“Yoga is a movement I’m proud to be a part of.”

Jane said this to me, her soft tone only hinting at the depth of passion and purpose behind her words. A vision, and indeed, a practice, that has kept her and co-founder Ben Lanza at the forefront of creative, conscious event planning for the past 6 years running.

I had the honor of experiencing one of their events myself, last weekend at the Burlington Yoga Conference; a sweet, local gathering of like-minded progressives, intent on holding a container for free expression, for deep play, and for ignited community. As I make my way through the constantly evolving public yoga sphere, with it’s variety of offerings and incarnations, it has become easy to see that the space Jane and Ben create, is one born of yoga in action. In a sense, it’s a dharmically-powered move towards what’s next, a common role for the agile, quick-thinking little guy that holds one giant vision.

In their case, it is all about curating experience. Not numbers, not huge growth, not large profit margins, but the insatiable and irresistible urge back towards sustainable service. It’s service to their local communities in connecting the web of studios in the Burlington area and to the creation of a safe, free container. In Jane’s words: in keeping it real, which has been the case for the dynamic duo from the beginning.

Inspired by Power to the Peaceful, Harmony Festival and other Bay Area hybrids of music and mindfulness—by Jane’s California roots, Ben’s event experience, and their shared love of yoga, the firstLiberate Music and yoga event was born in the spring of 2007. An offering that interwove yoga practices during the day and cutting edge music production at night, thus arguably instigating, and certainly catching, the innovative front end of now commonplace yoga/music events.

“So much of it is a dance,” Jane told me, “it’s about creativity. The constant return to something more artful. The question for us is not can we can sustain in the face of new Vermont events (like Wanderlust), but in doing our life’s work, knowing that we are offering something unique and of service. I believe that there is room for all.”

And if the collective vibe of the event last weekend had anything to say about it, your participants agree. Held in the University of Vermont UC Davis Center, the Burlington Yoga Conference offered everything from traditional yoga staples, influenced by Kripalu and Anusara varietals, to kirtan and yoga dance blends, such as Radiant Hoopdance and Soul Movement.

As I looked out across a sea of hula hoops and their smiling owners I was struck by the invested participation—almost like a sense of shared ownership, that only tight community emanates. Jane and Ben and their skilled team have much to be proud of.

So what’s next for the BYC, that was (up until last year), the largest yoga gathering in Vermont? Ever the yogini, Jane told me; Event production, like yoga, is about creativity. What can you make work? How can you make it thrive? If the quality of the yoga is there, the rest will follow.

Jane and Ben, and truly the whole of their the Vermont kula, are clearly buoyed by their crucial role in the growing movement called yoga. Even in the face of shifting worlds, they stand for the powerful technology of practices that are so at work in the world today. The BYC, as if tethered to that power of heart, will continue to evolve freely, riding the agile and shifting tides of creative impulse to “what’s next.” And all the while, it will certainly remain a genuine manifestation, and an irresistible offering for years to come.

Like elephant yoga on Facebook.

~

Editor: Kate Bartolotta

Incorrect source, offensive, or found a typo? Or do you want to write for Elephant?

Shakti Sunfire is an internationally celebrated empowerment educator through movement, mysticism, and mindfulness practices. A leader of the international hoopdance movement and a dedicated student, the firey Sagittarian has always pulled inspiration first from the Natural World and counts herself blessed to have the wise council of many teachers in her life. / You might have seen her dancing alongside the String Cheese Incident, on the Wanderlust Festival main stage, or on the cover of Yoga Journal. A true rolling stone, Shakti teaches workshops, leads retreats, and performs all over the world – some places you’re likely to find her are India, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Bali, and Barcelona. / The savvy business woman in her has foundedRadiant Hoopdance, runs a successful online retail store, and gotten her published and featured in countless books, articles, images and DVDs. Her passion and playful spirit has won her a variety of awards and graced her with success in all fields of self expression from writing, visionary event planning, and powerful performance, to ignited teaching and leadership; which in her philosophy are all part of the same spiraling journey into the heart. / She calls The Center Collective San Francisco her home in the rare occasion she touches down.

Thank you South End Studio for hosting our conference kick-off and fundraiser!
Between the Yoga Dance class held at SES, and the silent-auction held throughout the weekend at BYC, we raised $857 for the foodbank- that’s 5, 142 meals for our neighbors in need! As well our canned food drive brought in 86 pounds, thanks for your help Samatha Wyman!

Acro Yoga Demo at Liberate Spring Gathering

“Burlington Yoga Conference, I love you!!! What sweet connection…thank you. ♥”
- Shakti Sunfire (leader of the worldwide Hoop Dance movement)

Half Moon Pose on the Super Moon, May 5 2012, with Shakti Sunfire at BYC

“I have been to a lot of conferences; I have traveled the world and [Burlington Yoga Conference] is the best conference.”
- Sherry Ryan, Founder of Providence Healing Arts

Jane Jarecki Lanza, the co-founder of the Burlington Yoga Conference, appeared on The :30 to tell us why yoga gatherings like this have become such a big hit. Watch the video for more.

In addition to our Friday night Fundraiser and silent auction to benefit Vermont Foodbank, BYC is excited to announce that we will hold a food drive throughout the conference to directly benefit the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf. The CEFS works to alleviate hunger by feeding people and cultivating opportunities. As the largest direct service emergency food provider in Vermont, CEFS serves over 12,000 people each year.

By donating four non-perishable food items, you will be entered to win a set of BYC presenter- Myra Lewin’s books (Freedom in Your Relationship with Food and Simple Ayurvedic Recipes) which guide a lifestyle of healthy eating from the basic principles of Ayurveda and Yoga as well as a Liberate Yoga Mat, T, and other fun goodies.

The following items are recommended as excellent, non-perishable choices for food drives:
• Canned fish-tuna, salmon, sardines, etc.
• Peanut Butter
• Cereal-all varieties
• Canned fruits-all varieties
• Canned vegetables-all varieties
• Canned meat-beef, pork, chicken, etc.
• Canned soups and chili
• Boxed meals-Macaroni & Cheese, Hamburger Helper, etc.
• Pasta and pasta sauce-all varieties
• Diapers-All sizes
• Pet food-all varieties

Thank you for your contribution to alleviative hunger in our community!
—

Thanks to Windhorse Adventures, anyone who attends BYC can save $100 on the Italy Yoga and Meditation Retreat (until May 31, 2012). Mention this post! Windhorse will have a table in the BYC Mindful Marketplace.

Come home to yourself by leaving your routine behind…    This is more than a vacation.   This is an invitation to practice mindfulness by delighting the senses and awakening the body.

Give yourself the gift of unwinding, meditation, healthful vegetarian meals and body awareness through yoga and other workshops amidst the unique beauty of the Tuscan landscape, with excursions to Florence and surrounds.

What this program includes:

1. Six nights accommodation;
2. Three vegetarian meals per day (special dietary requirements will be accommodated where possible);
3. In-house cooking class with a professional Italian chef;
4. Beginner, intermediate and advanced yoga instruction;
5. Meditation, instruction, and dharma talks;
6. Yoga Dance;
7. Contemplative movement workshop;
8. Journal for reflection;
9. An excursion to Florence;
10. Wine tours and tastings.

The program does not include: Airfare or transfers from the airport.  Flights, transports and travel insurance can be arranged upon request.

Additional services are available. Contact us for pricing:

1. Bicycle rental;
2. Car rental;
3. Additional excursions.

Our guides:

Jane Jarecki Lanza:
Jane is co-founder of the Burlington Yoga Conference, and Liberate Music & Yoga Festival.  Jane teaches in the Kripalu lineage; she’s a co-founder of Laughing River Yoga studio in Burlington, VT and leads yoga retreats near and far. Jane’s mission is to connect people with the power of yoga to heal (body, mind, spirit and community, through positive change.  Jane’s message is ultimately love. She’s inspired by her teachers and students from around the world and by her personal practice, which cultivates for Jane a sense of connection to all that is. Read Jane Yoga Blog.

Space is limited.  Register today. Please e-mail kwalls@windhorseadventures.com or call 802-382-0010 for more information.

Read the latest news by Windhorse Adventures

5 reasons to love BYC

1.  30+ workshops to choose from by yoga experts. Experience yoga and the power of the Vermont Sangha in the beautiful Davis Center

2.  Complimentary Chai and Iced Herbal by Dobra Tea and awesome vendors in the Mindful Marketplace

3.  Sound Healing and Therapeutic Massage

4.  Community; accessible instructors available to help answer questions about your practice,  meet new students and friends

5.  Vermont in spring -time is blooming with life and a beautiful place to be.

Dobra Tea Room at BYC
Dobra Tea will be setting up a tearoom at the Burlington Yoga Conference taking place in the Davis Center at the University of Vermont. Come drink complimentary tea in a quiet room, or buy some tea sweets (baklava and daifuku mochi), loose leaf tea and teaware to take home. The Dobra tearoom at the Burlington Yoga Conference will be open during breaks and between classes. Rejuvenate with a cup of tea and a sweet.

***

Chakra Kahn:
Healing pendants with a specific association to certain elements, glands, colors, gemstones, and physical and emotional disorders. Each one is also related to a personality trait, which can manifest in a positive or negative way depending if it’s energy is balanced or imbalanced. These pendants are visual reminders to help you focus on whichever chakra you’re working to balance. jenkahn.etsy.com

***

Vitamix:
Vitamix is a high performing blending company. Vitamix belies in helping their customers lead a healthier life. Along with exercise, it’s important to eat healthily and Vitamix helps make this possible. Vitamix Website

***

Windhorse Adventures:

Join Windhorse Adventures company, out of Middlebury, VT, and Jane Jarecki Lanza (founder of BYC), for yoga, meditation, and Italian adventure in Tuscany this fall.  Learn more about this retreat and the limitless travel possibilities available to you through Windhorse Adventures at BYC.

***

Up Pup:
Created by an awesome mother/daughter team, this organic yoga line is great for kids and parents who like to get down…dog. A portion of proceeds benefit charity too! Be sure to catch UpPup’s playful energy and adorable yoga apparel in the Mindful Marketplace at BYC. Up Pup will also be selling hoops in honor of Liberate Spring Gathering. Shop Up Pup online.

***