As I leave for the mountains, I’m excited to remind myself of the experience I had last year and what this year might be like. For those of you unfamiliar, Wanderlust Festival is a 4 day yoga experience in the mountains and I am going to attend the one in Squaw Valley, Tahoe. Some of the best yoga instructors in the world come from all over to teach. Additionally, there is a huge meditation and wellness component where thought leaders are invited to speak and teach as well. Last year was my first time attending and I didn’t exactly know what to expect. I know that a few tips would have benefitted me so here is what I wish I knew:
1. Be flexible. Not just on the mat but with your schedule. There are so many classes and so many beautiful people to see and meet. Maybe you can’t get to everything (on time), but be grateful for what you do get to and what experience you have there.
2. Its OK to do things solo. Why stress over whether or not your friends and you want to attend the same meditation talk or Stand Up Paddle Board Yoga class? What is important is that you make the most of what you came to the mountain to experience. Your practice is yours.
3. Be in nature. Maybe hikes aren’t your thing, but you are on a mountain. Enjoy it. Even if it’s a walk (or realistically, an adventure ride on the Gondala) to the pool. Seriously. I will be there, breathing deep elevation air, doing stretchy stretches.
4. Take time to reflect. Ok, so maybe you wouldn’t do this at Coachella, but it’s totally appropriate to do it here. Don’t believe me? I am positive that you will feel inspired at some point during the festival. I plan to carry a journal and make time in my day to write. Here’s a photo after one of my favorite yoga classes last year where we were asked to write down how we are going to bring yoga Off the Mat and into the World.
5. Share. Chat with new friends, friends you traveled with or with complete strangers about your experience. The word yoga literally means yolk– unite. So if the opportunity arrives, why not hold hands in the middle of the road wearing stretchy Inyo pants?
6. Sleep and Hydrate. It’s pretty simple. And this can simultaneously be done with finding a pool somewhere.
7. Make it impossible to say no. You never know where you will end up or what you might experience if you are open to it. Talk to anyone and everyone and SAY YES, especially if you feel a connection to someone. Instead of expecting/hoping to run into them again (there are seriously 20,000 other people on the mountain), get their contact details. Connect!
8. Get in the front and practice next to someone new. Try it! Could be fun. It’s not high school. No assigned seats and the ‘back of the class room’ is not necessarily the coolest place to be.
9. Self care. This is huge, yogis! 3+ classes a day is a bit aggressive, especially in the heat and in the elevation. Just remember that when you are attempting scorpion pose after practicing for 8 hours. Find time to chill. Self care also includes, but is certainly not limited to eating well, protecting yourself from the sun and listening to your body.
10. Document. Instagram, Tweet, blog, pin, re-pin, re-tweet. Do people really need to know how much fun you are having? At ALL times, obviously. Hashtag some cool vendors while you are at it. It’s a special weekend WORTH remembering.
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