Headstash

Headstash On The Road: Wanderlust Day 4

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 fourth day of Wanderlust came quickly as a bittersweet ending to a grueling yet rewarding weekend. After being up until near 2:00 a.m. the night prior at Gramatik on the Main Stage, crawling out of bed with incredibly sore muscles from hundreds of chaturangas and utkatasanas was a bit of a challenge. Choosing to take it a bit easy on day four was a no brainer.

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

Spending a good part of the morning to just explore Copper Mountain Village, I sat in on a couple of interesting classes, one being Hoopnotica: Chest and Shoulder Hooping. While I didn’t participate, I certainly enjoyed watching those more talented at this art. Both young and young at heart bodies came to participate in the workshop. It was really inspiring to see even some of the older attendees master chest and shoulder hooping techniques, proving that just about anyone can take on this festival sport.

Later in the afternoon, doctor, writer and public speaker Deepak Chopra gave a lecture in the Lucy Tent. Focusing on the subjects of spirituality and mind-body connections, Chopra scratched the surface on in-depth topics such as what our bodies and minds are composed of and how the human as a whole is recycled on a continual basis – that our atoms are turned over nearly every three weeks and how we always have the opportunity to better ourselves and expand who we are as individuals.

Moving into how yoga helps in the process, Chopra spoke about prana, asana and other forms of yoga, putting the student in touch with their soul. Explaining that the science of yoga equals the science of the soul, Chopra ended on the note that, “each day is a gift, which should elicit the response of gratefulness.” It was a truly enlightening workshop.

Nearing the end of the short, last day I headed to Redefining Balance, a slack-lining yoga class focusing on inversions and a strong vinyasa practice. After partnering up, the instructor would first demonstrate the challenging positions and how to slowly build and move into them. Then, we’d break into groups and chose a slack-line to work on, slowing and humorously moving into upside-down positions balancing only on one arm and with the trust of a spotting partner.

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

While it may seem challenging, the class was open to all experience levels and ultimately it appeared as if each person had a wonderful time conquering challenges and overcoming fears. A wonderful workshop to end the weekend on – I couldn’t have been happier with the outcome.

Wanderlust came to an end but it was certainly a weekend to remember. Not quite the usual summer festival, this one proved to be an event that I encourage everyone to try at least once.

Perfectly balancing body and mind wellness with bangin’ banjos to beats, Wanderlust is not for the faint of heart. Calling upon every bit of strength and endurance you have, you’ll leave tired but certainly fulfilled and refreshed. Wanderlust is a yearly traveling festival stopping in Vermont, California and Canada in addition to Colorado and I highly recommend checking out one nearest you next year.

 

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

Photo Credit: Sarah Silvas

 

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Stay tuned for comprehensive review coverage from Wanderlust Colorado 2012.