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Headstash On The Road: Wanderlust Day 2

: By Sarah Silvas; Published on July 07, 2012

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Staff writer Sarah Silvas chronicles her daily adventures at Wanderlust Colorado - a festival that combines yoga classes, world-class music, workshops, guest speakers, food, drink and more into a one-of-a-kind learning experience. For more information on Wanderlust, check out the event's official website.

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

The second day of Wanderlust got started bright and early. The sun was meekly shining through the gray clouds, a sure sign that rain would be rolling in during the afternoon. Wandering through the main village of Copper Mountain, many participants were already out and about enjoying the fresh air and morning cup of caffeine.

Feeling rejuvenated and energized, it was time to head to the first workshop of the day, Woodstock to Wanderlust: Festivals and Cultural Shifts of Consciousness, a lecture lead by Dr. Ron Alexander and Shiva Rea.

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

After humble introductions, Dr. Ron began to talk about his experience at Woodstock back in 1969. Like most Woodstock stories, it began with his curiosity for music. After a couple days of typical festival activities, Dr. Ron found himself in a primitive yoga class where he began to learn the basics of prana, asana and introspection.

He realized that when done with intent, these things could get him just as high as any illicit substance being passed around. He quickly called upon his friends to join him for other yoga courses throughout the weekend. It was in these few days that the bond between yoga and music began and today, it has grown into a much larger affair, calling upon millions of people throughout the world to gather at a multitude of festivals.

Whether new to a yoga practice or not, Dr. Ron and Shiva Rea stressed the importance of keeping both the mind and body balanced at all times, especially when gathered at festivals. Practice hard during the day and learn more about yourself and your environment. Then, at night, celebrate your community with the free movement and inspiration of music.

Next up was Yoga Lite fm, a fun and energetic vinyasa yoga class taught by Seane Corn in the Lucy Tent. Upon entering the tent, the day's expected downpour began. The beautiful sound of raindrops pattered on the rooftop as we began our flow to songs of the 70s and 80s.

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

Corn shared that last year she taught a Yoga for the Broken Heart class and realized, "I was doing the wrong thing. People were crying and tissues were everywhere." So this year she mixed it up and decided to bring in themes of strength during life changes and empowerment.

An absolute blast of an experience, we flowed through a basic warrior series while also working on multiple hip opening poses. John Denver's, "Rocky Mountain High," Duran Duran's, "Hungry Like The Wolf," and Cyndi Lauper’s, "Time After Time," kept the pace and had nearly everyone singing along in unison. One of the most memorable experiences of the weekend thus far, this workshop should be offered every afternoon.

The yoga day was ended with a lecture and guided meditation in the workshop, Yoga and Ayurveda: The Vital Essences, with Rod Stryker. A well overbooked class, it was clear that this was the place to be. Rod's personable affect and friendly attitude set things off right. He was able to easily able communicate the pillars of Ayurveda, keeping it simple and basic.

Explaining that Ayurveda is the, “science of life,” Stryker went through how living by your body's specific alchemy needs will help you navigate the world of change. Emphasizing the importance of each person to be critical in their choices on what they eat, think and do on a daily basis, Rod shared that we are all, "a note in the symphony of the universe."

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

Again, bringing a connection between music and yoga principles, it became even clearer how these different worlds really do fit hand in hand. Ending on a wonderful meditation, Rod's class superseded any expectations of what this workshop would turn out to be. Check out his book, “The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity and Freedom” to learn more about Rob and his teachings.

Taking a quick break to shower, change, and indulge in a healthy dinner, it was soon time for music to begin on the Main Stage. Up first was Quixotic, the breathtaking theatrical show full of live performers and a rock-like orchestra. Hailing from Kansas City, Quixotic put on a completely different show than ever before. My fourth time witnessing the spectacle, it was truly amazing to witness their versatility and innovativeness.

After a quick break, Beats Antique was up next. It was such a neat experience to see this dynamic group perform in such an intimate setting. With only a few hundred people in attendance each and every move from belly dancer Zoe Jakes was seen while David Satori and Sidecar Tommy rocked out on various instruments.

Playing both new and old songs, the entire crowd was moving to their beats from beginning to end. For the finale, the trademarked animal heads came out while the band literally had the walls shaking with bass and fury.

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

Beats Antique finished up around 12:30 a.m. and it was time to end the long day with Gramatik. Waiting all day for some ragin' beats and booty shakin' melodies, Gramatik opened up with a remix of The Beatles’, "Don't Let Me Down," a perfect way to segue into his heavier tracks.

Many people came in to Copper Mountain for this performance. It seemed many yogis disappeared and the room filled with traditional festivalgoers. It brought a smile to my face to see poi and LED hoops littering the sky while furry boots and painted faces popped up all around. For the first time of the weekend it felt like being transported back to Sonic Bloom or Wakarusa.

Dropping a favorite off his new album, “Digital Freedom,” the crowd went wild and nearly knocked over a railing for "Talkbox Intended." The performance was just what was needed to balance out a day of self-controlled yoga.

As the music died out, the realization that the day had been non-stop since at least 7:00 a.m. set in real quick. Feet were tired, bodies were exhausted and minds felt erased – clearly time for some real rest.

Walking the whole two minutes back to the condo, thoughts of tomorrow's hike, yoga classes, lectures and Ziggy Marley amped up whatever last minute excitement was left.