Editor’s Note: The Sedona Yoga Festival has been postponed due to the coronavirus. Visit sedonayogafestival.com for more information.
Sedona is an undeniably spiritual spot. And director of the Sedona Yoga Festival, Heather Titus, sought to use the city’s reputation to bring others together with a yoga festival – now in its eighth annual year. “It seemed like such a good idea to bring yogis from all over the world to Sedona to practice because it’s such a powerful place to practice and for transformation,” says Heather, who founded the festival back in 2013 with her husband. “When we concentrate all these people practicing together, it amplifies and resonates.”
Attendees can anticipate more than 200 workshop sessions, panel discussions, a highly curated expo featuring ethical and conscience vendors and guided classes. Everyone from seasoned pros to newbies is welcome.
“A yoga festival is the perfect place to explore yoga if you don’t know very much about it because you can try to so many different things from so many experts,” says Heather. One notable presenter includes Desiree Rumbaugh. The San Diego-based yoga teacher specializes in instructing women over 50. Another is Dianne Bondy, the leader of the Yoga for All movement. She’s dedicated to inclusivity and showing yoga teachers how to make their classes accessible for all practitioners regardless of shape, size or skill level.
New this year? Participants can buy a Kirtan – call and response chanting mantra or specific words – pass if they just want to see musicians perform.
“Attending an immersive event like this and practicing the techniques of yoga, mindfulness, metaphysical and physical in large numbers in Sedona can be such a highly transformative experience. And if it’s not transformation you’re looking for, it’s very community-oriented,” says Heather. “I can’t think of a better long retreat weekend. Just practice yoga, eat, dance, sing, listen to music, have conscience conversation, go home with a few hard-to-find boutique items and just have a great weekend.” − Teresa K. Traverse
SEDONA CALENDAR: Events, activities, shows, happenings
