Travel Asana
My connection to asana is tied to nature. The two meet in a sacred space transcending earthbound laws. There's nothing quite like teaching yoga in the desert. My dear friend Dana was getting married in Moab, Utah and I had the honor of teaching a yoga class on her wedding day.
That morning, I woke up stumbling out of my tent to run to the Colorado Riverbed right near our campsite. I stripped my clothes down to my underwear and stomped through the the clay like mud into the frigid water. I plunged in and it felt like daggers pierced my body. That feeling settled and I was soothed by Earth's watery gift. The rush of ice cold sensation enveloped me and released any stagnant energy I was holding onto. I clumsily made my way back to the river's edge where my friend with me was most likely thinking I was crazy. The desert air quickly dried the water off and I changed into my yoga clothes.
We walked back through the cold sand to the space the class was going to be held. The wedding party traveled to Moab from far and wide so most of us didn't have mats. However, it was perfect because we were on soft sand surrounded by the most incredible red rock formations. Eventually everyone made their way to their spots and I set up in front to greet them. Yoga can be intimidating if you have never done it and I wanted this experience to be inviting. I reminded everyone to not take themselves so seriously and to observe the wonder around us. I was trusting that the natural elements would shape our experience. If only one person taking this class was able to feel one exhale of relief then it was all worth it. We flowed together, laughed together, and dug our toes into the sand. The rising sun warmed our faces and glistened on the rocks surrounding us. I could feel the energy shift in the group from the travel fatigue of the day before. I offered Reiki to to each student at the end of class sealing our intentions for collectively being there to witness friends confirm their love for one another.
Afterwards, I received feedback like, "I am so glad you were my first yoga teacher because it's made me sure that I want to do it again." Some expressed the class was just the exact pace for them as a new beginner. My friend Emma writes, “Brittny led an incredible outdoor yoga flow during a trip to Moab, Utah. Every student was at a different experience level, but she effortlessly crafted a class that was inclusive and had a little bit of everything. There were lots of laughs, sighs of relief and moments of awe at our surroundings. She truly led a one-of-a-kind class that everyone was so grateful to be a part of. It was a healing, healthy and joyful way to start the day. Everyone left class with a renewed sense of calm.” The bride was happy with the outcome of movement and breath in an important place for her for this special moment.
Being a part of a ceremony in this way is a blessing. I love hosting mindful and intentional movement before a meaningful event. Reach out if you'd like to plan a curated class for an important day. I have hosted classes at bachelorette parties, weddings, baby showers, and even on Christmas Day (alright I taught yoga to my family and we basically laid in savasana while my dad stared at the ceiling). Let's collaborate to make your day as magical as possible.
