"The Beautiful Gathering" Fall Yoga Festival
Date: September 11 at 11:00 am - September 12 at 12:00 am
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Location: Sun Lotus Guesthouse--Duncan, B.C. (SUNLOTUS.CA)
5070 Culverton Rd
Duncan, BC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
For Event Updates visit FACEBOOK:
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=133263756715810
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
"THE BEAUTIFUL GATHERING" 24 hour weekend
yoga festival
We welcome you to join us and hundreds of other yogis as we share a beautiful
space, with wonderful workshops, great food and lovely people...the spring festival
was such a wonderful success that we are compelled to offer it again in much
the same format. It is for experienced and non-experienced alike...come, participate
or observe, soak up the vibe and leave energized!
...cost $20 + vegetarian dish for potluck+ used good for
potlatch (free-store)
includes: Various free yogic workshops, free tenting, free vending (by pre-approval),
free coffee, tea, punch, mid-afternoon snacks, a great vegetarian Potluck dinner,
Sunday left-overs breakfast and access to the free-store (potlatch)
PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED
payments taken on credit card by phone (250) 709-9010
OR
mailed cheque (payable to Sun Lotus)...
please Email us so we can confirm when we receive it.
sunlotus@shaw.ca
ALL DETAILED INFORMATION WILL BE FOUND BELOW THE SCHEDULE
OF EVENTS ...
SO KEEP SCROLLING!!!!
Vendors:
Free-Vending with admission & pre-approval. Our goal is to promote local,
handcrafted, environmentally friendly products /services--so, for example: if
you make beeswax candles, jewelery, knitting, baking, do body work, etc...you
will more than likely be approved for vending...please make an application via
email to:
sunlotus@shaw.ca
Vending space is limited to approximately 20, spaces are allocated upon arrival,
we encourage you to arrive early (from 9am on) and set up before we begin.
PLEASE SEE THE VENDORS LIST AT THE BOTTOM TO SEE WHAT WILL
BE
AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE OR EXCHANGE....
This in an ALCOHOL-FREE event, you are invited to bring a tent and stay over,
as the events run late into the night.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPER SATURDAY SCHEDULE OF EVENTS!
The developing schedule includes the following: (this is still in flux)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12:00 SUN-SALUTATION by Lilian Bianchi of namasteyoga.ca
Lilian has again graciously offered her presence to open our festival!
The physical base of SUN SALUTATION links together twelve asana in a dynamically
performed series. These asana are ordered so that they alternately stretch the
spine backwards and forwards. When performed in the usual way, each asana is
moved into with alternate inhalation and exhalation
see extra information below
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1:00 ACRO-YOGA Demonstration by Nicola & Pan
of www.kaliyoga.ca
Nicola and Pan will demonstrate their amazing strength and finesse
with Acro-Yoga on the open-air deck!
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1:30 PARTNER YOGA Led by Nicola & Pan of www.kaliyoga.ca
If you didn't bring a partner, here's a chance to meet someone new...
explore, in a fun and playful way, that mysterious and dynamic edge where people
connect - physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Take Yoga to a higher level!
No previous experience necessary, only the courage to try something new and
different!
see extra information below
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2:30 DRUMMING led by Lynn Weaver of www.moondancearts.ca
The drum is an easily accessible tool for reconnecting with our deeper selves.
Our hands connect with a drum that vibrates with our energy and vitality. In
turn this calms us, centers us, and reconnects us with ourselves as well as
with the world around us. Drumming is one of the oldest healing rituals known
to man. Drumming the HEART BEAT RHYTHM can be done with little or no previous
musical background or training. This is an experience accessible to all people.
The ability to drum is alive in all of us.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3:30 TRIBAL BELLY DANCE DEMO by the Lotus Sisters
of Studio 2000 Duncan
(taught by Angelina Peterson)
Belly Dance can be a deeply meaningful artistic and spiritual path that leads
towards self-discovery, self-actualization and an essential understanding of
nature and life. Tribal Belly Dance (ATS) is a fusion of traditional middle
eastern dance with other folkloric dance styles, it is not choreographed and
requires mindful practice and close sense of unity among the dancers for its
successful presentation.
In its profoundest sense, to really Belly Dance one has to know oneself. To
this extent, Belly Dancing has certain elements in common with the Eastern spiritual
practices of Zen Buddhism and Yoga. These qualities include a commitment to
expanding one’s consciousness, an absolute presence in the moment, a focus
on the breath, a daily discipline, a meditative outlook, a pursuit of quality
and truth, a compassionate and loving attitude, and a love for Divine Union.
see further details below
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4:00 VINYASA FLOW, with crystal chakra activation
by Tara Christensen of www.yogashanti.ca
The word Vinyasa means “breath-synchronized movement.” Tara will
instruct us to move from one pose to the next on an inhale or an exhale. This
yoga becomes like a dance because of the smooth way that the poses run together.
see extra information below
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5:00 CHANTING led by: (still seeking facilitator)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6:00 free VEGETARIAN POTLUCK DINNER, coffee, tea,
punch & water
provided---please bring your own plates, cutlery & cups
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7:00 POI (fire) & HOOP DANCE DEMONSTRATION
by Willow Chandler
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7:30 HOOP-YOGA (with glowsticks) led by Sally Whibley
of smartfitt.com
Hula hooping offer all individuals ways to express their feminine nature through
expressive, empowering, low impact movement.
In addition to the usual pros of working out, including improved strength, flexibility,
endurance, and metabolism, hula hooping improves mobility in the spine whilst
delivering a therapeutic massage to abdominal organs. Most importantly, hooping
is a great way to unwind and have fun. The playful nature of hula hoops helps
to transform stress and add years to our lives.
Yoga Hoop dance is done to music leading through the 4 rhythms of earth, water,
fire and air. Including hoop meditation, and an obstacle course and hoop limbo.
specific benefits:
reduces abdominal fat
reduces stress
strengthens lower back
improves flexibility
optimizes energy
improves digestion
relieves constipation
improves fertility
relieves menstrual cramps
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8:30 KUNDALINI (CHAKRA) DANCING led by: Christy
Lindell of reflectionsholisticretreat.com
Set to the pounding of a superb selection of "trance" music, dancers
are inspired to generate their kundalini, through a combination of rhythmic
energy breathing and movement and utilize it to purify the body mind, and move
into NATURAL STATES OF ECSTASY.
see extra information below
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9:30 STAR-GAZING MEDITATION led by: (still seeking
facilitator)
see extra information below
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10:00 SWEAT LODGE led by Jeff Otf Newell
A traditional Native-American lodge built on-site of natural willow branches
will provide the space to experience the trans-formative effects of this ceremonial
sauna.
The sweat lodge is a re-enactment of a return to our mother womb-like experience,
which is the cleaning of the body, mind and spirit. People remove all accessories
like watches, rings, and glasses, to remember that we came into this world without
material possessions. It is a time of sharing our problems with other people
and praying for the needs of our innermost self. Then after the rounds we re-enter
creation reborn with New Hope and a changed attitude.
(if the fire ban has lifted)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NIGHTTIME: Hot tub, Campfire (if no ban) available--come
prepared
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUPER SUNDAY SCHEDULE
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8:30 am KUNDALINI YOGA led by Taj O'Brien
Taj will start our morning off with Kundalini Yoga meant to invigorate and
activate the kundalini energy residing a the base of spine in every human being.
SPECIAL NOTE: Currently Taj is offering Kundalini
Yoga classes on Thursday evenings 6:30 at Sun Lotus Guesthouse--please contact
us if you are interested in attending
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9:30 COFFEE & "LEFT-OVERS" breakfast
The spring festival breakfast consisted of dozens of boiled eggs, many different
types of bread, spreads, cheeses, and fruits...it worked out pretty good actually!!
If you are tenting, perhaps you want to bring a little extra to add to the
morning spread--we'll boil the farm fresh eggs and have the coffee brewing!
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10:30 LAUGHTER YOGA by Sally Whibley of smartfitt.com
Laughter Yoga combines Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama).
Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike
playfulness, and becomes real contagious laughter. Since the body cannot differentiate
between fake and real laughter one gets the same physiological and psychological
benefits-- its a simple and profound complete well-being workout.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11:30 am 5-RHYTHMS DANCE led by: Shauna Devlin of
community4dance@gmail.com
The 5Rhythms are a physical and spiritual practice that offers healing, aliveness
and awareness through dance. They are a simple, powerful moving meditation that
anyone-of any age, size, or physical ability-can practice. There are no steps
to follow, no choreography to learn, no way to do it wrong. The only requirement
is a body that is still breathing, a heart that is still beating, and a mind
that is still curious.
Just like light, sound or ocean waves, a dancing body, when moving, passes
through 5 distinct rhythmic patterns. These patterns continuously repeat themselves
in a wave of motion.
The 5 Rhythms are:
Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness
Practicing the five rhythms helps us become attuned to the underlying patterns
in our everyday existence, teaching us that life is energy in motion and we
can recognize them, work with them, and therefore not become too fixed in our
pre-conceived notions.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WHAT TO BRING:
vegetarian dish or snack for potluck dinner & gently-used goods of all
kinds for the potlatch (and perhaps a little extra snack for breakfast?)
your tranquil nature, yoga mat, picnic blanket, plate, cutlery & cup for
dinner, swimsuit & towel, tent, warm clothing and anything you'd like to
share with your yoga community...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POTLUCK?? **VEGETARIAN**
We will be collecting meal donations at the gate, you might consider donating
snacks--crackers, bread, chips, nuts, cheese, spreads, prepped-veggies, dips,
salads, desserts, fruits or a full-on cooked-dish...
We might re-plate/compile food as needed--please bring a sufficient quantity
representative of the people in your group.
It would be very helpful if you label your food containing hidden allergens
or if it is wheat-free or vegan (unless its obvious)
This will be OUR DINNER so let's be good to our community!!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
POTLATCH???
Based on the beautiful native tradition of giving away one's accumulated wealth
to the community, we will be collecting all kinds used goods from which attendees
can take any items that they need...all left over goods will be donated to Sister
Frida's Free Store at Providence Farm.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHILDREN? NO CHILD-MINDING
While children are welcome, there is NO child-minding, and you are responsible
for your child during the workshops. If your child is unable to play quietly
please understand our desire that you take leave of the event--go for a walk
and see if you can return.
PLEASE CAREFULLY CONSIDER OTHERS, YOUR CHILD'S TEMPERAMENT,
AND WHETHER YOU MIGHT ENJOY THE DAY MORE WITHOUT YOUR CHILD PRESENT.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION on WORKSHOPS AND PRESENTERS:
SUN SALUTATION (SURYA NAMASKAR)--Lilian Bianchi
Lillian is a revered yoga teacher in the Duncan area. She has been teaching
Yoga since 1982. Her teachings are rooted in the classical eight-limbed system
of Patanjali. She understands Yoga as an energy-based healing art for the integration
of Body, Mind, and Spirit. Lillian is registered with the Yoga Association of
British Columbia as a senior teacher. She is also a Yoga-Teacher Trainer.
More Information about Sun Salutation:
Surya namaskara is a series of twelve physical postures. These alternating backward
and forward bending postures flex and stretch the spinal column through their
maximum range giving a profound stretch to the whole body.
Often, after a hard days work, we would just flop down on the couch * apparently
* relaxing our bodies - but it is NOT so. The stagnant energies remain locked
up and the organs remain de-oxygenated to a large extent.
Surya Namaskar has a deep effect in detoxifying the organs through copius oxygenation
and has a deeper relaxing effect.
To list some of the benefits of Suryanamaskar:
Tones up the digestive system by the alternate stretching and compression of
abdominal organs. It activates digestion and gets rid of constipation and dyspepsia.
Strengthens abdominal muscles.
Thoroughly ventilates the lungs, and oxygenates the blood.
Acts as detoxifying agent, by getting rid of enormous quantity of carbon dioxide
and other toxic gases.
Tones up the nervous system and improves memory.
Promotes sleep and calms anxiety.
Normalizes the activity of the endocrine glands - especially the thyroid gland.
Refreshes the skin. Prevents Skin disorders.
Improves muscle flexibility.
In women, stimulates the breasts to help firmness normally. Restores any lost
elasticity, through stimulation of glands and the strengthening of pectoral
muscles.
Suppresses menstrual irregularity and assists in easy childbirth.
Prevents loss of hair and graying.
Helps reduce fat.
Reduces abnormal prominence of the Adam's apple.
Eliminates unpleasant smells from the body.
Lends grace and ease of movements to the body.
Revives and maintains the spirit of youthfulness.
Broadens chest and beautifies arms.
Makes the spine and waist flexible.
Produces health, strength, efficiency and longevity.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
PARTNERS YOGA:
Nicola Cusi
Nicola has been teaching Yoga for nearly 20 years in Austria, France, Mexico
and lately here in the Island, where she owns KaliYoga Studio in beautiful Shawnigan
Lake.
Trained in the Hatha Yoga tradition and as a Yoga Therapist, Nicola's passion
is in taking Yoga out of a solitary practice and bring it to that mysterious
and dynamic edge where people connect - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
It's in our relationships where we find mirrors to reflect our beauty, our fears,
our boundaries and challenges. Taking Yoga to a higher level with Contact Yoga
and AcroYoga (a mix of Acrobatics and Yoga)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
BELLYDANCE - Lotus Sisters of Studio 2000 (taught by Angelina
Peterson)
To expand one’s consciousness the Belly Dancer must at a very fundamental
level become aware of dense places in her body. (Please note that most Belly
Dancers are women, but that there are men who do perform and do so very well).
Imbuing these areas with feeling and sensation is a never-ending process of
constant refinement, integration and balance. This is similar, in approach,
to the execution of the third limb of Yoga which are the physical postures,
called Asanas
Another example of unblocking blocked areas is the particular awareness that
Belly Dance brings to the unloved abdominal area. Belly Dancers work on gaining
specific control of the various stomach muscles by isolating them individually
and then moving, rolling and fluttering them making for a fuller, more rounded
look to the abdominals. This is especially important in our Western society
where we are constantly given the message to lose our waistline inches, flatten
our stomachs and to create “abs of steel” by doing endless, mindless
stomach crunches. Failure to attain this perfect washboard stomach contributes
to poor self-esteem and eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia. As Belly
Dancers, we reject this static, unhealthy attitude and bring life to our abdominals.
In effect we say to ourselves and others, “Hey! I can have body fat here
and still have incredible control and be in good shape!” When an audience
experiences a dancer who is connected to all parts of her body, the door is
opened for them to become more connected to their own bodies.
the Buddhist idea of right thought and a Yogic love for the refinement process
is necessary.
Another quality that assists the dancer on her spiritual and artistic path is
for her to increase her awareness by being present in the moment. Most individuals
live in the past or future or are distracted somewhere else in the present,
ie. talking on a cell phone while trying to drive, or sitting and watching TV.
They are not directly experiencing their bodies in the here and now. Zen Buddhism
might be defined as “waking up in the present” and much of its discipline
is designed to shake its practitioners out of a dull, absentminded state. The
dancer, as well, must train herself to be ever-present. She needs to avoid the
trap of thinking in numbers while doing choreography and looking as if she is
demonstrating the movements as opposed to living and breathing them.
Yet it is the dancer, herself, who is the focal point, the vortex in which
each individual feels the connection to him/herself and the whole. In these
times, when it is easy to feel disconnected, isolated and distinctly separated,
the great Belly Dancer provides an exquisite and vital community healing. Her
love, beauty, truth and compassion which she has fostered in herself is felt
by all and consequently taken out into the world to be shared with others.
extracted from the site: http://www.zhelene.com/Zen.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VINYASA FLOW YOGA - Tara Christensen RYT/RM
Tara has studied esoteric and magickal systems including yoga for 15 years
and Reiki, she works with crystals and does workshops in many of these areas.
She especially likes to promote outdoor activity as well as connection with
nature--she cherishes the opportunity to share her practices in different locales
where people can connect more readily with the natural elements. You can find
her on the web @ www.yogashanti.ca
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DRUMMING: Lynn Weaver
For centuries, drumming has been a central part of indigenous cultures worldwide.
Drumming has been commonplace at wedding ceremonies, births, deaths, harvests
and rites of passage. It is used by peoples to connect to the Earth and to one
another. As a universal, vibrational language, the drumbeat communes with the
Earth and all her creatures. In recent years, major articles describing the
healing effects of this ancient practice have appeared in newspapers and magazines
such as The New York Times, Yoga Journal, The Wall Street Journal and Newsweek.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
KUNDALINI-CHAKRA DANCING: Kristy Lindell
Christy Lindell is a facilitator in training under the tutelage of Leyolah
Antara Dekanic, the developer of this unique form of ecstatic dance.
It is a practice that is deeply transformational, the practice rejuvenates
the body, clears stagnant emotional energy, brings insight and clarity into
limiting beliefs, and supports the awakening and integration of higher consciousness.
Kundalini Dance is a revolutionary new method for self-healing and personal
awakening.
Kundalini is an innate inner energy found in the core of the earth and in very
human being, where it sits in at the base of the spine, and unless cultivated
remains dormant. Kundalini is prana, essential life-force in a highly potent
form. The ancient Indian yogic mystics the Siddhis referred to Kundalini as
Shakti, the divine feminine energy within us, which when cultivated was the
key to self-realization, health and longevity. Raising Kundalini clears negativity
and awakens higher consciousness.
One of the underlying principles of Kundalini Dance is the mind, body, spirit
connection. Thought patterns and emotions are initiated and stored not only
in our brains, but also within the cells of our bodies our organs and our energy
fields. We hold the imprints of all that we have ever experienced in this life.
Unexpressed or unintegrated experiences carry strong mental and emotional energy
that can become locked in the body as tension, resistance and body armoring--this
is an opportunity to open your body by accessing your innate love.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STAR-GAZING MEDITATION
Since the beginning of time, humans have gazed at the stars in the night sky
with awe, seeking in their luminosity everything from answers to inspiration
to guidance.
Gazing at the stars is no doubt one of the earliest forms of meditation practiced
by human beings, and it is readily available to this day. If you make a habit
of it, you will begin to know the seasonal changes of the night sky, deepening
your connection to the earth and the universe in which you live.
One of the best ways to stargaze is to lie down on a blanket so that your body
can fully relax. This position allows your breath to move easily through your
tranquil form as you settle down into the earth, connecting your consciousness
to the sky. As you look deeply into its vastness, allowing your awareness to
alternate between the pinpoints of light and the blue-black space that holds
them, your breath expands and contracts your body, just as the universe expands
and contracts to its own eternal rhythm. You may feel as if you are floating
amidst the stars or that they are raining down upon you. You may feel peacefulness,
joy, and connectedness, or any of a full range of emotions. Simply continue
to breathe, experiencing the wonder of this universe and your place within it.
extracted from: http://www.dailyom.com/articles/2007/10793.html
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VENDORS LIST:
Vending space is limited to approximately 20, and is free with admission and
PRE-APPROVAL.
Spaces are allocated upon arrival, we encourage you to arrive early (from 9am
on) and set up before we begin.
Healing Cards, by Sybille of www.beyondideas.ca
Massage, by Kata Polano
Earrings, gloves, Himalayan salt, by Willow of "House of Indigo"
Nanaimo
Chair Mass. & Reflexology, James Cunningham, Soles to Soul Bodyworks
Hula Hoops, Sally Whibley of smartfit.com
|
