The Wanderlust Festival, Miami

Remember how Alice searched for the words to describe her experience from her trip in the rabbit hole?  She wanted to share the feeling of freedom that she felt when she defeated the Jabberwocky.  She was renewed after her perception had been shifted after all of the wild things she experienced – That is exactly how I felt!  Here’s a take into my trip in “Wander”land, you have to watch the videos and look at the pics for full effect!  

My 1^st encounter was in the Fire Pitt with Jeff Krasno, Co-Founder of the WLF.  He shared the story of how WLF is now held in three cities across the nation and quadrupled in size in three years.  Most importantly, we talk about the spirit of the Wanderlust, and how and why it is a positive force for its attendees.  The WLF operates under the “central purpose to engage and help people live better lives.”     

Check out the full interview here.     

Next up was Cameron Shayne Founder/Creator of Budokon University.  We sat down poolside overlooking Biscayne Bay.  Our surroundings were perfect for his laid-back, chill vibe.  With his super cool black Oakley’s on, he began to teach me about the art of Budokon.  Budokon is the first art form to combine yogic, martial, and living arts into a complete system.  To be a black belt Budokon, one must also be a yoga and martial arts master.  It is important for a Budokon teacher to “…move, live, think, and be with mastery.”  Yoga brings awareness and sensitivity to martial arts, while martial arts give power and strength to yoga.   This skill translates off the matt too when seeking  calm in the midst of life’s daily chaos.  Learning more about Budokon made me think about the laws of nature and how there are always opposing forces in life.   

 His full shoulder tattoo of a tiger w/ Japanese “accents” pays tribute to his travels and teachings in Japan and the tiger represents his personality which much like Budokon, can be calm and playful, but also ready to “pounce” if necessary.  I also asked Cameron what ‘Sports. Peace. Love.’ means to him and he very coolly explained that “sports are a way we can come together and cooperate through physical play…”  

Click here to hear the rest of his answer and more!   

David is a Los Angeles native and first timer to the East Coast for the inaugural Wanderlust Festival in Miami Beach. We sat and talked in swinging hammock chairs that were suspended from a shaded wooden rooftop.  He talks about the Wanderlust vibe from North Lake Tahoe, the flagship Wanderlust that began in 2009, to The Standard Hotel.  According to him, the WLF is “yoga domination” with “cool vibes, positive energy.”   

Watch the rest here.   

Tamara Aruj, Director of Health, Wellness, and Fitness of The Standard Hotel  and I sat in the cool shade on the deck area and created SPL moments as we talked about the partnership of The Standard Hotel and Wanderlust Festival.  The fusion of music, yoga and spa/wellness creates a “fun factor” in yoga.  In addition to festivals, The Standard also hosts several other health and fitness activities from sunrise to sunset.  Through their programs, they create an environment that provides a diversity of fitness activities and incorporate education and exposure.   Hear her 1^st Yogi “Aha!” moment and how she takes yoga off her mat here   Watch the rest here.     

I also chatted with Tamara Aruj about her role as Co-Owner, ILoveYoga.com.  Iloveyoga.com is a yoga company that carries a message of positivity and creates a connection between the people that support the brand.  They manifest their care, love, and pride for yoga through their all apparel of which a percentage is donated to several charitable causes.  The connection continues all the way to Kenya, Africa as they 100% support the Africa Yoga Project, a program that shares the yoga experience with the Kenyan Massiah women.  She shares how the Africa Yoga Project, Iloveyoga.com, and other projects create a global connection for the customer, and her family.  How cool is that? Watch here! 

 After taking Keith Fox’s Yoga Nidra class, I had to speak to him to learn more of the journey and experience that he lead the class on.  He is also the Co-Owner of YogaFox Studio, in Delray Beach, Florida.  At the beginning of a Yoga Nidra class Fox promised that we were going to experience “Magic…White Magic,” and he was right!  

Yoga Nidra is a dreamless sleep that relaxes the physical body but keeps the mind awake.  While in that state you repeat an affirmisim or a mantra to release negative energy and create space and opportunity for empowerment.  It is also currently practiced in the military restore sleep, effectiveness, and clarity.  

 We talked about much more than that too, including my “Goddess energy!” He also has an awesome tattoo that represents each of the seven chakras.  Click here for the full experience, words don’t do it justice!  

Keith Fox Tattoo

                These chats were a small part of my Wanderlust experience.  I also  hula hooped in the garden, danced in the drum circle to the tunes of Bonobo during the nighttime party, lounged by the pool and experienced full gratitude for creating Sports. Peace. Love.   I even got to see the “Yoga side of the Moon,” a nighttime yoga class to the tunes of Pink Floyd’s “Dark Side of the Moon” album, a light show, and fog machine, lead by Elena Brower.  Super cool! (Check the vids for a more complete experience.)  

  At SPL, we live by the slogan, “Do It. Feel It. Share It!” I’ve been describing The Wanderlust experience as “life changing” and now I get to share that with you! Enjoy   

–Shante’