Well. | Summer + Fall 2024 by YOGA + Life® Magazines

Inspired Living

NATURAL HEALING AT BODY THERAPEUTICS

STRENGTH In Community

CYCLES of WHOLENESS At Grand Wailea In Maui

LIFE LESSONS With Every Step

SUMMER + FALL 2024

PUBLISHER Jaunt Media Collective OWNER + EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Fuller OWNER + DIRECTOR OF PARTNERSHIPS Bobby L'Heureux CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chelsea Connolly MANAGING EDITOR Lexi Reich LEADER OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT Laura Mills ASSISTANT PRINT + DIGITAL EDITOR Kristen Grace COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR Chloe Wasserstrom CONTRIBUTORS Carrie Lehtonen, Chloe Wasserstrom, Heather Sullivan, Jayme Henderson, Jennifer Weintraub, Jessica + Jill Emich, Julie Bielenberg, Kaitlin Emig, Kim Fuller, Kristen Grace, Laura Mills, Lauren Brand, Lexi Reich, Lisa Blake, Maddie Rhodes, Nickolas Paullus, Rachel Glowacki, Sandy Fuller, Selena Rodriguez, Sharon Sullivan PHOTOGRAPHY + ART Cat Mayer, Jayme Henderson, Kim Fuller, Kitty Nicholason, Laura Mills, Patrick Bremser, Robbie Prechtl, Sandy Ferguson Fuller, Topher Straus REGIONAL + NATIONAL SALES Bobby L’Heureux SUBSCRIPTIONS wellmagco.com ADVERTISING bobby@jauntmediacollective.com | wellmagco.com FEATURES kim@jauntmediacollective.com | wellmagco.com PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES bobby@jauntmediacollective.com COVER Body Therapeutics in Grand Junction, Colorado Photo by Cat Mayer

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Well is a print + online publication produced by YOGA + Life® magazines, owned + operated by Jaunt Media Collective. 2024 YOGA + Life® Magazines. All rights reserved. No portion may be duplicated, in whole or in part, without the written consent of its publishers. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication. The publisher assumes no responsibility for accuracy of information or omissions from the material provided. Company cannot be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services rendered by the advertisers published in this magazine.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER / Summer + Fall 2024

Well. publishers Kim Fuller + Bobby L’Heureux

PHOTO BY KITTY NICHOLASON

DEAR READERS,

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ummer days are long and bright, gradually waning toward the soft and cooler days of fall. Just like a wakeful morning ticks forward toward more calm colors of evening, our years, seasons and every moment reflects transition — often subtle yet sometimes abrupt. To awaken then, is not just to transition from closed to open or darkness to dawn, but to cultivate profound and expansive awareness from moment to moment, with and without the presence of light. If you’re new to Well., this magazine is rooted in Colorado with national reach, produced by YOGA + Life® magazines. We feature intentionally curated content on movement, mental health, nutrition, nature, sustainability, travel and all things holistic well-being.

This issue of Well. celebrates community leaders and inspiring spaces, mindful living and conscious consumption, dreamy destinations, wellness experiences, enriching daily practices and outdoor adventures. Awaken here in these pages. Awaken everywhere you go. Embrace each moment of transition and use it as a step toward greater awareness and a more intentional way of being. Thank you for joining us on this journey. Your presence enriches our community and sustains our efforts. Together, let's explore the beauty of transformation and the endless possibilities that awakening brings. + In Gratitude,

Kim Fuller with Bobby L’Heureux Publishers of Well. Founders of Jaunt Media Collective

INSIDE / Summer + Fall 2024

CONTENTS A W A KE N

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER “Awaken to awareness.”

ABOUT THE COVER Heal + Thrive with Body Therapeutics

TEAM WELL.

The People Behind the Publication

P R O FI L E S

wellness leaders + influencers • inspiring spaces

LEADERS + INFLUENCERS Chris Lindley; Sheri Covey

INSPIRING SPACES Nourish House; GOAT Training

L I FE S T Y L E

books • art + music • community • travel • what we love

BOOKS Reviews by Sandy Ferguson Fuller + Rachel Glowacki + Nature Tonic by Jocelyn De Kwant + The Yoga of Parenting by Sarah Ezrin

ART + MUSIC + The Enduring Power of Opera at Bravo! Vail + Faithful Strokes from Topher Straus

COMMUNITY Lowell School Renewal in Grand Junction, Colorado

TRAVEL + Getaway to Portland, Maine + Cycles of Wholeness at Grand Wailea in Maui, Hawaii + Summertime Healing in Telluride, Colorado

WHAT WE LOVE + Essential Products for Summer + Fall + 3 Card Decks to Unite Mind, Body + Spirit + Botanical Healing Powers from Leaf People

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FI T N E SS + YO G A

movement • in the practice • retreats + experiences

MOVEMENT + Somatic Movement with Shine Living Community + Jiu Jitsu Community Creates Confidence + Perseverance

IN THE PRACTICE

W E L L N E SS

+ Sit Your Asana Down + How To Awaken Your Yoga Practice

health • inspiration • food

+ Sat Manav Yoga Ashram in Maine

fresh air + adventure • environment • gear

GREETING THE DAWN ST. BIBIANA TEA More Than a Hangover Cure

ON THE TRAIL WITH “WILD ATTENTION” 48

EARTHING

FENG SHUI YOUR HOME 5 Ways to Use Color to Inspire a Space

“GET OUT THE DOOR” POWER SMOOTHIE Quick + Easy Recipe for the Season

OPEN ROADS Outdoors for All

Sid Garza-Hillman on Ultrarunning for Normal People Rediscover Your Connection to Nature

Simple Practices to Begin the Day

OUTSIDE 38

HERBS FOR HEALING Get to Know Plant Medicine

36 EXPLORING SERENITY

GEAR GUIDE

SUMMER + FALL RECIPES + Vegan Veggie Burger

Outdoor Goods for Summer + Fall

+ Garden Frittata

ENVIRONMENT

+ Chamomile Paloma

EverGreen ZeroWaste

WHAT YOU EAT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE Tips for Healthy Eating

EVENTS

gatherings • community listings

FEATURED GATHERING Outside Festival: Music, Adventure + Community Spirit

EVENTS THIS SEASON May 2024 through November 2024

FAREWELL “Awaken” Parting Shot by Sandy Ferguson Fuller

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ABOUT THE COVER / Summer + Fall 2024

NATURAL HEALING MEETS CUTTING-EDGE WELLNESS PRACTICES AT BODY THERAPEUTICS Q+A with Co-Owner Megan Kingsbury

grow Body Therapeutics to what it is today, 10 years later — a beautiful team of 30! Throughout our growth, we've kept our intention of affordability, accessibility and longevity in mind when choosing our next therapy, tool or product. Understanding that the world of holistic health is vast and can be a bit intimidating when stepping into it for the first time, we wanted to keep it simple and approachable. Distinguished as a Center of Excellence for Western Colorado through Floataway, our staff are highly trained and educated on each therapy which I think strengthens the trust our community has in us, knowing that they're in very capable, caring and empathetic hands. We also expanded our hours in order to reach those who are working and are now open 14 hours a day, six days a week and eight hours on Sundays.

WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND BODY THERAPEUTICS AND WHAT DOES IT OFFER TO THE COMMUNITY? In the beginning, it was myself, my husband and our organic, skin-safe homemade salves, tinctures and baths. Our shared interest in full body health along with our combined experience of art and design, marketing and massage therapy made us a perfect fit and allowed us to

WHAT DOES AWAKEN MEAN TO YOU? When I think about awaken in the context of Body Therapeutics, I'm drawn to the concept of the mind and body working in tandem to create a spiritual homeostasis. In life, we are always seeking to improve ourselves and I think it's important to remember that the mind needs a dedicated time to relax and center, now more than ever. Awakened is how one feels after a successful float session, when everything is in sync and the mind enters the theta brainwave (meditative brain) without needing any practice or direction; it's the clarity of mind following a grotto session, the presence of body after a fantastic massage. It reminds me of greeting our guests and watching the change from the time they enter Body Therapeutics to the time they leave. We've designed our spa to eliminate the outside world once the door closes behind you, with the reminder that all the chaos can go away and we can exist in peace. Watching those transformations is beautiful indeed! Having a practice where you're able to remove the noise and focus on yourself — your breathing and

ounded in 2012, Body Therapeutics emerged from Megan Kingsbury’s deep-rooted connection to holistic health and her family's tradition of embracing nature's remedies. With a mission to democratize wellness, Kingsbury and her husband Brett have cultivated a space where holistic healthcare is not a luxury but a vital component of daily life. Through a fusion of ancient wisdom and modern innovation, Body Therapeutics offers an array of therapies, from customized massages to state-ofthe-art treatments like infrared saunas and salt grottos. As they continue to expand their offerings and embrace new technologies, the Kingsburys envision a future where Body Therapeutics remains at the forefront of wellness, guiding individuals on a journey of self-discovery and holistic healing.

your body — is essential and allows for the space needed within the rest of your day, week, etc. to do the things you love and find joy in the things you don't. It's been an incredible opportunity to be that place for Western Colorado. WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU AND BODY THERAPEUTICS? One of the best things about owning a spa is that the health and wellness industry is constantly developing. New research is always finding ways to help effect change without the aid of pharmaceutical intervention. The continued float research alone is stunning! Staying informed on that research has been the most beneficial for our business — enhancing current services and introducing new technologies to the community. This takes time. From our own research and plan development, web design, construction and, finally, training and implementation. Having a team like ours, one we can rely on and trust, has been paramount to our being able to grow. With them at the helm, my husband and I have been fortunate enough to create the time and the space to envision what a new machine or room would look like and would most benefit our community. Our newest introduction was the opening of our salt grotto, which is an active halotherapy cabin focusing on repairing and restoring the respiratory and integumentary (skin) systems. Because of the strong negative ions and cleansing effect of the salt, 45 minutes in the grotto is equivalent to spending three days at the beach. Most guests fall asleep during their session and awaken feeling refreshed and ready to take on the rest of their day, or head into their float or massage session. + BODY THERAPEUTICS 2500 Broadway, Unit E Grand Junction, CO 970.644.5255 bodytmm.com

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PHOTO BY CAT MAYER

Partner SPOT L IGH T

PROFILES / Behind the Pages

MEET THE TEAM KIM FULLER Publisher + Editor-In-Chief

CHELSEA CONNOLLY Creative Director

Based in Vail, Colorado, Kim is a freelance writer, editor and photojournalist in addition to her role as co-founder at Jaunt Media Collective, the publishing company behind Well., YOGA + Life, Spoke+Blossom and Covered Bridge. When she is not diligently writing and editing in her mountain nook, teaching yoga around town or finding a new adventure, find Kim at a local café or craft brewery where she enjoys the more indulgent side of inspiration. See more of her work at kimfullerink.com and follow her on Instagram @lifeinfull.

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

BOBBY L’HEUREUX Publisher + Director of Partnerships At the heart of his work, Bobby thrives on community and connection. As co-founder of Jaunt Media Collective, the company behind Well., YOGA + Life, Spoke+Blossom and Covered Bridge, Bobby successfully develops and sustains collaborations with entrepreneurs and businesses all over Colorado and beyond. Bobby lives in the Vail Valley and is the founder of Big Heart Big Hands, a nonprofit that supports mountain safety and awareness. He teaches a weekly yoga class that is always led with a big smile and a relaxed demeanor. Learn about all his ventures at jauntmediacollective.com.

PEPPER L’HEUREUX Director of Happiness When he’s not perched atop stacks of magazines or playing fetch in the Jaunt office, find Pepper lounging paws-up on his Orvis recovery couch. Pepi loves to watch the door and collect mail when it’s dropped through the slot, distract other office dogs from any sort of paw-ductivity and barge into the bathroom without knocking. While maybe one day Pepper will stop chewing up the mail enough to qualify for an HR position, his excessive level of daily joy keeps him as a valued team member. Follow along @pepi.thehappy.

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

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LAURA MILLS Leader of Community Engagement Laura is currently the leader of community engagement for Jaunt Media Collective and finds immense joy in her role. She manages newsletter content, affiliate marketing and social media for all of Jaunt’s publications. When not focused on creating engaging content for our readers and followers, Laura can be found in her new home of Colorado adventuring with her pup, Fern. Follow her adventures @l.millsy.

KRISTEN GRACE Assistant Print + Digital Editor Kristen Grace ardently loves storytelling. She writes about wellness and culture, and she is also digital editor over Covered Bridge, Spoke + Blossom, Well. and YOGA + Life magazines. When she’s not devoting her time to writing stories and to the magazines, Kristen enjoys hiking, biking and finding the best picnic spots.

CHLOE WASSERSTROM Community Engagement Coordinator Chloe finds comfort in the Colorado air and the stories woven throughout nature's peaks and valleys. When she is not exploring the world around her and translating it onto paper, you can find her on her yoga mat, on a pair of skis or her head in a book, most likely with at least three hydrating beverages nearby. The passionate storyteller finds joy in exploring the balance between stretching and strengthening as she guides yoga flows, and the profound presence within each turn while teaching skiing to young spirits. Follow her @chlowass.

PROFILES / Wellness Leaders + Inf luencers

CHRIS LINDLEY Awakening Community Health + Well-Being

or those unfamiliar with the remarkable contributions of Chris Lindley, his journey to Eagle County, Colorado, and assuming roles as the chief population health officer for Vail Health and executive director at Eagle Valley Behavioral Health unveils a narrative of unwavering commitment to community wellness. Amidst the outdoorsy culture of Vail Valley, Lindley emerges as a guiding force, spearheading initiatives that resonate with the fabric of local life. Specifically his endeavors in endurance sports, entrepreneurial pursuits and groundbreaking advancements in behavioral health paint a vivid portrait of a leader dedicated to awakening resilience and vitality in his community. EMBRACING THE VALLEY'S SPIRIT For Lindley, the move to Eagle in 2017 marked a pivotal chapter in his life. Relocating with his family to accept the role of public health director for Eagle County Government, Lindley found himself immersed in a community that aligned with his values and aspirations. "Without question, the move to Eagle County was a great professional and

personal move for me," Lindley reflects. "I have never had more excitement and passion for my work than I do today with Vail Health and everything we are doing in the behavioral health space." Prior to his relocation, Lindley was a professional firefighter and EMT with Denver's Engine One, specializing in swift water and rescue diving. Earlier, he led Colorado's Public Health Emergency Preparedness division and directed the state's obesity prevention efforts at the State Health Department from 2003 to 2014. His commitment to service is also evident in his military career, where he earned a Bronze Star and a Presidential Citation for leadership during deployments in Iraq in 2005 and 2006. Lindley’s current tenure at Vail Health and Eagle Valley Behavioral Health exemplifies a fusion of professional acumen and personal ethos. His background in public health, coupled with his entrepreneurial endeavors, underscores a holistic approach to population health management — one that transcends conventional paradigms and embraces the intricate interplay between physical, mental and emotional well-being.

ENDURANCE, RESILIENCE + GROWTH From conquering an Ironman to embarking on the Leadville Silver Rush 50 — a feat that involves a grueling 50-mile trail run and a 50-mile mountain bike ride, all in a single weekend above 10,000 feet — Lindley's pursuits encapsulate the essence of a "lifestyle athlete," one who goes beyond athletic conventions to embrace wellness as a journey, not a destination. “It's not the accolades at the finish line that define our success but the resilience and mental fortitude we develop along the way,” he believes. “This mindset has shaped my personal growth and underscored the universal truth that wellness is an inclusive, accessible journey for all.” His upcoming challenge — a weighted traverse of the TransRockies Trail Run — symbolizes more than a mere test of physical endurance; it embodies a commitment to destigmatizing depression and fostering resilience. “The TransRockies run is a 120-mile, six-day race across the Rockies. I have completed this race twice before,” he says. “To highlight and normalize feelings of depression, I’m changing the challenge this year, and I’m going to run the race with a weighted vest that weighs 20% of my body weight at the time of the race. This means I will likely be carrying a 40-pound weighted vest. It will be a strength and endurance test, but mostly, it will be a test of the mind.” By shouldering the symbolic weight of mental health struggles, Lindley seeks to ignite conversations and inspire hope, underscoring the transformative power of community support. "My fitness journey has had peaks and valleys, with injuries and setbacks, and is ever-changing as I age," he shares. "Today, my focus at 47 years old is longevity — living a healthy, fully functional life for as long as possible." ENDORPHIN: A COMMUNITY HUB FOR WELLNESS Lindley's entrepreneurial spirit finds expression in Endorphin, a dynamic fitness chain founded alongside his wife, Corina. Describing Endorphin as more

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than just a gym, Lindley elucidates its role as a vibrant community hub — a space where movement serves as a conduit for holistic well-being and communal engagement. “Unlike the prescriptive advice often given by traditional fitness centers or branded studios, which tout specific training regimens or classes as superior, Endorphin champions the act of movement itself, regardless of the form it takes,” Lindley says. “Embracing the idea that ‘movement is our medicine,’ we aim to inspire a shift from harmful habits, such as alcohol dependency, towards the holistic benefits of physical activity.” A VISION FOR BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Lindley's overarching vision extends beyond individual achievements, converging with his mission to revolutionize behavioral health in Vail Valley. At Vail Health and Eagle Valley Behavioral Health, Lindley and his team are spear-

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heading a shift that places behavioral health at the core of proactive healthcare initiatives. "Every day, we come to work committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure people live emotionally and physically healthy, vibrant, connected lives," Lindley affirms. "Through normalization, building connection and community and reframing behavioral health, we will have a transformative impact on people’s lives." And according to Lindley, they’re doing it in a way that no one has before. “It will be equitable,” he emphasizes. “Everyone will have equal access to the best-in-class clinicians, providing treatments and programs in best-inclass facilities.” +

MY FITNESS JOURNEY HAS HAD PEAKS AND VALLEYS, WITH INJURIES AND SETBACKS, AND IS EVER-CHANGING AS I AGE. TODAY, MY FOCUS IS LONGEVITY — LIVING A HEALTHY, FULLY FUNCTIONAL LIFE FOR AS LONG AS

Lexi Reich Managing Editor @lexi_reich | lexireich.com

POSSIBLE. CHRIS LINDLE Y

SHERI COVEY Helping Others Heal from Within with Ortho-Bionomy

“

I am also so grateful for the students and other instructors that have come into my life because of the relationships that naturally build within the work. It is so fulfilling,” beams Sheri Covey, advanced ortho-bionomy instructor and founder of Rocky Mountain Ortho-Bionomy Center (RMOBC) in Colorado. As the term indicates, ortho-bionomy (ortho, meaning aligned, and bionomy, relating to physiology), is a neurological and structural practice that works with the body’s ability to self-correct without pain or force. “The best part of ortho-bionomy is the fact that it is a principle-based work rather than an agenda-based or protocol-based work. It is creative because it bends to meet each body and honor their personal journey. It is insane that we think that we can treat everyone the same and expect the same result,” Covey explains, “Ortho-bionomy defies that idea by allowing each practitioner to create the right relationship with the body that will allow it to heal in the area that needs support.” Covey further explains it like this: most bodywork practices only work on one aspect of healing — message targets soft tissue while chiropractic’s is bone-based. Ortho-bionomy, however, can work in the lymph, endocrine, fascia, soft tissue, visceral (organ) and structural body systems (and all combinations). “It is based on listening and responding to what each body needs,” she shares.

Covey knows first-hand how impactful ortho-bionomy can be. “I fell in love with it rather quickly. It wasn’t hard to believe in the work when it literally changed my foot and my knee in a short amount of time and I experienced no pain. I was fascinated by how the work could meet any system of our body and help the body self-correct in all the relationships that are a part of our patterns of pain,” she says. She had the desire to help people rediscover the fullness of life after pain and injury, but it wasn’t until she was in massage school that her ortho-bionomy journey started — she signed up for a 1,000-hour course and learned that the work was so effective that it resolved long-term issues she had been dealing with that deep tissue massage had never touched. “I was so amazed, I wanted to take more classes,” she recalls. When she was ready to start working in massage therapy, Covey knew she needed to share what she had learned about ortho-bionomy. However, it took her some time to gain confidence in the practice. She started to mix it into her massage sessions; it was when her clients kept asking for more of the work that Covey realized she was too busy doing both ortho-bionomy and message and she jumped into ortho-bionomy full time. “I was prepared for my business falling apart,” she recalls, “but instead I ended up increasing my business and was booked three months out. It was more popular when I started to own how profound the

work was in the healing process.” Ortho-bionomy is osteopath-based and emphasizes comfort and allowing the body to relax into a new understanding and often opens creates new neurological pathways that assist and speed up the process of healing. A collegiate volleyball player turned coach, Covey has not only personally experienced the benefits of ortho-bionomy, she has also implemented the practice in her training protocol for her athletes. “It is my dream that more and more sports will embrace the understanding that we are beyond massage, [so] we are able to speed up the healing process for athletes,” Covey shares. Although, the people groups that may reap the benefits of ortho-bionomy does not end with athletes; it works for spine and neck injuries, athletic injuries, post surgeries, trauma from car accidents, gallbladder issues, digestive, liver, head injuries as Covey shares. If you’d like to experience the healing benefits on ortho-bionomy and learn how to help others heal from within, RMOBC offers ortho-bionomy certification classes in Grand Junction and Denver. Rocky Mountain Ortho Bionomy Center offers classes in a 10-week program that is spread out over 16 months. Covey and the team at Rocky Mountain Ortho-Bionomy Center offer a selection of courses throughout a two-year period that help guide students towards becoming a qualified ortho-bionomy practitioner. Students are able to study at both locations Grand Junction or Denver, Colorado. Covey explains that spending time faceto-face is important for students but she’s proud of the fact that they’ve designed that classes in a modular system so students can study for a week and then return home to practice until the next model. They return every two to three months and take another week of classes. As Covey says, “It is an inspiring journey of education and healing.” + rmobcenter.com Kristen Grace Assistant Print + Digital Editor @kristen.grace_

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERI COVEY

PROFILES / Wellness Leaders + Inf luencers

PROFILES / Inspiring Spaces

5613 Olde Wadsworth Blvd. Arvada, CO ntischool.com

NOURISH HOUSE Choosing a Lifestyle Rooted in Wellness

PHOTO COURTESY OF NUTRITION THERAPY INSTITUTE

“

We call our building Nourish House because we believe that everyone who comes through our doors finds nourishment physically, mentally and emotionally,” explains Dianne Koehler, Nutrition Therapy Institute (NTI) owner and director. NTI’s Nourish House is located in the center of Olde Town Arvada, Colorado, a vibrant community with a diverse array of shopping and dining experiences. Nourish House provides a cozy, welcoming environment that fosters appreciation and inspiration to choose a lifestyle rooted in wellness, as Koehler puts it. The space holds a hefty significance in the town of Arvada; Nourish House is a historic building, built in 1893 as the original Arvada City Mayor’s house. Over the past several decades, it has been home to a variety of businesses. “Now that NTI is here, it shines as the perfect building to showcase our premier education in holistic wellness,” Koehler shares. “In 2019, I purchased the school with a desire to maintain the central guiding principal of the school — to provide high-quality, reliable nutrition education that enables our students and graduates to achieve

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confidence and competence in whatever way they choose to work in the field of holistic wellness,” Koehler says. While NTI is best known for its holistic nutrition certification program — the Nutrition Therapist Master Certification program (NTMC) — it is also home to a one-of-kind culinary program, the Natural Food Chef Certification program (NFC). NTI focuses on holistic and science-based nutrition based on the philosophical pillar that one’s health is an expression of the interplay between the physical and chemical, mental and emotional, as well as spiritual and environmental aspects of one’s life and being. Many students looking to pursue their passion for helping people on their healing journeys through nutrition have found NTI to be the perfect place to learn and grow. However, part of what makes the space so special is the people it’s filled with. Nutrition therapist master-in-training and Well. contributor Anna Blue shares, “NTI’s Nourish House is a warm, welcoming space full of passionate, kind and inspiring people who have a talent for teaching their in-depth knowledge to their students.”

With its whimsical, flower lined pathway and rustic red and cream exterior, along with its bright and airy interior layout, Nourish House immediately feels like home (which sets the stage for great cooking and ample learning). The kitchen at Nourish House was designed and built with professional cooking instruction in mind. The open, light-filled space is inviting and homey, while the equipment and appointments meet the demands for expert instruction. Students cook and eat two nutrient-dense meals per class day, and in the process, build lasting friendships. “Because students of both of our programs participate in classwork at Nourish House, they get full sensory immersion into what each other is doing on a daily basis — hearing bits of the lecture, smelling the food aromas coming from the kitchen and even eating and sampling what’s cooking that day. This provides an opportunity for ‘cross-pollination,' where students in one program can be motivated to pursue the other,” Koehler explains. Fret not, If you want to experience NTI’s empowering approach to holistic nutrition education but you don’t reside in or near Arvada, you can complete the NTMC online. There are plenty of opportunities to experience Nourish House as an in-person student, online student or nutrition enthusiast; NTI provides regular continuing education for students and graduates as well as a variety of learning opportunities for personal interest open to the public. + Kristen Grace Assistant Print + Digital Editor @kristen.grace_

PROFILES / Inspiring Spaces

GOAT TRAINING Strength in Community

he endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and the awe-inspiring scenery in every corner of the Vail Valley of Colorado inspire people to visit and plant roots. Skiing, mountain biking, trail running, climbing and more are often the reasons for relocation, but building a dreamy life in this mountain valley takes more than constant outdoor activities. That’s where inspiring places like GOAT Training in Edwards become crucial for longevity both in sport and in community. When you walk in, you’ll see John Mark Seelig playing music, guiding a new member through the workout or chatting with established members of his gym. Opened in 2015 by husband-andwife team John Mark and Laura Seelig, GOAT seeks to inspire its athletes every day. “The gym is like a family — our members ski, eat dinner, do Thanksgiving, mountain bike and so much more together. There is an accountability piece

that makes them stay,” says John Mark Seelig. GOAT is not only a place to work out, but it is also a place to connect and create community and accountability with like-minded individuals. GOAT has two primary goals: meet people where they are by providing programming that bridges the gap for the mountain athlete, and create a space safe for connecting with others. Seelig sees all ages and stages walk through his door at GOAT, and that’s the best part of his job. He says, “When I see someone step in the door, it inspires me to say: ‘What are we doing?’ ‘Do you have any limitations?’ ‘Do you have any past or current injuries?’” It takes a level of vulnerability to enter a gym for the first time. At GOAT, Seelig and his team of trainers assess mobility and strength before pushing every athlete to become stronger. Egos are left at the door. The gym is split into two rooms: one for lifting, the other for accessory work and cardio.

Dumbbells, kettlebells, rowing machines, weight racks, ski ergs, bikes and more line the room. The workout is written on a whiteboard. It includes a lift — variations of squat, bench press, deadlift and overhead press — that cycles throughout the week. That’s not where GOAT ends, though; Seelig provides complementing strength work that includes exercises like goblet squats, elevated split squats, bike or row intervals, Turkish get-ups, core, pull-ups and my personal favorite: “special sauce.” With a focus on training the whole athlete, GOAT is constantly improving its programming. “Special sauce” is the perfect example of GOAT’s well-rounded strategy, implementing exercises like bicep curls, banded reverse flys, hip adduction, glute bridges and more all focusing on functional training and injury prevention. Unlike most gyms, the GOAT programming structure allows athletes to progress through the exercises on the whiteboard on their own schedule. Monday through Thursday, workouts finish with team arms, team legs or team abs, bringing everyone together to cap the workout. The “team” component of GOAT is one of its defining features, allowing time for group chat, camaraderie and shared struggle. Fridays break from the usual strength schedule at GOAT. The workouts focus on team cardio with strength mixed in. The sounds of a GOAT Friday are heavy breathing, sighing, grunting and cheers of encouragement from teammates, friends and new acquaintances. These classes are the perfect testimony to what GOAT stands for: pushing yourself and those around you to be the best version of yourself. Seelig finds that mountain athletes often lack the strength they need to sustain their level of activity. He sees people every day seeking a solution after beat-

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PHOTOS BY ROBBIE PRECHTL

210 Edwards Village Blvd. Edwards, CO goattraining.com

ing their bodies down in their twenties. “Most programs are not conducive to the mountain athlete,” he says. The programming at GOAT is constantly evolving to better serve the mountain athlete — from the Leadville 100 runners and bikers to the weekend skier. Every type of athlete has something to gain from GOAT’s programming. One of Seelig’s dreams became a reality last year, and another will come true soon. GOAT now offers physical therapy to help those with injuries — chronic or acute. This summer, a new location is opening in Edwards that will focus on youth sports performance. One goal of the new location is to provide young athletes with a place to learn how to lift and build life skills. The second is to give young athletes a lifelong love of fitness and a joy in continuing to move their bodies so they can be active for the rest of their lives. While we all know G.O.A.T. is an acronym for the “Greatest Of All Time,” the Seelig’s acronym for this gym is “Get Outside Athletic Training.” Activities are a way of life here, and functional strength is the key to maintaining longevity in sport. With GOAT, that goal is easy to accomplish. +

JUNE 6-9 · 2024

VAIL · COLORADO FREE TO SPECTATE | MOUNTAINGAMES.COM

ATHLETE REGISTRATION IS OPEN ®

Maddie Rhodes Teacher, Writer maddierhodes.com

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POSTER DESIGN BY BROOKS ENGEL @NOWHERELANDSUPPLY

LIFESTYLE / Books

THE WHOLE WORLD IS A SERIES OF MIRACLES, BUT WE’RE SO USED TO THEM WE CALL THEM ORDINARY THINGS. HANS CHRISTIAN ANDERSEN

Written by Jocelyn De Kwant Illustrated by Clare Owen

NATURE TONIC: A Year In My Mindful Life

ake up with nature! The time of night or day doesn’t matter. Your alarm may come from a brilliant, starry sky, a handful of sand, the rush of wings, a solitary snowflake, sweet lilacs, a rainbow arching out of thick mist, an acorn, a pasque flower poking through spring soil, a spider web, a frigid wind, a sunrise or sunset, full moon or soothing sun … How often do you pause or set aside time to truly connect with nature? It’s a free, simple pleasure and an essential, therapeutic part of living well. Writer Jocelyn De Kwant and artist Clare Owen craft their inviting workbook/ journal with ample space for personal writing and drawing to lead us through 365 days of interacting with the natural world. Whether outdoors or indoors, in busy neighborhoods or quiet forests, on energizing hikes or during calm relaxation, this unique variety of activities and reflections will enhance your daily health, contentment and creativity. The art of journaling involves writing, but it can also awaken the artist in you. How often do you tell yourself, or hear others say, “But I can’t draw like I did as a kid.” Oh yes, you can! Nature Tonic prompts you to jot down thoughts and observations, but also to express ideas and visions with your original artwork and photos. It’s easy to get lazy observing nature if we spend our most of our time working or playing in the same locale, especially amidst beautiful surroundings. This book

elevates mindfulness. You will sharpen your senses as you record delightful details, ever present in the ordinary, but commonly ignored. The author encourages trying different perspectives, like napping in a hammock or walking barefoot in the rain or staring into a creature’s eyes — then sharing your experience. Nature Tonic offers a casual and inviting format, loosely organized into thematic sections which include “Natural Rhythms,” “Nocturnal Nature,” “Urban Nature,” “In The Forest,” “Earth’s Colors, Growing,” “Life Aquatic,” “Look Up To The Sky,” “Down to Earth,” “Into The Fields,” “Traveling and Tramping” and “Just Breathe”. Miss a day? That’s okay! No one is counting. It’s natural to skip around the pages. Choose the activity or idea that most appeals in the moment. Are you a morning or evening person? A night owl or afternoon activist? Pay attention to your personal seasons and daily rhythms, like nature. If you wake up energized, turn to the page to build a hut! If you’re feeling mellow, just dip your toes into a cool pool or waterfall. Be flexible, like nature. Mushrooms not in season? Then collect dry leaves for a collage. If you don’t have space for a backyard garden, join a community one. If you can’t spot the stars behind the clouds, focus on the night sounds and shadows. Many activities involve the outdoors but can be done indoors, too. Weather not permitting? Stay inside, light a fire, smell the sap and hear the crackle of pine … then sketch a sailboat on the sea. The word “tonic” suggests a feeling of vigor or well-being. Keep this inspiring workbook handy. Take time to explore its pages to feel more spontaneous, aware, connected and alive. Awaken to nature. Miracles await. You’ll see. +

Sandy Ferguson Fuller Writer, Editor, Illustrator alparts.com

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LIFESTYLE / Books

WHAT ABOUT PARENTING IS THE MOST STRESSFUL TO YOU AND HOW DOES YOGA HELP YOU? Holy moly. I have two highly energetic boys, ages 2 and 4, and oh my, do they get loud. I really struggle when multiple people are talking to me at once (let alone if one of them is crying!). Yoga helps me anchor into something grounded and constant, like my breath, or the feeling of my body against an inanimate object.

Q&A WITH AUTHOR SARAH EZRIN On Yoga-Based Practices, Connecting with Your Kids, Being Kind to Yourself + More

Ezrin makes it easy to embody ancient wisdom with a modern-day twist on the parenting journey.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SARAH EZRIN

arah Ezrin, world renowned yoga educator and award-winning author of The Yoga of Parenting, may be able to hold herself up with one arm with a baby on her hip, but she writes, “I can say without a doubt that the most advanced yoga I’ve ever done is raising a child.” You don’t have to be a yogi to benefit from this practical yet philosophical parenting book that can make you think, laugh and cry all in the same sentence. When I read, “I wrote this book as protection against the external pressures and messages from society telling us we are not doing enough,” my mommy heart sighed with relief. YES, THANK YOU. I AM NOT ALONE, and neither are you.

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EACH CHAPTER INCLUDES: • A yoga posture and theme as it relates to parenting. • “Breath Breaks” — invitations to mindfully breathe. • “On the Mat” — practices to show us how we can apply the lessons on our yoga mat in a more general sense. • “Parenting in Practice” — advice from parents in the US and abroad. • “Off the Mat and Into the Family” — fun exercises to help us bring the work off the mat and into our homes. • Feature stories and insights whose experiences include single parenting and grandparenting (because we know that parenting doesn’t stop when our kids grow up)! These 10 bite-sized, digestible chapters go beyond parenting because they can apply to any relationship. The Yoga of Parenting is about embracing our imperfections, setting healthy boundaries and not pouring from an empty cup as we nurture others. Read more of my conversation with Ezrin:

WHAT WAS YOUR HARDEST CHAPTER TO WRITE AND WHY? Interestingly enough, the chapter on tapas (Sanskrit for "discipline") which is all about mining our challenges for gold. I kept getting sucked down these rabbit holes and the whole chapter read very dry to me at first. I’m a white woman from America interpreting yoga philosophy, I was way out of my league. When I gave myself permission to not need to know all the answers and to just speak from my personal experience, everything flowed. It’s now one of my favorite chapters. IF YOU COULD CHANGE A PARENTING MOMENT, WHAT WOULD IT BE AND HOW WOULD YOU HANDLE IT DIFFERENTLY USING THE PRINCIPLES FROM YOUR BOOK? This is going to sound cheesy, but I wouldn’t change any moment with my kids. What I would change is how flipping hard I was on myself those early days and years. But had I not been so hard, I wouldn’t have reached the breaking point I did which led me to want to write the book. It’s all meant to be! If you are a parent looking to stay grounded, connect with your kids and be kinder to yourself, then get your copy today and feel Ezrin’s words wrap around you like a BIG hug. + Rachel Glowacki Yoga Teacher @rachelglowacki | rachelglowacki.com

THE ENDURING POWER OF OPERA Bravo! Vail to Bring La bohème to Life, July 10 + 12, 2024

Nicole Car

he Bravo! Vail Music Festival is the place to seek cultural highlights in the Vail Valley of Colorado. A majority of the Bravo! Vail performances are held at the beautiful and unique Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater, where audience members experience musical delights and innovative performances year after year. The 2024 summer season runs from June 20 through August 1. This year, Bravo! Vail has set out to captivate opera aficionados and newcomers alike, as they present Giacomo Puccini's timeless masterpiece, La bohème, backed by the Philadelphia Orchestra. With performances scheduled for Wednesday, July 10 and Friday, July 12, 2024, this production signals the return of opera to Bravo! Vail after a hiatus since 2019.

Elli Monroe, director of artistic operations at Bravo! Vail, sheds light on the meticulous planning that has gone into crafting this production. "The response to our Tosca production in 2019 was really overwhelming. So many people said they had never heard an opera before and were already asking when we would do another one," Monroe shares. Operas are difficult to plan, and the COVID-19 pandemic made producing one in Vail even more difficult. After five years, Bravo! Vail is welcoming the production of La bohème, a love story between a poet and seamstress set in 19th-century Paris. What distinguishes this production of La bohème from other Bravo! Vail productions is its immersive storytelling. Unlike the music organization’s orchestral concerts, with the opera performance audiences can expect a sensory feast, with special lighting, soloists adorned in period costumes and a theatrical setting that transports them to Paris. The vision of production designer Noele Stollmack is pivotal in achieving this immersive experience. Stollmack's sets not only complement the natural beauty of the amphitheater and the surrounding mountains, but also serve as portals to the bohemian world inhabited by Puccini's characters. Building these sets is no small feat,

but it's a task undertaken with passion and precision. Stollmack's designs are bespoke for La bohème, crafted to evoke the romance and melancholy of the opera's setting. "The director and the designer are both very inspired to recreate the story of these bohemian artists in Paris right in our very own Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater," Monroe remarks. After the Bravo Vail! concert Saturday night, July 6, 2024, a dedicated team of production personnel will descend upon the venue tirelessly constructing sets, installing lighting and video elements and preparing the stage for the upcoming week’s performances. Three days of rehearsals follow to integrate the orchestra, soloists and two full choruses. Behind the scenes, the costume shop will complete fittings before the dress rehearsal and first performance on Wednesday. Anne-Marie McDermott, artistic director, reflects that Bravo! Vail’s previous opera, Tosca, was “magical and impactful.” She expects La bohème to produce a similar effect. “The music is sublime. Puccini creates character and mood in the musical score, which will come vividly to life, especially when the orchestra and all of the singers are together on one stage, led by the remarkable Yannick Nezet Seguin,” she says. The emotional depth of La bohème promises to captivate and transport audiences, as it has for generations. Bravo! Vail’s production of La bohème will stand as a testament to the enduring power of opera. With its fusion of exquisite music, immersive storytelling and unparalleled artistry, this production promises to be a special experience for all who attend. As the curtain rises on July 10 and 12, 2024, audiences will be transported to a world of passion, tragedy and timeless beauty — a world brought to life by the unparalleled talent and dedication of Bravo! Vail’s team. As McDermott says, “La bohème is a classic not to be missed.” + bravovail.org Maddie Rhodes Teacher, Writer maddierhodes.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRAVO! VAIL

LIFESTYLE / Art + Music

Discover the narratives and the significant moments Straus captures in human history throughout at topherstraus.com. Here, you will find the completed Jerusalem piece that initially brought him to Israel. Bliss (left) depicts Beaver Creek, Colorado with colors he has never used before. He notes this transformation, attributing it to the experiences he had in Israel.

FAITHFUL STROKES

A Jewish Artist’s Journey Through Resilience + Creativity

PHOTO BY TOPHER STRAUS

olorado local Topher Straus is called to places. It’s not until after his arrival, however, when he realizes why he was drawn someplace to capture moments in human history. Most recently, on October 6, 2023, the Golden, Colorado-based imaginationalist, whose art is scattered all over Colorado, answered a silent summon. He began working on a painting of Jerusalem for the Jewish National Fund. After 10 minutes he put his paintbrush down, searched for his passport and booked a flight bound for Tel Aviv. He woke up in Israel’s largest city on October 7, 2023, and went to submerge himself in nature in the Mediterranean Sea. As a Jewish painter, he says this arrival to Israel was truly special and exhilarating. But moments later, he heard sirens blasting and watched missiles dart through the sky from Gaza. “I set out to Israel to make a painting,” Straus says. “It was not the experience I was looking for, but it was the experience I was intended to have.” Straus lived multiple lives before embracing he was destined to be a painter. He was an athlete who went to college to be an actor. During his freshman year at Syracuse University, he was required to enroll in an art class and discovered a new passion. “It was a gift for me to get a blank canvas,” he shares.

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Ever since, Straus has been making sense of the world one brush stroke at a time. Even when he was working in the media industry in California, Utah and New Zealand, Straus used compositions to grasp the world around him. “[For years] I used my art secretly to express thoughts and ideas about gentrification and 9/11,” he explains. “There were thoughts I did not know how to express besides through negative space — a form of private expression to deal with difficult topics.” CAUGHT IN THE “FOG OF WAR” On that frightful and gruesome day in early October, Straus did not know about the abduction of innocent civilians and the intensive airstrikes that captured the world’s attention. It was the initial day of his first visit to Israel, and it took him no time to realize this was not a normal day in Tel Aviv. He says he was overwhelmingly in danger, and no one knew the brevity of what was going on. Amid the escalating danger, Straus sought refuge in a pharmacy. He was advised by Israelis to find a way out of the country. There was no way to get food because everything was closed because of Shabbat. It took a day for him to grasp the urgency of the situation — he could not see through the fog of war, as he put it. For five consecutive days, he visited the airport but each flight faced cancel-

lation. A chance encounter at a coffee shop led him on a flight on the Israeli airline, El Al. The airport was deserted this time; everyone had given up. Onboard, the pilot announced they would fly dark because they were a target. Upon reaching altitude, Straus says there was a collective sigh of relief. ART THROUGH NEW EYES Straus landed safely in Milan, Italy and later returned home to Golden, Colorado. He moved from a tumultuous journey to a realm where faith and the rhythm of life seamlessly intertwined. Straus's steadfast dedication to his faith becomes apparent as he perceives Judaism, art and nature as essential components, much like water is a vital part of life's continuous flow. “[Judaism, art and nature is] our source of water, refreshing ourselves,” the imaginationalist invites. “It is cleansing, it has rhythm and clarity. When you submit yourself to the water, and the flow, it will take you to where you need to go.” After what he experienced at the dawn of the war, Straus is committed to raising money for causes he believes in and telling stories he is compelled to share. Through art, he is financially supporting the Jewish National Fund and Maui Strong. He is also collaborating with clients to allocate a portion of the profits to agencies and causes selected by the clients. “I’d rather live a colorful life of experiences both good and bad than not live,” Straus says. +

Chloe Wasserstrom Community Engagement Coordinator @chlowass

LIFESTYLE / Community

LOWELL SCHOOL RENEWAL

Historic Building in Western Colorado is Given New Life

THE HISTORIC LOWELL SCHOOL HAS BECOME A COMMUNITY HUB FOR RETAIL SHOPS, CLASSES, NONPROFIT OFFICE SPACES, A TAPROOM AND MORE

urango, Colorado-based developer Jeremy Nelson focuses on three “Rs” — repair, restoration and reactivation. With these goals in mind, the historic Lowell School has become a community hub for retail shops, classes, nonprofit office spaces, a taproom and more. Nelson’s vision is coming to fruition now that all 12 of the former classrooms, as well as the principal’s office, have been leased. Additionally, the property has hosted a number of special events, including film showings, a theater performance and pet adoptions. Artists and nonprofits can reserve the lawn for free, says Nelson. Built in 1925, the century-old Lowell building was first used as an elementary school, before becoming R-5 High School from 1971 to 2015. Located at 310 7th St., on the edge of downtown Grand Junction, the Lowell building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Lowell School project is a public-private partnership between Nelson’s company REgeneration Development and Grand Junction’s Downtown Development Association. “It’s no longer a school but open to the public,” says Nelson. He explains that there’s public seating on the first floor, and in the hallway you’ll find tables and chairs, a sofa, two pianos and a little free library. Nelson’s inspiration comes from similar school-to-public marketplace conversions, like the Smiley Building in Durango, Colorado, the Ivywild School in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and the McMenamins Kennedy School in Portland, Oregon. Gemini Beer Company moved its taproom into the largest classroom in late February 2023. Owner Chris Dutton renovated the space, adding his own artwork and craftsmanship — wood cutouts of mountains and ravens are on one wall, while chandeliers made from old barrel loops hang from the ceiling. A chalkboard lists current beers on tap. Dutton designs all the beers, which are crafted by host brewers and rotated on a regular basis. On Turntable Tuesdays, you can bring a record — any music will do — to play on Gemini’s record player from 3-9 p.m. and receive a free beer. On Wednesdays every beer is $5. Test your knowledge on Trivia Thursdays by forming teams of two to six players for a chance to win gift cards or a free flight of beers. Near Gemini’s taproom, is the Mesa County Democrats’ office, one of two nonprofits currently leasing space in the Lowell building. Stop by their office to do-

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nate time or money, pick up a yard sign or talk with someone about current events. At Blue Heron Gourmet Spices, you’ll find all kinds of organic and fair trade spices, coffee beans, loose-leaf teas and tea and spice blends created in-house by owner Noreen Juarez-Alexander. Blue Heron additionally carries various salts, such as black truffle, smoked cherry or black lava sea salt from Hawaii. Plus, you’ll find essential oils, extracts and whole vanilla beans to make your own vanilla extract. Come browse the shop and stay for tea. Tables and chairs inside the shop are set with lovely teapots and cups where you can sit and enjoy any type of tea or the coffee of the week. Down the hall is Hartmann Farmhouse Apothecary, a new tenant since this past spring. Owner Dara Hartmann sells honey from her bees, and uses both honey and wax to make soaps, lotion bars, lip balms and other bath and body products. “I wanted a space where I could make [the products] and do classes; people have been asking for soap-making classes,” explains Hartmann. “The old school building caught my attention. I came in and looked and thought it was perfect.”. While there are currently no indoor cafes, Dango Burrito Food Truck is parked on the property four to five days a week with often a second food option from a rotating roster of food trucks. You can bring food and drink into the hallway, Gemini or enjoy them at one of the picnic tables on the front lawn. Raw Canvas Tattoos, who moved in November 2021, has a studio on the second floor — a more private space than their former location on Main Street, where passersby often stopped to watch through the window while tattoo artists worked on their human canvases. Of Dirt and Wildflowers — a creative space to grow and bloom — is also located upstairs. Owner Kylee Marshall offers art classes, development workshops, journaling courses and a variety of

unique items for sale such as jewelry, art, candles, paintings, dried flowers, hats and body care items. Marshall includes items in her shop from seven female artists and creators. Two different art studios reside on the second floor — ArtLight Therapy & Studios and Blancard/Lashua Studio. “I was really drawn by Jeremy’s vision for the space,” says Joni Beckner, owner of ArtLight Therapy & Studios. “It’s been great. I’ve had really great traffic. It’s been a thrill to provide a place for first shows.” Beckner is also a board-certified art therapist and offers art therapy at the studio — for both individuals and groups. “Art-making is an important complement to talk therapy,” she notes. Clients can also choose standard talk therapy if they prefer. Grand Mesa Wellness owner Jim Ettinger opened his fitness center inside the Lowell building in October 2020. Ettinger is a personal trainer who meets

with individuals either one-on-one or in small groups of two to six people. Ettinger says he helps people build bone density, prepare for triathlon events and improve overall fitness. He offers a free consultation! He’s there Monday through Friday, from 5 a.m. to noon. The Community Food Bank of Grand Junction signed a lease in December to add a space for their operation for administration and development purposes. Executive director Alisha Wenger says the nonprofit may also use the space to teach nutrition classes and hold other special events. “I love food; food brings people together,” Wenger says. “When we came here, it felt like a good fit for this community, to get people more engaged with the work.” Check out the websites of individual tenants to see days and times of when they’re open, or take a stroll down the hallway anytime. +

Sharon Sullivan Freelance Writer + Editor

For special events, visit lowellmetro.specialdistrict.org/community-calendar

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LIFESTYLE / Travel

Weekend Escape with Local Flair

grew up visiting Maine’s Midcoast every summer, and the handful of times we stopped in Portland’s Old Port District before embarking on the rest of “Vacationland” was definitely memorable, and I always wanted to stay longer. As an adult, the time finally aligned to enjoy a couple of days enjoying the city before heading home to Colorado. Portland offers a captivating blend of historic charm and contemporary vitality. This maritime gem invites travelers to wander through its cobblestone streets, explore the vibrant arts scene and indulge in the culinary delights that have garnered national acclaim. From the iconic lighthouse standing guard at the harbor to the lush landscapes that change with the seasons, Portland presents a serene escape with a touch of adventure. Whether you're a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast or someone seeking solace in the beauty of the Atlantic, enjoy exploring Portland for a weekend (or longer).

STAY : PORTLAND HARBOR HOTEL Located right in the heart of the Portland Old Port district, the Portland Harbor Hotel is just about a block away from the bustling waterfront. It welcomes guests with a tasteful nautical theme in navy, khaki and white, complemented by custom-crafted Thomas Moser furniture and polished hardwood floors, pristine as a schooner. The hotel is adorned with original pieces from Maine artists. Jim Dugan's captivating monochromatic maritime photography lines the hallways and public spaces, offering guests a visual journey through the heritage that defines the region. Angela Adams, renowned for her exquisite rug designs, has contributed uniquely handcrafted nautical flags that hold the space above the hotel beds. These flags, artfully arranged in frames, spell out "DREAM," adding a touch of inspiration to each room. The Portland Harbor Hotel makes for an ideal home-away-from-home while

LOCAL LOVE : 6 PORTLAND PICKS The Highroller Lobster Co. Take the best lobster roll you’ve ever had and place it in an 1960s-style red and white diner — that’s Highroller! Owned by Baxter Key, Andy Gerry and Peter Bissell, this restaurant boasts some of the best microbrews, along with frozen margs and lobster rolls done just right. Imagine the most delicious brioche bun, lightly buttered and grilled, absolutely loaded with hand-picked lobster meat and then topped with your choice of mayo — jalapeño comes highly recommended. Throw a side of Old Bay seasoned fries on the plate and you’re set. The retro-funky vibe makes this place an easy go-to. highrollerlobster.com Amigos Mexican Restaurant Cheap beer on the covered patio? Pool and darts inside? Jell-o shots? Sounds like the ideal picturesque dive bar — and that it is! Amigo’s is a favorite watering hole among the locals and just celebrated 50 years in business. Whether it’s your go-to for live music on weekends in the summer or a place to meet your restaurant industry friends for a postwork bevy, Amigo’s is, and likely always will, be there. amigosoldport.com Yosaku Family-owned, high-quality, and serving super-fresh sushi, Yosaku is located where Danforth meets Fore Street with

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PHOTOS BY KIM FULLER + LAURA MILLS

GETAWAY TO PORTLAND, MAINE

you’re in the city. The central location and charming details offer a sweet refuge before and after daily excursions. portlandharborhotel.com Portland native Laura Mills knows the city like it was in her backyard for over two decades, as it actually was, and she was certainly a great tour guide during our visit. She explained how much the city has grown and evolved over the years, but her mainstay hangouts are tried-and-true. Check out Mills’ top picks for the best lobster roll, watering hole, sushi spot, waterside stroll, music venue and local shop. - Kim Fuller

their patio overlooking the water and all the happenings of the Old Port. This sushi spot has a killer lunchtime bento box special every day and elevates the vibe come nighttime. Their saké menu is lengthy and the service is top-notch. If you want to experience Maine seafood with a little Japanese flair, this is the spot. yosakumaine.com

Maine coast sunset

The Eastern Promenade The Eastern Promenade, or as locals call it “The Prom,” is an expansive, grassy hill overlooking Portland’s harbor. At the base of the hill is a selection of the town’s best food trucks and just past that is a walking path, kayak rentals and a boat launch. If you are looking for a relaxing way to spend the day — grab a bottle of wine, your pup and head to this spot. Have yourself a merry little picnic overlooking some of Maine’s gorgeous coastline. visitportland.com

PHOTO COURTESY OF PORTLAND HARBOR HOTEL

The State Theatre The State Theatre, also known as “The State,” is a historic theatre located in the Arts District of Portland at 609 Congress Street. It features Art Deco architecture and hosts musical acts from every genre — pulling in some bigger names such as Lake Street Dive, Atmosphere, Griz and much more. This building has been in existence since 1929 and the history is quite apparent as soon as you walk up. Check out their upcoming shows if you’re in the area — you may be surprised who is playing! statetheatreportland.com Mexicali Blues Looking for some whimsical but practical earth-focused threads? Mexican Blues is a Maine-owned, ever-expanding small business that started as just one shop! They have everything from your go-to festival threads to skirts you can wear to the office, jewelry that will last a lifetime and ethically sourced decor for your apartment. The staff is welcoming and the vibes are good — you won’t be leaving empty handed! mexicaliblues.com - Laura Mills

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The Highroller Lobster Co.

Portland Harbor Hotel

Kim Fuller Publisher + Editor-In-Chief @lifeinfull

Laura Mills Leader of Community Engagement @l.millsy

LIFESTYLE / Travel

AWAKENING TO KAULANA MAHINA

PHOTOS BY KIM FULLER AND COURTESY OF GRAND WAILEA WALDORF ASTORIA

Cycles of Wholeness at Grand Wailea in Maui

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visited Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort in Maui, during the Anahulu Poepoe, full moon phase, in the Hawaiian moon calendar. Eight weeks pregnant upon my arrival, the rejuvenating getaway aligned with my desire to sync the cadence and flow within me and around me. In the months leading up to this visit, I was perhaps more in tune with my rhythms, my lunar cycle, than I had ever been. I’d been tracking my menstrual patterns more closely than usual, marking my body’s days of waxing and waning with my husband and I’s newfound attention toward conception. The design and ideology behind the resort’s new Kilolani Spa blends the island’s traditions and customs with modern technologies and practices, with treatments guided by the Hawaiian moon calendar. Kaulana Mahina is Hawaiian for “position of the moon,” with three helu pō, 10-day phases, each distinctly honoring its growth, its fullness and its waning. As I was not yet showing or really feeling many symptoms within this initial gestational growing phase, I shared my new-ish news with my spa therapist, a mother and grandmother herself, who offered kind words, native botanical oil and intuitive bodywork during the 120-min-

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ute Helu Pō Ritual. I was present to my own growing moon, Anahulu Ho'onui, while deeply amidst the bright energy and fullness of Anahulu Poepoe. “Clarity, illumination, wholeness,” my therapist shared. These words would become my embodied mantra throughout my Maui visit at Grand Wailea, and continue today as I write this, growing every day toward the totality of this phase. WHOLE NOURISHMENT Grand Wailea is an inspired property fronted by Wailea Beach and surrounded by 40 acres of unique tropical gardens. My first night, a nearly full moon and a few tiki torches illuminated my steps as I explored several winding pathways after dinner at Olivine. This new addition to the impressive culinary portfolio at Grand Wailea celebrates local Maui cuisine paired with coastal

Italian specialties. The menu from executive chef Ryan Urig features homemade pastas and seasonal dishes that hit the spot after traveling across the Pacific Ocean to this Hawaiian island. Seafood lovers (and those not sanctioned away from delicious delicacies like raw oysters, as I was during this visit) will find dinner at Humuhumunukunukuāpua'a a special experience. The word you see here that you may not try to pronounce is the name of a local reef fish, and now the namesake of this Grand Wailea restaurant that’s set in a beachfront lagoon, featuring a fish-filled aquarium glass bar for drinks and dining. The Maui Green salad is a nourishing standout with arugula, kale, asparagus, edamame, pea shoots, local avocado, pistachio and green goddess dressing, along with the Chilean sea bass served with kabocha squash and coconut mint chutney.

LIFESTYLE / Travel

MY TIME AT GRAND WAILEA WAS A VACATION, BUNDLED WITH AN INVITATION TO COME HOME TO MYSELF.

So yes, this trip was a different type of getaway for me, yet just what I needed. Without my favorite dining partner husband and the veracity to imbibe liberally, I was left to savor bites and sips much more than simply indulge. I’d head to bed early to read, wake up with the sun and found a true sense of renewed energy. I walked the beach, took open-air yoga, lounged in a poolside cabana and went out whale watching with a small group outrigger canoe tour. I spent some time at the well-equipped two-floor fitness center, and took a group movement class with Melissa Wood-Tepperberg, founder of Melissa Wood Health. Grand Wailea often brings in health and fitness professionals like Wood-Tepperberg for immersion-style well-being experiences. TWO SIDES OF THE TIDE To and from my room in the Napua Tower, a more exclusive part of the resort with access to private lounges and dining amenities, I often paused to gaze at sculptures and paintings throughout the Grand Wailea property, home to Hawaii's largest private art collection. The incredible Fernando Botero's bronze sculptures are hard to miss, and there’s no lack of comfort in the Botero Lounge as you sidle up next to miss voluptuous in all her unclad glory.

The invitation to bare it all isn’t really a cultural norm in modern day Hawaii, although I did accidentally stumble upon a nude beach while exploring the coastline a few miles down the road from Wailea. Yet the comfort and luxury of Grand Wailea and Kilolani Spa is what’s needed to unwind down to the core. In between the Helu Pō Ritual and Marine Flower Peptide Facial at Kilolani, I looked over the ocean in the spa’s reflection lounge before trying the guided harmonic and vibrational therapy in the meditation lounge. I felt the pull of a tide, rolling in toward something new. My time at Grand Wailea was a vacation, bundled with an invitation to come home to myself. In the months to come, the cycle will continue; from the growth of Anahulu Ho'onui to the wholeness of Anahulu Poepoe, to then the Anahulu Ho'ēmi, the waning moon, that follows. Maui was my reminder that on the other side of fullness is surrender, reflection and rest. At the end of one tide is another, again and again. + grandwailea.com Kim Fuller Publisher + Editor-In-Chief @lifeinfull

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36 HOURS IN TELLURIDE

A Therapeutic Long Weekend to Awaken Summertime Healing

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT TELLURIDE

hen the snow melts, Colorado’s tucked-away rugged-posh ski town turns into a magical summer oasis of festivals, wildflowers, waterfalls, hiking and peaceful meandering. This stunning corner of the Centennial State draws celebrities to multi-million-dollar homes, musicians and artists to an endless calendar of buzzing warm weather events and trail warriors to the sky-soaring San Juan Mountains. The coveted hamlet’s steep-walled box canyon provides a secluded haven that beckons a particular blend of exploration and stillness. In all its peaceful unicorn-like glory lies an element of beautiful solitude and restoration. From meditation nooks to salt caves, this loose flowing list has been carefully cultivated to help you turn a long weekend in Telluride into a mind-body-spirit wellness reboot. STAY Settle into dog-friendly Hotel Telluride for European boutique chalet ambiance and white-glove hospitality. With a downtown address, you’ll be central to easy exploring, dining and wellness offerings. The Peaks Resort and Spa provides a posh mountain village perch with luxe suites, a renowned spa and fitness center and out-the-door hiking and golf access. Five stars and mindful

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perks — think custom curated wellness experiences — await at the mountainside Madeline Hotel. PLAY A sweeping, relaxing scenic ride up the Telluride Gondola is a must to get the lay of the land. For an even higher vantage point, book a sunrise hot air balloon ride with nearby San Juan Balloon Adventures and celebrate your flight over provided champagne and brunch. Stay loose and limber and up for anything with a joint-movement-focused class at Kaiut Yoga Telluride. This renewed lens on yoga promotes freedom of movement to stimulate circulation and energy flow. Go on a quintessential waterfall hike and find fivemile out-and-back Bear Creek Falls just past the town library on Pine Street. Or take the two-mile trek to iconic Bridal Veil Falls and marvel at Colorado’s tallest free-falling waterfall. Tranquil seclusion awaits at Trout Lake — worth the 20-minute drive from Telluride — where stand-up paddleboarding takes on a glassy state of zen. EAT Rise with the morning sun and a savory ham and cheese on a small batch artisan croissant at clean-eating favorite Butcher and Baker Cafe. Locally loved organic grab-n-go spot Lunch Money fuels outdoor adventures with apple-loaded

chicken salad wraps, rainbow-hued veggie sammies and farm-plucked harvest bowls. For dinner, treat yourself to house-made pastas, heirloom tomato salads, oysters and grilled halloumi at The National or try something new at Wood Ear where Texas smokehouse classics meet Japanese fare in ramen and rice bowls. Try the mushroom fest bowl for crispy tofu and seared shrooms in a smoky miso broth. HEAL Telluride’s self-care scene is a vibe all its own. Elevated treatments and hands-on holistic care thrive in this luxury-loving mountain town. Homegrown therapeutic CBD products by Tim’s Naturals grace shelves throughout town, easing fatigued muscles with soothing locally produced trauma balms. Fight inflammation and boost healing and detoxification with a visit to Pure Beauty’s oxygen lounge and salt cave. Beeline it to The Spa at Peaks Resort in Mountain Village for a calming acupuncture session or have Telluride Massage Company therapists come to you for in-home bodywork treatments. The full-body arnica massage will leave you in a blissed-out pool of happiness. + Lisa Blake Writer @lisananblake | lisablakecreative.com

LIFESTYLE / What We Love

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10 1. Shakti Essentials Bundle Feel the daily benefits of thousands of perfectly positioned spikes on the Shakti Acupressure Mat + Pillow. The handmade and organically certified relaxation tool restores your muscles and enhances circulation from your head to your tailbone. The time you spend skin-to-spike maximizes the time you have to reset your body, mind and their connection. We recommend using the mat in your bathroom to give your feet some love in morning, night and throughout the day. Use the Mat + Pillow together with your legs up the wall to promote even more muscle recovery. $133 shaktimat.com 2. The Villa from Vincero Welcome summer with a fresh pair of sunglasses. The Villa is a classic style with a sleek, lightweight design and masculine silhouette. These everyday frames are timeless and the perfect accessory for any outfit and sunny leisure activity. $145 vincerocollective.com 3. BOTE Inflatable Hangout Chair Sit back and relax with an in-water Adirondack chair experience. Soak in the sun while being supported by a PVC sling, and the reclined seatback will keep you in an ideal lounging position. And so you don’t float away, D-rings allow you to link to a boat or friends in floaters nearby. $349 boteboard.com 4. Baloo Living Weighted Silk Sleep Stone Mask Gently weighted to cocoon your face, be prepared for deep sleep with this lightblocking, sound-muffling and made from good-for-your-skin Mulberry silk sleep mask. Store in the freezer to enjoy extra de-puffing qualities and be prepared to channel all the good energy to your third eye center. $74 balooliving.com 5. MiiR All Day Straw Cup Made from 90% recycled materials, this sleek and design-forward hydration essential is not only BPA-free but also equipped with double wall vacuum-insulation to ensure your hot drinks stay hot and cold drinks stay refreshingly cold. $39.95 miir.com

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6. Cuzen Matcha Maker Kit This luxury matcha maker is revolutionizing the way matcha lovers experience their favorite tea. With its sleek design and innovative features, the kit provides everything you need to initiate a daily ritual of freshly-ground matcha. From storage to grinding to whisking, Cuzen ensures an authentic matcha experience right in the comfort of your kitchen. $299 cuzenmatcha.com 7. Farm to Skin Organic Retinoic Oil Cleanser This nourishing facial cleanser and makeup remover was chosen for its rich antioxidant content that thoroughly cleanses skin without stripping. Naturally occurring retinoic acid promotes healthy skin rejuvenation at the cellular level. It’s ideal for all skin types to reduce inflammation and revitalize your complexion. Plus, it comes with an organic muslin facial shammy, which we love. $54 farmtoskin.com 8. Intentional Health: Detoxify, Nourish and Rejuvenate Your Body Into Balance In her book, Dr. Chiti Parikh offers a nurturing guide to whole-body health that integrates traditional eastern and modern western healing practices. The book offers a 28day vitality regime to jump-start readers’ journey to optimal health with more energy, less pain and renewed confidence. Parikh is the executive director of the Integrative Health and Wellbeing Program at New YorkPresbyterian Hospital and a clinical professor at Weill Cornell Medical College. $17.99 penguinrandomhouse.com 9. Westerlay Orchids Westerlay Orchids are high-quality orchid plants that are sustainably grown and perfect for the home. Shipped right to your door, the care is simple: soak your orchid for 15 to 20 minutes every week and keep the plant in bright, but indirect sunlight. Fertilizer can be added to the soaking routine once a month when the orchid is in bloom. Starts at $59.99 westerlay.com 10. Free Fly Apparel Elevate Lightweight Tank + All Day Pocket Short Designed for hot-weather performance, the Elevate Lightweight Tank has four-way stretch, drirelease technology and superior breathability to keep you cool and dry on the sweltering days. It’s ideal for workouts, but its boxy and slightly cropped fit also suits everyday wear. Pair this with the All Day Pocket Short, which features a matte finish and high-waisted design. Plus, it comes with handy pockets for essentials like your phone, cash or keys. Perfect for yoga, errands or any medium-impact outdoor activities. Tank: $48; Shorts: $64 freeflyapparel.com

LIFESTYLE / What We Love

3 CARD DECKS TO UNITE MIND, BODY + SPIRIT

oga goes beyond the physical practice — the holistic lifestyle is the yoke of living the human experience, where practitioners unite their body to their mind, soul and spirit. However, this is not to say there is not something special and grounding about the physicality of it all. These yoga card decks offer practitioners, regardless of experience level, a tangible means to embrace both the spiritual and physical dimensions of yoga. They welcome everyone to embrace a deeper, holistic approach to yoga, by enriching your practice and strengthening your genuine mind-body connection. LIVE YOUR YOGA This deck takes your through the ancient journey of the Yoga Sutras. There are 54 facets that not only invigorate your practice, but also serve as the foundational text of yoga philosophy. Each card invites you to embody the sutra and fulfill a healthy and abundant life. The cards are color coded into three categories for each sutra: explore, connect and replenish. Think of each of these cards as steppingstones to fully integrate the teaching into your everyday life. The “explore” cards introduce foundational yogic concepts, providing

avenues for inspiration and self-exploration. Meanwhile, the “connect” cards seamlessly integrate themes with poses or breath exercises, fostering a deeper connection with your breath and body. The “replenish” cards guide you on an inward journey through simple meditations or visualizations, nurturing inner peace and tranquility. ASHTANGA YOGA PRACTICE CARDS, THE PRIMARY SERIES The Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series is a set sequence of shapes that open your heart and mind to the timeless yoga lineage. The cards are already ordered in the traditional 90 pose progression. As one of the most rigorous and popular yoga styles, this sequence journeys you to create a powerful internal fire that detoxifies your inner organs. Every card serves as an overall guide, reminding you of the Sanskrit name, benefits and instructions for each pose, along with its drishti, or focal point, complemented by accompanying photos. The beauty of this practice lies in its endless opportunities for growth and refinement. This deck inspires both beginners and experts to embrace new challenges and deepen their ongoing practice.

LITTLE YOGI DECK Navigating through your emotions can feel daunting, especially for children who are just beginning to grasp the complexities of this world. That is why this deck was made for little people with big emotions. The 48 cards are crafted to provide children with the space to explore mindful bending, breathing and balance in their own bodies. A yoga mat acts a conduit to facilitate emotional intelligence. The cards are organized by color. Red for anger, fuchsia for worry, orange for excitement, blue for sadness, yellow for joy, green for jealously, gray for shame and purple for peace. This way, all someone needs to do is discover one word to describe how they are feeling. Then they search for the representatively colored cards. And of course, this deck is appropriate for individuals of all ages, advancing inclusivity and support in emotional exploration. + Check out all the decks at shambhala.com.

Chloe Wasserstrom Community Engagement Coordinator @chlowass

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A Feel Good Company 5% of Leaf People sales are donated to charity. The Aspen, Colorado-based company is dedicated to giving back through monetary support, donation of time, participation in charitable events and the practice of positive intentions.

PLANT FORWARD

Aspen-Born Leaf People Showcases Botanical Healing Powers in its Vegan Skincare Lineup

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEAF PEOPLE

edical herbalist Julie Williams — a.k.a. "Chief Leaf" and founder of Aspen, Colorado-based skincare company Leaf People — pairs western botanical studies with Buddhist medicine-making practices and indigenous traditions to formulate vegan cosmetic products. Williams’ boutique organic skincare line reconnects us to nature while hydrating and nourishing faces and bodies. “It’s been an amazing and rare journey,” Williams says. “I’ve been able to study with medicine people in huts in the jungle for extended periods of time. I’ve been with my mentor studying plants under the stars in the U.S. — I just feel so fortunate.” Williams, 54, resides in Aspen, where she runs Leaf People and blends cutting-edge botanical science with western medical herbalism in a private lab. These coveted and effective skincare products use botanical extracts and cold-pressed plant oils to improve skin tone, texture and radiance. Williams extracts whole plant ingredients at low temperatures to preserve vital properties, placing special care on retaining plant purity and potency. The end result: award-winning skin care favorites that include a saffron and green tea eye area toner, tea tree and calendula bug bite relief, and a skin reviving luminosity mist that calls on Swiss apple stem cells and blue and pink lotus flower. Leaf People product devotees ap-

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preciate the line’s lack of synthetically manufactured ingredients commonly found in department store and spa skin care brands. Williams keeps a close pulse on environmentally safe practices, using Forest Stewardship Council-certified packaging and post-consumer recycled, recyclable and compostable materials with vegetable and water-based inks. Williams’ herbal medicine journey threads back to her childhood in rural Alaska, where she was taught how to use plants for wilderness survival. This fascination flowed throughout her life, guiding her to a three-year educational journey that spanned 17 countries on five continents. After returning to the U.S. in 2001, Williams began her formal botanical studies, attending herbal medical school and practicing under master herbalists Lillian McCracken and Lynn Albers, as well as making annual trips to Bolivia to study with indigenous master herbalists in the Amazon and Andes. A deep respect for indigenous cultures and the health of the planet continues to drive Williams’ mission. She honors and tells the story of the plants used in Leaf People products and, after 18 years of vending at the Saturday Aspen Farmers Market, has cultivated a dedicated and loyal clientele. One summer, a young woman came to the Leaf People market booth with an

extreme skin peeling issue on her hands, likely due to cleaning and exposure to detergents. She was in tears due to the pain and frustration of seeking help and not finding relief. Williams had her wrap her hands nightly with Leaf People rejuvenating balm and within a few weeks her hands had completely cleared. “She came by my market booth weekly to show me the progress,” Williams says. “On her final visit, she brought her husband and young son to thank me because she had not been able to hold their hands due to the pain. They were all so excited that she could hold their hands and enjoy daily activities with them again. It was truly touching.” Williams imports certified organic virgin pressed oils from Europe and South America and harvests wild herbs herself, including ashwagandha, reishi, ginkgo, yarrow and willow. Active Coloradans love Leaf People’s arnica body lotions, restorative radiant masks and transform serum for its nutrient-rich, skin-brightening properties. During summer months, Leaf People’s bug bite relief formula is a must have. The growing movement towards natural products with earth-derived ingredients is a win that stirs incredible gratitude in Williams. “It’s so great to see people finally getting it,” she says. “They’re reclaiming their health and it warms my heart. You can see people becoming empowered. They can choose these things that will make them feel better. There’s beauty in the strength there.” + leafpeople.com Lisa Blake

Writer @lisananblake | lisablakecreative.com

FITNESS + YOGA / Movement

he relationship to our body and the wisdom that it holds is the most important relationship of our life. It teaches us who we are and affects how we relate to ourselves and the world around us. When we learn to listen to our inner compass, it is the ultimate freedom. It gives us a higher perspective and an inner anchor in which to lean into as we navigate our life path. How do we nurture this relationship? One of the most powerful ways is through a somatic experience of dance and yoga. SOMATIC MOVEMENT Somatics is how we perceive our experience of life from the inside by paying attention to sensations. It is the exploratory state of witnessing our internal experience. We all hold unique patterns in our energy system based on our emotional and physical experiences throughout life. These energetic patterns then inform our

nervous system which in turn effects our physical body and also the lens in which we experience our outer world. Somatic work helps tune into and unwind these patterns to access our full potential and to help heal and expand. Somatic movement is self-discovery into all parts of ourselves. In the somatic experience of dance, we focus on the internal experience rather than getting the moves perfect. We practice with choreography and every time we approach it, whether it’s the first time or the 50th time, it is a new experience. This is because of the themes that we build into each session, the meaning we give to each movement and the varied emotional or physical state the participant is in. In addition, the community atmosphere shifts depending on the energy of the group. All of this allows for a deep and unique experience every time. This style invites in self-empowerment, allows for letting go of fear

and anxiety and moves us into higher states of love and compassion. Practicing yoga can often be done from the mind. We can over exert ourselves to get into certain poses or come to the practice with athleticism and physical goals. What we have learned after many years of approaching practice this way is that yoga with that mindset negates everything that it was meant for. Yoga was created to guide us into a somatic experience. It is not about mastering a pose, it is about using body, breath and awareness to transform ourselves through the pose. Every pose was created to create energy flow into different parts of our system. As we move through the practice in our classes, we unify awareness, body and breath and tune into subtle cueing. We tune our attention to our inner world to awaken within. With practice, we begin to learn the language of the body. We start to recognize the parts of

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF SHINE LIVING COMMUNITY

FREEDOM IN MIND + MOVEMENT

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our energy system that may have been disintegrated. We practice the beautiful form of yoga along with the feeling and energy flow of each pose. Through this process we awaken and unfold new parts of ourselves. We begin to remember our inner power and our inner healer, letting go of protection or contraction we may hold in the body, and let the love that is always present flow through our entire system. FREEDOM MOVEMENT METHOD What we have found so potent is bringing the conscious attention inward through a dance and yoga combination we call the Freedom Movement Method. This method is a somatic experience that combines a specific style of dance and yoga to create healing and transformation as well as strengthening and empowerment throughout the entire emotional, physical and energetic system. Dance raises the energy in the body towards joy, opening new parts of ourselves as we let go and unwind patterns and stories around our bodies and ourselves. Then we move to the mat. We deepen the breath and we harness the beautiful opening and energy we just created and anchor it into the body. With loving presence, we move that energy through the system to places that are asking for it. One of the things we love most is that when we practice in community, it amplifies the results. To us, this is the true meaning of community. So how does one get started? The most important ingredient is to get curious as you move your body. Practice becoming a witness to sensations and learn to trust what wants to happen. Remember it is a practice, like building a muscle, so be patient and keep going. And, if you are called to, move with your community in a safe, inspired and loving space together. The support system feels incredible in these times. +

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THE BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU COMMUNITY CREATES CONFIDENCE + PERSEVERANCE

f Instagram and much of popular media are accurate representations, wellness culture appeals to a narrow demographic. A particular body type, where physique and ability are implied as prerequisites for many practices. This particularity becomes all the more visible in the realm of martial arts. Images of chiseled bodies abound, and the outright athleticism of many of the disciplines can seem prohibitive for many potential students. Despite this, however, martial arts have historically been a refuge for marginalized and disabled people. Much of martial arts is about empowerment, about overcoming adversity. Body type is less a consideration than dedication and heart. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) leans into that dedication, and turns an ableist notion of power on its head. Founded in the 1920s in Brazil by the now infamous Gracie family, BJJ’s central principle is the power of a smaller and weaker person to overcome a larger opponent. Its focus

on grappling, ground fighting and holds have made it a popular sport for the athletic and not-so in equal measure. Gyms encourage all types to step onto the mat. Jennifer Lujan, owner and instructor at Montrose Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, highlights the sport’s inclusivity, and her own studio’s desire to make everyone welcome. “There are people with a wide range of body disabilities that train and are even able to participate [at a high level of competition],” she shares. “Being naturally athletic will take you far in any sport,” but in BJJ it is not requisite. What is requisite, though, is determination. “If you stay really dedicated you can become whatever type of jiu jitsu practitioner you want.” A sport focused on grappling, arm bars and other incapacitating moves has to teach determination most of all. “You are going to face so many losses. You’ll get smashed. You’ll feel pretty defeated. Or maybe even all of these at the same time,” says Lujan. It can be sobering, and the sport’s adherents emphasize the

tenacity required to be successful. It is this mental toughness in BJJ that allows even the smallest practitioner to “survive in a really vulnerable spot,” adds Lujan. Anecdotes abound of the small and weak triumphing throughout the sport. Lujan herself relayed with pride a story of a young student who used “applied technique to flip a situation” with a much larger instigator at a sleepover. BJJ was an empowering force that allowed him to overcome a dangerous situation, despite the odds. This mental fortitude, paired with its highly technique driven discipline, have led BJJ to be one of the most popular martial arts in the world. A dominant force in mixed martial arts, the sport has amassed over ten thousand gyms in the United States alone. Over one million people are practicing the sport worldwide. Much of this success is due to the gym’s place in the community. Many gyms throughout the country are also social organizations, working as, or with, nonprofits to provide not only confidence and discipline, but also tangible benefit to the wider community as well. Montrose Brazilian Jiu Jitsu partners with the WeDefy Foundation, an organization that “provides a year’s scholarship to veterans,” as well as the Ruck N Roll 5K to raise funds for the foundation. Cornerstones of their community, Lujan herself has received the honor of Best Martial Arts Instructor in Montrose, Colorado, many times, and her impact on the community is echoed by her students. Spaces like a gym can be a lifeline for disenfranchised people in the community. Whether they are bullied, feel weak or are disaffected in some other way, the students learn to feel empowered. Sometimes this translates to big wins on the mat, but often, it’s the confidence and perseverance that are the big takeaways for Lujan and her students. As she says, “These are the small victories I see each day.” +

Nickolas Paullus Writer @nick.aaron.paul

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MONTROSE BJJ

FITNESS + YOGA / Movement

FITNESS + YOGA / In The Practice

SIT YOUR ASANA DOWN

EASY POSE (Sukhasana)

You don’t have to sit on a hard floor with your legs crisscrossed without any support — that is not easy. Free your mind on how it looks and settle into a shape that is easy. You can sit on a cushion with your back against the wall, or you can sit in a chair and lengthen your spine along the back. You can sit in your bed with pillows propped behind your back. The idea is to be alert, upright, using your long spine as a channel, listening to messages that well up in the pit of your belly or stir in your heart that travel to your mind! Steady the body first, take slow breaths in and out, then steady the mind.

BREATHE SACRED MESSAGES (Mantra)

n a world where everything is at our fingertips and our minds are racing to catch up to the next best thing, how can we wake up to ourselves and filter through all the noise? We sit our asanas down. Asana is the third limb in The Sutras of Patanjali, defined as a “seat or position" that is “steady and comfortable.” It is the last word in every yoga posture, for example, downward facing dog (adho mukha svanasana) and mountain pose (tadasana). The intention is to find a steady and comfortable position in whatever yoga asana you are in, but taking easy pose (sukhasana) almost feels like a joke because that can be the hardest asana of all. Images of sukhasana etched in stones were discovered in the Indus Valley over 5,000 years ago. To most modern-day yoga practitioners, sukhasana is the most ancient and advanced position. Not only is it physically challenging to keep the body still, it is also mentally difficult to calm the monkey

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Inhale — Steady

mind (citta vritti) because our thoughts swing from thought to thought. Yoga is a spiritual practice that uses the physical body as our vehicle of connection. The upright aligned spine is compared to a portal that links us to the divine consciousness or higher power. My friend Kristen DeAndrade, author of Little Legs, Big Heart, was born with the most common form of dwarfism, achondroplasia. She refers to our bodies as “soul suits.” We all live in a soul suit and when we sit in sukhasana, we can deepen our understanding of what the yoga practice has been teaching us all along, which is making peace within this physical body that eventually transforms from form to formless. But how do we quiet the racing mind from internal and external distractions and actually sit in a comfortable, easy seat? We practice by getting as comfortable as possible and curious by allowing our inner wisdom to have a steady flow of questions sandwiched between silence with three steps.

Exhale — Easy Repeat three to five times.

CALM THE MONKEY MIND (Citta Vritti)

Your mind will bounce, swing and hop to and from many places. The moment you notice is the moment you can celebrate that you are practicing mindfulness. Acknowledge your thoughts, then move on like a passing cloud. Ask yourself, how am I feeling physically? Wait and listen, you might need to adjust your seat to get more comfortable. Trust yourself. Ask yourself, how am I feeling emotionally? Wait for an answer. Trust yourself. Ask yourself, how am I feeling mentally? Wait for an answer. Trust yourself. Ask yourself, what do I need right now? Wait and listen. Trust yourself. You will discover your own etchings within your soul suit.

Rachel Glowacki

Yoga Teacher @rachelglowacki | rachelglowacki.com

FITNESS + YOGA / In The Practice

HOW TO AWAKEN YOUR YOGA PRACTICE

OM SAHANA VAVATU Om, may teacher and student be protected Saha nau bhunaktu May he nourish us together Saha viiryam karavaavahai May we work together with great energy Tejasvi Navaditamastu May our studies be enlightening Maa vidvissaavahai May we not hate each other Om shanti, shanti, shanti

oomi Jeong wrote on Jan. 9, 2024, in the YogiTimes, “According to yoga statistics in America, the number of yoga practitioners in the United States has nearly doubled in the last decade.” To the delight and frustration of American yoga practitioners, yoga has grown and changed. Yoga teachings include a collection of self-care techniques and moral codes to help one discover freedom from perception and find one’s truest self. Once upon a time and not so long ago, yogis may have found comfort in their yoga classes because they knew what to expect: an exact experience repeated over and over for the purpose of illuminating change in the practitioner. Traditionally, yoga classes started with a chant. Chanting is used to initiate pranayama (breath control), set an intention and cleanse the space with healing vibration of sound. One of the more commonly practiced chants used at the beginning of class is "Sahana Vavatu," the teacher-student prayer. The "Sahana Vavatu" prayer provides the framework and intention for the

teacher-student relationship. It asks that the teacher and student be supported with guidance and focus so that the result is a prosperous relationship. It ends with the disruptive thought: and may we not hate each other. The last line doesn’t seem to embody the beautiful intentions of protection, nourishment and great energy. It repels us a bit by reminding us what it feels like to “get schooled” and that the work together might not be easy. My first yoga class was an awkward and uncomfortable experience. We started standing very still and straight. The sound of the teacher and participants chanting in Sanskrit filled the room. Then an exact sequence of poses that everyone else seemed to already know was carried out. After two hours of a physically strenuous practice, we were instructed to meditate. It was challenging. I didn’t like it. I put up resistance towards everything that made yoga different from the fitness classes that I was used to — chanting, breathing, an entirely unfamiliar language, attention to infinite amounts of detail, reference to a higher power, weird postures, meditation — and the instructor who could see through all my armor. The mixture of doubt, rejection and discomfort was eventually trumped by the teacher’s sense of humor, and the depth of his knowledge of the subject. To my surprise he didn’t offer specific coaching to soothe my resistance. He trusted the practice and teachings transmitted across generations would create transformation I didn’t know I was looking for. Anyone’s first yoga class is still likely to be awkward, but classes have become far more inclusive and welcoming. Music fills the room. Teachers bring a masterful mix of creativity, choreography and tradition to spark participants curiosity and fulfill the purpose of yoga in a much shorter timeframe. Classes shortened to an hour instead of two. Time allotted for meditation is reduced from 15 minutes to five. A variety of class styles offer something for everyone and incorporate a blend of disciplines such as dance, sculpting, foam rolling, barre, martial arts, etc. The opportunity to practice yoga has never been greater.

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No matter what your motivation to practice yoga, use the suggestions below to help you get more out of any style of yoga. Practice each one for a month at a time to bring consistency of effort to your practice and keep you grounded in tradition. CHANGE YOUR BREATH, CHANGE YOUR MIND James Nestor made the succinct point to, “shut your mouth,” in his book Breath to illuminate the importance of nostril breathing. Ujjayi pranayama, a form of nostril breathing, translates to mean the victorious uplifting of life force. Practicing ujjayi opens pathways for curiosity and listening. Researchers are still fascinated by breath control and the positive effects conscious breathing has on mental health. CHANGE YOUR POSTURE Changing a movement/compensation pattern can be difficult if you aren’t aware of it. Hands on assists aren’t as common as they used to be. Purposefully reduce your range of motion to find the core of the posture. Add a strap or block when you wouldn’t usually use one. Make fists instead of open hands. Are you flexible? Work on stability. Are you stiff? Work on mobility. Injured? Choose one joint to nurture for the whole month. CLOSE YOUR EYES Practice pratyahara, sense withdrawal. Dampening the senses inspires heightened awareness of the present and invites a meditative state more readily. Wear a blindfold or close your eyes. CLOSE YOUR EARS If closing your eyes isn’t an option, use earplugs. GET INTO THE GROOVE When there is music in class use it to enrich the practice rather than distract. Choreograph movement and breath to the musical structure. Listen for four poetic lines lasting eight counts each. This creates the 32-count verse. You might hear 64 counts of verse before

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the music changes into the chorus. Try to extend your breath to the eight count as you hold a pose. For added challenge hold a pose for the entire 64 counts of verse and while you match your breath to the eight count. SMILE Practice a soft inner smile to keep your wits about you. Relax your jaw and form a smile from the back of your throat. Practice with a sense of humor. Humor helps you become the objective observer of the sweaty person on the mat (you!). FOCUS YOUR GAZE, OR DRISTI Steady your gaze into a singular point of focus such as a wrinkle on your knuckle, a spot on your yoga mat or the floaters in your eyes. The focused gaze helps to focus your mind … until you wonder where all those floaters came from (sense of humor, remember). EMBRACE SILENCE It’s said that the sweetest sound is the silence heard at the end of a chant — that’s definitely true when I chant! Sit still in a silent space for five to 10 minutes. You might have to do this in your car if you can’t control your environment. BE CONSIDERATE The consistent pursuit of self-care can be selfish. Take a moment to find out something about the person next to you. Introduce yourself to someone in class. As Mr. Rogers reminds us, “these are the people in your neighborhood.” Make plans to show up for one another and hold each other accountable. BE A LEADER Bring a friend. Share something you each learned and loved about class. This will increase the fun factor and deepen your concentration and connection. SEEK DISCOMFORT Practice becoming comfortable in uncomfortable situations. Choose your least favorite pose and practice it for 90 seconds every day for a month.

BE CURIOUS Ask a yoga related question after each class. Don’t have any questions? Learn about Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, or the fascinating and colorful figures found in Hindu mythology. Myths circumvent our conscious mind through story telling so that we can receive a philosophical message that affects us on multiple levels and that encourages us to ask why? ALLOW PRESENCE Choose the right combination of skill, motivation, focus, challenge and maybe even a little risk to help you find flow state, absolute presence. What risk might you encounter in yoga class? MEDITATE Sit still, breathe, be quiet and listen. The purpose of yoga practice is to help us sit in meditation, steady our minds and break through the veil of perception to experience truth. None of these suggestions are new, but when everything else is changing it can be helpful to focus on one aspect of the practice consistently and repeatedly. Both traditional and modern yoga practices are supposed to push you beyond your comfort level. We tend to do things that we are good at. Yoga is an opportunity to awaken the weaker parts of ourselves and get strong in all directions. Practice each of the above suggestions one at a time for a month, each with consistent concentration and determination. As interruptions, patterns, challenges, reactions, failures and successes become heightened, the choice to greet them from an awakened state is accessible. You might not be ready for awakening, but know that you will be working together, protected, nourished, with great enthusiasm. When frustration or hatred arises remember this could be the moment you’ve been practicing for. +

Lauren Brand Fitness Professional @Lauren.Brand.108 yogoddessfitness.com

FITNESS + YOGA / Retreats + Experiences

EXPLORING THE SERENITY OF SAT MANAV YOGA ASHRAM IN MAINE

WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS When you arrive at Sat Manav you will see beautifully adorned buildings set back from their private dirt road. As you marvel at the craftsmanship, keep in mind every building was constructed by hand by the incredibly talented makers that reside at the ashram. As I pulled into my parking spot, I was warmly greeted by Uma VaShi Devi Lescault (Uma). Uma is the head of retreats at the ashram, manages the ashram, serves as a leader for many and executes it all with grace and strength. Uma directed me to The Kund, a two-story building that sits in front of

one of the four temples on the property; this is where I would be staying for the weekend. All buildings are heated by wood, with water provided by hand pumps, featuring discrete composting toilets and electricity (to only use when needed) powered by solar. The walls of the main floor are lined with tall wooden bookshelves and at the center is a winding staircase. The main support of the staircase is the trunk of a tree that once stood on this plot of land, honoring its contribution to The Kund. Later that evening we participated in the first ceremony of the weekend, the Pūjā, or “ceremony of becoming.” “For a yogi, this ceremony is not a practice of external worship. It is an expression, focusing the attention and cultivating an internal experience,” Uma says. The immense care and diligence that the members of the ashram convey in the setting up and carrying out of the Pūjā and other daily ceremonies is truly incredible. Every element of the altar is placed meticulously, and every chant is sung with devoted intention. I truly believe if we all practiced this same

level of care in the parts of our lives that mattered most to us, the world would be a better place. WEEKEND PRACTICES Both Saturday and Sunday morning the retreat group met at the practice space on the property and learned the basics of Dirga Pranayama or the three-part breath. Bhagavan Das Shyam Lescault leads the introduction to this practice. The practice focuses on breathing into the three parts of your abdomen — the low belly, the rib cage and the low throat — to its fullest capacity from bottom to top and then releasing the air completely in the inverse. In these morning sessions, we were also guided through select yoga poses. These poses are not ones that you would regularly see in westernized yoga practice but rather poses that connect deeply to our breath put together in a sequence recommended by the gurus of Sat Manav. Every afternoon we would gather for a delicious, vegan, communal meal in the main building prepared by Sunyata Shyam Lescault (Sunyata), the head chef, and her team, who happen to be her

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SAT MANAV

at Manav Yoga Ashram is truly an oasis among us. Travel down quiet country roads with sparsely-placed and modest homes, take a few turns only directed by written notes, not available on GPS, until you feel the pavement turn to gravel. You are now miles offgrid at the over 100-acre property of Sat Manav Yoga Ashram in Industry, Maine, home to the most welcoming, accepting and loving people I have ever met.

wonderful daughters. This was a time to further connect with the weekend guests, the residents of the ashram and to learn about each other. These shared meal times and a plethora of times in between each activity were filled with laughter, humor, splendor and forming lasting connections. “MAKE SPACE FOR THE GOODNESS TO FLOW INWARD” After lunch came the ceremony that connected with me the most, the Dhuni fire ceremony. The ceremony begins with chanting, sharing offerings to honor Shakti, or loosely translated to the “creative powers of the universe.” Guests are given the opportunity to make a personal offering of samittu (wood) to the daily Dhuni fire. This is a time to shed burdens into the flames, cast intentions for the future or become your highest self. No matter what your intention may be, the hope is to send goodness into the world.

For this ceremony and the ceremonies held throughout the weekend my mantra was this — let go of the toxicity within that does not serve me to make space for the goodness to flow inward. As the chanting and vibrations from the communal drumming brought a surge of energy within me, I always turned back to that mantra. As my mind wandered and became busy again, I redirected myself back to that mantra. Over and over, that mantra occupied my mind and helped me create a new reality for myself. On the last day of the weekend retreat, I was the last one to leave, trying to absorb every last bit of peace that I could. As I loaded up my car and made my way down the dirt road, I felt incredibly clear, and I felt like I had reconnected to myself in a way I had been deeply missing. The love and devotion of the disciples of Sat Manav Yoga Ashram left me feeling empowered to seek out this same love in the rest of the world. +

satmanavyogaashram.com

Laura Mills Leader of Community Engagement @l.millsy

Awakening the hearts of humanity through an inspired global community that brings together movement medicine, heartfelt mindfulness and nourishing food. Learn more + join the community at

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ON THE TRAIL WITH “WILD ATTENTION” Sid Garza-Hillman’s New Book Ultrarunning for Normal People Speaks to Life Lessons in Every Step

ome may think of ultrarunning as on the “extreme” end of the running spectrum. Defined as a footrace longer than the traditional marathon length of 26.2 miles, ultra distances are generally perceived as long, and as Sid Garza-Hillman discusses in his book, these efforts or events may not attract “normal” people. At least that’s what Garza-Hillman was thinking as stepped up to the starting line of his first 50-kilometer ultra (about 31 miles). Garza-Hillman runs the wellness center at the Stanford Inn in Mendocino, California. He moved to the area from Los Angeles after working as a full-time actor and musician. Now as a nutritionist, running coach, breathwork coach and trail runner, every angle of his life is connected to sharing a message of health and happiness. Fast forward from his first ultramarathon and Garza-Hillman now has many miles of experience, with 10 ultras finished, along with an enlightened perspective he wants to share: “If I can do it, anybody can do it, and that’s absolutely true.”

Garza-Hillman argues that the entry point to the sport is a lot more accessible than most people think. Now as the race director of the Mendocino Coast 50k in California, Garza-Hillman says he sees age ranges from 17-75 show up to run. “First of all, I’m not an elite runner,” he shares. “I never have been and I’m actually not a particularly good runner, but the book is about what an ultra can bring as a balance to the direction that most people are experiencing in their everyday lives.” The book has two main focuses: trail running and being out in nature with what Garza-Hillman calls “wild attention,” and the state of which an ultra brings a person to, which is “being raw.” “It is an experience that you cannot communicate until you’ve done it, which is to bring yourself to a place where you are broken down in a way that you shed all the chatter and the stuff that inhabits in our self-criticism,” he explains. “Again, I’m not a fast runner and I’m not trying to win these races; I want to finish these races. And there is that aspect, which is

as relevant to me as the trail, which is taking yourself to that level.” Garza-Hillman encourages a full immersion of the experience, which means no headphones, music or podcasts, and even sport watches can be a digital distraction. “The idea is, as a course correction to the tech direction of the world, social media, news, everything, we can get on a trail and disconnect, to just be,” he says. “Not to look for things to post, but to look at things, to give wild attention. When you’re on a trail, you can’t really zone out because you’ll fall; the terrain dictates your pacing, the terrain dictates your attention — you are present because you’re in connection with the natural world.” The first lesson in the book is “to move through fear.” Garza-Hillman says that we’re so afraid of failure that we just don’t try, and then we don’t have to try. “I think part of well-being is a personal strength, it’s a toughness,” he says, “that as we get softer in the modern world, we don’t expect things of ourselves because we don’t have to, and then we lose out on that experience of that it feels like to be alive.” The book closes with the theme of courage — what it takes “to test our mettle.” “Are you going to test yourself in this world where you don’t have to be tested in most cases, at least not in the modern world, developed country? What does that experience bring you when you put your ass on the line?” Garza-Hillman asks. “I think there is a strength in every human being. We are so much tougher than we’re led to believe, and ultrarunning is about finding that inner strength — it’s there. It’s kind of the ultimate adventure, and it’s for regular people. It’s actually more doable than people think.” + sidgarzahillman.com Kim Fuller Publisher + Editor-In-Chief @lifeinfull

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PHOTO COURTESY OF SID GARZA-HILLMAN

OUTSIDE / Fresh Air + Adventure

REDISCOVER YOUR CONNECTION TO NATURE WITH EARTHING

midst the seasons of renewal, our planet flourishes with greenery, each leaf and bloom whispering its invitation to embrace the Earth's revitalization. Therefore, it is the season for rediscovering our deep-rooted connection to the natural wonders beneath our feet. Brigitte Mars, professor of herbal medicine at Naropa University in Boulder, Colorado, explains how the Earth’s magnetic energy naturally grounds our entire self. The herbalist has over six decades of experience in empowering others through nature’s wisdom. She is the author of 17 books, one of which, The Sexual Herbal, specifically talks about foot reflexology. “Foot reflexology is honoring the foot as a map for the entire body,” Mars says. “Meaning, the different nerve endings

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and meridians correspond to other parts of the body.” We have close to 72,000 nerve endings on the soles of our feet, rendering them one of the most receptive areas of the human body, she explains. These pores and sensitive spheres stimulate various parts of our body through foot reflexology, thereby aiding our nervous system, immunity and balance. Where you place your feet to reap these benefits does not matter. Find moss, grass, sand, cold creek water or wherever you gravitate towards. The key is to “take your shoes off somewhere without traffic,” Mars encourages. “Stand there and breathe. That is all. You do not need any equipment. [Earthing] is super informal.” Mars tells me more about the history of this ancient ritual, where people

in Egypt, China and India studied and practiced the power of placing naked feet on different environments. They discovered how this ritual healed illnesses and replenished their spirit. “There are Egyptian paintings of people doing foot reflexology,” she explains. Earthing helps us locate sensations within our body. The ground serves as a conduit, guiding us back to our inner knowing. It facilitates a deeper connection with ourselves, enabling us to heed the wisdom our intuition offers. So, take your socks off and allow your feet to reconnect to our constant, natural support system. + Chloe Wasserstrom Community Engagement Coordinator @chlowass

OUTSIDE / Fresh Air + Adventure

Outdoors for All

n his younger years, Trevor Hall often found himself getting into trouble around the streets of Chicago. After one too many slip-ups, his father decided an Outward Bound program for troubled teens would help put him in the direction of positive change. “I remember saying to him as I was getting on the plane ‘I’ll never forgive you for this.’ I was so against going — but once I got out there it just completely reshaped my values and belief systems,” Hall recalls. “All of a sudden, the out-

doors became a source of improving my mental health, a source of adventure, a source of purpose. For me, I had this transformational experience that has set me on a trajectory for the rest of my life.” This momentum propelled Hall toward his role as founder and executive director of Open Roads, established in 2001 as an organization that helps high-achieving young adults from lower-income communities throughout the United States develop a relationship with nature and the outdoors. Open Roads

IMPACT STORYTELLING Leading up to his work with Open Roads, Hall was pursuing his master’s degree in education from Harvard University, and he became friends with Pulitzer Prize-winning professor Dr. Robert Coles. During his education and after graduation, Hall worked closely with Dr. Coles on his project, DoubleTake Magazine. This was a magazine focused on documentary photography and literary work, featuring awe-inspiring and thought-provoking multipage spreads. In early 2001, Hall pitched the idea of DoubleTake Academy, a summer program enabling inner-city students to create relationships in vast outdoor spaces, encouraging them to document their experiences through writing, film and photography along the way, all being showcased in DoubleTake Magazine. That first summer, eight kids from the greater-Boston area embarked on a six-week trip around the Pacific Northwest. The success of that first trip is still felt today as Hall joyously reflects on the relationships he was able to maintain with the students. “In many ways it all started just because of one seed planted inside of a

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF OPEN ROADS

OPEN ROADS

offers programs focused on building up the strengths, creativity and diversity of its students. The mission of Open Roads is to not only immerse these youth community leaders in new experiences, but to help them learn from each other, the power of storytelling and the importance of a healthy planet for all of us to enjoy. Today, Open Roads has facilitated one to two trips per year up until 2020, then three programs in 2022 and 2023, with five trips slated in 2024 — on the Yampa, Green and Colorado Rivers. “We’ve found that over the years, between hiking, sea-kayaking and rock climbing, the time that was most intense for growth was the river trips. It’s an easy way for someone who has no outdoor experience to get into extreme wilderness areas, to have that awe inspiring experience,” explains Hall. “It’s a big push of your comfort zone, which is intentional.”

magazine,” says Hall. Life progressed and the cost of creating DoubleTake became too much for it to continue. Dr. Coles retired and Hall — while still taking students on at least one programmed trip a year — moved on to eventually being the leader of Creative Visions Foundation, established to “empower creative activists worldwide to raise awareness of critical issues and drive positive change through impact storytelling.” The creative results from the annual trips have not only transpired in photos and short films that can be found on the Open Roads website, but in spring of this year, Open Roads will be publishing a newly-redone version of their photo-focused magazine, bringing us back to the seed planted by DoubleTake. The goal of Open Roads Magazine is to give students who have been traditionally excluded from the outdoors an example of what they can be in natural space and that their presence in the outdoor space is not only welcomed, but integral in breaking down barriers for those that come after them. The Open Roads publication will be distributed to youth organizations, schools and other similar programs, and also shared with outdoor lifestyle companies, photographers and change-makers in the outdoor space to bring light to these stories of impact and inspiration.

we raise the rest,” explains Hall. Recently, New York’s Ossining School District has connected with Open Roads to expand the lives of their students and encourage their development through travel, personal reflection and creativity that comes along with these excursions. This ripple has been felt in two neighboring school districts that will be sending students on Open Roads excursions in 2024. The programs within the school districts bring a unique element into play — the ability for students to get credit for the work they do associated with Open Roads. These students spend months preparing for the trip as a part of their curriculum and also present a reflection of their experience after this trip. The structure of the program is very approachable, and a model has been developed that allows schools across the country to adopt this idea should they be interested.

The team at Open Roads knows how to dream big and they encourage their students to do the same. Their long-term goal is to find a piece of land to call home base and create an endowed summer camp and creative retreat center to carry on the program for years to come. +

If you’d like to watch the films put together reflecting on these excursions, learn more about Open Roads or contribute to their program, head over to openroads.org.

Laura Mills Leader of Community Engagement @l.millsy

ONWARD WITH OPEN ROADS Many of the students that embark on trips with Open Roads do not have a relationship with nature due to geographic or socioeconomic barriers. The programmed trips are in conjunction with organizations, and now schools, that have a set of desired outcomes they would like the students to achieve. Through fundraising efforts, generous donors and program partners, these immersive experiences are completely free to the students. Well above 400 scholarships have been provided to students to make these trips possible. “Every one of our partners lets us know how much they can contribute and

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OUTSIDE / Gear for the Season

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1. Patagonia Black Hole Duffel The updated Patagonia Black Hole Duffel 55L, first made in 2004, now features 100% recycled thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) for enhanced durability and weather resistance. This innovative use of recycled TPU from manufacturing waste, a first in the industry, not only reduces waste by 75 pounds for every 1,000 yards produced but also gives the bag a new matte finish. Available in capacity sizes from 40-liter to 100-liter. $159-$219 patagonia.com

2. Scarpa Generator V Climbing Shoe Rock out with this supportive climbing shoe that’s ideal for both lengthy and singlepitch routes. The Generator V is SCARPA’s stiffest, most supportive low-cut climbing shoe, offering precise edging without toe discomfort, a slim toe for crack climbing, ecofriendly suede uppers and a breathable mesh tongue for comfort. $215 us.scarpa.com 3. Outdoor Research Freewheel Long-Sleeve Jersey Moisture-wicking, quick-drying and breathable materials make this mountain bike jersey ideal for trail time. The UPF 30+ sun protection keeps your skin safe when you’re out all day, and strategically placed shoulder seams align just right with your pack. We love the integrated microfiber wipe on the hem for wiping the dust and grime off your sunglasses. $70 outdoorresearch.com

4. Outdoor Research Freewheel Ride Shorts These mountain bike shorts blend durability with comfort, featuring a robust four-way stretch fabric enhanced with DuraPrint on the outer hems for extra abrasion resistance. A raised back waist ensures coverage, while laser-perforated back yoke and low-profile waist adjustment tabs offer a perfect fit, with intuitive hip pockets that are in just the right spot. These shorts are the ideal companion for trail riding, providing extra durability and comfort for both challenging climbs and rapid descents. $115 outdoorresearch.com 5. COROS PACE 3 GPS Sport Watch The COROS PACE 3 boasts a low profile and lightweight construction for all-day and night comfort. The impressive battery life lasts up to 17 days with daily use and 38 hours of continuous GPS use. Track your workouts, explore cross-training or follow a training program in the COROS app. $229 coros.com

6. Nathan Zipster Max Waist Belt This minimalist compression waist belt offers two liters of storage across four handy pockets. It’s perfect for holding all your essentials during a walk or run, including your phone, sunglasses, snacks or even a 14-ounce soft flask. $40 nathansports.com 7. HEST X Pollard Limited Series Camp Pillow This ultimate camping accessory offers the comfort of a home pillow with its shredded memory foam, yet it’s compact and portable. Its temperature-resistant memory foam offers cloud-like support, and its self-packable design keeps it clean. This limited-edition HEST X Eric Pollard print, crafted by Pollard for HEST, captures his outdoor experiences using simple symbols of mountains, oceans, snow, campfires, flowers and more. $109 hest.com 8. Altra Timp Hiker The ankle support on this trail shoe is ideal for slippery and variable summer and fall hiking conditions. The midsole foam offers lightweight cushioning, and Vibram Megagrip offers great traction on wet and dry surfaces. Altra is known for a roomy toe box and zerodrop design, and this style is no exception. This hiker is also available with a waterproof version as the Timp HikerGTX. $175 altrarunning.com 9. Ruffwear Hi & Light Dog Harness This lightweight, minimalist dog harness, available in sizes down to XXXS, offers a perfect fit with four adjustment points and dual leash attachments (back aluminum V-ring and chest loop) for security. Designed with a debris-resistant liner, ID tag pocket and reflective trim for visibility, it's ideal for active dogs as it ensures freedom of movement and comfort. $39.95 ruffwear.com 10. Patagonia Storm Racer Waterproof Jacket This ultralight and highly packable performance shell, made from fully recycled three-layer material, is waterproof and breathable. Designed for quick use during unpredictable high-mountain weather, it conveniently packs into its chest pocket. Plus, its produced in a Fair Trade Certified factory. $299 patagonia.com

OUTSIDE / Environment

EverGreen ZeroWaste More of Less

or over a decade, Alyssa and Dave Reindel have been making a giant impact on the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. Or rather, they have been helping to make less of a harmful impact. Founded in 2010, EverGreen ZeroWaste, based in Carbondale offers a comprehensive compost collections program for both homes and businesses throughout the Valley. Think food scraps, grass clippings, weeds, leaves, pizza boxes, egg cartons and dozens more items. With backgrounds working for renowned recycling programs at the University of Colorado and Eco-Cycle, the Reindels were unwilling to throw their food waste in the trash following their move to the Roaring Fork Valley. "Many people didn't have backyard piles due to wildlife concerns and the existing waste haulers were unwilling to add organics collection to their repertoire,” explains Alyssa Reindel. To remedy the situation, Dave Reindel purchased

old Toters from Eco-Cycle and a used Tundra truck. He started a weekly route by giving out 10 buckets to interested residences in Carbondale, Snowmass Village and Aspen on Earth Day 2011. What started as a revolutionary and small concept is now the largest composting program west of Colorado’s Front Range. EverGreen ZeroWaste accepts all food waste, yard waste, paper products and compostable dinnerware. Collections are usually once weekly and the company provides animal-resistant buckets and carts for homes. For businesses, there are heavy-duty bear-proof carts or dumpsters with the option for service multiple times a week. “EverGreen ZeroWaste's tireless efforts have helped make compost collections more commonplace, and sometimes even the norm,” says Dave Reindel. In 2023, the City of Aspen passed a mandate requiring that all restaurants divert their food waste from the landfill whether by donation or composting. “The result was astounding. We collected more compost from Aspen restaurants on one Friday around Christmas 2023 than we did in all of December 2022," he exclaims. Large-scale events and outdoor festivals are also in the Reindel’s wheelhouse. This helps to alleviate massive tonnage from going to waste and providing an outlet for repurpose. Included in the tons the company collected in 2023, were compostable materials from community events like Strawberry Days, Carbondale Mountain Fair and the Aspen Ideas Festival. A major component of the company’s success is education. EverGreen ZeroWaste partners with a variety of municipalities and organizations to promote resource management and waste diversion education. This includes contributing to panel discussions and presenting at schools. The Reindels also host customizable trainings for restaurants, offices,

hotels, schools, municipalities, HOAs and religious organizations. EverGreen ZeroWaste leaves items such as glass, plastic and disposable wipes to other outlets. They focus on food, paper, plant, natural materials and compostable disposables for their smaller footprint on a giant initiative. THE NUTS & BOLTS Evergreen Zero Waste services homes and all business types in Aspen, Woody Creek, Basalt, El Jebel, Carbondale, Glenwood Springs and New Castle. In addition to locations listed above, EverGreen ZeroWaste also serve businesses, HOAs and schools in towns along I-70, from Vail to Rifle, and in Snowmass Village. Yard Waste can be collected curbside with an EverGreen ZeroWaste residential compost service subscription or taken to special collection points. The company accepts grass clippings, garden cuttings, weeds, leaves, sticks, twigs and brush. There is also a residential “farmer” subscription for customers who can utilize a 95-gallon EverGreen ZeroWaste curbside compost cart for all food and yard waste. Just like commercial carts and dumpsters, homeowners can put materials in loose or in compostable bags. On a bit smaller of a scale there is the residential “earthworm” subscription which allow one 30-gallon paper yard waste bag per week alongside the food waste bucket. The bag and its contents must weigh less than 30 pounds. +

evergreenzerowaste.com

Julie Bielenberg Writer @juliebielenberg

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WELLNESS / Health

reduces menstrual pain. Packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, lavender supports the immune system and aids digestion, reducing bloating and nausea. It also promotes respiratory health by easing breathing difficulties. Lavender tea is known to alleviate anxiety and stress, fostering a positive mood. Its healing properties aid wound recovery and may promote hair growth. Additionally, lavender provides relief from migraines and muscle pain.

HERBS FOR HEALING

erbal remedies have a long and storied history that spans the timeline of human civilization. Plants carry healing potential that we often overlook. While it is a privilege to live in a time where modern medicine can address a large swash of our health concerns, it’s still worthwhile to turn towards the healing potential of plants from time to time, too. One of the best ways to do so is through drinking herbal teas steeped from leaves, flowers, seeds or roots.

WHAT CAN YOU USE HERBAL TEA FOR? There are an array of ways you can incorporate herbal teas into your health regimen. Many people use it to simply rejuvenate themselves or maintain a healthy, well-balanced lifestyle. But herbal tea can also help to reduce or alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, hormonal imbalances, digestive issues, irregular blood pressure and more. Just remember, always talk to your doctor before incorporating an herbal remedy into your life — especially if you’re pairing it with meditation or other practices and natural remedies. WHAT ARE SOME GOOD HERBS TO START WITH? Chamomile Tea Traditionally, chamomile has been utilized for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and mild astringent. It’s particularly praised for its digestive-relaxant properties, addressing gastrointestinal problems like flatulence, indigestion and nausea as well as colic, croup and fevers in children. Chamomile is also a great supplemental

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treatment to alleviate anxiety, insomnia and related sleep problems. Peppermint Tea Peppermint tea is the go-to remedy for many when they come down with a cold. It certainly helps to alleviate the strain of a sore throat. But peppermint tea also aids in digestion. Rich in antioxidants like polyphenols and flavonoids as well as menthol, this herb is known to support metabolic and cardiovascular health. Some say it can be a great option to address migraines and menstrual pain as well. Ginger Tea Ginger tea is a nutritious addition to your diet, offering essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin B6, magnesium, potassium, copper, manganese, fiber and water. Rich in anti-inflammatory compounds, ginger may alleviate pain associated with conditions like osteoarthritis. It's known to aid digestion, positively affecting gastrointestinal motility and dysrhythmia. Ginger's potential metabolic benefits include moderating obesity and improving cholesterol levels. Studies also suggest its positive impact on brain health by reducing oxidative stress. Furthermore, ginger tea is recognized for relieving nausea and menstrual cramps. Lavender Tea Unwind and improve sleep quality with a cup of lavender tea before bed. Lavender's soothing aroma calms brain function, aiding relaxation. Studies show inhaling lavender fragrance alone improves sleep for new mothers and

Gingko Biloba Extensively researched, Ginkgo biloba has demonstrated efficacy in addressing various conditions like anxiety, asthma and blood pressure issues. Ginkgo biloba can tackle multiple concerns simultaneously. Particularly beneficial for premenopausal and menopausal women, it aids in alleviating PMS symptoms and mood fluctuations during transitions. Similar to red clover, Ginkgo biloba contains phytoestrogens that naturally elevate estrogen levels in women, contributing to improved hormonal balance. INCORPORATING HERBAL TEA INTO YOUR LIFE Remember that while herbal teas can offer various health benefits, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice and treatment. If you have specific health concerns, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using herbal remedies. Once you are cleared to incorporate herbal teas into your health regimen, try one herb at a time to deduce which one will benefit you the most. You may find lavender helps with your digestion problems more than peppermint or vice versus. Once you find the herbs you like, you can start to experiment with herbal blends to create the perfect custom cup for you. Be sure to enlist the help of your local apothecary to find a variety of herbs as well as get suggestions for the best herbal blend for you. + Selena Rodriguez Writer + Digital Artist @lalunamediaco

WELLNESS / Health

GREETING THE DAWN Simple Practices to Begin the Day

GRATITUDE PRACTICE The beauty of this is it can be done before getting out of bed and it takes less than a minute! With eyes open or closed reflect on something you are grateful for. Beginning the day in gratitude can open your heart and propel you towards kindness, love and compassion.

GROUNDING PRACTICE Another quick and simple way to begin the day with awareness is to firmly and intentionally place both feet on the ground before standing up and getting out of bed. Bring full attention to both feet and notice where each foot is touching the ground. Take three breaths, acknowledging your solid base. Notice if you feel the effects of firmly rooting yourself into the day.

CONTEMPLATIVE PRACTICE Find a place to sit (outside or inside) and experience the quiet of the morning. Set a timer for five minutes and settle into deep listening. Allow yourself a few precious moments of quiet time and stillness before the bustle of the day begins.

MINDFUL MOVEMENT After a night of sleep, it is important to get the joints and muscles of the body moving. Try doing some simple sun salutations, enjoy your favorite stretches or go on a brisk walk or jog. Singing a song or reciting a poem can also inspire your morning and feel like a joyful way to greet the sun.

JOURNALING PRACTICE One of my favorite writing prompts: Describe your outer landscape (write for five minutes). Describe your inner landscape (write for five minutes). How do the two compare today? I cherish the morning magic of the crepuscular bird chorus and the knowing that taking a few minutes for myself in the early morning can positively alter the course of the day. +

Heather Sullivan Executive Director, Balanced Rock @heathasulli | balancedrock.org

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PHOTO BY PATRICK BREMSER

ne of the most inspiring practices I find is waking up early, whether for an alpine start to an adventure, for meditation and yoga practice, or to carve out a few quiet moments to sip a hot beverage on busy guiding or teaching days. As the stars in the night sky are replaced with morning light, the world slowly awakens, and I have time to connect with my true nature. According to Ayurvedic and yogic texts, there is great merit and numerous health benefits to rising before dawn. This time is considered spiritual and sacred — and a preferred time for practices such as meditation, yoga asana, creative pursuits and fitness routines. Modern studies back this ancient knowledge and have shown health benefits related to early rising including improved mental health, decreased anxiety and stress, improved digestion and a boost in energy levels. The following practices are some of my favorite ways to greet the dawn. What I love most about these different rituals is they are accessible and inclusive, and one does not have to be a yogi or have studied Ayurveda to reap the benefits.

Find St. Bibiana Tea at the Dillon Summer Farmers Market, Cool River in Breckenridge and Buena Vista, the Backcountry Apothecary, Next Page Bookstore and Lady Sunshine in Frisco and The Artisan Center in Denver’s Cherry Creek North. Order online at stbibianatea.com.

ST. BIBIANA TEA IS COLORADO-CRAFTED + MORE THAN A HANGOVER CURE

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. BIBIANA TEA/LIZZIE JOHNSEN

risco, Colorado, massage therapist Lizzie Johnsen founded St. Bibiana Tea after COVID lockdowns increased alcohol consumption for her and everyone around her. She was feeling the body-mind effects of too many evening cocktails and something had to give. Working with herbalists and naturopathic doctors, she formulated the perfect tonic for headaches, stomach issues and mood. She named the mix of ginger root, turmeric, milk thistle, chamomile and ashwagandha after fourth-century Roman martyr St. Bibiana; her blend is now sold as a miracle worker at coffee shops and apothecaries across Colorado. Johnsen’s recovery tea is being heralded by fans as a miracle potion — a steamy cup of therapeutic ease that hits

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the spot when life gets the best of you. “I was digging deep into remedies for hangovers,” she says. “I started first with researching milk thistle for liver tonicity and it just took off from there. I played with formulas until I landed on the perfect one.” Johnsen grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and attended NYU and Tisch School of the Arts in New York, taking a pit stop to play and work at Copper Mountain in Colorado on her way to Los Angeles, California, to work in film. More than 35 years later, she still calls Summit County home. Career paths took Johnsen from Copper Mountain lift operator to a local radio DJ to coffeehouse owner. She opened her own massage practice in Frisco after having her babies, Max and Sophie.

Part pandemic hobby, part ailment cure, Johnsen started sharing her loose tea blend with friends and family and knew she was onto something when she began getting jars back for refills. With nudges from close friends and clients, she called her friend and artist John P. Lace in Boulder, Colorado and crafted a label around the patron saint of hangovers St. Bibiana, placing her herbal tea blend in jars shaped like devotional candles as a nod to her Irish Catholic family. A group of “passionate hippies” at Eugene, Oregon-based Mountain Rose Herbs ships top-tier sustainable, organic herbs to Johnsen for her master blend. Ginger root helps calm upset stomachs. Anti-inflammatory turmeric fights free radicals and aids digestion. Milk thistle supports liver health and kidney and pancreatic function. Calming chamomile improves sleep. Ashwagandha eases hangover anxiety. And peppermint adds a soothing yet energizing touch while zapping headaches. “I played with the herbal blend for months,” Johnsen says. “It had to taste good. I wanted people to crave it and love it.” St. Bibiana is the first in what Johnsen plans to grow into a full product line. Future blends will likely focus on women’s health and hormone balancing, something you can drink while pregnant and breastfeeding, she says. + Lisa Blake Writer @lisananblake | lisablakecreative.com

WELLNESS / Inspiration

5 WAYS TO USE COLOR TO INSPIRE YOUR SPACE How the Ancient Art of Feng Shui Can Rejuvenate Today’s Modern Home

RED The kitchen is the heart of the home, where friends and family gather. Spice up your space with small pops of red to add warmth and prosperity. However, Berman warns that since crimson is a powerful and stimulating color, it should be used sparingly in a room with many fire elements (such as the stovetop). Think small: a burgundy dish towel, a decorative brick-colored bowl or a bouquet of vibrant poppies or tulips. Avoid

sunshine symbolizes joy and sparks conversation while aiding digestion. Incorporate ochre or canary colors into your dining space with beautiful napkins, placemats, plates or a table runner. A bowl of fresh lemons or sunflowers adds a decorative pop of marigold to your table.

using these elements near the stove to balance the kitchen's fire element. ORANGE Boost your productivity and energy by inviting orange into your workspace. This vibrant and cheerful color stimulates creativity and intellect in a space linked to one's work. Tangerine is the “social color” used to boost conversation and connection, making it a perfect complement to your career. Berman suggests adding subtle apricot or amber accents through throw pillows, a blanket or picture frames. Choose a planter in a shade of pumpkin or papaya to liven up your office space while providing balance with a fresh plant. Or be bold and paint an accent wall a pale peach or deep saffron. Another way to incorporate the color is by placing a smoky orange citrine crystal in your space to increase clarity and attract wealth, prosperity and success. YELLOW Set the stage for joyful gatherings with a splash of yellow. “When choosing a color for the dining room, a bright, inviting hue like yellow will boost the positive energy in a social space,” Berman explains. A vibrant shade of

PINK Create a sanctuary of romance and tranquility with soft shades of pink. This warm hue attracts an abundance of love and provides feelings of calm and serenity. Subtly incorporate this color into your room with blush or coral accent pillows on your bed. Place artwork with a pop of pink or peach on your walls. A rug under the bed adds warmth to the bedroom, especially when the pattern is infused with rose or ruby. When incorporating bold colors in the bedroom, tone down the patterns (especially on the bedspread), which can become busy and overwhelming. “Be mindful of adding too much fire energy to the bedroom, which can cause restlessness instead of creating a calm area to sleep,” Berman explains. PURPLE “Living rooms are gathering spaces, so you want them to feel balanced while promoting conversation,” says Berman. Purple attracts yang energy, creating a warm and lively environment. Purple is one of the most powerful colors in Fung Shui and should be used sparingly. Soft lilac hues create a more calming feel, whereas a deep violet creates a cozy and luxurious space. To incorporate this high-frequency color, add a vase of fresh lavender on a side table, a plum throw blanket on the couch or mauve tones in your artwork. +

Jennifer Weintraub Storyteller + Stylist jenniferweintraub.com

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PHOTOS BY JENNIFER WEINTRAUB

olor can cultivate powerful emotions. Dial up the vibes in your space by mindfully using bold hues throughout your home based on Feng Shui principles. “Strategically placing Feng Shui fire colors in certain living spaces can unlock the magic of energy flow in your home,” says Brittany Berman, owner of Serenity & Shui and Feng Shui home design expert based in Colorado’s Vail Valley. Feng Shui is the art of arranging your living space to create balance and a harmonious energy flow throughout your home. Color plays a significant role in achieving health, happiness and prosperity in this practice. Have you ever noticed how color affects the feel of a room? Neutral colors may evoke a calm environment, but too many earth tones can leave a home feeling cold and lifeless. Luckily, small changes can spark significant energy shifts. Fire colors — think bold shades of red, orange, yellow, pink and purple — can breathe life into a space. These illuminating hues symbolize expansion, energy, and passion, but like any good thing, moderation is key. Too much fire energy can swing a room into yang energy, leading to conflict and anger. If you have a lot of bright colors in one space, healthy plants offer the perfect yin to fire’s yang. Ready to awaken your space with color? Berman provides tips for incorporating bold colors to boost positive energy in your home.

WELLNESS / Food

6 oz iced coffee (brewed the night before or cold brew) 1 frozen banana 3 Tbsp creamy peanut butter 8 oz almond milk ½ tsp OM Mushroom Master Blend 1 tsp hemp hearts ½ tsp chia seeds ½ tsp flax seeds ½-1 scoop of Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder (chocolate or vanilla) 1 Tbsp honey

1. Add liquid ingredients to blender. Add remaining ingredients on top.

“GET OUT THE DOOR” POWER SMOOTHIE

uring the summer, we tend to eat lighter — this calls for smoothies and salads over pancakes and soups. I’m also packing the longer days with many activities and need something to jump start my body with lots of energy. My favorite power smoothie gives me a nutritious burst of energy because it begins with bananas, peanut butter and iced coffee. Next, I add lots of plant-based nutrients in the form of powders and seeds that fill out the drink. I like Garden of Life Raw Organic Protein Powder in either chocolate or vanilla. Hemp hearts are a complete protein and are high in heart-

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healthy fats. Chia seeds add antioxidants and minerals while flax seeds are great for protein; both contain fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. The OM Mushroom Master Blend contains 10 functional mushrooms like lion’s mane, reishi and chaga, plus ashwagandha, a medicinal herb used to calm the brain. By using this blend, I know I’m getting natural support in immune health, vitality and stress relief with one simple scoop. If I know my day is starting early and I’m going to be doing some physical activity right out the gate, I do a bit of meal prep the night before. I make a cup of coffee with my stovetop percolator and

2. Blend on high for one minute. 3. Serve in a glass or mason jar if you’re on the go. Enjoy!

store it in the fridge overnight to cool. I also make sure I have frozen bananas already prepared. If you’ll really be in a hurry to get going in the morning, this smoothie holds up fine overnight in the fridge if it’s premade and stored in an airtight container. Just give it a couple shakes in the morning before your first sip. Otherwise, grab all your ingredients and your blender to assemble as instructed below. My personal measurements are usually to eye; however, this recipe is a great starting base. This makes about 20 ounces of smoothie and more milk can always be added if you like a smoother texture. Preparation Tip: Store the bananas in a freezer safe bag without their peel. I get discount bananas from the grocery store which are perfectly ripe for your next smoothie. +

Kaitlin Emig Writer @sunflower_lion

WELLNESS / Food

SUMMER + FALL RECIPES From Yampa Valley Kitchen in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Recipe by Hannah Hopkins

VEGAN VEGGIE BURGER Yields 20 patties ½ can chickpeas ¼ cup peeled garlic cloves 1 large bunch of parsley, roughly chopped 1 quart cooked short grain brown rice 3 large grated beets with the juice squeezed out 2 large grated carrots with the juice squeezed out ½ quart of hazelnuts (ground fine, almost paste) 1 cup flaxseed meal 1 quart pickled mushrooms (or mushroom conserve), drained and finely chopped ½ cup tahini ½ cup tamari 1 ½ Tbsp smoked paprika 1 Tbsp ground sage 2 Tbsp onion powder 1 Tbsp ground black pepper

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Drain and bake chickpeas for 20 minutes on a sheet pan. 2. In a food processor, process chickpeas, garlic cloves and parsley until fine (but not until paste), then add to large bowl. 3. Add the cooked brown rice, beets, carrots, ground hazelnuts, flaxseed meal and pickled mushrooms to same large bowl. Mix. 4. Then add the tahini, tamari, smoked paprika, ground sage, onion powder and ground black pepper. Mix. 5. Use a large scoop to portion 7 ounce patties. Freeze any you don’t want to immediately eat. 6. Heat oil of your choice in a nonstick pan on medium-high heat. Sear both sides of the patty for four to five minutes per side. 7. Place on a bun of your choice and top with ingredients of choice!

Hannah Hopkins is a celebrated restaurateur based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, known for her creative and sustainable culinary ventures. With 15 years of experience as a chef in New York and Connecticut, she established her first restaurant, Dish, which garnered praise from The New York Times and appeared on Food Network’s "Chopped." In 2011, she relocated to Steamboat Springs, where she became the executive chef at Mambo Italiano before eventually becoming co-owner. Following Mambo's success, she co-founded Bésame, an authentic Spanish restaurant, and Yampa Valley Kitchen, specializing in elevated comfort food with local, organic ingredients. Alongside chef Joe Campbell, she has cultivated a brand known for cosmopolitan cuisine and neighborhood appeal. Hopkins’ culinary prowess earned her an invitation to cook at the James Beard House in 2019 and the Navigator Business Leader of the Year award in 2022. Currently residing in Steamboat Springs with her family, she enjoys outdoor activities, travel and spending time with her loved ones and pets.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF YAMPA VALLEY KITCHEN

HANNAH HOPKINS

JOE CAMPBELL

GARDEN FRITTATA Serves 2 6 large eggs ¹⁄₃ cup cream ½ cup shredded gruyere ½ cup goat cheese ½ cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half ½ cup red bell pepper, medium dice 1 cup arugula 1 tsp fresh lemon juice 1 tsp salt 1 Tbsp unsalted butter

Optional garnishes to mix and match:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. 2. Whisk eggs, heavy cream and salt until you get a smooth and even texture. 3. Melt butter and coat an 8-inch nonstick frying pan. 4. Add peppers, tomatoes and arugula evenly on the bottom of the pan. 5. Add egg mixture. Add cheese to the egg mixture. 6. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the edges are set and the top is lightly browned. 7. Garnish and enjoy!

Heirloom cherry tomatoes Radish slices Goat cheese Pea tendrils Any nice herbs you like, such as fennel fronds or pea tendrils

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Recipe by Joe Campbell

Joe Campbell, a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota, began his culinary journey at age 14, progressing from fast food to fine dining establishments. After graduating from Le Cordon Bleu in 2005, he honed his skills under renowned chefs in Minneapolis before embarking on a global culinary adventure, immersing himself in Asian cuisine in Thailand. In 2013, Campbell became the executive chef at Ragnar’s in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, followed by a successful tenure at Hazies. He later joined Mambo Italiano as executive chef, collaborating with Hannah Hopkins to launch Bésame in 2018 and Yampa Valley Kitchen in 2020. Chef Campbell continues to innovate, recently exploring Spanish cuisine firsthand. A regular at the Steamboat Food & Wine Festival, he enjoys diverse interests outside the kitchen, including reading, riding his motorcycle and playing softball.

WELLNESS / Food

CHAMOMILE PALOMA

CHAMOMILE PALOMA 2 oz blanco tequila (I used Doña Loca Organic Tequila Blanco) 2 oz freshly squeezed grapefruit juice 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice 1/2 oz chamomile simple syrup (see notes) Sparkling water, to taste Grapefruit wedge, for garnish Grapefruit salt, for garnish (see notes)

1. Juice your citrus. 2. Rim a cocktail glass with a lime wedge and dip the rim of the glass on a plate of grapefruit salt. 3. Gently fill the glass with a handful of ice and set aside.

M WANT TO SERVE UP A BOOZE-FREE VERSION OF THE CHAMOMILE PALOMA? Look for Ritual Zero Proof's Tequila Alternative and just swap out the tequila in this recipe. With grassy, herbaceous notes, this non-alcoholic alternative finishes with a hint of smoke and the complementary zip of black peppercorn.

argaritas get almost all of the attention once warmer weather arrives, but if I'm looking for a tequila-based cocktail, a Paloma is at the top of my list. Grapefruit is one of my favorite cocktail ingredients, regardless of the base spirit, but it truly shines against a blanco tequila. Softer and fruitier than a lime, grapefruit gives a richness along with a classic citrus acidity. I love adding flowery components to my cocktails, and the subtle tones of chamomile provide just the right depth and complexity in this recipe. While a traditional Paloma cocktail is comprised of tequila, lime juice and grapefruit soda, I find the taste of freshly squeezed grapefruit juice much more exciting on the palate than a sugary soda. This recipe yields one cocktail, but it's easy to double for two or batch in a pitcher. Jayme Henderson Winemaker @jaymegrowsdrinks.com

4. In a mixing tin, combine the tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice and simple syrup. 5. Add ice, shake well, taste for balance and strain into the prepped cocktail glass. 6. Top with sparkling water (I love using Topo Chico mineral water) and garnish with a grapefruit wedge. Grapefruit Salt

Before juicing one of the grapefruits, zest the skin and combine with about 1/4 cup sea salt. Stir to combine and store in a well-sealed jar. I like to keep this jar nearby when I'm cooking, where I'll always zest my citrus first, if a recipe calls for juice, and just top up with more salt. While the grapefruit salt is immediately ready to use, it only gets better and more intense as it further infuses and ages.

Chamomile Simple Syrup

Combine 1 cup water with 1 cup cane sugar, along with a handful of dried chamomile flowers. Over low heat, bring the mixture to a simmer, stir until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat. Let steep until cool, strain the solids and store the syrup in the fridge for up to a month. Don't have access to dried chamomile flowers? You can easily substitute two bags of chamomile tea.

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WHAT YOU EAT CAN SAVE YOUR LIFE

hen did eating get so confusing? As kids, our parents told us, “Eat your vegetables,” while we pushed our overcooked carrots around on our plates or made roads of peas through our mashed potatoes. But eventually, we ate them because we all know that vegetables are good for us. Why then are we so confused about what to eat now? We’re bombarded with misleading claims and confusing studies, often funded by the food industry, to keep us guessing. Flashy headlines with the latest trends get our attention but do nothing to help us decode what’s good for us and what’s not. For example, in the 1980s, fat was the enemy, and food companies made billions from marketing products that were “low-fat” or “fat-free,” but made us sicker. The Standard American Diet (SAD) is killing us at alarming rates. Instead of learning about nutrition, doctors are encouraged to prescribe drugs to lower blood pressure and cholesterol without a word about diet. Don’t get me wrong — Western medicine saves lives, including mine when I survived a heart attack at 31 years old — but the system treats symptoms rather than preventing disease. While heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, 80% of cardiovascular disease is preventable with lifestyle changes. What you eat is an important lifestyle factor in whether or not you’ll develop heart disease. However, per the Center for Disease Control, only roughly 11% of U.S. adults eat the recommended number of daily servings of fruits and vegetables. According to a report from the American Heart Association, “Only half of the recommended daily servings of fruits and vegetables is available in the United States food supply, whereas red meat and poultry are available at about twice the rate recommended for healthy eating.” How did this happen? Subsidies for commodity crops impact our access to healthy food and form the foundation of our cheap, highly-processed-food diet. The commodities

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section of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, also called the Farm Bill, provides funding to farmers in the United States. Only 0.23% of the total funding went to support growing crops like fruits, vegetables and nuts. TIPS FOR HEALTHY EATING The good news is that eating better is easier than you might think, and it doesn’t require restrictive diets that leave you feeling hungry and unsatiated. Michael Pollan, in his book In Defense of Food, puts healthy eating advice in simple terms: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” One of the best things you can do for your health is cook more and eat out less. You’ll likely eat less since the dishes served in restaurants tend to be oversized. Plus, what you cook at home is almost always going to be healthier than what you’re served at a restaurant, with one caveat — that you focus on whole foods rather than highly processed foods. The stars of your plate should be fruits and vegetables. They don’t need labels to boast that they’re loaded with the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that your body needs to thrive. Get the

most nutritious, local produce at farmers’ markets, through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), or at the grocery store by looking for the “I’m local” designation. Most of the grains you consume should be whole, providing you with sustained energy and helping you avoid the sugar spike that you get from refined grains. This is as simple as replacing white rice with brown or wild rice. You could get adventurous and give millet, quinoa or wheat berries a try. If you opt for pasta, try a version made with whole wheat or chickpeas. Be choosy about the proteins that you include in your meals. Substitute meat or chicken with legumes (i.e., beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas), tofu or tempeh at least once a week. Start with meals you already enjoy eating, and opt for a different protein. For example, instead of chicken in your burrito, use black beans. Upgrade the fats that you eat. Did you know that packaged cakes and cookies, frozen pizza and fried foods commonly contain trans fats? While fats (one of three macronutrients) are an important part of a balanced diet, the type of fat you consume matters for maximizing your longevity. Foods like butter, red and processed meats, cheese and poultry all contain saturated fats, which can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease. Swapping out trans and saturated fats with unsaturated fats that are found in olive oil, nuts, seeds and avocados provides what the body needs while lowering LDL (bad) cholesterol and boosting HDL (good) cholesterol. Plant-based diets have consistently been proven to increase longevity by lowering your risk of heart disease, cancer and other health conditions. Take back control of your health by up-leveling your food, because it’s true that what you eat can save your life. +

Carrie Lehtonen Health Coach + Yoga Teacher @fireflycommunity fireflycommunity.com