Brandyn (left) with a friend at the Baron Baptiste Immersion
Last week, Deanne shared her experiences from the Baron Baptiste Power Flow Immersion in Estes Park, Colorado. The opportunity allowed yogis to immerse themselves in the disciplines of Baptiste Yoga and to open and strengthen the mind, body and spirit. While everyone attends the same immersion, experiences differ from mat to mat. Brandyn, our assistant manager at the Shops at West End, shares her experiences from the same three-day conference.
arrival: why am i here?
Arriving at Estes Park CO was nothing short of amazing. I sat amongst 500 other wide-eyed participants listening to Baron Baptiste and his team enthusiastically sharing their stories. The itinerary for the week would consist of roughly 15 hours of yoga a day: a four-hour morning session taught by Baron himself, then breakout sessions which we could choose from for the remainder of the day. Baron asked each of us to go back to our rooms that night and ask us ourselves, "what did we come here to get?"
day one: getting out of my head
How am I feeling philosophically, energetically and physically? What stories do I live in? These are a few of the questions we were asked to answer on our mat today. During our 20-minute meditation, my mind raced with thoughts and I had a difficult time being present. By the end of the day I was exhausted and very hot. I spent the evening yoga class in Savasana just listening to Baron talk. I walked home wondering if I could make it through day two. I caught myself "in my head" and decided to choose "presence and peace" and go to bed.
day two: my breakthrough
When we entered the conference that morning we were welcomed by Michael Franti's voice over the speakers. The energy in the room was buzzing and high. Baron’s intention for the day was “playful purpose.” Our practice was sweaty, fun and aided by a partner. We did one exercise where we had to look each other in the eye and try to look beyond the physical. This was really hard at first but once we got beyond "looking good" we connected with each other on a much deeper level. In the afternoon I did a workshop that focused on teaching from your authentic voice. The workshop left me feeling elevated and with a breakthrough for my teaching - keep it simple and let your passion shine.
day three: living with a new mantra
Physically I was sore but energetically I was buzzing! The immersion made me realize that my mind has been over grown with ‘weeds’ and as a result I was not living presently. I left feeling renewed and more aware of myself. I believe that yoga, meditating and continuing to be in a community of like-minded people is key to my joy. I went home with a new mantra: how can I help and what do you need from me? I now stand in belief that showing up every day with my cup empty, listening with "beginner ears" and coming from a place of service without expectation, will build the joy in my heart.
Just like in a yoga class where the same series of postures can present different challenges for everyone, yoga immersions can bring about various realizations and each experience is unique. What are some of the breakthrough moments that you’ve had on your mat?
want more?
- read Deanne’s Baptiste immersion experience
- Alana, Paula and Alexis talk wanderlust
- treat yourself to a yoga retreat
- feeling inspired? check out upcoming Baptiste programs
