Augusta, MO first ever Yoga Festival – Bliss!

August 11 -14, 2022 – You are invited to join us on the mat for 3  1/2 days of yoga, breath work, meditation, singing, fellowship, GF meals, and activities at the Harmonie-Verein Cultural Center at 5333 Hackmann Road, Augusta, MO.  Please take a look at the schedule and sign up for the sessions and meals you are called to.

We encourage you to also make it a full day or weekend experience with hiking and mountain biking in Klondike Park and Matson Hill Park nearby.  Ride a bike or take a leisure walk on the beautiful Katy Trail State Park.  Enjoy the shops in town, or visit a local wineries or the brewery after you complete yoga.  You may like to make reservations at Root Food +Wine for a foodie experience with fine dining.   Stay the night at a local B&B in Augusta, or nearby town such as Washington, Defiance, Marthasville, or  New Melle. Create your BLISS!

Pricing per student.  You may select single session or a package. To register, sign up for the first one, then you will be given the payment package options.  Completed the payment and first registration, and then you can sign up for your remaining sessions you purchased.  If you need assistance please call Kathy Kessler 314-369-6804, Karl Mullings 928-300-7251 or Halcyon Spa 636-228-4110.

 CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.

$24 per session or meal

$70 for 3 sessions or meals

$111 for 5 sessions or meals

$222 for 11 sessions or meals

$333 for 17 sessions or meals

$444 for 24 sessions or meals

Food provided by Sunflower Hill Farm, Augusta, MO

9 meals offered for the Yoga Festival – Bliss! weekend.  These are pre-set menus.  Please register for the meal time you prefer when registering for your sessions.  Each meal counts as a session,  please purchase the package you would like to cover the meals and sessions throughout the festival weekend.  

Thursday, August 11

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for Thursday Sessions

1:00 PM – Accessing the Wisdom of the Heart – Stacy Oliver

3:00 PM – Yoga Basics Practice – Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200

5:00 PM – Restorative, Yin, MFR Yoga, Visualization Meditation – Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200 and Sound Healing with Sara Doll

7:00 PM – Moon Salutation Practice – Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200 and Sangita Devi on Harmonium

8:30 PM – Drumming Circle

Dinner for Thursday.  Simply select your time and you will pick it up your pre-made meal from Sunflower Hill Farm in the basement of the Harmonie-Verein.  You may enjoy meals in the basement in fellowship with others, or picnic tables available outside, or take it to go.

4:30 PM -5:00 PM   OR  6:30 PM -7:00 PM – Thursday Dinner served- Bibimbap Bowls (Forbidden rice, pickled cucumbers, korean pepper, spinach, carrot, garlic, ginger with an optional farm fresh egg).   Infused water to drink. Session fees cover the cost of the meal, along with taxes, delivery and tip.  

Friday, August 12

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for Friday Sessions

CLICK HERE for the Kids Yoga Sessions

7:00 AM – Slow Flow Opening the Heart and Strengthening the Core – Melissa Schwentker Duchatschek, RYT,

E-RYT – Washington, MO

9:00 AM – Kids Yoga – ages 4-6 – Josie Retterer, RYT – $5 per child

9:00 AM – Mindfulness in Nature – Jenna Israel, MA LPC trauma and healing therapist – Sedona, AZ

10:00 AM – Kids Yoga – ages 7-11 – Bozenna Johnson, RYT, LMT, Expert- Level MFR – $5 per child

11:00 AM – Tween/Teen Yoga – ages 12-15 – Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200 – $5 per tween/teen

1:00 PM – 3D Mobility Yoga – Holly Harris – Marthasville, MO

3:00 PM – Pelvic Floor Myofascial Release Yoga – Sarah Helle, PT, PhD, LMT, CHNC, RYT-500 – Glen Carbon, IL

5:00 PM – Hatha Yoga – Tori Lowther

7:00 PM – Sattva Himalayan Kundalini Yoga: Fearless Heart – Ananda Das – Sedona, AZ  

Meals for Friday.  Simply select your time and you will pick it up your pre-made meal from Sunflower Hill Farm in the basement of the Harmonie-Verein.  You may enjoy meals in the basement in fellowship with others, or picnic tables available outside, or take it to go.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner available on Friday. Register on MindBody, as you would for the above listed classes for the time you prefer to pick-up your meals. All meals prepared and delivered by Sunflower Hill Farm – Augusta, MO.  Session fees cover the cost of the meal, along with taxes, delivery and tip.  

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Friday Breakfast served – Fruit and Vegetable Frittata (mixed vegetables baked into a crustless quiche (Sunflower Hill Farm eggs) and an Off the Farm Bar to snack on later.  Infused water to drink.

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM OR 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM –  Friday Lunch served – Farm salad (mixed greens carrots, celery, peppers, craisins, walnuts, honey vinaigrette) and carrot ginger soup. Infused water to drink.

4:30 PM -5:00 PM   OR  6:30 PM -7:00 PM – Friday  Dinner served –  Quinoa vegetable grain bowl- carrots, celery, onion, black beans. Infused water to drink.

Saturday, August 13

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for Saturday Sessions

7:00 AM – Sunrise Yoga – Elaine Wheeler Blackmur, RYT  – Washington, MO

9:00 AM – Bhakti Vinyasa Yoga – Sangita Devi, 500-Hour RYT – Sedona, AZ

11:00 AM – Inspiration Activation Breathwork  – Shenee Alexa Booth

1:00 PM – Kundalini Yoga and Gong – SiriAtma Kaur, CCHT with ACHE, KRI Level 2 Teacher – Wildwood, MO

3:00 PM – Soul Collage – limited to 12 – Jenna Israel, MA LPC trauma and healing therapist – Sedona, AZ

3:00 PM – Sound Healing at Halcyon Spa  – limited to 6 – Sara Doll, RN BSN, Sound Practitioner – Marthasville, MO

5:00 PM – Vin Yin Yoga Practice – Dhyanashanti, Yoga/kundalini, yoga teacher, life coach, and CHT with RTT

7:00 PM – Kirtan and Heart Songs Concert – Ananda Das – Sedona, AZ 

Click here to listen to the latest album from Ananda Das

Meals for Saturday.  Simply select your time and you will pick it up your pre-made meal from Sunflower Hill Farm in the basement of the Harmonie-Verein.  You may enjoy meals in the basement in fellowship with others, or picnic tables available outside, or take it to go.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner available on Saturday. Register on MindBody, as you would for the above listed classes for the time you prefer to pick-up your meals. All meals prepared and delivered by Sunflower Hill Farm – Augusta, MO.  Session fees cover the cost of the meal, along with taxes, delivery and tip.  

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Saturday Breakfast served – Fruit and yogurt parfait (honey, gf granola, mixed fruit and greek yogurt) and an Off the Farm Bar to snack on later.  Infused water to drink.

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM OR 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM – Saturday Lunch served – Avocado Caprese Salad (mixed tomatoes from the farm with avocado slices and farm dressing) (no cheese) and gazpacho(celery, carrot, onion, cucumber, peppers, garlic, tomato base). Infused water to drink.

4:30 PM -5:00 PM   OR  6:30 PM -7:00 PM – Saturday Dinner served – Buddah Bowls- Mixed grains(gf) cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, kimchi. Infused water to drink.

Sunday August 14

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for Sunday Sessions

7:00 AM – Slow Flow Create Mobility in the Hips, Release Tension in Hamstrings, Strengthen the Legs – Melissa Schwentker Duchatschek, RYT, E-RYT –  Washington, MO

9:00 AM – Slow Flow Yoga – Tori Lowther

11:00 AM – Meditation and Journaling 101 – Jenna Israel, MA LPC trauma and healing therapist – Sedona, AZ

1:00 PM – Yoga Fusion – Yang/Yin Practice – Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200

3:00 PM – Cacao Ceremony – Ananda Das – Sedona, AZ

Meals for Sunday.  Simply select your time and you will pick it up your pre-made meal from Sunflower Hill Farm in the basement of the Harmonie-Verein.  You may enjoy meals in the basement in fellowship with others, or picnic tables available outside, or take it to go.

Breakfast and Lunch  available on Sunday. Register on MindBody, as you would for the above listed classes for the time you prefer to pick-up your meals.  All meals prepared and delivered by Sunflower Hill Farm – Augusta, MO.  Session fees cover the cost of the meal, along with taxes, delivery and tip.  

8:30 AM – 9:00 AM – Sunday Breakfast served – Chia seed pudding and fruit and an Off the Farm Bar to snack on later.  Infused water to drink.

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM OR 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM – Sunday Lunch served – Vegetable lettuce wrap (hummus and avocado spread, grilled onions, grilled peppers, grilled mushroom, lettuce and tomato).  Infused water to drink.

Details about each session:

Thursday, August 11

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for Thursday Sessions

1:00 PM – Accessing the Wisdom of the Heart – Stacy Oliver – In our time together, you will learn two techniques designed to help you transmute the stress response while better enabling you to access the wisdom of your heart. You will also be introduced to the science that underlies the power of these techniques. These techniques, while easy to learn, hold immense power so that you can experience more resilience,ease and heart intelligence in your daily life.

3:00 PM – Yoga Basics Practice – Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200 – Join Kathy Kessler for a Yoga Basics Practice, where we review the basic yoga postures commonly seen in the yoga practice.  We will delve into the alignment of Warrior 1 and Warrior 2.  Practice the postures of Sun Salutation, and smooth transitions in and out of postures. We will pass in stretches and postures reviewing alignment concepts to help with you practice and body awareness.   This practice is designed to help you learn the basic postures of yoga or to fine tune your alignment and awareness of each shape and the body mechanics to move in and out of postures.  All levels welcomed!  “I look forward to seeing you on the mat.”

5:00 PM – Restorative, Yin, MFR Yoga, Visualization Meditation – Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200  and Sound Healing with Sara Doll, RN BSN, Sound Practitioner –  The 90 minute practice is a fusion of yoga postures (asana) with breath (pranayama) and concepts of visualization and Myofascial Release.  We will play with slow transitions, mindful alignment, long holds, breath and more.  All of it complemented by the gift of sound healing with Sara Doll.

7:00 PM – Moon Salutation Practice – Kathy Kessler and Sangita Devi on Harmonium – Open level practice.  We will take a moment to stretch and prepare our bodies to flow in the Moon Salutation.  Discover each posture and it’s proper alignment. Moon Salutation roots us to the earth and focuses on postures to stretch and strengthen the lower body.  Once we learn the postures of Moon Salutation, we practice them in a flow as the full moon rises.  Sangita Devi will share her gifts of harmonium and chanting to compliment the practice.  Following the Moon Salutation Practice, you are welcome to stay for a drumming circle, and be playful under the light of the moon.

8:30 PM – Free Drumming Circle – Bring a drum or rattle or percussion instrument and let’s play.  We will create a drumming circle after the Moon Salutation to play, howl at the Full Moon, do some Primal Dance if you like and get a little groovy.  All are welcome.  The session link is free in the registration mode.

Friday, August 12

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for Friday Sessions

7:00 AM – Slow Flow Opening the Heart and Strengthening the Core – Melissa Schwentker Duchatschek – Washington, MO – Vinyasa means a gradual progression or a step-by-step approach that systematically and appropriately takes a student from one point and safely lands them at the next point. In this 90 minute class students will be guided through a series of energizing postures that build toward a peak pose. Our focus for the practice, on Friday morning,  will be on opening the heart center and strengthening the core. Options are always available, allowing students the opportunity to work toward the pose in a way that supports them where they are in that moment.

9:00 AM – Kids Yoga – ages 4-6 – Josie Retterer, RYT and Bozennna Johnson, RYT – $5 per child

CLICK HERE for the Kids Yoga Sessions

9:00 AM – Mindfulness in Nature – Jenna Israel – Sedona, AZ –  Meet outside at the Harmonie-Verein and Jenna will prepare you for the session with basic mindfulness skills.  The group will take a mindful walk to the Katy Trail.  Then, learn and practice walking meditation. This experience is an opportunity to receive other mindfulness techniques to create a tool box to support you in connecting with yourself and your environment and to bring a sense of presence and calmness to your soul.

10:00 AM – Kids Yoga – ages 7-11 – Josie Retterer, RYT and Bozennna Johnson, RYT – $5 per child

CLICK HERE for the Kids Yoga Sessions

11:00 AM – Tween/Teen Yoga – ages 12-15 – Josie Retterer, RYT, Bozennna Johnson, RYT and Kathy Kessler, RYT  – $5 per Tween/Teen

CLICK HERE for the Kids Yoga Sessions

1:00 PM – 3D Mobility Yoga – Holly Harris – Marthasville, MO – Invites you to find mobility through proprioceptive postures that endorse the line of the spine. Activate the muscles that help you find stability, strength, and balance. This class is well suited for participants who are new to yoga.

3:00 PM – Pelvic Floor Myofascial Release Yoga – Sarah Helle, PT, PhD, LMT, CHNC, RYT-500 – Glen Carbon, IL – The Pelvic Floor MFR yoga class will integrate gentle movement, meditation, and MFR yoga to create health and balance for the pelvic floor. This class is appropriate for any beginners to advanced yogis that want to create balance in the pelvis and develop connection to the deep root of the body.

5:00 PM – Hatha Yoga – Tori Lowther, E-RYT-500 – In this Hatha class, we will work with… strength, flexibility, bodily relaxation, and mental concentration. Tori’s Hatha classes are designed for mixed-level participants and provide a balanced combination of sustained poses with attention to basic alignment and therapeutic principles. Mindfulness, and the observing of breath and body are integral parts of all classes.

7:00 PM – Sattva Himalayan Kundalini Yoga: Fearless Heart – Ananda Das – Sedona, AZ  – We have had to be spiritual warriors to not get caught up in all the fear that has been pushed on us from what seems every angle. Are you looking for some support and practices to strengthen your courage and overcome your fears?   Sattva Himalayan Kundalini Yoga is an ever-evolving and inclusive practice of meditation, kriya, asana, movement, pranayama, radical aliveness, and timeless wisdom. It integrates the science of Hatha and Kriya Yoga from ancient lineages, incorporating purification sequencing, so each journey has a subtle cellular shift, dynamic mind-body experience, as well as a mindful meditative experience.  It is very powerful for stabilizing emotions, reducing anxiety, decreasing fear, and deep healing. It’s wonderful for cultivating joy, bliss, love, peace, stillness and a feeling of radical aliveness.  Come experience this incredible technology to support you in facing and overcoming your fears!

Meals for Friday.  Simply select your time and you will pick it up your pre-made meal from Sunflower Hill Farm in the basement of the Harmonie-Verein.  You may enjoy meals in the basement in fellowship with others, or picnic tables available outside, or take it to go.

Saturday, August 13

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for Saturday Sessions

7:00 AM – Sunrise Yoga – Elaine Wheeler Blackmur- Washington, MO – She will kick off Saturday of the Yoga Festival – Bliss with several Sun Salutations (and Sun Sal variations), chest openers (opening the heart), twists, safe inversions, balance, all the bends (forward, side, & back), and a few strength postures as well (side planks inc. on hand and forearm, dolphin), etc…  She states, “When I lead Yoga, I always offer options and modifications so everyone feels satisfied and successful after Savasana. The breath and staying in the present moment are the focal points of my classes.”

9:00 AM – Bhakti Vinyasa Yoga – Sangita Devi – Sedona, AZ –  In this all level vinyasa yoga class, Sangita takes students on an embodied practice of movement, as an act of devotion and love. Using Sanskrit mantras, ancient stories and Vedic philosophy to set the tone, students will be guided through a creative vinyasa flow, ending in a musical savasana experience.

11:00 AM – Inspiration Activation Breathwork  – Shenee Alexa Booth –  This unique self-embodiment journey blends awareness, intention, movement & sound within a conscious connected breathing practice. Commonly known as transformational breathwork, this active guided meditation uses diaphragmatic breathing in a circular pattern to energize your entire being, increasing clarity & vitality.  Your breath is your life force, therefore the quality of your breath directly relates to the quality of your life. Breathwork is a powerful tool for readjusting the lens through which you are experiencing your life and bringing you back into alignment with your truest self.  This is an integrative practice which affects all facets of your being, returning you to your most natural state of self healing and harmony. Many people experience palpable release of creative blocks and undesired patterns in the nervous system. Participants often report an energetic rebirthing that leaves them with less anxiety, better sleep and feeling more in touch with their true purpose.​​  Other benefits of Breathwork include improved immune functioning, release of toxins, easier focus and concentration, release of stored trauma, elimination of habits, ability to self regulate under strong emotional states, deeper meditation and inner peace.  Props:  Yoga mat or pilates mat, 2 blankets per person; 1 for under body, 1 for over, 1-2 pillows per person; for under knees while laying on back & optional behind head, eye covering (bandana or strip of cloth works fine), journal & writing utensil and water bottle

1:00 PM – Kundalini Yoga and Gong – SiriAtma Kaur, CCHT with ACHE, KRI Level 2 Teacher – Kundalini Yoga is based on angles and triangles. Different angles we make with our body stimulate our glandular system and strengthen the nervous system. These new glandular secretions in the higher centers of the pineal and pituitary gland help to regulate our hormonal system and create this ‘uplifting’ or ‘balanced’ feeling that practitioners often described as well as the ability to ‘shut off’ and calm down. Many exercises also work to increase the circulation of spinal fluid affecting also the cerebral spinal fluid to refresh us, rejuvenate us and increase mental clarity. This is physically how Kundalini Yoga creates a new state of ‘awareness’ as the Yoga of Awareness. Through creating rhythm with movement, breath, mantra, mudras, body locks (bhandas) and focus with the eyes (drishti) gives new patterns to the body and lights up the mind, stimulates the brain to align our patterns and habits with our full potential. Kundalini Yoga works through the chakra system balancing the energy centers of the body and corresponding glands and organs to create a new energy flow and body balance. It cleanses and rejuvenates the body, clears and focuses the mind while uplifting the spirit!

Gong Sound Healing:
A good gong session often feels like you are floating in outer space, blurring the lines of where you end, and where the vast vast cosmos begins. From the very first strike of the mallet, you feel it – you’re in for a ride. It is said that any and all sounds that can possibly exist can be created from the gong. Within 3-90 seconds the mind realizes that there is no way to organize or predict what its hearing, and you feel as if your mental reset button has been pressed. This happens because the sounds of the gong are not harmonious. The experience tends to take you into a Theta brainwave state, which is like a dream state – things are coming up from the subconscious mind. One might experience vivid visualizations or emotions similar to a dream, the difference being that the gong is helping to actually clear the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind can eventually “fill up” and begin to spill into the unconscious mind, at which point our work to clear the garbage becomes much more challenging. A gong meditation, like any meditation, is essentially like taking a mental shower. Just as we clean our bodies to keep them healthy and pleasant, it is necessary to clean/clear the mind to keep up a state of optimal balance and well-being. The advantage of sound healing meditation is simply that you do not have to do anything but let go and let the gong take you wherever it is you need to go!  As we all know, letting go is not always easy. Sometimes we notice the junk being drawn up from the subconscious and we might attach to it. The attachment might feel somewhat unpleasant if we experience self-judgement, sadness, or any other thought or emotion stemming from fear. In those breif moments it is extremely helpful to focus on the sound and ride that sound current into the Infinite. Remember, this crud is being drawn up to be cleared OUT. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, opening the eyes and watching as the sounds are created proves to be very grounding. A good cleansing cry can be a beautiful release, and is very common in Kundalini Yoga classes and gong sound healing sessions. The gong offers many of the same benefits as Kundalini Yoga and meditation practice – balancing one’s glandular, circulatory, and nervous systems. A “gong bath” bathes recipients in the sound vibrations helping to alleviate stress while inducing deep relaxation and restoration. Time often goes by very quickly – 90 minutes may feel like only 10 minutes. The experience is different for everyone, everytime. There are of course the variables of different gong types, and the different intuitive processes and styles of each sound healer, but remarkably the most impactful variant is due to the ever-changing arrangement of the extremely fine hairs inside one’s ears which determines how each session will be received. One constant tends to be how awed and amazed attendees feel as they share “where” they went during their experience, and the testimonies of lasting impacts of self-awareness.

3:00 PM – Soul Collage – limited to 12 – Jenna Israel – Sedona, AZ – Coming home to your heart and your authentic self through Soul collage, journaling and interactive processes.
Soul collage is a creative and transformative process in which you will create a personal card. Together we will tap into our intuition and creative spirits. Please join me for a session of self discovery and connection with yourself and others. Each each person will create their own card, all supplies included, no experience necessary. Please bring a journal.

3:00 PM – Sound Healing at Halcyon Spa  – limited to 6 – Sara Doll, RN BSN, Sound Practitioner – Begin the practice with a discussion of sound and vibrational healing and it’s benefits. We will transition into some breath work and stretching before dropping into the sound and vibrations of Tibetan bowls, gongs, chimes and other instruments. At the end, enjoy hands on free play with the instruments.

5:00 PM – Vin Yin Yoga Practice – Dhyana Staicu – Welcome to vin yin yoga! The happy marriage of vinyasa and yin yoga!
Suitable for all levels , we will start with a gentle vinyasa flow with accessible postures and Ujay breaths and will transition into Yin Yoga where we hold poses for 2-5 minutes thus targeting the connective tissue and fascia infusing it with new energy. We will end with a guided relaxation in shavasana where we will integrate the gifts of the practice allowing the body and mind to heal. Glad you can join! Namaste

7:00 PM – Kirtan and Heart Songs Concert – Ananda Das – Sedona, AZ – “I remember the day that it really clicked for me… kirtan and devotional music is absolutely crucial for my healing, awakening and connection to the divine. Not only that, but it’s my mission to share this with as many people as I can and to inspire others to feel the potency of this practice.” Ananda Das  Kirtan is the call an response chanting of mantras that directs the mind toward infinity and blast the heart open ecstatically. Ananda Das will also be sharing his devotional heart opening English lyrical songs. His music is wonderful for healing your heart, de-stressing, connecting to your joy, feeling inspired and merging with the divine. Come experience it for yourself! 

Click here to listen to the latest album from Ananda Das

Meals for Saturday.  Simply select your time and you will pick it up your pre-made meal from Sunflower Hill Farm in the basement of the Harmonie-Verein.  You may enjoy meals in the basement in fellowship with others, or picnic tables available outside, or take it to go.

Sunday August 14

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER for Sunday Sessions

7:00 AM – Slow Flow Create Mobility in the Hips, Release Tension in Hamstrings, Strengthen the Legs – Melissa Schwentker Duchatschek – Washington, MO –  Vinyasa means a gradual progression or a step-by-step approach that systematically and appropriately takes a student from one point and safely lands them at the next point. In this 90 minute class students will be guided through a series of energizing postures that build toward a peak pose. On Sunday morning, the practice focus will be on creating mobility in the hips, releasing tension in the hamstrings, and building strength in the lower body.  Options are always available, allowing students the opportunity to work toward the pose in a way that supports them where they are in that moment.

9:00 AM – Slow Flow Yoga – Tori Lowther, E-RYT-500 – Tori’s Slow Flow classes are a great place to take it slower, and still experience all the benefits of yoga. This Class focuses on releasing tension, connecting with the breath and helping students gain strength and flexibility. With this more gentle approach to yoga  Tori incorporates the classical hatha postures with slight variations to accommodate all levels of yoga students.

11:00 AM – Meditation and Journaling 101 – Jenna Israel – Sedona, AZ – Are you longing for a deeper connection with yourself? Are you longing for more internal peace and groundedness? Please join me to learn the basics of sitting and walking meditation. Each person will walk away with new meditation tools and practices to promote inner peace and calm as well as a deeper connection to your heart and body. Everyone is welcome no matter what your experience is with Meditation. The session will will conclude with journaling inquiry questions to support you with connection compassion and clarity.

1:00 PM – Yoga Fusion – Yang/Yin Practice – Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200 – Join Kathy for 45 minutes of active Yang yoga, complimented by 45 minutes of passive Yin yoga and education on Myofascial Release with the long holds of Yin.  This practice is designed for all levels and you are encouraged to take yourself to your edge, tapping into your potential and respecting your limits.

3:00 PM – Cacao Ceremony – Ananda Das – Sedona, AZ – Ananda has been leading cacao ceremonies since 2010.  While traveling in Guatemala in 2009, Ananda had a profound experience with the spirit of cacao. He went on to connect with a cacao shaman in Lake Atitlan who shared with him his way of holding cacao ceremonies and how to connect with the spirit of cacao. Upon Ananda’s return to the states, he began to share ceremonial space with this special cacao he brought back from Guatemala.  Since 2010, he has shared over 100 ceremonies both nationally and internationally and even led a cacao ceremony intensive at the Esalen Institute.

Meals for Sunday.  Simply select your time and you will pick it up your pre-made meal from Sunflower Hill Farm in the basement of the Harmonie-Verein.  You may enjoy meals in the basement in fellowship with others, or picnic tables available outside, or take it to go.

Meet the Leaders:

Dhyanashanti, Yoga/kundalini yoga Teacher, life coach, and CHT with RTT – In 1991 when I came to the US from Romania I realized that I was not seeking a new land, I was seeking myself. Luckily this led me to the sacred path of YOGA. I started practicing from an old French book called “Je perfectionne mon yoga” (I perfect my yoga) which I found in the old antique basement store on Delmar. In 2000 I did my training at Kripalu and soon after Pilates. In 2005 I became certified in the Chinese ancient martial/healing art of Qigong. I added many other yoga styles to my portfolio, such as kundalini, Vinyasa, yin yoga, power yoga. In 2012 I became more drawn to Meditation= Raja Yoga (yoga of the kings which in the ancient times was indeed reserved for the kings). I studied and practiced meditation with Buddhist monks and went on several silent retreats. I am very excited to share this knowledge with those of you that are intrigued by the mind and its intricacies and have a genuine interest on how to tame this “DMonkey” to our benefit. I am a lifelong learner and always try to improve myself in order to benefit and serve others. My health field background, my knowledge of human anatomy and kinesiology, my own experience with chronic pain and my belief that we deserve to be our best had lead me to create a unique yoga style. It incorporates what I learned not only from books or teachers but most importantly from the wisdom of my own body. I strongly believe that we have a duty towards ourselves and to society. I trust that everyone that comes to yoga is seeking the same: to improve the quality of their life, to find meaning and purpose, to increase their awareness of their body in order to prevent disease, to improve mindfulness in order to perform better and diminish stress, to become more open hearted and more compassionate towards ourselves and others so we can vibrate closer to the energy that created us.  See you on the mat! Namaste

Sarah Helle, PT, PhD, LMT, CHNC, RYT -500 –  Sarah is the owner of Optimize Health & Wellness in Glen Carbon, IL. She has been a physical therapist for 29 years and has always been dedicated to learning with a passion for understanding and providing care that addresses an integrative mind/body connection for her clients. Sarah completed her PhD in Natural Health in 2010. In 2015, she received her massage therapy licensure. With her love of movement, she completed her 500-hour yoga teacher training certificate in 2017. Sarah has integrated a certification in health and nutrition coaching and reiki-master level training into the care she provides. Clinically, at the core of her wholistic program for her clients is her expert-level training in John Barnes’ Myofascial Release (MFR). She has continued to study the art of MFR on an ongoing basis since 2010. She has been providing pelvic health care for clients since 1995, throughout the spectrum of patient populations: adolescents, pregnancy, adult and geriatric populations. Sarah is grateful to have the honor to have worked with many women and men in optimizing their understanding of the body and assisting each heal on a deep, personal level. In addition to a fulfilling career, Sarah is a wife, mother to 3 boys, and 2 family dogs. Hobbies include cycling, taking walks, spending time with her family, and dinners out with friends.

Sara Doll, RN BSN, Sound Practitioner – Sara fell in love with Sound Meditation shortly after moving to St. Louis from Memphis. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Memphis. Her knowledge of anatomy and physiology, experience in the health care field and desire to assist others in achieving a state of wellness combine beautifully with sound and vibration. She holds a Sonic Massage I certificate from Center of Sound in St. Louis and is registered for Sonic Massage II in August 2022. Research has shown that using a combination of bowls, gong, and chimes can lower the heart rate and lead to a state of rest and calmness. Come and experience a Sound Meditation and see how it can help calm the busyness of the mind.

Kathy Kessler, PT, LMT, RYT-200 is the owner of Halcyon Spa, Salon and B&B.  The vision for a yoga festival came to her more than 10 years ago and now as the spa celebrates it’s 20 year anniversary she is creating the inaugural year for the Yoga Festival -Bliss!  She grew up on a dairy farm in Augusta, MO and feels her roots remain and her heart is in Augusta.  She is a 1994 graduate from St. Louis University with a degree in Physical Therapy;  2000 graduate The Healing Arts Center with certificate in Massage Therapy; 2013 graduate West-East Yoga with Jamie Sanchez with RYT-200; and participated in the 300 hour yoga training virtually with Brett Larkin during the pandemic.  Kathy moved to Sedona, AZ in 2019 when offered a full-time position as a PT at John F. Barnes Clinic -Therapy on the Rocks.  She knew her soul was being called west and changed her entire life.  She continues to come back to Augusta regularly and is thrilled to bring yoga, MFR, and this festival to Augusta, MO with friends from Sedona and locally to create this experience.  

Elaine Blackmur, RYT-200 –  Mindful Movement, LLC is a Group Fitness Instructor  has been leading classes for over 18 years and is currently at the Four Rivers Area YMCA and Anytime Fitness, both in Washington, Missouri.  She holds an A.A. degrees in Fashion Merchandising & Liberal Arts, B.A. Recreation & Leisure Studies from San Francisco State University, Univ. of Missouri Extension Master Gardener.  In addition she has trained and is certified in ACE Group Exercise Instruction, AFAA Group Exercise Instructor; Black Belt – Tae Kwon Do (former instructor); KickBoxing/Step Aerobics;  Les Mills BODYFLOW, BODYPUMP (AIM 1 level), & SPRINT (Cycling Intervals); LIVESTRONG; PiYo Strength; Reebok/YMCA Indoor Cycling Training; Silver Sneakers – Classic and Yoga; Turbo Kick; Yoga RYT 200 hours; YogaFit Level 1; Member of Yoga Alliance; and Zumba.

Melissa Duchatschek is a native of Washington, MO and opened Present Moment Yoga in 2011. She discovered the benefits of a regular practice in 1999 while looking for something to support her mind and body after childbirth. Quickly recognizing the amazing benefits that linking breath and movement have, she dove deeper into all aspects of the practice and became certified to teach.  Melissa’s teaching style is focused on making yoga accessible to all levels, challenging her students to achieve their goals through intelligent sequencing and mindful modifications, and helping them to learn more about the practice of yoga and about themselves.

Shenee Alexa (she/her/they)  Shenee is a creator and visionary who’s life is dedicated to being in service to others. With a background in both the healing arts & permaculture design, she takes an integrative approach to wellness, encouraging clients to consider their physical, mental and emotional states, as well as the quality of their breath and their relationship to their environment. At the foundation of her teachings is transformational breathwork as a tool for intentional lifestyle design. She works with clients both virtually & in person through 1:1 sessions, programs, group workshops & immersive retreats in both the United States & Central America.  www.inspirationactivation.life / shenee@inspirationactivation.life / IG: @shenee_alexa

SiriAtma Kaur, CCHT with ACHE, KRI Level 2 Teacher – SiriAtma Kaur comes from the heart. Her encouraging teaching style reminds students to do their best and be gentle with themselves. Her warmth is felt through her kundalini yoga classes, her sound healing workshops, and her hypnotherapy sessions. SiriAtma’s fascination with the subconscious mind is evident given her degree in psychology and her studies & teachings at the School of Metaphysics. She also holds a certification in SuperHealth technology, which helps heal addictive behaviors with Kundalini Yoga, meditation, and Nutrition. She is a mom of 3 boys, and is dedicated to nourishing them with A home full of love, plant-based meals, and free of chemicals. Teaching them all that she has learned along the way is always her first and foremost goal, however she often states that they are her greatest teachers.

Jenna Israel MA LPC trauma and healing therapist is licensed Masters level therapist in the state of Arizona. Her recent focus has been private coaching and consulting practice working with clients all over the world virtually. Jenna has been a somatic-based therapy practitioner for 25 years, she brings a wealth of experience through mindfulness meditation , soul collage and trauma informed body centered therapies. Over her career she has supported people from all walks of life heal their trauma and reclaim their truth. Jenna is passionate about holding space and supporting others connecting to their hearts and coming home to their authentic self. Jenna leads Healing retreats in Sedona AZ, has a private practice and created and offers an after care program for people struggling with addiction and trauma.
Founder of Rooted Heart Healing www.rootedhearthealing.com

Holly Harris – My favorite quote is, “We are where we are today by the choices we have made, or we have allowed others to make for us.  We can be where we want to be tomorrow by the choices we make today.”  Linda Toupin  Holly is known for her warm personality and energetic smile.  She graduated from Truman State University with a B.A. Fine Arts Education degree.  She has two children, one in high school and another at Mizzou in the ROTC Army program.  Holly obtained both Primary Group Fitness Instructor, AFAA 2014 and Personal Fitness Trainer, ACE 2018 certifications. Her first love in the industry is Group Fitness.  Holly’s specialty is to lead clients in the development of core strengths, helping them find mobility and balance progressions.  She is grateful to have a studio in the tiny historic town of Marthasville. Full Circle Fitness Coach Studio offers HiGH~LOW FiTNESS, a variety of yoga classes, and BOOT CAMP CHALLENGE.  Her signature coaching model is to Equip, Engage, and encourage participants to Evolve in their fitness journey so they can influence even more people in pursuit of health and strength.

Bozenna Johnson, RYT-200, LMT, Expert-Level MFR therapist – Bozenna’s curiosity of the mind-body connection, inspired her to complete her 200 hour Yoga training in 2017 after almost 10 years of practicing various forms of yoga. The main goal was to deepen her understanding of the practice of yoga and learn to quiet her very busy mind, but she quickly found that she resonated with so much more than she had imagined. The fundamentals of yoga have helped reshape her life and help her develop a deeper passion for helping others.  Through being a yoga instructor, Bozenna found myofascial release. She first was a client of myofascial release to help her chronic migraines.  From the first time on the table, she  immediately knew that this healing modality of MFR would be life changing for her. With Master’s degrees in elementary education, she went back to school for a Massage Therapy license to help others heal themselves through myofascial release. In addition to being an expert level MFR practitioner, Bozenna is also a Reiki Master.  In her spare time, Bozenna enjoys spending time with her family and friends, walks with her dogs, adventures of trying new things, learning and reading, traveling, and dancing.  Relationships are a huge part of her life and she really enjoys meeting and connecting with new people with each passing day. Bozenna lives life to the fullest and believes in being a better person each day through the practice of gratitude.

Josie Retterer, RYT – Hello. I’m Josie, a wife and mother of three beautiful young girls. I love spending time with my family, being outdoors, cooking, and going on adventures. I began my teacher training in 2008 to deepen my personal practice and learn anatomy. Since earning my 200RYT I have taught many styles of yoga. Yoga has taught me mind-body awareness, how to breathe during challenging moments, and how to be content.  I’m also certified in kids’ yoga and desire to teach a fun, energetic, and useful yoga class for kids. It is my intention that while having fun, kids learn the same mind body awareness, how to breathe and how to be content.

Stacy Oliver – Stacy Oliver began her spiritual journey 30 years ago when she immersed herself in the world of alternative healing. She shared the many resources she found with hundreds of thousands of people by publishing health and wellness magazines, the Extraordinary People Lecture Series and the annual Living Fit Expo. During the pandemic Stacy supported and taught people to access the Akashic Records with workshops, online groups and several weekly Akashic meditations.  Her mission to inspire others to live a healthy and dynamic life continues as the President of Soul Stream Media, COO of MIND BODY SOUL MAGAZINE and the Live Your Power! Expo and Speaker Summits.