You wear comfortable clothes, probably the usual gym lycra or, if concern for climate change and ecology has pushed you further, garments made of organic cotton in earth tones, ochres, or whites. You go barefoot, finally freeing your feet (even from socks: you must feel the strength and gripping potential of those toes always enclosed) and breathing solely through your nose (unless your practice incorporates certain advanced pranayamas), linking each inhalation and exhalation in the asanas (or what is the same, postures) that will be dictated to you with names of animals or in Sanskrit. All to give the best version of yourself.
All to embark on that new path towards spirituality, relaxation, and, why not, to keep fit, a journey that according to the WHO, has already attracted over 300 million people worldwide. This practice, which can be more or less physical, will help you to connect decisively (and solely) with your breath, which ultimately is all that matters, designed to reach. And to forget, in a practical sense, about absurd worries like the shopping list, in order to eventually be able to make life decisions (both on and off the mat) in that new state of consciousness. Quite challenging because the goal is for you not to feel bad or in conflict. To not feel like a Western impostor seeking peace in an Eastern key.
The intention of the festivals organized by The Yoga Gallery is to share and make accessible the experiences of teachers who are in that process. Without the need to travel to the other side of the world, or go on a retreat to India or Bali, they offer unique experiences in truly exceptional spaces for both seasoned yogis and beginners. These experiences are designed to establish themselves as a benchmark for yoga in Southern Europe. The first festival will take place between April 22 and 28 in the monumental ensemble of La Seu Vella, La Panera, or the Espacio Cavallers in Lleida, each location with an imposing spiritual atmosphere. Additionally, during the first week of June, the festival will be held on the beautiful white island of Lazareto in Menorca.
Yoga teacher Gabriel Pena, co-director and founder of this event which he defines as “a safe space where anyone can create, connect, and grow in a unique and genuine experience for those who seek or understand yoga as a lifelong tool,” explains that “yoga also provides the keys to facing the challenges in mental health of our times and becomes a refuge, another way of living in a sustainable and supportive world.”
Twenty teachers and artists from different countries will be leading a total of 50 hours of practice in various types of yoga such as Hatha, Kundalini, Yin, or Vinyasa, as well as meditation. Local teachers will also be participating in the festival, leading the first part known as TYG OFF, a series of free classes in different locations in the cities of Lleida and Maó.
The festival also features two “laboratory” sessions, a concept in which The Yoga Gallery explores seemingly impossible pairings, combining electronic music and video projection by Arms
In this sense, the presence of British James Crossley stands out, who besides teaching Yin Yoga sessions, will share his shift to the spiritual dimension of yoga and sound therapy after having been a bodybuilder and a media personality in the United Kingdom. Other teachers and instructors in the program include Rochelle Mello, Alexis Racionero, Mireia Coma-Cros, Olga Oskorbina, Mitch Burnett, Sandra Arnaiz, and Yolanda Modrego.
Regarding the most musical program, you will be able to enjoy the spiritual music roots of Xarim Aresté, and a concert at the Seu Vella by one of the leading figures in emotional and kirtan music, Ravi Ramoneda.
Since the festivals last practically the whole week, non-resident yogis have an initiative that is not new (this is the second year that TYG has developed this unique proposal) but continues to surprise those who are not familiar with it. It’s called “Adopt a yogi,” a program that encourages households in Lleida and Menorca to open their doors to festival participants in exchange for free tickets. In this way, and in line with the festival’s philosophy, The Yoga Gallery promotes coexistence and relationships among yoga lovers while they share and discover the city through its people.
