Yoga Journal Live Conference 2015

Last month I attended the Yoga Journal conference in San Diego. Actually it was held in Coronado, a beautiful island in San Diego county, at the Hotel del Coronado. I have been interested in attending the annual conference for the past 4 years but other commitments made it impractical. This year I felt especially drawn to it, visiting the event web page over and over for months. Yoga teachers I had followed for years online and in print would be there to teach classes and give talks. But it was the Premier Event for Warriors for Healing that really spoke to me.

Warriors for Healing (W4H) is a non-profit organization that uses Yoga Science to help veterans suffering with PTSD. My personal yoga practice has brought lasting healing to me in all areas of my life and led me to become a certified teacher so that I can share its healing gifts with others. I am currently pursuing my Masters in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and often cite scientific studies proving the mental and physical benefits of yoga. Coronado island is only about 2.5 hours away by car and it is home to a Navy base that has an inn for military members and their family. My wonderful husband could tell how much it meant to me so he along with the rest of my family came together to take care of things so I could attend. It was an amazing experience!

I rode my bike to the Hotel del both mornings and spent my days learning from gifted yoga teachers including Kathryn Budig, Kino MacGregor, Seane Corn, Jason Crandell and W4H founder, Bhava Ram. I was alone and able to focus on strengthening my own practice while gaining knowledge to share with my students. The other attendees felt like part of my tribe. The energy in every conference room, hallway, and on the lawn was vibrant but calming. I felt a beautiful sense of acceptance and peace.

There were women and men of all ages, races, and skill in attendance. People from different backgrounds all sharing a common connection, yoga. When I caught the eye of another attendee either by accident or as part of a guided exercise, I was always met with a warm smile.

My last day there I attended the W4H premier event on the lawn of the Hotel del Coronado overlooking the ocean. Bhava Ram led us in practice while gifted musicians played, including veteran Paul Damon, whose haunting rendition of Hallelujah sent tears down my face. I returned home to my amazing family full.

Full of beauty, full of light, full of peace, and full of love.

Namasté