Looking for something to do this August? 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 Free State Yoga 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?
I’m most excited that we’ve moved the Free State Yoga Festival to Kansas City! This new location is already attracting more students, teachers, and vendors, and it feels like a big step forward in our growth. We’re hosting the event at a beautiful farm with a vineyard, a swimmable lake perfect for SUP Yoga, and even offering RV camping. Plus, this year we’re extending the festivities until 10 p.m., giving everyone more time to connect, explore, and enjoy. It’s amazing to see how the festival is evolving!

What is unique/special about the festival location?
The new location for the Free State Yoga Festival is truly special—it’s set on a scenic farm just outside Kansas City, complete with a vineyard and a swimmable lake that’s perfect for SUP Yoga. The natural beauty of the space creates an ideal atmosphere for movement, mindfulness, and connection. We’re also offering the option to RV camp onsite, so attendees can fully immerse themselves in the experience. It’s a peaceful yet energizing setting that makes the festival feel like a true retreat.The new location for the 

Free State Yoga Festival is truly special—it’s set on a scenic farm just outside Kansas City, complete with a vineyard and a swimmable lake that’s perfect for SUP Yoga. The natural beauty of the space creates an ideal atmosphere for movement, mindfulness, and connection. We’re also offering the option to RV camp onsite, so attendees can fully immerse themselves in the experience. It’s a peaceful yet energizing setting that makes the festival feel like a true retreat.

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? 
I would tell my younger self to trust the timing of your life. Every season has value—even the messy, uncertain ones. Don’t rush to figure it all out. Stay curious, take care of your body, and surround yourself with people who remind you of your light. The wisdom, strength, and clarity that come with age are worth the wait.

Looking for something to do this July? 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 Krystal Denham, Creator and Director of Free State Yoga Festival taking place in Lawrence, KS who we are thrilled to partner with! You will be able to get complimentary copies of our magazine at this festival! 

What makes this year’s festival unique? 
The third annual Free State Yoga Festival offers a day of soul-nourishing, authentic connections through yoga and nature. Past attendees have described it as healing, the best day ever, an unexpected treasure, and a magical reset for the mind. Every student will be provided with an organic cotton yoga mat bag from the Free State Yoga Festival, along with a festival wellness guide and integration workbook. Additionally, they will receive a one-class pass to supporting studios.

The day is truly enchanting, and we carefully curated this year’s festival. We commence with “Call the Winds,” a serene ceremony harnessing Earth’s energy to commune with Chihowa spirits, blessing our festivities. The initial three hours were dedicated to communal activities before venturing into personalized healing ventures. Following the ceremony, we geared up for a 5K fun run, preceded by partner stretch sessions. After a 15-minute warm-up, we immersed ourselves in a day full of healing experiences. The 5K route, traversing the retreat center’s land and forest, allowed participants to run, skip, walk, cartwheel, and more, engaging with nature and their inner child. Laughter filled the air as students paused at the tribal yell station, some shouting affirmations like “I love myself!” – a testament to the pure joy and mindfulness cultivated throughout the day. Leanne leads the live music community yoga flow, infusing her diverse background experiences into her teachings. From storytelling to hands-on assistance, she intertwines ancient wisdom with modern-day practices, imbuing them with humor, humility, and grace. Her classes serve as gentle reminders of self-love, resilience, strength, and unity. The live music accompaniment features a blend of percussion and sound healing instruments, enhancing the practice’s depth. 

Following the community session, we embark on five hours of personalized practice, offering 5 to 6 healing modalities for exploration. Thirty-minute breaks between sessions allow students to rejuvenate and access additional healing services for their mind, body, and soul through our health and wellness partners. Each session provides a space for interactive wellness, conversation, and opportunities like SUP Yoga and local healing practices. At 6:35 PM, we come together for a 20-minute dance party, integrating the day’s experiences into our beings, leading up to the festival giveaway drawing and closing ceremony featuring live music, sunset meditation, and breathwork. 

Share with us what you LOVE about your festival location? 
The retreat center is situated about 10 miles from Lawrence, Kansas, an eclectic town with a deep appreciation for yoga and healing practices. Having been rebuilt, it provides an ideal backdrop for a transformative day of healing and self-discovery. The Chihowa forest surrounding us offers a serene environment for outdoor yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions. 

The theme of our issue this year is JOY, how do yoga festivals inspire JOY?
Yoga festivals empower students to explore various yoga practices, along with other healing modalities, to find the teachers and community that deeply resonate with their soul.

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