SPOTLIGHT: BHAKTI FEST

SPOTLIGHT: BHAKTI FEST

SPOTLIGHT: BHAKTI FEST

September 27-29th , 2024
Joshua Tree, CA

FESTIVALS

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

We are thrilled to partner with Bhakti Fest this year and to celebrate the launch of our JOY issue we asked some of the presenters of this year’s festival to share some thoughts on joy. We are so excited to also share this special offer exclusively for our community.

Purchase tickets using the link below and use code

YOGALOVE

for your discount.


ALLISON EATON
“Joy is an inner radiance that shines outwardly when we are aligned with our truth.”

SHIVA REA
“Embodying collective joy is a cellular power that we have been accessing as long as we have gathered around the fire – the birthplace of the world’s first yoga practices. Now the science of collective gathering and the beneficial effects of movement, chanting, and meditation are catching up to what we have none forever – we long to be together to generate the power of collective joy particularly in challenging times. Bhakti Fest is such a transformative gathering for accessing this love-joy power within us all.”

JAI DEV
A festival where we come together to tap into the unifying life-force is a powerful catalyst to experience genuine joy. Real joy, when cultivated, can stand the test of time. It carries us through life’s ups and downs. A festival like this connects us into the great mystery, and thus to each other. From there, a great joy emerges naturally.

GOVIND DAS 
“Yoga festivals inspire great joy…even beyond joy…these gatherings inspire bliss!

Why?!

Because joining together with hundreds or even thousands of other like minded souls, all singing, practicing, dancing, and meditating together creates an undeniable and palpable field of the consciousness of unity and love, where the heart naturally opens and the nectar of joy and bliss arises. Don’t take my words for it, go experience it yourself!”

NINA RAO
“Yoga festivals are the current day non-traditional version of a sacred ‘mela’, with the goal to start or deepen one’s individual spiritual life path by coming together and receiving the support of like-minded community in practice. There is tremendous joy in the sharing of the practices that will ultimately lead to the lasting Joy of Real Happiness which is said to be our true nature.”

MARIEME
“Joy for me means balance, and I get balance by being as open and as understanding as possible. When I understand what’s going on and the ways of the universe I’m able to process everything better and life is just pure bliss and full of surrender.”

RADHIKA DAS
“Yoga Festivals give us a chance to gather with truth seekers. The collective inspires an expansion of consciousness.”

 

SAEED YOUNAN
“Joy to me is seeing the joy on other people’s faces while dancing and allowing me to take them on a musical journey”

NATALIE VALLE
“Joy for me is about enjoying the moment, finding happiness in simple things, and sharing those moments with others. It’s about letting go and letting happiness take over, whether I’m laughing, dancing, talking, or just being in nature. Yoga festivals wrap all of this together, making them a perfect source of joy for me.”

 

 AJEET 
“For me it is always important to take intentional time from our busy lives to reconnect and give space to our inner worlds. Yoga is a beautiful and nourishing practice for body and heart, so to take time away from the needs of daily life to let this practice carry you inward is an incredible gift and can give so much. These spaces nourish and inspire so we can go back to our lives with fresh energy and more in tune with the realm within.”

ARJUN BRUGGEMAN
“The feeling of joy for me arises when the grace of surrender happens. From acceptance of what is comes the feeling of peace and then the joyful blooming of life itself.”

Purchase tickets using the link below and use code

YOGALOVE

for your discount.

ATHA RETREAT HOUSE

ATHA RETREAT HOUSE

ATHA RETREAT HOUSE

Sponsored Content from our Partners

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW
BEN CLARK INTERVIEW
Retreat Bliss at Atha Retreat House

Our newest studio partner Atha Yoga Shala, located in Delray Beach, FLA also has a gorgeous retreat space you won’t want to miss! The retreat house sits on a 4 acre property right in the middle of Delray Beach. You can enjoy a full-service spa with 5 saunas on the property and yoga studios, heated, non-heated, and outdoor facilities. Learn more about this beautiful space below in our chat with COO Nicole Acacio. 

What makes Atha Retreat Shala unique?

We sit on 4 acres in Delray Beach, FL. and you are transported to a tropical lush garden when you arrive at our property. We have heated and non heated yoga space/studios on property, an outside event yard with a stage and large space for yoga under the stars, a shaded large deck surrounded by trees, flowers and foliage to practice on, have meditations or just group discussions. We also have a full service spa with 4 infrared saunas, a barrel Sauna, and 5 treatment rooms for massages, our shaman, aesthetician, and workshops. 

What is the benefit of hosting a retreat at Atha Retreat house?

You can come with your own group and have all you need on property.  The house sleeps 10 with 3 bedrooms all with twin beds upstairs, sleeps 7 easily in shared rooms and downstairs 1 large king bedroom and another large bedroom with 2 queen beds. As a yoga teacher, you will have access to our non-heated space, deck and event yard area to teach your group or you are invited to study with our teachers and take part in any of our 52 classes offered weekly. Plenty of areas for group discussions, classes, sound baths, etc. 

What is special/fun/interesting about the location of Delray?

Downtown Delray is less than 15 min walk to the bustling action of Atlantic Ave, filled with shops, restaurants, cafe’s, music venues, etc. There are also amazing public beaches less than a 5 min car ride from our property. 

Is the retreat space only for yogis? Can anyone book a stay?

Anyone can come to ATHA RETREAT HOUSE and dive into an experience they would like with as many yoga classes as they need, to spa services, beach time, dinners on the Avenue or just a peaceful couple days with one of our facilitators guiding them through their stay here with us.

The theme of our next issue is JOY, how do yoga retreats inspire JOY?

Funny you should ask. We say constantly to our staff and clients, they seem to enjoy it so much because they are truly sitting in their seat of JOY here at ATHA. Our clients get to know themselves a little bit better, our teachers and facilitators are their true self here and work is a state of JOY as they are in their true seat of JOY in their practices.  I can honestly say that an experience here at ATHA SHALA and staying at ATHA RETREAT HOUSE and self care at the ATHA SPA creates JOY! Come stay with us and find your seat of JOY

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW
BEN CLARK INTERVIEW
ONE YOGA THAILAND

ONE YOGA THAILAND

ONE YOGA THAILAND

Sponsored Content from our Partners

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

One Yoga has established itself as a sincere yoga school, focusing on well-being and spiritual growth. Located on the paradise island of Koh Phangan, in Thailand, the center offers a variety of professional-level programs in its beachfront resort.

United in diversity, we want to incorporate and bridge the ancient wisdom traditions with modern-day practices. One Yoga’s mission is to make a positive impact on the world through the offerings of yoga and meditation retreats as well as teacher training courses.

Rather than being based on a single lineage, One Yoga’s teachings find their roots in multiple humble and authentic traditions. Our core values are humility and respect for all spiritual paths – and the many interpretations and different belief systems of Yoga.

 

Courses and Retreats

One Yoga’s programs include 200-, 300-, and 500-hour Yoga Teacher Training (certified by Yoga Alliance), as well as weekly Yoga Sadhana and Meditation Retreats. In addition to the on-site programs One Yoga also offers an Online Studio platform to support the growth of their students with online classes from wherever they may be in the world.

200-hour Yoga Teacher Training

One Yoga’s core program, the 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training offers a holistic experience, blending physical practice with spiritual growth. Accredited by Yoga Alliance, it welcomes all levels, emphasizing a deep understanding of yoga philosophy, breathwork, and meditation. Graduates gain practical teaching experience and a nourishing community of experienced teachers and like-minded yogis enhances learning.

300-hour Yoga Teacher Training

Take your practice and teaching skills to the next level with a 300-hour TTC. This advanced six-week program offers a comprehensive curriculum covering anatomy, teaching methodology, and yogic lifestyle. A previous 200-hour certification is NOT needed to attend this course. Graduates are eligible for RYT 300 or RYT 500 accreditation, distinguishing them in the yoga teaching community.

Yoga Sadhana Retreat

Designed for deep personal growth and the enhancement of well-being, this weekly retreat centers around Sadhana, the daily spiritual practice. It combines physical practices like asanas and Pranayama with introspective methods such as meditation, supported by philosophy classes. The retreat focuses on discipline and commitment, offering a serene environment conducive to intensive yoga practice.

Meditation Retreat

This week-long retreat offers a profound journey into meditation, suitable for both beginners and experienced practitioners. It features daily meditation sessions, yoga classes, and teachings focusing on mindfulness, inner peace, and spiritual growth. Participants who maintain a stable practice can benefit from stress reduction, emotional well-being, and a deeper connection with themselves, paving the way for self-realization.

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW
One Yoga is your personal portal to the transformative and magical world of yoga. Our yoga studio fits right into your pocket thanks to our app. It’s a gateway to hundreds of different classes, courses, and challenges that are easily filtered so you find exactly what you need every day. Plus, our teachers and community are there to support you every step of the way!
Find a practice that fits your mood: from hatha, vinyasa, and yin, to kundalini, ashtanga, and so much more! Or choose between a wide variety of focus-based courses such as power yoga, embodiment and presence, trauma-informed yoga, etc. Filter classes by teacher, style, duration, or experience level. Get exactly what you need, when you need it.

Discover the Depths of Yoga – experience the full range of benefits yoga offers through not only asana, but all 8 limbs of yoga. Practice Asana, Meditation, Pranayama, Philosophy, Devotion, and Ayurveda. Featuring over 900+ video classes embracing different styles and practices, our catalog caters to all levels: from first-time beginners to advanced practitioners.

ADAPT & LOVE: BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

ADAPT & LOVE: BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

ADAPT & LOVE: BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

PROFILES

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW

Scrolling through IG last year, we came across Ben Clark’s Instagram account @adapttoperform where he was teaching a wheelchair adapted yoga, mobility and meditation class at the UK’s largest yoga event, OM Yoga Show. We wanted to learn more about his life, work and thoughts on LOVE. 

How were you first introduced to yoga?
I did my first yoga class when I was 19 years old, before I was a wheelchair user. At the time, I was living in Australia and training as a professional swimmer. My uncle took me along as he had mentioned the benefits he had gained from it for his surfing, so I gave it a try.

This was 2009, so before Instagram and way before influencers were a thing, meaning I had little to no knowledge of what yoga was or meant. The teacher was great though, and really helped me understand the movements.

Yoga didn’t hook me straight away. I just did a handful of classes and I didn’t return to it for a number of years. When I did, however, it was a few years after becoming disabled. This time, I took a bigger interest in it. I think the challenge of adapting the movements to my new situation provided the spark of creativity and interest needed for me to take it up long term, which I have for the past 6 years now!

Last year you led a yoga class at the UK’s largest yoga show as the first person in a wheelchair. What was that experience like?
Firstly, it was fantastic to be able to be showcasing what I do to a larger audience. Often the phrase, “Yoga is for every body” is used, but with very few people actually knowing how to adapt it for people whose bodies work differently. 

I love the challenge of adapting movements for various people, so I took the opportunity of being in front of an audience to explain my thought process and how we take the fundamentals of yoga and apply it to anyone in a safe, simple, and fun way.

You are the founder of an online platform, Adapt to Perform, and are a world-leading expert on adapted fitness. For someone who is not familiar with the term “adapted fitness,” how would you define it?
When it comes to adaptation, it’s all very individual. Much like water changes to the shape of its container, exercise must change to the abilities and goals of the individual. I have worked with over 100 different people with a very wide range of abilities and different desired outcomes. If I came with the same plan with no room for adjustment, I would fail them as a coach. Therefore, I would have a base plan for an individual that I can adjust and change easily on the go. At the end, the program might look completely different, but we are still achieving the goals we set out to do.

It can be easy to just focus on doing things the “right way,” but this way of thinking stops creativity and may not be suitable for the individual. When it comes to adapting a movement, I like to ask: “What is the purpose of this movement?” From there, I ask: “How can I achieve the same purpose but within the limitations of the individual?” Keep it simple, think of the fundamentals, and make it fun!

The theme of this issue is LOVE, can you share with us what you have learned about love?
Well, having recently got married, love is a big topic for myself, lately! I’ve found that the more pure the love, the easier it is. Loving my wife Alice is never a chore, and neither is eating a pizza! And with that, it’s important to recognise that some things/people we will love more than others, but that doesn’t make them less or more important. Although if Alice reads this, she’s definitely the most important 😉

Learn more: adapttoperform.co.uk

BEN CLARK INTERVIEW
BEN CLARK INTERVIEW
LATINX IN WELLNESS – Part 3

LATINX IN WELLNESS – Part 3

Latinx Community & Wellness

By: Ingrid Baquero

PROFILES

Welcome to our three part series celebrating the Latinx healers, creators and wellness advocates making an impact in our communities. Wellness is multi-dimensional, as it consists beyond the physical, but also mental, spiritual, financial, environmental, and social aspects of our lives. These are the stories of role models making bienestar (wellbeing) una prioridad (priority) for all. 

I recently attended a community run to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, NY. Our guide, Nicole Espinosa, took us through several iconic Hispanic/Latinx landmarks to share the history behind each one. She made a remark que me impacto (made an impact) and inspired this piece.

“There’s a space for everybody, and if it doesn’t exist, create it”. 

It is important to share the stories of Latinx individuals beyond Hispanic Heritage Month, as it inspires others to create their own narratives. This series consists of real stories of inspirational Latinx individuals creating safe spaces for connection, community, and self-care through the power of wellness. Before we kick this off, let’s start with some self-reflection.

How does wellness show up in your life? 
How are you creating spaces of wellbeing for others? 
What does the future of wellness look like? 

EVOLVING BEYOND THE ASANA

Julie Villa

Julie Villa, Sui Yoga Café mama (co-founder)

Ecuadorian, living in New York City
IG: @suiyoganyc

COMMUNITY IMPACT:
I focus on actively nurturing the Sui Yoga community, cultivating meaningful relationships with students, teachers and team members.

WELLNESS JOURNEY:
When I started practicing yoga in 2009, day by day, practice after practice, I slowly started to understand what it meant to truly feel healthy. I became motivated to make small changes that I needed in my life. I was fortunate to find a beautiful community at Modo Yoga NYC, which encouraged me to deepen my practice in a safe space surrounded by wonderful humans.

After doing my yoga teaching training with Modo Yoga, many seeds were planted which awakened my desire to dedicate my heart and soul to create a safe space for others to experience connection and transformation. The name Sui comes from sui generis, in Latin, it means ‘one of a kind’; we honor and embrace each person’s unique qualities and accept everyone as they are. After meeting my partner Sven, 4 years ago, we started dreaming together about how we would birth Sui Yoga, by joining our skill sets, intentions, aligning our offerings and practices with many values and philosophy of yoga, Sui Yoga was born. Our focus on community and connection is one of our strongest driving forces. We envision to continue growing our community and contribute to the creation of more conscious wellness spaces around the world.

THE FUTURE OF WELLNESS
Our team and students are a beautifully diverse group of humans, many are latin people. I love and appreciate how much Spanish is spoken around the studio. We have become a chosen family and we have the opportunity to create wonderful memories everyday on and off the yoga mat. Some people came to discover yoga for the first time, seeing them come back again and again is a very fulfilling feeling.In the near future, we will offer yoga in Spanish. It is one exciting project to work on, the intention is to bring more awareness and accessibility to people that either may not speak English fluently, or to people who simply enjoy the Spanish language. We are also working on supporting ways that make yoga and wellness as accessible as possible to our latinx community in NY.


About Ingrid Baquero: Ingrid envisions an inclusive, joyful world, inspiring her community through the power of well-being.As a Colombian-American, and Queens, New York native it is an honor to serve the people of Queens through yoga, running and mindfulness. She is a dedicated runner, wellness program curator, community leader and dance and music aficionada.Outside, catch Ingrid on the run. She co-leads a 5k community social run within the Astoria/LIC area. All bodies and paces welcomed. Right now, Ingrid is dedicated to her wellness work, passion project: SOL YOGA PROJECT, and volunteer work with Yoga Love Magazine

If you have a story to share or know someone you’d like to celebrate reach out to us for a Latinx in Wellness: solyogaproject@gmail.com

BIG BEAR YOGA FESTIVAL
BIG BEAR YOGA FESTIVAL
LATINX IN WELLNESS – Part 2

LATINX IN WELLNESS – Part 2

Latinx Community & Wellness

By: Ingrid Baquero

PROFILES

Welcome to our three part series celebrating the Latinx healers, creators and wellness advocates making an impact in our communities. Wellness is multi-dimensional, as it consists beyond the physical, but also mental, spiritual, financial, environmental, and social aspects of our lives. These are the stories of role models making bienestar (wellbeing) una prioridad (priority) for all. 

I recently attended a community run to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, NY. Our guide, Nicole Espinosa, took us through several iconic Hispanic/Latinx landmarks to share the history behind each one. She made a remark que me impacto (made an impact) and inspired this piece.

“There’s a space for everybody, and if it doesn’t exist, create it”. 

It is important to share the stories of Latinx individuals beyond Hispanic Heritage Month, as it inspires others to create their own narratives. This series consists of real stories of inspirational Latinx individuals creating safe spaces for connection, community, and self-care through the power of wellness. Before we kick this off, let’s start with some self-reflection.

How does wellness show up in your life? 
How are you creating spaces of wellbeing for others? 
What does the future of wellness look like? 

SELF-REFLECTION THROUGH ART & CULTURE

Spotlight: Victoria Fernandez Forero

Victoria Fernandez Forero

Motion Graphic Designer
Mexican, living in New York City
@making_air

COMMUNITY IMPACT:
I’m a motion graphic designer who loves sports. One of the things I enjoy the most is to create connections using my strengths to create visually captivating designs. I recently completed a project ’24 Days of Yoga’ where I illustrated 22 people (me included) practicing yoga. These illustrations are on display in a yoga studio in LIC. The connections created were magical!

WELLNESS JOURNEY:
Wellness has played a significant role in my life, starting from an early age.
My mom encouraged me to engage in physical activities creating the habits of exercise and healthy eating. By being part of a team and community, I have experienced the benefits of social connection and support. Nowadays, I have a better understanding of what my body needs to feel good. I love helping people feel the same. Creating a goal or intention at the beginning of a yoga practice, race or workout is my way to help others to a path of wellness.

THE FUTURE OF WELLNESS
One aspect is the emphasis on community and family support. Hispanic communities often prioritize spending time with loved ones and engaging in activities together, which can contribute to overall wellbeing. In addition, the connection with nature and the use of natural resources for wellness can be traced back to indigenous cultures like the Mayans, who had a deep understanding of the environment and its impact on health. I would like to create an impact by continuing learning and observing past cultures, honoring their wisdom, and actively participating in community engagement.

’24 Days of Yoga’ project – instagram.com/reel/Cty5BZXABC5/
Website – holavicky.com


About Ingrid Baquero: Ingrid envisions an inclusive, joyful world, inspiring her community through the power of well-being.As a Colombian-American, and Queens, New York native it is an honor to serve the people of Queens through yoga, running and mindfulness. She is a dedicated runner, wellness program curator, community leader and dance and music aficionada.Outside, catch Ingrid on the run. She co-leads a 5k community social run within the Astoria/LIC area. All bodies and paces welcomed. Right now, Ingrid is dedicated to her wellness work, passion project: SOL YOGA PROJECT, and volunteer work with Yoga Love Magazine

If you have a story to share or know someone you’d like to celebrate reach out to us for a Latinx in Wellness: solyogaproject@gmail.com

BIG BEAR YOGA FESTIVAL