Aloha Yoga Love – Wanderlust Oahu

One thing I will always know for sure: Hawaii is SO good for the soul, and a big ol’ piece of my heart still lives there.

I returned last week from a rejuvenating visit to the islands and feel like I’m still floating from my experience at the four day Wanderlust Festival on Oahu’s North Shore. I’ve been wanting to attend Wanderlust since it began, so when I heard the festival was going to Oahu, I knew I had to get there. Yoga, sunshine, ocean, music, beach, surf, nature, dancing, good people – all at Turtle Bay Resort, a place that has become so special to me in the last few years – I couldn’t miss this one for the world! And seriously, mama needed her tan back anyway 🙂 Thanks to cheap airfare, my wonderful, hospitable friends in Hawaii, and a volunteer gig with the festival, I was able to make it all happen and I am so grateful that I did!

What I found so special about Wanderlust was simply being surrounded by other yogis – other sweet souls who find strength, solace, and connection on the mat, who appreciate the journey, savor simple moments, and aren’t afraid to get vulnerable and look inward. People who love to play and appreciate nature, and who know that while we’re all at unique stages in our journeys in yoga and in life, that we are all very much in this together.  It is a beautiful community, an awesome gathering and also just one heck of a kickass party! I like to surround myself with that kind of energy because it fires me up. It keeps me dreaming and motivated to conquer my big goals in life.  I feel alive, inspired and present. And isn’t that the point of this whole life thing? 🙂 “Do what feels good for you.” Something you hear a lot in yoga classes. Actually I am reminded of this quote and I think it sums up nicely why many of us are drawn to Wanderlust.

The spirit of Wanderlust is powerful! And there we were, our feet literally on the ground, outside on the grass at Kuilima Point, surrounded by the ocean and swaying palms, breathing in the sweet Hawaiian breeze (or gale force winds, whatevah!) and practicing yoga in one of the most beautiful spots in the world.

I could go on and on about Wanderlust Oahu but here are a few of my personal highlights:

• Taking a class with Wanderlust co-creater Schuyler Grant, hopping in the ocean for a swim, and then taking another class with the amazing Blissologist Eoin Finn. Holy endorphins Batman.
• Groovin’ to DJ Drez and live music in every class. So awesome.
• Grabbing a seat at the pool bar at sunset for a pint of my favorite Blue Moon and making fast friends with Noelle, a yoga teacher from New Jersey who taught me I can actually throw my yoga mat in the washing machine to give it an extra thorough cleaning every now and then. Who knew! (I tried it, works like a charm).
• Reuniting on the beach with my girl Taylor from NYC that I haven’t seen in six years, who teaches yoga now and rocks acro like nobody’s business.
• Kickin’ it backstage with Zach Gill and the guys of ALO, some of the nicest guys on the planet. Not gonna lie, my volunteer assignment was pretty sweet!
• Dancing to  Michael Franti‘s ‘Sound of Sunshine” and “Life is Better with You” under the stars.
• Savoring the MAGIC that was Zoe Pappas’ Open Heart class. Favorite class of the whole festival. Amazing!
• Beginning the day sipping tea by the ocean with the beautiful soul that is Leslie Schipper
• Meeting Carlin from Ohio beside me in one class and then randomly finding ourselves next to each other in another class the next day. A class of like 300 people! Crazy universe.
• Taking classes with a couple hundred people! I’ve never experienced breathing and flowing with that many people in one space. It is the biggest, most beautiful dance. Major goosebumps.
• Waking up every morning with a sweet soreness and reminder that I am ALIVE!
• Gettin’ down on the dance floor at Surfer Bar with life force Jacki Carr, warrior Ironwoman Steph Corker and the Lululemon tribe from LA.
• Enjoying the entire festival with my best girl Kelsey B., from start to finish –  thai partner yoga massage class, Kuhuku lunches and all.
• Getting to know some of the talented and fun Wanderlust staff that work so hard to make this festival what it is.
• Ending the weekend with the most relaxing restorative Yin class with surfer/yogi extraordinaire Gerry Lopez.
• Capturing this beautiful moment in time from Kuilima point:

So much gratitude for an AMAZING weekend full of yoga love, connection and sweet aloha in the islands. This one’s going out to you Zoe Pappas! 🙂