As we crawl out of winter's hibernation, our spirit and bodies tend to feel flabby. With spring around the corner, it's an annual ritual to assess our whole mind-body-spirit wellness.
As we crawl out of winter's hibernation, our spirit and bodies tend to feel flabby. With spring around the corner, it's an annual ritual to assess our whole mind-body-spirit wellness.
The inaugural Shine Lifestyle and Yoga Festival at the Enjoy Centre from March 20 to 22 is all about lifting the spirit to the highest potential.
At first glance it is three days packed with a vendor market, classes, workshops and talks with like-minded people.
But dig a little deeper and it's designed as a catalyst for positive change, a retreat that takes people away from everyday noisy, stressful thoughts to a more balanced, harmonious place.
Tupelo Honey guitarist Tyler Dianocky and yoga guru Caroline Stewart are the festival producers. Both are concerned and committed to improving our health and wellness in every aspect.
Shine is a fresh voice, a way for people to get the necessary tools and immerse themselves in a supportive, empowering environment.
“I feel like I have a responsibility to educate and deal with bigger topics than what's on TMZ and the traditional way of doing things. I want to reduce our carbon footprint, our life footprint and try to leave the world a better place,” said Dianocky.
The St. Albert guitar teacher met Stewart, also a hometown businesswoman, when her son took music lessons from him. Their shared philosophy of thoughtful living led to an ongoing partnership.
“Business is a funny thing,” Stewart said. “It's hard to find people you resonate with.”
She started practicing yoga at 14 and speaks highly of its healing powers. Disciples often describe how yoga improves improve concentration, balance, fine-motor co-ordination as well as lessening pain and fatigue.
“As a yoga teacher, I was drawn to its philosophy. It's not just about the exercise. It's about the knowledge that comes with it so you can find the calm and space of stillness within you.”
A well-rounded devotee of full body health, Stewart has degree in nutrition and was a massage therapist at Wellness Within.
“I personally thrive on talking to people and getting the word out.”
In the fall of 2014 Stewart wet her toes producing the Edmonton Yoga Festival at Providence Renewal Centre.
“But it was limiting. What we chose to do was hire local teachers who are amazing at what they do but it was all about yoga. At this festival we wanted to offer teachers a forum to offer what they have,” Stewart explained.
“We wanted it to be community driven. We wanted it to be a lifestyle driven festival where we could possibly bring in the arts and find creative ways to express ourselves.”
Friday kicks off with a healing workshop at 1:30 p.m. followed by the 108 Sun Salutations Challenge at 7:30 p.m.
“It so happens that the sun salutations line up with the equinox, a time of transition where we come out of the dark and into the light. It's a time of renewal.”
She describes the sun salutations as a series of traditional East Indian poses.
“In a typical class you will do 12. It's not hard but it is a challenge.”
The rest of the weekend focuses on workshops that range from meditation, yoga and breathing to stress management, navigating change and chakra alchemy dance.
The sessions focus on eclectic topics that include self-inquiry, sustainability, goal setting, food as medicine and wellness therapies to name a few.
Yoga and lifestyle festivals are accepted buzzwords in our hectic lives. Yet for Dianocky, it's our actions and the legacy we leave that are important.
“It's amazing how a small group can have such a huge positive impact when they put their ideas and minds together. It happens every day. We just don't see it. Shine is a constructive atmosphere that brings people together to help create, inspire and propel this progressive, positive influence.”
The vendor market, free to the public, concentrates on healthy and sustainable products such as hand-made jewelry, eco adventure travel, skin care products, active wear and clothing made from recycled materials.
Stewart said, “It's an opportunity for learning. It's an opportunity for self-growth and the discovery is huge. There are so many offerings.”
Dianocky added, “Yeah, you have two to four things going on at once that are relevant to self-help. You can choose your own adventure according to what suits you.”
Stewart's insightful parting words were, “Design your own life.”
Hours are Friday, 1:30 p.m. workshop and a 7 p.m. sun salutations challenge. Saturday and Sunday hours are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Ticket costs are $40 for a Friday pass or $10 just for the sun salutations. Saturday and Sunday passes are $60 per day or $120 for a full weekend pass.
Tickets are available at shinefestival.com.
