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!
Jen, I really enjoyed the festival, too! I felt like it was a great way to strengthen my connections with teachers in the area, which is important to me as I teach in a small town and feel kind of isolated sometimes. I was at "A Life Worth Breathing" too...Max Strom is so inspirational with such a commanding yet compassionate manner. Bought the book! I attended two MC Yogi and Amanda sessions...I was a little afraid because the descriptions sounded out of my comfort zone. Turns out they were my favorite sessions! They are excellent teachers, the music by DJ Drez was perfect (it didn't pull me out of my practice), and it was fun! Sadie Nardini's Root Energy session was also interesting...she has a different way of moving, and I love her down-to-earth, no BS manner. I am very much looking forward to next year!
ReplyDeleteMS - Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I'm bummed I didn't get to any of the MC Yogi & Amanda sessions. And I came home and watched some Sadie Nardini videos on youtube, since I didn't take class with her.
ReplyDeleteNext year, I want to try to organize a blogger face-to-face gathering. I'd love to meet all of the other blogging yogis in the community!
A get-together would be great! I know Jenn from Happy Daisy would dig it, too. I don't have a "bloggy" blog, I just try to update folks on what's going on yogically in and around Grinnell, where I live and teach. http://grinnellyoga.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteCheers to next year!