SPOTLIGHT FESTIVAL: SMOKY MOUNTAIN YOGA & WELLNESS FESTIVAL

Looking for something to do this June? We are thrilled yoga festivals are back and can’t wait to check out all the amazing events taking place around the world. This week we had a chance to connect with Robin M. King, Festival Founder and Director, Yoga Instructor, Guided Meditation Facilitator of Smoky Mountain Yoga & Wellness Festival who we are thrilled to partner with! Complimentary copies of our magazine will be available at this festival! 

What are you most excited about for this year’s festival?
We have 25+ instructors representing not only the Western Carolinas, but from Florida, Louisiana and the Carolina Coast. Vandana Dillon, founder of the St Pete Yoga Festival and President of the Florida Yoga Teachers Association, along with Marina Lagler, are offering a Masterclass; Illuminating the Innerlight. Amy Sawyer and LP Perry of Universal Sines presenting Elevate with US: an intentional practice designed to elevate your energy and consciousness through breathwork, meditation, an inspiring message and originally produced, live mixed electronic music. The event will kickoff at 10am with a dynamic Opening Ceremony with movement and sound led by Amber Kleid and Courtney Trethric, followed by qigong by Marga Fripp, chair yoga with Mechelle Bertollini, Somatics with Kristin Jackson, Yoga on the Green with Lindsey Godwin, Melissa Helmer and Christian Ryan, sound healing with Eric Lindstrom, hula hooping with Tiffany Powell, drum circle, belly dancing, all culminating with a captivating Closing Ceremony featuring Jake Gilmore, A.S.H.E. and Christy Tagye. In addition, wisdom and wellness workshops with Lori Jenkins, Natalie Faulkner, Stacy Antos, Dr. Sarah Cavrak, Kimber Jones, Ellyse Trethric, Amber Kleid, Michelle Koster, Nicole Kaysing, Bee Doyle and Karen McGovern.

What is unique/special about the festival location?
The Smoky Mountain Yoga & Wellness Festival is on the Folkmoot USA Campus in Waynesville, North Carolina, also home of the largest, longest running, international dance festival in the world. We have indoor and outdoor space for classes and workshops, all set in the beautiful, majestic, Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina.

Is there a theme to this year’s festival?
Celebrating International Day of Yoga, Summer Solstice and whole-body wellness.

The theme of our issue is “celebrating age.” If you could share a message or piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be? 
Focus on the feeling, not the form! In yoga, and in life. Embrace your unique body; move it, love it, care for it.