yoga journal conference

I was thrilled to attend the Yoga Journal Conference held in San Francisco, a four-day event consisting of classes and lectures focused on all things yoga and how to live your best life. The event in SF brought together a truly exceptional group of experts to share their wealth of knowledge with yogis young and old.

Come one, come all: Whether or not you're a seasoned practitioner, the conference caters to students of all levels. There were options for beginners interested in learning about the basics of yoga, while experienced yogis had the option of attending continuing education intensives or advanced physical practices. Overall, I found that there was a great mix of active practice opportunities and also lectures on subjects like meditation, healthy eating, and natural pain relief. Anyone who has an interest in yoga or alternative healing therapies would find themselves at home.

Learn something new: Whether it was a lecture-based workshop or two hours of tough flow, I was surprised about what I was getting out of each class. From the who's who of the yoga world to lesser-known local yogis, I was constantly learning and impressed by the depth of knowledge and creative teaching methods from these experts.

Keep reading to hear what surprised me about the Yoga Journal Conference.

Rodney Yee and Colleen Saidman Yee are no newbies to the world of yoga celebrity. This accomplished pair has shared their knowledge and expertise on a global scale, and they'll be teaching class at the upcoming Yoga Journal Conferences, held all over the country. I was lucky enough to recently chat with them about all things yoga, or more specifically, why a yoga practice can make a huge change in anyone's life who's willing to try.

Find the right fit: There's no one-size-fits-all answer to finding the perfect yoga class for your needs. Rodney holds a firm belief that "there's a yoga out there for everyone — whether you're in a hospital bed or you're in Kindergarten"; it's important to keep on trying out new styles with "well-seasoned teachers" to find the yoga that will work for you. Colleen wholeheartedly agreed and added some great attitude advice: "Don't get disheartened. If you start going to yoga and it's not right or you don't like it, it doesn't mean all yoga is bad for you. Just continue until you find that special match."

Drop into your mind: Becoming more aware about your body's capabilities, limitations, and needs are some of the greatest gifts from a yoga practice. But this also rules on a cerebral level. During class, so many people struggle with a wandering thought that take them away from the yoga, but Colleen explained that even recognizing "that tug-of-war [in your mind] is huge." Rodney suggests that "the problem is not with the fluctuating mind; the problem is thinking that it should be different . . . the nature of the mind to concentrate, but the nature of the mind is also to be distracted . . . the more you drop into saying, 'Okay, I can live with that' there's less conflict and more acceptance."

Keep reading for one more helpful tip learned from this amazing couple!

Having heard many yoga enthusiasts with diverse practices praise Shiva Rea, I looked forward to taking her Fire and Flow: Agni Namaskar class at the San Francisco Yoga Journal Conference a couple of weeks ago. I must admit, I was a little skeptical too and feared her style would be overly spiritual, pedantic, or judgmental (I have been lectured about the evils of cheese by yoga instructors and really just wanted to get my asana on). But two hours and 108 push-ups later, I was sold. She is one cool lady, even when she's talking about fire tending in the modern age.

Shiva talks with her entire body; almost as if she is dancing her words. She's goofy, too, a plus in my book. But when discussing the power of yoga, Shiva can get pretty serious. For her yoga is a movement meditation and the fiery sun salutation is the perfect tool for understanding your strength. Throughout the class of sun salutation, we completed nine cycles of 12 push-ups, along with a crazy array of arm balances, chair poses, and warriors. The class was empowering.

Walking around the class in a flowy halter top, wearing a large cuff bracelet, Shiva adjusted students and helped me settle into triangle pose by lengthening my spine. She is at once feminine and strong. We chanted at the end of the class briefly, too. Then she sent us on our way, but not before telling us to eat. "You all deserve a big farmer's breakfast after that class." I was overjoyed to hear something so profane after learning the zen of "adjusting to what is" through yoga poses. If you have a chance to study with Shiva Rea, I say do it.

The first thing you notice about Seane Corn is her hair, a mane of wavy blond locks that frames her youthful and open face. And as she leads you through a vigorous vinyasa yoga class, her whole being is quite open. She lays it on the line: yoga is hard physical work that can take you places emotionally and spiritually if you stay present on the mat.

Seane knows your thighs are burning in Warrior 1, but she encourages you to stay with the breath and empower yourself. In fact she's named one of her signature classes "Empower Yoga" for that very reason. The name is a play on Power Yoga — a fast-paced, physical variety that can sometimes shortchange the spiritual aspect of yoga.

Seane is, however, equal parts spiritual and profane. She easily discusses the extra challenge your yoga practice might face when not being able to take your morning "poop" before hitting the mat. She will tell you that twists stimulate your kidneys, helping you to cleanse your system, and she will explain that yoga can help you stop running from your demons. This woman believes in the power of yoga to transform lives. And not just your own. Seane has created a nonprofit, Off the Mat and Into the World, to encourage yogis to raise money; this year her organization is raising money to build a bakery in South Africa.

Hear more of what Seane has to say when you continue reading.

One benefit of being a blogging yogi in the SF Bay Area is that the annual Yoga Journal Conference is in my backyard. The folks at Yoga Journal were kind enough to invite me for a day of classes last weekend, which seriously worked my body and challenged my mind. Held in a fancy downtown hotel, hundreds of ladies and a few handfuls of men chanted, meditated, and practiced serious asana for the entire weekend. Personally, I love the contrast of practicing asana in a hotel ballroom under a large chandelier.

The conference offers five days of classes. The main event takes place on Saturday and Sunday, with three two-hour sessions held each day, starting at 8 a.m. and wrapping up at 5:30 p.m. There's a three-hour hour break in the middle of the day for lunch and shopping the yoga market featuring booths from Gaiam, lululemon, and more. Friday and Saturday evenings the conference offers dance and yoga parties for conference participants to explore the more musical and expressive side of their practice. There are also all-day intensives on Friday and Monday.

To hear more, continue reading.