CO YOGA + Life® | Winter + Spring 2022-23

the

b r av e ry

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

WINTER + SPRING 2022-23

issue

COLORADO IS PART OF THE YOGA + Life® FAMILY OF MAGAZINES.

PUBLISHER Jaunt Media Collective YOGA + Life® OWNER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Fuller YOGA + Life® OWNER + DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS Bobby L'Heureux YOGA + Life® MAGAZINES FOUNDER Juli Rathke CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chelsea Connolly MANAGING EDITOR Lexi Reich ASSISTANT EDITOR Lauren Farrauto COMMUNITY OUTREACH Laura Mills PARTNERSHIP COORDINATOR Kristen Grace CONTRIBUTORS Lexi Reich, Marisol Cruz, Sandy Ferguson Fuller, Chris Kassar, Kelsey Foster, Laura Mills, Elyce Neuhauser, Wendy Wilkinson, Kim Fuller, Cabrini Klepper, Gabriela Reitz, Amy Zelmer, Kali Basman, Julia Clarke, Dana Knerl, Toni Viney, Kaitlin Emig, Marissa Angeletti, Jennifer Weintraub, Sarah Jane Sandy, Julie M. Gentile, Kristen Grace, Jessica Denton, Sarah Bond

PHOTOGRAPHY + ART Roxanna Carrasco, Kim Fuller, Marisol Cruz, Sandy Ferguson Fuller, Elk Raven Photography, River + Root Photography, Sweta Karki, Bat Country Studios, Tourism Santa Fe, Chipeta Solar Springs, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, Lauren O’Neill, Bernadetten Kilcer, Brittney Meinhold, Brian Chorski, Big City Mountaineers, Jennifer Weintraub, Live Eat Learn, Sedona Yoga Festival, Kalyja Rain Photography, Angela Perna: Grateful Memories Photography

REGIONAL + NATIONAL SALES Bobby L’Heureux SUBSCRIPTIONS Please subscribe to our magazine at yogalifelive.com/cosubscribe/

The paper content of this publication has been certifiably reforested via PrintReleaf – the world’s first platform to measure paper consumption and automate reforestation across a global network of reforestation projects.

LEARN MORE AT PRINTRELEAF.COM

ADVERTISING National Office: 860.230.8650 bobby@coyogalifemag.com | yogalifelive.com FEATURES YOGA + Life® Magazine kim@coyogalifemag.com | yogalifelive.com AFFILIATE OPPORTUNITIES YOGA + Life® bobby@coyogalifemag.com | 815.414.YOGA (9642) yogalifelive.com COVER Cover photography by Roxanna Carrasco

photo: flickr.com/nicholas_t | CC BY

2022-23 YOGA + Life® Magazines. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Company cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine.

Letter from the publisher / Winter + Spring

Leap, and the net will appear.

John Burroughs

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

DEAR READERS,

I

t’s not always easy to be brave.

It’s not always easy to say “yes” without a second guess.

To stretch, to grow, to learn, to evolve, to connect, to be seen, to love, to leap …

It’s not always easy.

To be brave is lean into what you’re not sure will hold you. But, how will you know until you try? How will you expand until you trust the space?

The articles in this issue of CO YOGA + Life are inspired by courageous humans

(and a courageous cat, too!), and each one of them makes me want to step into more courage myself.

Bravery is like a muscle; if you don’t use it, it can feel absent. But as you start flexing it again and again, the strength emerges.

In this issue, MN YOGA + Life publisher Amy Zellmer writes on finding courage when you feel like an imposter (page 38), and writer Julie Gentile shares five ways parenting makes you braver (page 61).

Navigating the world of infertility (page 58); caring for someone with addiction (page 62); loving your body and not your scale (page 63) … the list goes on. The reality is, it takes an immense amount of bravery to live and thrive in this world. The challenges won’t wane, but your courage can expand.

We can be brave, even when it’s not easy.

In Gratitude,

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

Photo courtesy of Kim Fuller

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

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

5

contents / Winter + Spring 2022-23

CONTENTS

BRAVERY 5

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER “Leap, and the net will appear.”

8

ABOUT THE COVER Bravery inspiration with Jordan Smiley

10

TEAM YOGA + LIFE®

The people behind the publication

PROFILES

24

CO influencers // teachers + leaders // studios

12

COLORADO INFLUENCER Yoshi Aono, founder of Hanuman Community

14

TEACHERS + LEADERS Monica Villabobos; Camden Hall + Merlin; Willow Bradner

20 STUDIOS Courageous Yoga, Denver; Holistic Yoga School, Loveland + Fort Collins

LIFESTYLE

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

22 YOGA + LIFE READING CORNER

Reviews by Sandy Ferguson Fuller + Sweta Karki + The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson + Axel Scheffler + Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

24 THE TORCH OF A TABOO ART FORM Ben Belgrad is lighting up the Colorado art scene

25 MEDITATION IN A CUP Find your bliss at a local tea house

26 DEEP TISSUE RELIEF WITH ASHIATSU MASSAGE 28 CO ESCAPE TO RIDGWAY Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa

39 TRAVEL + Healing Getaway to Santa Fe + The Barcelona Balance + Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

34 SHOP LOCAL + SUSTAINABLE Spotlight on some Colorado boutique brands

36 WHAT WE LOVE Essential products for winter + spring

6

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Bat Country Studios and TOURISM Santa Fe

39

Three spas in Colorado to visit

YOGA + FITNESS

movement // in the practice // seva // retreats

38 FINDING COURAGE When you feel like an imposter

40 COURAGE + CLARITY

40

Yin yoga for the lungs and a heart

41

BREATHING FOR BRAVERY Pranayama practices to promote courage + confidence

42 TRANSFORMING DOUBT INTO DARING What we can learn from the Bhagavad Gita

44 WHAT ON EARTH ARE THE AKASHIC RECORDS? A story of inner healing to universal connection

46 VETOGA Yoga in service of veterans

OUTSIDE fresh air // adventure // environment // gear

48 MAKING A SNOW LABYRINTH A meditative process

49 EREM Walking the talk of performance + sustainability

50 BIG CITY MOUNTAINEERS Breaking down barriers in the backcountry

52 GEAR GUIDE Goods for winter + spring

WELLNESS

ayurveda // health // inspiration // food

54 WINTER SOLSTICE + SPRING EQUINOX Embracing shadow and breaking through

56 GOOD VIBRATIONS Bringing balance to the body through sound

58 NAVIGATING THE WORLD OF INFERTILITY How to honor the journey of conception

61

5 WAYS PARENTING MAKES YOU BRAVER Inspire bravery in yourself + others

62 CONSCIOUS BRAVERY Becoming an emotionally agile warrior

63 THE LOVE AFFAIR WITH MY SCALE “And why we broke up”

64 RECIPES Plant-based inspiration for winter + spring

58

EVENTS + DISTRIBUTION

gatherings // community listings // ambassadors // partners

66 FEATURED GATHERINGS Sedona Yoga Festival; Sacred Sister Collective Retreats

68 EVENTS THIS SEASON November 2022 through May 2023

70

YOGA + LIFE AMBASSADORS

Photo by Lauren O'Neill

Meet these inspiring individuals

72

DIRECTORY YOGA + Life Annual Partners

74 NAMASTE YOGALIFELIVE.COM

7

profiles / About the Cover

BY lexi reich

JORDAN SMILEY

Q +A

Co-director of Courageous Yoga in Denver

8

Photos by Roxanna Carrasco

I'm committing to bravery in 2023 by believing I have something to share that may support other people in their journey, something valuable to say.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Read more about cover model Jordan Smiley on page 20.

deeply considering how we move through and help care for ourselves and the world. At this stage of my practice, it seems that dharma or yoga practice invites us to unveil our interconnection, but it also gives us the tools we need to bear the pain and joy of staying awake to that intimacy. Yoga is spirituality to me, which is synonymous with liberation work — equal parts labor and release. I’m really resonating with the way Octavia Butler expressed this practice of creative tension in one simple instruction: “pray working.”

HOW DID YOU GET INTO YOGA AND HOW HAS THE PRACTICE EVOLVED FOR YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND WORK? I have been captivated by mystic curiosity since I was very young and had the blessing of growing up in a home that honored both Indigenous and Western forms of spirituality. I started studying South Asian tradition when I was a teenager and began practicing meditation in a Buddhist sangha in my early 20s, which was housed in a church basement. It was in that community that I learned that dharma — in my case, Buddhism and yoga — contained a physical component and quickly became an asana practitioner. Thanks to the guidance of many profound and persistent teachers, I’ve started to understand the dharma as a way of being in relationship — of

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

FOR THE BRAVERY ISSUE OF CO YOGA + LIFE, PLEASE SHARE WITH US HOW YOU’D LIKE TO CULTIVATE BRAVERY IN 2023.

I love this question! I've been drafting a book for a few years now that I want to complete in 2023. Although the content itself is courageous, the brave part for me is actually sitting down and committing to the labor or being determined enough to work through the imposter syndrome and the doubts that arise in facing a blank page. I'm committing to bravery in 2023 by believing I have something to share that may support other people in their journey, something valuable to say.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE PHOTOSHOOT WITH ROXY? Roxy is a natural behind the camera! She’s so confident in finding and coaching a perspective, a vision. Her experience and passion were contagious, and honestly, the time we were together felt more like hanging out with a friend than anything else. I think this is a mark of high-caliber artists, and I can't wait to see what she creates next! +

R

oxanna Carrasco is a fashion and portrait photographer based in Denver, Colorado.

Having been behind the lens since 2013, Roxy has collaborated with creatives, designers and models from all over the U.S. HOW DID YOU GET INTO PHOTOGRAPHY, AND HOW HAS THE ART EVOLVED FOR YOU IN YOUR LIFE AND WORK? I started taking photos as a sophomore in high school and got more into fashion photography in college. My art evolves with every shift I go through as I get older — whether that be a move to a different state, a new experience or even a new relationship. Capturing my life from behind a lens has been the most fulfilling experience.

FOR THE BRAVERY ISSUE OF CO YOGA + LIFE, PLEASE SHARE WITH US HOW YOU’D LIKE TO CULTIVATE BRAVERY IN 2023.

To be brave enough to take risks and welcome new opportunities.

A "comfortable" situation isn't always the right one!

HOW DO YOU LIKE TO SPEND YOUR FREE TIME? Thrifting, going to the movies and taking Polaroids of my life and those in it.

9

profiles / Behind the Pages

1

meet the team

5

2

3

4

6

7

8

1. KIM FULLER Owner + Editor-In-Chief

3. JULI RATHKE YOGA + Life® Founder

6. LAUREN FARRAUTO Assistant Editor

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

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

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

An avid reader and writer for as long as she can remember, Lauren has always loved the power of the written word and a good story. As assistant editor for Spoke + Blossom, YOGA + Life® and Covered Bridge magazines, her dreams of helping others craft their own stories are finally becoming a reality. Lauren is a recent graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder with a double major in English and Women and Gender Studies. When she's not knee-deep in edits for Jaunt Media Collective, Lauren can be found in her Boulder home curled up with a good book.

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

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

Follow her @thechelseaconnolly.

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

10

7. LAURA MILLS Community Engagement Manager Laura is currently the Community Engagement Manager for Jaunt Media Collective and finds immense joy contributing to our print publication when she's not elbow-deep in digital marketing. Whether she’s on the beaches of Maine or adventuring in the White Mountains, her border collie mix Fern, can be found by her side.

8. KRISTEN GRACE Partnership Coordinator Kristen is a writer, editor and yogi who ardently loves storytelling. She enjoys writing about all aspects of mental, physical and collective wellbeing. She finds bliss in nature, especially on picnics, as she is also a foodie and amateur baker. Kristen holds a degree in communication and is passionate about listening and learning. She is currently pursuing a yoga teacher certification because movement and breathwork are two of her true loves.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

paid partnership

LIGHTWORKER UV Fitness & Yoga Mat Sanitizer

I

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

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

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

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

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

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

View a Demo of the technology in action lightworkeruv.com

11

profiles / Colorado Influencer

YOSHI AONO Founder of Hanuman Community

Photos courtesy of YOSHI AONO

by Lexi Reich

12

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Y

oshi Aono starts his days off with hot lemon water and tea or coffee.

Meditation comes next, followed by a workout or light asana practice. To most, this may seem simple. But to Aono, as the founder of Hanuman Community — the creator behind Boulder’s renowned Hanuman Yoga Festival — this morning routine is what allows him to share joy and serve his community the best he can.

“I used to wake up off and running but have been finding the magic in slowing down to notice all the little things in life,” he shares. “Emails and any scheduled meetings take up a portion of my day. There's time spent playing the guitar and learning more about the instrument. Time in nature is important, and I'm getting outside as much as possible. You'll also find me connecting with friends during the day.”

Aono launched Hanuman Community in 2011 with the purpose of sharing conscious yoga practices with the world. Today, the brand has three branches: Hanuman Festival, a conscious yoga and music festival that takes place in Boulder each summer; Hanuman Adventures, which takes yogis around the world on service-oriented retreats; and Hanuman Academy, an online education platform for people to deepen, expand and grow their yoga practice.

“Hanuman has taught me that we all have it within ourselves to do amazing things,” Aono explains. “If we believe in ourselves, you may transcend any situation that isn't working for your life. Our ultimate happiness is within reach if we are devoted to it.”

CO YOGA + Life sat down with Aono to learn more about his journey to starting Hanuman Community and what he’s learned along the way.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN COLORADO? HOW DID YOU COME TO BE A YOGI, GUITARIST AND HUMANITARIAN? I've been a Colorado resident for over 32 years. Before then, I spent time on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, where I lived naked on a beach within a community of artists and musicians. I was introduced to the practice of yoga when members of the community decided to do asana in front of my tent in the mornings.

I was also introduced to the practice of tantra and veganism through a group of practitioners from Maui that I had met.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Hanuman has taught me that we all have it within ourselves to do amazing things. If we believe in ourselves, you may transcend any situation that isn't working for your life. Our ultimate happiness is within reach if we are devoted to it.

I've been a student of the guitar for over 40 years and played guitar and mandolin in a touring and recording band in the first half of the 90s. It was a wild lifestyle, and I'm glad to have had the experience. I'm always trying to learn more about the guitar and realize how it's been with me for so much of my life.

Humanitarianism came into my life after joining an aid trip to Thailand after the tsunami in 2007. I received so much by giving. That experience led me on a path of involvement and leading special projects in different parts of the world.

WHAT WAS YOUR JOURNEY TO CREATING HANUMAN COMMUNITY LIKE? My journey to the Hanuman companies has been a long road. I found that things I had done in the past gave me the tools and skillsets to birth businesses centered around the spirit of Hanuman. I have been a creative for most of my life but also entered the business world. I felt the need to create a stable financial base for myself in life and tried my hand in different ventures. I've been a serial entrepreneur and have also

served as a CEO for a mid-size company.

My heart led me to do humanitarian work in places like Haiti, Cambodia, Africa, Thailand and Louisiana. All these things contributed to Hanuman Festival's 10-year longevity. Hanuman is a devotional practice, and it takes a deep commitment to see things through year after year. I love it!

THERE WAS A SHIFT AT HANUMAN FESTIVAL LAST SUMMER. CAN YOU SHARE INSIGHT INTO THE CHANGES THAT HAVE BEEN MADE? During the pandemic, I started taking courses on soil regeneration and climate consciousness. What I found out inspired me, and I started to connect with the local farming community. There was so much work being done to regenerate land and to slow down the rate of climate change.

I was also witnessing the yoga community fracturing itself around vax/anti-vax arguments. The intention of this year's Hanuman was to bring the community together around a central theme that we could stand behind. There is so much knowledge around climate consciousness that may empower our community to move forward out of the pandemic around a central cause. This year's attendees were mind blown and deeply inspired around the wisdom of planet Earth and the power we have as a community to slow down the rate of climate change.

WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES IN YOUR ROLE? THE BIGGEST TRIUMPHS? My life has been provided much grace. I'm healthy and grateful to be alive with great friends and community. I'm inspired by so many things and am always learning. My biggest challenge would be to get out of my own way. I realize that my ego self can hold me back. Life is short, and the veils are thin. I always ask myself, “How do I want to experience this life?” My practice is to be free to experience all the things in life that bring me joy and to serve the community as best I can. +

Hanuman Festival returns July 13-16, 2023.

Learn more at hanumanfestival.com.

Connect with Aono at @yoshiaono.

13

profiles / Teachers + Leaders

Stories of Latina Entrepreneurship

by Marisol Cruz

W

hen the funding for her unique business venture was pulled out from underneath her, Monica Villalobos did not give up on her idea of a Latinx-owned, Latinx-themed coffee company. The pandemic scared community lenders from wanting to continue to pursue new ventures like Villalobos’ Cabrona Coffee — a place where members of the Latinx community could “walk into a space and see [themselves] on the menu and see [their] culture in those four walls,” explains Villalobos. So, when the opening of her coffee shop, set for April 2020, came to a halt, she was not willing to let her company come to an end.

Villalobos has always been entrepreneurial. From selling cinnamon toothpicks in elementary school to starting a cake decorating business in middle school, Villalobos embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship.

“I used to come up with things to sell and make and create,” she says. Without any real role models or examples of other entrepreneurs who looked like her (that she can recall), she simply states, “I’ve always had it in me,” and she jokes, “No MBA, [I’m just a] little nerd, so I … deep dive and go down those rabbit holes, learn as much as I can about something, and then just do it.”

When the opportunity to start a social enterprise at her nonprofit workplace surfaced, she signed up to lead the initiative. The mobile coffee cart concept that she developed along with other team members provided young

14

girls from under-resourced neighborhoods of Denver the opportunity to gain real world exposure to business. At Bold Beans, they worked alongside Villalobos. “They were able to see my progression too … we problem-solved together, we learned together, we would troubleshoot … we figured it out, so they had a lot of opportunity for that ownership magic [of a business] and rolling with the punches,” she shares. Eventually the coffee cart became so popular that it evolved into Strong Smart and Bold Beans with a permanent space at STEAM on the Platte in Denver.

Many of the baristas that started working at the coffee cart while they were still in high school stayed in touch with Villalobos and followed her as she continued on her entrepreneurial journey. One of those girls, Jenny Valadez Fraire, loved working at the coffee cart and learning all about how to run a business, so when a trip to Mexico inspired her to start her own handmade beadwork company, she reached out to Villalobos for advice. Through text messages and side conversations at the coffee shop, Villalobos provided Valadez Fraire with mentorship and ideas for how to start her own business: “Any opportunities that she could, she would send my way. [With things] as simple as liking my Instagram posts … she’s always super supportive,” adds Valadez Fraire. They participated in community events together, selling their products, which are rooted in their Mexican cultural heritage, and bonding over their entrepreneurial interests.

Valadez Fraire loves working on her company, Duality Beadwork (dualitybeadwork.

Learn more about Cabrona Coffee at cabronacoffee.com or on Instagram at @cabronacoffee. Check out Duality Beadwork on Instagram at @jenti.vf.

For over 10 years, MARISOL CRUZ has practiced yoga for its profound healing and revelatory qualities. She believes that yoga is a tool for gaining a deeper understanding of ourselves and the way we relate to the world. In her classes, Marisol focuses on pranayama breathing exercises and vinyasa practice to guide students through their own personal experiences. When she is not practicing yoga, Marisol dedicates her days to serving the community through her work with nonprofits. She lives in Denver with her husband and two little boys.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photo by Marisol Cruz

MAKING OUR OWN WAY

bigcartel.com), making beaded jewelry in a style that she learned from her mother to create pieces that celebrate the individuality of the person wearing them. She continues to grow her business, creating unique pieces for weddings and other events. Even though, she admits, that sometimes imposter syndrome creeps up for her as a young woman of color running her own business, she does not let that stop her. “I am capable, and I do have a lot of skills, and I have a right to show up in whatever space I choose to, so I’ve been trying to go towards things that scare me … and somehow I survive them,” she reflects.

It takes bravery to keep pursuing your passion when faced with a pandemic, funding loss and broken commitments from community lenders. Cabrona Coffee exists in pop-up markets and community events, where you can find Villalobos selling bags of her sweet horchata (traditional Mexican rice beverage) mix, café de olla (spiced coffee) mix and other Mexican-flavor-inspired treats. Her products bring the reminiscent warmth of an abuelita’s kitchen to any household. Villalobos and her work are a testament to how Latinas can reclaim the word cabrona — a term that is often used in a derogatory way to describe a strongwilled, independent woman — and bravely make their way in spaces that have been historically inaccessible to them, while inspiring others to do the same. Through her dedication and passion, Villalobos shows us how to surpass roadblocks and pave the way for others to follow. With this momentum, we can have more cabronas choosing their own way in life. +

colorupco.com

@colorupcbd

Color Up your life. Anytime, anywhere!

970.242.8177 • regenesisplasticsurgery.com 2515 Foresight Circle, Suite 100, Grand Junction, Co., 81505 M-T ~ 8:00 a.m. 5:00 p.m. • F ~ 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

15

THE CAT CAME BACK! Merlin + Camden Moving On, Together

by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

O

ur previous CO YOGA + Life “Renewal” issue included a feature article about successful pet rescues following the devastating Marshall Fire in Louisville and Superior, CO on December 30, 2021.

We thought it would be heartwarming, also in the spirit of our current theme of “Bravery,” to check in on Camden Hall and his cat, Merlin. How’s it going, guys? What’s new? What lingers? Where has your journey taken you over the past months? What are your reflections? Your new directions? What can you share now about this unexpected,

16

life-changing experience?

On a sunny, summer afternoon, I met Merlin and Camden in a shady park to reminisce and to create wishes for the future.

What a treat to sit down with this dynamic duo! Camden’s warm, handsome smile is welcoming, and he wears his gentle, infinite affection for his pet on his sleeve. I fell in love with Merlin, instantly. I had seen countless photos of this brave cat who survived both a blizzard and a wildfire, but now, I appreciate his abundant personality. He’s affectionate, curious, smart and the quintessential “cat’s meow!”

A Vermont native, Camden first moved to Colorado in 2008 to attend University of Colorado Boulder. “Someone told me when I arrived here … either you’ll stay your whole life or move on,” he reflects. “I think I’ll probably be around for a long time!”

Camden adopted his pet from the Longmont Humane Society after Merlin was found almost frozen to death during a blizzard. Their happiness bloomed as they began their journey. Merlin’s previous eight to nine years hadn’t been easy ones. Camden’s life was about to hit a rough road.

After graduating, he got mixed-in with a negative crowd, made bad decisions and faced dark times. He was arrested for drug dealing, ruined his credit, neglected his own physical and mental health and paid the piper. He battled addiction, judgment and a grim reality. Merlin was Camden’s bright light throughout. Gradually, Camden found a steady job at Eldora Ski Resort working the snowmaking systems and rented his own living space. Together, they turned the corner and headed in a smoother direction, still with miles to go.

The Marshall Fire threatened to upend all of the personal gains Camden had earned.

While he was at work, his Superior rental house burned to the ground.

“All I had left was with me in my Subaru,” he remembers. “I still miss the artwork that I had bought at Creek Fest. When I went back to my place on Sunday with my mom, I could make out my charred metal bedframe.

Nothing else.”

Except for Merlin! Camden didn’t know it yet, but his cat with more-than-nine-lives had miraculously escaped through an open sliding glass door. Badly burned, he was taken to Northside Emergency Pet Clinic in Westminster. Thanks to his chip I.D., eventually, they were reunited. Merlin spent 33 days in the hospital.

Meanwhile, a coworker helped Camden secure temporary furnished housing in Nederland, close to work, until May. Eventually, Merlin came home to continue his healing and rehab. But, their road got bumpy again.

“When I moved to the mountains, I started to feel the fire. Everything was upside-down for a while. I was escaping and started drinking more. I worked a lot, but I didn’t ride/board or go to the gym much. I wasn’t very happy. To continue on that path, it

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photo by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

profiles / Teachers + Leaders

wasn’t going to get any better. If I want my life to be better, it’s up to me to take control,” Camden says.

Some positives … Merlin was getting better, back to prowling the house at night and drinking out of the bathtub! At season’s end, Eldora named Camden “Snowmaker of the Year.”

Time for another reality check.

“My old buddy in Broomfield invited us to move back down to the Front Range and stay with him as long as needed. We’re there now. I have a new job working with irrigation and sprinklers. It’s tough, but it’s what you make of it. I often work alone, more my own boss. We stand behind quality, and that’s my motivation.”

So, what’s next?

“I’m not sure. Solid opportunities for promotions … money is good. Maybe I’ll develop my own handyman business. Home renovation. I enjoy working with tools, fixing things, taking pride in that. It’s easier now, more back to the routine I had before. I try

to live an active and busy life. Run, bike, board, some golf. Enjoy my health. No idle hands for boredom. Before the fire, I hadn’t paid attention to so many things. I’ve started focusing more on my attitude and life choices. Bring on the positive … or the negative,” he shares.

“Also, I want to be more involved in the community. The help and support I’ve gotten hasn’t been from FEMA or Boulder County … a struggle. Rather, it has been from people who reached out right away, many who didn’t know a thing about me.

They just wanted to help, asking nothing in return. Where would I be without them?

It’s amazing what has come my way, and I’m so grateful. That’s the biggest takeaway from it all. It’s funny how little we need. I have Merlin, and he’s what matters now.

He is NOT replaceable! He is just the best,” Camden concludes.

I couldn’t agree more. Camden and Merlin, you’re BOTH the best AND the bravest!

Onward. +

SANDY FERGUSON FULLER is a publishing industry professional with over 50 years spent as author, illustrator, international literary agent and freelance editor. Her primary focus is children’s picture books, originally mentored

by Maurice Sendak as a student at Yale. Once introduced, the picture book genre captivated her imagination with its unique blend of story and illustration. She hopes that her own books, as well as those she has helped others to publish, will touch many souls, young and old.

She is a regular contributor to CO YOGA + Life.

IN CELEBRATING 40 YEARS! Vail Public Library opened on July 4, 1983 but we will be celebrating throughout 2023!

VISIT US OFTEN In person or virtually & follow us on social media

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

17

profiles / Teachers + Leaders

WILLOW BRADNER The Accidental Psychic

“

Spirit is directing my attention to you.

Is there someone you want to talk to?”

My lip trembles. I can’t speak, afraid the tears will start and never stop. With a calming grace that is one of her many calling cards, Willow Bradner, known as the Accidental Psychic, artfully diverts attention from me and dives into the planned content for this “develop your intuition” workshop.

My sister died 33 days ago, and I’ve barely been out of the house since, but something guided (or forced) me here today.

Later, during a private reading at her home in Salida, Colorado, I am astounded by her gifts and how she uses them to provide the only bit of relief I’ve felt throughout my sister’s brave, but futile 10-month battle with cancer.

Bradner proudly owns her psychic abilities, but she certainly didn’t ask for them.

Instead, they arrived late on her wedding night when she started channeling her

18

Trust is the absence of control. Control is the antithesis of trust. Can you be brave by simply trusting yourself?

That’s the whole key. grandfather. She chalked it up to copious drinks and went to bed. But, her gifts, and the responsibility she felt, didn’t disappear.

At first, Spirit only showed up when she drank or did hair. “I resisted and tucked this power away,” says Bradner, who was a successful hairstylist in Denver for years.”

But, Bradner had a change of heart when she gave birth to her daughter. “I realized I had to be a role model … to show her how to follow her dreams.”

Bradner sought guidance from wellknown psychics and mediums. “It took years and many teachers to learn that all I had to do was trust myself and create boundaries,” she shares, “which took therapy and cleanup of past misunderstandings and trauma.”

While honing her skills to successfully communicate with our Angels, Guides and loved ones, Bradner also discovered her own approach. “Humor is first above every other form of communication,” she says. By allowing her inner goofball to shine, Bradner can quickly shift a group’s energy and allow messages to be received even more deeply.

In a way that’s uniquely Bradner’s, she also brings reverence and big heart to her work.

“When someone is grieving, I’m so sensitive

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photo by Elk Raven Photography

by Chris Kassar

to their need to hear from their person. I don’t want to misinterpret.” So, she takes extra precautions when delivering messages by asking a series of questions to validate she’s communicating with the right energy.

But, Bradner does much more than deliver messages. She focuses on illuminating a path forward. “I show you the light in the tunnel and hold your hand or throw you the rope,” she expresses. Of course, it’s up to each individual to act (or not). “I leave each reading with big hope and lots of prayers,” Bradner adds. “Hopefully, showing you the way helps break the cycle you’re stuck in, whether it’s grief or a shit job.” In this way, she helps people discover the courage needed to act.

Bradner’s ability to inspire us to be braver goes well beyond her teachings or readings.

In 2021, after a year of fighting with doctors who ignored her intuition (which told her she was sick), she was diagnosed with cancer.

“The bravest thing I’ve done is choosing to be here, knowing my family needed me and choosing to stay,” she says of picking the hard

road of chemo and radiation.

“Death’s door is soooooo much closer than we realize,” she says. “If that isn’t message enough to get you off your butt and live fully, I’m not sure what it will take.”

Bradner admits she is scared often in what she does, because she doesn’t want to “get it wrong.” So, where does she get the strength and confidence we see at her events or in private sessions? Bradner credits her 10-year-old daughter for inspiring her daily. “She has severe anxiety,” Bradner explains, “and when she overcomes a fear or bravely does something she wasn’t able

to do before, I am so moved and inspired.

My daughter reminds me every day to face my fears, trust in spirit and just surrender.”

Her advice for tapping into this bravery for yourself?

“Trust is the absence of control,” Bradner shares. “Control is the antithesis of trust.

Can you be brave by simply trusting yourself? That’s the whole key.” +

Learn more, book a private reading or a find a “Wine and Woo” event at willowbradner.com.

CHRIS KASSAR is an award-winning writer, photographer and editor with published features and photos in National Geographic Adventure, Outside Online, the Boston Globe, Climbing, Mountainflyer and Mother Jones. She’s also an avid mountaineer, climber, adventurer and yogi, a guide, and the Senior Editor of Elevation Outdoors Magazine. Chris enjoys the sweetness of mountain living in Salida, Colorado with her husband and yellow lab, Nala.

Together, the three of them form the team behind the inspiring wildlife and landscape images of Elk Raven Photography. To see more of their work, visit elkravenphotography.com.

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

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

SPOKEANDBLOSSOM.COM

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

19

profiles / Studios

DENVER

by Kelsey Foster

A

t a glance, the words bravery and courage are synonymous and often used interchangeably in the context of valiant acts. Jordan Smiley, co-director of Courageous Yoga in Denver, sheds light on the way he sees them diverge: their relationship to fear.

"To me, bravery is the ability to act instinctively with little regard for fear,” shares Smiley. “Whereas, courage is the willingness to move in accordance with what is right and true, from the heart, even and especially in the presence of fear. Bravery might be a trait. Because we can expand our tolerance of fear by learning to ground in the presence of strong physiological responses, courage can be trained; maybe it’s a virtue.”

In the last few years, conversations around privilege and colonization have catalyzed recognition of widespread injustices sewn throughout society and systems.

By bringing these conversations into the yoga space, we are reminded how “yogic teachings challenge us to be non-harming, but also to be honest, accountable and authentically aware of and responsive to the issues in and around us, even if they make us feel afraid,” Smiley believes.

This demonstration of courage as a virtue inspired the name of Smiley’s practice space and community led by queer and Indigenous folks who are advised by BIPOC folks.

“Part of our work as a collective is not

20

only seeing the way that all wellness spaces in the West are contoured for the white gaze, but also allowing our bodies to feel it,” he adds. “These small shifts are going to be what will bring forward the more just world we know is within us.”

Other examples of courageous shifts that Smiley, his co-director TJ Jaworski and the rest of their team are facilitating include sustainable decolonization efforts by way of making classes accessible and affordable to queer and Indigenous communities. In addition to offering pay-whatyou-can structured pricing to individuals who identify as BIPOC and hosting two monthly affinity groups, the studio makes available the Pay it Forward Fund. This nonprofit mutual aid fund is community-sourced and goes to reduce the tuition of classes, one-on-one sessions, workshops and trainings for people of color.

What sets Courageous Yoga apart from the other yoga studios in the area is the standard to which leaders and students embody the teachings of yogic philosophy.

courageousyoga.us.

KELSEY FOSTER is a Colorado native, born and raised in the Vail Valley. She found yoga in 2013 and never looked back. Kelsey completed a 200-hour RYT in 2018 and aims to make the practice accessible to all bodies. Now based in Golden, Kelsey spends her free time on her mountain bike, paddle board or deep in the mountains with her partner and her dog Bandit.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photo by River + Root photography

Courageous Yoga

“The moral standard in the communities that I have been in is to prioritize being kind,” says Smiley, “and while it’s a good principle to value, if we want to live in a just and loving culture, being kind is just a start.”

Smiley, a Diné and Tewa Two-Spirit leader and story-keeper, understands that the Indigenous wisdom systems he’s been near share the same heart and, therefore, many of the same teachings as traditional Vedic teachings. Specifically, “that we are connected with all of the Earth's beings, that our true nature is love and that the purpose of our lives can’t be understood with the mind or monetized.”

“Sometimes we forget, in the West, that yoga practices are indigenous to South Asia,” Smiley elaborates. “Meaning, they offer a wisdom that, in most cases, predates colonialism — which is the source of so much of our suffering here.”

Thoughtfully, Smiley goes on to explain that, by learning from non-white teachers (specifically Indigenous and South Asian teachers), we are lent the ability to “see ourselves from the inside and outside with fewer obstructions, to see the way white American culture has impacted us.”

Smiley understands that traveling a yogic path and actively partaking in its ancient practices liberates us not only from our ego and proverbial monkey mind. This practice leads us to “our collective liberation from our collective limitations, because our collective body shapes our personalities and vice versa,” he says. “The wonderful thing about the interdependence of self and collective is that everything we do makes an impact, and we can never know how wide and far-reaching even the smallest of changes can be.” +

Holistic Yoga School LOVELAND + FORT COLLINS

by Sweta Karki

Photo courtesy of Holistic Yoga School

F

ounder Krista Davis describes Holistic Yoga School as “a labor of love.” Located in both Loveland and Fort Collins, the school offers weekly classes, retreats, workshops and trainings for aspiring yoga teachers. A big part of holistic self-care is meeting yourself where you are, and a sense of connection to body, mind and spirit is encouraged in all the school’s offerings.

Yoga can be applicable to anybody in any situation, and Davis wants to foster growth by creating spaces that are welcoming and accommodating. The sessions go beyond having a meditative experience or being in a relaxing space; they are about encouraging people to trust their intuition.

Holistic Yoga School is a hub for people to be present, feel peaceful and release accumulated tension. Hugs and warm welcomes are normal in the studio. The classes are also unique in that they are suitable for all levels, so beginners can jump right in.

For those interested in the offerings of

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

the school but cannot afford them, there are scholarships available on a sliding scale.

“If we can touch one person’s life with yoga, then they go out into the world, and it naturally spreads to their families and the communities around them,” Davis says. She tries to honor many lineages and to look at the practice of yoga as diverse and varied.

All the programs at the school use inclusive language and style.

The weekly classes at Holistic Yoga School allow people to get a deep reset. By the end of the hour, students have said they feel “empowered” and “tranquil." Sessions may be centered on a more traditional

sequence that emphasizes balance and breath or more restorative practices to help replenish the energy centers of the body and improve long-term flexibility while creating a calm mind.

Workshops include sessions on how to start sharing yoga with children, for instance, and sessions to help yogis refine understanding on a specific topics like adjustments and enhancements within a yoga practice.

The school also offers retreats, held in both Guatemala and Colorado. Over a three to four-day retreat, practitioners are able to immerse themselves fully and engage in enriching classes. Retreat days are planned out with activities and also include time for self-reflection. Some people will choose to forgo technology for the length of the retreat and develop skills to bring back into their daily lives.

The training program at Holistic Yoga School is open to anyone and virtual options are also available. Davis mentions how they have had students as young as 14 and as old as 92 become certified yoga teachers!

There are many ways to practice yoga, and Holistic Yoga School teachers encourage mistakes as a means of growth. The instructors are not just focused on yoga postures or the physical body; they value supporting your personal journey.

“A powerful part of my job is being able to see people’s healing,” shares Davis.

Offerings at Holistic Yoga School promote healthy personal change and support a community that prioritizes well-being. +

holisticyogaschool.com

SWETA KARKI is an avid reader and has a deep appreciation for writing that inspires others. She is a current student at Stanford University studying computer science. As a past intern for Jaunt Media Collective, Sweta hopes to create stories with real impact and purpose.

She loves curating new playlists, exploring local coffee-shops and spending time with family and friends.

21

lifestyle / Books

STEP OUT WITH THE GRUFFALO

A StoryWalk Project

by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

D

o you know a Gruffalo?

About 20 years ago, while browsing a bookstore in Edinburgh, Scotland, I stumbled on a new children’s picture book entitled The Gruffalo by UK author/illustrator team Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler, not yet published “across the pond.”

What in the world is a Gruffalo? I wondered, opening the intriguing cover and turning the colorful pages. I was hooked and bought the book. This, now-classic, soon debuted in the U.S. and became an international, award-winning bestseller with over 14 million copies in print worldwide, an Oscar-nominated animated film and a stage musical performed on Broadway. It was also voted England’s favorite bedtime story!

So, what is a Gruffalo? He has knobbly knees and turned-out toes and a poisonous wart at the end of his nose. He has terrible tusks and terrible claws and terrible teeth in his terrible jaws.

Not to mention … His eyes are orange; his tongue is black. He has purple prickles

22

all over his back.

Okay. So, he’s kinda scary. But, what does this have to do with bravery?

As the story goes, an intrepid, tiny mouse sets out for a peaceful walk in the woods.

Soon, he attracts several hungry predators: Fox, Owl and Snake. Each hope to snatch him up for a delicious snack. The resourceful mouse conjures up a frightful, imaginary beast to scare away his foes. Little does he know, there’s a REAL Gruffalo lurking! When they cross paths, suddenly the mouse is face-to-face with a giant surprise and the ultimate challenge. Will his clever scheme backfire or work to save himself?

The familiar moral of this whimsical, rhyming tale is … no matter how small or how big you are, you can get yourself out of any situation … with proper wits and courage and bravery.

A classic picture book is timeless and delights audiences for generations. Recently, The Vail Public Library chose The Gruffalo as their feature title to showcase for the summer in Bighorn Park in East Vail. The

StoryWalk Project is a national program created by Anne Ferguson (Montpelier, VT) and made possible by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and, locally, through the Colorado State Library. The Friends of the Vail Public Library and the Town of Vail also sponsor their free program.

Just like the mighty mouse in the story, children and adults can set out for a walk in the woods, follow a path around a pond, read the story and savor the illustrations on sequential panels along the way. It’s wonderful to share together, with theme activities suggested at the end.

I spent a fun afternoon at this StoryWalk revisiting one of my favorite picture books, also keeping a watchful eye over my shoulder just in case the Gruffalo decided to follow me!

So, if you don’t know the Gruffalo, don’t be afraid to get acquainted! Discover his story at your local bookstore or library.

And, hopefully, you can find a StoryWalk program in your neighborhood for ongoing entertainment. Or, consider starting one; there’s always space for more! +

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

®

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

woman of light

by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

W

oman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine tells the story of a woman uncovering multigenerational family history and her journey to finding herself. Major themes of this novel include family, love and racism, specifically the threat of the Ku Klux Klan. Set in the 1930s, we follow the main character Luz Lopez, a laundress who was taught to read tea leaves by her mother. Her brother Diego, a factory worker by day and a snake charmer by night, flees Denver from a violent white mob.

This leaves Luz to find a better occupation to support herself and navigate living in a city alone. It also becomes a time where Luz begins to experience visions of her ancestors. These discoveries from her ancestors, combined with their connection to Luz’s personal life events, serve to guide her. They bring her clarity over what she wants and what she hopes to accomplish. This book is especially powerful, because it brings to light the hostility faced by Indigenous people and the impact of hatred in a community.

The beautiful descriptive language throughout the story allows the reader to picture every landscape and scenario as if watching a movie. Characters are portrayed as resilient, hopeful and vibrant.

The introductory blurb contains a quote that says, “There is one generation, a seer who keeps the stories.” This was a fitting and memorable description to set up the novel.

Author Kali Fajardo-Anstine is a Colorado native. Her writing has appeared in newspapers like The New York Times. Woman of Light is the first novel written by Fajardo-Anstine following her acclaimed short story collection Sabrina & Corina, also set in Colorado. The dedication to the people of Denver featured in the debut novel is a special bonus. Woman of Light is perfect for reading in one sitting and offers insight into the American West. + review by Sweta Karki

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

23

lifestyle / Art

the Torch of a Taboo Art Form Ben Belgrad is Lighting Up the Colorado Art Scene

C

ollecting art and selling one-off items at auctions is something we often tie to a level of wealth and hierarchy. When we think of bongs and glass used to smoke marijuana, they usually don’t fall into the same category — until recently. In 2010, Ben Belgrad, founder of Bat Country Studios in Minturn, Colorado, won a beautifully made bong in a 4/20 raffle while he was a sophomore at Indiana University. Infatuated with the extreme level of talent that was put into the piece and the opportunity to learn from the creator, Belgrad tapped into a level of creativity, connecting him to the underground art world, made mostly of glass.

Pipe makers historically had to fight through a myriad of legal limitations to get their art in front of buyers. From selling their art pieces, some of which take weeks and months to make, out of the back of their Subaru at the lot of a Grateful Dead show to now having pieces go to auction for $250,000, there was, and is, no easy jump.

24

When talking to Belgrad about the progression of borosilicate glass blowing going from paraphernalia to art, he was not short on anecdotes applicable to the growth.

“20 years ago, my contemporaries were afraid to be in the car with the marijuana pipes they made on the way to the shops to sell them,” shares Belgrad. “If they got pulled over, they could go to jail. Now, you have this situation where these pieces are in museums and being auctioned at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, and these pieces are achieving a level of art appreciation that just was not there under the criminalization and illegality of marijuana.”

With marijuana becoming recreationally legal in varying states across the United States, the secretive element of pipe making was able to break its way into mainstream art.

Borosilicate glassblowing is tedious, hot and requires lots of patience. Through the use of a high-powered propane torch and a supply of oxygen, glass artists are able

to mold and manipulate borosilicate glass, usually with graphite tools and often a massive lathe. After the creation has been molded to the specifications of the artist, it is put into a kiln and heated to 1,050 degrees Fahrenheit slowly, then dropped back down to room temperature in an eight-hour, molecularly-scientific process. The road doesn’t end there; some pieces require cold working or manipulating the medium after it has been fired. This process takes copious amounts of artistic dedication.

What if there was a way to physically bridge the gap between the pipe maker and the traditional art collector? Belgrad and his comrades are paving the way in doing just that with his project, Drinking Vessels, and events like the Vail Cup Collectors Club.

“Through Drinking Vessels, I’ve created a marketplace for these pipe artists to translate the pipe art patterns and imagery into the shape of a cup, decanter, flask or shot glass, and it’s created a way for this art to be shared, maybe with people who don’t smoke weed or who aren’t interested in buying pipes but may love the artwork that they’re seeing through this movement,” Belgrad explains.

These cups aren’t your usual handblown glass pieces; they are weird, funky and stunningly beautiful, endowed with the imaginative gems of the pipe artists. By lifting the limitations of the traditional art created by pipe makers, enthusiasts can interact with functional art within the community.

Sure, this form of glass blowing originates with a connection to cannabis, but with the fresh element of Drinking Vessels, a taboo craft is now increasingly more accessible and desirable to art lovers everywhere. +

Learn more at drinkingvessels.com.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Bat Country Studios

by Laura Mills

lifestyle / CO Community

Meditation in a Cup

Find Your Bliss at a Local Tea House

Carole Alvarez, owner of iN-TEA in Littleton

by Elyce Neuhauser

Photo courtesy of iN-TEA

P

articipate in a traditional tea ceremony, and you’ll be invited to give your full attention to the moment. You’ll awaken your senses, relax and rejuvenate. This is meditation in a cup, and you can find it at your favorite tea house.

“Going to a tea house is always a break from a busy day,” says Sara Martinelli, proprietor, tea blender and certified herbalist of the Boulder Dushanbe Teahouse. “Whether meeting a friend or a business colleague, taking a moment to enjoy a hot beverage in a social setting is good for the soul.”

Carole Alvarez, owner of iN-TEA in Littleton, couldn’t agree more. “In this tumultuous political climate and post-pandemic era, [drinking] tea gives us the opportunity to slow down, do something good for our bodies and to create solace or sociality.”

Indeed, the tranquil environment of a teahouse inspires a deep repose that you can’t always find at a bustling coffee shop.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

“So many of my regular customers tell me that, at the end of their day, they just want to come here to relax,” shares Tanya Lin, owner of the Yellow Mountain Tea House in Colorado Springs. “Coming into the tea house is like taking a pause in their lives.”

Some tea houses offer traditional tea ceremonies, which are designed to awaken the senses and deepen awareness of the moment. “Something as simple as listening to the pouring water, appreciating the

movement of the rising steam and smelling the release of the oils in the tea provides a soothing mindfulness,” Alvarez adds. “You simply cannot rush the interaction of heating the water, measuring tea and steeping. It forces you to slow down, focus and exhale.”

Besides the enjoyable and meditative aspects of tea, many also offer health and wellness benefits. Growing up in China, Lin was frequently “prescribed” certain teas from her parents and grandfather, who was a doctor. “They would tell me to drink one tea before I went to sleep, another after I ate fried foods and another to prevent me from getting sick,” she recalls. Lin recommends a bold, ripe Pu-erh for those looking for heart health benefits, as it helps reduce high cholesterol and purify the blood. Looking for an alternative to your morning cuppa joe? Martinelli recommends an Assam tea, well-known for its robust and slightly malty flavor and aroma. “Assam teas are strong enough to stand up to the addition of milk and honey and are a great place to start for someone who is hoping to reduce their coffee intake,” Martinelli adds.

Tea is adaptable to many moods and needs. It can be a contemplative solo indulgence or a way to bring people together. Walk into your local tea house to explore not only a new tasting pleasure and wellness path but to raise your consciousness, too. +

ELYCE NEUHAUSER is passionate about spreading positive energy through the practices of yoga, meditation and movement. Her work helps people amplify their self-care and self-worth so they can live their best lives with more intimacy, less stress and abundant connection. She is continuously inspired by a book that changed her life, The Radiance Sutras, written by her main teacher, Lorin Roche, a revolutionary in the meditation world. A digital nomad and gypsy at heart, you can find Elyce out on the road living simply and remotely in a tiny RV. She’s a breast cancer survivor, a motorcycle rider, a nature lover, a memoir writer, a mama, and a continuous student of living life authentically in love and wonder. Journey with her at elyceyogadance.com and @elyceyogadance.

25

lifestyle / CO Community

FIND DEEP TISSUE RELIEF

with Ashiatsu Massage

by Wendy Wilkinson

A

shiatsu (back walking) is a barefoot massage technique in which the therapist uses deep, fluent strokes and compression, frequently feeling like a dance on your back — offering twice the pressure with half the pain. The Japanese word "ashi" translates to foot and "atsu" to pressure, where the practitioner provides deep, broad and consistent pressure, utilizing the feet, gravity and body weight.

The origin and history of Ashiatsu spans several continents, countries and cultures, including Japan, India and Thailand and has thought to have been practiced for almost 3,000 years. Today, a treatment is usually performed on a large massage table, but it can also be given on a floor mat. The therapist massages with bare feet, which may include having support of bars or a rope hanging from

26

the ceiling to keep their balance, providing a hands-free massage. Depending on the type of Ashiatsu practiced, it can be given with or without the use of oils or lotions.

The following are three Colorado Spas who have brought this ancient treatment into the wellness forefront.

SunWater Spa in Manitou Springs is the first heated mineral springs water facility on the Front Range, having garnered "Best of ... " awards in publications throughout the Pikes Peak region. With a view of Pikes Peak from all 10 of its personal, cedar-infused hot mineral springs soaking pools, SunWater also boasts three saline, multi-temperature pools and an infrared sauna to enhance the relaxation experience. Ongoing daily treatments and services include such specialty massages as the Chakra Journey and Mountain Mother.

Recently, SunWater has added Ashiatsu with licensed massage therapist Lea Forrester.

"Ashiatsu allows for a deeper pressure and broader surface,” Forrester explains.

“Instead of using the tip of an elbow, you can use the heel of your foot to apply greater pressure, relying on gravity and your body weight. This therapy works best for people who want deep tissue work but without the occasional bruising."

Using a special cream called Ashi Butter, Ashiatu produces more of a back and forth movement as opposed to pinching with the hands. "I push with my heel and pull back with my toes," adds Forrester, "to allow for that rocking motion and maintain deep pressure. With arm work, I am usually seated in front of my client."

Denver Deep in Wheat Ridge is one of Denver's premiere massage studios, specializing only in deep tissue Ashiatsu, digging deeply into the muscle layers, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues. Using her feet to help people heal, Denver Deep was founded a decade ago by Ashiatsu massage certified therapist Patty Blake. Blake's goal has been to help people live their healthiest, most vibrant, stress-free life possible.

"When I discovered Ashiatsu in early 2013, I knew that this was my life's purpose, and I got certified as soon as possible,” says Blake.

“Fast forward to 2018 when I made the decision to open Denver Deep, as I believed that Ashiatsu is the most effective kind of body work for lasting pain relief. My clients get the benefit of clinical muscle pain relief."

Denver Deep also specializes in corrective issues of the body, rehabilitating athletes with pain issues and working with clients in concert with their physical therapists for very corrective myofascial relief work.

Heaven on Earth Spa in Aspen boasts a wide variety of services for a day of relaxation, re-hydration or rejuvenation after a day on the slopes or 9 to 5 workday. Heaven on Earth’s signature massage, Ashiatsu, uses

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

photo courtesy of Denver Deep

Three Spas in Colorado to Visit

Oriental Bar Therapy to restore your muscles and leave you feeling relaxed. This therapy is a skillful blend of Swedish deep tissue, as well as Lomi Lomi massage techniques. The long, flowing strokes help put your body into a state of relaxation and works on restoring your sore and tired muscles.

Owner and operator Pila Xian, who hails from Honolulu, Hawaii, understands the affect that the Aspen environment, and higher and drier elevations in general, can have your skin and body. Their practitioners apply more weight and pressure than in a traditional deep tissue massage, while being able to maintain deeper, slower and more consistent compressive strokes.

"The effectiveness comes from treating all layers of your tissue and your entire body as a whole," says Xian. "I have become so adept at using my feet that some of my clients think that I am using my hands. Actually, I do a little bit of foot work with most of my massages while working on my clients’ hamstrings and on their calves." +

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

SUNWATER SPA 514 El Paso Blvd.

Manitou Springs, CO Closed Mondays Appointment required 719.695.7007 sunwaterspa.com DENVER DEEP 5455 W 38th Ave., Suite C Wheat Ridge, CO 720.710.2744 denverdeep.com HEAVEN ON EARTH SPA 205 S Mill St. #223 Aspen, CO 970.925.2278 heavenonearthaspen.com

WENDY WILKINSON has been a writer and publicist in the celebrity/lifestyle worlds for more than 25 years. Her work has been published in many national and regional publications including the Los Angeles Times, Colorado Living Well, Cowboys & Indians, and Fit and Fit Yoga. As an author she co-wrote Parents at Last, Celebrating Adoption and the New Pathways to Parenthood, People We Know, Horses They Love, with cover Robert Redford, and Morgan Freeman & Friends, Caribbean Cooking for a Cause.

27

lifestyle / CO Escapes

Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa Ridgway

I

t wasn’t long after we checked into Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa in Ridgway that my husband and I jumped on our road bikes and headed toward the Dallas Divide. The pass that divides the Dolores River and Uncompahgre River in Southwest Colorado is one of the most scenic byways in the state, if not the country, and what a way to see it.

We biked the Dallas Divide in mid-April, yet it’s important to note that this may or may not be possible depending on potentially late-season snowfall along with unpredictable spring weather. After the 20 miles of headwind and 2,000 feet of elevation gain, coming back to soak in our private hot tub at Chipeta was just perfect. The location is ideal any time of year, as Ridgway and the surrounding area is full of outdoor adventure in any season. In the winter, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing opportunities

28

are endless, along with ice climbing in nearby Ouray; once dirt is revealed after the spring thaw, hundreds of miles of trails are just waiting to be explored.

The Chipeta property is inviting, a cozy adobe-inspired compound tucked into the end of a side street in Ridgway. It was once a cow pasture, and in 1994, was developed

by Jack and Patsy Young. They still own and operate it today.

“So, we started with the first building, which is a true adobe structure,” Patsy Young shares. “That was a 12-room B&B. Then, we expanded it building by building; now, we’re up to 33 rooms, a restaurant, a spa and a little Kiva conference center.”

Among the current 33 rooms, there is a variety of accommodations from single rooms to rooms with private hot tubs and gas fireplaces, most with a view and an outside deck.

Patsy calls the spa "the heart of the resort” and offers massage, couples’ massage, aromatherapy, facials and body treatments.

Other amenities at the resort include two solar-heated pools, along with yoga and Tai chi offered in the Kiva. The Kiva is a circular event space, inspired by Native American

gathering spaces, and it’s ideal for hosting retreats, meetings, wedding receptions, music events and more.

The Four Corners Restaurant is open yearround to locals and the public, while the popular rooftop Sky Bar with its stunning views is open during warmer weather and often has live music. Four Corners serves breakfast daily and dinner Tuesday through Saturday.

Order the Huevos Rancheros if Chef Stefan has them on the menu!

We enjoyed our road bike adventure this trip, but for mountain bikers and hikers looking to have Chipeta as their basecamp, the Ridgway Area Trails (known as the RAT trails) offer miles of multi-use fun.

Chipeta was originally inspired by honoring the original occupants of the Uncompahgre River Valley — the Ute Tribe and Chipeta, wife of Chief Ouray, specifically. Nearly three decades after the Youngs opened the original bed and breakfast (Chipeta SunLodge), Chipeta Solar Springs Resort & Spa is still a nod to the heart and heritage of Southwest Colorado. +

chipeta.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Chipeta Solar Springs

by kim fuller

lifestyle / Travel

WELLNESS IN

Santa Fe, New Mexico

A Healing Getaway to “The City Different”

by Kim Fuller

A Photos courtesy of TOURISM Santa Fe

lot of destinations use “wellness” as a buzz word, yet Santa Fe, New Mexico doesn’t have to force an experience of vitality on locals or visitors. Rich, vibrant energy already pulses throughout the city and to the land around it, and the quieter months of winter and early spring offer all the magic without the masses.

Just a six-hour drive from Denver, Santa Fe is easy to drive to from most of Colorado.

Take the road trip to listen to an engaging audiobook or podcast and the time flies by … I do remember the very first time I drove to Santa Fe; I was in my early 20s and with my friend Jessie on college spring break.

She and I listened to Eat, Pray, Love, and I’ll never forget the memories of that individual and shared journey; it was all just what I needed to help heal coming right off of a recent heartbreak.

Santa Fe does just this — it delivers wellness in whatever way you need it at the time.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Go for a fun and active getaway or a quiet and nourishing retreat. Whatever type of well-being boost you’re seeking, Santa Fe seems to have it. Miles of trails, wellness resorts, nourishing restaurants and distinct culture are all available to explore and enjoy.

RETREAT Stay a little ways from town for a peaceful retreat at the high-desert refuge of Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado Santa Fe. Just a 15-minute drive from downtown Sante Fe, this property is tucked gently into the Sangre de Cristo foothills. The resort offers casita guest rooms and suites, each with its own fireplace and private terrace.

The remote setting of this property invites an escape from the busy day-to-day and into a slower cadence. Trails can be accessed just steps from the casitas, so it’s easy to take off for an hour or more for a hike before settling back into the pace of relaxation.

29

lifestyle / Travel

Stay on property to dine at TERRA if you don’t want to venture into Sante Fe, with many flavors of New Mexico on full display.

Also, be sure to spend some time at the lovely outdoor pool, and hit the gym or a yoga class to add a spark of movement to all the chill time.

RESET Not far from Four Seasons is Bishop’s Lodge of the Auberge Resorts Collection, and the beautiful property makes for a lovely day trip to enjoy lunch at SkyFire restaurant followed by the Symphony of Sound at Stream Dance Spa. This experience uses crystal meditation bowls, Tibetan singing bowls and other instruments to create healing vibrations to help harmonize and recalibrate the body, mind and spirit. All the wellness experiences at Bishop's Lodge are rooted in ancient ritual and inspired by the healing power of Mother Nature, and because of this, the spa menu is more unique and dynamic than most.

It’s definitely worth driving into town to start one of your mornings with yoga at BODY of Santa Fe. BODY is a health and wellness center that offers eco-conscious clothing, healthy snacks, massage and facial treatments, studio and fitness classes, as well as events to inspire community. “When you walk into BODY, we want you to feel relaxed and connected,” describes longtime owner Lori Parish.

In the winter and early spring, get outside for some runs at Ski Santa Fe, just a short drive from town. After yoga or before you head up to the ski hill, swing by one of Iconik Coffee Roasters’ two café locations in town for a delicious, warm drink and homemade breakfast options.

A trip to Santa Fe is not complete without a stroll down Canyon Road. After a morning or mid-day meal, walk through and past the countless creative spaces like The Art Club Gallery, notable restaurants like Geronimo and sweet boutiques like Homefrocks along this enchanting strip.

For an afternoon delight, walk over to Kakawa Chocolate House to sip a chocolate elixir, or take a drive across town to Honeymoon Brewery for a tasting of artisanal, alcoholic kombucha. It’s bubbly like beer, yet light like cider and with all the probiotic boost that kombucha boasts. I especially love the Piedra Stonefruit flavor.

Be sure to fit in at least one museum visit while in Santa Fe; there are many to choose from, including New Mexico Museum Of

Art, New Mexico History Museum/Palace of the Governors, Museum Of Indian Arts & Culture, Museum Of International Folk Art and the Georgia O'Keeffe Museum.

For dinner plans, there are many great restaurant options; one that tops the list for a hearty appetite of steak and seafood is Palace Prime. To pair your meal with some evening entertainment, enjoy a tapas dinner and Flamenco show at El Flamenco near the city center.

A rejuvenating time in Santa Fe can come together any way you choose, as there are so many ways to enjoy the bright verve of this special place. Every time I visit, I find it healing in some way, be it body, mind, spirit or heart. May your Santa Fe memories spark the same light for you. +

REAWAKEN From the bells of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi in the historic Santa Fe plaza to blue sky and bright sunshine highlighting art instillations and clay adobe buildings on Canyon Road, culture is everywhere in Santa Fe. For a bite to eat or a bit of shopping, head over to The Railyard, a special area of town that combines elements of art and culture. The must-see farmers’ market is open year-round on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and the artisan market is open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

30

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

The Barcelona Balance

Being Broad-Minded + Brave While Traveling

by Cabrini Klepper

Photo courtesy of Cabrini Klepper

F

or 10 years, I dreamt of traveling alone. My Pinterest board contained thousands of aesthetic travel pictures, and I’d often picture myself on the Mediterranean beaches I saw in pictures. Media depicts travel as a chance to bask in the world’s beauty whilst simultaneously finding yourself; traveling is a dream, and I yearned for the unknown, the wanderlust, the freedom, the adventure associated with travel.

However, no one who travels for an extended period is quick to reveal the hard times, the process of adapting or how to navigate unfamiliar cultures. To friends or acquaintances, it feels silly to admit to craving trivial elements of home when you’re staying in the heart of Barcelona for over a month. How could one feel misplaced when they’re surrounded by gorgeous gothic architecture and exquisite Spanish cuisine in one of the most sought-after travel destinations in the world?

Well, I’m here to tell you: it’s normal and okay to be overwhelmed, but there are ways to adapt and overcome. Once I decided to be brave, Barcelona revealed itself to me in a whole new light.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Adrenaline fueled my first week in Barcelona. The liveliness of the city swept me off my feet, and I felt enchanted by the newness. I visited Antoni Gaudi’s Basilica de La Sagrada Familia, enjoyed mouth-watering seafood paella and danced with my new friends at La Barceloneta Beach. Each night, I fell asleep absolutely content, dreaming about my morning croissant and café con leche.

As days passed, waves of longing for home rolled over me. I tried to deny the initial feelings and maintain a busy schedule, determined to experience my Eat, Pray, Love moment in bustling Barcelona. But, the moment I sat at the top of Montüic hill — overlooking the vibrant, opportune city — I realized I needed to take a step back.

Although it took me a while to admit, I felt homesick. However, I planned to be abroad six more weeks, and I already felt dazed, lost and lonely… foreign in a foreign city.

I decided to take a new approach to travel by diving deeper into my mindfulness practices and adding in some routine. Yoga taught me your outer reality reflects your inner subconscious. I noticed things weren’t right when I felt snappy towards others or annoyed at minor inconveniences. For example, when I felt like crying because the bus driver flew by my stop (you must wave at them, or they won’t stop if no one on the bus wants to get off), I knew something wasn’t balanced within.

In favor of being completely spontaneous, I forewent my mindfulness must-dos, so I reinstituted my daily meditation and journaling practices. Somedays, it didn’t happen, but most days it did, and that was enough.

I took time to reflect and write about what the city and social interactions taught me.

When you’re uncomfortable, you can find comfort in the fact that you’re growing and evolving with each anomalous experience.

Upon reflection, you can develop inner contentment in knowing you’ll always have yourself — the best, most-reliable company.

As days went by, I pushed myself to be comfortable with the uncomfortable, to be brave. Instead of feeling upset at inconveniences, I viewed them as an opportunity to grow, evolve and gain wisdom.

When I got lost and missed my tour reservation, I averted frustration by exploring the neighborhood of Encants. Had I not gotten lost, I would have never visited Mercat de Bellcaire — one of the oldest flea markets in Europe dating back to the 14th century.

Being brave and balanced enabled me to say yes when, on a whim, a friend invited me to Granada for the weekend. I thought about declining, as I already felt homesick, and I didn’t want to project my feelings onto anyone else. However, I decided to be uncomfortable and booked my flight.

At the Granada “La Feria” Corpus Christi festival, we met a Spanish Olympian who invited us to their upscale beach party the next day. We ended up saying yes. At the party in Málaga, a beach town dubbed “The Hamptons” of southern Spain, we enjoyed reggaetón music, met fascinating locals and indulged in homemade Spanish cuisine. I put myself out there, and it turned out to be one of the best weekends of my life.

Now, as I get ready to embark on my homeward-bound voyage, I treasure every experience — the “good” and the “bad.” Both lead me to grow and evolve, to gain unforeseen insight into myself. The best travel advice I learned: be balanced, be brave. +

CABRINI KLEPPER feels passionately about yoga and meditation as gateways to living a more mindful, present life. When she’s not running or writing, she teaches at CorePower Yoga and the University of Colorado Recreational Center. She will graduate with a B.A. in journalism and minors in geography, business and sociology from CU. Cabrini was an intern at Jaunt Media Collective, the publishing company behind Spoke+Blossom, Covered Bridge and YOGA + Life magazines.

31

lifestyle / Travel

Destination Wellness:

I by lexi reich

32

f you’re looking for a new kind of wellness destination this year, look no further than Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. A threehour plane ride from the Mile High City, this beachy paradise is beaming with sunkissed shores and an inspiring atmosphere to rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

The SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit is reason enough to book a stay this winter or spring. It is one of only nine spas in Mexico to be awarded five stars by Forbes Travel Guide — and it’s incredibly apparent why. Recognized for its outstanding facilities and service, the 16,500-square-foot space features 20 treatment rooms, more than 30 spa treatments, a high-performance gym

and exercise room, spa boutique and beauty salon. Treatments are grouped into seven ceremonies — Huichol, Water, Wind, Earth, Fire, Diamond and Beauty — and include organic elements like coffee, chocolate, seashells, tequila cream, aromatherapy oils and more.

All spa guests are welcomed with a hydrotherapy ritual designed to heal through the power of water prior to their chosen treatment. The experience guides one through a revitalizing shower, herbal steam and sauna, a dip in the two-temperature lagoon, time in the jacuzzi and a final multi-jet Swiss shower.

Other offerings include eucalyptus inhalation to help decongest respiratory passages and

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit

gourmet fruit-flavored waters and snacks served by a spa butler. Once the water ceremony is complete, whatever offering chosen from the signature spa menu is then only enhanced. You can’t go wrong with the Grand Cora Massage, which stimulates sensorial perception with a sound ritual and eliminates nerve tension with warm ginger oil, renowned for restoring emotional, intellectual and spiritual wellness.

Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit features 267 ocean-view suites, including 12 grand terrace suites, some with private plunge pools. Of the resort’s six restaurants, four have received AAA Four Diamond awards for distinguished cuisine and preparation.

The all-inclusive oasis has 24/7 in-suite service, oversized infinity pools and immediate access to the pristine beach, in addition to other amenities like a baby concierge, kids’ club and teens’ club. The property is adorned with landscaped gardens and a backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains.

Once you check in to the resort and are greeted with a welcome neck and shoulder massage, you know your wellness journey has only just begun. +

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

IF YOU GO: • Get your morning flow on with an all-levels yoga class overlooking the water. After, grab an organic green juice with orange, celery, pineapple, cactus, parsley and spinach from Azul, which overlooks the Banderas Bay. • Make sure to reserve a table at Sen Lin, a modern Asian fusion restaurant combining tradition with highly innovative gastronomic techniques. The chef-inspired, award-winning menu filled with plentiful plant-based options will leave you in awe.

• End your night at Koi Bar, a seductive nightlife destination serving creative cocktails. Sport your casual-elegant clothing and cheers to a well-deserved getaway.

33

lifestyle / What We Love

Shop Local + Sustainable Spotlight on Three Colorado Boutique Brands

S

ustainable living is getting increasingly important in our world, and it is just as crucial to support brands that promote sustainability efforts.

Companies can create impact by advancing economic, environmental and social sustainability factors. Check out the what these three Colorado-based small businesses are doing to be more eco-conscious.

1. THE SUSTAINABLE BABY CO. makes handcrafted nursing pillows and loungers for babies and toddlers. It operates fully out of a space that is under 1,200 square feet in Pagosa Springs. Founded in 2014

by Jamie Bowman, this company’s core principles have always been committed to sustainability, renewable products, biodegradable materials, regenerative organic farming, ethical practices and a social responsibility to give back. Materials are sourced locally when possible and the company uses zero-waste packaging.

For every purchase, the company donates 3% of their sales profit to new mothers in need, birthing centers, midwives, doulas,

1

2

by Sweta Karki

lactation consultants and hospitals. In 2021, they were able to donate over 100 pillows in the United States. Sustainable Baby Co. products are 100% free from chemicals and toxins. Textiles are made from hand-dyed botanical cotton, hemp and linen. Additionally, the Sustainable Baby Co. team recognizes that textile waste is a large issue worldwide. To combat their own fabric consumption, a portion of their scraps goes to the local quilt club and the rest to sustainable pet beds, along with donations to the humane society. thesustainablebabyco.com 2. SHERPANI in Boulder is an eco-friendly company that designs sustainable bags.

Founders Ed and Maria Ruzic created Sherpani in 2002. The name comes from the Nepalese word for a female Sherpa.

Sherpas live on the high slopes of the Himalayas and guide adventurers on mountain expeditions. These bags are made with non-toxic materials and labor friendly practices, making them ethical. The factories are regularly certified by Elevate Limited, and they hold their vendors to strict codes of conduct. Sherpani also has an internal nonprofit organization called the Blue Verve Project. The project works to inspire individuals and organizations to eliminate ocean plastic pollution at the source by raising consciousness, providing educational resources and supporting meaningful action. They sponsor the Trash the Runway event that encourages middle school students to be resourceful and creative by producing clothing made 100% from recyclable trash. Sherpani’s primary mission is to empower women; however, their products can be enjoyed regardless of one’s gender identity. From purses and backpacks to luggage and tote-bags, Sherpani sells items built for style and functionality. sherpani.com

3 34

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

3. BAMBOOL THERMICS makes sustainable and environmentally conscious activewear. Founders Jessica and Craig Woods were inspired by a set of bamboo viscose bed sheets. After some experimentation, they emerged with a fabric made of a bamboo-Merino wool blend.

Bamboo is more water-efficient than cotton and can be re-harvested without damage to the surroundings. Similar to the bamboo, Merino wool is a naturally renewable and self-sustaining textile as the wool of the sheep it comes from never stops growing. The bamboo viscose combined with Merino wool and elastane is perfect for people whose skin gets irritated from pure Merino wool and suits athletic pursuits. Every purchase made at Bambool will support local outdoor nonprofits. As a local business itself, Bambool is setting an example for showing encouragement of other businesses and engaging in their Vail Valley community. From baselayer leggings to cozy pullovers and neck gaiters, the Colorado-made outdoor clothing pieces are ready to be worn and loved. bamboolthermics.com It is never too late to start purchasing items from sustainable brands! Keep in mind, these three local brands are just a few from Colorado. When you support a sustainable company, you also support causes they believe in. Think before you purchase, and do your research on what goes into making the products you are buying. +

HeadPeace Blending Fashion + Philanthropy

By Gabriela Reitz

C

olorado-based business HeadPeace checks every box; it’s fashionable, functional and philanthropic. In 2016, HeadPeace’s founder and owner, Lindsay Theken, decided to make her own headbands when the market didn’t have what she was looking for. The accessory is made to absorb sweat, maintain messy hair and keep ears warm.

This makes it the perfect addition to any workout fit, whether you’re doing yoga or hitting the trails. This product is available in over a dozen lively prints, which can also be found on hats and gators if headbands aren’t your thing.

While HeadPeace is both stylish and functional, it’s the philanthropy behind the business that truly sets it apart from others on the market. From the beginning, Theken knew she wanted to find a manufacturer for her product that was committed to operating in an ethical and socially-responsible way, while also offering a product that met her high-quality standards. After a seemingly fruitless search to find the right partner, Theken decided to put her project on hold. Just

weeks later, however, Theken experienced what she now calls her “divine coincidence.” During her daughter’s gymnastics practice, Theken ended up conversing with another mom. As it turned out, the mom’s family lives in Nepal where they own a fair-trade, ethical manufacturing company called Purnaa.

Purnaa is a business that helps women coming out of slavery and sex-trafficking situations by providing them with employment opportunities. Per Purnaa’s 2021 impact report, the business supports 328 people with salaries, has awarded scholarships to 65 children and helps adults further their education and receive valuable training. “I know them personally,” Theken states about why she chose Purnaa, “so I feel really good about helping them do what they do.” The story of this partnership is representative of HeadPeace’s mission: To provide quality, stylish headwear that is ethically made — helping to make the world a better place, on piece at a time.

HeadPeace ware can be purchased at headpeaceheadbands.com.

GABI REITZ is a Colorado native and adventure enthusiast. Her favorite pastimes include hiking, floating the river, hanging out with her cat, reading romance books and writing super cool articles.

Gabi is currently an undergraduate student at Stanford University and hopes to continue her career in journalism..

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

35

lifestyle / What We Love 3 2

1 4

7

5

6

1. The Everywhere Pant by Chubbies Chubbies is finally making pants! These are ultrastretchy, water-resistant and super comfortable.

While they are performance fabric, the traditional button and zipper can make the pants look business-casual when necessary. These pants are built for anything and can be worn everywhere. $94.50 chubbiesshorts.com

3. The Color Meditation Deck by Lisa Solomon The 60 cards in The Color Meditation Deck, by Lisa Solomon, a studio artist, art educator and the author of the bestselling A Field Guide to Color, will not only lead you to a new relationship with paint and color but also offers a meditative break that can open you up for ideas and inspiration in all areas of your life. $29.95 shambhala.com

2. OTIS Eyewear Test of Time These shades have a timeless style and highend features that last. The lenses are made with mineral glass that is created from natural elements like sand and soda ash. The glass is endlessly recyclable and has a high resistance to scratching. $230 us.otiseyewear.com

4. Bluecorn Beeswax Aromatherapy Candles These aromatherapy beeswax candles are made in Colorado from 100% raw beeswax poured into recycled glassware. The scent is created with harmonic mixtures of pure essential oils. The Y+L staff favorite is the "Clarity" candle, scented with eucalyptus, orange and lavender. $26 beeswaxcandles.com

BY YOGA + LIFE ® TEAM

36

5. Mikkoa Travel Yoga Mats Take your practice wherever you roam with this lightweight and compact mat. It folds up to fit in a backpack or tote and is machine washable, so grime won’t build up. Add a little water to the surface to make it a little grippier. $99 mikkoa.com 6. Chaco Fields Chelsea Boot Rely on these waterproof boots through the colder seasons of Colorado. The boots have notable tread and are tall enough to get you through a little mud, snow or water. They are stylish while being full of great arch support. As one of our gear testers Laura noted: “Chaco hit it out of the park with these.” $150 chacos.com 7. Royal Robbins Billy Goat II Insulated Jacket This jacket is durable and warm with features for ideal everyday comfort. The body of the jacket is lined with a soft flannel and recycled insulation for core warmth. Outside is all Billy Goat canvas – rugged, naturally soft and sustainable. $150 royalrobbins.com YOGALIFELIVE.COM

9

8

10

13 11

14 12

8. Mystery Ranch Superset 30 Your gym bag doesn’t have to be a black hole duffel. The Superset has deployable shoulder pads, side grab handles and body-panel zip access, so it’s easy to get to anything and everything. We love the bonus compartment for a change of clothes or shoes. $165 mysteryranch.com 9. Wipeys Meant to keep you and the environment clean, these wipes are individually packaged and biodegradable, and are made with only the cleanest ingredients. Even when life gets messy, Wipeys has got you covered with options for surface, hand, device and face wipes. $24 travelwipeys.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

10. How We Live Is How We Die by Pema Chödrön New teachings from beloved spiritual teacher and bestselling author Pema Chödrön on finding freedom, living fearlessly and preparing for death. $24.95 shambhala.com

13. ROLL Recovery R1 Percussion This compact device is powerful, exceptionally quiet and has over seven hours of battery life. Say goodbye to knots and post-workout soreness with this hand-held massage gun. $129 rollrecovery.com

11. Kosha Fit Shakti Bra + Leggings Get moving in this flexible, soft, supportive and moisture-wicking set from Kosha Fit. The strappy cross-back on the bra adds great flare and the sculpting and form-fitting leggings complete the kit for top-level function and style. Bra - $44; Leggings - $68. koshafit.com

14. BRANWYN Performance Innerwear Essential Busty Bra Specifically designed with the C+ cup active wearer in mind, this Merino wool bralette has an underwire-free, seamless design. The wider chest band and thicker straps make it oh so comfortable for chill time while also providing enough support to practice yoga or head out on a hike. $52 branwyn.com

12. Banyan Botanicals Sleep Easy Oil Apply this oil before bed to the head, temples and the soles of your feet for a rejuvenating night of rest. It’s made of an herbal blend with a base of four organic oils to bring warmth, nourishment, warmth and cooling relaxation. $32.99 banyanbotanicals.com

37

YOGA + FITNESS / Movement

1

Finding Courage

When You Feel Like an Imposter

I

mposter syndrome affects almost every single one of us at some point in our life/ career. I have seen it rear its ugly head in every industry I have worked in, and the yoga community most definitely is not exempt from its grips.

WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME? It often shows up as feelings of self-doubt and personal incompetence that continually haunt you despite your education, experience and accomplishments. You feel like an imposter and worry that others will see right through you, that you’re not qualified to teach/work in your field — even though you are more than qualified and experienced. It tends to disproportionately affect high-achieving individuals, which by and large describes most entrepreneurs.

DO YOU FIND YOURSELF SAYING THINGS LIKE: • “I’m not good enough to teach this.”

• “They’re going to see right through me.”

• “There are better teachers out there than me.”

• “Why would anyone want to work with me when they can work with ____?”

• "I don’t know enough about XYZ to teach it.”

• “Nobody will like me.”

38

SO, WHAT IS IMPOSTER SYNDROME, REALLY? While it may show up differently in each of us, there is always some element or combination of limiting beliefs, lack of confidence, negative self-talk and trauma.

It’s easy to see others succeeding and think that you are not worthy of the same level of success. Social media has no doubt had an effect on the way we view others, as well as ourselves. We continually compare ourselves to what we see others posting; even though, at some level, we know that they are only posting the highlight reels and not showing the low moments or their own imposter syndrome.

WAYS IT CAN SHOW UP: • Procrastination • Perfectionism • Self-Sabotage • Worthlessness (I’m not worthy) • Fear of failure (or, more likely, fear of success) • Resistance to change WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT? Now that you can identify it, rest assured that it is possible to overcome it by finding your bravery. It can be intimidating to put

yourself out there as a teacher, but know this: there is someone out there who needs to hear exactly what you have to say. Sometimes, it may feel as though our industry is saturated with yoga teachers or educators, but know that YOU have a unique message that ONLY YOU can deliver. Your combination of education, lived experience and unique teaching style makes you YOU. Turn to svadhyaya, or self-study. As hard as it may be sometimes, we are truly infinitely flexible beings. We were divinely designed to adapt to change, even though we often resist it. Remember that ahimsa (do no harm) applies not only to others but to ourselves as well. When we limit beliefs or think negatively about ourselves, we are causing ourselves harm — as well as to others by not sharing our knowledge with them.

It takes courage to step into our best version of ourselves … the version you were meant to be even though you may be self-sabotaging yourself because of the fear that is holding you back.

Take some time to turn inward and connect with your higher self. It is important to explore ‘I AM’ statements in an introspective way — asking ourselves “who do I want to become?” instead of

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Amy Zellmer

by Amy Zellmer

3

2

what the ego wants us to think we are.

The ego likes to get in the way and make us doubt ourselves and our abilities. As the saying goes, “Yoga doesn’t make life better; it makes us better at life.” Take some time on your mat to connect with your higher self and meditate on your ‘I AM’ statements.

Don’t allow your limiting beliefs to keep you from creating the class, workshop or experience you want for your students.

You don’t need another certification in order to create it. You just need to be brave and believe in yourself that you can deliver it. Thinking you need more training is a form of self-sabotage that keeps us from stepping into our power. As Nike says, “Just do it!”

WAYS TO STEP INTO OUR BRAVERY: • Give yourself grace (self-compassion).

• Practice gratitude.

• Celebrate your successes, no matter how small or big.

• Accept and share your failures; there is someone who needs to hear them.

• Let go of perfectionism.

• Practice yoga.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

PRACTICE STRONG STANDING POSES WITH YOUR “I AM” STATEMENTS: • Warrior II • Warrior I • Triangle

PRACTICE FORWARD FOLDS WITH YOUR GRATITUDE PRACTICE: • Standing forward fold • Wide forward fold • Seated forward fold

PRACTICE BACK BENDS AND HEART OPENERS FOR ACCEPTANCE: • Standing back bend • Cobra • Camel

I AM confident.

I AM enough.

I AM inspiring.

I AM loved.

I AM courageous.

I AM resilient.

I AM vibrant.

"I AM" statements to help you get started.

AMY ZELLMER is a TBI survivor, award-winning author, and editor-inchief of MN YOGA + Life Magazine. She has a passion to spread the message that yoga is for every body, regardless of size or ability. She has her 200RYT, and she is in the process of completing her 500RYT. She is also certified in trauma-informed yoga, LoveYourBrain yoga, chair yoga, and the body-positive Yoga For All. Additionally, she hosts a podcast series, “Creating Wellness From Within.”

39

YOGA + FITNESS / Movement

COURAGE + CLARITY

Yin Yoga for the Lungs and Heart 1

2

by kali basman

3

1. ARCHER ARMS

4

5

2. DOLPHIN POSE (with block under head to relieve weight of the skull and shoulder girdle)

6

3. MELTING HEART POSE 4. QUARTER DOG POSE 5. REVERSE PRAYER 6. SEAL POSE

40

spirit, which governs our life streams.

The heart holds compassion for the collective, so it has a dimensional capacity to empathize with suffering. Rather than clouding the heart space, this actually clears it; the acknowledgement of difficulty for ourselves and for others creates a template of the inner body that can be wide open, spacious like the sky — room for all the textures and the tones of this vibrant, unpredictable life. The blissful … and the bitter.

The lungs and the heart are the centers for sentiments of tenderness and love. In

Sanskrit, this is called bhava: the courageous stance of an insight seeker who chooses to lean into feelings of empathy and kindness.

Courage and power from the lungs are coupled by the tender fragility of its delicate tissue, impressionable enough to permit gas exchange from the capillaries into the bloodstream. Particular poses which pull on the connective tissue around the lungs helps to clear the spongy tender lung space, alongside any psychological pressures which surface inside our lungs and our heart. +

International yoga teacher KALI BASMAN enriches the paradigm of Yin Yoga to integrate distinct aspects of Self into an innate wisdom practice to awaken a rich inner life and radiate with ritual. Her offering honors Yin Yoga as a tool to surrender to our intrinsic wholeness. On the textured path of mindful healing, Kali is celebrated for her integration of the 5 Elements and Chinese Meridian Theory with selfinquiry, embodied Anatomy, Buddhist Philosophy of Equanimity and sharp intellect. kalidurgayoga.com @kali_durga

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos by Lauren O'Neill

A

natomically, your lungs and heart are inseparable. A matrix of intelligent fascia enmeshes both organs, so that if your heart were lifted from your chest cavity, your lungs, attached, would ascend alongside it.

When you breathe, your lungs and your heart together circulate and propel blood throughout the organism. Like an infinity sign, the lung space and the chambers of the heart create a continuum to cycle smooth Qi through the system. I call this circling of fascia around these two organs the “Upper Prana pond.”

In the emotional body, your lungs and heart are also interwoven as the hosts of certain qualities of a radiant Self. Lungs process grief and loss and are the mechanisms by which we process impermanence and find the ever-stable, fixed vital point of the practitioner — what I like to call our “Buddha Nature.” Healthy Lung Qi gives us the courage to withstand change and find the unchanging nature of the

YOGA + FITNESS / In The Practice

Breathing for Bravery

Pranayama Practices to Promote Courage + Confidence By Julia Clarke

I

f you’ve been following the Iceman Wim Hof on his escapades plunging into freezing lakes in recent years, you might think that cultivating courage involves taking some serious risks, but the secret to building confidence could be just a few breaths away.

When you go into a situation that challenges your confidence — it could be taking an icy dip, but it could equally be public speaking or a first date — the chances are that your breath will change in response. You might hold it in out of a sense of apprehension or breathe a rapid, shallow breath out of fear or uncertainty. Breathing in this way forces your nervous system to remain in a reactive state of fight or flight, which frankly, is a difficult place to mine confidence from.

For centuries, yoga practitioners have been using breathing practices, known as pranayama, to help regulate the nervous system, understanding that you can effectively override this cycle and establish a state of ease. Even if your mind is telling you that you’re not good enough or that you can’t do something, by modifying your breath with pranayama, you can essentially convince your nervous system that you’re calm and

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

safe, which in turn slows your heart rate and allows your mind to think clearly. When you can think clearly, you’re more likely to see how capable you are and take decisive action in response. With a clear mind and a calm heart, you are better equipped to grab the reins and charge at whatever it is that’s standing before you in life.

Cultivating confidence can have a lasting effect on your quality of life, as well as the lives of those around you. If you’re looking for accessible tools to improve your self-esteem, the following are some simple pranayama techniques that you can easily incorporate into your daily routine that might deliver major dividends.

For all of these practices, make sure to take a few minutes to relax and breathe normally before you begin. At no point should you be straining.

SAMA VRITTI So-called “box breathing” has become popular in recent years and has been used in corporate settings and even by U.S. Navy SEALS. It’s essentially grounded in a yogic practice known as sama vritti, which is loosely translated as “equal breathing.” The Cleveland Clinic reports that this specific practice has shown to be effective for calming your mind and nervous system as a means to offset the effects of future stress. You can practice this technique sitting comfortably or lying down on your back in savasana.

• When you’re ready to begin, start with an exhale.

• Inhale for approximately four seconds.

• Hold your breath in for four seconds.

• Exhale for four seconds.

• Hold your breath out for four seconds.

• Continue breathing in this pattern for two to five minutes, then relax.

SURYA BHEDANA Surya bhedana means “piercing the sun,” and this breath is one which is designed to activate surya nadi, the energy chan-

nel in yoga’s subtle anatomy that, when unobstructed, allows the properties of the sun to flow freely through you. Unlike the moon’s passive and cooling qualities, the sun in yoga is associated with taking action, energy and even a certain fierceness when correctly channeled. Despite its name and intention, this pranayama is delightfully simple and gentle. This technique is best practiced in a comfortable seat.

• Use your left thumb to seal your left nostril.

• Breathe gently in and out through your right nostril for two to five minutes.

• Optionally, visualize each inhale traveling down your spine to your right sitting bone, then returning through your right nostril.

• Release your hand and relax.

BHASTRIKA Also known as “bellows breath,” bhastrika recruits your abdominal muscles to “fan” the flames of your fire center, also known as manipura chakra, which is responsible for your self-esteem and corresponds to your solar plexus. Bhastrika is a little more dynamic than the other practices here but should be approached in a gentle manner; you will still find it quite heating and energizing. This technique is best practiced from a seated position.

• Place one hand on your abdomen, and relax your abdominals.

• Take a deep inhale, and feel your belly expand into your hand.

• Now, contract your abdominal muscles a little more forcefully to send your exhale out through your nostrils, and slightly exaggerate the expansion of your abdomen as you inhale, so the result is like your abdominals slowly pumping and fanning your breath.

• Visualize a small flame above your navel becoming stronger and brighter with each breath.

• Take up to 10 breaths, then relax. You may repeat the practice two to three more times. +

41

YOGA + FITNESS / In The Practice

Transforming Doubt Into Daring What We Can Learn from the Bhagavad Gita

by Julia Clarke

U

pon first reading the Bhagavad Gita, many yoga practitioners are taken aback by the premise of a young warrior named Arjuna being propelled by Lord Krishna to step into a bloody battle. In place of the lessons of peace and harmony you might expect from a story celebrated by yoga practitioners, when Arjuna expresses misgivings about his role in killing his own friends and family, Krishna persuades Arjuna to uphold his duty as a warrior.

Why, then, is this text so cherished?

Though, on the surface of things, it might seem like a bit of a call to violence, the Gita is really a manual for responding to any challenge that you might encounter in life with decisive action. We all face obstacles — though they probably don’t involve deciding whether or not to commit violence against your kin — within our relationships, professional life and at home. There will

42

always be conflicts that arise that may make you feel fearful and doubtful and that can lead to indecision, underperforming and so-called self-handicapping. What we can learn from Arjuna’s quest is not how to be more violent but how to master bravery in the face of self-doubt, not as an action but as a skill to be cultivated.

Let’s say you need to have an uncomfortable conversation with someone in your life. Some people seem to thrive in these types of situations, but for others, the very thought of confrontation is grounds for sleepless nights and sheer existential terror. How should you initiate the conversation? Is it the right thing to do? Will the other person ever speak to you again?

These questions that naturally arise and keep you awake all night long are the very questions represented by Arjuna’s pleas to Krishna for guidance. Through the path of devotion outlined by Krishna, Arjuna is able

to act, and along the way, we learn a few lessons about bravery.

1. FEAR DOESN’T MAKE YOU A COWARD. The Gita opens with a terrified Arjuna being admonished by Krishna for his cowardice, but there's another way to interpret his fear and that is through the lens of compassion.

In fact, Arjuna isn’t afraid because he’s a coward; his fear stems from his concern for others, which we can probably all agree is a much more noble quality.

In challenging situations, fear is often an extremely valid and reasonable response, but it doesn’t have to be an obstacle to taking action. In fact, when you have a greater purpose that propels you to act in spite of fear — such as healing a schism in a relationship that’s important to you — fear born of compassion might steer you to take a more careful and loving tone and approach.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

2. TRUST YOUR GUT. Knowledge is a central theme of the Gita, and while arming yourself with wisdom gleaned from textbooks might well give you confidence and clarity, there’s a subtler form of knowledge that comes from deep within you, otherwise known as your intuition. Intuition is generally thought to be a product of your unconscious mind scanning through past experiences and accumulated knowledge, resulting in prompt action that comes from direct perception, rather than a function of your intellect. Sometimes, however, when you experience fear, you can’t discern whether there is a real threat to your existence or whether it’s your intuition ringing the alarm bells.

Krishna tells Arjuna, "Remember who you are, and you will know what to do” and reminds him to listen to his inner voice for the answers that have been inside him all along.

Likewise, learning to listen to and trust your gut can offer you a real sense of quiet con-

fidence when making important decisions, even if you can’t verbalize to others exactly why you’re making a particular choice.

3. THE ONLY THING YOU CAN CONTROL ARE YOUR OWN ACTIONS. Not knowing how a potentially hostile situation is going to go is likely to cause you some apprehension, to say the least, and without some courage, it may even prevent you from taking action altogether. After all, if you just don’t have the conversation, the worst-case scenario can’t happen, right?

Wrong. Krishna tells Arjuna that, “Action is indeed better than inaction,” as inaction only perpetuates the cycle of suffering.

While there’s no way to predict or even control the outcome of your actions, you always have full mastery over your actions themselves. For Arjuna, this means fulfilling his duty as a warrior, while for you it may simply mean living in alignment with your own personal beliefs and values as to what can make the world a better place. So, go ahead, have the difficult conversation. +

JULIA CLARKE is the author of the book Restorative Yoga for Beginners. She loves to explore mountains on foot, bike, skis and belay and then recover on the yoga mat. Julia graduated with a degree in journalism in 2004 and spent eight years working as a radio presenter in Kansas City, Vermont, Boston and New York City before discovering the joys of the Rocky Mountains. She then detoured west to Colorado and enjoyed 11 years teaching yoga in Vail before returning to her hometown of Glasgow, Scotland in 2020 to focus on family and writing.

jaunt /jônt/ noun a journey for pleasure.

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

jauntmediacollective.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

43

YOGA + FITNESS / In The Practice

by Kelsey Foster

by Dana Knerl

WHAT ON EARTH ARE THE

Akashic Records?

A Story of Inner Healing to Universal Connection

I

t was one of those moments I will never forget. I followed a feeling, and from there my life took on a whole new perspective.

I was driving home after teaching a yoga class one dark December night in 2019. One of my favorite podcasts was playing through the Bluetooth speaker in my car. The guest on the show was an Akashic Records Practitioner, and she was channeling a collective reading for the audience.

The Akashic Records? I had never heard of such a thing. For years, I had been drawn to all things metaphysical. I was tip-toeing down my own spiritual path and working to grow a holistic healing business. As I listened intently to the podcast, I felt magnetized to learn more, and I recognized that

44

when the Universe gives you a nudge, you must heed the call. The next thing I knew, I had scheduled a private Akashic Records reading, and the following month, I found myself on a plane to Los Angeles to attend an Akashic Records Practitioner training.

The Akashic Records are not a physical book or scroll like the name might imply.

Translated from Sanskrit, the word akasha means “ether” or “space.” Soon, I would discover that, much like the element of space, the Akashic Records are expansive and full of power and potential. During my training, I sat in circle with a small group of women in a bohemian villa in Marina del Rey. I noticed my thinking brain wanted to categorize and fit the Records into one easy to under-

stand, catch-all definition. By the end of the training, I realized that doing so could never truly honor and reflect what they are.

On the first day of my training, we were taught a meditation to recite to access the Akashic Records. As we prepared to open the Records for the first time, my whole body buzzed with excitement. After reading the last line of the meditation, “And so it is, the Akashic Records are now open,” I felt a strong energetic shift. My body softened with a calming sensation like I was floating underwater. My eyes were closed, but there were pulses of brightly colored light that eased me further into an altered yet peaceful state of consciousness. My intuitive senses took over, and the first thing I heard was, “Welcome home.”

There were no mind-altering substances involved. It was just me opening up my mind to receive whatever was meant to come through.

As a reiki master, I knew I had intuitive gifts, but frequently, I struggled with trusting that the information I was receiving was accurate or valid. When I gave reiki to others, oftentimes I would hear messages coming through or see images and colors. However, I did not always believe in what I was hearing or seeing. My thinking mind would often diminish my confidence in myself as an energy healer. Now through the Akashic Records, I instantly had a platform to move past my ego to feel, experience and channel energetic information on a whole new level.

Initially, when I signed up for this training, I imagined it would be an opportunity to add a new modality to my business. Soon, I would find that this learning process would facilitate profound personal healing and intense inner exploration. During one part of the training, we were instructed to open the Akashic Records for ourselves individually and ask, “What types of people do you judge the most?” and “What can this teach you about yourself?”

I asked the first question, and immediately what I heard from my spirit guides was, “You tend to judge drama queens.”

“Yep, ain’t that the truth,” I thought. At that time, it seemed like I had several drama queens in my life, and I found myself irritated by them all. Then, the answer to the second question was transmitted without me even asking.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

“You judge and struggle with drama queens, because they are everything YOU are not.”

Wow. My mind was officially blown. It was something I knew deep down inside, but I had failed to acknowledge. This answer did not come from a place of criticism or shaming. It came from a space of unconditional love. I knew the intention was to help me see outside of myself and foster greater awareness.

For much of my life, I buried my truth and tempered my emotions.

I pretended to be normal and okay when everything inside of me was broken. Expressing myself and bearing judgment from others terrified me. I was completely disconnected from myself. I was the exact opposite of a drama queen. I was an ice queen.

Through this experience and several others I had in working with the Akashic Records, I came to realize that we are all just reflections of each other. Whenever a trait or characteristic of someone else really irks you, it is either something you don’t like about yourself or a trait you wish you had. I could now see the interesting ways in which our egos function in efforts of self- preservation. The Akashic Records allowed me to release my ego and view my life from a universal perspective. I could truly see that we are all different. We are all the same. We are all learning lessons. We are all connected.

I left Los Angeles forever changed. Through this process, I finally connected to and healed long neglected parts of my being. Shortly after I returned home to Colorado, the COVID -19 pandemic began, and interestingly, I found myself mentally and emotionally prepared to endure all of the changes and shifts that arose. I knew I had to share this amazing gift with others, and Akashic Records readings have become a sought-after healing experience that I offer in my practice today.

So, what are the Akashic Records? They are so many things, including the story of your soul’s journey, an energetic download of information from your spirit guides and a reservoir of all-knowing. The Akashic Records offer us a universal perspective of our lives, helping us to see how we are connected to everyone, everything, everywhere.

With our world as divided as it is, feeling and understanding that we are all one can give us a greater sense of peace and ease. If we choose to function less from the ego and more from this universal perspective, we can learn to heal and grow together. The Akashic Records allow us to connect to the universe right here on Earth. +

As a leading light, DANA KNERL guides and mentors empathic people to heal trauma, reclaim their essence and illuminate the path toward their purpose. In her work as a Holistic Healing Guide, she has integrated her background as a registered nurse, master energy healer, Akashic Records practitioner and yoga teacher to support dedicated and empowered people through their healing journeys. Dana started her holistic healing practice in Vail, Colorado in 2015, and over the last several years, her reach has expanded to working with clients both in-person and virtually across the globe. Her offerings include single session healing experiences, an eight-week holistic healing program called Illumination and beautifully crafted workshops and retreats.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

45

YOGA + FITNESS / Seva

Justin Blazejewski

VETOGA

Yoga in Service of Veterans

by Toni Viney

46

S

ometimes, we find yoga, and other times yoga finds us, carrying with it the potential for many self-discoveries. Either way, it is often a practice of self-discovery that goes beyond our initial expectations. When yoga found Justin Blazejewski, Marine Corps veteran and founder of VETOGA, he had been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan over 40 times during his five years of service in the Marine Corps and 10 years of service as a government contractor. “I was starting to bring the burdens of war home with me,”

Blazejewski reflects. “I was very depressed, angry and suicidal.” One day, after returning from a warzone, Blazejewski’s roommate was concerned about his mental health and told Blazejewski that he would be going to yoga with her that evening.

During Blazejewski’s first yoga class, he remembers trying to keep up and being surprised by the challenge of the practice. During savasana, Blazejewski had a realization. “I was lying in a puddle of sweat in corpse pose and felt something I hadn’t felt in almost 10 years before I went into the Marine Corps,” he shares. “I felt my parasympathetic nervous system engage. It was like medicine to me, and I felt the positive effects on my body and mind immediately.

It was in that moment that I knew yoga was going to be part of my journey.”

Blazejewski infused yoga into his daily life and trained to become a teacher. He now holds space for others like him to experience the healing power of yoga after founding VETOGA in 2015. VETOGA is a nonprofit and registered yoga school with Yoga Alliance, which provides yoga, meditation and healing arts to veterans, law enforcement and first responders. Blazejewski’s impact is far reaching. He has since trained 150 yoga teachers through the organization’s teacher training program, which launched in 2021.

100% of all their funds go into the program to support teacher trainings and outreach efforts without anyone drawing a salary.

Using this model, every dollar matters.

Through the generosity of donors, all veterans can participate in VETOGA’s teacher training program for free. Once training is complete, they are asked to teach one free, monthly yoga class to their communities. Currently, there are

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos by Bernadetten Kilcer

Marine Corps veteran and founder of VETOGA

three VETOGA teachers in Colorado.

“As a United States Airforce veteran, I was left with post-traumatic stress disorder and military sexual trauma,” shares VETOGA graduate Lori Blackmore. “VETOGA has allowed me to take ownership of my own trauma and, in-turn, support students with trauma and chronic stress.”

VETOGA trainings take on a traditional hatha and rāja yoga approach and operate out of love and compassion for the veteran, as well as shared experience. During trainings, Blazejewski challenges participants by asking them, “Are you ready to do the real yoga — looking at your true self, who you really are?” He continues, “It takes some real courage to look in the mirror.

Yoga is a practice that makes you face those fears and face that mirror of looking at your real self. And, the ugly stuff comes out, and the traumas come out, and that’s true bravery. The real yoga is facing that.”

VETOGA trainings are set up in a nonclinical way. Blazejewski shares, “I just wanted to be accepted for who I was and not treated like something was wrong with me or I was broken, because I have PTSD or because I am a veteran.” This sentiment became embedded into VETOGA’s philosophy.

VETOGA’s approach is to invite people in

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

and empower participants to be vulnerable through shared experience.

“It’s much easier to take a yoga class when the person teaching it wears a similar uniform,” shares Bernadette Kilcer, VETOGA teacher training graduate.

The connection to common experience combined with yoga principles and philosophy makes for a powerful impact. “VETOGA helped me get my life back after deployment. I felt so lost, alone and constantly angry. With VETOGA, I found a family. People that loved, supported and welcomed me with open arms,” offers teacher training graduate Dr. Erica Adkins.

Kilcer is doing her part to give back. She teaches actively at the Rooted Rose in Fountain, Colorado. Kilcer recently launched SUP yoga retreats in places like Rocky Mountain

National Park and Indian Peaks Wilderness.

“We recognize that outdoor life is life, so we are teaching beyond the studio,” Kilcer adds.

She hopes to bring VETOGA offerings to ski patrols so that more first responders have access to yoga and meditation.

Blazejewski recognizes there are many possibilities for growing VETOGA. The word of mouth, compassion-centered, community-focused organization anticipates offering more teacher trainings in the upcoming years.

With more teacher trainings, they anticipate more class offerings designed specifically for veterans and first responders. And, with additional offerings, many more people may find yoga, or perhaps, yoga will find them. +

Learn more at vetoga.org.

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

47

Outside / Fresh Air

a Snow Labyrinth

by Kaitlin Emig

F

or the last two winters, Eileen Lindbuchler has stomped out a snow labyrinth outside her home to create a sacred space for intention setting and connecting to nature. Her process is to visualize the circle and build it with intention. She holds the vision of the space through every footstep in the snow and, by the end, creates a winding meditative walking circle.

“My goal is to engage in physically creating a sacred space for myself and others to be present outside,” Lindbuchler says.

Eileen is a massage therapist and reiki practitioner in Avon, Colorado who finds spiritual healing within nature. She enjoys escaping into the snowy setting in the middle of winter for a walking meditation.

She usually creates her labyrinth around winter solstice or the New Year, because she believes these are good times to honor endings and new beginnings. She starts from the middle of her circle and walks out to create the path winding around. Then, she shovels the foot path and makes walls out of the snow.

“I’m not mathematical at all; I’m more creative,” she says when asked how she makes her labyrinth. For her, it’s all about building with intention and hoping others can find it magical.

48

When she invited me to walk through the space, she prompted me to call in things that I want to let go of when walking inside, then saying a prayer at the center and calling in things I want to bring in as I walk outwards. I was recently recovering from being sick and regaining strength for a neighborhood walk. As I walked a couple buildings down to her yard, I called in health and healing to my body. I left feeling renewed, connected to my breath and tuned into nature.

Lindbuchler decorates the center of the circle like creating an altar. “I like to have candles in the middle to connect to spirits,” she says. She lights tea candles when she gets to the middle for her prayer and leaves them burning all night, especially on the solstice. She adds other objects like crystals, rocks, feathers and fake plants. On one visit, I added a stem

from my house plant, but on a later visit, I saw deer tracks through the middle to enjoy the fresh delicacy. I hoped the deer moved through the circle with excitement and curiosity for my winter offering.

Creating your own snow labyrinth only requires a flat section of snow and warm snow boots. You can mathematically map it out or be creative like Lindbuchler. If the kids are tired of building snowmen, try a snow labyrinth with them. Decorations such as holly branches, winter berries, candles or goodies for the kids can be added to the center.

Lindbuchler reminds us of spirals found throughout history and ancient civilizations. She believes these spirals were old ways of saying prayers for the people and land through a walking meditation. In the impermanency of winter, walking the spiral allows oneself to reflect on the progress of their prayers as the snow accumulates and eventually melts.

Artist, writer and naturalist Bridgette Meinhold from Park City, Utah creates large snow labyrinths and documented her experience through a short film called Reverie, directed by Claire Wiley, which has received multiple awards at international film festivals. The film is not available for public viewing yet; however, more about her experience can be found on her website and Instagram.

For Meinhold, the point is not to create something lasting but simply to create and enjoy being outdoors. She is deliberate in her steps and copies her design from the Chartres Cathedral labyrinth in France.

Whatever your method for stomping out a meditative walking circle in the snow, may it walk away your winter blues, bring breath awareness to the crisp air and rest your mind in the process. +

KAITLIN EMIG seeks adventure through mindful travel and outdoor pursuits. She never clicked her heels to return home to Kansas and has lived in western North America and overseas for the past 10 years. Currently residing in the Vail Valley, she is an outdoor educator, yogi and writer. Follow her adventures on IG @sunflower_lion and mywildwomandiary.com.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Brittney Meinhold

THE MEDITATIVE PROCESS OF MAKING

Outside / Environment

Erem

Walking the Talk of Performance + Sustainability

Photos by Brian Chorski

W

hen it’s hotter than hot in the desert and very little can survive, “the cacti are humming.”

That’s how Noah Swartz puts it, and he has big ideas about how certain cacti may just provide a big solution to some of the planet’s toughest challenges.

Swartz is the co-founder and chief executive officer of Erem, an outdoor brand focused on desert performance. This past spring, I spent several days in Joshua Tree, California with Swartz, the Erem team and several other journalists to learn about the company, their products and, most importantly, Erem’s commitment to plant one million cactus pear and the projected impact of this mission.

“As a desert company, we applaud the UN’s goal to plant one trillion trees but recognize that this goal isn’t relevant for a massive portion of the planet, and so, doesn’t go far enough,” says Swartz. “Planting cactus pear is a better solution for arid landscapes in terms of long-term carbon sequestration, protecting local ecology, revitalizing local economies and conserving precious water resources.”

Swartz emphasizes how one third of the earth’s landmass is desert and 20% of the global population lives in the desert. Other parts of the world, including South America, Mexico and Africa, have already invested in large-scale cactus pear projects, but in America, Swartz says, every time someone has tried this for the past 120 years it hasn’t worked.

“Now, we’re at the point where we can look at all those past mistakes, and we have the potential to really make it happen for the first time in America,” he says.

So, what is it about this plant that holds this great potential? Known commonly as prickly pear, cactus pears have a great growth rate, their carbon sequestration is high, the fruit are in demand as food and the plants have biomass potential to be used as biofuel or fodder. The plants also need very little water

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

in comparison to fruit trees (over 90% less water than orange trees, for instance). To start a new plant, all you have to do is cut a pad, let it dry for five days, then take that pad, dig a hole, put the pad in the earth and cover it with a little bit of soil, and you have a new plant. I actually planted one in Joshua Tree, and it’s just as easy as it sounds.

Certain cacti, cactus pear in particular, breathe in carbon, but underground they take that carbon and store it, not as CO2, but as mineral — calcium carbonate. This move of carbon underground is a permanent sequestration, even after the cactus dies. With the plant’s impressive ability to pull carbon from earth’s atmosphere, Erem’s initial goal of planning 1 million cactus pear (which they have calculated will take around 2,000 acres) has the effect of taking 40,000 cars off the road every single year.

In addition, this move to grow large quantities of cactus pear can produce calories in the fruit and pads to feed hundreds of thousands of people. The cactus pear can be turned into renewable bioenergy and can also be used as a form of cattle feed, so the economic potential from this plant is multi-fold and stands strong alongside its environmental benefits.

“If you used to be a cotton farmer in Arizona, you have a very big problem on your hands,” says Swartz. “You have thousands of acres of plants you can no longer grow, because you can’t get water to grow it, so what are you going to grow? We have a solution for you. With 2,000 acres, a cotton farmer who used to get subsidized water can work with this solution that is going to be good for the planet and good for their bottom line.”

Erem’s brand pillars are to deliver best-inclass performance for the desert, raise the sustainability bar for the outdoor industry and look to the desert for the planet’s biggest challenges.

"One of our founding beliefs is that the desert is under represented and under thought of in a lot of different ways, including when we think about some of our

climates biggest challenges,” Swartz shares.

“We think this is our responsibility to uncover what we believe is a global-type solution; we think it’s our responsibility to push it.”

Erem started this mission by planting its first 250 cactus pear cacti at a pilot site outside of Joshua Tree and is now scaling its Cactus Pear Program by cultivating thousands more plantings at a time. Erem will use proceeds from every sale of its products to fund this program until the goal of a million cacti is reached with partner farmers all over the world.

I haven’t even touched on their desert hiking boots, but I can attest that the brand’s commitment to quality stands out as much as its sustainability initiatives. Erem’s Xerocole collection provides the protection and support you need in harsh desert environments, and the collection uses only materials with 100% proven paths back to nature — a methodology they are trademarking as Biocircular.

The name “Erem,” pronounced Eh-rem, is an acronym adapted from the ancient Greek word for desert that stands for Exceptional, Responsible, Enduring and Motivated.

This is the company’s product promise and brand philosophy. +

To learn more, visit eremlife.com.

Erem’s initial goal of planning 1 million cactus pear has the effect of taking 40,000 cars off the road every single year.

by kim fuller

49

Outside / Adventure

Big City Mountaineers by laura mills

Y

our steps become rhythmic, moving at a meditative pace up steep slopes, stepping over roots and rocks, pushing your body up the side of rugged mountains or through desolate wilderness areas. You become aware of all that is around you, while simultaneously focusing inward.

Though the journey can be strenuous, the teachings of perseverance, fortitude and appreciation of everything you’re a part of greet you at each peak. That’s just a

50

glimpse of what many of us experience when it comes to hiking. We use this level of challenge that the natural world provides as personal therapy, a way to connect back to ourselves. The way we push through the physical and mental blocks of moving up mountains much bigger than us can be directly applied to how we climb the mountains within ourselves.

Big City Mountaineers (BCM) is a nonprofit organization based in Golden, Colorado that connects youth from disinvested communities to metamorphic backpacking experiences in the outdoors. The national organization is making a lasting impact on students who are bringing lessons from the trail into their daily lives.

“We want to give these kids a connec-

tion to something that not only supports their week with us, but allows them to grow in a more enduring way. We want to help them improve their social and emotional capacities,” explains David Taus, executive director of BCM. BCM is focused on offering this experience, as well as gear, completely free of charge to students. BCM works with youth agencies and organizations that serve students from economically disadvantaged areas that, without programs like BCM, wouldn’t have access to the backcountry.

With the completion of each excursion, students come back with valuable life experiences and reflections. “A realization I had is that I'm not really alone and that there are more people out there willing to support

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos COURTESY of Big City Mountaineers

Breaking Down Barriers in the Backcountry

me than I realize,” states one participant. “A connection to nature shows me that my life is little compared to the life of earth, trees, etc. So, it acts as a reminder to enjoy the present, to live more and to take it easy on myself,” shares another. “The trip has given me more confidence in myself; it has given me the confidence to be independent and strong,” says a third.

Taus credits these outdoor excursions to conveying lessons of personal growth and development. “We forget that we are a part of nature; we are made of the same molecules that the other plants and animals are.

Today, we are part of a society that seems like it wants us to forget that. Connecting back to nature helps us connect back to the essence of humanity and ourselves,” Taus believes. “I’m convinced that you can get more done effectively during a week in the backcountry than a year in a classroom.”

With experience as a high school teacher prior to his role at BCM, it’s a safe bet to

take his word for it.

A large part of what BCM is about is breaking down barriers of entry for their students. BCM conducts a survey with all those that go through their programs. Of the total number of students that completed the survey, 87% are non-white and identify as BIPOC, Taus revealed. Part of BCM’s hope in the outcome of these excursions is that these students will see that BIPOC people have a place in the backcountry and that outdoor recreation can continue to become inclusive for all — no matter their race, socioeconomic status or geographic location. This topic is brought up quite quickly by the students on the trips; they are aware of the lack of representation of BIPOC people in the outdoor space. BCM takes these discussions seriously, while encouraging healthy conversations around them, offering support in problem-solving how society can continue to break down the barriers

surrounding outdoor recreation.

Recently, BCM has been cultivating a program that supports trip alumni who want to take the next step and become leaders in training. This program would not only expand upon their backcountry and outdoor knowledge, but also elevate their skills on how to offer trauma-informed support and help students on the emotional level that is accompanied with a BCM trip.

Each year, BCM continues to create safe and welcoming environments for students to explore the natural world around them and the deep parts of themselves. The supportive foundation that BCM provides communities across the country is immeasurably valuable and will continue to foster positive impacts for future generations. +

Learn more about Big City Mountaineers and how to get involved at bigcitymountaineers.org.

SUPPORTING MOUNTAIN SAFETY AND AWARENESS SINCE 2014 BIGHEARTBIGHANDS.ORG • FACEBOOK.COM/BIGHEARTBIGHANDS

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

51

outside / Winter + Spring 2022-23 GEAR 4

2

1

3

5

6

1. DYNAFIT Ultra Revo Sunglasses The sporty shades are ultra-lightweight and offer ideal protection and ventilation for hard efforts, like uphill ski touring and snowshoe racing. Grippy temple tips and a rubber nose pad guarantee secure hold without slipping about, even during intense movement. $149.95 dynafit.com

3. OROS Apparel Delta Tight Go for comfort and performance when you’re on the move with these tights, featuring low-profile insulation to boost warmth and block wind during chilly outdoor activities. A deep storage pocket on the outer thigh is ideal to stash a phone securely. $120 orosapparel.com

2. Hiker's Brew Coffee The adventure-ready Venture Pouches made by Hiker’s Brew make it easy to bring along what you need for that perfect cup of joe. Each pouch contains enough grounds for two to four cups of coffee. Six varieties are available, including the Mile Marker medium roast and the chocolatey Some Mores. $17.99 per four-pack hikersbrewcoffee.com

4. Blizzard Hustle 10 The Hustle collection is a unisex backcountry line honoring those who work hard and live big in the mountains every single day. Woodcore delivers balanced flex and maneuverability by way of three different flex zones: softer in the tip and tail, medium just above and below the center and stiff in the center. Carbon technology provides lightweight dampness and stability without compromising on playfulness. $799.95 blizzard-tecnica.com

5. Arc’teryx Gamma MX Jacket Designed for dynamic alpine conditions — and made with materials saved from waste — this jacket offers weather resistance, breathable warmth and exceptional freedom of movement. $299 arcteryx.com 6. Ruffwear Powder Hound Jacket Keep your best furry friend warm and dry during Colorado’s coldest months with this weatherresistant, insulated jacket. This updated version has even more warmth with an insulated belly panel and new sleeve design for more freedom of movement and comfort on the go. $99.95 ruffwear.com

BY YOGA + LIFE ® TEAM

52

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

9

7

8

10

13

12

11

7. Eddie Bauer Microtherm 1000 Down Hoodie This jacket holds its own against the cold. It’s stuffed with premium 1000-fill down insulation to keep you toasty when the temps drop. This jacket defends against the elements and still packs into a pocket. Get yourself a new puffy this season! $399 eddiebauer.com 8. Tarpestry Add extra comfort to nature time with Tarpestry’s outdoor blankets. They are water-repellent and UV-resistant, and you can lay them out for a clean and dry surface when you’re having a picnic or practicing yoga. Also, protect yourself from sun and rain when you hang one up by its corner grommet rings. $154-244 tarpestry.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

9. Thousand Traveler Magnetic Bike Lights When it gets dark early and you still want to pedal, these lights come with a rear light, seat post mount and USB-C charging cable. They switch between three modes quickly and easily pop on and off. $35 explorethousand.com 10. PEARL iZUMi Upcycle Handlebar Bag Louisville, Colorado-based PEARL iZUMi teamed up with the Looptworks upcycling company to turn excess materials into the pieces in this collection, which includes a ride wallet, seat bag, convertible handlebar bag/hip pack (pictured here), standalone hip pack and a duffle bag. $60 pearlizumi.com 11. Altra Outroad It can be convenient to have one shoe for both road and trail runs, especially if you need to pick just one pair when you’re traveling. The Outroad was created for the road runner looking to

explore the trails and indulge in discovering new routes and new roads. The midsole foam gives a cushioned underfoot feel, while the “FootShape Fit” allows feet to spread out comfortably for added stability and power. $140 altrarunning.com 12. Melin Pace Hydro If you haven’t tried a Melin hat yet, don’t wait.

The Pace is their first design that is specifically for running, featuring an innovative seven-panel style. The Pace is lightweight and machine washable, so don’t be shy to wear it and sweat in it! $69 melin.com 13. Wild Rye Helen’s Hoodie Cozy up after you’ve been playing outside with this leisure piece that offers extra length for comfy coverage, a fleece-lined hood for the best next-to-skin feeling and a kangaroo pocket for keeping what you need close. $199 wild-rye.com

53

wellness / Ayurveda

Winter Solstice + Spring Equinox Embracing Shadow and Breaking Through By Marissa Angeletti

A

yurveda recognizes the transition from season to season as especially vulnerable: a period where we are more susceptible to being thrown off balance. But, fear not! By tapping into the wisdom of the elements and acknowledging seasonal shifts, we are better able to balance ourselves and celebrate the gifts each season has to offer. Our aim is to harmonize our inner rhythms with the outer rhythms and expressions of nature.

Winter is a dense, dark season related to stillness, slowness and introspection. It’s about the long pause — stocking up and planning ahead so that a state of contemplative hibernation can be entered. However, darkness can be vast and expansive, which is partially why it can feel so vulnerable; it is without boundary.

54

But, this is also its gift; in the quiet, dark expanse of the winter season, we are invited to befriend our shadows. This may feel challenging, as shadow aspects of self or experience are typically those we have hidden away.

Within the womb of winter, we can access a fuller, more complete self without restriction. Much like we’d hunker down with a bowl of hearty soup, this time of year is all about hunkering down with all parts of self — especially those that we tend not to shine light on as often.

Winter Solstice is exactly this energy. It is the darkest, longest day of the year. It can feel confrontational to head into the darkest spaces within ourselves, unsure of what is there and how long we may be there. But, the gift of doing so is fullness: a deeper

capacity to be with oneself.

Give yourself ample opportunity to rest and pause this season. This is the perfect time of year to reflect on where you’d like to shine the light of your awareness to increase the repertoire of your embodiment. Incorporate warming, flowing movement to nourish your body and mind. Savor warm, grounding foods and beverages, such as soups, stews, kitchari and oatmeal. Incorporate spices like ginger, cinnamon and cumin. Our digestive fire, agni, is strong this time of year to sustain us in contemplative hibernation. Nurture it through this season and beyond.

Where winter has asked us to hunker down and hibernate with ourselves in a self-reflective way, spring asks us to break forward. Time to breakthrough any lingering shadow aspects from the previous season that may be holding us back and grow in new, nourishing ways.

This season is ruled by earth and water and is literally a time of fertile ground. Themes of renewal, rebirth and growth govern this time of year and, while powerful, can also be messy! The combination of these elements creates mud, which can make us feel stuck, stagnant or heavy. The shift from the inner caverns of the winter season to the bright and stimulating external world of spring can feel jarring for this reason.

Equinox signifies a balance point between light and dark, as the sun rises over the equator. It is a time to integrate what we have connected to and learned from in the darkness of winter, while not remaining bogged down in the dark. It is a time to assess the parts of self that will best serve us moving forward. What will elevate us, bring us into higher self/consciousness?

Regeneration requires relationship. What is growing after a period of dormancy and introspection with oneself? What seeds or intentions can be planted now, in the fresh soil of spring? What do you want more of in your life? As with any relationship, this process requires give and take and may not be linear.

Sometimes a spring seed sprouts robustly,

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

TRY THIS NOURISHING OJAS MILK RECIPE TO STAY COZY AND STRONG THIS SEASON: 1 cup milk of choice (almond is fantastic for this) 10 almonds, soaked overnight, peeled and chopped 2 whole dates, chopped 1/4 tsp powdered ginger 1/4 tsp powdered cinnamon 1/4 tsp powdered cardamom 1/4 tsp poppy seeds Pinch of saffron 1. Place all ingredients (except saffron) in a saucepan.

Bring to a low boil.

2. If you like, use a standing blender or immersion blender to blend the mixture to a creamy consistency.

3. Pour in a mug and add a pinch of saffron. Enjoy!

then recedes, then grows again. Sometimes, a new seed is required.

As the external world gets a bit lighter and brighter, nature signals us to follow those cues in our diet and lifestyle. Incorporate light and leafy greens onto your plate, along with spices like black pepper, turmeric and mustard seed. Practice warming, dynamic movement that favors the upper back, chest and arms to stay refreshed and energized.

Practice dry brushing, garshana, this time of year to stimulate lymph and blood flow, break up any lingering stagnation or accumulation in the body and refresh your mind. +

MARISSA ANGELETTI, M.A., LPC, is a somatic therapist, Ayurvedic counselor and therapeutic movement educator and practitioner. She is committed to sharing the spirit-forward practices of Ayurveda and somatics through divine daily rituals. The insight that comes from listening to the body and its innate wisdom is incredibly powerful, and Marissa believes that cultivating a more harmonious connection to the body creates a ripple effect for harmonious connections elsewhere. She has been published in Body, Movement, and Dance in Psychotherapy and Yoga Alliance. Marissa has been featured on The Spirit Sessions podcast with Katie Silcox and is a member of the Shakti School faculty. Find out more at inlokahmotion.com and @inlokahmotion.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

55

wellness / Health

Good Vibrations

Bringing Balance to the Body through Sound

by Jennifer Weintraub

56

are the first known culture to use sound to heal, with the didgeridoo dating back at least 1,500 years. Tibetans are known for their singing bowls and gongs, while Chinese traditions used chanting mantras as healing prayers. Ancient Egyptian and Greek cultures used musical instruments and chants to heal various ailments. But, it wasn’t until the late 20th century that sound healing made its way into Western mainstream culture.

WHAT IS A SOUND BATH? A sound bath immerses the body with vibrations of sound from crystal bowls, gongs, tuning forks, chimes and other musical instruments to create a relaxing meditative experience. Participants are invited to get comfortable with pillows, bolsters and/or blankets.

Sound therapy uses seven crystal bowls that play into the seven chakra energy sources in our body. Each bowl and instrument have a different note and resonate at

a particular frequency, which is used to stimulate and open the energy centers. These frequencies, often known as the Solfeggio Frequencies, date back centuries.

BENEFITS OF SOUND THERAPY Just as certain music brings on an emotional response or crashing waves will have a calming effect, sound plays a huge role in our body’s physiological response. Sound therapy allows the body to relax into a more restful state by lowering anxiety, slowing the heart rate, reducing blood pressure and relieving muscle tension.

The vibrations of sound can move the nervous system from the sympathetic state, which controls fight or flight response, into the parasympathetic state, known as the rest and digest response. When the body is constantly anxious and stressed, the brain reacts from an emotionally triggered state.

By breaking that response, individuals can access their logical brain, which allows for a

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos Courtesy of JENNIFER WEINTRAUB

S

ound is a powerful energetic force that has been used for healing throughout history. Ideally, our energy centers would exist in harmony, but daily build-up of stress and anxiety throw the body out of alignment. Sound therapy aims to restore internal rhythms by using tonal frequencies in order to recalibrate the body’s energy and emotions back into a balanced state.

Kayla Weber, a certified sound healer based in Vail, explains that every organ and bone in the human body generates its own unique resonant frequency. When the body’s frequencies interact with the frequencies in the world around it, it can have a strengthening or dampening effect. Intentional sound vibrations can realign our internal systems on a cellular level to promote health and well-being in the mind and body.

For centuries, cultures around the world have tapped into the healing power of sound. The Aboriginal people in Australia

higher level of thinking and deeper wisdom.

“Our mental chatter can have a profound impact on our day-to-day functioning without us being aware of it. We can get stuck in negative thought patterns that are toxic for our mental well-being. Sound can help break those thought patterns and allow people to move on into something more productive,” says Weber. Participants often claim they had a deep, restful sleep after a sound bath, because they stopped their mental rumination that was keeping them awake.

SURROUNDED BY SOUND “The body is exquisitely sensitive to sound,” writes Kulreet Chaudhary MD, a neurologist, neuroscientist and practitioner of Ayurvedic medicine. In her book, Sound Medicine, How to Use the Ancient Science of Sound to Heal the Mind and Body, she explains how sound is one of the first senses humans develop, from 18 weeks in utero, to one of the last senses we lose before we take our final breath.

“Vibrations can travel through our skin and the fluid and bones within us — just as they do through air — making our entire bodies strikingly receptive to sound vibrations,” Chaudhary explains.

Pressure waves, a component of sound, impact the body beyond what the ears hear, as it passes through the skin and is conducted through the water that makes up 70% of the human body.

So, while we may not feel the physical effects of sound, the intentional melody and vibrations from a sound bath bring the body into a state of harmony from an internal level.

THE EXPERIENCE “The human experience is a spectrum of feelings, emotions and vibrations. My invitation for anyone who goes into a sound bath is to have an open mind and feel the whole spectrum of what comes up,” Weber states.

Intense vibrations envelop the body as a sound healing session begins. Using the gong to clear energetic blockages and the crystal bowls to realign the chakra energies, the frequencies can have a different emotional effect on each person. It can sometimes be an uncomfortable, but necessary, process to let go of what no longer serves you to make room for positive thoughts and feelings.

Relax into the meditative experience and allow the sound waves to heal your mind, body and soul. As author Panache Densai writes, “What you vibrate into your world, the universe echoes back.” +

JENNIFER WEINTRAUB is a wanderlust and communications professional based in Vail, Colorado. She started writing about her travels after college when she lived abroad and explored the world (mostly solo, with a backpack). To fund her travels, she has written for businesses in tourism and construction + design. She loves to chase powder days, pedal miles on her mountain bike and hit the road in her van with her husband, young son and two husky mixes.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

57

wellness / Health

regular, unprotected sexual intercourse or due to an impairment of a person’s capacity to reproduce either as an individual or with his/her partner.

There’s a common misconception that infertility only pertains to the female partner when, in fact, one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner, one-third attributed to the male partner and one-third is caused by a combination of problems in both partners or is unexplained.

NAVIGATING

the World of Infertility

By Sarah Jane Sandy

C

an I let you in on a not-so-little secret? One in eight couples today have trouble getting pregnant and/or sustaining a pregnancy.

Why is infertility such a taboo topic? Unfortunately, there is so much shame and secrecy around the topic that couples tend to keep their journey hidden, under lock and key, until — and if — a successful pregnancy occurs.

Chances are, someone in your life has struggled with infertility. And, the reality is, that someone is probably stronger, braver

58

and more persistent than you’ve given them credit for.

So, let’s talk about infertility: what it is, what causes it and how you can optimize your body for conception when you’re ready.

WHAT IS INFERTILITY? As defined by the International Committee for Monitoring Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ICMART), infertility is a condition characterized by the failure to establish a clinical pregnancy after 12 months of

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO INFERTILITY Each and every step of ovulation and fertilization needs to happen correctly in order to get pregnant. There are many medical conditions that can be the underlying cause of infertility for both men and women. Some of these conditions are simple to diagnose, like hormone imbalances, while others may require an array of additional testing and the expertise of a specialist.

Risk factors such as age, weight, reproductive history, genetics and length of time trying to conceive can have a significant impact on your odds of getting pregnant and having a healthy, full-term pregnancy without any complications.

Unfortunately, your age really does matter when it comes to fertility. At age 30, the average woman's chance of conceiving during any one cycle is 20%. By age 40, that chance drops to a low 5%. Those are some crazy statistics, right? But, remember that the quality of our eggs (reflected by the health and quality of the environment of our bodies) make a significant difference in improving our odds of successful conception no matter what your age.

Weight can also be a major fertility factor; being excessively thin or overweight can lead to infertility problems. Estrogen is partially produced in our fat cells, so too much or too little fat on the body can wreak havoc on estrogen levels.

Being diagnosed with certain high-risk reproductive conditions, such as endometriosis, low ovarian reserve, fibroids, PCOS or a thyroid disorder most definitely affects your fertility health.

NAVIGATING THE JOURNEY If you and your partner have been trying to conceive for a while, then you know that the

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

internet is a dark and scary place. There is so much information out there, both from reputable and not-so-reputable sources, that it can be tricky to navigate what’s really important.

It’s hard to know what’s real and what’s not.

But, here’s what we do know for certain.

Preconception care is essential in preparing your body for a successful, healthy, fullterm pregnancy. The best way to optimize fertility in preparation for pregnancy is to eat a nutrient-dense fertility diet and live in a way that supports the ideal functioning of the reproductive system.

HORMONE TESTING It’s important to know what your hormones are doing and, therefore, what you need to do to regulate and balance these hormones, so you can get in prime baby-making condition before you start trying to conceive. This way, you can target your efforts instead of wasting precious time and energy.

Testing your hormones is an essential piece of the puzzle and understanding any hormone imbalances you might be struggling with is the first step to optimizing your fertility health and getting your body ready for baby-making. Without knowing exactly where your baseline hormone levels are, it’s like playing darts with a blindfold on.

Your fertility, menstruation, libido, weight, mood and cycle are all impacted by your hormone levels.

There are so many hormones that must be in balance to have a healthy cycle, healthy ovulation and a robust sex drive, so you can be in prime fertile condition to conceive easily and have a healthy, full-term pregnancy.

If you’re not being tested for all the various hormones that affect fertility, you are missing critical information about the various factors that may be negatively impacting your fertility health. Healthy ovulation patterns and menstrual cycles, in addition to egg and sperm health, can be disrupted by many imbalances, including thyroid dysfunction, testosterone levels, estrogen/ progesterone ratio and adrenal health.

By testing your hormone levels, you can take the guesswork out of what’s going on with your hormones AND your fertility status.

UPLEVEL YOUR DIET Would your great-grandmother recognize what you’re about to put into your mouth?

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

No? Then don’t eat it. No exceptions. This means avoiding food with long ingredient lists, all refined sugar and refined grains, artificial sweeteners, non-organic meat and dairy products, GMOs, vegetable oils and fake, fast or fried foods.

Start eating high-quality, organic, clean, nutrient-dense, whole foods that you primarily cook yourself at least 90% of the time! I’m talkin’ clean, quality proteins (both plant and animal), tons of healthy fats and oils, eat the rainbow in fruits and veggies and include lots of fermented foods, like sauerkraut, kimchi, kombucha, properly fermented yogurt and kefir.

It’s important for your fertility to purchase the highest quality of food you can find and afford.

REDUCE YOUR TOXIN-LOAD Did you know that research shows exposure to pollutants, pesticides and industrial chemicals can decrease a couple's ability to conceive by up to 29%?

In our modern world, we are exposed to more chemicals than ever before in history.

Unfortunately, many of these chemicals are estrogen-based, meaning your hormone and fertility health are the first to suffer. The majority of chemicals used today are endocrine disrupting and many of them are xenoestrogenic — meaning they mimic estrogen in your body by adhering to estrogen receptor sites on your cells and prevent your body’s production of estrogen from doing its job, as well as increasing your estrogen load. These xenoestrogens disrupt ovulation, create hormonal chaos, stagnate the liver and are linked to infertility and miscarriage.

So, how do we reduce our toxin-load?

Most importantly, clean up your environment. This includes getting rid of chemical-laden personal care products, cleaning products, yard fertilizers and any other product you put on your skin or bring into your home. Eliminate plastic from your kitchen. Don’t drink out of plastic water bottles.

Avoid canned goods, and only buy brands that specify “BPA-free.” Avoid antiperspirants and aluminum-containing deodorant.

Look for cleaning and laundry products that are plant-based, fragrance-free and phthalate-free. Throw away all non-stick, Teflon-type cookware, and cook only in cast iron, stainless steel, glass or ceramic.

HYDRATE LIKE YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON IT Because it actually does. Adequate hydration is essential for literally every function in your body. The goal is to drink at least half your body weight in ounces of clean, filtered water daily, so up your water a few ounces at a time until you've reached that.

Water helps flush toxins from your body, keeps your cells functioning at optimal levels and makes your fertility function happy.

MANAGE YOUR STRESS If you’re constantly stressed out, your body perceives that stress the same as if you were constantly running from a bear. Your environment is not a safe place for a new life, so all unnecessary functions for survival (like your reproductive system) shut down.

Both acute and chronic stress send a signal to the pituitary gland in the brain that your body is in trouble, which slows the release of LH (Luteinizing hormone), the hormone needed to trigger ovulation. Our bodies don’t want us ovulating, and therefore reproducing, in times of stress. Even if ovulation occurs, a shortage of LH can mean a shortage of progesterone, which is necessary to nourish and sustain a fertilized egg.

Reducing stress is one of the most important things you can do to optimize your fertility.

Easier said than done, I know. There are so many factors that are beyond our control, but it’s important to manage what we can control.

Start small; take a daily walk outside to clear your mind, try meditation, deep breathing, yoga or massage. Make time for the things that truly bring you pleasure. One of the best ways to combat the negative effects of stress is experiencing joy.

MOVE YOUR BODY DAILY The main artery that supplies blood to our legs also supplies blood to your uterus, ovaries and vagina. If we sit around a lot, especially if we have a desk job, the blood flow to our uterus may be compromised.

A sedentary lifestyle also contributes directly to weak muscles of the uterus.

Consistent exercise is the first step in optimizing fertility and improving uterine health.

However, you can have too much of a good thing. Too much intense exercise creates stress on the body, taking energy away from the reproductive system.

60 minutes of daily movement — yoga,

59

wellness / Health

THE

PRACTICe

swimming, strength training, hiking, walking, jogging, pilates, biking, etc. — is usually the perfect amount to get your heart rate up, increase circulation to your reproductive organs and help you improve overall physical and mental health.

IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP HABITS Sleep plays a huge role in hormone balance and fertility. When our body is able to get quality sleep day in and day out, it’s able to detox, restore and regenerate. When your quality or quantity of sleep is decreased, your body isn’t able to prioritize rest and repair, and your fertility is the system that is largely affected. Making a baby is not deemed necessary for survival in any way, so when things are off (like poor sleep), your reproductive system is one of the first to shut down.

Disrupted sleep patterns can decrease fertility in both women and men by suppressing ovulation, lowering progesterone levels, causing menstrual irregularity and interfering with healthy sperm development.

Balanced hormones are vital to a healthy menstrual cycle, including proper timing of ovulation. Sleep affects key fertility hormones including estrogen, progesterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone.

Research has found that women getting less than seven hours of sleep are 15% less likely to get pregnant than women who got seven to eight hours. On the other hand, women undergoing a treatment like IVF who got seven to eight hours of sleep were 25% more likely to get pregnant than women who got nine or more.

Aim for a solid seven to nine hours of uninterrupted, restorative sleep per night. No electronics before bed, sleep in complete darkness and keep your space nice and cool to help promote a good night's sleep.

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

yogalifelive.com/thepractice

60

IN A NUTSHELL If you’re on the infertility journey, know that you aren’t alone. I know it takes bravery to speak up, but I encourage you to do it! Share your story, ask for support, seek connection with others who are on similar journeys and — most importantly — be gentle with yourself.

Navigating the world of infertility can be long, lonely and isolating, so do what you can to take care of yourself and get the support and care you need. +

SARAH JANE SANDY is a functional nutritionist, women’s health expert and hormone imbalance survivor. She works remotely with clients all over the world through 1:1 sessions and through her innovative online program, The Fertility Code.

Sarah is passionate about using food as therapy — to heal, transform, change and nourish. She emphasizes the importance of eating whole, nutrient-dense foods and believes these are the keys to unlocking one’s most vibrant self.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

When your children grow, they help you grow and expand, too. As they explore the world around them, you get to learn new things about your inner world as well, perhaps things you haven’t noticed before.

5 WAYS PARENTING

Makes You Braver

by Julie M. Gentile

W

e love our babies long before the plus sign appears on a positive pregnancy test.

When they’re born, we’re changed forever.

Becoming a parent means entering a new season in life — a season that requires significant courage and boldness.

We have to be prepared for the unexpected. We have to show up for anything.

We have to be brave.

There is no braver role than being a parent. Need proof? Just look at the COVID-19 pandemic. Raising the next generation while working remotely during a global crisis in an ever-changing world was not something any parent saw coming.

It’s because of facing the unknown and the many unanticipated moments over these last few years that we’ve learned to become fearless advocates for our

ourselves, our children and the causes that are important to us.

These times have called us to be braver than ever and to draw upon the deepest essence of who we are. Many of us made decisions we may have been too afraid to make before, such as a career change or moving to a new city. Others have needed to make drastic changes to align with new priorities.

Becoming a parent has helped me remember the important things in life and incrementally evolve into who I am and who I am meant to be — the best version of myself: a brave, loving, compassionate, understanding mama teaching her children to carry on these values in their own lives, so they can do their part to help make the world a better place. We can inspire this same bravery and boldness in others. When we’re brave, we give others permission to be brave, too. +

JULIE M. GENTILE helps busy people create better self-care habits as a yoga teacher (RYT 500), author of two award-winning books: 108 Yoga and Self-Care Practices for Busy Mamas and How to Stay Calm in Chaos: An Everyday Self-Care Guide, and creator of the Stand Up for Your Self-Care blog and YouTube Channel. Connect with her @JulieGtheYogi, and sign up for her monthly self-care newsletter Nourish Note at JulieGtheYogi.com.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Your self-awareness is magnified. Kids echo their parents’ behaviors. It’s like looking into a mirror; our children are reflections of our emotions, personalities and tendencies. Raising kids has helped me examine my patterns, such as my tendency to overwork and overdo. I am more aware now of how my behavior and reactions impact my kids’ behaviors.

Your compassion expands. Compassion for others and compassion for yourself increases in a major way. Becoming a parent teaches us to grow selfcompassion, to have kind words, kind thoughts and kind deeds toward ourselves. Thanks to our kids, we learn the value of being just as loving to ourselves as we are to them.

You’re constantly learning. We may think we teach our children life’s lessons, and in many cases we do. However, our children teach us, too. They’re our best guides. Becoming aware of this requires the courage to listen with presence and the readiness to act on what we uncover.

Over the months, years and decades of parenting, we slowly transition into better versions of ourselves. Our kids open our eyes, so we can see more clearly. They open our minds, so we can appreciate different points of view. They open our souls, so that we can know unconditional love. Sometimes, I’m not ready for what my kids are here to teach me because of resistance and old habits, and sometimes, I’m ready to bring on the growth.

You don’t stay static. Life is not static, and neither are we. Although it may look similar day to day when you’re working and raising kids, life is different every day, because there is constant growth and change happening within and around us — even if it’s not visible on the surface. Like nature, we adapt with the fluctuations of the seasons and during our own seasons of life. Even subtle change requires courage.

61

wellness / Inspiration

Conscious Bravery

Becoming an Emotionally Agile Warrior

P

amela Brinker is a Colorado-based integrative psychotherapist, devoted yogi, speaker and author of Conscious Bravery: Caring for Someone with Addiction. Her book was birthed out of her advocacy for people affected by addiction and mental health challenges and her own journey of loss and grief. In the pages, readers will find supportive techniques for walking alongside someone with mental health issues, self-care necessities and personal stories from Brinker.

“I wrote my book for anyone who struggles as they walk alongside someone in the wilderness of substance use issues and mental health [challenges], because it wasn’t available to me 11 years ago when I needed it,” Brinker shares. When her husband passed away 11 years ago, she found herself turning to the techniques she had taught her clients

62

for handling grief. Brinker also had learned how to be a safe place for her loved ones who were experiencing substance use issues and mental health challenges.

Brinker distinguishes conscious bravery from courage. Conscious bravery isn’t a spontaneous act of valor; it’s total awareness of what is happening in a given moment, an understanding of what actions need to be taken and the ability to perform those actions.

“Everyone is born with the seeds of bravery … but it has to be cultivated,” Brinker says. She wrote her book to teach others conscious bravery in a digestible way.

Sometimes conscious bravery is springing into action, while other times it is sitting silently and listening. “Conscious bravery can look like softness, and it can sound like stillness,” Brinker shares. Because conscious bravery is a practice of great awareness, Brinker suggests using a technique she calls the whole-being scan.

It encompasses an understanding of our six realms of experience — the heart, mind, body, essence, intuition and energy.

In Brinker’s whole-being scan, she guides people in assigning one to three words for each of the zones of experience. For example, you may think, “In my heart I feel sad and hopeful. My mind feels scattered; my body feels hot and tense. In my essence, I recognize hopelessness. My intuition is telling me to rest; my energy feels depleted.”

“Each zone might beckon for consideration or response in varying situations,” Brinker writes. In her therapy and yoga, Brinker integrates a myriad of practices for understanding and tending to your six realms. One of the practices is a yoga pose she has termed ‘earth and sky,’ her take on the traditional tadasana (mountain pose).

Standing with your feet grounded and hipwidth apart, reach one hand toward the earth and stretch the other hand toward the sky.

Finding a breath pattern, start swimming

your hands in lateral circles, so that the lower hand moves upward and the higher hand shifts down. To complete the circle, one hand will slide past the crown, third-eye and throat chakras, while the other slides past the root, sacral and solar plexus chakras. Eventually, your hands melt to meet at your center heart chakra, palms facing each other, before completing the circle and once again reaching toward earth and sky. Continue making these circular motions with your hands for as many cycles as you wish.

While preforming earth and sky, meditate on the purpose of gracefully holding opposites. “Anchor in earth, anchor in sky.

Be two places at once, and live in both,” Brinker explains. Conscious bravery often requires us to be strong and gentle simultaneously; it requires us to be an agile warrior (both physically and emotionally, as Brinker points out). Conscious bravery begs us to be adaptable on the spectrum of realities and emotions. “Suffering and happiness can abide compatibly together in your bubble of flexible presence,” Brinker writes.

The whole-being scan is integral to showing up fully for someone in the wilderness of addiction, because you have to take care of yourself before you can pour into others.

Brinker emphasizes that self-care isn’t selfish, and that is it essential to being able to overcome challenges. Brinker compares self-care to the tree of life. She writes, “Care for the tree of your well-being as you would a plant in your home; you water it, nourish it, smile at it, appreciate it and learn to recognize what it needs. Decide that your tree is so important that it’s not an option to wait until it’s withering or injured to tend to it.” +

To learn more about Brinker’s tools, find her book and learn how to become an emotionally agile warrior through conscious bravery, visit bebrave.us.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Pamela Brinker

By kristen grace

THE LOVE AFFAIR WITH MY SCALE

and why we broke up

By Jessica Denton

I

would weigh myself on Fridays. It was the only logical day, since it meant I’d be skinny following a week of restrictive eating.

It was the “high” I needed going into the uncontrollable, yet predictable weekend indulgences. Booze, carbs, late night eating, the typical reward for being “good” Monday through Thursday. I deserved it, right?

I’d shower, shave my legs and dry my hair of any excess moisture. Oh, and don’t forget to pee!

After my usual checklist, I was ready to step on that inanimate object that I, at some point, decided to give power over my emotions. I’d close my eyes, take a breath and open my eyes as I nervously waited for the moment of truth.

What I saw next would completely and absolutely, 100% determine the person I became for the next 72 hours. The number would tell me how to feel about myself. It would determine my mood, what and when I ate next, and what to wear.

A high number meant failure, ugly, fat and unworthy. A low number meant success, beautiful, skinny and desirable. It was horrible. It was like being on an emotional rollercoaster, and I hated rollercoasters.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

I often wondered what would happen if I stopped weighing myself altogether?

Maybe go by the way my clothes felt? Was it possible? I’d only heard of girls doing crazy things like that in magazines. And honestly, I thought it was a myth.

But seriously, what if I stopped? What was I afraid would happen? Easy question, actually. I finally admitted to myself what I was too ashamed to say out loud … to anyone!

“What if I blow up like a blimp overnight?”

I’d been told several times that, as women, our weight fluctuates within about five pounds over the course of a month. Water weight, hormones and digestion. But, for some reason, I didn’t believe it. Not for me.

Fast forward eight years of letting the scale determine my own self-worth.

I couldn’t do it anymore. I was done. I needed out of this relationship.

But, was I strong enough to ditch it?

What did I have to lose? I was already unhappy. What was that “number” really measuring anyway? And, could I really be one of those girls who goes by the fit of her clothes?

Honestly, I was scared to try it. But, I was more terrified of letting this thing that didn’t even have a heartbeat continue to determine my self-worth.

While I admit I failed to stop cold turkey a few times, I’m proud to say I eventually won the battle. One day (I’ll never forget it) I grabbed the scale, stepped outside and chucked it to the ground.

And, let me tell you … it was liberating as hell! That thing would not have power over me anymore.

It took several months for me to allow a scale back into my house. I waited until I was strong enough to have it in my bathroom without feeling pressured to rekindle our toxic relationship.

I imagine it feels like being sober. Sober from the addiction of measuring my internal feelings and worthiness with an external piece of crap.

Now, 12 years sober, I’m happier, calmer and feel more confident and freer than ever.

Ending the love affair with my scale was, hands down, the best decision I ever made for my health — mentally, physically and emotionally.

Now, the few times a year I do weigh myself (which only happens at a physician’s office), I get serious satisfaction out of looking at that number and feeling nothing. Not good. Not bad.

It might sound silly to some, but ending the relationship with my scale was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. But, you know what? I can do hard things. And, so can you! +

JESSICA DENTON lives in Vail, Colorado and works full time in hospitality. Passionate about helping women become happy, healthy and confident. She’s a certified IIN Health Coach, Master Barre Instructor and former fitness studio owner. In her downtime, she loves to golf, bargain shop, organize, and plan her next beach vacation. Her daily nonnegotiables are exercise, coffee and her favorite smoothie.

63

wellness / Recipes

Roasted Chickpea Kale Salad with Tzatziki Dressing Serves 4 Chickpeas 1 15-oz can chickpeas, drained 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp paprika 1/2 Tbsp ground black pepper 1/4 Tbsp cayenne pepper 1/4 tsp salt Tzatziki Dressing 1 cup Greek yogurt 1 cup cucumber, peeled 1 clove garlic 1 Tbsp olive oil Juice of 1/2 lemon Pinch of salt and pepper Dash of dill, optional Salad 2 handfuls chopped kale 1 handful spinach 1/2 cup feta cheese 1/2 small red onion, sliced 2 small tomatoes, sliced A few thin slices of cucumber Optional add–ins: a fried egg; fresh or toasted pieces of pita bread; sliced bell pepper; olives; a touch of hot sauce.

1. Rinse and dry chickpeas, and remove any skins that may come off.

for Winter + Spring compiled By Molly Lento

3. Spread chickpeas onto a greased rimmed baking sheet, and roast at 400 degrees Farenheit for 20 minutes, until lightly browned but not hard. Cool before adding to salad.

4. Combine all dressing ingredients.

L

ive Eat Learn is all about easy, vegetarian recipes suitable for anyone to cook. The kitchen can be intimidating, but these recipes offer guidance and inspiration to try something new. Author Sarah Bond, a Colorado native, has a background in nutrition and sensory science (the study of food as it relates to your senses). Through her cookbook, Bond hopes to break inspiration-less norms in the kitchen.

64

5. In a large bowl, toss together all salad ingredients. Add a few heaping spoonfuls of tzatziki dressing until desired amount is reached.

6. Toss in chickpeas or serve on top.

Eat immediately, and enjoy!

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of Sarah Bond of Live Eat Learn

Plant-Based Recipes

2. Gently toss the chickpeas with oil, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper and salt.

Sweet Potato Cookies Serves 24 2 medium sweet potatoes 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cup rolled oats 1 tsp baking soda 2 tsp ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp salt 1/4 tsp each ground nutmeg, ground cloves and ground ginger 1/2 cup unsalted butter at room temperature 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1 large egg 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. Bring a large pot of water to boil. Peel and chop sweet potatoes into chunks.

Add sweet potatoes to boiling water, and cook for 15 minutes or until fork tender. Drain water and mash potatoes.

3. In a medium bowl, combine flour, oats, baking soda, salt and spices.

4. In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until smooth. Add egg, vanilla and cooled sweet potatoes.

5. Stir flour mix into sweet potato mixture. Fold in chocolate chips.

Spaghetti Squash Alfredo Casserole Serves 4 2 large spaghetti squash 2 cups broccoli florets 2 Tbsp olive oil 1 16-oz jar Alfredo sauce 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut spaghetti squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out seeds. Evenly coat the insides with olive oil. Place cutside down on a baking sheet and prick the outside with a fork. Spread broccoli florets onto the same baking sheet, and coat evenly with olive oil.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

2. Roast for 30 minutes or until squash is fork tender. Broccoli should be lightly browned.

6. Spoon dough onto a greased or parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until slightly crisp on the outside. Let cool for 20 minutes before transferring.

3. Once cooled, scrape the inside of the squash with a fork.

4. In a large bowl, stir together spaghetti squash strands, roasted broccoli, alfredo sauce and 1/4 cup cheese. Pour into a large casserole dish and gently pack into an even layer. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

5. Switch the oven to broil and cook for a few minutes until the cheese has melted golden brown.

65

events / Gatherings

Sedona Yoga Festival Celebrates 10 Years

I

mmerse yourself in the yoga community and the captivating landscape of Sedona Arizona from April 27 to 30, 2023 for Sedona Yoga Festival’s Conscious Evolution Conference. This year, Sedona Yoga Festival celebrates its 10th birthday, and the theme of the milestone festival is Emerge to Imagine.

“Come out, dear ones, and imagine the beautiful, abundant, equitable and just societies that we can co-create, and trust that it may always be even more wonderful than you can imagine. Recognize that, with each breath, you are a part of the whole of creation,” invites Heather Shereé Sanders, SYF producer.

“Our aim with the offerings this year is to support those who show up with the tools to increase awareness of how each unique way of being — each independent action, intention, thought — is responsible to the whole, is interdependent, in that we each affect the outcome for humanity. As we all emerge from what has proven to be a time of deep introspection — shadow

66

work, even — and increased self-awareness, we are anticipating that ‘self’ care begins to take the shape of community care,” Sanders elaborates.

Sanders shares that the conference is more intimate than in years past. Offerings include yoga classes and workshops, mindfulness, metaphysics, sacred chant, sound healing, kids’ yoga, continuing education units, 20-hour trauma-conscious training, excursions into the Coconino National Forest surrounding Sedona and more.

Sedona Yoga Festival boasts diverse offerings and teachers. “We pride ourselves on finding amazing teachers that are not always drawn to the festival circuit and curating a program unlike any other, where each attendee may choose their own adventure from the numerous offerings available on the schedule,” Sanders says. “We always have a huge roster of teachers so that none is deemed more important than the other. It is all the parts that make up the whole, as is acknowledged in this year's theme: Emerge to Imagine.”

If you are ready for transformation and connection with the natural world, SYF is for you. As Sanders says, “The powerful vortex landscape of Sedona amplifies the effects of the practice, especially when we all practice together over a series of days.” +

Learn more at sedonayogafestival.com.

Use the code SYF-YOGALIFE to get 5% off your ticket.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of sedona yoga festival

By Kristen Grace

Sacred Sister Collective Retreats

By Kaitlin Emig

Photos by Kalyja Rain Photography; Angela Perna: Grateful Memories Photography

B

orn from an innately human need for connection and belonging, Kayla Shaw created the Sacred Sister Collective to bring women from all walks of life together in divine ceremony. Shaw is an Integrative Healing Practitioner and Women’s Guidance Facilitator based in Boulder, Colorado. She holds monthly retreats, women’s circles and guided medicine journeys for women to share their stories, heal and connect through love and vulnerability. Throughout these experiences, she provides a sacred space for authentic expression guided by everyone’s real, loving connection.

“Each woman that shows up and bravely shares her story brings something to the space that no one else can — her truth,” Shaw says. “We move with the understanding that each woman is the woman who knows best how to walk her path.”

Sacred Sister Collective started from Shaw’s desire to connect with more women authentically through honest sharing, deep belly laughter, family-style meals and immer-

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

sion in nature. Her first retreat started by booking an Airbnb for 20 women and advertising it on social media. She invited women to share her vision and intention, and within three days, all 20 spaces filled up.

“It was a beautiful reminder for me that there are many women out there who are longing for the same things as me,” she shares.

In a digitally connected world, many communities are found through social media.

Sacred Sister Collective has over 7,600 followers on Instagram, a platform where they advertise their gatherings. Through a space that can feel so isolating, Sacred Sister Collective creates real life experiences for building bonds founded on recognizing the beautiful gifts within each other.

Shaw says she wants attendees to be able to lay down some of those stories that keep them small and for women to feel a sense of peace and honor for who they are and who they've grown to be. The retreats feature family-style dinners, sacred partner work, plant medicine offerings, discussion topics on shame resiliency, forgiveness and

self-love, plus an ecstatic dance.

The retreats are growing in demand enough to be hosted monthly in Nederland, Colorado. They are held in a large log house on 23 private acres of pristine Rocky Mountain forest at approximately 9,000 feet, where wildlife encounters are frequent.

Prices of the three-day, two-night weekend vary depending on the room and include all meals and plant medicine offerings.

For more information about their events visit sacredsistercollective.com or @sacredsistercollective.

UPCOMING RETREATS December 15-18, 2022 January 5-8, 2023 February 16-19, 2023 March 23-26, 2023

67

events / Community Happenings

JANUARY MusicFest Steamboat

23 2022-20 ing er + spr

wint

Steamboat Springs, CO • January 7-12 Saddle up for a weekend of Texan and Americana music with the beautiful backdrop of Steamboat Springs behind you. The Steamboat Springs MusicFest includes over 200 hours of live performances, multiple different venues, discounted skiing experiences and much more.

Learn more online, and check back soon for the 2023 line-up! themusicfest.com

Ouray Ice Festival

Ouray, CO • January 19-22 Though it’s an ice festival of a different sort, Ouray’s celebration is one of the most spectacular. Each year, 3,000 climbers descend on the town to ascend Ouray Ice Park’s milelong frozen gorge while spectators watch in amazement. ourayicepark.com

Rio Frio Ice Festival

NOVEMBER Gobble Wobble Run 5K

Littleton, CO • November 24 Make sure to get out there for the annual Thanksgiving day race at Clement Park in Littleton. The beneficiary is Mental Health of Colorado. gobblewobblerun.com

Creede Chocolate Festival

Creede, CO • November 25-26 The Creede Chocolate Festival showcases luscious samples of chocolate specialties created by local business owners and individuals. creede.com

DECEMBER Telluride Fire Festival

Telluride, CO • December 2-4 With the similar ethos and intention of celebrating community, fire and art in the mountains, Telluride goes all in with a largerthan-life extravaganza meant to support artists and creatives as they perform their visual fire magic. With dynamic art performances offered each evening of the festival, there is something epic and unforgettable available for everyone. telluridefirefestival.org

68

Lighting of Breckenridge & Race of the Santas

Breckenridge, CO • December 3 Come see Breckenridge transformed into a holiday winter wonderland with the Lighting of Breckenridge and the ever-popular Race of the Santas. This year’s event schedule includes a snowman building competition, holiday dog parade, the moose march, free holiday concert and, of course, a chance to meet Santa. gobreck.com

Ugly Sweater 5K

Longmont, CO • December 3 Join in on this fun run in Longmont near Left Hand Brewing Co. Sign-up online and make sure to wear your wackiest sweater! breweryrunningseries.com

Ullr Fest

Breckenridge, CO • December 8-11 Every winter, Breckenridge hosts their annual Ullr Festival, which celebrates snow and tradition mixed with a lot of fun. Come out for this wild event in downtown Breck; it’s one of Colorado’s most unique winter events. gobreck.com

New Year’s Resolution 5K

Denver, CO • December 31 Washington Park’s beloved Resolution Run is a time-honored tradition. Post-race music, food and drinks set your night on an energetic, runner’s-highinduced trajectory. After the race, continue the countdown at one of Wash Park’s neighborhood breweries, like Grandma’s House on Broadway. resolution5k.com

Alamosa, CO • January 27-29 Scavenger hunts, snowman-building contests, the Rio Frio 5K and a fire-and-ice party celebrate winter in Alamosa. rioraces.com

Ullrgrass Festival

Golden, CO • January 27-29 Put on your faux fur and Viking horns for this family-friendly, winter music and beer fest surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountain foothills in Golden. Highlights include the UllrGrass Park Parade, music from local and national bluegrass musicians, and tons of local food and craft vendors. ullrgrass.com

International Snow Sculpture Competition

Breckenridge, CO • January 27-February 1 Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championships presented by Toyota is a worldrenowned snow sculpting competition where teams from around the world descend on the mountain town to hand-carve 25-ton blocks of snow into enormous, intricate works of art. Make sure to come view these incredible sculptures, especially at night when they are lit up! gobreck.com

FEBRUARY NBS Black Ski Summit 2023

Aspen, CO • February 4-11 The NBS Black Ski Summit is an annual event that brings together over 1,500 people of color from all across the country, all in Snowmass/ Aspen for a fun-filled, skiing weekend. allevents.in

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Six Pack Series Winter 4-mile and 5K

Westminster, CO • February 5 & 18 This running series is designed for rookies and seasoned runners alike to improve on their previous times. With six events to choose from, there’s no reason you shouldn’t race! sixpackseries.com

Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival

Steamboat Springs, CO • February 8-12 The Steamboat Springs Winter carnival features ski-jumping competitions, dog-sled pulls, cross-country obstacle races and a spectacular fireworks display. sswsc.org

Rocky Mountain Ski Fest

Beaver Creek, CO • February 10-11 The Rocky Mountain Ski Fest includes an exclusive concert with headliner Old Dominion and an on-mountain activity, all raising awareness and funds for pediatric cancer. Learn more and reserve tickets online. rockymtnskifest.com

Mumbo Jumbo Gumbo Cook-Off

Manitou Springs, CO • February 18 Are you an aspiring gumbo chef or a professional that’s got this nailed down? Join in the fun at gumbo cook-off and show us what you’ve got! If you are better-suited to snacking, then come taste what 20 gumbo chefs have cooked up in the park, and vote for your favorite. manitousprings.org

Banff Mountain Film Festival

Breckenridge, CO • February 24-25 Explore the world of mountain sports, and make your way to the Banff Mountain Film Festival.

Watch the most inspiring and thought-provoking action, environmental and adventure mountain films. The event goes from 6-10 p.m. both days with proceeds supporting BOEC’s programs for adaptive recreation and outdoor education. boec.org

WinterWonderGrass Festival

Durango Bluegrass Meltdown

Whiskey Warm Up

MAY

Steamboat Springs, CO • March 3-5 Bounce between stages that showcase some of the top names in bluegrass and two heated, beertasting tents showcasing 18 Colorado-based craft breweries. Tickets went on sale September 13, so make sure to get them before they sell out and secure your accommodations ASAP. winterwondergrass.com

Estes Park, CO • March 4 Whiskey Warm Up returns in 2023 to celebrate homegrown whiskey distilleries. Sip and sample the finest selections of Colorado whiskeys, listen to live music, peruse and purchase goods from area vendors, and delight in whiskey paired treats. estesparkeventscomplex.com

Frozen Dead Guys Day

Nederland, CO • March 18-20 The 20th Frozen Dead Guy Days (FDGD) is a unique weekend-long festival honoring Grandpa Bredo Morstoel, who is cryogenically frozen in Nederland. Celebrate the season with contests, competitions, live music, great food, parades and parties. frozendeadguydays.com

APRIL Desert RATS Trail Running Festival

Fruita, CO • April TBD The weekend kicks off on Friday night with packet pickup and a food truck dinner hangout.

Saturday is the trail marathon and 50K, followed that night with an outdoor racer party at the Fruita Community Center. Sunday’s events include a 10K, half marathon, kids’ races and a finish line Easter brunch party. geminiadventures.com

Bigfoot Days Festival

Boulder, CO • March 2-5 The Boulder International Film Festival has earned the reputation as one of the most influential young film festivals in the country. The event invites international filmmakers to show their work for an audience full of aspiring filmmakers. biff1.com

Estes Park, CO • April 14-15 Estes Park Bigfoot Days returns celebrating all things Squatchy. This weekend event begins on Friday with the Bigfoot BBQ (a ticketed dinner featuring celebrity guests) and concludes on Saturday with a free outdoor festival in Bond Park. The festival features appearances and talks from Bigfoot celebrities and experts, live music, outdoor themed activities for the entire family, craft and food vendors, a Bigfoot calling contest, area Bigfoot tours and much more! estesparkeventscomplex.com

Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival

Colorado Springs Home Show

MARCH Boulder International Film Festival

Leadville, CO • March 3-5 A fearless skier navigates an obstacle course connected by towrope to a horse and rider galloping at top speed, and it all takes place in the middle of Leadville, in addition to a winter carnival with other snowy activities. leadvilletwinlakes.com

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Colorado Springs, CO • April 21-23 The Colorado Springs Home Show is back.

Explore the latest in home improvement, remodeling, outdoor living and more. Meet with local contractors and remodeling experts, and expect to be inspired. thespringshomeshow.com

Durango, CO • April 21-23 Hang loose over a few nights of bluegrass music that will surely make you do a jig. Share your music or listen to other musicians play in concert settings for all to hear. Multiple venues will be open to host all the talent that is sure to come. durangomeltdown.com

Adventure Fest

Fruita, CO • May TBD Experience the Fruita adventure community by celebrating in this rugged desert known for so many adventure sports: adventure racing, trail running, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, rock climbing and canyoneering. Connect with other adventurers at this annual event that blends competition and community. geminiadventures.com

Meadowgrass Music Festival

Colorado Springs, CO • May TBD Enjoy local music acts at this music festival.

Meadowgrass Music Festival works to promote budding musicians from around Colorado and give them a platform to perform their original musical acts. Make sure to purchase your tickets online when they become available! rockymountainhighway.org

Fruita Fat Tire Festival

Fruita, CO • May 5-7 A fun and fat-tired weekend awaits at the Fruita Fat Tire Festival! Enjoy this bike expo along with live music in Downtown Fruita, food and beer vendors, guided rides and much more. fruitafattirefestival.com

Duck Race Festival

Estes Park, CO • May 6 Make sure to take part in this unique and charitable festival! You can adopt a rubber duck for a fee of $22, and $19 of the proceeds will benefit the charity or organization you select at the time of adoption. The more duck adoptions sold by the individual charities and organizations, the more money they can raise. epduckrace.org

Mountainfilm

Telluride, CO • May 25-29 Be part of an awe-inspiring documentary film festival. Mountainfilm showcases nonfiction stories about environmental, cultural, climbing, political and social justice issues. Watch great films, listen to riveting interactive talks and engage in free community gatherings. mountainfilm.org

69

partners / YOGA + Life Ambassadors

1

2

3

4

5

3. KELSEY FOSTER

YOGA + Life®

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

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

70

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

4. SHERRIE GIUSTO Sherrie Giusto is the founder and owner of Open Door Yoga Studio in Coconut Grove, Florida. Raised in Miami, she started her fitness journey as a nationally ranked tennis player. Sherrie has been teaching all forms of fitness for over 30 years, including owning her own studios together with hosting yoga retreats in Colorado.

This mother of three grown children and grandmother now shares the gift of yoga through her teachings in Miami, Colorado and via her online platform. Her mantra is “Yoga with a Heart.”

5. RACHEL GLOWACKI Rachel Glowacki is a yoga teacher, writer and thought leader in the kids yoga field.

She specializes in mindful movement for all ages and abilities and has been teaching since 1999. She's an award-winning author of the Kids Yogaverse storybook apps. Rachel hopes that one day mindful movement will be taught regularly in schools just like math and science! She believes that a calm brain is a learning brain and a healthy body is a happy body, principles she shares with her students young and old. Rachel lives with her husband and two sons in Edwards, Colorado.

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

6

9

7

10

8

11

The YOGA + Life Ambassador program highlights a diverse group of individuals in the health + wellness industry.

This group is up to big things in this world! We are thrilled to help spread the word on their inspiring + passionate contributions.

6. DYLAN HOWLEY

8. JENN SMYTH

10. TONI VINEY

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

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

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

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

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

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

Shari lives to play and plays to live!

11. AMY ZELLMER Amy Zellmer is the publisher and editor-inchief of MN YOGA + Life®. She is an awardwinning author, keynote speaker and brain injury survivor. She has her 200-hour RYT and is a level two Reiki practitioner. Amy is passionate about increasing awareness around yoga accessibility and believes that every body can do yoga. She is addicted to Starbucks, chocolate and HomeGoods, and loves all things glittery and pink!

71

partners / Directory

Amazing Brains

41184 US-6 Unit 210 Avon, CO amazingbrains.com 970.343.2709

Ayurvedic Protein

The world's first plant-based protein powders rooted in 5,000-year-old wisdom and healing tradition. ayurvedicprotein.co

Anya Yoga

418 S. 8th St. Colorado Springs, CO anyayogaco.com 719.439.8619

Be Free Healing Center 1006 Spring Creek Ln. Fort Collins, CO befreehealing.com 970.286.4447

Better Buzz Yoga

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

BODY of Santa Fe

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

Bookworm of Edwards

295 Main St. Edwards, CO bookwormofedwards.com 970.926.7323

Buffalo + Sparrow Yoga Collective

People-informed/trauma-sensitive yoga teacher trainings, continuing education + ongoing classes. buffaloandsparrow.com info@buffaloandsparrow.com

Celebrant Institute & Foundation

Training individuals to become a become a certified Life-Cycle Celebrant®. celebrantinstitute.org 973.746.1792

Chill Angel

Merino wool sleepwear + loungewear. chillangel.com

Color Up

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

Dana Knerl - Holistic Healing Guide 20 Eagle Rd. Avon, CO danaknerl.com 970.390.7999

72

Desert Dose

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

Drinking Vessels

Hanuman Festival

Yoga. Music. Celebration. hanumanfestival.com

High Country Healing

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

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

Drishti Beats

Hippie Soul Yoga

Yoga teacher trainings, workshops + festivals. drishtibeats.com

hippiesoulyogastudio.com 719.285.9642

Drunken Goat

+ Falcon Studio 7646 McLaughlin Rd. Peyton, CO

56 Edwards Village Blvd.

Suite 103 Edwards, CO drunkengoatco.com 970.926.1393

EarthCharmer

Divinely Inspired Meditation Tools earthcharmer.com 970.236.6188

Endorphin

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

Exhale to Inhale

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

Forever Young Yoga + Wellness

Stretching, flexibility and mobility coaching.

Striving to improve others' quality of life through a holistic lens of a physical, mental and spiritual practice. foreveryoungyogaandwellness.com @forever_young_yoga_wellness 303.594.8477

Garden of the Gods Resort & Club 3320 Mesa Rd. Colorado Springs, CO gardenofthegodsresort.com 719.632.5541

GOAT Training

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

Gravity Haus Vail

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

+ Interquest Studio 1828 Spring Water Point, Suite 130 Colorado Springs, CO

Holistic Yoga School

9144 Glade Rd. Loveland, CO holisticyogaschool.com 970.412.4114

Hovey & Harrison

56 Edwards Village Blvd.

Unit 120 Edwards, CO hoveyandharrison.com 970.446.6830

Inner Peace Yoga Therapy

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

JalaBlu Yoga & Collective Healing 301 East 301 East Main St. Unit #260 Buena Vista, CO jalablu.com 303.807.5138

Kaiut Yoga Boulder

kaiutyogaboulder.com 720.696.0401 + 4800 Baseline Rd. #D206 Boulder, CO + 1630 Dry Creek Dr. Ste. 200 Longmont, CO

Kintsugi Yoga

1242 York St. Denver, CO kintsugiyoga.org

Liz Layne Yoga

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

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Local Revival

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

Lotus Network

It’s never too late to rediscover your potential. lotusnetwork.org

Loveology Retreat

941 Lockwood Valley Rd. Maricopa, CA loveologyretreat.com 1.877.405.6838

Maine YogaFest

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

Miraflora Naturals

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

Mountain Soul Yoga

56 Edwards Village Blvd.

Unit 204 Edwards, CO mountainsoulyoga.com 970.446.6485

New Mexico School of Yoga 4600 Copper Ave. NE Albuquerque, NM nmschoolofyoga.com 505.697.8507

Nurture

2949 Federal Blvd.

Denver, CO visitnurture.com 303.390.1252

Nurtured by Nature Forest Therapy

Wellness practitioner combining various therapeutic practices to provide a variety of emotional coping mechanisms and healing on a physical, emotional, mental and spiritual level.

231.750.6467 Open Door Yoga 2801 Florida Ave. Suite 20 Miami, FL opendooryoga.com 305.496.7619

Osmia Organics

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

Revolution Power Yoga

101 Fawcett Rd. Avon, CO revolutionpoweryoga.com 970.478.3176

Ridgway Yoga Shala

540 Sherman Ave. Ridgway, CO ridgwayyogashala.com 970.218.4799

Samari Works

Meditation + Art Experiences hello@samariworks.com samariworks.com

Sedona Yoga Festival

Sedona, AZ sedonayogafestival.com info@sedonayogafestival.com

Shine Intuitive Beauty

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

Soul Tree Studio

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

Sunward Jewelry

Handmade, casual, lightweight leather and metal jewelry, laser engraving and custom hat design. Inspired by way of the sun. sunwardjewelry.com

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

Urban Sanctuary 2745 Welton St. Denver, CO usdenver.com 303.993.2420

Vail Public Library 292 W. Meadow Dr. Vail, CO vaillibrary.com 970.479.2187

YoBucha

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

Yoga Mountain Shadows

4663 Centennial Blvd.

Colorado Springs, CO yogamountainshadows.com 719.799.6697

Yoga Off Broadway

717 Sylvan Lake Rd. Eagle, CO yogaoffbroadway.com 970.328.9642

Yoga Teacher Conf

Elevating, educating and inspiring yoga teachers around the globe through affordable continuing education, community support and connection. info@yogateacherconf.com yogateacherconf.com 281.685.2601

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

The Body Bar

6662 Gunpark Drive Suite 200 Boulder, CO thebodybar.us.com 303.665.2242

Pamela Brinker

The Yoga Expo

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

985 Albion St. #100 Denver, CO trufusion.com 303.999.0655

Telluride Yoga Festival

2607 Dolores Way Carbondale, CO osmiaorganics.com 970.510.6610 Author, speaker + advocate for those affected by addiction and mental health challenges. Conscious Bravery book available now on Amazon. pamelabrinker.com

TruFusion

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

Annual Partners receive advertising discounts and other great benefits.

CONTACT: bobby@coyogalifemag.com to learn more.

73

namaste

YOU’LL NEVER WALK ALONE When you walk through a storm Hold your head up high And don't be afraid of the dark At the end of a storm There's a golden sky And the sweet silver song of a lark Walk on through the wind Walk on through the rain For your dreams be tossed and blown Walk on, walk on With hope in your heart And you'll never walk alone You'll never walk alone Walk on, walk on With hope in your heart Photos by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

And you'll never walk alone You'll never walk alone Show tune from the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Carousel.

74

YOGALIFELIVE.COM