Bend Yoga Festival 2024

There is a new syndrome sweeping our country, driving people towards yoga and holistic healing. It is extreme sympathetic nervous system dominance, which  creates the feeling of being “wired and tired”. This overstimulation robs people of sleep, calm, and focus. It also fuels the flames of inflammation.

There is an antidote to this problem. Its roots lie in restoring vagal tone. The vagus nerve, the Xth cranial, is the powerhouse of the “rest and digest” system. In this workshop, we'll dive into ways to stimulate the vagus nerve and put its beneficial regulation to work.

Myofascial release has been a life-changing tool for both myself and the tens of thousands of patients, teachers, & students that I’ve worked with. It can be used for both tissue resilience, pain regulation, recovery, and nervous system regulation to name a few. This workshop will look at the what, why, & how behind these techniques then dive into protocols for the legs, hips, back, & shoulders. A great way to get a scan of what’s going on in the major areas of your body as well as a potent tool to quickly shift your experience in your body. You’ll leave with a basic understanding of how to apply this work on your own and some areas to focus in on in your own body. No yoga experience needed, come for some juicy self-bodywork.

Props: 1-2 MFR Balls Will Be Provided Per Person

Contrary to popular belief, stress is not the enemy! In fact, stress can be a potent tool in our lives to instigate change, support energy levels, and balance the nervous system when approached skillfully. Ultimately stress can be an important friend that warns us of danger but also one that pushes us to be our best selves. Whether you’re looking to enhance performance, concentration, energy levels, or motivation this class explores ways to get you going in preparation for the task at hand. We’ll explore resources to turn stress into an asset with both stimulating and nourishing practices to help you appreciate the fullness of your life. This class uses breathwork, flow, asana, myofascial release (MFR), acupressure and Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts to bring this work to life and unlock the tools you need to make the most of a full life.

Pre-requisite: All you need is some vinyasa experience, all levels are welcome.

BRING: Whatever you need to be comfortable in a seated position, eg., meditation cushion, bolster, folded beach towel, low-back folding chair, etc.