By Punctuate
If San Francisco is known for one thing, it’s probably Karl the Fog. But if it’s known for two things, a close second would be its vibrant yoga community. The Bay Area is home to phenomenal teachers and devoted students all year long, but for four days in January, San Francisco becomes a hub for the most respected and experienced yoga teachers from all over the world as they gather for the annual Yoga Journal LIVE! conference.
For serious yogis, it’s one of the most important events of the year. In fact, your favorite yoga teachers will probably be there to take classes from their favorite teachers and mentors. But it’s also an opportunity for beginners or casual yogis to go and learn from the best and to relax and rejuvenate as we make our way through the new year.
This year’s featured teachers include Kathryn Budig, Seane Corn, David Swenson, Shiva Rea, Rodney Yee, and more. No matter what your current level is, these are the teachers who will take you to the next one — mentally and physically.
They’ll be leading classes in different styles of yoga for beginner, intermediate, and advanced practitioners. Some examples include “Move and Renew” with Stephanie Snyder, “Flow and Glow” with Kathryn Budig and DJ Drez, and “Flip It and Fly” with Janet Stone. Whatever style or aspect of yoga you’re into, there’s something to explore. But it’s not just about spending four days hanging out in a traditional downward-facing dog. The event also includes free activities in the Sangha Space, including yoga classes for kids and adults, morning meditations, community networking, kirtan, hooping, happy hours, and evening events.
The “Life in Balance Lecture Series” will include an evening discussion about how yoga is impacting modern society at large. Key influencers will congregate to discuss some of the ways that yoga has made its mark on our lives today. Congressman Tim Ryan will speak on mindfulness and public policy; Beryl Bender Birch will discuss breaking barriers in healthcare and veterans programs; and Gopi Kallayil will cover technology and mindfulness. Afterward, a Q&A will give audience members the opportunity to discuss yoga off the mat.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a major yoga event without an MC Yogi yoga dance party. The Bay Area’s most famous yoga teacher/DJ will collaborate with Amanda Giacomini and DJ Drez to create a truly unique musical yoga experience. Unlike your usual Saturday night activities or anything else at the conference, it will be a deep exploration of yoga, rhythm, and the bond shared by members of the yoga community.
There are also a number of classes that focus on particular areas of interest, such as continuing-education classes for teachers and advanced practitioners, therapeutic classes for healing both physical and emotional trauma, and contemplative classes that focus on meditation and the philosophy of yoga.
Yoga Journal LIVE! takes place at the Hyatt Regency in San Francisco from January 15th to the 19th. You can sign up for individual classes, all-day workshops, or multiday class packs. The Yoga Market is free and open to the public on Friday through Sunday. Readers of The Bold Italic can save 15% on the class pass of their choice (except single classes) with the code Bold15.
