“JIVA DIVA” KAIVALYA AT TELLURIDE YOGA FESTIVAL

04 Jul “JIVA DIVA” KAIVALYA AT TELLURIDE YOGA FESTIVAL

The yogi who attains “kaivalya” is a being who has gained independence from all bondages and achieved the absolute true consciousness. No small trick. Then again Alanna Kaivalya has always aimed high.

Alanna returns to town to teach once again at Aubrey Hackman’s 5th annual Telluride Yoga Festival, Thursday, July 12 – Sunday, July 15, joining a cast of illustrious presenters that includes Dr. Jayashree and M.A. Narasimhan, Duncan Wong, Annie Pace, Mark Whitwell, Beryl Bender Birch, Sean Johnson, Stacey Rosenberg, Nancy Stechert, Karl Straub, Allison English, the YogaSlackers, Amy Johnson, Jill Lawson, Rachel Nelson, Mike Matsumara, River Cummings, Erin Fleming, Tina Porter and Josh Vincent.

The founder of The Kaivalya Yoga Method, Alanna is an artistic and inspiring teacher in the tradition. Her website is “JivaDiva,” which means the “jiva” or soul is infused with a beat or vibration, the rhythm of the diva:

“This divine vibration connects us all and becomes the touchstone for the rhythms of my classes.”

Deep listening is the leitmotif of Alanna’s life. She was born with a hearing impairment, but always listened closely for answers in silence:

“It was evident right from the get-go that I either listen up or tune out. Unafraid, I forged ahead, always sitting in the front row of class, blasting the stereo, in the middle of conversations I found interesting.”

The album she produced, Shine, is a testament to the importance of music and sound in her life. (It is available on iTunes.)

Listed among Yoga Journal’s Top Yoga Teachers Under 40  (March, 2008), and now with more than a decade of teaching experience, Alanna has developed a teaching style that is a unique combination of her spirit, her knowledge, and of course the teachers who have influenced her along the path from all around the globe.

Alanna’s first book, “Myths of Asanas” was released in Spring 2010 and has become a guide for both practitioners and teachers alike eager to learn more about mythology and philosophy in a fun and accessible way. She is also a regular contributor to The Huffington Post on the subjects of and yoga and personal development.

Alanna has been leading and working with teacher training programs around the world since 2004. She is the yoga philosophy instructor at several trainings including Moksha Yoga (Canada), Radiantly Alive (Bali), and Flow Yoga in Washington D.C. For six years, she has led adjustments workshops around the world and is renowned for her deep and precise adjustments. Alanna also leads kirtans and has performed at Yoga Journal Conferences around the country. She always brings live music into the studio when she teaches, serenading her students into savasana. Alanna also holds regular classes in New York City.

Known for her ability to translate the ancient practice of yoga into a modern-day context, Alanna Kaivalya, has a mission: to convey a sense of joy and freedom through harmony and synchronicity through classes, workshops, writing and music.

At the Telluride Yoga Festival, Alanna is schedule to teach three classes:

• Saturday, July 14, 3 – 5 p.m., the focus is on “Winning the War.” Through chanting and live music, yoga philosophy and yoga sutra, work through a vigorous vinyasa practice to embody what teachings about Kali and Durga (goddesses that help us to wage the internal battle and overcome ego and fear) offer us: freedom and happiness.

• Sunday, July 15, 3  5 p.m., is Alanna’s myth and mantra workshop, combining kirtan with storytelling. (Chanting and lecture.)

And at all three classes, Roxy, Alanna’s tri-colored rescue mutt, is a watchful (and irresistible) presence.

To learn more, click the “play” button and listen to what Alanna has to add.