I'm sitting in the airport in Denver reflecting on my trip to the magical Estes Park for the Yoga Journal Conference. I had an amazing time! It's impossible to sum up the experience in a series of short blogs, but I'd like to share with you the highlights of the trip for me.

1. I learned SO much from the presenters! My most notable ah-ha moment came in Rod Stryker's class when he explained the importance of pranayama and bandhas. I'd never really felt like I understood it, but now I'm inspired to start a more regular practice.

2. Mountains, sunshine, fresh air, grazing elk, starry nights ... Even though I didn't have much time to get out and enjoy it, being surrounded by nature is an amazing feeling. It really puts things into perspective.

3. The shuttle ride from the airport to the Estes Park YMCA where the conference was held. I met several sweet yogis who were absolutely glowing they were so thrilled to be spending their weekend immersed in yoga. I felt postive vibes from all the yoga students I met in every workshop I took. Warm fuzzies.

4. Amy Ippoliti shared her secret to a fabulous yoga butt--thighs back, inner spiral, and "inner thigh tone-age is your best friend!" I'll keep working on it.

5. Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Judith Lasater inspired me to embrace the goddess within during the Women in Yoga panel. We are so lucky to strong, confident, caring, compassionate women like them in the yoga community. I'd say I want to be like them when I grow up, but I know they'd say to embrace who I am instead.

6. The fabulous yoga marketplace. Usually I avoid this place like the plague because I have too much yoga stuff as it is, and I need to watch my spending. But this time things were super affordable (even free) and the atmosphere was fun and friendly. I got a free headband from Alo, a free vegan cupcake from Lucy, and even found a steal on a top from Zobha for only $15. What a treat! 

7. I learned that Gary Kraftsow is my neighbor. Really. The bus I ride to work passes his house every since day (twice!).

8. There was a real effort this year to tread lightly on the earth. The Green Yoga Association was very prominent all week giving out re-usable water bottles and reminding people to recycle. Plus, they took away my boss's old PVC mat and put it on display in the marketplace! (They gave her a replacement Eco mat.)

9. Yogis are becoming more and more technologically advanced these days. I loved sharing Tweets with other conference attendees and getting a glimpse into their experiences. (Search for #YJEstes and #YJEstes to see the Tweets and read other conference attendee blogs at ElephantJournal.com and Desertisland.com.

10. In my last class there was a lady in her 80s who didn't look a day over 60. She has been doing Anusara yoga for more than 10 years and she had a firm grasp on the asana and seemed to be enjoying herself. Many people her age have a hard time even walking. I was SO impressed, and I hope when I'm in my 80s I'll still be practicing. What an inspiration!