 Seane Corn has good hair. As someone whose lived a lifetime with mousy brown baby fine hair, I can attest that it's truly something of trademark proportions. Seriously, it's that good ... which reminds me of a funny story.
I first saw Seane at the Estes Park Yoga Journal Conference last September. The event was held at the beautiful YMCA of the Rockies venue, and while most of the people were there for the conference, there were some "non-yogi" types on the grounds.
One afternoon, a gentleman was walking near the main pavilion when he collapsed to the ground, most likely as a result from the effects of altitude. Seane, who happened to be nearby, quickly went to his aid and knelt down beside him.
As the man came to, he opened his eyes to this angelic vision with long, curly, golden hair and sparkling blue eyes. Taking one look at her, he stammered out his first words of consciousness ... "Wow, you have pretty hair." And though HE probably thought he was seeing an angel, everyone else knew he was gonna be just fine.
On Thursday, I attended an intensive on Spiritual Activism which was led by Seane Corn, Suzanne Sterling and Hala Khouri. These three women are partners in the initiative Off the Mat, Into the World described as "a program that aims to inspire and guide you to find and define your purpose and become active in your local or global community in an effective, sustainable and joyful way."
There is much to share about what these women are doing, and I encourage you to check out their site for more information. Suffice it to say, there's definitely a lot more to Seane Corn than good hair. Perhaps that man at Estes Park really DID see an angel after all.
I took a class today for which continuing education credits were offered towards my Yoga Alliance certification (Cyndi Lee's class), but I wasn't sure how to get the credits (if she had to sign something, or what I needed to fill out etc.) Then, I saw the lovely ladies of Yoga Alliance at a table on the ground floor, kitty corner with the Luna Bar peeps. Turns out the process is really simple. The YA women gave me a form to fill out and said to just send it in with my badge or my receipt from the conference. Go see them if you have any questions--they were super helpful!
 Did anyone notice that the Hyatt Regency is now using biodegradable, compostable cups? We can thank a recent San Francisco law that prohibits the former use of plastic cups in hotels and elsewhere. This is really cool, but unfortunately I still saw a lot of people throwing the cups out in the regular trash bins, or recycle bins. I even missed the green bins on day one. And I talked to one guy who wasn't sure what compostable meant, and thought the cup would still biodegrade in the trash. (Not true--things take VERY long to biodegrade when in airtight conditions, like inside garbage bags.)
If you drink out of those cups, remember to throw them into the green bin. And maybe next year, there can be better signage with just those instructions. How exciting that this is happening!
 The main conference opened today with throngs of yogis filling the Hyatt Regency. Even with the numbers, the registration and check-in moved quickly as folks received their badges and goodie bags filled with all sorts of healthy treats and samples from conference sponsors (not to mention the recent issue of Yoga Journal. There were plenty of staff and volunteers on hand to help participants find their way to the many workshop locations stretched across several floors and ballrooms at the Hyatt.
When I first came across someone carrying a clipboard with a large "ASK ME" sign, I thought to myself, "Ask me WHAT?" (My cynical mind had thought it was some kind of sales approach ~ you know, like "Ask me about my yoga mat," or "Ask me about my car insurance." But NO, it was yet another way of providing assistance to the many participants, staff floaters moving about the crowd.
I've asked folks about how they chose their classes, and I've been met with all sorts of answers. For some, it was a very detailed, almost scientific process. Others had a more random approach. I have to admit that I DID get a bit of a laugh when my sweet roommate ~ Hi Loretta! ~ said she was headed to "Core Mudras & Essential Tricks" and then asked, "What's a mudra anyway?" There are those who looked forward to experiencing new teachers and different methods while others returned to more familiar teachings. Whatever the method, with so many great teachers and workshop topics, I've heard more than a few mention the difficulty they had in making their schedule selections.
Once folks checked in, many purchased the commemorative conference t-shirts, signed up for massages, or made their way into the busy Market Place before heading to classes. On the escalator to my second workshop, someone remarked to me about the large numbers in attendance, saying she was impressed with the turn-out and somewhat surprised given these difficult economic times.
Maybe it's a sign of just what's needed.
 Okay, so first let me say I LIKE the local Sports Discount/Retail offerings that are mine in Austin, Texas. A lot of my time and money certainly bear that out. (Or is it "bare" ~ I never know ~ which reminds me of an old joke among writers: Definition of a Synonym &mdash word you use when you're not sure of the correct usage (or spelling) of the word you REALLY wanted to write.) Suffice it to say, I have spent my fair share on the yoga clothing "lines" (all puns intended) of Nike and Reebok and Danskin.
But with all due respect, there is nothing like the thrill of walking into a Yoga Journal conference Market Place, and especially so here in California. You are suddenly exposed to unique and creative fashions &mdash many made with organic or recycled materials &mdash that hold the promise of saving our planet while STILL making you look hot! I mean, as a yogini, does it GET any better than that?! (Worth Noting: Who can forget that I found sexy Crocs at the Yoga Journal Market Place in Colorado?!)
With a jammed-packed schedule of fabulous workshops with internationally-known presenters, it's difficult to pull yourself away and head to the Market Place. But DO make the time. It takes consciousness to a whole new level. Go with me here a minute ... The Yoga Journal Conference Market Place: Opening Your Eyes (and pocketbooks) to the World of FASHION Consciousness. C'mon people, does it get any better than that?!
Note: Pamela wrote this post while lounging in her new organic cotton wrap with original silk screen design by Ava. She is currently considering returning for that cute little teal number later this weekend.
Because I'm an extremely blessed individual, I've had the opportunity to attend approximately 10 Yoga Journal now—and this makes my fourth in San Francisco. As a veteran yoga conference-goer, I feel it is my duty—and my privilege—to share the tricks and tips of conference going so that even if this is your first conference, you might take in all there is to offer here at the 2009 San Francisco Conference.
- Before your first class, it's a good idea to get to the Hyatt Regency early, walk through the hallways, and locate your class. The only thing more embarrassing than unkempt feet is arriving at your classes 15 minutes late because you were lost. There will still be a place for you if you're late, but it will probably be up front right beside your teacher so everyone in the room will stare at you as you awkwardly unroll your mat and try to find a place for your things.
- Don't be shy! One of the best parts about the conference is connecting with people in this vast, and friendly, yoga community. Don't miss out on it because you were too afraid to introduce yourself to your classmates. Make an effort to at least introduce yourself to the person on your left and right in every session. You'll be glad you did.
- Get a pedicure for goodness sake! You'll be spending a lot of time in your bare feet.
- Keep track of where you put your shoes at all times! I'm speaking from experience when I tell you that not being able to locate your shoes after class is a real post-Savasana buzz kill.
- Conference presenters aren't the only teachers here. Draw inspiration from the experience, other attendees, and your own practice, too.
- Get ready to see some amazing poses! The first yoga conference I attended, I was astounded (and a little discouraged) by all of the people who could easily touch their heads to the feet and stand on their hands in the middle of the room. It's OK to look and admire other people's beautiful poses. But you'll get a lot more from the practice if you're focused on your own practice.
- It's cold in the Hyatt. You'll want to bring a wrap and some socks for Savasana.
- Schedule time to shop! (If you need an excuse to buy new yoga clothes, you can always "forget" something warm . . . Today, I forgot comfy sweat pants to pull on over my yoga pants. Darn! I guess I'll have to buy some!)
- Ask questions, but don't kill the discussion by bringing up too many of your own personal issues that don't apply to anyone else. Seriously, I hate that!
- Take advantage of free events during your down-time—they're amazing. But don't do so much that you forget to actually eat and drink while you're here. You need your energy to get through all that asana!
- Don't try to remember everything you hear. There will be SO much information thrown at you in such a short time it can seem daunting You want to immerse yourself in the practice, not become overwhelmed by it. Take in what you can, and trust that you'll remember the parts that are most relevant to you and your practice in the moment.
I'm sharing a room this weekend with a woman who responded to my post on the YJ conference site last month. Loretta (from Louisiana) first contacted me through the message board, then called, and we hit it off immediately. Like old high school friends who had just reconnected in time for the big reunion, we've exchanged several excited emails and phone calls in preparation for the conference. San Francisco will be her first Yoga Journal gathering, so I wasn't surprised when she called to ask me what to bring.
Packing for your first conference can be a bit stressful. It's a new environment. You don't want to be unprepared, but you also don't want to over pack either. This makes for a challenging dilemma. First, there's all those gear decisions: Should I bring my own props? Can I take pictures during the classes? What stuff should I take to the sessions? And how will I carry it all around?
Then you move into your closet and the stress really begins to mount: How many yoga outfits do I REALLY need? Will I change between sessions or hang out all day in the same giddy-up? And what do people wear for the "off-the-mat" functions?
So with one whole Yoga Journal conference under my belt (or should that be "under my yoga strap"), I'll offer some of my experienced sage yogic advice.
The Gear &mdash Less is More
Props: Bring what you absolutely must have. With these kinds of numbers, nothing is supplied, of course. If you don't REALLY need it, don't bring it. Caveat: Check the program for any class requests. (Eg. in the notes for Judith Lasater's Practicing Yoga to Save Your Knees, participants are asked to bring a strap and a tennis ball.) Besides the marketplace has all sorts of goodies for sale if you're really in a pinch.
Cameras &mdash Most presenters seem comfortable with folks taking photographs. If you're unsure, ask. There's nothing like a photographic record.
What to Take to Class &mdash Always good to have a notebook and pen, maybe a water bottle; Space considerations may come into play so just use common sense about how much stuff you have around your mat;
How will I Carry It Around: Good to have some sort of mat bag or sling with something for your room key, phone or camera, and of course, credit card for shopping after class. There are all sorts of bags with in a range of prices. Stay tuned for my great economical mat bag idea in an upcoming post.
Moving on to the important stuff &mdash The Clothes
Not sure how San Francisco will compare to Estes Park, but there I was struck by the immense range of yoga "looks" &mdash from the earthy crunchy granola au natural organic cotton to the LA glitz and glitter with a little bit of everything in between. Bottom line: Wear what you like to wear for your yoga practice. (By the way, did I mention there's a MARKET PLACE just in case you need to pick a little top or two?)
Finally, unless you tend to sweat profusely (and I'm not naming any names from back home), most folks don't change outfits during the day. One a day should be plenty (with an extra shirt thrown in just in case you spill some Chai tea on yourself. Remember: Less is more, less is more. Unless there's chai!
The off-the-mat "looks" range as greatly as those on the mat &mdash from leggings and sweaters to jeans and t-shirts. Again, wear what you're comfortable in, just add lipstick (or whatever). San Francisco is sporting some great weather right now, but I'm told it can get chilly down on the wharf in the evening. A jacket or light coat may be in order. Whatever you do, don't forget the jewelry, and if you do, there's always the MARKET place!
All in all, don't pack too much, keep it simple and have I mentioned? Less is more. After hauling my big old suitcase across the San Francisco airport, onto the BART, and up to the 10th floor of the Hyatt, I feel especially qualified to make that last suggestion.
Up Next &mdash Pammy's Mat Bag Idea: Saving Money in these Tough Economic Times and still look stylish at the Studio!
I cannot think of a better way to spend this unseasonably sunny San Francisco weekend than inside a hotel. Of course, this hotel's walls will be vibrating with the chants of some of the world's most prominent yogic figures and the responses of their humble students. This is my first Yoga Journal Conference, my first time studying with any of the teachers whose classes I will be attending. Thus, this aspiring yogini is filled with excitement.
My Yoga Journal journey begins on Friday with Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa and her all-day intensive, Diving for the Blue Pearl: Experience Transformation. Always completely intrigued by Kundalini yoga, I look forward to having my first thorough Kundalini experience with such an admired figure. I will actually return to her class Exploring Past Lives later in the conference.javascript:editPlacements()
Choosing which classes to take is quite challenging. Yet, since I can only be in one place at a time, I developed a strategy based on recommendations, and my current yogic interests. This past year, I began working with an energy healer, meditating, and continuing to work on my yoga technique. Therefore, I will work on alignment with Desirée Rumbaugh, find the divine vibration within with Shiva Rea, rid myself of mental agitation with Gary Kraftsow, balance my chakras with Sherri Baptiste, and discover the influence of gravity on my yoga with Matthew Sanford.
I look forward to sore muscles, to a clear mind, to a calm body, and to the inspiration that comes with the presence of such inspiring figures. Furthermore, I look forward to writing all about it, to you. . .
 If you've ever seen Michael Franti perform, you know that the event at the YJ conference on Friday night is going to be great. Franti will be giving musical accompaniment to a class led by Nikki Doane and Eddie Modestini. Last year, at the YJ Conference, was the first time I saw him perform live and I loved it: soulful and get-up-and-dance all at once. I'm curious to see what it will be like doing yoga to his tunes. If you are interested in going, check out this link. I'll be writing about the event, too, on Friday night. Hope to see you there!
 I am very excited about leaving for Colorado, and full of anticipatory energy. Yoga conferences can provide a multitude of benefits for any yogi: They're great places to meet in sangha (community) with folks on a similar path *and* they're wonderful opportunities to taste a style of practice that is out of your usual practice routine. Ultimately, they're places to connect deeply to your heart while stretching your hamstrings.
Here are a few simple tips that can help you make the most of your experience. We have written about this before (tip # 1... don't forget your mat).
1. Be weather aware. If your conference is in Miami bring sun-screen. If you are going to Boston, know that the weather changes a lot. If you are coming to Colorado, the weather forcast says be prepared for warm days and cold nights. When travelling in the mountains, it is always a good idea to be ready for changable weather. Multiple layers of clothes can be one way to be ready.
Continue reading "Yoga Conference Tips" »
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