Sunday Wrap-Up

What a day! This has been a full conference with very little down time. I didn't have the amount of time I expected to process all I have learned before blogging. So here's a brief review of my day's activities.

I started the morning with Marcie Evans for a workshop called "Shoulder Savvy." We began with a discussion of shoulder anatomy and injuries. Then we worked with partners to identify areas of weakness and/or tension before moving onto a flow series designed to build strength and mobility in the shoulders.

It was a perfect warm-up for my second workshop of the day: "Buoyancy Control- Bandhas and Armbalancing" with Brock & Krista Cahill. This workshop could have been re-titled "Core Strength and Handstands." It was an excellent class, both fun and challenging. By the end of 2 hours my arms and abs were jell-o and I was ready for lunch!

My day ended with Max Strom's "A Life Worth Breathing" workshop in which he discussed learning to heal ourselves and our relationships through breathwork. His instructions on practicing pranayama were clear and easy to follow. As a yoga teacher, I have to confess to being nervous teaching pranayama in my own classes. Now I feel much more confident. He was a thoroughly engaging instructor and at the end of 2 hours I was ready to read his new book which shares the workshop title.

From my conversations with other festival attendees and presenters, and my own personal experience, I think I can declare the event a success. The event was nicely executed, had a wide array of offerings to appeal to a diverse group of yogis, and had a very positive vibe. Sign me up for the 2nd Annual Iowa City Yoga Festival!

Were you there? What were your impressions? I'd love to hear from you!

Saturday Night

You know the saying "The early bird catches the worm?" In my case, the early yogi catches the amazing vegetable lasagna. As one of the first 50 people to register for the festival, I was invited to a VIP dinner at Givanni's. It was phenomenal! I got to catch up with some of my favorite yogis, including the Quad Cities' very own Kelly & Evan Harris who are teaching numerous workshops at the festival, and met some new people, too. I'd like to say a great big thank you to James Miller for the meal. Yum! And now I'm off to check out the Project Green Benefit.

'Til tomorrow...Namaste.

Saturday Afternoon

My last workshop of the day was "Prana Vayu" with Jim Bennitt. I knew I'd found the right class for me when he opened class by stating that the sign of a good yoga class was that we felt energized after class, not depleted. In this class we explored prana, it's manifestations in the body and how to promote and cultivate it through asana, pranayama and meditation. This class was part lecture, part demonstration, part partner work and part personal practice. At the end of class I definitely felt revitalized and ready for another full day of yoga tomorrow.

Saturday Morning

Since I didn't get the best night's sleep, I skipped the 7am pranayama session and started my day with Marcie Evans' "Learn to Love Your Hips" workshop from 8-10. We practiced in a lovely space in Hotel Vetro and got to enjoy the morning sunlight. It was a perfect workshop for a chilly morning. By the end of class, my hips were feeling nice and buttery and I was armed with some great new techniques to bring back to my students and use in my own personal practice.

From 10:30-12:30 I attended "Evolution of the Heart" with Brock & Krista Cahill. I have to admit being a little nervous about this class. I have a love/hate relationship with backbends. Thankfully, they put my fears to rest with their humor and compassion and vast knowledge. It was a fantastic class that tested my boundaries but left me feeling confident and energized. If you'd like to check them out, you can find some of their classes online at Yogis Anonymous.

Friday Night Recap

Hello from Iowa City!

I made it to the festival last night with my two yoga buddies who are both yoga teachers and moms. After a quick bite to eat (at Bread Garden Market) we joined in the welcome party and festival showcase. There appears to be a good turn-out. I believe there are over 300 festival attendees. Nearly half the group (135) are yoga teachers!

We were welcomed by the festival organizer James Miller. The keynote was given by yoga "rock star" and native Iowan, Sadie Nardini. After sharing her inspiring personal story around the theme of "home" she led us in a "Bon Jovi Mantra."

Next up on the showcase was the awe-inspiring demonstration of Brock & Krista Cahill. James Miller shared a hint of their secret super powers : navasana! I won't be surprised if we practice a great many of them in workshops today.

Hemalayaa Behl got us onto the dance floor with some energizing Bollywood dance moves. The crowd had a good time, although I think all of the late night dancing may have been the reason I couldn't fall asleep last night.

MC Yogi and the University of Iowa Breakdance Team gave a fantastic final performance that had the house dancing and cheering.

All-in-all, a great start to what looks to be a great weekend of yoga!

Itinerary

Hello again! It's just a few days until the Iowa City Yoga Festival and I'm super excited. (So excited that I've already started packing.)

Here's a list of the workshops I'll be attending.

Saturday

8 AM - Learn to Love your Hips w/ Marcie Evans
10:30 AM - Evolution of the Heart-Backbends and Beyond w/ Brock & Krista Cahill
2:30 PM - Prana Vayu w/ Jim Bennitt

Sunday

8 AM - Shoulder Savvy w/ Marcie Evans
10:30 AM - Bouyancy Control-Bandhas and Armbalancing w/ Brock & Krista Cahill
2:30 PM - A Life Worth Breathing w/ Max Strom

There are lots of other events taking place and I'm hoping to get to as many as possible.

If you'll be attending, leave a comment. I'd love to hear from other local yogis who will be at the festival.

Countdown to Iowa City Yoga Festival

Hello!

I'm Jen, a yogi from Davenport, IA.

I've set up this blog to record my adventures at the Iowa City Yoga Festival for Radish Magazine. Stay tuned for dispatches from inside the festival which begins on November 5th. If you love yoga but aren't able to attend, let me be your eyes and ears on the inside.

Namaste!