How to make the most out of your next Yoga Festival

A yoga festival is not something that you do: it is a unique event that you live and experience in all its blissful facets. Be it in the tropics, up in the mountains or in an urban jungle, you’ll be inspired and engaged in so many ways: set your personal intention, let yourself go, get out of your comfort zone and get ready to make the most out of it! 

However, remember the most important rule: there are no rules! Read and follow the steps, or not: your choice. Take them as simple suggestions. Your yoga festival is yours: go as you are and be free.

Whether you are a seasoned expert or you have just booked your first yoga festival, here is a special guide for you:

7 steps on how to fully live your next yoga festival.

1. Set your personal intentions

Once at the yoga festival, you’ll easily get caught in the turbine of events and high vibes. That’s beautiful, but you might feel unfocused or even a bit disoriented. That’s why it is important to set your personal intentions before going to the yoga festival. This doesn’t have to be strict or unrealistic. Be kind to yourself and don’t get lost in false expectations. Meditate and choose an achievable intention that will guide you through those times when you might feel overwhelmed. It could be as simple as: “my intention is to dance more!” And don’t forget: let your yoga festival surprise you.

2. Prepare your body and listen to it

100 chaturangas later, you’ll thank yourself for having read and followed this second step! During a yoga festival you’ll most likely practice more than what you are used to: your body needs to be prepared for this. Slowly increase your practice during the month or two before the event. Careful though: do not get too tired before arriving to the festival: alternate physical practice with healthy eating and enough sleep.

During the festival, remember to listen to your body. If you feel fatigued do not overwork or fight against it. Instead, respect what your body is telling you: you have nothing to prove. Self-care is key.

Tip: You know this already. Hydrate, hydrate and hydrate! The best way to keep your body energy up whilst practicing yoga is to drink plenty of water. Also, don’t forget to eat regularly during the yoga festival. You’ll probably be so excited by all the classes available that you might sometimes be tempted to skip breakfast or lunch. Please don’t! Delicious, healthy and nutritious food is always available and plays a crucial role in making you feel strong and ready to make the most out of your yoga festival.

3. Plan your days ahead, but keep your schedule flexible.

Yoga festival line-ups are exciting, right? However, if taken too seriously, they might become a bit stressful. It’s good to plan your days ahead, but also leave some room for surprises and unexpected twists. When picking your daily classes remember to choose one alternative class, just in case your first choice is full or not available. Also, might be wise to alternate your schedule: after a physically demanding class, opt for a yin, restorative or meditation class, this will keep you balanced and you won’t feel drained after the first day of your yoga festival.

Tip: always arrive early to class, that might save you from not being able to attend because already full.

4. Pack wisely: the essentials.

And with wisely is meant: not too much!

Here what you definitely need to bring to your yoga festival:

• A mat carrier or mat bag: an absolute must have while you are moving from one class to the other. It will save you time like you would not believe!
• An extra towel: to place under your mat at class. Most classes at yoga festival’s are in temporary tents where your mats are placed directly on the grass. So an extra towel is so useful as it will give your mat clean from any dirt.
• Sunscreen and a rain poncho: be ready to receive Mother Nature’s gifts, in all forms of sunshine or rain.
• A small backpack or tote bag: to carry your things around during the day.
• A warm layer: even if you are going to the tropics, always pack a warmer layer: the evenings can be chilly especially walking or riding home and your body might feel tired and cold after a long day of practice.
• A journal and a pen: you’ll learn so much and you’ll want to keep track of all your new ideas, inspirational quotes from teachers, people you meet it, your intentions…Oh, so many memories!

Tip: when packing, always leave a little extra space in your luggage: who knows what you might find and buy at the colorful stands and exotic markets.

5. Get out of your comfort zone

At a yoga festival, you’ll find many classes and disciplines that you’ve probably never tried before. Well, this is the place to do it! A yoga festival is the perfect place to get out of your comfort zone and try new things out. When that happens, magic happens: you’ll explore different sides of you, which you have never been aware of. There’s nothing to fear and all to experience.

6. Find your tribe, or not.

It all depends on your initial and personal intention. Don’t force yourself to meet new people if you just don’t feel like it. If you do, you’ve come to the right place. A yoga festival is the perfect event to find like minded individuals from all over the Planet. There’s room for everyone: find your tribe, get inspired and share your beautiful experience.

7. Receive, give and explore

At a yoga festival you’ll receive a lot: your mind, your body, your soul, will all be enriched by such a magical experience. But, what about “giving”? Most yoga festivals, in addition to provide a space for self-exploration and transformation, support local communities and social projects. Inform yourself about the initiatives and participate. Don’t get too focused on yourself: widen your perspective by getting to know the local community, culture and natural environment. You might have to skip few classes in order to do that, but it will be worth it. It will make your experience even more unique and you’ll get back home not only with an open mind, but also with an open heart.

Learn about BaliSpirit Festival’s Outreach programs here

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Written by: Elisabetta Crovara