Albert’s deck, 30-seconds from his kitchen, bathroom, and back-up bedroom, I’d have to say it was more like glamping, then camping.

But, I digress.

One of the biggest selling points for the Telluride Yoga Festival was the roster of teachers.

I moved to Boulder from Austin in late 2013. I had been a teacher and devout member of the Austin

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yoga community before the move. While I was getting to know the Boulder scene, I missed my Austin-based teachers tremendously. When I saw some of their names listed on the lineup for the festival, my heart bubbled with warm excitement.

The first person I saw as Elizabeth and I raced through the village to register and get to our first class was fellow Austin-teacher, Zoe Mantarakis.

Excited to see old friends, we said quick hellos and helped each other find inconspicuous destinations.

In true form, I arrived late to Gioconda Parker’s “Jai Ganesa” class. Gioconda is one of my favorite teachers. I hadn’t seen her in over a year. And just making eye-contact with her as I walked in sent tears rocketing down my cheeks and concurrently lifted my heart through the roof. Her classes have a way of rocking you to the core, emotionally and physically. Her teaching is like a rose – she sequences beautifully and what-feels-like gently, tricking you into realizing you’re working really damn hard! It was the perfect start.

Next up was another Austin-based teacher, Christina Sell. If you haven’t taken a class with Christina, you haven’t experienced true alignment-based yoga, imho of course. My standard for a “good yoga class” is that I learn just one new thing. In each of Christina’s classes, I learn one-hundred new things, on average. We moved through two hours of hip opening without a single pigeon-pose. It was glorious. That afternoon, Elizabeth and I

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yoga / Festivals

Telluride Yoga Festival 2016 Lineup FEATURED PRESENTERS ERIC PASKEL • COBY KOZLOWSKI ALANNA KAIVALYA • MAS VIDAL • TIAS LITTLE TYMI HOWARD • GINA CAPUTO

Elizabeth’s words My experience at Telluride Yoga Festival was life changing. Initially, I was intimidated by the idea that everyone would be advanced and the classes would be full of handstands and putting your foot behind your head. I thought I’d be the only one peaking at crow pose and fearing that I was still doing it wrong.

Sami brought up an excellent point after I expressed my insecurities to her. She said, “well, haven’t you told me that you’d love to be able to advance your practice?” The truth is, I did tell her that and I’m glad she called me out on it.

Although I did take classes that pushed me out of my comfort zone at the festival, I also took classes that took me back to the basics. I can’t tell you how many times I said to myself, “OH! That’s how this pose is supposed to feel inside MY body.”

All said and done, I felt comfortable in every single class I went to. The teachers were approachable, humble, inspiring, and technical in a way that relates to anyone ready to absorb. The students were from all walks of life and some of the nicest, most welcoming people you’ll ever have the pleasure of meeting.

On top of the yoga high I was engulfed in, was the landscape. Telluride=Magic! If you’ve been there, you get it. If you haven’t, GO! My practice has been deepened, my insecurities about yoga are lost, and my hips never felt better.

A most grateful thank you goes to Albert for your sincere hospitality and generosity!

And... to Sami... our friendship and love for one another blossomed on this trip. We transitioned our commonality from pain and grief to compassion, support, and power.

You’re my favorite Goddess! Thank you!

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went to a lecture on Hindu and Buddhist deities by Manoj Chalam. It was at that point when Elizabeth and I started to soak up new knowledge on our archetypes and nicknamed our weekend “The Goddess Getaway”.

The festival took place around the same time that Colorado Yoga + Life Magazine’s first issue came out. I was lucky enough to grace the cover of the magazine, which was included in everyone’s welcome bags. Every so often, I’d see myself gaze back at me from atop a table or someone’s stack of things, reminding me of my own intrinsic strength, fortitude, and phoenix-like ability to rise up. I would close my eyes, breathe deeply, and offer a prayer of gratitude for the blessings that offered respite from the pain.

Armed with goddess essence, body awareness, enthralling surroundings, inspiring teachers, and deepening friendship – Elizabeth and I continued to reap the yogic benefits throughout the weekend. A hip-opening class with Boulder’s Gina Caputo was a game changing highlight for Elizabeth. While a soothing yin class with Gioconda, coupled with beats by Boulderbased DJ/teacher Matt Kapinus, allowed me to release pounds of pent-up tears. I opened my eyes after an hour of Tias Little’s cranial work and meditation to an epic rainbow soaring across the horizon directly out the window we were facing. I took flight in bird-poses, deepened my alignment-awareness, and spun in mandalas with fellow goddess Sianna Sherman.

I challenged my misconceptions about Tantra during Eric Shaw’s philosophical lecture. Between classes, we walked in nature, debunked our fears by dipping in clothing-optional hot springs, enjoyed mealtimes filled with soulful conversations and thoughtful food, let coyotes sing us lullabies as we drifted off to sleep, and of course, shopped for hours-on-end for the perfect pair of shoes.

Our days were full of diving into our bodies, deepening consciousness, and blossoming friendship. Our nights were spent convincing ourselves and one-another we were comfortable on air mattresses and not scared of said coyotes. At one point, upon realizing there was a Widespread Panic show happening that night in Telluride, Elizabeth and I thought about reverting to other methods of dealing with “heavy stuff” – dancing, partying, and disappearing into the music. But, we quickly were able to see the wisdom in our choice to stay on the path we had chosen, to sit in the work, and to unfurl the goddess energy lurking within.

This summer’s festival is July 21-24, 2016. That’s my birthday weekend. I know where I will be celebrating.

MY PRACTICE HAS BEEN DEEPENED, MY INSECURITIES ABOUT YOGA ARE LOST, AND MY HIPS NEVER FELT BETTER.

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9 t h

A n n u a l

TELLURIDE

FESTIVAL

July 21 - 24, 2016

Find Yourself in Telluride 4 Days of Yoga and Wellness including: yoga • hikes • music • meditation • climbing • SUP yoga • wellness vendors • ayurvedic dinners • and more!

GINA CAPUTO

ERIC PASKEL

TYMI HOWARD

ALANNA KAIVALYA

COBY KOZLOWSKI

TIAS LITTLE

MAS VIDAL

WITH Nancy Stechert, Karl Straub, Laura Catone, The Yoga Slackers, Anton Mackey, Francisco Kauit, Jeanie Manchester, Cat McCarthy, John Salisbury, Peter Sterios & more.

PURCHASE TICKETS AT TellurideYogaFestival.com

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yoga / Philosophy

The yoga of no yoga?

A CRASH COURSE IN NON-ATTACHMENT BY: RIVER CUMMINGS // PHOTOS: STACY MOORE PHOTOGRAPHY

In Sanskrit the word is vairagya. Non-attachment.

Non-attachment to external situations, circumstances, identities.

Non-attachment to the body.

Non-attachment to results.

As a 25-year student, practitioner, teacher, teacher trainer, and therapist of yoga I thought I had a pretty good understanding of vairagya. A debilitating injury proved me wrong.

My story reads like a B film script cliché.

After several difficult years and much soul-searching, at 44 I was in what felt like the apex in my life. I was happy, healthy, confident, and on fire with purpose due to a new philanthropic project. My “new baby” combined my major passions: traveling the world and teaching yoga to benefit environmental causes. Sitting at my computer one morning I actually posted the Facebook status, “I just don’t know how life could get any better – I’VE ARRIVED!!”

Then one day I woke with nagging low-back pain.

I tried reps of my usual back-rescue poses: apanasana, a gentle cobra, cakravakasana. Feeling a bit better, I went on with my day. Over the following week the pain gradually worsened despite my efforts. Annoyed by the interruption of my fantastic life of hiking, yoga, and travel, I decided to speed things up. I swung by the chiropractor’s office.

Cra-crAAAAck! Leaving the office I was achy and uneasy, queasy. The next hours marked a descent in to excruciating, mind-altering pain. For the next four days straight I sat cross-legged on my couch, the only tolerable position: both standing and lying down were impossible. I breathed deeply in time with silent mantras and centered my mind to fight the rising panic, but it was clear there was Something Bad Wrong. Finally I started calling doctors and, tears drenching the keyboard, I emailed to cancel the single most exciting thing in my world: a month’s worth of benefit teaching events in Europe for my project.

THROUGH THE TOUGHEST LIFE TRANSITIONS, ILLNESSES, BREAKUPS, THE UNTIMELY DEATHS OF BOTH MY PARENTS, YOGA HAD ALWAYS BEEN THERE FOR ME. IN FULL CONFIDENCE, I OPENED MY YOGA TOOLKIT, SEEKING TECHNIQUES TO HEAL MYSELF.

Fear. Anger. Sadness. Frustration. Shame. My process was not the textbook Kubler-Ross stages

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of grief, but close enough. It was time to let go of a self I had been. A young self who had a healthy back. A self who could do most any posture. A self who should have known better. A self who was a therapeutic yoga teacher and should have been able to prevent this.

Was I attached to my identity as a smart, savvy yoga teacher rocking a 44-yearold body? You betcha.

Did I throw my toys out of the crib like a two-year-old when forced to say goodbye to that self-image? Absolutely.

The shame and self-pity were intense. Ugly. Luckily, years of meditation had taught me to watch, to wait it out and, eventually, the storm passed. At last, acceptance. Peace. But the question remained: What to do about my back?

Considering my background, the answer seemed obvious. I would heal with yoga! After being a yoga therapist for so long, I knew the drill.

For 25 years the practice had also been my personal touchstone, healing my body, transforming my mind, and connecting me to my highest. Through the toughest life transitions, illnesses, breakups, the untimely deaths of both my parents, yoga had always been there for me. In full confidence, I opened my yoga toolkit, seeking techniques to heal myself.

I deepened my pranayama. I chanted healing passages from the Veda. I tried healing visualizations.

I did a short sequence of modified asana three times a day. I prayed.

Meantime, the medical data and advice trickled in. MRI’s, neurologists, PT’s, chiropractors, neurosurgeons. Once I had a diagnosis, I knew I could find the perfect yoga practice to address it. I would heal myself and impress the medical community with the power of yoga.

Late on a Friday afternoon in September I left the neurologist’s office. I headed home, ate a simple dinner, smudged my meditation room, lit a candle, sat facing my altar, and closed my eyes. I recalled her words. “Massive disc rupture,” she said. “As spine surgeries go, a minor procedure,” she said. “At least consider it,” she said.

So this was the moment of truth. What to choose? Should I commit to the long, slow, and uncertain path of yoga? Prove it could be done? Or should I “cheat” and have surgery? Between a squeezed heart and spinning mind I was trapped, pinned in place by my deepest attachment of all: attachment to yoga itself.

SITTING THERE, ALONE WITH MY CHOICE, I LET GO, AND CRIED. I CRIED WITH SHEER PHYSICAL PAIN AND EXHAUSTION. I CRIED WITH FRUSTRATION THAT MY YOGA HADN’T SAVED ME.

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Sitting there, alone with my choice, I let go, and cried.

I cried with sheer physical pain and exhaustion.

I cried with frustration that my yoga hadn’t saved me.

I cried with the fear of those words, “spine surgery”.

I cried with disappointment for all those I had let down when I canceled my European teaching tour.

I cried for the unjust destruction of the earth, and for all beings who suffer.

In that moment, sobbing alone on my meditation cushion, thinking of rain forest clearcutting, my entire being widened and softened. Opened. The truth arose, simple and shining. The most important thing was to get back to my philanthropic work. To be of service again to what I believe in. The vastness of the earth’s need exploded me out of my small, stubborn self. Dogged attachment to my body as young and healthy, to my identity as a yoga teacher, to yoga itself… none of it mattered.

My choice was made.

I had the surgery in mid-October. As promised, it was a relatively minor outpatient procedure. The healing is slow, but I’m working hard and steadily getting stronger. Every day I know in my heart that I made the right choice. Every day I’m one day closer to my “real” yoga, my fundraising work. Ironically, as hard as I was hanging on to my old identity, I really don’t miss that self. I prefer the ease, freedom, and clarity of the self I get to be now. And this is the true power of vairagya: by letting go of the way we think things are, we are free to experience the rapturous, wild, and gloriously messy mystery that is real life.

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yoga / Philosophy

Love yourself...

BY: TAYLOR ROSE WORDEN, MA, RYT PHOTO: JULIE KRUGER PHOTOGRAPHY

TOGETHER WE MUST UNDERGO A SHIFT IN CONSCIOUSNESS AND AWAKENING, TAKE A LEAP TOWARD NON-DUAL THINKING AND ACTION.

Love yourself. Love each other. Love your world.

I start and end everyday with the same mantra. I sit on my cushion, hold my mala in my lap, and with each new bead, I repeat it over and over again in my head. It is there when I step onto my yoga mat, and I dedicate my practice to the same invocation. I continue on with my day and I reminded of it every time the clock flickers 11:11, make a wish. That same wish is nurtured each year as I grow older and blow out my birthday candles.

to the transformation and evolution of human consciousness. As we approach the Spring season, we are gifted with the opportunity to crystallize change.

Spring is a time of astounding renewal, bringing forth new possibilities, and a tremendous amount of growth. This is nature’s invitation to honor the light, find action in our soul, and harness our deepest desires.

We live in a constantly changing and evolving world, yet most of us find change to be quite difficult. I love the saying, there is no way out but in and through.

If we can heed nature’s example, ground ourselves and bear witness to our Love for the world and all of its inhabitants begins with love and respect for changing environment (both outside and inside), rather than attaching ouroneself. Can you imagine living in a world in which every being loved them- Rachele selves to the drama, then transformation becomes easier to accept.

by Eleonora Zampatti selves? This is my ultimate mission. I believe we need to learn how to be human. We need to wake up to the magic we felt as children, open our eyes, and I believe the natural world is magical, and my personal connection to nature embrace our remarkable existence. Our job as human beings is to participate is what makes me come alive. Being in nature brings the thrill and the calm in the inexhaustible celebration we call life. unlike anything else I have ever experienced. I step into nature and my ego completely dissolves; I let everything go and I surrender myself into the unA very wise woman once told me, “What makes you come alive is your gift, known. My breath moves me and moves through me, together we move. I feel you must use and harness your gift.” For years I struggled to fully understand the ground beneath me and I become completely present. Healing happens this message by consequently trying to put my felt experience into words. The in the present and it can only happen in the present, the past is gone and the story we tell ourselves about ourselves dramatically impacts how we show future has not yet arrived. up in the world. I believe we have out grown a life too small; that we are far bigger than the life our ego has created. Together we must undergo a shift in Paradoxical conclusion is that in order to change the world, you both have to consciousness and awakening, take a leap toward non-dual thinking and acbe committed to changing it and be able to listen to how it wants to change. tion. This movement requires alignment of the mind, body, and heart. I believe We must be one nature to see nature. This is not something you figure out with yoga, the free expression of the human form, can help foster that alignment. the logical mind, it is something you feel and know deep inside. Embrace the Through the continual practice of yoga, the journey of getting to know ourlight and this glorious time of transformation. selves, we learn we have the power to create the world we want to live in.

I leave you with this reminder: LOVE YOURSELF. LOVE EACH OTHER. LOVE Seasons are vital to the transformation and evolution of our planet, but also YOUR WORLD. Love yourself. Love each other. Love your world.

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yoga / Philosophy

FACT IS, THERE WILL ALWAYS BE MORE REASONS TO QUIT THAN THERE WILL BE TO CONTINUE. Want to be a painter? Better have brushes on hand, a blank canvas always sitting on an easel, paints and a full rinse cup at the ready for the moment when you are ready. Want to write a book?

Start one, write everyday, and finish one. Worry less about the quality of the outcome (my first painting was even worse than my first finished manuscript), and get good at doing the discipline.

Ask yourself – are you maybe just creating business?

The mind likes to distract itself, to fill space…but space is precisely what we need if Z is ever going to become a reality. Knowing this, give it what it wants – tasks. Have the creative building blocks for whatever your busy creating on hand and, if you lack a concrete plan, stop…and listen.

What are you busy

creating?

BY: JUSTIN KALISZEWSKI

I

’ve been employing a simple tool lately, both off the mat and on. A question that helps me keep conscious tabs on what’s going on both inside of me and around me.

We are moment to moment creatively building our reality…sometimes consciously.

“What are you busy creating?”

At the level of the mind, what thoughts are you busy harboring? Are you loving or hating? What possibilities are your thoughts nurturing or destroying?

Sure, I could tell you exactly how the OUTLAW Yoga community has been able to publish a book, produce a studio CD, and open a donation-based studio in the last 12 months...how we’re set to release another three books and two CD’s in the next 12…

But that’d sort of be like you watching me or ol’ Bobby V. build a house – entertaining to some degree, but ultimately unfulfilling: the creative equivalent to mental masturbation really.

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Instead I’d rather hand you the tools, by asking you this simple question, “What are you busy creating?”

Imagine you’re grandest vision as point “Z” way off floating amorphously in perpetuity. Today its easy to feel stymied, stuck at point A because Z feels really f*ckin’ far away. Rather than looking so far ahead, instead ask yourself what’s one step I can take towards point B? One step that’s accessible for me…right now.

I adopt this approach when I climb one of Colorado’s fourteeners – if I get caught eyeballing the top, I will quickly meet defeat.

But if I keep my head down, slowly moving my feet – sometimes agonizingly so – than no matter how far I have to go, I will reach the top eventually.

Fact is, there will always be more reasons to quit than there will be to continue.

You might not reach the top today, but chances are there’s one act you can take that will get you just a little further on your way.

When I’m getting ready to create I meditate. I get as present as I can and then I let the universe move my hand.

The more clear and clutter-free a conduit we can be, the more easily we will see the step just waitin’ to be taken, the unglamorous, unfinished, dirty and disciplined step from A to B, or B to C… “We are human beings, not human doings.” The cliché goes. But if we want to make our visions become reality, we also better damn well get busy making it happen at some point.

And, while you’re creating, you might also consider counting…on someone. I played team sports my whole life (was even named 9News Mr. Colorado Basketball back in the day), but I didn’t learn to play effectively on a team until I found a project worth completing, a vision worth seeing through to the very end.

Creativity can occur in isolation, but not publication. For that it takes editors, cover designers, printers, managers, lovers and others…Few of us – myself included – can go the distance, and successfully weather the full resistance that the path from A to Z requires without counting on someone or something higher.

Create the relationships that fuel and inspire you – choose wisely the people closest to you, for they are busy becoming you.

While you’re at it – choose boldly too.

The world is full of folks living their fallback plans. But if there’s one thing I know about life its that the Universe rewards BIG bets.

Along the way know that you’re gonna’ fall and that that’s ok – falling’s not the same thing as failing. In fact, falling is a sign that you’re busy creating…consciously or otherwise.

It takes equal parts passion and discipline – and sometimes a wholesale departure from ration and reason – to turn possibility into probability…a dream into reality.

Ok, accountability helps too…

Ask yourself, yogis, “What are you busy creating?”

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Health / Medicine

HISTORICALLY, THE DOCTOR’S ROLL SHIFTED SOMETIME DURING THE SCIENTIFIC REVOLUTION, WHEN WE BECAME CURATORS OF CARE RATHER THAN TEACHERS OF YOUR BODY, PHYSIOLOGY, THE INJURY OR DISEASE, TREATMENTS THAT MAY OR MAY NOT WORK, AND WHY.

WhEn East Meets West BY: DR. JONATHAN BLOCH

SHIFTING THE PARADIGM FOR COMPLEMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

S

tudies show that alternative medical treatments more often save thousands of dollars off the cost of healthcare when compared to traditional Western care. Alternative treatments also tend to be safer, less invasive, better tolerated, and they lead to healthier, more knowledgeable patients. While many people wish for such a paradigm shift of medical care, we still see the majority of medical practices driven by hard academic Western studies and an insurance flow of money… which I hate to say, often has only private interests in mind.

So, while there are a lot of cooks in the Western medical kitchen, it should just boil down to the practitioner and patient. Historically, the doctor’s roll shifted sometime during the scientific revolution, when we became curators of care rather than teachers of your body, physiology, the injury or disease, treatments that may or may not work, and why. The word “doctor” stems from the Latin word “docere”, which means “to teach” – and

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the best care always comes when a patient has knowledge and power over their own bodies. Yoga is powerful therapy across the board because it enables patients to tune in with their bodies, minds, and spirits without sparing motivation or personal education on how to prolong the health benefits.

Our goal is to help teach paradigm shifts that may ultimately lead to Western insurance companies paying for alternative health cares, such as yoga, reiki, ayurveda, etc.

India has a Department of AYUSH that stands for Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy. It is a government program run by their Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; it is funded to promote public investment as well as integration courses for Indian healthcare delivery systems. China, who also has an ancient originally non-Western healthcare system is similarly adopting means by which to integrate both types of healthcare.

The United States is not without its progress either. I found these guidelines for Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) in the Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) Division of Workers’ Compensation (WC) treatment protocols for Chronic Pain Disorder. Insurance companies within this arena (WC) would be required to cover the following treatment types if certain circumstances present:

Treatment Types: • Alternative Medical Systems are practices that have developed their own system of theory, diagnosis and treatment and include traditional Chinese medicine, ayurveda, homeopathy, naturopathy, etc.

• Mind-body Interventions include practices like hypnosis, meditation, bioenergetics and prayer, etc.

• Biological Based Therapy includes herbal and dietary therapy as well as nutritional supplements.

• Body-Based Therapy includes yoga, rolfing, fascial stretch therapy, cranial-sacral, etc.

• Energy- Based Practices may support the patient physically, spiritually or emotionally and include Qi Gong, Thai Chi, Reike, etc.

The “Right” Circumstances: • Treatment modality is generally accepted and supported by some scientific evidence, not necessarily western academia • There is attention given to the relationship between physical, emotional and spiritual well-being • Licensed credentialed practitioners are preferred, especially if demographics support it • The patient starts the conversation that they want this sort of therapy, based on cultural background, religious belief or personal concept of health that suggests an unconventional medical approach may assist recovery • The patient demonstrates high degree of motivation to improve their functional activity and work while participating in the therapies • At least one conservative treatment was attempted prior to CAM • Patient is taught to practice the CAM independently, when applicable • Positive functional gains are objectively well demonstrated by increased tolerance and function, decreased pain and decreased reliance on other medical services or utilization such as medications.

• Insurance pre-authorization is suggested.

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melyna just peaced herself

find your peace at

www.peaceretreat.ca

Health / Medicine

it’s all about balance

The Dish on Doshas BY: LIANA CAMERIS

I

f you’re practicing yoga aren’t aware of Ayurveda – yoga’s sister science and the planet’s oldest, consistently practiced form of self-healing – then your time has come to step into a new dimension of your practice.

Yogasana, what we practice on the mat time and time again, has a myriad of benefits promoting self-development, a strong, relaxed body and supple, focused mind. Ayurveda (“knowledge of life”) focuses more on the wellness and treatment aspects of health and balance. This is why Ayurveda and yoga essentially are sister sciences for balance, healing, transformation, unification on all the various levels of your being. It is a lens from which to view what we put in our bodies and minds, how we interact with our experiences, and the effects of our choices.

V

P

K

What is a dosha? While there is no direct translation into the English language, the doshas can be described as the three main mind-body types, as well as the main energies that circulate through and govern the physiological processes in the body.

HERE’S A BASIC LESSON FOR YOU: Vata is comprised of air and space, and governs all movement in the mind and body.

Pitta is comprised of fire and water, and governs metabolism, digestion and energy production.

Kapha is comprised of earth and water and governs structure and fluid balance in the body.

You are born with a unique combination of all three, called your prakruti – your individual nature which does not change at any point in your life.

What does change is your vikruti – your current state of imbalance in your doshas. Once you understand how the doshas interact and what is going on with your vikruti, you can use this understanding to find greater balance by making the choices of food, activity and relationship that will lead you toward balance and away from imbalance.

Check out the chart, (information provided by VPK

by Maharishi Ayurveda, www.mapi.com) to see where you fit in!

IF YOU’RE PRACTICING YOGA AREN’T AWARE OF AYURVEDA – YOGA’S SISTER SCIENCE AND THE PLANET’S OLDEST, CONSISTENTLY PRACTICED FORM OF SELF-HEALING – THEN YOUR TIME HAS COME TO STEP INTO A NEW DIMENSION OF YOUR PRACTICE.

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71

lifestyle / Medicine

Cannabis &the Unification of Consciousness

BY NELSON OLIVER

Treatments of symptoms do not alleviate a root cause, and just as a cast immobilizes a broken leg to provide time for the bone to heal, such does the body generally overhaul itself in a cellular regenerative process that renews on a cyclical basis, provided we allow the time and space.

“Thou art the food, and when I break my fast Of nightly separation from Thee, I will taste Thee, and mentally say: God! God! God!” -Paramhansa Yogananda, Whispers from Eternity, 1929

W

ith all that said, we might ask a simple question: how does one heal?

In other words, what are the elements that provide for the progression from pain, sickness and injury to that of comfort, contentment, and pleasurable bodily sensation?

Are those elements provided for by a source outside the body or are those elements contained within the bodily instrument itself?

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These cycles are catalyzed and supported by a system of chemical processes that are the linchpin of the molecular physicality of our bodies, and our daily consumption habits are a primary contributing factor to that molecular composition. About every month, our liver and skin regenerates, replacing dead and diseased cells, and with what are those dead cells replaced?

We’ve all heard, “you are what you eat.”

mental static and unease, and all manner of bodily discomfort and pain.

Interactions differ among ES receptors, just like other receptor systems, within each human body because each is unique; however, the intriguing aspect of cannabis is the wide range of effects that are perceived with each individual’s interaction with the components of the plant.

Cannabis has over 80 active elements, terpenes, and cannabinoids such as THC, THC-A, CBD, and others, and each is unique based on the plant genealogy, cultivation environment, and general treatment of the plant during the growth cycle.

These compounds interact with human physiological development in a subtly effective manner.

This could be re-phrased to, “you are what you consume” or “you are what you inhale”.

The human body includes receptor systems, such as the endocannabinoid system (ES), which include a wide range of physiological processes. The ES processes encompass appetite, pain sensation, mood and memory, and others. Just as receptors for serotonin, dopamine, and other hormones exist throughout the body to regulate organic operations, so does the ES interact at a fundamental level with human biochemistry to alleviate a variety of ailments, pain, and suffering.

THE VEDAS ALSO DESCRIBE CANNABIS AS A SOURCE OF HAPPINESS, A JOY-GIVER AND LIBERATOR GIVEN COMPASSIONATELY TO HUMANS TO HELP US ATTAIN DELIGHT AND LOSE FEAR.

I personally have had great results using cannabis to assuage intestinal dysfunction or blockage,

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Health / Medicine

Oral ingestion via edibles of activated (decarboxylated) high-THC flower or concentrate has a lagging effect (approx 30min - 1hr depending on body size, stomach contents, tolerance, etc.) that may provide more of a bodily sensation experience with euphoria and deeply calming effects.

CBD, inhaled or ingested orally, is generally not thought as having psychoactive effects because it does not interact with the body the same way as THC does; however, the biochemistry of the body seems to find more harmonious operational space with the presence of CBD interacting with the ES, and thus reduction has been observed of tremors and seizures, clenching and muscle spasms, intestinal and digestive ailments, and other psycho-physiological conditions.

Just as each person faces a unique life in this world, cannabis is not recommended for everyone, and is indeed a powerful substance that needs be considered carefully, especially before administering to children. There are, however, documented cases of youth benefiting from a significant reduction in seizures and other symptoms of convulsant conditions from use of CBD. In addition to its physically impactful characteristics, shamans, sadhus, and mystics have used cannabis for millennia in sacred rites as an element to open portals of communion with the Divine. According to The Vedas (a collection of hymns and religious texts from between 1500 and 1000 BCE), cannabis is one of five sacred plants and a guardian angel lives in its leaves.

The Vedas also describe cannabis as a source of happiness, a joy-giver and liberator given compassionately to humans to help us attain delight and lose fear (Abel, 1980).

In an ancient myth, the Hindu god Shiva reinvigorated himself after being overtaken in the heat of the sun by consuming leaves of the cannabis plant, and thus adopted the plant as part of his favorite diet.

Visionary plants have been an integral part of the spiritual life and practices of nature that fostered the development of consciousness, becoming wo[man] as we know ourselves today.

The demonization and intolerance of the very partner that provided the space for consciousness to develop is an interesting position to say the least, and one that is being changed quickly across the globe by a green tidal wave of plant liberation.

PHOTO: BISWARUP GANGULY

diabetes prevalence among age groups 18K 16K 14K 12K

lowest to highest as of 2008 0 to 44 years old 75 years old & greater 65 to 75 years old 45 to 64 years old

10K 8K 6K 4K 2K 0

1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 1990 1991 1982 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Inhaling cannabis smoke high in THC is an almost immediate reception of the sensational elevations of bodily energy, with sometimes massive uplifts in mental state and attitudinal outlook, and diverse visual, auditory or mental journeys into subtle realms of perception.

A CDC REPORT ESTIMATED THAT THE NUMBER OF AMERICANS WITH DIABETES WILL RANGE FROM 1 IN 3 TO 1 IN 5 BY 2050 SOURCE: CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION

In a recent issue of Scientific American, neuroscientist Susana MartinezConde wrote, “It is a fact of neuroscience that everything we experience is a figment of our imagination.”

It is a fact that cannabis stimulates the imagination.

By communing with plants and Mother Earth’s sacred fruits, such as cannabis, we are offered the imaginative grace to intend any possible outcome of our current reality to become true, and in that space of dreams becoming reality, our experiential existence of life is transformed from the depths of lonely despair to the Everest heights of happiness only joy in Godhead allows.

In closing, the age old axiom, ‘you are what you eat’, holds true for any ingested substance, and just as caffeine may bring on the jitters, alcohol may make you sleepy, a cannabis-infused edible may help you feel relief from pain or deep mental relaxation and bodily contentment.

Excessiveness in any habit is not recommended; just as eating too much sugar may lead to chemical imbalances know as diabetes, heavy cannabis use will influence mind, body, and Spirit.

A stark difference, however, is there remain to be 0, that’s right ZERO, documented deaths with cannabis as the cause, and diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death in the U.S. in 2010 (ADA, 2014).

Why don’t we see sugar scheduled as a controlled substance? From the numbers it appears to be significantly more dangerous.

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Health / Medicine

The illusion that a line can be drawn on a schedule classifying natural compounds as medically supportive or inhibitive to human “health” (evolution) is ignoring the thousands of years of historical evidence that our growth as a species goes hand-in-hand with the ingestion of various substances that grow from the soil of our loving Mother Earth.

Communing with this growth allows a deep loving acknowledgment of the true essence of your beingness and the communion with your life itself as it emerges.

Take a deep breath and feel the in-light-enment of your body and mind; all Spirit.

Sri Ram, Jai Ram! SRI = prefix indicating respect or reverence, means literally to flame or to put out a radiance RAM = word for Deity or God JAI = victory (not a victory to God, as that Ultimate Reality is in no need of our encouragement to be victorious, but victory IN God; victory in that Ultimate Reality.)

DISCLAIMER

I am not a doctor, nor do I have medical training of any sort. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and were not intended to use in treating, preventing, or curing a disease. These statements are also the perspective of the author alone and do not necessarily represent those of any other person, company, or brand.

REFERENCES ABEL, E.L. (1980). THE FIRST TWELVE THOUSAND YEARS. NEW YORK: MCGRAW HILL. HTTP://WWW.DIABETES.ORG/DIABETES-BASICS/STATISTICS/

finally, a dating site that supports you... @meetmindful www.meetmindful.com

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OPEN VAPE

SMOKED SALMON EGGS BENEDICT

MUSTARD

DILL SAUCE

{SERVES 6}

WITH

BY: LEE CLAYTON ROPER, FROM: FRESH TASTES COOKBOOK PHOTOS: RICK SOUDERS, SOUDERS STUDIO

I recently started poaching eggs instead of frying them, as I prefer the more delicate texture of a poached egg. One morning as I was debating how to serve Robert his poached egg, I decided to create a version of Eggs Benedict with the smoked salmon we had on hand. I love how the flavors of mustard and dill complement salmon, so I created this sauce in place of the more traditional Hollandaise sauce. It’s now one of our favorite breakfasts!

Place jar in a bain marie (bowl or pan of simmering water) to warm the sauce. Add 1 to 3 teaspoons half and half if sauce is too thick. Set aside and keep warm.

Note that you need to make the sauce the night before serving. You are likely to have some sauce leftover; it keeps in the refrigerator for a week or so and is also great on grilled fish or chicken.

MAKE AHEAD: Mustard sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead, covered and refrigerated. Bring to room temperature before serving. Eggs can be poached the night before, placed in water, covered and refrigerated. Drop in hot but not boiling water for just a minute or so to reheat just before serving.

Ingredients: 2/3 cup half and half, plus more if needed to thin sauce 6 tablespoons olive oil 6 tablespoons Dijon mustard 5 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh dill

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In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the half and half, olive oil, mustard, dill, vinegar and shallot. Transfer to a glass jar, cover and refrigerate overnight to allow the flavors to blend.

4 teaspoons white wine vinegar 2 shallots, finely chopped 6 English muffins, split in half 4 tablespoons butter 12 ounces smoked salmon 12 large eggs

Toast the English muffin halves; spread with butter. Top each piece of toast with smoked salmon. Place two halves on 6 individual plates and set aside.

Poach the eggs to desired doneness (see Tip); place eggs on top of smoked salmon. Drizzle mustard-dill sauce over the top.

Serve immediately.

Tip on how to poach an egg: Put 2 inches of water in a sauté or saucepan; add 2 teaspoons of cider or white wine vinegar.

Heat to the point where bubbles form on the bottom of the pan, with just a few bubbles (or none) rising to the top. Crack a cold, very fresh egg into a fine mesh strainer over a bowl (or sink) and gently swirl around to drain off excess water in the whites. Stir the almost boiling water to form a whirlpool. While the water is swirling, gently pour the egg into the middle. Cook to desired doneness, around 3 to 4 minutes for a runny egg. If egg sticks to the bottom of the pan while cooking, use a spatula to gently unstick. Remove egg from water with a slotted spoon and place egg (in spoon) on paper towel to drain. Serve immediately or place in cold water to hold (see make ahead instructions).

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PARMESAN-CRUSTED

CHICKEN

{SERVES 6}

health / Food

WITH A

TOMATO CREAM SAUCE Years ago, a restaurant in Denver — Sfuzzi’s — served a chicken and pasta dish with a tomato sauce that was divine. After it closed I set out to create my own version. Although it took several tries to get the flavor of the sauce just right — even my husband Robert, the king of the red pasta sauce (in our house) thinks it’s scrumptious! This dish is especially pretty if you use green (spinach) linguine.

ingredients: 1 cup dry or panko breadcrumbs 1 cup (4 ounces) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided 1 heaping teaspoon Italian seasoning 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 large egg 2 tablespoons buttermilk 4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves Salt, to taste 1 (12-ounce) package wheat or spinach linguine 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

To make the sauce: In a large sauté or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped carrot, onion, celery and garlic and sauté 10 minutes or until soft. Add tomatoes, basil, parsley, oregano and red pepper flakes, if desired. Add sugar (it may not be necessary, depending on sweetness of tomatoes). Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Start preparing chicken while sauce simmers.

To make the chicken: In a small, shallow bowl combine breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder and pepper. In another shallow bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk. Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. Butterfly larger pieces and cut in half. Season with salt and ground pepper. Set aside the breading bowls and the chicken breasts.

The sauce should be done simmering by now. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coat a baking sheet with olive oil spray or line with parchment paper.

Back to the chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture and then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture, coating both sides well. Place on prepared baking sheet and refrigerate about 15 minutes to allow the coating to set.

Place the cooled sauce in a blender or food processor and purée until there are no large chunks of vegetables or herbs. Return to its original saucepan and stir in 1/2 cup cream; season to taste with kosher salt and fresh ground pepper. Add more cream as needed to taste (depends on how creamy you want the sauce).

Set aside.

TOMATO CREAM SAUCE 1/4 cup butter

2 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 1/2 cups (around 2 to 3) diced carrot

1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano

1/2 cup chopped yellow onion

1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes (optional)

1 large celery stalk, chopped 2 teaspoons chopped garlic 2 pounds chopped fresh Italian or plum tomatoes* 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional) 1/2 to 1 cup heavy cream or half & half Kosher salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

*When fresh tomatoes aren’t in season, for more flavor substitute 1 (28-ounce) can whole or chopped Italian tomatoes, undrained

Bake chicken for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (if not brown on top, run under the broiler for a few minutes). While the chicken bakes, cook linguine according to package directions. Drain; toss with olive oil and keep warm.

Around 5 minutes before the chicken is done, bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Place a single serving of linguine on each dinner plate (or one large platter). Cut each chicken breast into diagonal slices and arrange on top of the linguine. Spoon sauce across middle of chicken and onto pasta on either side.

Sprinkle top with remaining 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese.

MAKE AHEAD: Sauce and breaded chicken can be prepared earlier in the day, covered separately and refrigerated. Rewarm sauce over medium heat. Bring chicken to room temperature before baking.

BY: LEE CLAYTON ROPER, FROM: FRESH TASTES COOKBOOK, PHOTOS: RICK SOUDERS, SOUDERS STUDIO COYOGAMAGAZINE.COM

77

BLUEBERRY

PEACH

CUSTARD

{SERVES 8 to 10}

health / Food

PIE

This delicious recipe came from my dear friend Catherine Petros. Recipe testers loved how the tangy, creamy flavor of the custard complemented the peach and berries. Many people fear the challenge of pie making, but this one is especially easy — and rewarding.

Note that the pie takes around 7 to 10 minutes longer to cook when using 2% milk instead of skim.

Directions: My favorite pie crust recipes are on our website, www. seasonedkitchen.com. Refrigerated pie crust also works well (preferably organic) Position rack in lower third of the oven and preheat to 400 degrees. Spray a 9-inch pie pan with nonstick cooking spray.

In medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, milk, yogurt, eggs and vanilla until well blended. Whisk in the flour, cornstarch and salt until smooth and set aside.

On a lightly floured surface, roll pie crust into a 12-inch circle.

Place crust in the pie pan and trim so it overhangs edge evenly by about 1 inch. Fold edges under and crimp or flute. Place the pie pan on a baking sheet.

BY: LEE CLAYTON ROPER FROM: FRESH TASTES COOKBOOK PHOTOS: RICK SOUDERS, SOUDERS STUDIO

Reduce heat to 350 degrees and return pie to the oven. Bake 20 to 25 minutes (for a total cook time of 45 to 50 minutes) or until a knife inserted at the center of the pie comes out clean. Let cool for 1 1/2 hours. Pie will settle during cooling. Serve warm or chilled.

Ingredients: 1 cup sugar

2 teaspoons cornstarch

3/4 cup skim or 2% milk

Pinch of salt

3/4 cup nonfat, plain Greek-style yogurt

1 prepared pie crust*

2 large eggs

1 heaping cup fresh blueberries

1/4 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract

1 heaping cup peeled, sliced, pitted fresh peaches

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

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Arrange blueberries in the bottom of the crust and top evenly with the sliced peaches. Pour the filling on top (the fruit will float but this won’t affect the final results). Bake for 25 minutes, remove from oven and cover edges of the crust with foil or a pie crust shield (see Tip below) to help prevent over-browning.

Tip for no-burn pie crust edge: To prevent the edges of a pie crust from overbrowning before the pie center is done, simply cover it with a pie crust shield. I like the brand “Mrs. Anderson” — it’s easier and more reliable than covering the edge with foil.

Tip for no-soggy crust: If you want to make this, or any pie ahead of time, brush the bottom of the crust with an egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water) before baking. This magically forms a barrier between the crust and the filling.

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79

health / Food

HAVE THE GUTS TO STAY HEALTHY with fermented foods BY: MAGGIE WELLS

Let’s start with the fact that our bodies are only 10% human.

The other 90% of us is made up microbes—single-cell organisms— mostly in the form of bacteria, fungi, and archaea (we won’t mention the micro-animals). We can’t process the food we put in our bodies without microbes, and they produce necessary vitamins and anti-inflammatories.

In fact, recent research shows that microbes provide more genes for human survival than human cells.

Our question is: What have you done for them lately?

Though you can’t see them staring back at you in the mirror, taking good care of the microbes in you body is a good idea. In a sense—they ARE our bodies. But how do we do it?

A simple and natural way to take care of our microscopic selves is by eating fermented foods—like yogurt, pickles, kimchi, and sauerkraut. Fermented foods aren’t a new fad—they were once part of our ancestors’ regular diets as far back as 7000-6600 BCE. They started vanishing with the invention of pasteurization and other food preparation technology.

Fermented foods help balance the microbes in our gut. They also increase probiotics and enzymes, which means they can have a huge positive impact on our physical and even mental health. The beauty? You can make your own fermented food very easily; it only requires salt, lack of oxygen, and a cool temperature.

Let’s talk about five key benefits of fermented foods. Then let’s learn how to make some.

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PHOTO: CHRISTINA KIFFNEY

Five Benefits of Fermented Foods 1. Fermented Foods Improve Digestion Fermenting foods before eating them is like digesting part of the food in advance. A good example is the fact that many people who are intolerant to milk can eat yogurt without any trouble. That’s because the lactose (which is the real intolerance) is broken down during the fermentation process. Additionally, the enzymes provided in fermented foods help our guts digest, absorb and utilize the nutrients in what we eat. As we age, our supply of enzymes goes down—and fermented foods are a good way to restore what we’re losing.

2. Fermented Foods are Teeming with Probiotics Probiotics are what’s known as beneficial bacteria and they naturally occur in certain fermented foods. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines probiotics as “Living microorganisms that provide a health benefit to the host when ingested in adequate amounts.” But those little bugs deserve much more credit. Their benefits are too great to ignore.

3. Fermented Foods Make You a Nutrient-Absorbing Virtuoso When beneficial bacteria and beneficial enzymes thrive in the gut, it is easier to absorb more nutrients. The need for supplements and vitamins decreases, as the body is able to absorb live nutrients instead.

4. Fermented Foods Restore Proper Bacterial Balance Recent studies show that we are made up of millions of friendly bacteria, so maintaining the balance of good bacteria to bad has a tremendous influence on overall health. It’s easy for this balance to get out of whack considering how modern society uses anti-bacterial products, drinks chlorinated water, eats processed foods, takes antibiotics (even puts them in meat!) and is often stressed. All of those behaviors kill good bacteria in the gut. Bacterial imbalance often results in constipation, excessive gas, bloating, and a lowered ability to absorb nutrients in the body. More disruptive problems can develop over time, including allergies and autoimmune diseases.

5. Fermented Foods Increase Immunity The gut doesn’t simply process food for elimination. It actually houses 85% of the immune system. The gut uses acid to kill disease-causing bacteria, worms, viruses, and fungi while simultaneously allowing beneficial microbes to pass through. Without a balanced gut, you can forget about fighting pathogens. We need beneficial bacteria to be in tip-top shape in order to wage war against disease and illness.

6. Fermented Foods Taste Really, Really Good Creamy yogurt for breakfast, a pickle alongside a deli sandwich, sourdough bread with your soup, tempeh Reuben sliders topped with sauerkraut, Korean BBQ kimchi tacos, or any of these things on their own are simply delicious. There are so many more yummy fermented foods just waiting for you to devour them.

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HEALTH / Astrology

astrology

TRIFECTA OF THE T-SQUARE

BY ADAM SOMMER

ORDER AND SIMPLIFICATION ARE THE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS MASTERY. –THOMAS MANN

T

he amount of time and energy it takes to keep our lives in relative order is most likely more calories than we even consume. And to find the time who is seemingly slipping away or the energy who is forever hiding from our sights consistently proves to be victorious. Frustrating? This riddle must be solved. We must figure out how to be time, not to beat it. We have to know energy instead having no energy. We absolutely need to find our practice in all we do. Perhaps, the first step is a simple one: bring clean order into our lives. Once the “ordered” space is created, the spirits saunter on in. And when the spirits have in-vibed our world, we finally get to work on that “mastery” thing… whatever it may be.

These themes are alive. Like an archetypal landscape brimming with mutable potential, we have access RIGHT NOW to some assistance in infusing greater meaning into our lives through pursuing the mastery of ( ). This may seem vague and obvious, but with Jupiter and Neptune opposing each other in the sky at squaring odds with Saturn, the crux has been discovered. Collectively, we are all being asked if we are ok not being in control; if we know how to kick our legs up and just float down stream; there are other – perhaps at times, stronger voices questioning our entire belief systems as well, dissolving the very grounds our sanity stands on; and other voices still showing us the absolute freedom and smooth, effortless relief which enters when everything is in the right place. So many voices, all equally as strong.

In astrology, we call this the trifecta of the T-square. This one has formed between Jupiter, Saturn, and Neptune (Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces respectfully).

A BREAKDOWN FOR THE BEGINNER’S MIND Neptune is currently in its own sign of Pisces. It has been since 2012. No person alive has experienced this. This is because Neptune has a 165 year orbit, placing it in the mid 19th century for the last time we inhaled the intoxicating fog of “anything is possible.”

Jupiter opposes this Neptune in the sky from Virgo. A more common transit, yet only happening once every 12 years. Jupiter spends a year in every sign of the zodiac and when he does he inspires and gifts bountiful opportunities to each sign. One Virgo gift would be order, another would be control, and the best would have to be service.

Because the two are opposing each other (180 degrees apart), they are playing tug of war with a meaningless pit between them. We need order just as we need chaos, but when one pulls to hard, the balance is broken and we fall into despair. And so, we look to Saturn for some solutions to the tension.

With Saturn in Sagittarius, it naturally squares off with them both, saying to Jupiter, “Just because it works for you, doesn’t mean it works for everybody!” Then turning to Neptune, whispering with strong purpose, “Get with it man. It’s either beer or meditation. You know the higher road…” and so it goes.

This conversation will continue until this time next year (Fall, 2016). Know where it is happening in your chart and it will set you free – or, at least, bring better context to your awakening mind.

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ARIES: The dream is vast and never ending, yet there is a need for some kind of container. A vessel to hold these dreams so they can ferment, giving you something to check on, and stir, and know just when it’s ripe and ready to be medicine.

There is a dharmic pull as well to get that travel destination checked off the list. Gandalf knocks.

Adventure waits.

TAURUS: When was the last time you found God amongst your friends? To truly recognize the Divine Order electrifying the web connecting you to all those allies you love so much? Hopefully, you have, and in this support you are ready to share something special. One of your creations is ripe for the picking. Share with us. Live through it. And by doing so, some of the webs—the “cobwebs—will be illuminated as well, showing you the way out of a scary rut.

GEMINI: The eyes of the world are beginning to stare. A vision has come manifest and the only way to sustain its clear focus is by working on home. It may seem paradoxical, it may not be realistic, but you must find your sanctuary. And from this place, you can face some of the greatest themes in you within the realm of relationship. Not just romantic ones, but all the mirrors. There is something here for you to crystallize—once and for all.

CANCER: No matter how many peyote buttons you’ve tossed down your throat lately or how many hours you’ve clocked on the mat or cushion, if you can’t communicate without words what you have learned, what is the use? There is a great need right now for you to walk in stride with your Gods. To not fake it, but to make it real. Perhaps, it relates to falling in love with the mundane?

LEO: Sex is a powerful drug. There are many variations to this so-called “sex-drug.” The one you seem to have your eyes on currently offers a kind

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of tantric experience – a feeling of true union with a dollop of great spirit in there. In taking this drug, there are side effects if taken too much, without the proper holding and circulating of the energy. Discipline your fun. Become the master of the fire within you.

VIRGO: As you attract more and more spiritually minded people into your life, the boundaries of your old relationship model may starting fading, become more transparent.

More openness and un-conditionality in the way you navigate your heart could be flooding in. People who inspire you to be more physical and embodied as well. But be careful not to lose yourself in the process: always remember who you are. Have a clear idea of your personal mythos.

And please, don’t neglect your tribe!

LIBRA: The immune system works on all levels: it protects the body from invisible intruders, the mind from infectious memes, and the spirit from possessive entities.

Now is a good time to strengthen it. Discernment through the crystal clear eyes and the assistance of your most punctual guides is welcomed.

It is time to finally understand what it is you believe and what you do not.

Read up on it. Go deep.

SCORPIO: The Muse is close by. She is burning up the dance floor and laughing hard through the children.

He has you crowd surfing the hands of all your friends and a bit overwhelmed by morning. Within all of it, as long as you can remember exactly who are you and the work that you value most, go for it; If not, have no FOMO about spending a weekend alone in the woods.

SAGITTARIUS: After the past few years of life review and a few things falling apart, your boat is coming to shore. In town, everybody waits to hear what you have learned.

Something is being birthed. You are crowning. Waste no time in launching yourself out into the scary world of individuation and lightning-fast evolution. You won’t regret it for a second—you won’t have time!

CAPRICORN: It’s as if you have found the main vein of spiritual insight. Synchronicities abound, the world expands and sparkles in your stretching imagination, and the call

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to finally follow your dreams is eminent. Just don’t mistake the finger for the Moon or Saturn, or any of the planets I am speaking about. In other words: stay humble and remain curious.

AQUARIUS: The spell of the sensuous has befallen you. All of your senses have become sensitized to the acute and the subtle. Nature speaks and you are listening close. The old traditions are storming into your life, infusing the good kind of magic into your being. Find those who are fully immersed in these subjects. Spend lots of your time with them. Your other friends will understand sooner or later.

PISCES: It seems you’re phasing into something quite different than ever before. A new skin perhaps is regenerating on you at the speed of your practices. An illuminating quality which beckons forth from all your cells, trying to become the brightest beacon of truth you can possibly imagine. And now, for the work: you can’t run from the world, it needs you. Right now, everything is coming together, you just can’t see it yet.

Without conclusion, yet with the best clarity I could offer in under 2,000 words, we have entered a special chapter in our journey together. There is beauty and disaster everywhere we look, we just need to know where to focus our awareness, and how this energy thing works.

Energy goes where attention goes, so may we all point it in expanding and true and inspiring directions.

Then, and only then, will we see the world change. We will have found the top of the mountain, the tip of the T-square, and the resolution point to all of our woes. From this space we can lend our helping hands to all our relations—never forgetting plant or planet, furry or vegetal, stone or spirit. God speed my friends—all the Gods’ speeds.

And remember, all these ideas are just pointing and playing with the collective experience of this transit.

Knowing where it all is going down in your chart is what summons your true magic.

If you would like to read/listen to more or schedule a reading, visit: www.holestoheavens.com

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events / Listing

COLORADO EVENTS Yoga. Family. Local. Art. Music.

WRITTEN BY KIMBERLY GHORAI

APRIL TRADITIONAL CHINESE QIGONG: LEVELS 1-2 Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes, CO Date: April 1-3, 2016 Cultivate strength of body and calmness of mind through the healing Taoist practice of qigong. www.shambhalamountain.org VAIL FILM FESTIVAL Vail, CO Date: April 7-10, 2016 A celebration of independent films featuring an array of events such as film screenings, workshops, educational projects, networking events and a screenplay contest. www.vailfilmfestival.com RETREAT & RENEWAL Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes,

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Date: April 8-10, 2016 Discover relaxation and wakefulness with contemplative approaches for working with the fullness of daily modern life, bringing insight and inspiration to career, family, health and relationships. www.shambhalamountain.org APPLIED ANATOMY INTENSIVE Yoga Workshop, Boulder, CO Date: April 15-17, 2016 Join Asha Wolf for a three-day intensive combining medical anatomy with classical yoga training. www.yogaworkshop.com BACKCOUNTRY YOGA + SKI + HUT TRIP Opus Hut, Telluride Colorado Date: April 28-May 1 Join Y + L founder, Juli Rathke and enjoy a fully guided backcountry yoga experience. This is a WOMEN ONLY adventure. www.goyoadventures.com

MAY THE WAY OF THE HAPPY WOMAN SPRING DETOX & RENEWAL RETREAT Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes, CO Date: May 12-15, 2016 This self-care retreat puts us back into alignment with the seasons, starting with the flowering and growth of spring. www.shambhalamountain.org RETREAT & RENEWAL Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes Date: May 20-22, 2016 Discover relaxation and wakefulness with contemplative approaches for working with the fullness of daily modern life, bringing insight and inspiration to career, family, health and relationships. www.shambhalamountain.org

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FORT LOVE BREWERS JAMBOREE Legacy Park, Fort Collins, CO Date: May 21, 2016 This premier event will have an emphasis on beer tasting, education and brewers telling the stories of their journey into the craft beer industry. www.brewersjamboree.com MEADOWGRASS MUSIC FESTIVAL La Foret Retreat and Conference Center, Black Forest, CO Date: May 27-29, 2016 Enjoy performances from over 20 local and national bands, on-site camping, local food vendors and children’s activities. www.rockymountainhighway.org BOULDER CREEK FESTIVAL Boulder, CO Date: May 28-30, 2016 This unofficial kickoff to summer in Boulder includes 9 event areas with 500 vendors showcasing everything from arts and crafts to healthy alternatives while music and dance is featured on 4 stages. www.bceproductions.com YOGA ROCKS THE PARK Sunkin Gardens Park, Denver Date: May 29 Kindness Yoga presents Jack Cuneo w/ DJ Sundragon. www.yogarocksthepark.com/denver

JUNE META YOGA SCHOOLS YTT Breckenridge, CO Date: June- August (10 week program) Come to the mountains and experience the summer while getting your 200 hour yoga teacher training certificate. World-class teachers in a worldclass location. www.metayogaschools.com CAMPOUT FOR THE CAUSE Bond, CO Date: June 3-5, 2016 A camping experience featuring river activities, music and yoga. www.campoutforthecause.org TELLURIDE BALLOON FESTIVAL Telluride, CO Date: June 3-5, 2016 Experience the flight of hot air balloons coloring the sky at sunrise either by land or ride in a balloon and enjoy the view by air. www.tellurideballoonfestival.com PAGOSA FOLK ‘N BLUEGRASS Reservoir Hill Park, Pagosa Springs, CO Date: June 3-5, 2016

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A celebration of American, folk and bluegrass that presents concerts, educational workshops for budding musicians and activities for children. www.folkwest.com YOGA ROCKS THE PARK Sunkin Gardens Park, Denver Date: June 6 Sol Shine presents Courtney Chandler with Kevin Parris. www.yogarocksthepark.com/denver SUCCESS AT THE SUMMIT Breckenridge, CO Date: June 9-11, 2016 Enjoy a weekend at Beaver Run Resort with other like-minded entrepreneurs and planners. With over 10 international presenters & keynotes, leave feeling inspired and ready to rock it. www.campexperience.com/events-2/springsuccess-summit/ APOGAEA Bailey, CO Date: June 9-12, 2016 Colorado’s regional Burning Man event is a collaborative outdoor arts, music and camping experience where you will find an ever-expanding community practicing freedom of expression through participation, sharing and creativity. www.apogaea.com TELLURIDE WOW FESTIVAL TBA, Telluride, CO Date: June 9-12, 2016 A weekend of wellness that brings world-class presenters, instructors and athletes to lecture and hold classes on the latest health, fitness, wellness, nutrition and medical trends. www.telluridewow.com HANUMAN FESTIVAL Boulder High School, Boulder, CO Date: June 9-12, 2016 A community-oriented celebration with world-class yoga instructors, mind-blowing music and inspirational experiences. www.hanumanfestival.com SONIC BLOOM Rye, CO Date: June 16-19, 2016 Colorado’s premier electronic music festival offers live performances, art installations, and workshops. www.sonicbloomfestival.com TELLURIDE BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Telluride, CO Date: June 16-19, 2016 Musicians and artists from around the world perform for an unforgettable 4 days of music, mountains and magic. www.bluegrass.com/telluride/

MTN. YOGA. BLISS. RETREAT Breckenridge, CO Date: June 12-17, 2016 Join Juli Rathke and Jennifer Smith as they show you around the Rockies in a summer bliss adventure retreat. Hiking, SUP-ing, Yoga and more! www.goyoadventures.com FIBARK Salida, CO Date: June 16-19, 2016 America’s oldest whitewater festival offers competitions and demos in a variety of boating activities. www.fibark.com FOOD & WINE CLASSIC IN ASPEN Aspen, CO Date: June 17-19, 2016 The world’s most accomplished winemakers, celebrity chefs, and culinary experts come together to share their talents. www.foodandwine.com/promo/events/2016aspen-classic/ TELLURIDE WINE FESTIVAL Telluride, CO Date: June 23-26, 2016 Four days of wine tasting, sampling gourmet foods and experiencing cooking classes from world class cookbook authors. www.telluridewinefestival.com RETREAT & RENEWAL Shambhala Mountain Center, Red Feather Lakes, CO Date: June 24-26, 2016 Discover relaxation and wakefulness with contemplative approaches for working with the fullness of daily modern life, bringing insight and inspiration to career, family, health and relationships. www.shambhalamountain.org BREATHE YOGA FESTIVAL City Park, Fort Collins, CO Date: June 24-26, 2016 A festival that supports health, wellness, inspiration and celebrates the outdoors and experiences of life while creating a platform for local presenters, instructors, musicians, vendors, artists and artisans. www.breatheyogafestival.com YOGA ROCKS THE PARK Sunkin Gardens Park, Denver Date: June 26 Sumits Yoga Littleton presents April Feldman with DJ Erik. www.yogarocksthepark.com/denver TELLURIDE PLEIN AIR FESTIVAL Telluride, CO Date: June 28-July 1, 2016 Artists are drawn from around the country to paint in the outdoors, compete in painting events and exhibit and sell their work. telluridepleinair.com

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events / Listing

JULY 26-DAY LIVING YOGA INTENSIVE PROGRAM Holistic Yoga School, Fort Collins, CO Date: July 5-30, 2016 An RYT-200 Yoga Teacher Training program that provides participants with a vast array of knowledge and tools which help facilitate a journey of self-inquiry, personal practice and reflection. www.holisticyogaschool.com WANDERLUST Snowmass Village, Aspen, CO Date: June 30-July 3, 2016 A mindful and sustainable festival created to practice yoga with the world’s most accomplished teachers, provide local and organic food, bring likeminded individuals together, highlight challenges of our times and showcase a community of artists. www.wanderlust.com YOGA ROCKS THE PARK Sunkin Gardens Park, Denver Date: July 10 FLEX Yoga + Barre presents Kayce Berke with DJ Rico Sol. www.yogarocksthepark.com/denver COLORADO IRISH FEST Clement Park, Littleton, CO Date: July 8-10, 2016 Irish traditions and culture are celebrated with a modern party featuring step dancing, Gaelic sporting events, bag-pipe contests and live music. www.coloradoirish.mobi HOT AIR BALLOON RODEO Bald Eagle Lake, Steamboat Springs, CO Date: July 9-10, 2016 Artistry and color combine in the air while balloon pilots participate in navigation contests. www.steamboatchamber.com/info/events/ sbcccalendarevent.hot.air.balloon.rodeo.item.asp CRESTED BUTTE WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL Crested Butte, CO Date: July 11-23, 2016 Pick from over 200 classes from over 80 instructors, tour guides and volunteers that focus on advocating for the preservation and appreciation of wildflowers. www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com TELLURIDE YOGA FESTIVAL Telluride, CO Date: July 21-24, 2016 An intimate and authentic weekend of discussions with philosophers and scholars, workshops and classes with world-class instructors and gatherings of artists and musicians that celebrates yoga. www.tellurideyogafestival.com ASPEN ARTS FESTIVAL Monarch Street, Aspen, CO

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Date: July 23-24, 2016 Experience a range of creations ranging from life-size sculptures, photography, glass, paintings, ceramics, jewelry and mixed media. www.aspenchamber.org/events/ ROCKYGRASS Planet Bluegrass Ranch, Lyons, CO Date: July 29-31, 2016 Generations of musical legends and future-legends converge under the red rock cliffs of the St. Vrain River for this temporary center of the bluegrass universe. www.bluegrass.com/rockygrass/

AUGUST DENVER YOGA FEST Downtown Denver Date: August 4-7, 2016 Denver Yoga Festival features asana, kids activities, Kirtan, panel discussions, artistic workshops, outdoor adventures, and live music. Bring your entire family because everyone will have fun. www.denveryogafestival.com ARISE FESTIVAL Sunrise Ranch, Loveland, CO Date: August 5-7, 2016 ARISE Music Festival is a musically diverse, festival-wonderland experience. Featuring 7 stages of live music, yoga, workshops, theme camps, art gallery & installations, children’s village, speakers, films and camping on 100 beautiful mountain valley acres. www.arisefestival.com/2016 YOGA ROCKS THE PARK Sunkin Gardens Park, Denver Date: Augst 21 Mudra Yoga Studio + YogiApproved presents Tracey Sahaja Devi Lanham with Chimney Choir. www.yogarocksthepark.com/denver YOGA ROCKS THE PARK Sunkin Gardens Park, Denver Date: August 28 YJ Live presents TBD w/ EMBR. www.yogarocksthepark.com/denver

UPCOMING YOGA BUSINESS RETREAT Breckenridge, CO Date: October 12-13, 2016 Work on your bottom line and your asana in this 2 day intensive business workshop with Yoga + Life Magazine founder and Yogini Entrepreneur, Juli Rathke. www.julirathke.com

EAGLE YOGAFEST Eagle, CO Date: October 14-16, 2016 Join us for a weekend celebration of mindful yoga including: slow flow, meditation, lectures, Yin Yoga, and more. While at the festival enjoy a mindful flow, meditate, take a hike, or learn something new at a lecture. This year’s Eagle YogaFest will feature a variety of new instructors and experiences. www.eagleyogafest.com

GET ON BOARD, COLORADO! GET FEATURED

Y+L Magazines is a local magazine showcasing your events, your ideas, and your stories. Why are you not on board? It’s all about community and creating a stronger community in each place we represent. If you have a story or an idea that is solid - please submit your query to me, the publisher, Juli Rathke at juli@yogalifemagazines.com.

LIST YOUR EVENT HERE

Have an event you want to share with the Colorado readers? Email us at juli@yogalifemagazines.com today and we will get you dialed in for the next issue.

A FEW GOOD YOGIS

Y+L Magazines has successfully launched magazines in Minnesota, New York, Colorado, Seattle-Portland and soon, Southern California.

We couldn’t do it without the local involvement of yogis like you. With already over 70 ambassadors around the country, it’s time for Colorado Yogis to step up and get on board.

We are looking for talented ambassadors who will help be the steering committee behind what goes into each and every issue and who will help us get our Colorado events up and running.

This is an unpaid position, however you will be an integral part of the local industry and many perks are shared with our every growing team.

HOST AN EVENT WITH YOGA + LIFE

Each quarter we are doing events around the country. Want to host an event at your studio or business? Want to attend an event? Get in the know - sign up to receive our newsletter at www.coyogamagazine.com.

YOGALIFEMAGAZINES.COM

Back Page / Your Story

LAST, BUT NOT LEAST

BY JULI RATHKE

MY MOMMA ALWAYS TOLD ME THAT IF YOU HELP A CHILD YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD.

–JULI’S MOMMA AND PROBABLY YOUR MOMMA TOO

I

t seems like we are always at a loss for what to put on the back page. Well much like the end of the magazine, there is always something lingering in the back of our minds as we move through this consious lifestyle. Sometimes we think, “am I doing enough?” or perhaps we think, “as soon as I make a little more money, I will give back”, or “next year I will devote more time to a selfless service act”. There is no time like the present. Your talent, your gift, your access is needed. When you feel that connection, just go for it! Here is a little story about my revelation, all the while I can hear my momma in the background saying, “Juli, if you help a child you can change the world.” And as a mom myself, I totally get it.

WHEN THE MOMENT HITS - IT’S TIME TO ACT When I was in Costa Rica recently, I was in an area that has been greatly influenced economically by the yoga industry. Resorts, jobs, and tourism have all put money into that economy. I had the chance to get to know the management team at Bodhi Tree Yoga Resort and in conversation we started discussing some passion projects we all have. One thing lead to the next and pretty soon Yoga + Life and GOYO Adventures teams were touring a school in Esperanza, a nearby village, that had been devastated by an earthquake several years back. (Esperanza means hope in Espanol.)

I know this is off the grid for a lot of you but in an industry where we travel quite a bit, we need to leave a sustainable impact on the countries and communities we travel to. The yoga and tourism industry has changed Nosara, Costa Rica forever. If every yogi gives just a little, this school which is now serving over 125 students, can be moved, rebuilt and the kids can go to school again with “normal” conditions conducive to learning. (See the video at the website link at the bottom of the article.)

The main problem here is that the school can only serve a small percentage of the kids at one time, so their days are cut short, the incentive to go to school is diminished entirely and the conditions are dangerous.

Out of our time in Costa Rica, both Bodhi Tree and Yoga + Life pledged to make this school a reality and as such, the ESPERANZA SCHOOL PROJECT was reborn. There is a committee in place in CR spearheading the entire project and the property to relocate the school has been found. The website will continue to be updated as progress is made, however, you helping now will get us closer to the funds we need to move from phase 1 to phase 2, which is the initial idea stages to the acquisition phase.

We also plan on hosting some events in the future where proceeds will benefit the ESP. Stay tuned for more, or if you have other talents and services you wish to donate, please email my friend Stacy directly at stacy@bodhitreeyogaresort.com Here’s to helping a child. WWW.ESPERANZASCHOOLPROJECT.ORG This back page is forever devoted to SEVA stories, share yours with our publisher here: juli@yogalifemagazines.com

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Share your favorite shots that embody the Terrapin lifestyle!

www.terrapincarestation.com (303) 954-8402

By working with service partners like Outlaw Yoga, we are able to touch lives and give the underserved mindfulness tools to transform their lives.

JOIN US IN SHARING THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF YOGA WITH THE WORLD,

ONE PERSON AT A TIME. The Give Back Yoga Foundation believes in making yoga available to all those who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience the transformational benefits of this powerful practice. As a national nonprofit yoga organization, we support and fund certified teachers in all traditions to offer the teachings of yoga to under-served and under-resourced socio-economic segments of the community. Through this work, we aim to inspire grassroots social change.

GIVEBACKYOGA.ORG/GET-INVOLVED

JOIN US IN SHARING THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF YOGA WITH THE WORLD, ONE PERSON AT A TIME.