Berkshire Yoga Festival 2024

A Slow Therapeutic Flow that centers self-discovery, shedding old patterns and embracing the inherent truth of who we are.  Begins with a 15-20 min talk followed by Asana, Pranayama, Meditation. 

Yogas citta vrtti nirodhah: yoga is the cessation of the modifications, or fluctuations, of the mind. In vedantic philosophy, every thought (vritti) leaves a “groove” or impression in the mind. Who we are, our habits, perspectives and attitudes are shaped by our environment and life experiences. In modern science, we understand this phenomenon as neuroplasticity. Yoga gives us the power to disrupt habituated patterns, effectively rewiring our brain.

Have you ever wondered why yoga makes you feel the way you do? How does a practice we do on a mat make an imprint on how we live our lives?
In this 90-minute lecture, you’ll explore the relationship between yoga and neuroscience, providing you with a new understanding of the power of yoga.
Lauren Turner, a trauma-informed yoga instructor and founder of 501(c)3 Warrior Within Yoga Project, will introduce you to the fundamentals of brain anatomy, the orchestration of the stress response, and what exactly is happening in the brain when we practice yoga.
Discussing the neurobiology of asana, pranayama and meditation, you will learn ways how to assimilate evidence-based practices that work with the nervous system, into your own practice or teaching.
A digital download, highlighting key take-aways will be provided to participants.

Typically, the term "addiction" is associated with substance abuse. However, a more comprehensive exploration uncovers not only behavioral or process 
addictions but also cultural addictions. Research highlights striking similarities between substance addiction, psychological dependencies on activities like compulsive gambling, sex, work, shopping, eating disorders, and cultural obsessions that permeate our daily lives. This expanded viewpoint indicates that addiction transcends the substance or behavior, extending to the cultural norms and practices we often overlook. In this module, we delve into the core issue of addiction, including its cultural aspects, and discuss solutions through the lens of yoga.

…is your very first breath. It transforms your entire physiology from its non-breathing, non-eating fetal state to that of an independent entity that must oxygenate its own blood, seek out its own nutrition, eliminate its waste and navigate a world of gravity and space. For the rest of our lives, we will have to negotiate this intricate dance between our internal and external spaces.
A breath-centered yoga practice offers you the opportunity to take the second-most transformational breaths you will ever take, and that is the specific goal of this workshop. Through inspiration, education and reflection, Leslie Kaminoff will lead you through a series of practices that will forever transform your relationship to your breathing body.

This class is designed to provide an invigorating experience of embodiment through rhythmic movements and uplifting tunes. It allows individuals to express themselves freely, releasing stress, tension and pent-up emotions. A combination of healing modalities are used to clear energy blockages and regulate the nervous system, including tapping, shaking, dynamic stretching, breathwork and primal sounding. The mixture of rhythmic movement guided by Dima Bosko and uplifting music played by Patino Vazquez can induce a state of euphoria, promoting physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. It is a unique, artful and powerful form of therapy that connects people to their bodies, emotions and the present moment, facilitating self discovery and joyful inner healing.
Additional details.
● We begin with a mini somatic movement ‘workshop’ which introduces you to the tools
used throughout the class.
● The journey progresses into a unique experience for each individual while remaining
attuned to the group field.
● The class culminates in soothing vibrational sounds infused with heart opening mantra
and a gathering circle facilitated by a cacao offering.

This embodied movement session travels you through the neuro-myofascial impact of the respiratory diaphragm throughout the body. This class provides biofeedback on proprioceptive and interoceptive aspects of breathing via gentle fascial stimulation. Explore 3 zones of respiration and be prepared to decompress your spine, improve your breath’s range of motion and increase your tolerance capacity for a parasympathetic dominant state. *Bring your favorite self-myofascial release balls to use in the practice portion. Jill will be using Yoga Tune Up® Balls and 2 Coregeous® Balls.*

Dive into an enchanting exploration of sound and vibration with Char Willingham and navigate through the mystical realms of sonic alchemy. This potent practice melds the profound wisdom of ancient traditions with the insights of contemporary science, allowing you to tap into the universal rhythms and unlock your true potential. Whether you seek relaxation, stress relief, or a deeper connection with your inner self, this event offers a unique space for expansiveness, spaciousness, and inward contemplation. Traverse the domains of sublime healing and bathe in the melodic orchestra of sacred instruments while experiencing the alchemical potency that harmonizes, uplifts, and revitalizes your whole being. Embark on this journey to set sail on your unparalleled sonic adventure.

Let's come together. To ease our pain, to feel some inner peace, and to summon the strength and courage to overcome the obstacles that lay before us. Utilizing simple breath-centered practice to embody our intentions, and enjoying the supportive atmosphere of friendship and shared inquiry with other like-minded people, we will foster transformation and resilience.

In this workshop, J. Brown brings his 25+ years of teaching experience in a personalized therapeutic approach that adapts to individual needs, and his knack for creating open communication developed through his industry leading podcast, J. Brown Yoga Talks, to facilitate a co-creative ritual of healing and spirit.

This is an opportunity for both those who have never met J before to be introduced to new possibilities, and for old friends to catch up and compare notes. No previous experience is required. All are welcome.

If you like a strong, flowing, breath-centered yoga practice, but have done more than a few too many down dogs, up dogs and chaturangas, then this is the class for you. This practice-heavy workshop will lead you through a specially-designed vinyasa that strongly works the legs and moves the spine in all possible directions, all without putting any body weight on your hands.
This session can be extended into two parts, with part one focusing on the relationship of breath to movement, while introducing the basic movement principles of the sequence. Additionally, the use of breath cueing to achieve alignment and safety objectives will be covered through exploring individual adaptation and modification.
Building on the basics covered in part one, part two covers the full sequence of poses in the Warrior Series with an emphasis on the details of alignment. In particular, we will experiment with how to individualize breath and asana cueing for groups of any size, as well as how to modify the practice for individual therapeutic objectives. The vinyasa will be practiced twice, the first time flowing through non-stop, and the second time breaking down the myriad possibilities for individual adaptation.