The first glimmer arrived during the pandemic. I felt scared and worried. Didn’t we all?! Some yoga
studios closed and teachers were not teaching. Our practices radically shifted at home. My heart felt so
achy and heavy.
I do not recall the day the idea arrived. There were a lot of quiet days that all felt the same. I had been
practicing Sun A Salutations (no worries if you do not know what they are) and birthday leg lifts (again,
no worries) daily in my sunroom that first summer when we were in lock down. The sun would peak
around the rooftop and plant a few sparkles on my yoga mat. Those sparkly moments inspired
celebration. I did not want the feeling of the celebration to end. There she was, a festival, tiny and
perfect on my mat, full of expansive energy.
I spoke to groups in the community, letting them in on what was coming through for me. Some folks
around the area have told me they remember hearing me talk of a festival those years ago. The seed of
the festival sat. She was ready for a willing crew.
They showed up in their yoga clothing with all the props. It is time. There are huge smiles on their
faces, happily tipped to the sun. The festival is being nurtured to life in Wisconsin. A very long time ago,
yoga was one teacher and one student practicing together. Now we are practicing together in
connection and community.
This is your Yoga Festival! This is your celebration of practices that enrich your mind, body, and spirit.
Maybe this is your sparkly moment. Please join us! We cannot wait to practice with you. More Love
Namaste and Welcome!
Danita Nelms, Mandala Yoga Fest Founder
Photo Courtesy of SheerBlue Artistry and Wellness
The Mandala Festival is about growth through community. Community through connecting. It’s about love and the creative power we all share. When I envision the day, I see smiling faces, kids playing, groups of people moving their bodies. I hear laughing, a background of music and a universal breath. I feel the warm sun and a deep sense of gratitude. This is exactly where we are supposed to be. Right here embracing the world, each other and ourselves.
When I think about what the day of the festival will bring, my heart and soul explode with joy. I think about the connections that will be made; the opportunities to expand (existing and new) relationships inside the yoga community, the connections that will be made between the entrepreneurs (providing experiences, workshops, nourishing food/beverages, and merchandise) and those who attend to experience opportunities for yoga, connection that creates support, inspiration and growth. I am looking forward to helping create an environment to make those connections and experiences for anyone and everyone that attends this festival. My hope is that there will be something for everyone to experience and share. That everyone walks away from this event inspired to continue to grow love and connection in their communities.
Why a yoga festival? Why not? Yoga on and off our mats is a magical kind of life force energy. It not only unites you back to your own mind, body, and spirit but also to your connection with the community. And there, within that space, we thrive. We discover healing, peace, steadiness, adventure and so much love. We all need a little more of that to take up space within our own hearts and the heart of our community.
There’s something amazing about yoga. The feeling that comes after, that moment of reconnection with Self, discovering something new about yourself. It’s even more amazing when you can share that with others, when something that you love becomes bigger than yourself, but you have the honor of being part of it. What better way to do that, than through a free yoga festival that makes yoga available to everyone. I’m so honored and excited to be part of making this come alive.
Connection to self, connection to others... that's what it's all about isn't it? A yoga festival in a disconnected world isn't just a good idea - it's a necessity. The heartbeat of the Mandala Yoga Festival is UNITY - a deep honoring of the threads that connect each one of us to ourselves, to one another, and to the Universe at large. The love and intention that has already gone into this festival showcase the team’s aligned vision for an empowering and life-changing event. Our community needs this event now more than ever.
Connection...we talk about it often in class. Connection with our breath, connection with our body, connection to the tradition of the practice. But one of the most energizing connections is that with each other! This yoga festival is such a wonderful way to bring us together - beyond our separate studios or groups, beyond our mat set up at home - to share our love of this practice and the unique way that practicing in a large group of diverse yet like-minded people can nourish our soul and reinforce the goodness and love that is out there. And there is nothing like practicing outside! Hope to see you there!
I fully believe that the world will be a better place with more yoga! This festival will be a beautiful opportunity to introduce yoga to many, and deepen its roots for those already practicing. At the heart of cultivating the festival experience is creating a space where EVERYONE feels like they belong. We aim to accomplish this by including offerings designed for all ages and abilities. We will also provide exposure to elements of yoga off the mat. More often than not, especially in the states, we think of yoga primarily as the physical practice. However, yoga is not only about the poses, or asanas, it’s about how we interact with ourselves, and how we interact with others and the world around us. It’s about being at peace with ourselves, and with others. There is so much for all of us to learn, so much growth to be experienced! Come festival day, I envision an abundance of joy, smiling faces and a sense of peace that brings us one step closer to making the world a better place. It starts with each and every one of us, as we build a stronger community with those around us.
Having created and attended beautiful festival experiences, we know firsthand how meaningful, powerful, and outright magical they can be for those who participate. And we want that for all of you! We’ve joined the team to help intentionally foster a full-on culture of welcoming and belonging energy.
Also, we’re SO excited to be bringing Loving Awareness and Brilliant Bliss Mantra Music to the fest. Meditation and mantra practices are beautiful aspects of our yogic path and lifestyle that we feel honored to share with everyone.
My mission as a Yoga Professional is to Inspire Empowerment and strengthen individuals and communities through Movement, Meditation, and Empowered Mindset Work. With that mission in mind, I am thrilled and honored to be a part of the Mandala Yoga Festival Team. Appleton is home to numerous talented, strong, and creative individuals, and this festival is about bringing everyone together, sharing space, promoting health and wellness for all, and building and strengthening connections. As Volunteer Coordinator, I look forward to inviting community members into a space where they can share their talents, their love for community, and be a part of something brand new and truly remarkable. One of the greatest things I've learned from my 8 years as a Yoga + Meditation Coach is that no one ever leaves a Yoga Class upset. I look forward to an entire day of inviting our community to unburden themselves from whatever heaviness they may carry, then head back to their homes, their work, and their world with a greater sense of freedom and ease.
A unique gathering experience filled with intentional movement and community, the Mandala Yoga Festival is the first of its kind in Northeastern Wisconsin. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature and the sacred practices of yoga as we unite and elevate the Collective together. A symbol of unity and harmony, the mandala represents a reverence for the connection between Self and the Universe. Join us for a day of embodying just that: honoring the threads that connect each of us to one another and to the Universe.
With over twenty FREE yoga practices for persons of all ages and abilities, local vendors, nourishing food, and stunning door prizes, you won’t want this empowering experience to end. Grab a friend (or three) and enjoy this free (yes - FREE) event and all it has to offer. Local vendors, services and food will be available to purchase throughout the day. Please bring your own mat, blocks, straps, towels, etc., there will not be any available to borrow at the festival.
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