Northeast Florida Yoga Fest

Yesterday I had the honor of teaching in - and helping to organize - the 2nd annual North Florida Yoga Fest!  Since I wasn't around for last year's inaugural event, I didn't quite now what to expect.

But let me tell you, this event was OFF-THE-CHARTS AMAZING!

Savasana - Corpse Pose

Hundreds of yogis and yoginis circulated throughout the days' events.  There were children as young as 7 and 8 year's, as well as men and women in their 70's, all practicing on their mats at the same time.  It was truly AWE-inspiring!  The event also raised funds for Off the Mat, Into the World: a non-profit organization founded by yogi Seane Corn that uses the power of yoga to inspire conscious, sustainable activism and to ignite grassroots social change.  100% of the funds raised will go directly to Off the Mat, Into the World!  According to the donation page this morning, almost $5,000 were raised for the cause: power of yogis/inis UNITE!

Savasana - Corpse Pose

According to the event's official website:

The North Florida Yoga Fest is a collaboration of the Northeast Florida yoga community  to share yoga with everyone regardless of age, size, or ability.  Our mission is to preserve the integrity of yoga and share all the practices in a playful, loving, and  non-intimidating environment.  Yoga studios from all over North Florida come together once a year to bring you a family friendly yoga festival with some of the best teachers and classes in one place!!

Chandrasana - Crescent Moon Pose

During the morning's All Levels class, I served as an assistant (which, in yoga speak, means that I walked around and offered physical adjustments and assists to students practicing various yoga postures (i.e. asanas) throughout the class).

Chandrasana - Crescent Moon Pose

Look at those two cutie pie's practicing Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Muka Svanasana) with their mother!  Just imagine, by the time they are teenagers they will both be rock-star yoginis!

Just look at all those three-legged doggies!

Cobra (Bhujanghasana) and/or Upward Facing Dog (Urdhva Muka Svanasana).

Later in the afternoon, I served as one of twelve teachers in the "108 Sun Salutations to Benefit Off the Mat, Into the World" class.  Although it's blurry, below is the photographic evidence that I did, indeed, teach on a stage in front of hundreds of yogi/inis!

My, oh my, that was both thrilling AND a bit nerve-wracking!

Just look at all of those gorgeous Downward Facing Dogs!

Anjaneyasana - Low Lunge

Shining the heart towards the heavens in a gentle backbend!

Opening the heart space can feel SO yummy!

If you don't want to take my word for how AWE-some yesterday was, then here are just a few examples of what people had to say about Yoga Fest on Facebook last night:

• "Amazing group of energy today!  Thank you to all the yoga fairies who sprinkles their pixie dust under the bridge today!
• Awesome event! HUGE thanks to all! Organizers and participants!  Offering gratitude!!!
• You all did SUCH an amazing job!  Thank you!  Peace!

Talk about words of praise!  

Although I won't be in Jacksonville for next year's Yoga Fest, I can only imagine that it will continue to grow and grow, and become more and more empowering for practitioners all over North East Florida.  I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of it this year, and know that I will take this passion and beautiful energy with me as I head to Whidbey Island, WA in a few weeks.

JAI Jacksonville yogis/inis!

(P.S. Jai means "victory" or "victorious" in Sanskrit.)

Question of the Day:

What's the most recent event you have attended in your community?! (i.e. Fall Festival?  Summer Concert?  etc.)

Blessings,
Ally and Bo