“Yoga means to unite,” said Andrea Quick, who is an instructor at River Stone Yoga Studio and owns Ever After Events with business partner Silvie Walsh. “Bringing people together in this format is very natural in terms of what yoga is.
“Participating in this will give people an opportunity to have an authentic experience. It’s more than just going to a retreat and practicing poses; there are opportunities to learn about chanting, meditation, breath work.”
Fifteen instructors, including Jasperites like Quick, will offer classes throughout the weekend.
“It’s exciting to see the harnessing of our local talent as well as bringing some outside talent that people may never have the opportunity to learn from,” said Quick.
Yoga enthusiasts are able to customize their own schedules and pick five classes. allowing them to “experience yoga from a variety of perspectives.”
Instructor Jeff Mah, who is an avid biker, will lead a yoga class and then take students on a mountain bike ride. Those looking to get outdoors can also take part in one of three meditation hikes.
A kirtan band from Calgary, Shakti Deva, is also set to perform. Quick experienced a similar band during her yoga instructor training and said it involves chanting, meditation and yoga philosophy.
“It’s quite spiritual and really uplifting.”
Stephanie Sophocleous, a Jasper instructor, will host a yoga dance.
“We’re also previewing the documentary Yoga Unveiled. That is an amazing documentary that dives into yoga and what yoga really is beyond the actual physical practice, which is only five per cent of yoga,” said Quick.
The raw food dinner is perhaps the most delicious weekend event. Edmonton’s Noorish Conscious Eatery is teaming up with MPL to present a living cuisine dinner, which includes four courses and a glass of organic wine.
Grounded in the Rockies is $489 per person. That includes accommodation, registration of up to five classes, a meal package and other yoga experiences. The Grounded in the Rockies website, www.groundedintherockies.com, has a wealth of information on the weekend and offers online registration.
For locals, there is a special $150 rate which gives them access to five yoga sessions.
There is also a component for local kids on May 4. Those classes will be taught by Edmonton’s Sara Hastings.
More information about the weekend is available on Grounded in the Rockies Yoga Weekend’s Facebook page.
There are also still spots for vendors; those interested can reach Quick at [email protected].
