Move and meditate at Yoga Festival

CELEBRATING movement, mindfulness and meditation, the Bendigo Yoga Festival is set for next weekend, featuring thirty classes from twenty instructors.

Organiser Rosie Richards said the event is in its fourth year, changing every time, but always giving people an opportunity to explore a variety of styles of yoga.

“Instructors come into Bendigo, so for locals, they can try something that’s a bit different to what their local studios and instructors offer,” she said.

“Kundalini gong yoga, forest yoga, Zenthai flow, laughter yoga, a martial art cross, and in-depth workshops are available. We’re offering something for any age, whether a beginner or seasoned yogi.

“It’s also an opportunity for local instructors to connect with a wider community, offering their practice. It’s an exciting program showcasing whoever’s available and wants to share.”

Ms Richards hopes people will walk away from the weekend not only feeling relaxed, rejuvenated and revitalised, but knowing they’ve had fun in the company of new people, while building their own itinerary

“The best feedback we can get is knowing someone’s had a great time, or a phenomenal experience, or they met someone likeminded. That coming together of community delights me,” she said.

“Because of last year being what it was, we’ve got more meditation and mental health stuff on offer; mindfulness. We’ve really considered that this year.

“We encourage people to talk about their experience with a friend, extending that lineage of yoga, and what excites them about it, whether it’s the exercise, mental clarity, a feeling of inner peace, the feeling of home, breath or stillness, or even intense movement.”

For Ms Richards, yoga is a joyous lifestyle, and not just a practice every now and then.

“I love yoga. I can connect with people, and it’s a way you can be in the world; compassionate and kind.

“When I started, it extended into my own wellbeing, and then I wanted to get it into other people’s lives. That’s why we’re putting on this event,” she said.

Bendigo Yoga Festival will be held on Saturday, 6 and Sunday, 7 March. Visit bendigo.yogafestival.com.au.