CO YOGA + Life® - Summer/Fall 2019

SUMMER + FALL 2019

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

TREATING DEPRESSION

WITH TMS THERAPY TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION (TMS) IS A PROCEDURE THAT USES MAGNETIC FIELDS TO STIMULATE NERVE CELLS IN THE BRAIN TO IMPROVE SYMPTOMS OF DEPRESSION. TRANSCRANIAL MAGNETIC STIMULATION MAY BE TRIED WHEN OTHER DEPRESSION TREATMENTS HAVEN’T WORKED. TMS IS HELPING PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM DEPRESSION, FOR WHOM ANTI-DEPRESSANTS AREN’T WORKING, FIND HOPE AND REMISSION. ➤ TMS is FDA Approved for the clinical treatment of depression. ➤ TMS offers a noninvasive, drug free way to stimulate the brain with very few, minor side effects. ➤ Patients have seen > 80% response and remission vs < 7% when on a third Rx trial. ➤ TMS Solutions has the distinction of becoming the first civilian facility in the United States to have validation within the VA system and receive the protocol developed by Naval doctors on the east and west coasts for the clinical treatment of PTSD using the Neurostar technology. TMS Solutions is excited to now be able to treat Veterans for PTSD using this protocol.

DEPRESSED BRAIN

NON-DEPRESSED BRAIN

TMS THERAPY IS ABOUT CHANGING LIVES...

AND IT’S ABOUT REGAINING YOURS A PET scan measures vital functions such as blood flow,

MAJOR DEPRESSION IS(glucose) A BRAIN DISEASE oxygen use, and blood sugar metabolism.

Source: Mark George, M.D. Biological Psychiatry Branch Division of Intramural Research Programs, NIMH 1993.

Refer to the two images below. The image on the left, is a depressed brain and the image on the right is a non depressed brain. As mentioned above, the Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) device uses a targeted pulsed magnetic field, similar to what is used in a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) machine to stimulate those areas of the brain that are under active in the depressive condition, all while the patient is wide awake and alert

BRAIN ACTIVITY IS REDUCED IN DEPRESSION. Practice Logo

Ask Practice Name if NeuroStar is right for you at (000) 000-0000

Source: Mark George, M.D. Biological Psychiatry Branch Division of Intramural Research Programs, NIMH 1993.

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

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

YOGA + Life® MAGAZINES Juli Rathke - Founder/Publisher CO YOGA + Life® OWNER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Fuller

across a global network of reforestation projects.

CO YOGA + LIFE® OWNER + DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS Bobby L'Heureux

LEARN MORE AT PRINTRELEAF.COM

CO YOGA + LIFE® CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chelsea Connolly CO YOGA + LIFE® EDITORIAL MANAGER Lexi Reich

photo: flickr.com/nicholas_t | CC BY

CONTRIBUTORS Juli Rathke, Kim Fuller, Bobby L’Heureux, Lexi Reich, Adam Williams, Sandy Ferguson Fuller, Karstee Davis, Marita Provus, Carrie Varela, Angela Muzic, Mary Gavin, Kaity Rose, Jessica Heaney, Katie Coakley, Lisa Blake, Hali Love, Julia Clarke, Marie-Piere Belisle-Kennedy, Wendy Wilkinson, Dr. Jonathan Bloch, Jennie Lee, Dr. Penny Wilson, Tiffany Lord

PHOTOGRAPHY + ART Elise Holmes, Kim Fuller, Juli Rathke, Todd Braley, Luke Dahlgren, ARISE Music Festival, Eagle Climbing + Fitness, Christian Murdock, Jean Jullien, Motoki Tonn, Kathleen Mortland Photography, Michell Milbauer, Molly McCormick Photography, Shelle Lenssen, The Sonnenalp, Lila Baghzouz, Paul Rennick, Lori Barsamian, Craig Turpin, Dr. Jonathan Henry Bloch, Angela Muzic, Daiga Ellaby, Andressa Voltolini, Mt. Princeton Hot Springs, WUB Gathering, Farm Fusion, Kurt Eherenman, Wallace Taylor, Filip Zrnzevic, Avid4 Adventure, Colorado Teardrops, Roofnest, Travel Alberta, Paul Tellefsen, AV Wakefield, Eric Berger, Jeramie Vaine, Miguel Maldonado, Christin Hume, Jess Watters, Cyrus Gomez, Lee-Myungseong,Tyra Sutak Ink & Images, Dining Al Fresco on Larimer, The Mindful Vine, DJ Pierce, Thao Le Hoang

REGIONAL SALES Bobby L’Heureux NATIONAL SALES Juli Rathke, Bobby L'Heureux SUBSCRIPTIONS Please subscribe to our magazine at www.yogalifelive.com/colorado ADVERTISING CO Office: 860.230.8650 | National Office: 815.414.YOGA (9642) bobby@coyogalifemag.com | www.coyogalifemag.com FEATURES If you would like us to consider you as a contributor, contact us at kim@coyogalifemag.com AFFILIATE OPPORTUNITIES YOGA + Life® Magazine juli@yogalifemagazines.com | 815.414.YOGA (9642) www.yogalifelive.com COVER Cover illustration by Elise Holmes 2019 CO 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 make 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 editor / Summer + Fall

DEAR READERS,

I

’m writing these words to you in the spirit of connection. I compose them and you read them — a simple exchange that I can already feel will create a more intricate weave between us. I believe this is where unity begins … seek a space of sharing, move toward it and fill it in.

In April of this year, our cover artist, Elise Holmes, shared the initial sketch of her “Unity” illustration with me via text. Did I feel her vulnerability? Of course I did. A week or so later, she sent Bobby and I a photo of her work — still half an outline and half graced with color.

Art, I’ve come to realize, is as much about the process as the completion as the interpretation. As I write this now, I am actually

not certain how our cover will fully emerge, but my heart is sure it will be beautiful and speak to each reader in a unique way.

Trust, you see, is another element of unity. From the writer to the reader, from the artist to the critic, if we don’t allow the opportunity to experience what is written or what is drawn, we will never truly connect.

Just as judgment pulls us apart, curiosity can bring us together.

Have you ever unveiled or sent a creation into the world for someone to see or for many to experience? This brave act reveals a piece of your soul to others and opens up a gateway for learning and association, empathy and community. All the writers, photographers, businesses and artists who contribute to this magazine have something to share.

And so do you.

From these pages and beyond, may we continue to embrace UNITY wholeheartedly from a space of courage, faith and love.

In Gratitude, Kim Fuller, Owner + Editor-In-Chief kim@coyogalifemag.com

photos by: kim fuller

Based in Vail, Colorado, KIM FULLER s a freelance writer, editor and photojournalist in addition to her role at CO YOGA + Life®. She is also a yoga teacher, ambassador for Lolë and Lululemon, and co-founder of In Your Element, a yoga and outdoor adventure company. Kim has been published in a number of national publications and is the co-founder of Jaunt Media Collective, the company behind CO YOGA + Life® and Spoke+Blossom. 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 www.kimfullerink.com and follow her on Instagram a @lifeinfull.

COYOGALIFEMAG.COM

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contents / Summer + Fall

UNITY 7 LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

CONTENTS

Unity starts here, by Kim Fuller

10 ABOUT THE COVER

Artist Elise Holmes

13 TEAM CO YOGA + LIFE

The people behind the publication

PROFILES

CO influencer // teachers + leaders // studios

14 COLORADO INFLUENCER

24

Yoga With Goose: Ashley “Goose” Cameron

17 TEACHERS + LEADERS

+ Gina Murdock + Tierro Lee 20 STUDIOS

+ Eagle Climbing + Fitness

+ Root Center for Yoga + Sacred Studies 22 RETREATS + TEACHER TRAININGS

Special directory of what’s coming up

LIFESTYLE

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

24 “IMAGINE”

An expression of deep love for humanity + its future

25 ONE BOOK ONE VALLEY

38

Uniting readers, books + ideas

26 ARTIST SPOLIGHT

Dango Rose

28 FOODIE EVENTS

Delicious experiences to share

30 RISE COLLABORATIVE WORKSPACE

Uniting female professionals 31 THE ROOT KAVA New addition to the Boulder community

32 TRAVEL

+ Vail + Snowmass getaways + travel goodies

+ Find splendor this season in New Mexico

+ Lexi Reich writes on true wellness and sustainabilty in Costa Rica

40 WHAT WE LOVE

Our favorite things for Summer + Fall

42 VAIL VALLEY WELLNESS

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An oasis of self-care in the mountains YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos courtesy of: Lori Barsamian ; Jean Jullien

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YOGA + FITNESS

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

44 POSES FOR PREGNANCY

Carrie Varela shares her moves + modifications

48 INDOOR FITNESS FOR OUTSIDE

Some adventure prep is done in the gym

50 UNITING LOVE + PRESENCE

When grief brings us together

52 SHIVA + SHAKTI

Unite the masculine and the feminine

54 IN ALIGNMENT

Balance your well-being

56 RETREAT TO WELLNESS

Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort

58 WUB GATHERING

Coming together consciously

OUTSIDE

ayurveda // health // inspiration // food

74 BACK TO THE ROOTS

Julia Clarke digs deep

76 CBD MASSAGE

Cannabis services at Colorado spas

78 HELP WITH CHRONIC PAIN

How your yoga practice can heal

80 MORE THAN JUST A HEADACHE

How yoga can help migraines

fresh air // environment // adventure // gear

82 LET’S TALK ABOUT LOVE

60 OPEN UP + SAY “OMMMM”

Farm Fusion in Fort Collins

62 DIGITAL DOWNTIME

Get off the grid 64 PRESENCE. POLLUTION.

PLASTIC. YOGA.

How we stay connected

66 AVID4 ADVENTURE

Kids, go outside + play

67 GO GLAMPING

Colorado Teardrops + Roofnest

68 ADVENTURE IN BANFF Photo courtesy of: avid4

WELLNESS

Outside fun in Canada

70 SUP WITH YOUR PUP

Take your best friend on the water

72 GEAR GUIDE

Goods for Summer + Fall

COYOGALIFEMAG.COM

And how to make it your life philosophy

84 RECIPE BOOK

Presented by First Bite

90 UNITE THROUGH FOOD

Five ways to connect

EVENTS + DISTRIBUTION Colorado fun

92 GATHERINGS

+ Gourmet On Gore

+ First Bite

+ Telluride Yoga Festival 94 EVENT LISTINGS

Summer + Fall fun throughout the state

96 DIRECTORY

CO YOGA + Life® Distribution Partners

98 NAMASTE

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Q +A

profiles / About the Cover

Spotlight COVER ARTIST

Elise Holmes

Co-Owner of Vela Apparel 10

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

CO YOGA + LIFE®: TELL US ABOUT THE DESIGN PROCESS FOR THE ILLUSTRATION ON THIS COVER. The process is so fun for custom pieces.

With any of my more custom designs, I love the collaboration process. For this cover, taking the time to discuss ideas with Kim and Bobby made the vision shape from the very first conversation. By understanding what the theme and goals are for the cover, I can start to shape images in my mind of what could be done. From there I can try to articulate, but also sketch out initial thoughts. Using my iPad Pro and Apple Pencil I can then show a rough sketch of my thoughts. From there, I can modify and adjust before going deeply down my creative rabbit hole. Once we all can see the vision a bit, I can put my headphones on and dive in.

I draw initially all in my iPad. I have been a graphic designer for a decade now and being able to change and shift and try different directions easily allows for my vision to become better than it would if I used a pen and paper. Once the main drawing is complete, I can then take the artwork into the computer and add color layers and the logo elements for the magazine to make it all come together. Doing works like this truly is so much fun, it combines so many passions of drawing in my style, yoga, meditation, animals, nature and design.

HOW DID YOU USE THE THEME OF UNITY TO CREATE INSPIRATION FOR THE ILLUSTRATION? Here in Colorado, this is the theme to so many areas in our lives. We live here or move here for the mountains, the climate, the sunshine, the snow. There is an inherent connection between nature, our spiritual practices and how we live our lives here. I only had to look to my own feelings of Colorado, of yoga and of life to make this piece come to life.

YOU ARE A SEASONED YOGA AND MEDITATION TEACHER AND PRACTITIONER. HOW DO YOU THINK THAT MAY HAVE INFLUENCED THE ART? Something I tell myself every time I create is “trust you can create what you feel.” This helps guide my design, and know when the design, painting, logo or whatever I am working on is going in the right direction.

COYOGALIFEMAG.COM

We live here or move here for the mountains, the climate, the sunshine, the snow.

There is an inherent connection between nature, our spiritual practices and how we live our lives here.

I only had to look to my own feelings of Colorado, of yoga, and of life to make this piece come to life.

It then takes moments of deep breaths, movement and meditation to get through the parts that don't seem to work. Kinda like life in a way. Also knowing I had the trust of the CO YOGA + Life team, and that the vision was aligned allowed for my creativity to just flow out.

WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY MOST EXCITED ABOUT? My clothing line, Vela Apparel with my husband Matt, is getting ready for our busy summer season. Now with a store in Avon, Colorado, and all of the fun summer markets where we get to meet so many amazing people, we are just so excited to be connected to the Colorado community, and get to find more inspiration for my artwork. Now that I get to create full time we have so many fun new items and projects in the works including custom yoga pants, tops and art prints. So if you are up in the mountains, come say hi at a market or at our shop! +

www.velaapparel.com

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w w w.Wa a U v. c o m

COMING TO YOU FALL 2019 Interviews & Podcasts Holistic Health Mind Mistakes Family Wellness The Daily Struggle Mental Health Inspirational Stories and more + Hosted by: Juli Rathke, founder Y+L Magazine®, #ExpertsClub and WāUv™

An ONLINE Event +

(LIVE TO RECORDED)

<<Sign Up Now>>

w w w . W a a U v . c o m

profiles / Behind the Pages

CO YOGA + Life®

meet the team

KIM FULLER Owner + Editor-In-Chief

BOBBY L’HEUREUX Owner + Director of Partnerships

Based in Vail, Colorado, Kim is a freelance writer, editor and photojournalist in addition to her role at CO YOGA + Life®. She is also a yoga teacher, ambassador for Lolë and Lululemon, and co-founder of In Your Element, a yoga and outdoor adventure company. Kim has been published in a number of national publications and is the co-founder of Jaunt Media Collective, the company behind CO YOGA + Life® and Spoke+Blossom. See more of her work at www.kimfullerink. com and follow her on Instagram @lifeinfull.

At the heart of his work, Bobby thrives on community and connection. As cofounder of Jaunt Media Collective, the company behind CO YOGA + Life® and Spoke+Blossom, 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 an ambassador for Lululemon and Lolë, and his yoga classes are always led with a big smile and a relaxed demeanor. www. bigheartbighands.org

COYOGALIFEMAG.COM

CHELSEA CONNOLLY Creative Director With a cultivated eye for design, Chelsea's work has been influencing luxury publications and brands for over a decade. 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®, 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 Colorado outdoors, live music, yoga, entertaining, traveling the world and spending time with her husband and two young sons.

Follow her on Instagram @thechelseaconnolly.

JULI RATHKE YOGA + Life® Founder + Publisher When Juli was in 8th grade she knew she wanted to influence in a big way and had the dream (among many) of becoming a magazine editor. Well, she did more than that. She has been publishing magazines since 2002 and is the founder of the YOGA+Life® brand.

In addition, she is a multifaceted business woman, author, speaker and influencer bridging the gap between the yoga and business worlds. Follow her IGTV musings and see what’s next as there is always more with her family adventures, her entrepreneurs' #ExpertsClub and world travels at @julirathke or www.JuliRathke.com.

LEXI REICH Editorial Manager After experiencing a yoga ashram nestled in the mountains of Colorado, Lexi became enthralled in the practice of yoga and meditation, and earned her yoga teacher training at the sacred space this past year. Originally from Chicago, Lexi loves the holistic lifestyle she found in Colorado, and combining this passion with her writing is what makes her truly happy.

As a Journalism and English major at the University of Colorado Boulder, Lexi spends most of her time reading novels and writing for her poetry and reporting classes. Besides this, you can find her hiking or traveling. Follow her on Instagram @lexi_reich.

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profiles / Colorado Influencer

Lexi Reich Editorial Manager

Yoga WITH GOOSE TRAUMA-INFORMED YOGA FOR VETERANS

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W

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos by: Todd Braley

By

hen yoga instructor Ashley “Goose” Cameron cued her class into tree pose, she saw the eyes of one of her students grow wide with anxiety. He had been attending the Thursday night veteran yoga classes for 18 months, and balancing postures still wreaked havoc for him. For one thing, he struggled with Parkinson’s disease.

But even more troubling was the flood of emotions that seemed to come pouring into his body each time he entered tree pose.

“When trauma releases, the body starts to change,” says Goose.

That night, she stepped in front of his mat, meeting his gaze. As he raised one foot and lifted his arms long like branches, he trembled, but a smile spread across his face. He grew taller, his foot firmly rooted.

Goose had never seen him hold the pose for so long.

Veterans like this one attend Goose’s weekly classes at Yoga-V in Grand Junction, Colorado, not only because they are free, but because Goose is the only trauma-informed yoga teacher in the area who is also a veteran herself. This unspoken understanding, she says, immediately bonds her with her students, creating a safe space for veterans to be vulnerable in the healing process of yoga.

Goose completed yoga teacher training after medically retiring from the Navy in January of 2015. A long road of recovery from physical and emotional damage led her to where she is now: healing an underserved population of veterans with service yoga. Goose has worked with nearly 200 veterans in her two years of teaching in Colorado, and says the number grows each week.

Yoga has become one of the most commonly used complementary therapy approaches in the U.S., according to a study by the U.S. National Library of Medicine on post-traumatic stress disorder.

Crystal Woolen, another student of Goose’s, can see why. As a veteran herself, she values Goose’s attention to yoga as therapy. Trauma-informed yoga is really people-informed yoga, where the healing is not centered just on the physical body, but the emotional and spiritual aspects as well.

“In her class, I didn’t find my physical limitations, other’s expectations or even the

stereotypical concept of yoga important,” says Woolen. “I found space for myself to grow. I can be strong, vulnerable and hopeful on my mat. Goose taught me that.”

Often left feeling isolated from society following their experience in the military, veterans connecting and healing from trauma in a communal yoga space gives meaning to the essence of yoga: union.

Goose’s father, a Navy veteran, had deeply instilled in her one thing as a child — service — service to others, to your country, to people in need, for a higher cause, for a higher purpose. Now she views yoga as a service, one for those who have served their country.

In November of 2004, Goose, at age 23, walked into a recruiting office in Oregon.

She enlisted in the military five minutes later.

A fourth generation Navy, she made it clear her decision was final. She served for almost 10 years, providing medical care to the Navy and Marines, and also teaching basic life support and preventative medicine to medical professionals in over eight foreign countries including the Philippines and Vietnam.

Her first year was spent working in ordnance, where she was the only female in a department of 100 to 200 men. In her later career, she never worked in a group with more than three women. Surrounded by young men, Ashley Cameron became the “Mama Goose,” making sure her colleagues were wearing sunscreen and drinking water.

Many men who couldn’t afford to fly home ate holiday meals at Goose’s dinner table.

“And now everyone just calls me ‘Goose.’”

COMBAT + SURRENDER As Goose put it, she went from combat in the Navy to combat in her home. She had been with her husband at the time, who was post active duty military, for six years and they were in the middle of a messy divorce.

They have two children, but Goose describes him as “not a family man.” One night in February of 2013, Goose was finally ready to leave the unhealthy marriage. The “time bomb went off,” she says, and the argument escalated. It ended with Goose suffering a traumatic brain injury from her then-husband trying to kill her.

After that night, it wasn’t just her brain that was forever changed.

Goose has full custody of her children and a restraining order against her COYOGALIFEMAG.COM

ex-husband. Aside from her diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury, Goose suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and post-traumatic headaches.

“My TBI works as an angry beast with PTSD. When they work together, they work against you together,” says Goose.

She was sent to Balboa Hospital in San Diego to recover and serve limited duty.

During this difficult time, someone from the WII (Wounded Ill and Injured) Clinic suggested that she try yoga. Goose rolled her eyes and laughed. As a tomboy, the image of blonde California yoga girls on Instagram didn’t appeal — she didn’t think she could do it.

Nevertheless, Goose found herself in her very first yoga class on a Thursday in January 2014 with fellow wounded warriors at Del Mar Beach. The tide was high that day, so the class was held inside at Lifeguard Station 17.

The first class didn’t click. She went through the motions and the yoga teacher told her to breathe, but Goose couldn’t close her eyes — she wasn’t ready to give in. Goose was there just to show the doctors she was better so she could go back to serving full time duty.

Goose finally got a taste of that centering in her fourth Thursday class, which was held on the beach this time. She started to pay more attention to what her teacher was really saying about being present and bringing awareness to the body. Breathe.

Soften. Release.

The teacher cued a headstand, and Goose flipped upside down despite the hematoma on the right side of her head, and also despite her OCD of sand getting everywhere. It was the first time she had been upside down since her TBI. After she came down from the pose, the teacher cued the students to be still and quiet.

Goose stared at the ocean, then the tiny grains of sand brushing with the wind. For those few meditative moments, Goose’s mind became still — she was present. She noticed.

She noticed the black and brown colors of sand, how the waves roll in and crash against the shore, sometimes spraying her face. Her constant need to be on guard and protect herself softened as she let go.

Release. By the end, tears were streaming down her face.

Goose and her two kids had been afraid

Goose’s father, a Navy veteran, had deeply instilled in her one thing as a child: service — service to others, to your country, to people in need, for a higher cause, for a higher purpose.

Now she views yoga as a service — one for those who have served their country.

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profiles / Colorado Influencer

to leave their home without someone they trusted following her ex-husband’s attack.

She always had keys in her car and a bag packed had they needed to leave at a moment’s notice. This was their life. She realized how detached she had become from everything, including her kids, and that there was time to change.

That night after class, she delved into research on yoga. She learned about people recovering from injuries through the practice. With traumatic cases, the body is constantly in “fight or flight mode,” she discovered. She knew that committing to the breath and slowing the hormonal messengers down was one way to ease PTSD. Goose saw that yoga could offer the emotional healing that physical therapy missed.

Goose and her kids created a makeshift yoga space in their living room. They played, flowed and reconnected. Yoga allowed Goose to “ … peel back the layers and be truly authentic with [her] kids.” She started to let them see her cry, have headaches, be in pain and be human.

Her daughter, 4 years old at the time, told her mom to “just keep breathing.”

But even with yoga in her life, Goose’s TBI was debilitating. She had fully intended to spend her whole career serving in the Navy, but instead she was sent home with a lifetime disability paycheck.

TEACHING THE ART The space her favorite yoga teacher, Anthony Chavez, held for her in class at LifePower Yoga was exceptionally special. He kept her grounded and on the mat — he allowed her to just be.

In a conversation after class one day, Chavez told her to better serve others, she needed to first serve herself. That meant deepening her practice so she could share it. He gave her the studio’s teacher training scholarship because he believed in her. Tears rolled down both of their cheeks. One week later, Goose was in yoga teacher training.

Memorizing yoga poses was challenging for Goose’s injured brain. But in this she found gratitude, because she learned she could teach in an authentic way from the heart moment-by-moment without having to rely on memorization. Goose said she’s

16

grateful for her TBI. Because of it, she has become more mindful and in-tune with her own needs and feelings.

“I wouldn’t change anything. This is who I am right now,” she shares. “I’m just here, going through my journey, living life how it comes. I’m not concentrating on what could’ve been different.”

Following her teacher training, it was time to move back to her birthplace of Colorado from California for a fresh beginning in June 2016. She marched straight to the VA (Veterans Affairs) and asked if they had a yoga program. They did, but it was more clinical, physical-body centered.

Rob Schware, a trauma-informed yoga teacher and founder of The Give Back Yoga Foundation, says with trauma-informed classes, “There is more attention paid to creating a safe environment for people.” For example, he says, the room may be set up so that they can see the door, bright lights and strong smells such as incense would not be used, and the class would have little to no touching or assisting because some people may feel violated by being touched.

Goose knew veterans needed trauma-informed yoga to heal the internal emotional body, and she knew she had to do something about it. She wanted to tell every veteran in the world to get on a yoga mat.

But not every yoga studio caters to veterans. Goose was a successful volunteer yoga instructor at the Veterans Arts Center, but without proper funding to secure studio space, her dream of a veteran yoga program was slipping.

Several veterans who had taken Goose’s classes approached Wendy Hoffman, director of the Veterans Arts Center, pleading to save the yoga classes. “[Goose’s] drive and passion, along with testimonials of veterans attending, prompted us to locate grant funds to cover all of our complementary healing arts,” says Hoffman. The annual grant funds for the yoga program are provided by the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

“Yoga, and other complementary and alternative healing arts, are very important in the holistic approach to healing from emotional wounds and trauma related injuries,” says Hoffman.

Today, Goose teaches at 6 p.m. every

Thursday in the Grand Valley. The grant also covers adaptive yoga, which she teaches to veterans who are in wheelchairs, almost completely blind, dealing with spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, stroke victims and more. And it’s completely free to them.

But what about veterans who can’t attend Goose’s classes in person? She didn’t want to send them off to a yoga studio that wasn’t trauma-informed because it could trigger them, or be too challenging and turn them off from the practice.

The Sunday after Thanksgiving in 2018, she raised money online and in 36 hours had enough donations to hire a videographer, and “Yoga With Goose” was born. By recording her veteran yoga classes, the practice becomes accessible to a wider population than ever before. And of course, the videos are — and always will be, she adds — free.

Goose wants to open her class to not only veterans, but active duty members as well. The greatest challenge is just getting them to come to their mats first, as that was Goose’s greatest hurdle in the beginning, too. But it’s becoming easier now because there is growing conversation around it.

And that’s part of the goal.

Goose tells her students: “It’s not about how you look in the practice, but how you feel, and that won’t look the same for everybody.”

Comeback Yoga, a nonprofit based in Golden, now offers periodic master teacher training to enable its teachers to provide yoga classes suited to veterans.

Comeback also offers scholarships to their veteran students who wish to pursue their own teacher training, just like what Chavez offered to Goose.

It comes back to union: serving veterans so they can continue to serve others in their community.

But the true goal: reintegration in society.

Goose hopes that after growing and learning in a veteran yoga class, her students can attend yoga classes with the rest of society, and feel comfortable and confident doing it. And this applies off the mat as well.

Goose’s goal is for veterans to heal and be comfortable out in the world. They too, she hopes, can root their feet down and grow their branches long and tall in tree pose. +

YOGALIFELIVE.COM

profiles / Teachers + Leaders

Q +A

in France in May and I am so excited to be bringing our special blend of magic there and knowing what an amazing tool it is for transformation. I am frustrated by righteousness in all forms, especially religious, and for sure righteousness in yoga teachers. We are all special and we are all not-so-special; when someone feels or acts as if they are soooo special or “above” others it’s a big turn off to me. What I love about my teachers is that they know so much and have dedicated their lives to teaching, yet they remain humble for the most part and I know that's a struggle, especially when people start treating you as if you’re special. The more I’ve learned, the more I actually feel compassion for the struggle of life because I’ve felt it myself and I’ve overcome a lot to know who I am. Instead of teaching from an elevated place of “I know more than you,” I feel inspired by people who can really be present and authentic and share the love of the practice from a place of humility and grace and truly relate to others. We’re all yearning to feel seen and heard and to feel connected to each other in some way or another and to me that is the magic of yoga. The true honor of teaching is to connect to people in that way, from the heart.

GINA MURDOCK Founder of Lead with Love

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photo by: Luke Dahlgren

ina Murdock is an Aspen-based writer, yoga and meditation teacher, inspirational speaker and community organizer. She is founder of the Aspen Yoga Society, The Aspen City of Wellbeing, Lead with Love, The Love Ninjas and the Mind, Body, Spirit Rx content brand.

CO YOGA + Life® asked Gina some questions on her own practices, as well as what’s next for Lead with Love: YOU ARE MAKING A BIG IMPACT AS A WRITER, YOGA TEACHER, RETREAT LEADER AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZER. HOW DO YOU CREATE BALANCE FOR YOURSELF EVERY DAY? I am not sure if I am making a big impact. I used to have this deep desire to have a life of impact and significance. I felt if I didn’t do something important and worthy then what is the point of my life? I felt so called to make a positive impact in the world somehow and I put a lot of pressure on myself to do that.

More recently, I’ve changed. I don’t care so

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much about “impact.” What feels most aligned for me is to be myself unapologetically — tapping into my joy and what lights me up — and to be intentional in all that I do. To me, living from this place gives me a ton of energy and I am full of enthusiasm and lightness of being versus any obligation or “should” energy which I find incredibly depleting. I am doing what feels true and right for me regardless of circumstance or outcome and trusting if it's coming from my heart, then it is for me and if it isn't, I can let it go. This is how I’ve come to balance, by learning what is a no and what is a YES! When I give myself permission to live from this place of discernment I feel free and when I feel free, I am happy and I think that is a very attractive energy. It may or may not make a big impact, but it doesn’t matter to me and I love that!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT THE STATE OF YOGA RIGHT NOW, AND ON THE FLIP SIDE, WHAT FRUSTRATES YOU THE MOST? I love that yoga is spreading across the world!

We are hosting our first Lead With Love event

HOW DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION AND/ OR MOTIVATION WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH? The best place for me is with me — that’s where I get inspired and truly know myself and that's where I find solace. I often will seek comfort outside of myself and most certainly being in nature is a huge part of my life and it soothes me. But most effective for me is to get quiet, feel my feelings, write and write and write and move the energy and look for ways to reframe something if the way I am holding it is creating suffering.

I had a pretty big epiphany over the last few years about how much of what is happening in life on the outside is a reflection of what's going on on the inside, so for me I have a knowing that if I don’t like what’s going on on the outside, the best place to go is in. +

www.ileadwithlove.org

interview by kim fuller

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Q +A

profiles / Teachers + Leaders

chance to see just how energizing, healthy and downright sexy it is.

Having the yoga tent at the most elevated point of the festival site makes it so all participants, yogis or not, are aware that something very special is happening there.

Curiosity draws newcomers in and the oldschool yogis hold a space that is as sacred as any temple I have visited. The yoga tent area is not only my favorite spot on the festival grounds, but also where I got married, where I first saw the vision of ARISE and where I gather often to contemplate and be with community. It is a special place.

Co-Founder + Producer of ARISE Music Festival

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ierro Lee has been composing instrumental music for two decades as a member of the band Kan’Nal and producer of Arise Music Festival.

Denver-based TIERRO Band is accompanied by Tierro’s wife, Bridget Law (founding member of Elephant Revival). The group offers compositions reminiscent of world music styles through Tierro’s use of Arabian and Latin scales paired with transcendent accompaniment.

We asked Tierro some more questions about ARISE and his process of living and honing in his creativity: WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION TO START THE ARISE MUSIC FESTIVAL? I had been wanting to do a large scale music festival on the Front Range for over 10 years before I finally got the chance. I had been looking for the perfect location and after connecting with the fine people at the Sunrise Ranch it all fell into place. All the concerts and events I had promoted in

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the past had a spiritual motivation behind them and ARISE is no different. Embracing, supporting and elevating creativity of all kinds as a method of improving our selves, our communities and our culture has always been my inspiration.

Although I am a founder and producer, the ARISE festival community has built this event with their love, passion and creativity. It is the people of Colorado that make ARISE special and they shine so bright it's breathtaking.

HAS ARISE MUSIC FESTIVAL ALWAYS INCORPORATED MOVEMENT AND YOGA? WHY DO YOU THINK THIS PAIRING IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE WEEKEND? From the very beginning, the event has had a strong yoga presence. I think it is a perfect fit for the event. The community that supports the creative impulse of ARISE is also into healthy lifestyles, or at the very least, is curious about them. It is important to me that the people who come to ARISE who are not into yoga (or healthy lifestyles), get a

WHAT IS NEXT FOR THE ARISE MUSIC FESTIVAL AND TIERRO BAND? The TIERRO Band with Bridget Law is releasing new music soon! I just finished mixing the first song on the new CD and plan to release it as a single very soon. I'm so excited and inspired that I feel like a kid again! I encourage you to take a look/listen.

Our videos are available by visiting www.TierroBand.com OR www.facebook. com/TierroWithBridgetLaw/.

ARISE is growing and I expect it will sell out this year. I am committed to maintaining the values that built the event from the start.

Embracing, supporting and elevating creativity of all kinds as a method of improving ourselves, our community and our culture. +

www.arisefestival.com Photo courtesy of: Tierro

TIERRO LEE

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR DAILY PRACTICES TO STAY GROUNDED AND FOCUSED? I wake up early and hit the gym almost every day. The morning routine and exercise are key. Healthy food, small amounts of meat and loads of water. Then, after a long day to wind down, I sit in my home studio and produce music for myself or for others. It is a wonderful way to come down and so much more productive than TV or anything like that.

interview By Bobby L’Heureux

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By kim fuller

Eagle Climbing + Fitness EAGLE

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here’s been a buzz about Eagle, Colorado for a while now.

Movement enthusiasts can really take advantage of what’s in and around town, from a community-centric yoga studio to renowned mountain biking and running trails.

Now there’s even more ways to play.

Eagle Climbing & Fitness opened in 2018 as a top-notch indoor climbing facility that includes a complete fitness center, full yoga

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studio and plenty of social space.

Owner Larry Moore has had a vision for this space for nearly a decade.

“Eagle Climbing + Fitness has been an idea I have been working on for eightplus years,” he shares. “Through developing a children’s climbing program for the past 16 years, I realized the potential for a commercial climbing gym to serve our entire community, including climbers, yogis and fitness athletes. By traveling

across the nation and visiting major climbing gyms in bigger cities, I have had the opportunity to research all of the best aspects that make a climbing gym first class, while providing opportunities for all athletes. We knew we would build in Eagle, so we bought our home here first, as we knew it would be a central location for the Vail Valley, Glenwood Springs and Carbondale communities.”

While Eagle Climbing + Fitness is the largest climbing gym in the Central Rockies and offers options for everyone from beginners to professional climbers, the fitness amenities and yoga studio provide training options and classes for all athletes, climbers and non-climbers.

“Our motto is building strength in our community,” says Moore. “We’ve captured every square inch of the space in a functional sense. You can use it either for climbing, training or social space.”

Yvonne Schwartz and her Yoga Off Broadway studio opened a satellite studio at Eagle Climbing + Fitness — in addition to the studio’s current space in Eagle.

“The yoga here is more focused on athletes and athletic recovery,” Schwartz shares.

Yoga classes and access to fitness equipment are all included for monthly members; special workshops and series are an additional charge.

Like the collaboration with Schwartz, Moore is working with a number of local businesses to bring a lot of value and quality offerings under one roof. GOAT Training, known for its "performance with purpose" methodologies, is now offering training programs in the facility.

Eagle Climbing + Fitness is a place where you can go for an hour or a full day, by yourself, with friends or the whole family.

“I see myself teaching class, going to class, hanging out, working out, learning how to climb better, working, all the things in one space,” shares Schwartz, “and we haven’t had that anywhere up here that’s not a hotel gym. Now it’s all here.” +

Eagle Climbing & Fitness is located at 700 Chambers Ave. in Eagle. For more information on the facility and membership options, visit www.eagleclimbing.com.

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Photos courtesy of: Eagle Climbing + Fitness

profiles / Studios

root center

for Yoga & Sacred Studies COLORADO SPRINGS

photo by: Christian Murdock

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oot Center for Yoga & Sacred Studies in Colorado Springs was born of community, and it’s palpable.

Lingering hugs and energetic conversations fill the space before and after classes. There’s a buzz, a vibe, a shared enthusiasm — especially when Jessica Patterson, owner and director, is teaching.

Yet, while Patterson is the heart of the center — “center,” a word she consciously chooses over “studio,” for its meaning as a place to ground oneself — it’s the community that serves as the pulse, the energy that makes it hum. It’s why Root exists.

“The community has always led my work,” Patterson says. “I taught for over a decade in the area before I opened Root. It was an opening of a space in response to cultivation of a community.”

Patterson opened Root in 2015. That came five years after students started asking her to provide her own teacher training, even though she already was guest teaching parts of training programs for three studios in the area at the time.

“Had I gone with my egoic, fragile personality, I would have said ‘No.’ I would have said, ‘Who am I to do this?’” Patterson says. “Over time it became, ‘Who am I not to respond ‘Yes’ when I’m being asked?’”

Patterson has offered her immersive seven-month-long RootEd Apprenticeship & Teacher Training annually for nine years now, with class sizes limited. From that organic beginning, Root took hold and continues to grow. “[Root offers] a safe space for anyone to come to and explore yoga from so many different perspectives,” Patterson says, “and not just be delivered one method, but to get this idea that anybody can step in there.”

“I try not to be in the position of selling yoga, but creating a space where people

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can come and experience their yoga,” she adds.

With that inclusivity and experience in mind, Root offers a schedule of classes and workshops taught by teachers of varying approaches, seven days a week. Each teacher is empowered with autonomy to craft her or his own teachings.

Many teachers at Root incorporate elements of the broader spiritual practice of yoga, including mudras, mantras, pranayama and/or meditation practices along with asana.

There are classes in vinyasa, Iyengar and restorative yoga, among other methods. Some classes are taught by RootElders, those who have apprenticed through RootEd, and many by teachers who bring a range of training and experience from elsewhere.

“One way I’ve thought about it is, instead of running Root like a business, I run Root more like higher education,” Patterson says.

“In higher education, you come in with a particular discipline, and within that discipline your job, ostensibly, is to publish your own unique body of work. Then the job of the one that runs the university, or whatever, is to support that, to encourage that.

“I’m not treating [teachers] like they’re employees, like they are there to do things

by Adam Williams

exactly the way I think they should be done.

I’m there to encourage teachers to develop their unique contributions to the ongoing conversations of yoga.” +

Root Center for Yoga and Sacred Studies is located at 617 N. 17th St., Ste. 200 in Colorado Springs. More information is available at www.rootdownandgrow.com.

ADAM WILIAMS teaches yoga at Root Center for Yoga & Sacred Studies in Colorado Springs. He trained there with Jessica Patterson, first through the seven-month-long RootEd program, then through an additional 12-week formal apprenticeship. Adam is an artist and the creator of Humanitou, an ongoing social art project of humanness and creativity.

He writes about yoga at Humanitou Yoga. He also publishes intentional conversations he has with yogis about applying the spiritual practice on and off the mat. Adam lives in Manitou Springs with this wife, Becca, and their two sons, Taos and Jasper.

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profiles / 2019 Retreats + Trainings

paid partnerships

2019

Photo by: thao le hoang

retreats + trainings

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paid partnerships

RETREATS

services, mountain bike rentals and fitness classes.

Premier Vail Mountain Wellness + Yoga Retreat

www.hrrmc.com/Wellness-U/WellnessRetreat

July 14-18 and September 8-12, 2019 Vail Valley, Colorado

Treat yourself … mind, body and spirit!

This retreat is based out of a luxurious mountaintop home with panoramic views.

Here’s what is included: an in-house vegetarian/vegan chef, hiking, yoga, nutrition, meditation and lots of magical surprises.

Take time for your own self growth and surrounded yourself with nature to inspire you throughout the entire year.

“Acceptance, awareness and self-love sets you free.”

Hosted by Red Head Retreats … Roz and Sherrie. www.sherriegiusto.com

Adventure To Connection Retreat August 1-4, 2019 Red Mountain Lodge, Ouray, Colorado

This all-inclusive, three-night getaway is held in a newly built lodge nestled in the striking San Juan Mountains of Colorado.

Join Jessica Heaney of Vail Relationship Institute and Kim Fuller of CO YOGA + Life® and In Your Element for a weekend of yoga, connection workshops, a guided hike up Mt. Sneffels, great food and fun for a truly revitalizing retreat. This experience will take you from yoga flow to the top of one Colorado’s incredible 14,000foot peaks throughout the weekend. www.vailrelationshipinstitute.com/ adventure-to-connection-1

Total Wellness Retreat

November 3 – 7, 2019 Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, Nathrop, Colorado Outside Magazine singled out the Total Wellness Retreat as one of “9 Adventurous Wellness Retreats” to try in 2019. This all-inclusive five-day, four-night retreat is set amidst the majestic 14,000-foot peaks of the Sawatch Range and is designed to spur a lifestyle change for better health.

The retreat offers an integrative approach to health and is led by staff from nearby Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center. It explores topics such as stress management and includes daily meditation, group counseling, tai chi, hiking and a healthy cooking class. Participants have access to Mt. Princeton’s pools, spa

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TRAININGS Barre Rhythm Level 1 Teacher Training Certification Course

June 29 – 30, 2019; October 5 – 6, 2019 Barre Rhythm, Eagle, Colorado Enroll to become a certified Barre Rhythm Instructor! Barre Fitness is arguably the most sophisticated fitness system yet. It will challenge your strength and cardio vascular stamina in a low impact environment. It will tone your body fast. With foundations in Pilates and structure from the strength and conditioning world, this certification course is a two-day workshop that teaches you the format to instruct a Barre Rhythm Fitness class in a group atmosphere.

You will obtain a 101 approach to both biomechanics and bioenergetics as well learn the foundations on which to build an effective, efficient, fun and safe fitness routine. In addition to becoming part of the Barre Rhythm community, you will be provided with all necessary study materials and tools needed to meet the certification criteria. Prerequisites include attendance to a group fitness type class or a group fitness certification. All personal training, Pilates or yoga certifications will be considered. Certification criteria: attend two-day workshop, pass 50 question written test, complete a five-page paper on basic biomechanics, complete a combined 40 hours of class observation and student teaching. www.barrerhythm.com/get-certfied/

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training + Self Empowerment Course in Panama August 14 – September 6, 2019 Istmo Yoga and Adventure Retreat, Panama

You’ve fallen in love with your practice.

Now you’re ready to take it to the next level. Imagine three glorious weeks immersing yourself in yoga. Imagine waking up to your inner power and peace.

Imagine saying yes to transformation and celebration. Everything is taken care of.

The only thing we’re waiting for is you.

This program includes therapeutic vinyasa, restorative yoga, meditation and pranayama training, anatomy, physiology

and asana workshops, yogic philosophy and psychology, Ayurveda and nature connection, along with one-on-one student mentorship and teacher development skills.

This teaching model incorporates group discussion, hands-on experimentation, and instructor support and feedback. We value the student learning process as both somatic and intellectual. We value spiritual growth and personal development. This training is an opportunity to be impacted by yoga on a deep level. We emphasize safe and accurate anatomical cueing to support the longevity of your and your students' practices. We encourage modifications, adaptations and the use of props to adapt yoga for all body types and needs. www.bewildearth.com/200-hour-yogateacher-training

jalaBlu School of Yoga 200-Hour Teacher Training & Immersion Free Your Voice & Waking the Warrior Within

September 2019 – January 2020 Buena Vista, Colorado Join Lead Trainer Jenna Pfingston and special guests for their next 200-hour Teacher Training & Immersion. Take a break from the outer and inner distractions within your life and discover a more powerful YOU! This unique and profound journey has two layers. The first layer is Waking the Warrior Within, a four weekend immersion. This is an invitation to explore asana (alignment, vinyasa and restorative), mantra (Sanskrit), mudras, chakras, ceremony and sutras. The second layer is Free Your Voice — dropping into the seat of the teacher and exploring teaching methodology, philosophy, lifestyle, anatomy, ethics and a journey into “Light On Life” (B.K.S. Iyengar). Join jalaBlu for the four-week immersion or dive into both layers within the 200-hour Teacher Training and claim a higher vibration within YOU and within your practice.

Special guests: Gioconda Parker (vinyasa sequencing, exploration into yin yoga and nervous system regulation for a yoga class); Ally Morrison (anatomy & asana, fascia release clinic); Brandy Wade (sound healing). Jenna Pfingston is a ERYT-500 certified yoga teacher with Yoga Alliance and has had a previous certification in Anusara. She has studied closely with Christina Sell, Darren Rhodes and Ashley Turner (psychology roots of yoga). www.jalablu.com

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lifestyle / Books

“IMAGINE”

by John Lennon Illustrated by Graphic Artist, Jean Jullien review by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

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Imagine there’s no heaven.

It’s easy if you try.

No hell below us.

Above us, only sky.

Imagine all the people living for today.

Imagine there’s no countries.

It isn’t hard to do.

Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion too.

Imagine all the people living life in peace.

You may say I’m a dreamer, But I’m not the only one.

I hope some day you’ll join us, and the world will be as one.

Imagine no possessions.

I wonder if you can.

No need for greed or hunger.

A brotherhood of man.

Imagine all the people sharing all the world.

You may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.

I hope some day you’ll join us, And the world will live as one.

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Photos courtesy of: Jean Jullien

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he hour on my mat is winding down and our class is sharing savasana for our last few minutes together. The background music shifts gently into a familiar refrain, a perfect closing.

John Lennon’s “Imagine” is one of the most resonant and restorative pieces I enjoy hearing during a yoga practice. I was excited to discover an illustrated children’s picture book which showcases this work in a new creative format and offers a core message of unity.

“Imagine” is a book for all ages, an exquisite pairing of text/lyrics and visuals.

I believe children’s picture books offer a unique venue for that blend. Jean Jullien created colorful, endearing and stylistic illustrations. The book was developed in partnership with Amnesty International. A little pigeon, the central character of the storybook, befriends birds of every shape, feather or color while traveling in search of acceptance and a home.

Yoko Ono Lennon’s fitting introduction reinforces her husband John’s vision — a call for peace and unity around the world.

As she writes in part:

“Imagine” is a very powerful statement, written with an incredible, deep love for humanity and its future … It makes me so happy to see this illustrated in this beautiful book …

We can all help make the world a better place in our own way. We should always keep love in our hearts and look after one another …

You can do it, I can do it, we can do it … Imagine. Together we can make peace happen.

Then the world will truly live as one.

Now each time I hear this song at the end of a yoga practice, I lie in stillness, breathe slowly, release more tension and gather inspiration as the lyrics and Jullien’s stunning images flow through my own imagination.

Pause with me for a moment and reflect upon the power that words and illustrations bring together in this truly relevant, timely and timeless picture book. +

ONE BOOK ONE VALLEY Uniting Readers, Books + Ideas

Photo By: Shelle Lenssen

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o read is a gift. Whether it be a road sign or store billboard, a book, magazine or newspaper, an email, social media post, text, or rarely these days, a personal handwritten letter, reading unites people of all ages, cultures and beliefs throughout the world.

In particular, the mission to share books, to unite readers and to develop literacy and encourage community involvement drives One Book One Valley, an initiative established by six local towns, businesses, libraries, schools and citizens of the Vail Valley in Colorado. Vail is an international, wealthy resort area, but local valley demographics differ; residents and workers represent diverse incomes and ethnic backgrounds — some don’t speak or read English. This popular program successfully unites the mountain community with the support of The Bookworm of Edwards, the sole independent bookstore in the Vail Valley.

Certainly the “one book community” concept isn’t unique to this locale. The national Library of Congress website (www.read.gov) reveals an extensive list of One Book Projects around the U.S. from Maine to Maui. What if everyone reads the same book and then talks about it? That's the idea behind One Book. A state or city chooses a book and encourages locals to read it and share in special events to discuss it.

One Book One Valley expands every year. The selection committee favors new or backlist titles by regional authors which explore western or southwestern themes, are accessible to high school and adult readers, and, in a perfect world, are available in both English and Spanish.

Especially relevant to today’s turbulent political issues, the 2019 One Book One Valley read is “The Last Of The Menu Girls” by Denise Chavez, originally published in 1986 and newly revised for English and Spanish editions. Chavez is Mexican-American and owns Casa Camino Real Bookstore in Las

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Cruces, New Mexico. Her novel showcases the imagination and voice of Roccio Esquibel, an adolescent girl growing up in a fictional border town which reflects the light, energy and tensions of Las Cruces and the stark ambiance of Far West Texas.

Chavez makes a valuable contribution to Chicana literature with her writing. She is also the author of “Loving Pedro,” and “Face Of An Angel” won the American Book Award honoring excellence in American literature without restriction or bias with regard to race, sex, creed, cultural origin, size of press/ad budget or even genre.

She is the founder of the Border Book Festival and the organizer of the current Refugee Book Drive (www.bookweb.org/ refugee-book-drive) in partnership with the American Booksellers Association (ABA).

With the national participation of ABA members like The Bookworm of Edwards (www.bookwormofedwards.com) and other widespread donors, her bookstore will disseminate books to refugee families, working with various hospitality centers on the U.S./ Mexico border to offer the gift of reading.

“I am deeply honored as well to be a multicultural representative for my Mexican-American ancestors in a time of challenge that continues to show us we are all one people,” writes Chavez.

So, in the same spirit, readers unite!

Share the gift. If you don’t already enjoy a One Book Project where you live, why not start your own? +

PAST TITLES, ALL RECOMMENDED READS, INCLUDE: 2012 “Doc”

by Mary Doria Russell 2013 “Into The Beautiful North”

by Luis Alberto Urrea 2014 “Finders Keepers: Tale of Archaeological Plunder and Obsession”

by Craig Childs 2015 “The Cold Dish”

by Craig Johnson 2016 “We Are Called To Rise”

by Laura McBride 2017 “The High Divide”

by Lin Enger 2018 “Underground Airlines”

by Ben Winters

SANDY FERGUSON FULLER began her children's book career over 40 years ago as a student of Maurice Sendak at Yale University. Once introduced, the picture book genre captivated her imagination with its unique blend of story and illustration. She is an international literary agent, editorial consultant, bookseller, author and illustrator. Her life’s work has exposed her to a wealth of ideas and wonder. She hopes that her own books, as well as those she has helped others to publish, will touch many souls, young and old. www.alparts.com

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lifestyle / Music

By Karstee Davis

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT:

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first met Dango Rose in a crowded coffee shop in Boulder on the Winter Solstice. He had just returned to Boulder from a work trip in Bali, where he had performed at an entrepreneurial convention known as “Unconventional Life.” Now that he was home, he was ready to turn his focus on his artist development agency, production house and conscious media platform: the Elephant Collective, and its newly launched Artist Empowerment Program.

Dango starts at the beginning, “since it’s all a part of the tapestry …” and I press record. He tells me a tale of a young artist, a vagabond. His story weaves back and forth all across this country and along the way he packs pieces of our nation’s musical history into his repertoire. He tells me of influences:

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Olympus Mons in Eugene, Oregon, living next door to “Mountain Girl” (Jerry Garcia’s ex-wife), Carl Cole (later Elephant Revival’s bus driver) and their trip to visit Carl’s teacher Daniel Quinn (author of “Ishmael,” which Dango notes influenced his life), the Batiste family down in New Orleans, Uncle Earl, Bela Fleck.

When Dango gets to his time with the Mammals and a weekend that he spends with Pete Seeger, I am transported to another time and place (such is the power of his storytelling). He tells me they went to visit Pete and his wife Toshi in their cabin and they end up “getting snowed in for three days and going over the Sing Out songbook of the most influential folk songs.” He tells me that at that time he had “just gotten

back from Africa,” so he and Pete talked about “the root of the banjo. Toshi was making stew, the fire going.”

Dango has been practicing yoga for over 15 years, and when he first moved to the Rocky Mountain region he spent three weeks at the Shambhala Mountain Center learning to meditate. As he speaks, his love of yoga comes through; on old-time Appalachian music, he said it was “very similar to Indian Chanting or Kirtan, except it’s all led with fiddle and banjo. These melodies are not bluegrass music, these melodies circulate, and they just keep circulating, over and over again — same thing with some traditional Irish music, and when you get into them, it’s ‘Om.’” After the holidays pass, we meet again.

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Photos by: Molly McCormick Photography

Dango Rose

We will both turn 38 within the next month and there is a feeling of heaviness. Dango also shares that in the coming weeks each one of his former band mates would be performing separately at the Steamboat WinterWonderGrass Festival, an event that they had played together in the past.

Since we were both in somber moods, I ask Dango to accompany me to The Little Yoga Studio (Dango is fond of this studio since it is where he completed his yoga teacher training) for a yin yoga class that night. Later, as I lay on a mat in a full heart opening pose, I swear I can feel everything he is processing.

On Dango’s birthday I text him and hope that the WinterWonderGrass Festival is going well. Later that night he posts a picture on Facebook of him and several of his old band mates together for dinner.

Towards the end of this winter season, Dango and I meet up for our last coffee. He tells me the band recently sold their tour bus.

We talk about the Dango Rose Project which had debuted at the Boulder International Film Festival recently, with plans to fully launch in the near future. Dango had also recently gotten the “Elephant Collective — ­ Story Behind the Song” podcast up on iTunes.

That evening he invites me to the recording studio. I take a seat on a comfy couch after meeting all of the musicians and producer Evan Reeves. That night they will be playing one of Darryl Purpose’s new songs over and over as they lay down music to accompany his lyrics. Dango will be playing bass.

Watching Dango sitting on that stool with that guitar propped up on his knee and held against his chest, I’m seeing him. Fully.

Stripped down to what is at the core of him. And it’s all music and heart. Not sadness (which Dango claims to have a propensity towards), but solitude.

A week later a bomb cyclone would hit Colorado, and I found myself curled up in a cozy leather armchair reading “Ishmael,” only for a week after that to be celebrating the Spring Equinox and a full moon, proving once and for all that seasons and weather are not permanent.

Dango messages me to tell me that the Elephant Collective will be launching a Songwriters Showcase later in April in Boulder and Denver, and that his first single, “A La Glory,” is scheduled for April 18th.

Now, summer has arrived. Here’s to new seasons Dango! +

KARSTEE DAVIS is a writer and yogi living in the Boulder area. She has written for Folk Rebellion and for the Endometriosis Foundation of America. You can find her at www.purifiedoutlook.com or on Instagram @ purifiedoutlook.

COYOGALIFEMAG.COM

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lifestyle / CO Community

Foodies Unite:

Delicious Experiences to Share

ocal Table Tours provide a unique way to unite a group. With so many new restaurants to choose from, it’s almost impossible to decide on just one dining destination. How about getting together for a restaurant food tour?

With culinary walking tours in Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins, Local Table Tours lets groups sample the city with a private tour guide while experiencing some of the most coveted restaurants in town. Each stop includes tastings, craft cocktails and a meet-and-greet with the chef or owner of the establishment.

Try Local Table Tours’ newest addition: Brews, Booze and Bites, a Boulder experience focused on exploring the town’s great food and beverage culture. Tours are $55 per person and are offered at 3 p.m. on Sundays, providing the ideal lighting for sightseeing in the city.

www.localtabletours.com

DINING AL FRESCO

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ining Al Fresco on Larimer Square is a beautifully energetic outdoor dining event in Denver.

Enjoy a summer evening in the city under twinkle lights as award-winning chefs and restaurants create a magical open-air dining room on Larimer Square.

It’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience on Denver’s most beautiful block.

Dates for 2019 are Saturday, July 13; Saturday, August 10; Saturday, September 7. First seating starts at 5 p.m. and reservations are required through participating restaurants, including Bistro Vendome, Corridor 44, Ocean Prime, TAG, Osteria Marco, Rioja and several more delicious options.

www.larimersquare.com/event/ dining-al-fresco-july-2019/

THE MINDFUL VINE

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arisa Hallsted created The Mindful Vine with a clear mission: to guide people to awaken their senses and live more fully in every moment. This company offers immersive experiences that engage the senses and people to create deeper connections with themselves and the community around them.

“We guide clients to cultivate a sense of aliveness and connection through experiential tastings, embodied movement, retreats and private events,” shares Hallsted.

Immersive retreats allow guests to explore organic cuisine, wine and food education and immersive tasting.

“Our expert sommeliers and yoga and mindfulness teachers have a deeply rooted passion for alivening our guests' human experience,” adds Hallsted. “We believe joy is possible when we connect to ourselves and each other by immersing in the moment in new and exciting ways."

www.themindfulvine.com

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Photo by Tyra Sutak Ink & Images; Photo courtesy of Dining Al Fresco on Larimer; Photos courtesy of The Mindful Vine

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LOCAL TABLE TOURS

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SUMMER SIGNATURE EVENTS Discover One-Of-A-Kind Traditions Experience musical performances, culinary delights and fun for the whole family through our long-standing favorites like the Blues, Brews & BBQ Festival, Independence Day Celebrations, the Beaver Creek Rodeo, Wine & Spirits Festival and Oktoberfest.

FREE OUTDOOR YOGA Afternoons on Centennial Lawn | 4 – 5 p.m.

Wednesdays | June 26-August 14

JOIN THE FUN BEAVERCREEK.COM/EVENTS

lifestyle / CO Community

RISE Collaborative Workspace

Denver’s New Space for Uniting Female Professionals

s Denver continues to be a hub for female entrepreneurs and business owners, Stacy Taubman is bringing RISE Collaborative Workspace to help unite and support the growing population of smart, strong, successful women in the area.

RISE first opened its doors in 2017 in St. Louis with a mission to help women succeed. That location now has 270 members and soon that same mission will ring true for other professional women in Denver — helping them “RISE” to their potential.

The Denver co-working space is on the corner of Colorado and 7th Avenue above Snooze Eatery and U.S. Bank. RISE houses

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kim fuller

14 private offices, 10 dedicated desks, free parking, ample room and comfortable seating for working and coffee meetings, three conference rooms, one classroom, a social media room, two phone/mother rooms and an open coffee and snack bar.

Another unifying force of the RISE Collaborative community is the desire to invest in and support tomorrow’s female leaders. Through its nonprofit arm, RISE Society, high school girls can enroll in a mentorship program where they are matched with an adult member of RISE Collaborative to provide advice and support around the teen girl’s career and personal interests.

“We believe that you can’t be what you can’t see. We are creating a pipeline for success by providing a collaborative space for teen girls to engage with smart, strong, successful women who want to give back to the next generation,” says Taubman.

Weekly programming will also be offered at RISE to members, including Lunch and Learns, workshops and other social events designed to connect members and promote personal growth. +

Applications for membership are currently being accepted at: www.RISEworkspace.com/denver.

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Photo by: Kathleen Mortland Photography

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lifestyle / CO Community

The Root Kava co.

By Marita Provus

Photo By: Michell Milbauer

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new type of healthy elixir has found its way to Boulder and it’s quickly becoming a favorite of the community. Kava, or Root Kava, is an ancient plant native to the South Pacific that is known to produce a relaxing effect on the body. It has been used in ceremonial functions for over 3,000 years in the South Pacific region and has now made its way to the States.

The Root Kava Co. opened their doors last October and has provided the Boulder community a relaxed space to enjoy the healthy benefits of the medicinal root. Hidden on a corner lot in town, you are greeted with comfy chairs, local art work, friendly (Root)tenders and a space to enjoy conversations with old and new friends alike. Owner Winn Kirkpatrick and his partner started the Root Kava Co. as a healthier alternative to the social scene. The space has the feel of a typical bar with live music and later hours, but does not feature any alcohol.

“We wanted to create a space that everyone felt welcomed,” shares Kirkpatrick.

Having been in the service industry for over 20 years, Kirkpatrick says he and his partner

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couldn’t be happier to provide Boulder and its visitors with this communal space.

Although Kava is not a new discovery, it is becoming more well known in the self-healing world. Yogis and Western medicine professionals have started including the root in their recommendations for overall health and well-being. Kava is traditionally prepared by placing the ground-up root and stem into a porous sack, submerging it into water and then straining the Kava juice into drink form.

The Root Kava Co. menu offers a variety of ways to enjoy Kava. For those who have not yet tried the root, the Rootenders suggest to start with high amounts of the root in order to experience the full benefits. Dirty Badger is

BOULDER Root Kava’s signature drink and features the highest amount of Kava. Served in a traditional drinking bowl with a slice of pineapple, you’re instructed to drink the concoction quickly in order to experience its full medicinal benefits. Kava is known for producing a calming effect and gives users an overall “wholebody-relaxed” feeling. It has also been said to help with easing anxiety and stress, and is even making its way into the mental health scene. Kava is safe to ingest and does not cause any ill effects such as slurred speech or driving impairments.

For the weary or faint of heart, the menu also features non-traditional Kava drinks, such as coffees, teas and hot chocolates.

The Rasa Koffee is an adaptogenic herbal coffee alternative and is a great option for an on-the-go, daytime drink. Their hot chocolate is another favorite, made in house.

It’s a concoction of vegan and Mexican hot chocolate and is served with a dollop of coconut whipped cream. Make a visit just to try this — it does not disappoint!

The Root Kava Co. is a place to enjoy yourself. With live music on the weekends, art shows throughout the week and even Salsa Sundays, you’re sure to enjoy not only a relaxed experience, but a fun one as well.

It’s a hip place with a fun atmosphere and people to enjoy the experience with. The Root Kava Co. has given the community a space to relax and holds events just about every night. Make sure to check their Facebook and Instagram pages for the full line up of news and upcoming events. +

www.therootkavabar.com

MARITA PROVUS is a writer and brand manager based in Boulder, Colorado.

Her company, Provi + Co, specializes in website design, content creation and event management. Having worked in the health field for many years, Marita now focuses on assisting business of all sizes with their marketing campaigns. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring the hidden treasures of Colorado, finding the best coffee shops in town and cooking healthy meals with her friends and family. Marita is an avid traveler and attributes her creative approach to a quiet window seat on a flight on airplane mode.

Follow Marita on Instagram @marita.anne. www.provimkt.com

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lifestyle / Colorado Escapes

ELEGANCE + WELLNESS

at The Sonnenalp Vail

By kim fuller

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ome getaways are more memorable than others, and often it’s the details that make all the difference. Inspired by European heritage and hospitality, The Sonnenalp has been creating a mountain elegant boutique hotel experience for 40 years in Vail.

The German roots of The Sonnenalp have grown seamlessly into Colorado’s alpine setting. I’ve enjoyed seeing the property evolve over the years, offering more opportunities for relaxation and wellness.

The spa’s large glass windows and bright yellow accents create a vibrant and welcoming energy for an experience of revitalization and indulgence. During our stay at The Sonnenalp last fall, I enjoyed the serenity of the spa and its spacious invitation to just be. It was simply perfect to spend a quiet morning on the foot of Gore

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Creek while soaking in the outdoor whirlpool, sunshine streaming on my face.

This is an ideal place to create your own mountain getaway. Recently renovated suites have custom-made Bavarian furniture, a gas-log fireplace and large bathrooms with heated floors. Breakfast at The Sonnenalp is renowned as a bountiful European style buffet and worth spending the better part of any morning. It’s served on the beautiful glass-enclosed Ludwig’s terrace overlooking the creek, with food and drink that’s accompanied by some of the sweetest china I have every seen.

Beyond the property is all the delights of Vail Village, along with countless recreation opportunities for all ages. In the summer and fall, hiking on Vail Mountain is so accessible from The Sonnenalp.

This season, enjoy a special Yoga and

Hiking experience, offered July through September. The hike takes you through stunning singletrack to a spot for yoga. It’s an amazing way to tap into nature’s essence and your own wellness.

After several hours out on the trail, it seems there is no better place to retreat than back to the spa. Stop at the oxygen bar or book a Pilates class, or perhaps head right back to your simple seat overlooking Gore Creek.

From my seat I was reminded to slow down. Getaways like this one are those to be relished and fully absorbed. At The Sonnenalp, you get what you need. For me, it was a reminder of vitality and a feeling of peace, and I’ll be back for more soon. +

www.sonnenalp.com

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Photos courtesy of: The Sonnenalp

owner + Editor-in-Chief

AVI050619 May Doctors Quarterly 1-2 A.indd 1

5/8/19 5:51 PM

lifestyle / Colorado Escapes

TRAVEL

Essentials

PLAN A

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nowmass is always an idyllic Colorado destination, and now there are even more reasons to visit.

The brand new Limelight Hotel Snowmass just opened in December of 2018 and provides guests with direct on-mountain access. Additionally, Colorado’s largest indoor rock-realistic climbing wall, towering at 54 feet high, dominates the facade of the new hotel. www.limelighthotels.com/snowmass On top of summer and fall events framed around running and biking, Snowmass will host a craft beer festival and a free weekly concert series, along with a CO YOGA + Life® favorite: Yoga on the Mountain.

Yoga festivals carved into quaint mountain settings are special opportunities to experience the essence of yoga: union. The third annual Yoga on the Mountain returns to Snowmass July 19-21 for a three-day festival celebrating yoga, music and nature.

The weekend schedule includes restorative yoga classes, advanced asana workshops and focused sessions on mudras, mantras, bandhas and breath work — all mixed with meditation, hiking and discussions. www.yotmfestival.com

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Ursa Major Essential Face Wipes Individually-wrapped bamboo face wipes to cleanse, exfoliate, soothe and hydrate when you’re on the go. $6.50 - $45.60 www.ursamajorvt.com Royal Robbins Highlands Travel Scarf Be chic and cozy on your summer and fall travels. $50 www.royalrobbins.com Western Rise AT Slim Rivet Pants No matter the weather or occasion, these versatile pants are built to move with you. Stretchy, stain-proof and durable. $128 www.westernrise.com Matador Freerain 24 2.0 Waterproof, light, packable 6.6 oz backpack. Holds 24 liters and has an adjustable, removable chest strap and weight distributing contoured shoulder straps. $64.99 www.matadorup.com Hydaway Bottle Stay hydrated and be eco-friendly on your summer adventures with this collapsible, ultra-stashable lid that holds 18oz of water. $25 www.shop.hydawaybottle.com

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Yoga On The Mountain - Photo by: Craig Turpin - Rising Sun photog

Snowmass Getaway

221 Shelby Street, Santa Fe NM 87501 505-983-8604 | sazonsantafe.com Monday - Saturday

Dinner Service 5 pm until closed

Bar opens at 4

lifestyle / Travel

Santa Fe, New Mexico Visit a City of Splendor

By kim fuller

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T

here’s a magical quality to Santa Fe, but it doesn’t take an alchemy to appreciate, to dream about, the dynamic heart of this place. Experience it during a sophisticated gallery stroll down Canyon Road followed by a trip along the Chocolate Trail, a refined glass of wine or a salt-rimmed margarita.

Hear bells of the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi singing at set times throughout the day, the sound filling the historic Santa Fe Plaza and spreading to the streets on the wind.

See hand-embroidered cowboy boots and turquoise-studded silver, hanging red chilies and spicy salsa verde.

Feel the current of vitality rushing through the area, from salt caves and yoga classes to healing elixirs and oxygen bars. Energize your creativity with a visit to the immersive art experience of Meow Wolf.

This unique destination has a melting pot of heritage simmering above its historical roots, along with committed communities for wellness and the arts.

SANTA FE FLAVOR Restaurants are woven into the fabric of Santa Fe, with flavors beyond what has been long-inspired by red and green chilies. No trip to this town is complete without a taste of authenticity, and that’s the experience guests will find at Sazón.

Originally from Mexico City, Chef Fernando Olea has been enthralling diners in Santa Fe since 1991 with his unique interpretation of contemporary and traditional Mexican dishes.

Chef Olea creates sophisticated flavors using Old Mexico’s indigenous and culinary traditions alongside ingredients from around the world.

His speciality is in mole recipes, and it’s a treat to see the ways he integrates all the complex flavors of the sauces — usually with toasted and ground spices, seeds, nuts, chocolate and chile — into the dishes at Sazón. It’s fine dining and worth the price, especially for the special occasion that is a visit to Santa Fe.

WORLD OF WELLNESS Start your days off with yoga at BODY of Santa Fe. BODY is a Santa Fe-based health and wellness center that offers eco-conscious clothing, a health café, leading-edge massage and facial treatments, studio and fitness classes, as well as community-inspiring events.

After morning movement, Apothecary Restaurant is the perfect place to go for some superfoods and a cacao elixir, and then head across the street and upstairs to the sister establishment, Santa Fe Oxygen & Healing Bar. One more dose of heading for the day can be found at Santa Fe Salt Cave, created from nine tons of exquisite pink salt crystals that were mined in the Himalayan mountains. Owner, Kim Rash, says spending time in a salt cave that is saturated with tiny salt particles and negative ions is beneficial to your mind, body and spirit.

Photos courtesy of: kim fuller; four seasons resort santa fe

COMFORT + SERENITY Stay a little away 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. Summer can be hot, so a fall or spring visit is recommended, and if you hit the timing right, it will feel like you have the whole place to yourself.

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 to add a spark of movement to all the chill time. It’s likely your casita where you’ll want to spend the most time, so settle for as long as you can. +

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Photos by: Lila Baghzouz, Paul Rennick, Lori Barsamian

lifestyle / Travel

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DESTINATION WELLNESS RETREAT:

Kinkára, Costa Rica

By Lexi Reich

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s I step into the open-air yoga space, a beautiful wooden plate reads: The new path is an ancient one, and I know I have entered a sacred opening. Surrounding me is an edible mandala garden with eco-luxury tents symmetrically weaved throughout, and beyond is a horizon rich with mountains, rivers and luscious waterfalls.

A weekend at Kinkára offers a new opportunity to connect with the earth. Located in the foothills of Mount Chirripo, Costa Rica’s highest mountain, the abundant landscape is designed to foster a mind body connection by uniting its guests with “the elements in nature that hold us in well-being.”

A 30-minute plane ride from San Jose International Airport, Kinkára awaits as a dream glamping escape. You sleep under the clearest canvas of stars, bathe with views of vibrant greenery, and eat food grown just outside your living space that tastes raw and real and true.

Costa Rica’s natural beauty is ever-present as you watch the sun rise and set each day, breathing the pure air in. Kinkára’s invitation to mindfulness truly creates a wellness retreat unlike any other.

“It is an antidote to a world that is often out of step — and out of tune,” says David Comfort, Kinkára co-founder.

FOOD IS MEDICINE A spirited connection between the twoand-a-half-acre Kinkára food forest and the kitchen illuminates the essence of unity.

Earth to plate. There is a harmonious union created by paying respect and honor to the land that feeds us.

No chemicals are used, ever, and the farm has organic certification. With permaculture,

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the multifunctional plants assist in creating a sustainable model. Honing in on the water element, the aquatics purify and rejuvenate the water from biological material and also contribute to composting.

Kinkára holds reverence to indigenous populations inhabiting these lands. Costa Rica’s lizards, birds and butterflies cohabit the land, harmoniously demonstrating the landscape’s productive ecological rhythm.

Stepping outside my tent with locally made craftsman furniture, I can find ginger and turmeric that will later appear in the kombucha on tap at Casa Bulu, the communal dining and hangout space. The community tables are long and welcoming, designed for mingling with friends old and new.

Dishes commemorate the land’s boundless ecological diversity. “We don’t have a fixed menu,” says chef Kuntal Kumar. “We are recognizing the dynamic nature of the farms and that is why our food is different every day.”

And that is what made the experience all the more nourishing. Every day you try something new the land has to offer, like sweet potato served with amaranth and squash pilaf with cilantro and ginger. The way the food is prepared, plus the peaceful atmosphere, makes it all digest as superfoods for the soul. No processing or assembly line required.

The bathrooms are filled with local and organic products. I never touched the commercial moisturizer I packed with me because their homemade coconut oil was divine. Its deep moisturizing properties, in addition to Costa’s Rica’s natural humidity, left my skin glowing.

Essential oil blends are used as bug spray (and it works). Organic bed linens feel like you’re sleeping on clouds. There is detailed

awareness into what is put in or on your body.

THE NEW PATH IS AN ANCIENT ONE. “Kinkára energizes the spirit. It connects guests to nature, to each other and to themselves. Each element of the guest journey is aligned to offer an immersive experience that is simultaneously fun, adventurous, communal and rejuvenating,” says Comfort.

Kinkára is a public expression of a life connected to the earth and yourself. The brand wasn’t created, says Comfort, but discovered.

We can all learn to realign ourselves with our roots — and those of the earth.

The hope for those experiencing Kinkára is that they integrate the soul-nourishing principles taught at the remote property into their existing conceptions of self and the surrounding world, allowing for a more spiritually balanced and rewarding lifestyle. This wellness retreat is more than a weekend getaway — it is an opportunity to transform your life philosophy.

Kinkára serves as a reminder to what it means to be in alignment with the rhythms of the earth and ourselves. It is a natural sanctuary equipped to turn your focus inwards. Whether your intention here is to celebrate your yoga and meditation practice, vacation with friends and family, or explore Costa Rica, everyone can benefit from this invitation of unity, connection and nourishment.

After spending only a few days at Kinkára, I am still relishing in the lessons learned from experiencing this ever-present peace months later. +

www.kinkara.com

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lifestyle / What We Love 2

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1. Cotopaxi Allpa 28L Travel Pack Travel fast and light on your weekend trips with this durable, weather-resistant and organized pack. $230 www.cotopaxi.com

4. Freegirl Skincare Serums, masks and creams made from natural ingredients. $52 - $90 www.freegirlskincare.com

2. Divine Vegan Chocolate Divine vegan chocolate in an assortment of exciting flavors. Fairtrade cocoa grown by family farmers in Ghana made with natural ingredients. $3.99 - $4.99 per bar www.divinechocolate.com

5. North Street Bags Scout 6L Duffel For travelers who spend time on-the-bike, the Scout 6L Duffle is the perfect bicycle bag. It will mount to any handlebar with speed and ease.

When you arrive at your destination, loosen the straps, and carry the bag along with you. $84.99 www.northstbags.com

3. Sierra Designs California Collection Tights Active wear perfect for a morning yoga class, work or study session, and an afternoon hike.

Four-way stretch fabric with ultimate comfort and breathability. $79 www.sierradesigns.com

6. One Eleven SW1 Solar Three-Hand Date Watch Set Stainless steel, water resistant and solar powered movement watch with a matte white dial and brown leather strap. $125 www.111watches.com

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7. Balega Ultralight Running Socks Stay cool, dry and comfortable. Ultrafine hi-tech performance yarns with a protection-based design creates the sheerest, lightest performance running sock. $13 www.balega-socks.implus.com 8. QALO Dog ID Tags Dog tag designed to show off your fury friend’s personality. Quiet, scratch resistant, durable for everyday wear. $17.95 - $24.95 www.qalo.com

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9. DrinKup Bottle A smart water bottle is connected to an app that sends you notifications when it’s time to hydrate!

The bottle recommends the most appropriate water intake based on your height, weight and daily activities. The lid also vibrates and a heart appears on the LED screen when it’s time to drink up! $69 www.drinkupbottle.com 10. Comvita Manuka Honey From hive to shelf, this BPA-free jar of honey from the nectar of the Manuka flower in the forests of New Zealand is non-GMO, Halal and Kosher certified. Supports digestive and immune health and helps soothe coughs and sore throats. $54.99 www.comvita.com

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11. Floyd's of Leadville Lavender Blend Recovery Balm Combining the healing properties of CBD, lavender and lidocaine, this balm is applied topically to quickly relieve muscles and joint pain. $59 www.floydsofleadville.com 12. Kari Traa Var Sports Bra A light, colorful support sports bra made from soft material that quickly wicks away moisture. $40 www.karitraa.com 13. SAXX CannonBall Swim With a semi-compression liner and drawstring on outer shell for adjustments, these swim shorts are designed to keep you chafe-free and enjoy quick dips and long beach days alike. $75 www.saxxunderwear.com

14. Vivobarefoot Magna Trail A high-performance, multi-terrain hiking shoe.

Features a neoprene ankle sock for 360-foot freedom and flexibility, whilst keeping out grit on the trail. $90 www.vivobarefoot.com 15. Hälsa Aromatherapy Roll-Ons Roll-on essential oil blends inspired by your yoga and meditation practice. Aromatherapy is the perfect companion to add to your routine! $14.95 www.halsaessentials.com

By Lexi Reich

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lifestyle / What We Love

Vail Valley Wellness Eagle-Vail

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here’s a lovely place to find a dose of self-care in the mountains. Vail Valley Wellness is now open in Eagle-Vail and combines innovative spa services with the latest in bioenergetic medicine to help you rest, relax and receive alternative health care.

"It is our mission to make holistic medicine more approachable and accessible, and the Vail Valley is exactly the place for this type of care,” shares owner Becky Burgess. "Whether you are an athlete looking to recover, a baby boomer looking for an alternative to Botox, or a professional who needs to destress, we know you'll find easy and effective healing through one of our many services.

We provide a calm and peaceful space for locals and visitors of the Vail Valley to take a moment to find their peace.”

Services at Vail Valley Wellness include foot detox baths, cosmetic acupuncture to help rejuvenate the skin, BioMat sessions that

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use infrared technology to promote healing, cupping therapy to help move stagnation and pain in the body, acupuncture, customized herbs, along with specific treatments for women's health, pain, fertility and emotional distress, among other health concerns.

“One of our most popular offerings is our yoni steams, which is the practice of vaginal steaming and allowing an herbal decoction to permeate and warm your feminine essence,” shares Burgess. “This is a truly unique experience that has the town buzzing!”

A cosmetic acupuncture package is a great way to receive all the balancing benefits of acupuncture while investing in a plan for the vibrancy and longevity of your skin.

“When I think about all of the harsh ways we treat our skin and especially our faces, it makes me cringe,” says Burgess. “Your face is your best asset and I love providing skin care that cares about you.”

The cosmetic acupuncture helps reverse

skin discoloration from sun damage, promote healthy microcirculation and detoxification, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and generally lift, tone, firm and brighten the face.

“I believe this modality to be life-changing,” Burgess shares. “Of course it takes time and it’s not a forever fix! You have to do your due diligence to hold the incredible results, including healthy lifestyle choices.”

The Vail Valley Wellness space is inviting, and as Burgess has described, it’s built upon the practices of ancient medicine. As modern medicine has been reaching for more and more one-size-fits-all plans, Burgess says her focus is to not just treat many conditions with one pill or one procedure, but rather give each individual a unique and customized plan.

“Here, we look at the individual,” she said. “We find out more about their constitution, their health history and current health goals. We guide them through treatment options and answer any questions they may have about lifestyle, nutrition and healthy habits. Our locals and visitors of the Vail Valley are extremely health-conscious and motivated. This forward-thinking clientele is actually looking at the medicine of the past to help them heal and we aim to provide everything they need under one roof here in Eagle-Vail.” +

www.vailvalleywellness.com

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Photos by: Kim Fuller + courtesy of Vail Valley Wellness

by kim fuller

YOGA + FITNESS / Movement

POSES + MODIFICATIONS

for Pregnancy P

racticing yoga when pregnant is a life-saver for so many mamas-tobe, but the practice needs to be modified, gently at first and more as your pregnancy progresses.

You may be the type of mom who goes straight to prenatal yoga classes once you find out you are pregnant. If so, great!

Prenatal yoga classes are a perfect combination of yoga and community that will cater directly to the aches, pains and other experiences of pregnancy.

The challenge for most busy mamas-tobe is to fit your exercise routine into when the prenatal yoga classes are being offered (they often run during the day and other non-peak times). Your yoga studio might not even offer prenatal yoga classes. Maybe you just really enjoy a specific class and want to continue practicing yoga like you did before pregnancy. Regardless, you will need to learn a few modifications to get the most of your yoga classes.

I have been a yoga teacher for over 12 years and practiced yoga through two pregnancies. This article offers suggestions for what feels good in the body when pregnant and modifications to keep your practice safe and effective through the whole of your pregnancy.

First, some general pointers: + Every pregnancy is different. How you experience pregnancy can be totally different from your friends, fellow yoginis and even your instructor. Your intuition is heightened when pregnant; listening to your body’s feedback and not doing what doesn’t feel good is always something you should give yourself the freedom to do.

by Carrie Varela

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+ You might be concerned that doing certain exercises can cause a spontaneous miscarriage. This is not true. Both the American Pregnancy Association and the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology state that daily exercise should be a part of pregnancy, and exercise itself is not reported as a cause of miscarriage.

In fact, exercise can decrease the likelihood of a miscarriage by keeping stress levels down.

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+ There are a lot of reasons to stay active during pregnancy. The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology says exercise strengthens postural and birthing muscles, improves energy, balances hormones, improves your mood, reduces backache, reduces swelling, promotes better sleep and helps prevent gestational diabetes. It also increases overall muscular tone, strength and endurance that will help you support the additional weight you will be carrying, and decrease the difficulty in moving that may eventually come. So, if you are having an intense pregnancy day … definitely roll out your mat, it always helps!

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+ You will probably feel uncomfortable lying on your abdomen after the first trimester.

You might chose to avoid belly down poses like bow pose (dhanurasana) and locust pose (shalabhasana) from the moment you find out you are pregnant as these poses compress the uterus. Most women find that poses like sphinx and cobra remain comfortable through the first trimester and into the second.

Photos of Carrie Varela by: Dr. Jonathan Henry Bloch

MODIFICATIONS FOR FRONT BODY STRETCHES As your pregnancy progresses, be careful to limit and modify front body stretches (aka backbends). The round ligament is one of the several thick ligaments that surrounds and supports your uterus as it grows during pregnancy. As your baby gets bigger, the round ligament stretches, making it more likely to become strained. Sudden movements can cause the ligament to tighten quickly, like a rubber band snapping. This causes a sudden and quick jabbing feeling. Your hip flexor muscles and core muscles are already quite stretched out in pregnancy (moreso in the last trimester) and overstretching the front body architecture can put a lot of strain on the spine.

Consider modifying camel, crescent moon, upward dog and lizard. Omit wheel pose after the first trimester or whenever it becomes uncomfortable.

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1. Over-stretching in crescent moon (anjaneyasana) can cause round ligament pain and can lengthen

muscles already stretched out by pregnancy. To avoid that painful sensation and to decrease stress on the round ligament, simply decrease the angle on your back knee. Instead of focusing on a stretch through the back quad, think of engaging your core and aligning through the midline of the body. The support of a bolster on the back quad, also feels great.

2. Avoid long holds in big quad stretches and psoas stretches. Instead of stretching the quad in lizard (utthan pristhasana), lower to your elbows, lift you back knee and align along the midline of the body.

Bonus: this pose is super energizing! If you would prefer to lower the knee, use a bolster like a wedge under the back thigh.

3. Avoid deep compressive backbends. Do not go back too far in camel (ustrasana) even if you can

comfortably reach your feet with your hands. Reaching your feet with your hands in this pose exaggerates the way the lower lumbar spine is pulled forward by the weight of the pregnancy. It can put a major amount of stress on the spine. Instead of reaching for the toes, keep your hands supporting your low back and think of creating an “evenly toned bow” (a Blissology® term) through the spine, almost like you are jumping from your feet over a high jump bar behind you. Upward dog (not pictured) can put a similar stress on the low back as camel pose. You might chose to omit this pose from your practice as your baby bump gets more pronounced toward the end of pregnancy. Generally, wheel is contraindicated from the first trimester onward.

4. Running out of space for your belly in a runner’s lunge? As your baby bump grows and a runner’s lunge becomes more and more uncomfortable, bring your hands to the inner knee and use blocks to elevate the torso.

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YOGA + FITNESS / Movement

MODIFICATIONS FOR TWISTS

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Most women find it common sense and uncomfortable to do most closed twists (where the belly is compressed against a leg) beginning sometime in the second trimester. Closed twists are painful, uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for your baby, especially in the later stages of pregnancy. You have options so don’t be afraid to modify your twists in pregnancy.

1. Avoid closed twists. Instead of twisting chair pose (parivrtta utkatasana) or twisting crescent lunge

(parivrtta anjaneyasana), stay upright and rotate the spine, maintaining an open twist where the belly is not compressed by the thigh. This is not an easy pose! Keep breathing and imagine the arms are hugging a huge Redwood tree (activating the upper back and chest muscles).

2. For a day when you are feeling less energized, try modifying your twist by bringing the back knee to the ground and taking your forward facing arm to the outer thigh. This twist feels great on the part of the spine that holds much of the weight of your baby. Press your leg into your hand and rotate the opposite arm as open as it wants to go.

POSES THAT FEEL GREAT THROUGHOUT YOUR PREGNANCY

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3. Side Plank (Vasisthasana). The key action is learning how to balance on one hand and the long edge of the foot (or perhaps with both feet staggered). Learning the proper weight distribution through the hand, and how to press the arm down into the floor without hyperextending the elbow and not collapsing into the shoulder joint, are very important aspects of the pose. Once the base of the pose is established, you can apply more advanced variations of lifting the top leg or bringing the top leg into tree pose. This pose will remind you of what your body felt like pre-pregnancy!

4. Half Moon (Ardha Chandrasana). As your baby bump grows, your center of balance is off making a

pose like this even trickier than when you weren’t pregnant. Gaze down for more balance and use a block for the bottom hand. The hip strength you develop on the grounded leg as well as the outer hip activation of the top leg feel great in pregnancy.

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YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Photos of Carrie Varela by: Dr. Jonathan Henry Bloch

Tired of thinking about all of the things you can’t do while being a portal for another soul to become human? It just isn’t fun to dwell on the restrictions of pregnancy. Get empowered about how strong you are, goddess!

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LOLË WHITE TOUR 6

5. Headstand (Salamba Shirshasana). Inversions used to be contraindicated for pregnancy without a lot of good science or reason behind it. A new generation of yoga practitioners are changing what exercise in pregnancy looks like, including adopting more freedom to get inverted! The general rule of thumb here that most yoginis use is that if you have done inversions (or really any particular exercise) regularly prior to pregnancy … go for it! You might consider omitting inversions during weeks 8 -12 of your pregnancy as some say inversions can put pressure on your placenta while it is attaching to the uterine wall. In the third trimester, don’t go upside down for too long. After 36 weeks, if the baby is head down you also might consider omitting inversions from your practice. Speak to your doctor about your specific situation, especially if you have placenta previa or are concerned if inversions are right for you.

5. Corpse Pose (Savasana). Giving yourself a sweet little rest at the end of

Photos of Carrie Varela by: Dr. Jonathan Henry Bloch

a practice is one of yoga’s greatest contributions to the world of mind/body wellness. Make yourself comfortable by using blocks and bolsters (if you have them) or couch cushions if you don’t. As you rest, imagine a bridge of light connecting your heart to your baby.

CARRIE VARELA is a yogi, Reiki Master, mystic, lover, traveler and modern day healer.

She is passionate about helping people find good energy. Carrie's teaching is directly influenced by her studentship of Prana Flow Vinyasa with Shiva Rea and Blissology with Eion Finn. Carrie is an avid practitioner of the healing arts. Practice yoga with her online and learn more about her upcoming retreats and Reiki trainings on www.carrievarela.com.

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ON THE ROAD YOGA MEDITATION MUSIC WELLNESS ATHLETIC FIELDS, VAIL SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 1ST 2019 9AM TO 11AM

SESSION LED BY

KIM FULLER & BOBBY L’HEUREUX INCLUDING A LIVE MUSICAL PERFORMANCE

BY ANDY CYPHERT

VAIL ATHLETIC FIELD 700 SOUTH FRONTAGE RD EAST VAIL, COLORADO 81657

RESERVE YOUR MAT NOW LOLEWHITETOUR.COM/EVENTS

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YOGA + FITNESS / Movement

Angela Muzic

HOW

INDOOR FITNESS Can Keep You Healthy Outdoors

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e love the great outdoors in Colorado! The outdoor lifestyle improves physical and mental health exponentially — we don’t need a scientist to prove it. But what happens when the aches and pains in our bodies from overuse patterns start to break our bodies down?

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Overuse Syndrome (OS) is a condition that can occur when repetitive patters of movement — such as running, hiking, biking, golfing, skiing, snowboarding, fly fishing, rafting and climbing — cause imbalances in the musculoskeletal systems, leading to injuries or limitations in movement and ultimately, setbacks. Whether you are a

PLANKS Planks are the king of core stabilization.

Core stability is essential for spinal health and involves every muscle in the core at once — without moving!

Set up: Start on your hands and knees, make two fists and place your forearms parallel on the ground. Stretch your legs straight back and lift your knees off the ground about shoulder width apart. Imagine a zipper inside your body behind your belly button – like a tight pair of jeans — and zip up and brace your trunk.

Movement: Hold for 30 to 90 seconds,

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Photos courtesy of: Angela Muzic

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professional athlete or an outdoor enthusiast, almost all of us suffer from these imbalances. Unfortunately, by the time we begin to feel pain or stiffness from these patterns, it is often too late. A low-level setback like a sprain or strain will not only keep us out of the game for some time, but can lead to something more complex in the realm of wear and tear including surgical repair.

Prevention is necessary and prevention is maintenance. We have to be consistent with awareness of overuse and become educated in how to correct our bodies.

One very effective way to prevent OS is to hire a health professional such as a physical therapist, personal strength coach or private Pilates instructor to help identify your overuse patterns and prescribe corrective exercises to help balance the body out. Our health is, arguably, our most valuable asset. When you head outdoors, your core values are leading you there for experience to improve your health, whether mentally, physically or both. If you head outside without a plan, you are risking overusing your body.

Making time indoors, at the gym, studio or clinic will extend your ability to move your body efficiently. How reliable would your car run if you skipped basic maintenance appointments? Maintenance of the body, under the supervision of a credentialed professional, will absolutely increase your performance and longevity.

Here are a few example exercises and stretches that can aid in injury prevention.

Always consult with your physician before attempting any new exercise or exercise program.

one to three times. Beginners can modify by gently setting their knees back to the floor.

BRIDGES Bridges activate hamstring and glute muscle groups as well as help you feel connection to your core and spine. Bridges help protect the knees and lumbar spine and balance the pelvic structure.

Set up: Lie on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor about shoulder width apart, arms straight by your sides.

Movement: Elevate your hips up toward the ceiling and back to the floor. Squeeze your cheeks as you lift. Repeat three sets of 10 reps.

were sitting back and down into a chair.

Keep most of your body weight in your heels. Push your body back up to standing, pressing through your heels and squeezing your backside all the way up. Be sure to keep your knees slightly behind your toes.

90/90 HIP FLEXOR STRETCH This stretch helps keep the upper and lower body balanced and pain free.

Set up: Kneel on the floor or a cushy mat

ANGELA MUZIC is the founder and creator of Barre Rhythm Fitness.

Barre Rhythm is a fusion of her two main disciplines; strength and conditioning and Pilates. Angela has been involved in athletics since the age of six and has been a professional, certified coach since 2003.

Angela has developed programming for professional athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, kids, seniors and general population. She has worked in conjunction with physical therapists, chiropractors and orthopedic experts. Her core values in the wellness world are balancing movement, mindset, nutrition and recovery. www.barrerhythm.com

SQUATS Squats are the movement most functional to the lower body. Squats keep the lower body healthy in both mobility and strength.

Set up: Stand with your feet slightly wider than the frame of your body.

Movement: Drop your seat, as if you

M O V E

with the body in an upright position. Put one of your legs in front with your foot flat on the floor or mat so that both knees are forming right angles.

Movement: Engage or “squeeze” the glutes of the leg that is in front, keeping the torso upright.

As a strength coach and Pilates instructor, I check in with my coaches regularly to assess my imbalances and help me stay injury free. A trained professional’s eye on your body is a very valuable tool to stay outside! +

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YOGA + FITNESS / Seva

UNITING LOVE + PRESENCE

IN TIMES OF GRIEF

Photo by: daiga ellaby

by Mary Gavin

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W

hen something happens in a friend’s life, it can be challenging to know the right thing to do or say. The loss of a loved one, a job or any major life transition has the potential to elicit feelings of grief.

Not only can it feel defeating for the person experiencing grief directly, it can also feel overwhelming and disheartening as an “outsider” hoping to offer support.

Grief is an inevitable part of the human experience. As a young girl, I lost my mother to breast cancer. Since then, I have been no stranger to grief. With practice, my relationship with and response to grief has transformed over the years. I cannot recall in particular anything that was said by loved ones offering support as much as I recall who was there. I will always remember who showed up.

You may not feel equipped to offer anything of value when a loved one is in the deepest throes of grief. However, I’d like to offer the possibility that you already possess something very important — the ability to offer your loving presence. Offering presence to a friend to process grief in his or her own way has the potential to be an incredibly simple, yet powerful gift. Bearing witness to one another’s suffering by holding the experience with empathy, openness and acceptance lies at the core of healing through difficult times.

Leaning into vulnerability by choosing to connect with a friend who is experiencing grief has the potential to deepen friendship and heal the heart chakra. According to “Eastern Body Western Mind” by Anodea Judith, grief is said to be the “demon” of the heart chakra. The heart chakra is said to govern connection in the form of relationships with others and also with the self. Grief tends to pull us into a state of feeling disconnected. Judith shares, “When our heart is heavy with grief, it’s hard to open, even hard to

When our heart is heavy with grief, it’s hard to open, even hard to breathe … When grief is denied, we become numb to our feelings and our aliveness. When grief is acknowledged and expressed, however, we find a vital key to opening the heart. breathe … When grief is denied, we become numb to our feelings and our aliveness.

When grief is acknowledged and expressed, however, we find a vital key to opening the heart. Tears are shed, truth expressed and the heart lightens.” Though challenging at times, expressed grief is incredibly healing.

A balanced heart chakra is able to give and receive love without condition.

Acceptance and empathy create a foundation of safety in any relationship.

Sociologist Brené Brown describes empathy as “Feeling with people. Empathy is a choice. It’s a vulnerable choice because in order to connect with [someone], I have to connect with something inside myself that knows that feeling.” As we cultivate the courage to accept and allow our own emotions to arise, we become better able to accept and allow the emotions of others.

The art of acceptance involves the practice of allowing emotions the space to unfold

naturally. Releasing the need to change a situation may fuel feelings of helplessness at first. If we release the reigns by choosing to be with whatever arises, we allow grief’s full expression.

Psychologist Tara Brach offers her perspective, “What if instead of resisting feelings of fear or grief, we embrace pain with the kindness of a mother holding her child?

Rather than judging … we regard [it] with gentleness and care?” Choosing compassionate awareness of grief without judgment releases the expectation that we need to “fix” or be fixed in some way. Acceptance fosters the feeling that emotions are normal and that we are fundamentally “okay” — which is true at our very deepest core.

The presence of loved ones has been essential to my healing process over the years. Of course they couldn’t take away my pain because that’s just the reality of life, but they were there to acknowledge it.

What they had to offer was presence and love. And it was enough to allow my little heart to begin to heal. To feel seen and validated through our suffering can offer something that attempting to remove it cannot.

There is not a one-size-fits-all approach for dealing with life’s challenges. Everyone experiences and processes grief in unique ways, none of which are linear or “correct.”

However, connection seems to have the potential to shift the experience of grief from feelings of isolation to the soft awareness that one is cared for and truly not alone in his or her suffering.

Offer loving presence as an act of empathy and acceptance rather than the need to change something about the situation or person. Connect in a way that feels authentic. Connection can range from the practice of holding space and generous listening to preparing a meal or checking up on a friend regularly. Reach out. Show up. Connect.

And heal. +

MARY GAVIN is a world-traveler, singer, teacher and Reiki healer. Her passion for healing is rooted in her own experience. She is a seeker of truth and humor in the simplicity of life and is always learning something new — mostly that there’s a lot more to learn and that she has no idea what’s actually going on. She hopes to inspire by sharing bits of her soul through writing. She draws endless inspiration from her sweetest pup, Sammie girl.

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YOGA + FITNESS / In The Practice

SHIVA AND SHAKTI

by Photo by: andressa voltolini

Kaity Rose

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A Guide to Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energy

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n the beginning of time, a divine being sat absorbed in deep, blissful meditation.

He sat with legs crossed at the mouth of a cave on the peak of a cosmic mountain, meditating upon his breath. Millions of years passed with his every breath. His name was Shiva.

In his state of complete and full absorption, he was unaffected by the external world. He was anchored in bliss and felt great contentment. But one day, Shiva felt a stir inside him. From a still, silent place within, the subtle pull of kama (desire) awoke.

This stir of desire grew into a rippling, pulsating field known as spanda.

Shiva opened his eyes from his millennia of deep, transcendental meditation. His gaze landed upon the figure of the Goddess, Shakti, dancing and weaving around him in beautiful spirals. As their eyes met, spanda pulsed with an even greater vigor, and Shiva’s longing for her grew.

As the Goddess danced, Shiva held space for the beauty of her form and movement. In that moment, the world was born.

The Goddess pulled a great cauldron out from the ether and poured in the element of earth. The cauldron gave birth to great mountains, canyons and plains that carved their way into our great and powerful planet.

She poured in the element of water, which nourished the ground with rivers, lakes, streams and divine oceans. She poured in the element of fire, which brought us summertime, blooming flowers, bonfires and our sun-filled days. And finally, she poured in air, which brought us the great winds and gaseous chemicals that support all of life on earth. These elements stirred and churned with the great spanda, pulsation, of divine masculine and feminine connection; this gave birth to animals, plants and the entire world as we know it.

Masculine and feminine energy exists within each and every one of us, regardless of our sex and gender. Both of these energies are necessary for the balance and longevity of life here on earth, but can easily

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fall out of balance. Our society is currently in masculine overdrive; aggressive or otherwise harmful expressions of masculine energy within ourselves and our world have become normalized. In many ways, it seems that the masculine and feminine are no longer meeting each other, honoring each other or appreciating one another’s gifts.

The masculine in balance offers us structure, discipline, organization, protection and containment. When the masculine is allowed its true expression, it holds space for the more organic parts of life while keeping us on track with our vision and goals. In our modern day, we’ve found ourselves in a time of excessive masculinity, which has led to a culture revolved around overachievement, overconsumption and reckless overuse of the resources of the earth for personal or industrial gain. We’re left feeling overworked, stressed and undernourished. When we live this way, it can lead to a degradation in our health and the natural environment.

Even in the world of yoga and spirituality, a similar dynamic is at play. Our practices easily become too forceful, competitive and regimented. Much of the asana we practice was originally designed for 15-year-old male bodies! Masculine practices focus on transcending the body to attain a state of enlightenment. These practices are powerful in the right context, but must be balanced by the feminine. When we only feed masculine practices, we are getting just half of the story. These practices focus on aesthetics, purification, strict and regimented movement and big, heady philosophy organized in linear charts and formulas.

Where the masculine focuses on transcendence, the feminine brings us into embodiment. Bliss is something we experience right here and right now, in the midst of imperfection. Feminine movement happens organically, intuitively and in spirals. Feminine meditation cultivates body awareness, acceptance, emotional expression and pleasure. The feminine brings us into our feeling, sensing and ever-changing bodies.

We are drawn to experience the world with presence, joy and heart. +

Here are a few tips to get you started with balancing the masculine and feminine within: Ask yourself throughout the day, “Am I in a state of doing (trying to get somewhere) or being (accepting myself as I am)?”

Add more intuitive, circular movements to your yoga practice. Close your eyes and let your body lead the way.

Use your hands to feel your body. This nourishes our desire for touch and intimacy.

Breathe into the pelvic floor and womb space. This is a plexus where feminine power resides.

Get outside and connect to Mother Earth.

Practice gratitude. When we do this, we can connect to the spirit of generosity in the world and in nature.

KAITY ROSE is a certified Yoga Therapist and retreat leader based in Boulder, Colorado. Kaity specializes in helping women heal and recover from anxiety. Her style of teaching invites students deeper into self-acceptance and awakening their inner wisdom. Kaity has been practicing yoga for 15 years. Her daily practice provides a means of connecting to the wisdom of the body and the earth, and through teaching she helps others do the same. Follow her on Instagram at @kaityroseyoga or visit www.bewildearth.com to connect.

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YOGA + FITNESS / In The Practice

by Jessica Heaney

DEFINING YOUR VALUES Similar to Jacki, my values act as my compass.

They keep me orientated to my path, showing me when I’ve wander off and gotten lost within myself (and sometimes outside of myself). To help you discover your values, here are four steps you can take to get clear on who you are and what matters most: 1. NARROW IN ON FOUR KEY VALUES. I suggest they be single words like: INTEGRITY, CREATIVITY, CONNECTION. 2. DEFINE THESE WORDS. Not by the dictionary but by what they mean to YOU. Strip away what you’ve been told and dig into your own heartfelt definitions.

THE IMPORTANCE OF

BEING IN ALIGNMENT

B

eing in alignment with yourself is a central aspect to complete well-being. The more in alignment we are with ourselves, the better we feel. The further we drift away from ourselves, the worse we feel. Distress, irritation and anxiety all begin to set in.

Alignment literally means a position of agreement or alliance. And while we may apply this to how we align our bodies on our yoga mats, what about how we show up in the rest of our lives? Out there, in that “real” world and within our relationships?

Pause for a moment and consider how aligned you are with your deepest values.

Ask yourself: In this moment, from 1 to 100 percent, how “in alignment” am I living?

This isn’t an exercise of judgment or shame.

This is purely an exercise of love. Because when we aren’t aligned with who we deeply are, we rob ourselves and the world from truly experiencing who we are. This also isn’t a practice of perfection. We are only human. We will rarely ever be 100 percent in alignment.

And if we are so lucky to feel that 100 percent vibe, we will eventually stray away. We are not

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static or stagnant beings. It’s guaranteed we will move across a continuum of alignment.

The intention in this practice is to notice when we drift away and become more aware of our alignment. Without being aware, we are powerless to do much of anything.

To be in agreement with ourselves and to notice where we are on our own continuum, we first need to understand who we are at our core. Defining my core values is instrumental in discovering what matters most to me and my heart. My inspiring coach, Jacki Carr, has been my own guide in this process. She’s a powerhouse when it comes to talking values.

"Taking the time to press pause and define and align to our core values, that inner GPS that supports in decision making, is one of my favorite foundational practices.

When in transition or feeling stuck, the “values practice” is a way to feel at home within your own self and shift your perspective to truly support your best life by your own design,” says Jacki. +

Learn more at www.jackicarr.com

3. FEEL IT. Make sure these words resonate with you, that you can literally feel them in your core.

To get these juices flowing, say a neutral word that isn’t meaningful for you (BASEBALL works for me!). Then say your values out loud. Feel the difference?

4. CHECK IN REGULARLY. Ask yourself how in alignment you are living and whether a decision is in alignment with your values. The 1 to 100 percent scale works great for this.

Your four core values become your north, south, east and west. They provide instant clarity, helping you adjust as you live a life that is most true to you.

And trust me, the world needs more of you! Not more of what you “should” be …

When we are in alignment and in agreement with ourselves, we discover peace, joy and all the feel goods. This empowers us to show up with a confidence that brings a deeper sense of success and fulfillment.

Our values are our guides and our fuel for what we choose to do with our precious life. We will always have gaps that appear, but that’s our work: to practice noticing these gaps before they become canyons, while continuing to seek greater personal alignment.

JESSICA HEANEY is the owner of the Vail Relationship Institute, where she practices as a therapist.

She specializes in strengthening and repairing relationships, working with couples and individuals. She creates unique workshops, retreats and intensive experiences. All because she believes relationships matter most. Learn more about Jessica at www.vailrelationshipinstitute.com.

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Adventure to Connection R E T R E AT

AUGUST 1-4, 2019 • RED MOUNTAIN ALPINE LODGE IN OURAY, CO

Join Jessica Heaney of Vail Relationship Institute and Kim Fuller of In Your Element for a weekend of yoga, connection, a guided hike up Mt. Sneffels, great food and fun in the beautiful San Juan Mountains of Colorado.

WWW.VAILRELATIONSHIPINSTITUTE.COM/ADVENTURE-TO-CONNECTION-1

Photo courtesy of: Mt. Princeton hot springs

YOGA + FITNESS / Retreats + Trainings

by Katie Coakley

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YOGALIFELIVE.COM

A SEARCH FOR TOTAL WELLNESS:

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MEDITATION, HOT SPRINGS + PLENTY OF SCIENCE

he sun reflected off of the Chalk Cliffs, casting a golden glow over the lawn. I shifted a bit on my blanket, my legs starting to tingle in their crossed position; I tried to acknowledge the feeling, then return to my breath.

Inhale …. exhale. A herd of deer ambled across the lawn, stopping for a nibble of grass: “Guaranteed nature,” our instructor quipped. “Now back to your breath.”

Guided mediation is just one aspect of the Total Wellness Retreat at Mount Princeton Hot Springs Resort. Set in an idyllic setting with the Chalk Creek river flowing through the grounds, this five-day, fournight and all-inclusive lifestyle-change program is led by medical providers and staff from Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center. While the program includes educational lectures with medical doctors and sessions with exercise physiologists and dieticians, this retreat is not about having someone tell you what to do and what to eat.

The Total Wellness Retreat focuses on the idea that physical, mental and emotional health are all tied together and, if one is out of whack, the others likely are, too. And the person that ties all those aspects together? You. Regular folks are becoming more and more savvy because knowledge about health is more easily accessible to the general public, explained Jon Fritz, who manages the Wellness Department at Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center (HRRMC) and leads the retreat.

“But we as a culture, and as individuals, haven't inserted ourselves into that knowledge,” Fritz said.

This retreat was designed to bring indi-

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viduals (with 12 participants max) together to learn how to insert themselves into their own health — starting with a blood panel.

On the first morning, everyone had blood drawn so that the team could not only get a baseline of health, but also to give participants concrete examples of where health could be improved (cholesterol, blood sugar, etc.). Individual results were not discussed until the third day, but the sessions covered hot topics like the differences between fats, foods that can help prevent cancer (and some that may lead to it), using energy to heal pain and the impact of sitting on your health.

There was plenty of movement, too.

One afternoon included a strength training session, another featured a group hike on the historic Chalk Creek Grade, an old railroad grade used by the Denver South Park and Pacific Railroad, and another morning offered Tai Chi. Guided meditation helped participants move into healthier mental space to enact change and a group cooking class helped cement relationships. Of course, there was also ample time to simply soak in the hot springs or take a walk in the mountains.

“To get a human to change their life takes a big picture of a value-based model of care; an idea in which various doctors and health practitioners work together to address a patient’s care,” Fritz said. “Which means that you're going to need the psychology of health coaching — they need the real nutrition education and motivation to exercise and to learn what's safe and how to do it.”

It’s this multi-faceted approach, addressing mental, emotional and physical health — and the fact that hospital staff are leading

the education — that really sets this wellness retreat apart. There’s really nothing else quite like it in the country.

“I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t about ‘shame on you,’” said Rose Seavey, who has been a nurse for more than 40 years. “I’ve gone to a lot of retreats that weren’t so accepting of who we are at this point. I love the fact that they are not judgmental at all. And they’re not setting goals for me, but instead are helping me set goals.”

Everyone’s goals are different, but this retreat is designed to help anyone who is not currently at their vision of health. This vision of health could be how you physically look, the activities you participate in or even the types of friends that you have.

And the support doesn’t end when everyone is saying their goodbyes — leaders like Jon keep in contact and encourage accountability.

If you’re looking to make a change in your life, this might be an opportunity. Providing tools to improve physical, mental and emotional health, the Total Wellness Retreat is a push to get off the fence and achieve your goals. +

The next Total Wellness Retreat will take place Sunday, Nov. 3 – Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019. Cost for the Total Wellness Retreat (includes four nights' lodging, program activities, program meals and Mt. Princeton guest privileges) is $1,500 for an individual and $2,000 for a couple.

Single-day registration is also available.

For more information, visit hrrmc.com/ Wellness-U/Wellness-Retreat or call 719.530.2057.

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YOGA + FITNESS / Retreats + Trainings

By kim fuller

T

here’s was something about WUB that drew us to Banff last November for a long weekend.

And what is WUB? We asked the same question …

As described by founder Paul Puzanoski, “WUB hosts conscious gatherings.”

It’s not an acronym or a real word, but it does sound a little like “love” — the exact experience it creates.

“We’re a wellness brand passionate about

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fostering personal growth, connection, transformation, smiles, change, healing, friendship, inner peace, self-care, community and more,” he explains.

Launching the gathering came out of what Puzanoski says was a loud calling and hard push from the universe. Maybe that’s what brought us to Banff, too.

Bobby L’Heureux and I, owners of this magazine, decided to explore this intriguing event in what we knew would be a beautiful

location. It’s true you can’t go wrong with a visit to Banff, especially paired with a delightful dose of wellness and connection.

“With the Banff gathering, our focus was to deliver an incredibly well-organized and high-quality wellness experience like no one has seen before,” shares Puzanoski. “It quickly snowballed in such a spectacular way and ended up turning into a life changing experience for not just our guests, but our team as well.”

The experience was everything we imagined, and more. From lovely sunrise yoga overlooking the mountains to sound baths, live music, fascinating speakers and inspirational learnings, WUB was wonderful.

Since the launch of WUB, Puzanoski and his team have started producing one-day gatherings to take place in various cities.

There could be one coming to Colorado soon, but I do recommend a visit to Canada for WUB if you can.

“We have a lot of big announcements and things planned for the rest of the year and we plan to stay true to our vision of offering incredible transformational events and experiences,” says Puzanoski.

Details for the annual Banff gathering and more WUB tour dates in western Canada are soon to be finalized, along with some custom offerings and programs for groups and individuals.

“Moving forward we just plan on doing what we love and helping as many people as we can along the way with our events,” Puzanoski shares. “We eat, sleep and breathe transformation and really just hope to keep growing. We’re extremely grateful to have such an incredible team and community supporting us. We can’t say for sure how WUB will evolve but we’re buckled up for the ride and excited to see where the universe takes it.” +

www.wubgathering.com

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Photos courtesy of: WUB Gathering

WUB GATHERING

Outside / Fresh Air

Open Up + Say “Ommmm”

Photos courtesy of: Farm Fusion

Yoga and Yakitori at Farm Fusion in Fort Collins

By Katie Coakley

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n a bucolic fall day, the sky seems to reach down and embrace the land, highlighting the shades of ocher and raw umber that patchwork the landscape.

The winding, aptly named Cattleman’s Road leads up to a big red barn as sunlight dances on the small lake, one of two on the Fort Collins property. This is the home of Farm Fusion, a literal farmto-table cooking school, and its owner, Dawn Broeder.

Dawn’s father, Dennis Marsh, started homesteading the land 50 years ago. She and her brothers grew up here, following the changes from dairy farm to beef, the selling of land and construction of new buildings.

When she decided to trade her food truck business (also called Farm Fusion) for brick and mortar, it seemed natural to come home to the land she loved located just outside of bustling Fort Collins. Dawn opened the school in July 2018.

Creating this barn (really, it’s everything that you’d want a big red barn to be) was a twoyear labor of love for Dawn and her family.

“It was a family affair,” Dawn shares. “I designed this … I was the general.”

With Dawn in command, she enlisted the help of her dad, brother, husband and five sons. Although there were differences in opinion — Dawn was adamant about her vision of the large, open show kitchen that would become the classroom, while her father wasn’t really convinced of the size — the end result was a light, airy space that lets participants imagine they’re the stars in their own cooking shows, with Dawn at the helm.

Farm Fusion offers courses that are truly farm-to-table: think cheese-making utilizing local milk to tapas that might include aioli made from freshly gathered pink, blue and green eggs from the heritage chickens that scratch outside in the yard. All ingredients are sourced from the

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farm itself or from local growers.

And Dawn has plans — she's mapped out a large plot for a garden; she wants to incorporate a milking station for a dairy heifer or a goat (or both), and she’s gathered materials for an outdoor kitchen.

Her newest addition to the Farm to Fusion lineup is “Yoga and Yakitori,” a combo that offers both yoga and a cooking class.

The experience starts with a yoga class by the lake, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells of the working ranch. Then, after getting into a creative and productive zone, you’ll head into the barn/teaching kitchen.

Here, Dawn will instruct students to

create simple yakitori favorites with dipping sauces, paired with a nutritious and fresh salad and a drink of the day, like beet lemonade. All of the meats are from natural, organic ranches local to the area and produce is from either the Broeder farm or other local farms.

“I am so excited to be able to offer this to the public,” Dawn says. “My entire concept is connecting the community with the local farmers and ranchers and utilizing what we have right here. Being healthy and happy is not only about what you put in your body, but how you take care of your body.”

Combining yoga and cooking was a natural next step for Broeder.

“One important skill when learning to cook is the ability to understand the nature of your ingredients, how they work together to produce the end result you are trying to reach,” Dawn explains. “I think yoga has very similar concepts — it takes practice and skill.

The better your skills, whether in cooking or in yoga, the better the results. They both offer challenges and wonderful results.”

Tickets to Yoga and Yakitori include one hour of yoga and two hours in the kitchen.

Participants will need to bring their own yoga mat. All supplies, ingredients and equipment needed for cooking will be provided. Price of class: $79. Farm Fusion also offers creative cooking classes on most Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays; private classes and events are also available. Class prices start at $59 for adults. +

Visit www.farmfusion.com to learn more, peruse a full schedule or to book a class.

KATIE COAKLEY is a freelance writer based in Golden, Colorado who likes her yoga on a farm and her aioli from fancy chickens. You can see more of her work at www.katiecoakley.com.

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outside / Fresh Air

DIGITAL DOWNTIME:

New Adventures In Lodging Go Off-The-Grid + Reboot

by Lisa Blake

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ummer is footloose, super charged with love and light and sun and more love. We summon and depend upon rivers, trails and mountaintops for soul therapy and doses of much needed clarity.

Oftentimes these healthy experiences become skewed, captured through an iPhone camera or a filtered Instagram story rather than being genuinely experienced and absorbed. This summer, leave the electronics behind and set your focus on raw nature and internal wellbeing. In a serene blend of solitude and relaxation, these three Colorado destinations deliver on downtime. (Hint: They all share a crucial common amenity — zero Wifi.)

BEARS DEN CABIN AT ELK RIVER RANCH Where: Clark, Colorado Why go: Clark is a notch south of the Colorado-Wyoming border, hugging the edge of the Medicine Bow-Routt National Forests and nestled in perfect playtime proximity to Steamboat Lake State Park’s hiking, biking, boating and fishing. Elk River Ranch is a three-season activity center (spring is too muddy with snowmelt) flanked by aspen, evergreen and wildflower-cloaked mountain meadows. Reserve the Bears Den Cabin — complete with a king-sized bed, full-size kitchen and gas fireplace stove — for a private nook with stellar sunset views.

Bring: A swimsuit for the on-property hot tub or a trip to the nearby Strawberry Hot Springs and a good book for retreating to the riverside hammocks.

Book it: www.elkrivergr.com

MT. SHERMAN YURT Why go: Tucked into lush green forest 14 miles from civilization, this 16-foot yurt is the ideal minimalist mountain hideaway. Roughing it round-home-style means sleeping bag slumbers by the wood-burning stove, solar-powered showers, an indoor composting toilet and no cell reception. The yurt sleeps a snug six, but we recommend a solo night or two for a sweet helping of divine solitude in the shadows of the Tenmile-Mosquito Range.

Bring: A 4WD vehicle to traverse the rough dirt road, hiking boots to properly explore Mt. Sherman or Horseshoe Peak and your dog — a max of two well-behaved pups are allowed.

Book it: www.discoverfreehouse.com

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photos BY: mick haupt; Kurt Eherenman

Where: Fairplay, Colorado

BEAVER LAKE LODGE AND CABINS Where: Marble, Colorado Why go: Once home to quarry workers, these five cabins are now rural summer havens complete with porches, log beds, handmade quilts, baths, kitchens and charcoal grills. The historic lodge — Marble’s former 1800s schoolhouse — also offers four stylish rooms resting at 8,000 feet in one of Colorado’s most photographed valleys. Hike to waterfalls, visit the many fishing holes or take the lodge’s canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboards out for a spin on Beaver Lake. And don’t even think about texting. There’s no reception in the entire valley.

(Locals like it that way.)

Bring: A sense of adventure. Follow the Jeep trail to the remote ghost town of Crystal City, stopping at the famous Crystal Mill along the way. Seek out the historic Redstone Castle, soak in the natural Penny Hot Springs and learn to carve Colorado Yule Marble at the Marble Symposium just outside of town.

Book it: www.beaverlakelodge.com

photo BY: easton oliver

LISA BLAKE is a freelance writer living in Breckenridge, specializing in dining, outdoors, ski resorts and wellness. She is happiest on her mountain bike, yoga mat or in a raft with her husband, son and pug. Her work has been featured in Aspen Modern Luxury, Purist, 5280.com and GoBreck.com. Find her at www.lisablakecreative.com.

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Outside / Environment

Presence. Pollution.

Plastic. Yoga. by hali love

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if we actually took our presence off of our yoga mat and into the environment that supports our lives, if such a tragedy would even grace the lips of conversation. I wonder what the trees think when they hear that, according to onetreeplanted.org, “more than half of the worlds timber and 72 percent of paper is consumed by 22 percent of the world’s population.” I wonder how the trees would feel knowing that industrialized countries consume over 12 times more wood products per person than non-industrialized countries.

What would it look like to take our yoga and apply it to the world’s tree dilemma? Ahimsa (non-violence): “If forests are destroyed through logging or burning, their carbon is released into the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, a climate-changing greenhouse gas.” This is harmful to all beings on our planet, from other plants, to animals and insects to we human beings. The second principle satya (truthfulness): do we really need all that we consume? Are there other alternatives than the over consumption of

wood and paper products? If we took our presence into the environment and lived our yoga more than one hour per day, I would say the answer to these questions is a definite yes.

Let’s check out another environmental disaster: plastic straws.

According to strawlessocean.org, it’s estimated that we use over 500 million straws every day in America, and most of those end up in our oceans, polluting the water and killing marine life. If we don’t act now, by the year 2050 there will be more plastic in the ocean than fish.

This is clearly a breach of ahimsa, as it brings violence to the habitat of our oceans, as well as a breach of satya, truthfulness, as I believe ignorance is a form of a mis-truth; how many of us after our yoga class stop by a local shop to purchase an iced coffee or cold pressed juice and don’t even pay attention to the plastic straw we drink with and how it impacts our environment? If you do, great, kudos. If you don’t — I think it’s time we take our practice off our mat and into the environment. +

HALI LOVE lives alignment; she believes that relationships are not about creating happiness always, but creating growth, strength and perseverance through the challenging times of life. In Hali's words: "We all experience the ups and downs, the important thing is how accountable we are for our actions.” Love's core values are honesty, empowerment and loyalty. As a Subconscious Restructuring Counselor and ERYT, this Yoga-prenuer is committed to supporting others to not only heal their body, mind, spirit and heart, but also is committed to supporting them in living the life they dream of, and being the most powerful version of themselves. www.hali-love.com

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Photo by: filip zrnzevic

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e step on our yoga mat.

We connect to our feet.

We take a deep breath in and finally we are here, we are present. We are here to “do yoga” and alas, although hectic and bustling, life has presented us with a space to create calm.

We take a deep breath in and reach up to the sky. We fold forward as we breathe out ... the teacher continues to call postures as we, the students, breathe and flow. Some connected, and other perhaps disconnected. The teacher calls the next asana: “tree pose.”

Standing proud with my right foot rooted into my mat and my left foot anchored against my strong and engaged left thigh, I reach my arms far and wide and spread my fingers as though they were tree branches. I set my drishti out of the studio window, where I see many trees standing tall — perhaps setting their drishti, or gazing point, upon me. I wonder what they think about us humans “doing yoga.” I wonder if they mock us for taking an hour or so out of our day to breathe and connect, while they, the trees, spend their entire lives breathing and recycling our air and connecting their roots deep into the earth to provide habitat for animals and protective shade for us. I wonder if they shake their proverbial heads when they think about the fact that 80 percent of the forests in the U.S. alone have already been destroyed resulting from human behavior. I wonder

BACKCOUNTRY SAFETY STARTS OFF THE MOUNTAIN

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BIG HEART BIG HANDS IS A COLORADO NONPROFIT THAT RAISES MONEY FOR MOUNTAIN RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS, SUPPORTS THE AWARENESS AND IMPLEMENTATION OF MOUNTAIN SAFETY EDUCATION, AND PROVIDES FREE TRAUMA HELP FOR THOSE IN NEED. WHEN BACKCOUNTRY ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND RESCUES OCCUR, IT IS OFTEN THE EMOTIONAL TRAUMA THAT IS THE LONGEST LASTING IMPACT TO INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES. JESSICA HEANEY, FOUNDER OF VAIL RELATIONSHIP INSTITUTE AND CERTIFIED EMOTIONALLY FOCUSED THERAPIST, WORKS WITH BIG HEART BIG HANDS TO OFFER FREE COUNSELING TO THOSE IMPACTED BY BACKCOUNTRY RESCUE.

W W W .BIGHEARTBIGHANDS.ORG

Outside / Adventure

By kim fuller

Kids, Go Outside + Play t seems increasingly vital to teach, inspire and motivate children through time spent in the outdoors. The founders of Avid4 Adventure saw a need not just to get kids outside, but to set them on a lifelong trajectory of outdoor adventure and stewardship.

In Colorado, it’s easy to be passionate about getting outdoors to improve our lives, and ever more important to pass that passion forward.

Now, in addition to day camps and overnight camps, Avid4 is launching a new suite of one-week expedition camps for summer 2019. Expeditions will start and end in Boulder, Colorado, welcoming local

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and international campers to get outside and play.

“Avid4 Adventure specializes in helping kids gain self-confidence in order to launch them into a lifetime of adventure,” shares Avid4 CEO Paul Dreyer. “Our small group expeditions will be the pinnacle opportunity for kids to get that confidence and feel empowered — both in the outdoors and with a group of peers.”

Expedition campers will sleep in tents at night and adventure every day. By choosing to focus on mountain biking, rock climbing, a multi-sport experience or a pure backpacking journey, in addition getting plenty of practice in their sport of choice, campers

will learn lasting skills in everything from gear management, to cooking outdoors, to problem solving and teamwork.

These adventures are designed for fifth through 12th graders and will take participants to some of the best spots for outdoor recreation in Colorado and Wyoming — from multi-sport adventures at Steamboat Lake State Park, to backpacking in Rocky Mountain National Park, mountain biking and climbing in Wyoming’s Curt Gowdy State Park and rock climbing in Colorado’s Staunton State Park. +

www.avid4.com

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photo Courtesy of: Avid4 adventure

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Avid4 Adventure Expedition Camps

On The Road

Two Colorado Companies That Turn Camping Into Glamping COLORADO TEARDROPS Boulder-based Colorado Teardrops is on a mission to bring more "camping magic" into our lives by making the experience more comfortable, convenient and even a bit luxurious. Their low-profile premium teardrop style trailers are compact enough to be pulled by almost any car, durable enough for off-roads, and competitively priced (models start at $12,995).

The small but spacious Mt. Massive is perfect for off-road adventures and roomy enough for a small group or family: it features a full cabin with a convertible queen-size bed, bunk beds that convert into a sofa with booth-like seating, table and ample space for your own kitchen supplies (camp stove, cooler, water tank, etc.). Customization is also possible, whether adding electricity, solar panels, stargazer windows or more. Like all of their trailers, it's triple insulated for four-seasons and is built with an aluminum welded frame to support a number of accessories including roof top tents, awnings and additional storage.

www.coloradoteardropcamper.com

ROOFNEST Roofnest is a Colorado-based company specializing in hardshell roof top tents and accessories that make camping a breeze. As so many of us in Colorado live, recreate or daydream about #VanLife, Roofnest makes it possible on a reasonable budget. photo Courtesy of: Colorado Teardrops; Roofnest

Roofnest can mount to almost any type of vehicle roof-rack and has an intentional low-profile and aerodynamic design. Their newest model, the Sandpiper ($2,795), features a built-in aluminum gear rack that can hold up to 100 pounds on its roof — perfect for holding bikes, kayaks, paddleboards and other gear. The Sandpiper sleeps two adults comfortably and features an ultra-comfortable seven centimeter high density foam mattress.

www.roofnest.com

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Outside / Adventure

UNITE WITH NATURE

In Banff By kim fuller

Photo courtesy of: Travel Alberta, Paul Tellefsen

owner + Editor-in-Chief

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f you love outdoor adventure in Colorado, go to Banff. The Canadian province of Alberta has one of the most precious gems in the world, Banff National Park, where more than 1,000 miles of trail are maintained and available to explore, all surrounded by stunning views of tall and mighty peaks.

Here’s the other exciting part: fly from Denver to Calgary and it’s only a 90-minute drive to find your way into the heart of the Canadian Rockies — much like the commute from Denver to the mountains west of it.

Stay in the alpine town of Banff or in a surrounding area like Canmore or Kananaskis Country, and spend your days adventuring in these most magnificent areas. Stop by the Banff Visitor Information Centre for great resources on how to explore. Here are some recommended highlights of easyto-access activities in the area:

HIKE

Photo courtesy of: Travel Alberta, AV Wakefield

Right in the town of Banff, Tunnel Mountain is well maintained, easy to access and ideal for visitors. A panoramic view from the top of the town site, the Bow Valley and Mount Rundle make this the perfect “get-to-knowthe-area” excursion. It’s 2.7 miles roundtrip, and nice views from the top are inviting for an afternoon picnic.

Located between Banff and Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon leads the way to some incredible waterfalls. A 1.1 kilometer forest walk will bring you to the lower falls, but it is always worth continuing an additional 1.6 kilometers to the upper falls. www.banfflakelouise.com

BIKE Rebound Cycle in Canmore is an ideal adventure hub for getting out there on two wheels. Take a mountain bike tour with a certified guide like Canmore local Frans Baars.

The Horseshoe Loop and G8 Loop can be accessed from town and offer intermediate cross-country terrain — they are singletrack and rooty in sections, with a few

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steep climbs. The two loops combined take less than two hours to ride and provide areas with excellent views of the surrounding mountains, making them an ideal choice for a spin while visiting the area. www.reboundcycle.com

SOAK After all the outdoor adventure, nothing beats a soak surrounded by alpine forest and rugged mountain peaks. Kananaskis Nordic Spa has embraced the hot-warm-cold-rest-repeat hydrotherapy lifestyle practiced in Nordic wellness circles for centuries.

In its 50,000 square feet of contemporary indoor-outdoor space, Kananaskis Nordic Spa is purposefully designed for those seeking equal parts stimulation, recuperation and balance. The outdoor spa area is surrounded by a series of hot, saltwater and cold plunge pools. There are also three different sauna types and a eucalyptus and alchemist steam cabin infused with select aromatherapy oils. www.knordicspa.com

STAY With plenty of lovely accommodation options available in the area, sometimes it’s nice to stay a little off the beaten path.

Located 45 minutes west of Calgary, Kananaskis Mountain Lodge is nestled quietly amidst rugged terrain and breathtaking views. It’s also connected to the aforementioned Kananaskis Nordic Spa. This property has several delicious dining options as well, including Italian at Forte Restaurant. www.lodgeatkananaskis.com Mount Engadine Lodge is a hidden getaway in the pristine Spray Valley Provincial Park. The lodge is located near Canmore, surrounded by untouched wilderness. New glamping tents on the property provide an elevated camping experience. Each tent is comfortably furnished with cozy bedding, linens, towels and toiletries from Rocky Mountain Soap Company. There are no in-room telephones, computer jacks or televisions to take your time away from the breathtaking surroundings. www.mountengadine.com +

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outside / Summer + Fall 2019 GEAR

SUP With Your Pup

T

he pure bliss of being on the water enjoying a warm sunny day with your pup is truly what bonding dreams are made of. My labrador and I spend countless hours from spring to fall just paddling around our local lakes — we look forward to this activity all winter to commune with nature and each other. We often end up meeting with friends

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at sunset, then hanging out on the dock as dogs frolic in the water. Our 5-year-old lab Gucci just wiggles non-stop until she sees the boards on the roof rack, making sure her bright-yellow life vest is included on the back seat.

But before you run off to buy a stand-up paddleboard assuming that everything will go as planned, there are a few basic guide-

lines to follow. We asked the all-around SUP expert Jeramie Vaine to give us his best tips on what to look for when shopping for gear, and how to introduce your dog to this sport for long-term success. Jeramie is not only a well-known Wanderlust Fest SUP yoga teacher, he races on SUPs and happens to be the product manager of Surftech boards across North America.

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photo by: Eric Berger

by Marie-Piere Belisle-Kennedy

1. Make sure the board you use is built to

hold the combined weight of you and your dog(s) – otherwise you will sink. (I can testify to that, it happened to me with my first board years ago and since neither I nor my labrador felt like losing a quick 30 pounds, we upgraded to a suitable board.)

2. Shop for a large, stable board (mean-

ing a bit wider than those race boards) with a cushioned traction pad, so that your dog won’t slip or scratch the top surface as it gets wet; these pads are commonly found on the SUP yoga-specific boards that usually can hold anywhere from 225 to 275 pounds. You can also add your own grippy surface to the nose of your board if you wish and add a mat for older dogs to rest comfortably. (The women-specific boards are fine if you are lightweight and you are bringing a yorkie or other small pup!)

Photo courtesy of: Jeramie Vaine

3. Now let’s start from the shore of a calm

lake or body of water on a nice warm day, as you should assume you will end up in the water at some point. Make sure the wind is almost non-existent for ease of maneuvering and just letting your dog adapt to the waves and natural ebb and flow of the water.

“Ideally start with a well-exercised dog, so they can hop on and chill on board. The next step is to check to see their comfort level on the water — it will either be excitement, calm or panic, so position your paddle board half on land and half in the water, positioning the fin in a safe spot,” explains Vaine. “See if you can get the dog to hop on the board with some encouragement or a few treats. If it goes easy, push away the board in the water and then just hang out with low expectations, so if you happen to fall in or lose your balance you can chuckle and keep it fun. If all is great from there, go further away from shore and see how your dog reacts and reassure them. Some dogs will instantly love it, others might panic and want to jump off. For example, my golden retriever was very nervous to go on the SUP in the beginning, but now if I don’t take him he barks non-stop.”

4. Most people use proper life jackets for themselves and bring a special floating vest with a handle on top for their dogs; that COYOGALIFEMAG.COM

is a great idea should you have to quickly grab your dog in the water and help him back on the board, or to save their energy (even if they are natural swimmers, there are always risks involved). Make sure the doggy life jacket is properly adjusted and fitted to your dog’s breed and weight. Try it on at the house with a few positive reinforcements; let him play in the water with it on first so that your pup associates only good vibes to this accoutrement.

kind) — but nothing that could drag along debris or pull your dog off the board. You will already have your own “surfer leash” tied to your ankle to the board, so let your dog be free as long as he or she can obey a few commands such as stay, lay down or sit. Always be mindful of your own and your dog’s safety. Bring a first-aid kit and a way to call for help for emergencies. Make sure you comply with your local marine use regulations as SUPs can be considered boats.

5. As for any activity with your dog, make sure they have access to clean water to drink. If you are on the ocean, bring a water bottle with you in a dry bag and a small collapsible bowl.

7. Now you are ready to roll! Position your dog either at the tip of the board’s nose in front of you or some dogs will prefer to lay down between your legs. Learn the dance and communicate before you walk the plank or suddenly change position so your dog can adapt. Drop down to your knees to let your dog get on or off the board to avoid an unplanned dip. Remember to let pups take breaks! +

6. To avoid getting all tangled up, avoid tying a leash to your dog’s collar. Bring one with you just in case — I wear one around my waist should I need it (the quick-release

MARIE-PIERE BELISLE-KENNEDY is a freelance writer and the owner of www.5StarCom.ca based in Chelsea, Qc, Canada. She spends most of her time by lakes and mountains with her husband and sidekick, their Labrador who often travels with them all over. Main interests include alpine skiing (covering the FIS World Cups), yoga, SUP, hiking, meditation and Barre. Her work has been published in Ski Canada Magazine, Ski Presse, Aspen Real Life, Compass, Globe and Mail, skionline, SkiPro, Tremblant Express & Après-Ski Country, to name a few. You can connect with her through Instagram @MP_inthemountains and Twitter @5starMP.

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outside / Summer + Fall 2019 GEAR 3

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1. ALLIED Down Wash Keep your down product lofty, comfortable and warm for years with ALLIED’s Down Wash. With proper care, down products can and should last a lifetime. Regular detergents strip the down off the fat and oils necessary to keep the loft and warmth. Treat your down well and it will outlast synthetic options, lasting you years longer. www.trackmydown.com 2. UCO Ware Bamboo Elements Mess Kit An all-in-one mess kit for your next adventure.

Made of 90 percent natural materials with a leak-proof gasket to keep good things in and bad things out. The eyelets and the tether keep your kit secure and together. $19.99 www.ucogear.com 3. Pearl iZumi Summit Jacket Weather can change in an instant in Colorado.

The lightweight Summit Jacket packs down small enough to take on every ride for guaranteed wind and water protection along with great

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ventilation. $100 www.pearlzumi.com 4. "Base Camp Denver" A great book highlighting hikes within one to three hours of the Denver metro area. Each hike has detailed information on driving directions to the trailhead, elevation, approximate hiking time and information about parking and restrooms. $24.99 www.basecampguides.com 5. CGear Sand-Free Mat Planning your next outdoor trip and tired of sand getting all over your mat or ground pad? Here is a solution from CGear, the creators of a patented sand-free technology. The durable design is perfect for the outdoor enthusiast from camping, backpacking, to RVing. $59.99 - $129.99 www.cgear-sandfree.com 6. Danner Trail 2650 Hiker Inspired from the variety of terrain on the PCT

(Pacific Crest Trail) the Trail 2650 is designed to move quickly and confidently on a variety of terrain. Getting its name from the 2,650 miles of trail on the PCT this shoe can fill the role of a lightweight hiker or a trainer. $150 www.danner.com 7. Mountainsmith Trippin Sling Bag Bringing back a retro look with this over-theshoulder sling bag. Founded 40 years ago, Mountainsmith went back into the archives to create a truly authentic 80s design. The Trippin Sling Bag is perfect for everyday use and carryon travel. $39.95 www.mountainsmith.com 8. Buff Coolnet UV+ Multifunctional Headband Designed to be the ultimate lightweight sun protection during any activity. Made of 95 percent recycled REPREVE® performance microfiber. Super lightweight with odor control from Polygiene. $24 www.buffusa.com YOGALIFELIVE.COM

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by bobby l'heureux

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9. Hydro Flask Journey Series Hydration Pack 10L and 20L Not all hydration packs are created equal.

The Journey Series is designed to keep your water cold for more than four hours by using a neoprene liner and a reflective exterior to enhance insulation. The pack has pockets and compartments to store bike-repair supplies and more. $165-$200 www.hydroflask.com 10. Diamondback Sync'r Carbon Bike An all-new monocoque carbon frame designed to increase stiffness to make shredding the mountain even more fun. You can get the Sync’r in a burly 27.5-inch x 2.8-inch tires or 29-inch wheels. Get out and ride Diamondback's most bomber hardtail. $2999.99 www.diamondback.com 11. Patagonia R1® Fleece Pullover Hoody Celebrating the 20-year anniversary of the iconic technical fleece. The R1® has updated fabric, COYOGALIFEMAG.COM

93 percent recycled material, and a new style in a pullover. This is a great slim fit piece with a balaclava hood making it perfect for your next alpine adventure. $159 www.patagonia.com 12. LEKI Micro Vario Carbon Trekking Poles These poles are great for the uphill and downhill so you save energy on your next trek. They have anatomically formed grips and a speed lock with an external locking device for more stability and safety on the mountain, all only 240 grams of weight. $199.95 www.leki.com 13. Native Vigor AF (Advanced Fit) Designed for performance. With the side venting the adjustable nose pads and the temple boots the Vigor AF is made for comfort and customization. There is even an upgraded lens that blocks four-times more infrared light then regular polarized lenses. $139 www.nativeyewear.com

14. MSR Alpine™ Deluxe Kitchen Set The Alpine™ Deluxe Kitchen set has everything you need to prepare your next meal in the wilderness. You like grated cheese, no problem, need to measure your ingredients, no problem.

MSR has a tool to solve all of these issue in this savvy kitchen set. $54.95 www.msrgear.com 15. Kammok Mantis Hammock Tent This hammock tent is created to provide comfort, protection and adaptability during your adventure while making camping easier. The all-in-one design has a built-in rainfly and an integrated bug net to keep you away from some of the nasty elements out there. Pack less and cover more ground. $229 www.kammok.com

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wellness / Ayurveda

julia clarke

LET’S GET BACK

to the Roots 74

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VATA DOSHA Those with a restless, mercurial disposition, light frame and love of all things

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photo by: miguel maldonado

By

rom Fort Collins to Pueblo and Grand Junction to Manitou Springs, Eastern healing practices of days past are present and thriving here in the Wild West. Acupuncture clinics sit between Ace Hardwares and State Farm Insurance offices in the Western Slope’s small towns, and meditation classes have long escaped the seclusion of Crestone to take up the cubicles of Denver’s booming tech world. In one high-end ski town, a yoga studio now operates from a space formerly inhabited by Burger King.

For those of us with holistic-leaning inclinations, this trend is generally great news. But, some argue that with this proliferation has come a loss of depth. We’re good at fishing out quick fix wellness techniques, packaging them to promote cultural standards of physical beauty, then selling them to the masses for billions of dollars — but are we only skimming the surface? After all, what good is acupuncture without the herbal remedies of Chinese Medicine, mindfulness without the other seven folds of the Eightfold Path, or yoga without consciousness? Sure, there are benefits, but by separating these practices from their roots, some argue that we vastly limit their healing power. Now that we’ve set our sails on the vast ocean of Eastern philosophy, it’s time to start diving deeper.

As an Ayurvedic practitioner, I’ve become a champion for the return of Ayurvedic wisdom into the teachings of its much more popular sister science, yoga. Ayurvedic practitioners generally agree that when practiced together, the two form a complete holistic lifestyle, but seldom is there any mention of Ayurveda in today’s yoga classes. Even modern postural yoga’s most prominent pioneers from India, such as B.K.S. Iyengar and Pattabhi Jois, were not known to infuse their yoga teachings with Ayurveda. The two practices emerged from the same branch of Hindu philosophy called Samkyha, sharing the common goal of enlivening consciousness. In Ayurveda, this goal is achieved using diet, routine and herbs. Based in the foundational concept of Tridosha Theory, which sees the entire natural world through the lens of the five elements, it describes three basic body types called Doshas:

movement are described as Vata Dosha (air and space).

PITTA DOSHA Those with an intense Type A personality, medium frame and sharp hunger and attitude are described as Pitta Dosha (fire and water).

KAPHA DOSHA Those with a steady, tranquil nature, heavy frame and tendency towards stubbornness are described as Kapha Dosha (earth and water).

Each of the Dosha types is further prone to different states of imbalance, typically as a result of over engaging in unsuitable activities, a common phenomenon called Samanya. In this model, Vata types tend toward depletion and anxiety through excessive activity, Pittas to inflammation and anger through stress, and Kaphas to weight gain and depression through inactivity. Ayurveda treats each one differently using the foundational concept of Vishesha, meaning to balance with opposites, and recognizes that the prescription of heavy, comforting food and extra rest would go a long way to grounding flighty Vata, but it could send already earthy Kapha deeper into a couchbound inertia.

Not only do I believe that Ayurveda has an important place alongside the future of modern yoga, I believe we can actually use its wisdom to change how we approach our yoga practice. In recent years I’ve been taking Tridosha Theory and applying it to yoga poses and class sequencing. Your yoga practice can provide a direct pathway to experiencing nature’s elements through our ability to feel firm, fluid, fiery or free: slow moving hip openers invoke the grounding nature of earth for example, while intense core work ignites the transformational aspect of fire.

It hasn’t escaped my attention that the more recent trend of exceptionally hot, fast-paced and dynamic yoga might actually be serving to deplete our already frazzled populous. The practice we’re integrating to restore a sense of balance may actually be exacerbating our problem: stress. I’ve found that yoga poses too can be approached as a way to retain inner harmony using the concept of vishesha. +

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ARE YOU VATA? Vata doshas are most likely to be drawn to yoga in the first place, its ethereal roots appealing to your naturally creative sensibilities. You might seek out fast-paced Vinyasa with frequent shifts in foot patterns and a multitude of poses within a single practice, but leave feeling even more ungrounded. When you’re feeling anxious or restless, try slow-paced Vinyasa instead, stable standing poses like Warrior 2 are best, or even slow it all the way down with Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga.

ARE YOU PITTA? Fiery Pitta dosha tends to approach yoga the way you approach everything in life: with a fierce sense of determination and a goal-oriented approach to get the task at hand done. This might find you sweating away in Hot Yoga, racing against your neighbor in intense sequences with lots of arm balances, and ultimately adding fuel to your competitive fire, and further igniting your inner critic. Feeling fiery? Try instead a moderate pace and temperature, and focus on gentle backbends, enjoying the journey, not the destination. Make sure to stay for Savasana!

ARE YOU KAPHA? Kapha dosha may be more likely to seek out restful practices like Restorative and Yin Yoga. While these are indicated for all body types in the stressful modern age, they might also serve to validate your inclination for inactivity. Feeling sluggish? Brisk paced Vinyasa, dynamic sun salutations and standing balance poses may be better suited to awaken your body and mind.

All of this can help us to cultivate what Ayurveda calls Ojas, or vitality, rather than depletion (Kshaya), and if vitality isn’t the whole point of wellness, what is? Inviting Ayurvedic wisdom to rejoin the current of yoga establishes in us a deep sense of connection and wholeness, that can perhaps make your yoga practice a slow immersion into a deep sea of consciousness, rather than a mere quick dip followed by a hurried towel off.

JULIA CLARKE, M.S. Ayurveda & Integrative Medicine, is the co-founder of Mountain Soul Yoga in Edwards, Colorado, and a faculty member at the Colorado School of Yoga. You can learn more about her practice and programs at www.juliaclarkeyoga.com.

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wellness / Health

CANNABIS SERVICES AT

COLORADO SPAS CBD Massage at Spas Across the State

Wendy Wilkinson

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photo by: katherine hanlon

By

T

he biggest buzz in the spa world today revolves around CBD oils and salves and the perceived benefits of both ingesting the oil and using the CBD salve for massages. The salve is infused with essential oils such as lavender, vanilla and peppermint to create a treatment that may reduce pain, inflammation and even anxiety. CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant; but unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another compound found in the plant, CBD is not psychoactive, so side effects of getting high are slim to none.

Spas and wellness centers across Colorado are now offering CBD infusions to their traditional body treatments, while others offer customized services. The healing properties of naturally derived hemp cannabinoids can intensify the benefits of the massage for longer lasting relaxation and pain relief, and the deep relaxation and pain relief from a CBD massage can last anywhere from a day to a week, depending on severity of the trauma and method the CBD salve is being applied. If it is applied right off the shelf, the benefit will probably not last as long as when applied by a massage therapist who deeply integrates the salve into the muscles and joints.

There are many salves that are CBD-infused, including the salve found at Colorado Springs-based naCHer Apothecary, which according to its website “offers a symphony of beneficial supporting ingredients such as eucalyptus oil, lavender oil, menthol crystals and even bergamot oil.”

They suggest using the salve consistently between body treatments.

Denver-based Mary’s Nutritionals has also been at the forefront of the booming CBD industry by bringing modern technology and horticulture together, developing products that maximize the benefits of natural plant nutrients and ultimately offer reliable and effective relief.

“We’re now exploring spa-focused product offerings — the next logical step for Mary’s Nutritionals was a full-spectrum, hemp-infused oil that could be used during massage, as well as a daily moisturizer,” says Lynn Homderd, CEO of Mary’s Nutritionals. “The product is vegan and nut, paraben and gluten-free.” +

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THESE COLORADO SPAS ARE INCORPORATING CBD INTO THEIR SERVICES: SPA AT THE VAIL VITALITY CANTER AT VAIL MOUNTAIN LODGE As Vail is one of the cornerstone of Colorado’s outdoor lifestyle, it’s no wonder that the Spa has been in the forefront of performance-based treatments for three decades.

Recently the spa introduced several treatments that incorporate CBD oils, including the CBD Massage and the High Mountain Scrub, which consists of a hemp and coffee scrub, followed by a full body massage with Nature’s Roots organic cannabinoid oil. www.vailmountainlodge.com/spa LODO MASSAGE STUDIO This massage studio offers a completely customized signature service called the Mile High Massage for a starting price of $69. Based on client needs, the therapist will incorporate different modalities as well as adding Denver-based Apothecanna’s extra strength relieving body crème, which is infused with CBD, arnica, peppermint and juniper. www.lodomassagestudio.com SPA AT SAINT JULIEN Last July, the award-winning Spa at St. Julien in Boulder joined other Colorado spas in offering CBD treatments with the launch of “The Ultimate Colorado Bliss Experience.” It starts with a full body exfoliation, and for a smart reason: the spa believes that scrubbing the dead cells off the skin allows for optimal absorption of the CBD products.

You’ll then be gently wrapped in a lavender and sage body butter (infused with CBD oil) while you receive a hot oil scalp massage. The treatment continues with a full-body massage with CBD oil. A bit pricy but a blissful way to spend an hour. www.stjulien.com/spa

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, and Morgan Freeman & Friends, Caribbean Cooking for a Cause.

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wellness / Health

Suffering Chronic Pain?

A Guide for Developing Your New Yoga Practice by photos by: Jess watters

Dr. Jonathan Bloch

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healthful, physical goal of any yoga is to lift the body up while decreasing compressive forces in joints and the spine — one major reason yoga can help chronic back and other pain sufferers where joint compression is a problem. Chronic compression and pain of joints comes from acute weakness or injury in specific muscles and tissues, and overcompensation and tightening of broader muscle groups in efforts to protect those specific areas. Chronic pain can settle into the body via complex patterns. Learning to find strength, flexibility and stretch through the ability to relax and breathe is no small challenge for many pain sufferers. The following five skill sets will help those wishing to develop a new yoga practice.

1. UNDERSTANDING EMBODIMENT & MINDFULNESS This means having awareness and control of the body. The feeling of whole-body alignment and core integration will lead to physical benefits that allow one to trust internal strength and better support painful or injured areas. Neuromuscular patterning in chronic pain orients the body to tighten large muscle groups around injured or painful areas. Such guarding initially serves to protect one from painful compressive forces of gravity, but unless reprogrammed, will paradoxically add compression from a broader area of the body and cause new stress and deconditioning over time. Core strength and awareness lift the body away from gravity in a way that deep stretching can become both relaxed and fully supported by one's breath. At that point, increased muscle length and flexibility can be found without risking increased joint compression.

2. BREATH OFFERS MORE THAN JUST RELAXATION The lungs are the most important organs for sustaining vitality because inhalation brings oxygen to the body and stimulates movement of energy. Inhaling and exhaling with the arms lifted overhead further increases lung volume and decreases compressive forces on the spine, pelvis and internal COYOGALIFEMAG.COM

The breath literally massages our injured and stagnant areas.

Breathing is like an ocean current that both suspends us and creates a medium for exchange of healing.

organs. This is why pranayama and lung exercises come first in most yoga classes. The breath literally massages our injured and stagnant areas. Breathing is like an ocean current that both suspends us and creates a medium for exchange of healing.

3. WARM-UP EASY Sun Salutations A and B are a good way to warm up the body because they are a sequence of front-body stretches, backbody stretches and core-line poses that follow simple planes of motion. They are not the only way to get the job done, but we do want to warm up the spine before proceeding to more complex asymmetrical poses and twists. Laws of spinal kinematics tell us that when motion is introduced in more than one plane, motion in any one plane reduces and alters the range of motion in every other plane. Embodying these combined barriers later in practice requires finer muscle tuning, and a good warm-up is key to delving deeper into poses safely.

4. FIND YOUR STUCK FASCIA Free fascia from the periphery: fascia is the natural web that envelopes and encases our tissues. It surrounds our muscles and binds all body parts from our limbs to the large core of our centers. Freeing fascia from the periphery naturally helps ease motion in our core. If we epitomize our fascia to a pair of toed leggings, general discomfort happens when focal bunching or unbalanced pull occurs anywhere. We would not put our leggings on for best comfort starting with the waist band first; we would start by freeing the fascia around the toes and wrapping that fabric comfortably to support the foot and ankle before moving up the calf, knee and hip, and adjust the back and waistband last. From a fascial perspective, stretching the fingers frees motion in the hands and wrist, which frees the elbow, which in turn frees the shoulder and ultimately the neck. Neck pain sufferers should start their practice opening the arms and shoulders; low back pain suffers should start by opening the hips, hamstrings and calves.

5. DEDICATION IS KEY Rehabilitating chronic pain is hard work and each step needs to be a reward. Patience is important, and also not comparing oneself to others, except to learn realistic goals and how others have done it. Search for classes that resonate with you. Talk to your gym or studio about more alignment-based classes and teachers who are helpful for students with injuries. Take two to four classes per week for six weeks. Learn the difference between being “a little sore” and new injury.

Consider gentle and restorative classes too, and whatever else your body needs to stay healthy. You may not experience the benefit of pain relief after one class or one week, but health and regeneration is the reward for any dedicated practitioner. +

DR. JONATHAN BLOCH is a full spectrum integrated family practitioner and osteopathic physician with a mission to inspire personal health through mind, body and spiritual practices. You can learn more about him and his practice at www.yogischoicehealthcare.com.

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wellness / Health

By Tiffany Lord

IT’S JUST A HEADACHE… OR IS IT?

Migraine:

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More Than a Headache + How Yoga Can Help YOGALIFELIVE.COM

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weekend vacay sounds fun, right? Maybe, if you don’t have headaches. Who wants to travel when a migraine could ruin the trip AND leave you recovering for days?

Many “normal” things are given up as migraines start taking over. But you don’t have to live in pain as life passes you by.

Let’s shed light on migraine life and give hope to migraineurs for less pain and more joy.

IT’S JUST A HEADACHE RIGHT? Hah — as if! Migraines are a debilitating neurological condition from a combo of genetics and environments. The headache itself is a symptom of that condition. Migraines are the leading cause of neurological disability in the U.S. The term “migraine” is often misused and many with headaches may actually have migraine. Classic migraines are unilateral and throbbing, but moderate to severe headaches that worsen with activity are associated with either nausea or both light and sound sensitivity. An attack can last up to three days with changes to your well-being in phases of migraine.

How many hold the title of migraineur?

According to the National Headache Foundation, almost 40 million Americans get migraines and the majority are women.

Over half are never diagnosed and don’t seek medical treatment for their pain. About 20 million claim decreased home and work productivity by 50 percent. There is no cure for migraines, but in many cases, migraines can be effectively managed with healthy lifestyle changes, such as yoga. The American Migraine Foundation suggests that dyhana (meditation) is a useful way to decrease the frequency, pain and/or intensity of migraine.

More research is being done on the efficacy of the other limbs of yoga. Anecdotally, a

combination of consistent asana, pranayama and meditation helps manage my own migraines and those of my clients.

HOW YOGA HELPS THE MIGRAINE BRAIN Resiliency and consistency are important when addressing the migraine brain.

You like to bounce back quickly and know what’s coming next. So does your brain. Yogic techniques help manage this equilibrium in a myriad of ways such as decreasing stress, improving sleep quality, relieving muscle tension and creating physical and mental balance. With a consistent yoga practice, the migraine brain becomes more resilient as the threshold for migraine triggers increases and fewer attacks occur.

If yoga helps, then all migraineurs should practice, right? I wish it was that easy! Every migraine is unique, just like every migraineur has a unique musculoskeletal history, goal and lifestyle — all should be considered when creating a yoga plan. Remember, lifestyle changes — yoga included — can be one of the hardest things to do. It can be mentally and physically draining, especially if you’ve been in chronic pain for a long time. Sometimes clients start feeling better within weeks, but it takes months to reap the full benefits of a lifestyle change. Don’t get discouraged. A consistent practice can help you reconnect to your body, break the pain cycle and become more resilient when a migraine happens.

Totally worth it!

YOGA FOR MIGRAINES Although the application of yoga differs from person to person, both pranayama and meditation are beneficial for anyone who wants to live with less stress and pain. My favorite tip is to combine the two techniques into one — the Sama Release. +

PRACTICE SAMA RELEASE: 1. Sit or lay down. Eyes closed.

2. Take two of your natural breaths.

3. Begin Sama Vrtti breathing.

Inhale through the nose, three counts. Hold your breath at the top, three counts. Exhale through your nose, three counts. Continue for three breath cycles.

4. As you inhale, think about

drawing in strength, health and wellness. Exhale, release any pain, stress, or tension into the ether.

Continue this combination of breath control and meditative focus for three to five more rounds.

5. When you feel complete, take a TIFFANY LORD is the founder of Love & Asana and resident yoga instructor for the International Headache Center. Her passion is helping people learn simple ways to integrate yoga into daily life for stress and headache management. Off the mat, she loves sipping on lattes, dancing, day dreaming about the ocean, and soaking up mountain life with her husband and puggle. Connect with Tiffany on IG @loveandasana

deep inhale through your nose with an open-mouth exhale. Open your eyes and smile. *Don’t hold your breath if you are pregnant and/or have heart or lung disease/issues.

wellness / Inspiration

By jennie lee

6 WAYS TO MAKE LOVE

photo by: cyrus gomez

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hether you know it or not, your life is being guided by an inner philosophy or underlying belief about the nature and purpose of living. This subconscious belief structure affects how you experience life, directing the reactions of your conscious mind in every circumstance that arises. If you feel discontent in any area of your life, it may be time to examine what your subconscious life philosophy is.

To begin, consider what messages you heard often from family or community when you were young. Things like “Life is difficult” or “You have got to be better than the competition.” These types of beliefs can put you into a fearful or defended state of mind.

Next, reflect on what thought you most frequently have about life now. Maybe you believe that “The Universe has my back” or “There are many paths to success, so I will follow my heart.” These philosophies enable you to be more proactive in choosing your fate. If you are someone who ascribes to the belief that we should “Be mindful and leave the world a better place” or that “Life is a school and we are here to learn” then you prioritize unity and cooperation.

By bringing the core beliefs you hold about life into the light of awareness, you can then determine if they are ones you want to keep, or change. Once you have determined your pervasive belief about life, assess its value by these three criteria: 1. Does it give you a sense of wellbeing?

2. Is it helpful to you and to others?

3. Have you had positive results by following it?

If you do not like your answers, it may be time to consciously create a new life philosophy. No one is holding you to the one that is not working, except yourself.

WHAT’S LOVE GOT TO DO WITH IT?

Assuming that, like most people, you would like a life of peace, joy and success, I suggest love as a wonderful life philosophy.

Yes, that’s right, just love.

Love as a life philosophy is one of the most profound selections we can make and it alters our perspective on every circumstance, every relationship and every interaction we find ourselves in. To elect love as the guiding principle in our life is revolu-

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tionary. And to approach each situation and individual we encounter from the standpoint of love is profound!

Is this easy? Sure, when we are around people who are nice, and love us back; it will feel good and seem simple. But to love when it is inconvenient, uncomfortable or imbalanced will require a total paradigm shift.

We begin to chart a totally new experience of life when we start looking at it as an opportunity to serve love through what we can give, rather than what we can get. When we choose love as our guiding life philosophy, we stop defending our positions. We seek harmony over being right or getting validation.

In the moments when we feel most needy of love and understanding, we stop and connect to the source of love that waits within, instead of thrashing about trying to get our needs met by others. We meet daily challenges by striving to live through love.

ALIGNED WITH LOVE We have plenty of opportunity to practice conscious loving. It is a universal need we all share and because of its harmonizing and uniting effects, when we elect love as our life philosophy, we become magnetic and draw to ourselves even more love.

As we commit to the practice of loving without condition or recompense, the benefits are felt throughout every aspect of our lives.

Rather than walking through our days dodging conflict and seeking to get our desires met, we flow easefully through our activities and conversations with a genuine smile in our hearts. We no longer waste energy in defensive posturing for attention or for acceptance, and any feelings of rejection become less intense if someone does not return our nice gestures. Rather than feel heavy-hearted, we experience a lightness of being within.

When we are aligned with love, life becomes far more enjoyable, because love brings joy! And that is the best result we could hope for from any life philosophy. +

A TYPICAL DAY OF LOVE TO SEE LOVE AS A LIFE PHILOSOPHY IN ACTION, LET’S CONSIDER A TYPICAL DAY.

1. When you awake, choose a self-

affirming, loving thought to start your day, such as “I am a compassionate person. I walk through my day with kindness and love guiding my actions and words.”

2. Upon your first contact with another person, whether family, stranger or colleague, see them through eyes of love. Wonder to yourself, “How can I serve love through this person today?”

3. Throughout your work day, offer empathy and understanding to those around you, especially if disagreements arise.

4. After work, if you are with friends

or family members, listen attentively to what their day held, or simply offer them a warm embrace.

5. In the evening, consciously

surrender any tension in your mind and body. Choose a loving thought about yourself and whomever you are with.

6. Enjoy a peaceful rest in the energy of love.

JENNIE LEE is the author of two award winning books: “BREATHING LOVE: Meditation in Action” and “TRUE YOGA: Practicing with the Yoga Sutras for Happiness & Spiritual Fulfillment.” A certified Yoga Therapist and spiritual life coach for over 20 years, she counsels via Skype and leads retreats internationally. Her third book will be published by Sounds True in 2020. www.JennieLeeYogaTherapy.com

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wellness / Food

presented by

Seasonal Deviled Eggs CHEF DANIEL ASHER

River and Woods

www.riverandwoodsboulder.com

MAKES A DOZEN EGGS SERVES 6 Ingredients: 6 hard boiled, cage free organic brown eggs 1/2 cup organic mayonnaise 1 tsp stoneground mustard 1 tsp yellow mustard 1 tsp Tabasco 1 tsp sweet relish 1 tbsp fresh Dill 1/4 cup scallions, sliced on bias (garnish) smoked paprika (garnish) radish slice (garnish)

Preparation:

1. Carefully remove yolks from eggs and place in food processor. Add mayo, mustards, hot sauce and relish.

2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

3. Using a piping bag (or small spoon), fill up empty egg whites with seasoned yolk filling.

4. Garnish with radish, a dusting of smoked paprika and a few slices of scallion.

Enjoy in good company!

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presented by

THIS SALAD IS PALEO, DAIRY-FREE + VEGAN SERVES 4-6

Red Cabbage + Sweet Carrot Slaw WITH GINGER VINAIGRETTE

From Shine Restaurant & Potion Bar’s lifestyle cookbook “Eat Drink Shine” by The Blissful Sisters www.shineboulder.com

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FOR THE GINGER VINAIGRETTE: MAKES APPROXIMATELY 1 CUP Ingredients: 2 tbsp peeled, minced fresh ginger 2 tsp minced garlic 3 tsp toasted sesame oil 1/4 cup gluten-free tamari 3 tbsp fresh lime juice 2 tsp raw honey

Preparation:

1. Put all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk them together.

FOR THE SALAD: Ingredients: 1/2 head large red cabbage, cored and thinly sliced 1/2 head broccoli, stem removed, grated or shredded in a food processor 1 carrot, grated 4 radishes, halved and thinly sliced 1/2 cup ginger vinaigrette 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Preparation: 1. Put all of the vegetables in a large bowl. Add the ginger vinaigrette and toss to coat the salad well.

2. Garnish with the sesame seeds, wipe your brow and serve.

85

wellness / Food

presented by

SERVES 4-6

Roasted Vegetable Tacos From Avery Brewing www.averybrewing.com

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FOR THE CARROT HABANERO SALSA:

FOR THE VEGETABLES: Use whatever is in season

Ingredients: 3 habanero peppers 1 cup carrots, roasted 3 cups onion 2 tbsp garlic 1 red pepper, roasted 1/2 cup cider vinegar 2 tsp salt 3 cups orange juice

Ingredients: 1 butternut squash, medium diced cauliflower, small florets

Preparation:

4. Pan-roast in 400-degree oven until semi soft (30-45 min).

1. Lightly coat red peppers in oil, and place them on the grill until “burnt.”

Preparation:

1. DO NOT MIX squash and cauliflower, do them separately.

2. Toss in EVOO, and light salt and pepper.

3. Spread out on a sheet tray.

ASSEMBLING TACOS Ingredients: 1 cup baby kale (If you do not have baby kale, make sure to correctly clean kale by removing the leaves from the stems. Then cut to small size.)

1 cup cooked quinoa 1/2 cup herbed chevre 2 avocados, halved, peeled and grilled 1/2 cup pickled shallots Preparation:

1. Heat up a saute pan, add EVOO. Add minced shallots, squash, zucchini, and light salt and pepper.

2. In a bowl, cover the roasted peppers with plastic wrap. Allow it to steam.

2. Once they are hot, add cooked quinoa and kale, hit it with a little water to steam.

3. Pull the stem off, and peel the skin off of the red peppers.

3. Assemble tacos with roasted veggies, slaw and grilled avocado. Garnish with chevre and pickled shallots.

4. Remove the stems from the habaneros.

5. Combine all ingredients into a medium stock pot, bring to a boil.

6. Allow to boil for over an hour, allowing everything to soften.

7. Puree everything to achieve a silky consistency

FOR THE SLAW MIX: Purple cabbage, carrots, white cabbage, watercress — tossed in slaw vinaigrette.

FOR THE SLAW VINAIGRETTE: Ingredients: 2 cups rice vinegar 2 cups cider vinegar 1 cup honey 1 tbsp salt 1/4 cup ground fennel 1 tbsp black pepper 1 1/2 cups honey 2 tbsp fennel seed, roasted and chopped 2 cups salad oil (canola) 1/2 cup olive oil Preparation:

1. In a saute pan, toast fennel seed.

Finely chop it.

2. Combine everything into mixer, except oil.

3. Start on low speed, then change to medium.

Make sure to cover the guard with a towel or plastic wrap to contain the spraying.

4. Slowly add canola oil to emulsify.

5. Add olive oil to finish emulsification.

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87

wellness / Food

presented by

SERVES 4-6

Crispy Game Hen WITH SQUASH AND AUTUMN WHEAT BERRY RAVIOLI AND PEAR CIDER JUS photo by: J. La Plante Photo

Chef A. Scott Burnham • The Greenbriar Inn www.greenbriarinn.com

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FOR THE GAME HENS 3 to 4 22-ounce birds for 4 to 6 people Preparation:

1. Partially de-bone the birds (separate breast and thigh from the rib cage), or ask your local butcher to do this for you.

2. Rub with salt and pepper, sear skin side down in olive oil in a cast iron skillet two to three minutes or until golden brown. Flip and sear additional two minutes on the flesh side. Transfer to a roasting pan and roast in a 350 degree oven for eight to 10 minutes or until a thermometer inserted in the bird reaches 160 degrees.

FOR THE RAVIOLI FILLING Ingredients: 1 tbsp minced shallots 1 tbsp minced garlic 1 tbsp fresh chopped parsley 1 tbsp fresh chopped Russian sage Micro plane zest of half an orange 3/4 cup cooked wheat berries (available at Whole Foods) 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 1 egg, slightly beaten 1 tbsp pumpkin seed oil (can also use extra virgin olive oil) 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 cups cooked candied butternut squash Preparation:

1. Dice the raw squash and blanch by cooking in boiling water one to two minutes. Strain the squash and lay out on a towel to dry it off as much as possible.

2. In a separate pan add five tablespoons turbinado sugar and melt over medium high heat until caramelized. Once it starts bubbling, add the hot squash to the candied mixture and toss. Be careful — sugar will be hot!

3. Transfer candy squash to a pan to cool off.

4. Reserve some of the candied squash for garnish.

5. Mix all of the above ingredients in a mixing bowl and fold in the candied squash.

6. Fill raviolis with 1/2 to 3/4 tablespoon filling. (Make a basic pasta dough recipe for the ravioli dough or buy pre-made pasta sheets.)

7. Sprinkle raviolis with semolina flour and refrigerate until you are ready to cook them. Boil in salted water one to three minutes until tender.

FOR THE PEAR CIDER JUS Preparation:

1. Use cast iron skillet from sautéed chicken but drain out the fat. At medium high heat, de-glaze pan with 1/2 cup of local pear cider (such as STEM Pear-Apple Cider), reduce by half and add 1/2 cup chicken stock and one to two tablespoons beef demi glace (we make ours in-house but you can also buy it at Whole Foods) and 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar.

Simmer one to two minutes.

2. Finish with two additional teaspoons of pear cider, salt and pepper to taste and whisk in one and 1/2 tablespoons of fresh butter cut into small cubes.

Top the game hens and raviolis with the pear cider jus and garnish with the remaining candied squash and chopped walnuts if desired. Serve with sautéed kale or chard from the garden or a fresh salad.

wellness / Food

FIVE WAYS TO CONNECT

through food

PENNY WILSON, PHD, is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She has two focuses: helping people learn about eating to fuel their lives and helping women with digestive issues take control of their symptoms so they can lead a normal life She loves spending time with her husband, John, and her dogs. She hikes, skis (both alpine and Nordic), bikes and travels. www.eatingforperformance.com

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photo by: lee-myungseong

By Dr. penny wilson

I

n these days of division, many of us are looking for ways to come closer together. Food, meals and eating together can be ways to build bonds and become closer with others.

Here are five ways that you can use food to unite with others:

EXPLORE THE TRADITIONS AND FOODS OF ANOTHER CULTURE. I’ll never forget the first time a couple of friends and I tried Ethiopian food. We had no idea what to order and let the server order for us.

When the food arrived, it was in a huge, round platter with thin bread on the side (and no utensils on the table). The server explained you use the bread to scoop up the different items on the platter. We enjoyed the food and talking with the server and others at the restaurant about the food and culture. Choose a culture you don’t know a lot about and research their food and food traditions. Learning about another culture’s food makes the world a bit smaller.

BE CURIOUS WHEN TALKING WITH PEOPLE ABOUT THEIR FOOD CHOICES. Learning about why others choose to eat the way they do — as long as it is approached with an attitude of curiosity — can be an opening to understanding. Ask “I’m curious to understand why you choose to eat the way you do. Can you tell me more about it?” Then, listen with an open mind. Rather than assuming why someone eats a certain way, get curious and seek to understand. You might be surprised what you learn.

SHARE A TABLE WITH A STRANGER. When you go into a restaurant that is full, or almost full, rather than waiting for a table of your own, ask someone or another couple if they would share a table with you. You may be surprised at the conversations you’ll have. Not only does it provide the opportunity to meet new people, it allows the restaurant to seat more people.

HOLD A THEMED POTLUCK. Choose a theme — maybe a style of eating (like vegan, vegetarian or paleo) or a country — and invite friends to each bring a dish that meets the theme. This helps everyone try new dishes and eat together. During the meal, each person can describe the dish they brought and why they chose it. They can also talk about any traditions around the dish.

COOK TOGETHER. Even more intimate than having a potluck is having friends over and sharing the kitchen. One person (or group) could be responsible for each course. Everyone brings what they need to cook — they provide the food, you provide the space and utensils, pots, etc. — and take turns in the kitchen cooking and cleaning up. That way, not only do you get to enjoy a multitude of dishes, you also get to see how they are made. And, since the cleanup is also shared, no one is left holding the dish towel. +

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events / Gatherings

Gourmet on Gore VAIL

AUGUST 30 SEPTEMBER 2

T

his unique culinary festival offers an open-air tasting with wine, beer and spirits paired with culinary delights from Vail’s top culinary experts. Gourmet on Gore offers free admission and a variety of additional pairing events including a tasting tour and Gourmet Let's Go — excursions to celebrate the outdoors followed by celebration with delicious food and drink. +

Learn more about the 2019 schedule, including a hike + dine with CO YOGA + Life®, at www.gourmetongore.com.

F BOULDER

NOVEMBER 8-16 92

Learn more at www.firstbiteboulder.com.

photo by: kim fuller

first bite

ounded in 2005, First Bite is an annual event highlighting the Boulder area dining experience. For nine days in November, more than 50 of the area’s top restaurants will offer a special three course prix-fixe dinner menu to the community. The event has a refreshed palate this year under the new direction and ownership of Jessica Benjamin of 1517 Events.

“First Bite has been this incredible celebration of Boulder County’s dining scene and I am very much looking forward to continuing to bring our community together,” shares Benjamin. “This event provides a unique opportunity for all the participating restaurants to connect with local foodies, new neighbors and visitors to the Front Range. From the first bite of food, diners will experience a sense of community many have been yearning for. I am eager to tell the stories of the amazing chefs and restaurants throughout Boulder County.”

Join Boulder this fall for First Bite, the long-standing Boulder County Restaurant Week that is a delicious celebration of the town’s exceptional dining scene. +

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JUNE 27-30

photo by: dj pierce

I

Telluride Yoga Festival

f you’ve been to Telluride, you know it’s magical. If this summer will mark your first visit, we can tell you right now that you’ll never forget it.

There are many “perfect” times to go there, but let us make a suggestion: the 12th annual Telluride Yoga Festival is this year at the end of June, offering true opportunities for expansiveness, community and inspiration in one of Colorado’s most awe-inspiring mountain towns.

The Telluride Yoga Festival has claimed a new four-day weekend this year: June 27-30.

This gathering brings together over 1,000 attendees in downtown Telluride for unforgettable connection and inspiration with offerings in yoga, music, meditation, wellness, hiking, biking, climbing, standup paddleboard yoga, inspirational talks, a

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free kids’ yoga zone and more.

“It’s pretty incredible to bear witness to the amazing energy, transformation and connection that transpires each weekend when we all come together for this event,” shares Erika Henschel, festival director and co-owner.

The festival features over 40 presenters including internationally renowned yoga teachers MC YOGI, Gina Caputo, Ashleigh Sergeant, Amy Ippoliti, Eion Finn, Kia Miller, Tommy Rosen, Tymi Howard, Scott Blossom, Beryl Bender Birch and many more.

“We are really excited about our lineup this year … we are thrilled to have MC YOGI play at the historic Sheridan Opera House Friday night along with bringing some fresh new faces into the lineup that have never been to Telluride,” says Henschel.

The festival stands for many reasons,

including the charm and beauty of Telluride and presence of the surrounding mountains. The event is centralized in downtown Telluride at Telluride High School with three indoor venues, four outdoor-tented venues, open-air classes, free community events and a yogi marketplace where vendors will be selling food, apparel, jewelry and more throughout the weekend.

“Telluride is one of the most magical places on Earth,” Henschel shares, “and the more we can offer access to all that Telluride has to offer, the better.” +

To purchase tickets or to learn more about the Yoga Festival, the lineup and the schedule, visit www.tellurideyogafesival.com.

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events / Community Listings

June

Campout for the Cause

Buena Vista, CO May 31 – June 2, 2019 In its 11th year, Campout for the Cause is a celebration of music, yoga + community.

Enjoy live music, camping, movement, lifestyle workshops, stand-up paddleboarding and more.

A portion of the proceeds go to local non-profits. www.campoutforthecause.org

Wellderness Weekend

Estes Park, CO May 31 – June 2, 2019 It’s wellness in the wilderness. Wellderness promotes fitness, nature, nutrition, self-care and self-exploration. And there’s no better place to go experience it all than at Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park. Wellderness will host a full weekend of activities and events where participants can partake in group fitness, meet outdoor experts, try new products and have some fun. www.wellderness.com

Telluride WOW Summit

Telluride, CO June 6 – 9, 2019 This “Weekend Of Wellness” is for those who are ready to get back to the simplicity of life and anyone who wants to stop and enjoy the beauty of nature, good food, healthy activity and good company. www.telluridewow.live

GoPro Mountain Games

Vail, CO June 6 – 9, 2019 The country’s largest celebration of adventure sports, music, yoga and the mountain lifestyle.

Professional and amateur outdoor adventure athletes from around the world converge upon the mountains and rivers of Vail. www.mountaingames.com

Hanuman Festival

Boulder, CO June 13 – 16, 2019 A community-oriented yoga and music festival with world-class yoga instructors, mind-blowing music and inspirational experiences. This festival is curated to uplift your spirit, nourish your body and remind you of the magic of life. www.hanumanfestival.com

Rejuvenation Retreat at The Oxford Hotel

The Oxford Hotel and The Oxford Club, Spa & Salon, Denver, CO June 21 – 23, 2019 Led by Denver Executive and Peak Performance Coach Sylvaine N. Hughson, this revitalizing urban escape is ideal for individual, couples or friends looking to decompress, re-center and plan for future personal wellness. Attendees

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can learn skills and tools for creating a more balanced lifestyle both mentally and physically. www.theoxfordhotel.com/rejuvenation-retreatoxford

Beaver Creek Free Outdoor Yoga Series

Centennial Park at the base of Buckaroo Gondola, Beaver Creek, CO Wednesday, June 26, 2019, 4 to 5 p.m.

Practice yoga in the most beautiful setting imaginable — the glorious Rocky Mountains.

Throughout the summer, Beaver Creek Resort offers free yoga classes where yogis can stretch and challenge their bodies in the fresh air.

These classes are open to all levels, and some mats will be available. In the case of inclement weather, the class will be moved indoors. www.beavercreek.com/explore-the-resort/ activities/beaver-creek-events

Telluride Yoga Festival

Telluride, CO June 27 – 30, 2019 A four-day yoga and wellness gathering featuring world class presenters and more than 100 offerings including yoga, meditation, music, hiking, dining, SUP yoga, social gatherings and more. www.tellurideyogafestival.com

Crested Butte Bike Week

Crested Butte, CO June 27 – 30, 2019 A four-day celebration of all things mountain biking with skills clinics, a bike movie night, the Chainless Downhill Championships, beer and lots of parties. This is the longest running mountain bike festival in the world. www.cbchamber.com/events/cb-bike-week

Colorado Lavender Festival

Palisade, CO June 28 – 30, 2019 An annual festival celebrating lavender and its many uses. There are coach tours with culinary delights, an open vendor park and self-guided tours. www.coloradolavender.org

July

Beaver Creek Free Outdoor Yoga Series

Centennial Park at the base of Buckaroo Gondola, Beaver Creek, CO Wednesdays: July 3, 10, 17, 24 + 31, 2019 4 to 5 p.m.

Practice yoga in the most beautiful setting imaginable — the glorious Rocky Mountains.

Throughout the summer, Beaver Creek Resort offers free yoga classes where yogis can stretch and challenge their bodies in the fresh air.

These classes are open to all levels, and some mats will be available. In the case of inclement weather, the class will be moved indoors. www.beavercreek.com/explore-the-resort/ activities/beaver-creek-events

Crested Butte Wildflower Festival

Crested Butte, CO July 5 –14, 2019 Surround yourself in the symphony of wildflowers that is Crested Butte. This festival has been sharing Mother Nature’s colors with flower lovers in fun, fresh ways since 1868. www.crestedbuttewildflowerfestival.com

Colorado Black Arts Festival

Denver, CO July 12 – 14, 2019 This festival has attracted patrons and artists from around the world and has become a premiere celebration of African-American arts and culture. www.colbaf.org

Yoga on the Mountain

Snowmass Village, CO July 19 – 21, 2019 YOTM features over 50 yoga classes from national and local teachers, presentations, discussion, meditation, live music, kids yoga, hikes and eco-friendly shopping. Check out this year’s lineup of teachers and performers. www.yotmfestival.com

Slow Food Nations

Denver, CO July 19 – 21, 2019 Slow Food Nations will return to Denver for its third year, gathering leaders, eaters, farmers, chefs, educators and families for a weekend of tastings, tours and talks in Larimer Square. www.slowfoodnations.org

Mountain Fair Carbondale

Carbondale, CO July 26 – 28, 2019 An annual mountain tradition with vendors, live music, performing arts, interactive and creative experiences for children and good eats. www.carbondalearts.com/mountain-fair

August

Adventure To Connection Retreat

Red Mountain Lodge, Ouray, CO August 1 – 4, 2019 An all-inclusive three night stay in a newly built mountain lodge nestled in the striking San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Your expert guides will take you from yoga flow to the top of one of Colorado’s incredible 14,000-foot peaks throughout the weekend. www.vailrelationshipinstitute.com/adventureto-connection-1

ARISE Festival

Loveland, CO August 2 – 4, 2019 ARISE is a musically diverse festival-wonderland experience with live music, yoga, workshops, themed camps, art gallery and installations, children’s village, speakers, films and more. www.arisefestival.com YOGALIFELIVE.COM

Summer of LOVE, 200 Hour Adventure Yoga Teacher Training, Month Long immersion

Earth Yoga, Boulder, CO August 3 – 29, 2019 Engage an inspired August anchoring your success in a 200-hour yoga teacher training studded with daily adventures in gorgeous Boulder, Colorado. Camping, hiking, rock climbing, SUP yoga, sailing, wake surfing, farming and more. All of this yoga, training and adventuring to bond the group and teach the importance of going bold toward adult learning and appreciating brave incoming students. www.earthyogaboulder.com

Beaver Creek Free Outdoor Yoga Series

Centennial Park at the base of Buckaroo Gondola, Beaver Creek, CO Wednesdays: August 7 + 14, 2019, 4 to 5 p.m.

Practice yoga in the most beautiful setting imaginable — the glorious Rocky Mountains.

Throughout the summer, Beaver Creek Resort offers free yoga classes where yogis can stretch and challenge their bodies in the fresh air.

These classes are open to all levels, and some mats will be available. In the case of inclement weather, the class will be moved indoors. www.beavercreek.com/explore-the-resort/ activities/beaver-creek-events

200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training & Self Empowerment Course in Panama

Istmo Yoga and Adventure Retreat, Panama August 14 – September 6, 2019 Imagine three glorious weeks immersing yourself in yoga. Imagine waking up to your inner power and peace. Imagine saying yes to transformation and celebration. The program includes therapeutic vinyasa, restorative yoga, meditation and pranayama training, anatomy, physiology and asana workshops, yogic philosophy and psychology, Ayurveda and nature connection, along with one-on-one student mentorship and teacher development skills. www.lcyoga.com/immersive-200-hour-teachertraining

Steamboat Movement Fest

Steamboat Springs, CO August 15 – 18, 2019 A four-day yoga and movement festival that creates a platform to promote wellness and positive growth in the local and global community through intentional movement of mind, body and spirit. Showcasing many talented people from Steamboat and around Colorado. www.steamboatmovementfest.com

Gourmet on Gore

Vail, CO August 30 – September 2, 2019 This unique culinary festival offers an open-air tasting with world-class wine, beer and spirits paired with culinary delights from Vail’s top culinary experts. Don’t miss the Gourmet Let’s Go! events with hiking, biking and more. www.gourmetongore.com

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Breckenridge Yoga Festival

Breckenridge, CO August 31 – September 1, 2019 Check out this inaugural mountain yoga event hosted by Meta Yoga Studios and Beaver Run Resort. The gathering is will combine inspiring classes with breathtaking views of the mountains, all at an affordable price. www.beaverrun.com/events/breck-yoga-fest

September

Lolë White Tour On the Road 2019

Vail, CO September 1, 2019 For its fourth year, the Lolë White Tour On the Road will take place in several cities across the world, right at the heart of your communities.

Take part in the event with hundreds of yogis all dressed in white to celebrate our love for meditation and yoga. www.lolewhitetour.com/events/

Yoga Mountain Shadows 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training Colorado Springs, CO September 9 - November 16, 2019 A 200-hour, ten-week intensive, yoga teacher training program. Learn about and how to guide vinyasa, yin, restorative yoga and yoga nidra.

Yoga Alliance approved certification. www.yogamountainshadows.com

Run Rabbit Run

Steamboat Springs, CO September 13 – 14, 2019 The Run, Rabbit, Run 50- and 100-Mile Endurance Runs are big in the world of trail ultra-running. The 100-mile course starts on Friday at the base of the ski area and encompass Buffalo Pass (elevation 10,300 feet) and Emerald Mountain, with a few nice little hops through town. www.steamboatchamber.com/running-series/ run-rabbit-run

Fort Collins Fitness Festival

Fort Collins, CO September 21, 2019 Fort Collins Fitness Festival is a one-day jammed pack celebration of fitness, health and wellness that brings our community together — no matter the fitness level or experience of the individual. www.fitnessfestivalevents.com/september-1

October Applefest

Cedaredge, CO October 3 – 6, 2019 Celebrating the local apple harvest with music, craft beer, wine and the arts. www.cedaredgechamber.com/events/

Autumn Mountain Bliss Retreat

Breckenridge, CO October 3 – 7, 2019 Join Y+L founder, Juli Rathke, for a weekend in Breckenridge and experience the local yogi’s insight into what makes the heart tick as we root ourselves into the seasons of change during the beautiful autumn season! www.julirathke.com

Rocky Mountain Literary Festival

Golden, CO October 19, 2019 Award-wining authors and appreciative readers gather in the Rocky Mountains to celebrate the shared passion of the writing and the reading of books. www.rockymountainliteraryfestival.org

November First Bite

Boulder County, CO November 2019 First Bite is an annual event highlighting the Boulder area dining scene. For nine days in November, more than 50 of the area’s top restaurants will offer a special three course $34 prix-fixe dinner menu to the community. The week celebrates our exceptional dining scene and continues to bring its well-deserved reputation into the national spotlight. www.firstbiteboulder.com

Denver Arts Week

Denver, CO November 1 – 9, 2019 The nine-day celebration of all things art in The Mile-High City, featuring more than 300 events at a wide variety of art galleries, museums, theaters and concert halls. www.denver.org/denver-arts-week/

Mountain Harvest Festival

Paonia, CO September 26 – 29, 2019 An annual celebration of local music, art, farms, food and spirits organized by Mountain Harvest Creative. Held in charming Paonia. www.mountainharvestfestival.org

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partners / Directory

where to find us A Purposeful Path

211 W. Myrtle St. STE 103 Fort Collins, CO www.apurposefulpath.com 970.682.8844

Albert Vein Institute www.albertvein.com + 9400 Station St. Lone Tree, CO 303.857.5111 + 10807 New Allegiance Dr. Suite #450 Colorado Springs, CO 719.888.3227

Aspen Shakti

Endorphin

Hydrate IV Bar

Yoga/Barre

+ Bonnie Brae 753 South University Blvd.

Denver, CO 303.209.0989

+ 2700 S. Broadway, Unit 201 Englewood, CO

+ The Highlands 3440 West 32nd Ave. Denver, CO 720.535.1919

717 Sylvan Lake Rd. #A Eagle, CO www.myendorphin.com 970.328.5770 www.myendorphin.com 303.993.4041

+ 2212 Kearney St. Denver, CO + 3115 E. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO + 2501 Dallas St., STE 144 Denver, CO + 66 South Logan St. Denver, CO

www.hydrateivbar.com

+ Cherry Creek 2717 East 3rd Ave. Denver, CO 303.248.3281

jalaBlu Yoga

301 E. Main St. #270 Buena Vista, CO www.jalablu.com 303.807.5138

Cycle/HIIT + 2738 S. Broadway, Unit 201 Englewood, CO

Kaiut Yoga Boulder

+ 3170 E. Colfax Ave. Denver, CO

+ 1925 Glenwood Dr. Boulder, CO

057 Edwards Edwards, CO www.mountainbarbers.com 970.926.8091

+ 10155 E. 29th Dr., STE 130 Denver, CO

+ 4800 Baseline Rd. #D206 Boulder, CO

Bhava Yoga

+ 7555 E. Academy Blvd.

Denver, CO

535 E. Hyman Ave. Aspen, CO www.aspenshakti.com 970.925.1655

Barber’s Den

505 S. Main St. A5 Breckenridge, CO www.bhavayogaco.com 970.409.3375

Bookworm of Edwards

295 Main St. Edwards, CO www.bookwormofedwards.com 970.926.7323

Compass Fitness

2059 S. Broadway Denver, CO www.compassfitness.com 303.521.3696

Dream & Dreams Float Spa 70 W Benchmark Rd. Avon, CO www.dreamsfloat.com 970.364.3801

Eagle Climbing + Fitness 700 Chambers Ave. Eagle, CO www.eagleclimbing.com 970.328.0893

Earth Yoga Boulder

3000 Folsom St. Boulder, CO www.earthyogaboulder.com 720.593.1008

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+ 3210 Tejon St. Denver, CO

Garden of the Gods Collection 3320 Mesa Rd. Colorado Springs, CO www.gardenofthegodsclub.com 800.923.8838

GOAT Training

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

High Country Healing

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

Hovey & Harrison

56 Edwards Village Blvd.

Unit 120 Edwards, CO www.hoveyandharrison.com 970.446.6830

www.kaiutyogaboulder.com 720.696.0401

Little Lotus Yoga

110 E. Lincoln Way Unit D Cheyenne, WY 82001 www.little-lotus.com 602.690.2265

Loveland Community Yoga 284 E. 29th St. Loveland, CO www.lcyoga.com 970.368.9642

Lululemon Vail Village 193 Gore Creek Dr. Vail, CO www.lululemon.com 970.476.7040

Meta Yoga Studios

118 S. Ridge St. Upstairs Breckenridge, CO www.metayogastudios.com 970.547.9642

MindSpace

34599 Highway 6 Unit B-10 Edwards, CO www.mindspacecolorado.com 970.818.0392

Mindstream Yoga

2733 Council Tree Ave. #129 Fort Collins, CO www.mindstreamyoga.com 970.266.9642

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Mountain Soul Yoga

56 Edwards Village Blvd.

Unit 204 Edwards, CO www.mountainsoulyoga.com 970.446.6485

Native Roots Wellness

1555 Champa St. Denver, CO 80202 www.nativerootsdispensary.com 303.623.1900

O2 Aspen

408 S. Mill St. Aspen, CO www.o2aspen.com 970.925.4002

Old Town Yoga

235 Jefferson St. Fort Collins, CO www.oldtownyoga.com 719.430.5400

Revolution Power Yoga

101 Fawcett Rd. Avon, CO www.revolutionpoweryoga.com 970.478.3176

SCP Hotel Colorado Springs 2850 S. Circle Dr. Colorado Springs, CO www.scphotel.com 719.430.5400

St. Julien Hotel & Spa

Telluride Yoga Center 201 West Colorado Ave. Telluride, CO www.tellurideyoga.com 970.729.1673

The Root Kava Co.

1641 28th St. Boulder, CO www.therootkavabar.com 303.856.3851

Thrive Yoga Fruita

332 E. Aspen Ave. Fruita, CO www.thriveyogafruita.com 970.349.0302

True Nature Healing Arts

100 N. 3rd St. Carbondale, CO www.truenaturehealingarts.com 970.963.9900

Vail Public Library

292 W. Meadow Dr. Vail, CO www.vaillibrary.com 970.479.2187

Vail Vitality Center

352 E. Meadow Dr. Vail, CO www.vailvitalitycenter.com 970.476.7960

Village Bagel

900 Walnut St. Boulder, CO www.stjulien.com 720.406.9696

34500 Highway 6 #B7 Edwards, CO www.villagebagel.co 970.855.2940

Sunshine Message Studio

VIVE Float Studio

616 W. Lionshead Cir. Suite 300 D Vail, CO www.sunshinemassagestudio.com 480.388.0590

SunWater Spa/SunMountain El Paso Blvd.

Manitou Springs, CO www.sunwellness.net 719.696.7077

Spa Anjali at the Westin Riverfront 125 Riverfront Ln. Avon, CO www.spaanjali.com 970.790.3020

Sweaty Buddha

100 Jenkins Ranch Rd. Durango, CO www.thesweatybuddha.com 970.403.8885

COYOGALIFEMAG.COM

www.vivefloatstudio.com. + The Cross Roads 720 Summit Blvd., Ste 101A Frisco, CO 970.668.0136

Yellow Belly

www.yellowbellychicken.com + 2161 N. Frontage Rd., #14 Vail, CO 970.343.4340 + 2525 Arapahoe Ave. Boulder, CO 303.532.4596 + 2501 Dallas St. Aurora, CO 720.259.2393

Yeti’s Grind

www.yetisgrind.com + 330 Broadway #C Eagle, CO 970.328.9384 + 141 E. Meadow Dr., #108 Vail, CO 970.476.1515

Yoga Center of Steamboat

701 Yampa Ave. Steamboat Springs, CO www.yogacenterofsteamboat.com 970.875.4568

Yoga for the Peaceful

326 Elk Ave. Crested Butte, CO www.yogaforthepeacefulcb.com 970.328.9642

Yoga Mountain Shadows

4663 Centennial Blvd.

Colorado Springs, CO www.yogamountainshadows.com 719.799.6697

Yoga Off Broadway

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

Yoga Pod® Boulder

+ 250 Steele St., Ste 110 Denver, CO 303.377.8483

1890 30th St. Boulder, CO www.yogapod.com/boulder/ 303.444.4232

Wax It Skin Studio

Yoga Pod® Lowry

70 W Benchmark Rd. Avon, CO www.waxitskinstudio.com 970.343.4728

Wild Hearts Yoga

101 N. Ulster Ct. Suite 101 Denver, CO www.yogapod.com/lowry/ 303.444.4232

11552 Newland St. Westminster, CO www.wildhearts.yoga 281.730.9403

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namaste

Sunrise

“SO POWERFUL IS THE LIGHT OF UNITY THAT IT CAN ILLUMINATE THE WHOLE EARTH.” Bahá’u'lláh 98

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photo by: Craig Turpin, Rising Sun Photography

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