Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026

So You Think Your Head Knows It Has a Body

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:08:56 GMT

To the quiet messages we may have been moving too quickly to hear.

As we continue building toward the Big Bear Yoga Festival this October, we are reflecting on embodiment, nervous system support, and what it means to truly come back into relationship with ourselves.

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Whether you are brand new to yoga or have practiced for years, there is space for you here.

*Ticket prices go up July 31!

So You Think Your Head Knows It Has a Body

By LA Gold

In the world of go go going, we walk or race through life and the head doesn’t even

know what’s carrying it if you stand up tall arms at your side and take your eyes and

look up left right towards your cheeks. How much of your body do you actually see?

Really try to see your body with just your eyes. No tilting of the neck or moving the

body into your field of vision, just take a breath and keep looking with just your eyes

rolling inside your head. After maybe your second or third breath take a moment

and raise your hands up in front of your face.

What a surprise where did these come from? One moment I was just a set of eyes

rolling in my head the next moment all of a sudden I have these appendages that go

and do things for me. Really take a look at your hands. How often do you even

consider all the things your hands have to do, from feeding you to wiping your Butt.

Our head propels us through space, we take it for granted that whatever the head

says to do our body has to go along with it.

There are things that happened in our body that are completely out of our control.

We breathe our heart pumps. Even our breath, and the pumping of our heart can be

manipulated. That’s another story. Our body retains temperature or uses the food

that we eat to fuel the temperature to keep us at homeostasis.

Just for a moment, marvel that the body just goes along for the ride. And then

consider what do you think your body would like to tell your head …..when you’re

younger the body at times feels like it’s at a race that it must keep up with but as we

get older, the body does start to have information that would be useful for the head

to pay a pension to.

It usually starts because of an ache or a pain in a particular place in the body, which

causes the head to sometimes force the body to keep moving and ignore the

message that the body is sending.

Starting a conscious moving practice, connecting the breath and movement creates

a window between body and brain The more often the moving practice continues

This window opens wider and wider between body and brain, The practice can calm

down the racing thoughts that exist, the end is near or that I’ll never be able to do

this or that again.

Practicing letting the body lead to create a sense of trust that no one else can ever

give you. It’s built by letting the body lead..

Finding someone that you trust outside of your body that you enjoyed the tones in

their voice, The way they help pull your focus back into the breath and the body.

Your body is a gift that all should experience. Hope you find that person. I’m here if

your head has a question. Link: So you think your head knows it has a body - la gold

Top 5 Local Favorites to Enjoy During Your Big Bear Weekend

One of the best parts of attending the Big Bear Yoga Festival is experiencing the vibrant local community. While you’re here for a weekend of movement, connection, and wellness, be sure to explore some of the incredible local eateries recommended by our Big Bear Leadership Team. Whether you’re looking for a nourishing meal, a cozy cup of coffee, or a sweet treat after a day on the mountain, these local favorites are worth a visit!

Our Top 5 Picks:
• Amangela’s Sandwich & Bagel House
• Himalayan Restaurant
• Dank Donuts
• Moonridge Coffee Company
• Tropicali Restaurant

We encourage you to support these wonderful local businesses and discover some of the flavors that make Big Bear such a special mountain community. Enjoy your stay, eat well, and we’ll see you on the mat!

Special Love for the Himalayan Restaurant

Big Bear Yoga Festival Mountain Magic Retreat

Join us for a beautiful weekend of yoga, connection, nature, and renewal in Big Bear!

We’re creating more than just a festival weekend — this is a full retreat experience in a peaceful lakeside cabin surrounded by mountains, fresh air, and community.

Your weekend includes:

Full access to Big Bear Yoga Festival events Friday–Sunday

2 nights in a shared lakeside cabin

Sunday hike, yoga & brunch

Connection, relaxation, laughter, and time to recharge

Whether you come alone or with a friend, this is a chance to step away from daily life and immerse yourself in movement, inspiration, nature, and meaningful community.

Spots are limited and bed options will fill as we get closer.

Calling Food + Goods Vendors 🌿

We are creating an inclusive marketplace featuring:

• Nourishing food

• Handmade goods

• Coffee Vendor

• Juice/ Smoothie Vendor

• Wellness products

• Family experiences

• Artisan offerings

As we continue building our festival village, we are actively looking for vendors who want to be part of a meaningful, community-centered experience.

Whether you offer nourishing meals, herbal drinks, handmade products, wellness services, art, or family-friendly experiences, we would love to welcome you.

This is our strongest vendor call of the month because planning season is here and we are actively building our festival experience.

Help us create the magic.

Vendor applications are open now:

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Summer Yoga Series ☀️

Our FREE Summer Yoga Series is officially underway, and it has been beautiful to gather in community.

Every Sunday at 10:00 AM

Big Bear Discovery Center

40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333

This is a beautiful way to reconnect with practice and community.

This class is free to the community made possible by the Leafs for Wellness Foundation, 501(c)(3) and Big Bear Yoga Festival.

Please bring your own mat and water and feel free to bring a family member or a friend to join you in this experience!

All levels are welcome, from complete beginners to experienced yogis.

October Will Be Here Before We Know It 🌲

The energy is building, the community is growing, and the vision is coming to life.

Just a few hours from the city, you’ll find fresh mountain air, movement, music, connection, healing, and community waiting for you.

October will be here before we know it, and we would love for you to be part of what we are creating together.

Tickets are available now, and prices go up July 31!

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

With gratitude,

Big Bear Yoga Festival Team

P.S. We still have some family tickets available!

Soul of Yoga

Yoga Studio Partner

Encinitas, CA

For over two decades, The Soul of Yoga Institute has served as a gathering place for seekers from around the world, a space where ancient wisdom meets modern understanding, and where practice becomes a path of awakening.From our studio in Encinitas, California, to our vibrant live online classrooms, students join us to deepen their practice, reconnect with purpose, and study within a continuous learning environment guided by the most respected teachers in the field. Whether you’re new to yoga or continuing a lifelong journey, you are welcome here.

https://www.facebook.com/soulofyoga

https://www.instagram.com/thesoulofyoga

LINK TO

https://soulofyoga.com/

You can also support us by sharing our posts, tagging us in your photos, or simply telling a friend about your experience.

We read every review. We appreciate every word. And we are grateful for each person who chooses to uplift this community with their voice.

Thank you for helping Big Bear Yoga Festival continue to grow with integrity, connection, and heart.

The Big Bear Yoga Festival is more than a celebration of movement and mindfulness—it’s an educational initiative under the LEAFS for Wellness Foundation 501(c)3, dedicated to empowering our community with tools for balance, resilience, and recovery.

We invite you to join us in sustaining this work. Your tax-deductible donation directly supports our educational programs, workshops, and community outreach, ensuring that wellness remains accessible to all.

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Our Saturday Fest Schedule is Live!

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:46:20 GMT

A Full Day of Classes for Every Body, Every Ability, Every Path

Whether you’re brand‑new to yoga or a long-time practitioner, the Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026 is your chance to explore, learn, play, and reconnect with yourself in the mountains. This year’s schedule is a full day of movement, creativity, healing, and expression designed to meet you exactly where you are.Get Your Tickets Now!

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✨ One Festival. Endless Ways to Explore.

Our 2026 lineup brings together yoga, meditation, movement arts, creative workshops, and healing experiences so you can build the day that feels right for you.

🌞 Yoga for All Levels

From gentle morning flows to energizing vinyasa, restorative sessions, and specialty classes, you’ll find offerings that support beginners, advanced students, and everyone in between.

All‑Levels Flow
Gentle Yoga & Stretch
Vinyasa
Yoga Nidra
Chakra‑Inspired Practices
Breathwork & Meditation Sessions

🌲 Movement Arts Beyond Yoga

Expand your practice with classes that awaken balance, grounding, and embodied awareness.

Tai Chi for calm strength and mindful movement
Qi Gong to cultivate energy and flow
Ecstatic Dance to free your body and express your truth
Somatic Movement for deep release and reconnection

🎨 Creative & Heart‑Opening Workshops

Because wellness is more than movement — it’s expression, imagination, and joy.

Angel Painting (no experience needed)
Intuitive Art & Journaling
Nature‑Inspired Creativity Sessions
Sound Healing & Vibrational Journeys

🔔 Meditation, Sound & Healing

Find stillness, clarity, and grounding with offerings designed to soothe the nervous system and open the heart.

Guided Meditation
Sound Baths
Mantra & Chanting
Throat Chakra (Vishuddha) Expression Practices

🎟️ Tickets Are Now Live — Build Your Perfect Festival Day

Your ticket includes access to the full schedule, so you can mix and match classes all day long. Try something new, revisit what you love, or explore a little of everything.

Saturday, October 3, 2026 Big Bear Lake, CA
With weekend activities Friday–Sunday

This is your moment to reconnect with nature, community, and your own inner voice.

BUY YOUR TICKET NOW

We can’t wait to welcome you to the mountains for a day of movement, creativity, and connection.

With gratitude, The Big Bear Yoga Festival Team

🌬️ 2026 Theme: Vishuddha — The Throat Chakra A celebration of expression, clarity, and freeing your voice.

🎟️ Don’t miss this sacred, transformative day in the mountains. Get your tickets now! ***Limited tickets available this year!

Get Your Tickets Now!

P.S. Ticket prices go up July 31!

Behind the Magic

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 10:30:48 GMT

As we move closer to October, our leadership team has been gathering, dreaming, planning, and planting seeds for what is already becoming a meaningful and heart-centered experience.

This festival is built through community, connection, creativity, and the shared vision of bringing people together in nature to heal, grow, move, and belong.

Whether you are brand new to yoga or have practiced for years, there is space for you here.

Big Bear Yoga Festival

Main Festival Day • Saturday October 3, 2026

Weekend Experiences • Fri–Sun

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Subscribe now

Summer Solstice: A Time to Recalibrate and Shine

A Mid-Year Pause for Reflection, Renewal, and Illumination

Each year, the Summer Solstice marks a powerful turning point in nature’s cycle. In 2026, the Summer Solstice arrives on June 21, bringing us the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It is a moment when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, bathing the Earth in abundant light and reminding us of our own capacity to shine.

While the Solstice is often associated with celebration, it is also an invitation to pause. We have reached the midpoint of the year. The intentions we planted during the winter months and nurtured throughout spring have now had time to grow. The Summer Solstice asks us to reflect: What is flourishing in our lives? What needs more attention? What is ready to be released?

Nature offers us a beautiful lesson. After the Summer Solstice, the days slowly begin to shorten. Although summer is just beginning, the Earth is already preparing for the next season. There is wisdom in this rhythm. Growth is important, but so is reflection. Expansion is beautiful, but so is balance.

The energy of the Summer Solstice is one of illumination. Just as the sun shines brightly overhead, this is a powerful time to bring awareness to areas of our lives that may have been hidden in the shadows. What truths are asking to be acknowledged? What dreams are ready to move from imagination into action? What habits, beliefs, or patterns no longer support the person you are becoming?

I like to think of the Summer Solstice as a sacred checkpoint. A moment to take inventory of the year so far. A moment to celebrate how far we’ve come, while also realigning with where we wish to go. There is no need to wait until the New Year to make changes. The Solstice reminds us that every season offers an opportunity for renewal.

Many ancient cultures honored the Summer Solstice as a time of gratitude, abundance, and connection to the natural world. Today, we can honor this sacred day in simple yet meaningful ways. Spend time in nature. Watch the sunrise or sunset. Practice yoga or meditation outdoors. Journal about what you wish to cultivate during the remainder of the year. Light a candle and reflect on what you are ready to call into your life.

As we welcome the energy of the Summer Solstice, may we remember that we are part of nature’s cycle. We are constantly growing, evolving, shedding, and becoming. Let this longest day of the year be a reminder to stand fully in your light, trust the path unfolding before you, and move forward with clarity, purpose, and an open heart.

Article submitted by, Melissa Dass Akal

Behind the Scenes at the Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026 Leadership Retreat

What a beautiful weekend of connection, creativity, vision, and collaboration.

Our leadership team came together to dream, share ideas, and plant seeds for all of the magic that is unfolding for the 2026 Big Bear Yoga Festival this October.

So much love, inspiration, and heart goes into creating this experience. We spent time discussing new ideas, growing departments, building community experiences, and creating ways to make this year’s festival even more meaningful and impactful.

Big Bear Yoga Festival is a grassroots festival rooted in love, community, sustainability, wellness, and connection. The creativity and passion behind the scenes is what helps bring this vision to life, and we are so excited to share what we’ve been creating with you.

This is only the beginning… 🤍

Tickets are on sale now, come join our community and experience the magic with us.

Visit: www.BigBearYogaFestival.com

🌿 Living in Balance: Sustainable Practices for Spring 🌿

This season, we invite you to bring balance not only to yourself, but to the planet. Yoga reminds us that we are deeply interconnected and that even small choices ripple outward into the world around us.

Simple ways to care for the earth this spring:

• Compost food scraps to nourish the soil

• Reduce single-use items by carrying reusable bottles, cups, and bags

• Support local farmers, artisans, and small businesses

• Give back to nature by picking up litter on trails or in your neighborhood

Sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.

Our mountains, lake, and forests hold us. Caring for them is part of the practice. 🌲💙

🌐 www.bigbearyogafestival.com

We’re Growing – Join the Team 🤍

As this festival grows, so does the need for support, and there are so many ways to get involved.

We are currently looking for:

Day-of Volunteers

Photographers

Videographers

Year-round Leadership Volunteers

Content creation

Social media support

Fundraising

Sales

Coming Back to Yoga - Part 2

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 09:22:28 GMT

Not because we are perfect. Not because we have it all figured out. But because something inside us gently reminds us to begin again.

At the Big Bear Yoga Festival, we believe yoga is for everyone. Whether you are brand new, returning after time away, or deepening a lifelong practice, there is space for you here.

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Subscribe now

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-california-sisters-big-bear-yoga-festival-retreat--2026

This month, we are sharing Part 2 of a special series:

Coming Back to Yoga - Part 2

10 more tips to come back to yoga.

Question: “Anyone that has been doing yoga and has periods of time where they weren’t practicing the physical postures at all?? How do you get back into a routine?”

1. Dive deeper. Use self reflection to consider why you have resistance. Did something happen? Are you thinking about it in an unproductive way?
2. In the morning when you get up, put on clothes for yoga and play a game that you can’t take your yoga clothes off until you practice.

3. Go to a yoga retreat.
4. Do yoga when you are waiting in line. Try mini Tree Pose (Vrksasana) or Mountain Pose (Tadasana).
5. Remind yourself, “Progress, not perfection.”

6. Follow a tip from the book “Atomic Habits.” Stack yoga onto an activity you are already doing. Like adding yoga poses during or after your daily walk.

7. Do yoga (safely) in the shower. Try Mountain Pose (Tadasana).
8. Do bed yoga, either before you get up in the morning or before you go to bed at night.
9. Insert regular yoga breaks during your day. Set a timer and when it goes off take a 3 minute break and include asana.
10. Do yoga when sitting down in a chair at work or watching TV. Try seated Cat Cow Pose (Marjaryasana-Bitilasana) or a twist like Half Lord of the Fishes (Ardha Matsyendrasana).

What is your tip to come back to yoga?

Community Inspiration 🌞

On May 16th our Big Bear Yoga Festival leadership team had the opportunity to experience the magic of the Joshua Tree Music Festival, and what a beautiful reminder of why gatherings like these matter so deeply.

We danced beneath the sky, laughed until our cheeks hurt, connected with incredible humans, soaked in creativity, and felt the medicine that happens when people come together with open hearts.

Experiences like these inspire us and remind us that festivals are so much more than events. They are spaces where connection is created, joy is remembered, and community becomes family.

Joshua Tree Music Festival - Thank you for sharing your magic and inspiration with us. We left with full hearts and beautiful memories. 💛

We are excited to support the Joshua Tree Music Festival Forever Home Initiative. They have purchased adjacent land and are raising funds to create a year-round space for music, art, wellness, and human connection. \You can support them and find out more here.

Forever Home Initiative • Joshua Tree Music Festival https://joshuatreemusicfestival.com/forever-home/

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1455798962504048/

Gift Presence This Father’s Day 🌲

This Father’s Day, we invite you to consider a gift rooted in presence, connection, and meaningful time together.

The Big Bear Yoga Festival is a space for all ages and all levels, from curious beginners to lifelong practitioners.

Our Family Tickets offer an opportunity to unplug, reconnect, breathe deeply, and create memories surrounded by mountain air and community.

After all, some of the best gifts are the moments we share.

🎟 Family Tickets available now:https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Yoga Studios & Partners Sponsorships Now Open 🌿

As a Yoga Studio Sponsor, you’ll receive:

+ NEW Benefit: Your studio name + link featured on our website’s “Yoga Studios & Partners Directory” to Promote and Lift You Up in our Community

+ Receive the Big Bear Yoga Festival Print Marketing Kit via mail

+ The option to include your flyers or business cards in our goodie bags, or display them at registration

+ And more!

Learn more and sign-up here: Yoga Studio Sponsor Application Form

Additional Sponsorship Opportunities Are Available - email us at info@bigbearyogafestival.com for details!

Help Us Create the Magic 🌿

We are actively building our festival village and are looking for incredible people to help bring this experience to life.

We are currently seeking:

Food vendors
Handmade goods and artisan vendors
Wellness booths and healing offerings
Family-friendly businesses and kids activities

Whether you offer nourishing meals, handmade creations, wellness products, or interactive experiences for families, we would love to welcome you.

Help us create the magic and become part of this growing community experience.

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

FREE Summer Yoga Series ☀️

Our Summer Yoga Series has officially begun.

Every Sunday at 10:00 AM
Big Bear Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333

This is a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with yourself, move your body, breathe deeply, and practice in community. This class is free to the community made possible by the Leafs for Wellness Foundation, 501(c)(3) and Big Bear Yoga Festival. Please bring your own mat and water and feel free to bring a family member or a friend to join you in this experience!

👉 Interested in volunteering to teach?

Please contact Amanda at mailto:ms.amandac@yahoo.com

We welcome participants of all levels, from complete beginners to experienced yogis, as well as volunteer yoga teachers

Leadership Volunteers Needed 🤍

As the festival continues to grow, we are seeking year-round leadership volunteers to help support our mission and community.

Current needs include:

Fundraising support
Social media and content creation
Bookkeeping and finance
Community builders and organizers

If you have gifts to share and want to be part of something meaningful, we would love to connect.

Volunteer Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezCtUcSga4l6aI_AiGEpAC30kWjlM5zWP-kONhKgAOw5pyJQ/viewform

There Is Space for You 🌲

You do not have to be perfect to begin again.

Whether you are just beginning your yoga journey, returning to your mat, or continuing years of practice, there is a place for you in this community.

We are creating something rooted in connection, healing, movement, and belonging, and we would love for you to be part of it this October.

Tickets are available now.

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

With gratitude,
Big Bear Yoga Festival Team

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Coming Back to Yoga

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 10:03:22 GMT

As we move into summer, many of us are reconnecting with our bodies, our breath, and our practice in simple and meaningful ways.

Subscribe now

Whether you are brand new to yoga, returning after time away, or have practiced for years, there is space for you here. This community welcomes all ages, all levels, and all paths.

Big Bear Yoga Festival

Main Festival Day • Saturday October 3, 2026

Weekend Experiences • Fri–Sun

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

This month, we are sharing Part 1 of a special series:

Coming Back to Yoga - Part 1 -

10 tips to come back to yoga.

Question: “Anyone that has been doing yoga and has periods of time where they weren’t practicing the physical postures at all?? How do you get back into a routine?”

1. Unroll your yoga mat in a spot in your home where you see it frequently or you have to walk over it. This might be next to your bed or in the middle of your living room floor. You can also play the game where when you walk on it or near it, you have to do one yoga pose.
2. Schedule body doubling with someone else and do yoga during that time. You can even schedule time to do yoga with a friend, they can do yoga in their space as you do yoga in your space.
3. Go to a yoga class in person.
4. Go to a yoga class online.
5. Volunteer to teach a yoga class to someone who needs a private session. You can find people in “buy nothing” groups on Facebook.
6. Go to a yoga festival 🙂 I highly recommend the Big Bear Yoga Festival!
7. Sign up for a yoga teacher training program. I highly recommend our program: https://unfoldingthelotus.com/
8. Change your definition of success in practicing yoga. Even one yoga pose counts! Or one salutation. 💖
9. Journal about the benefits of yoga you experience and why you want to get back into the physical practice.
10. As the old saying goes, if you don’t use it you lose it. Remind yourself of the many benefits to maintaining your flexibility, balance and strength. 💪

Stay tuned for 10 more tips to come back to yoga!

FREE Summer Yoga Series Begins June 7 ☀️

We are excited to continue community practice this summer.

Starting June 7
Every Sunday at 10:00 AM
Big Bear Discovery Center, 40971 North Shore Drive/Hwy 38, Fawnskin, CA 92333

This is a beautiful way to reconnect with practice and community.

This class is free to the community made possible by the Leafs for Wellness Foundation, 501(c)(3) and Big Bear Yoga Festival.

Please bring your own mat and water and feel free to bring a family member or a friend to join you in this experience!

👉 Interested in volunteering to teach? Please contact Amanda at mailto:ms.amandac@yahoo.com

Yoga Studios & Partners Sponsorships Now Open 🌿

As a Yoga Studio Sponsor, you’ll receive:

+ NEW Benefit: Your studio name + link featured on our website’s “Yoga Studios & Partners Directory” to Promote and Lift You Up in our Community

+ Receive the Big Bear Yoga Festival Print Marketing Kit via mail

+ The option to include your flyers or business cards in our goodie bags, or display them at registration

+ And more!

Learn more and sign-up here: Yoga Studio Sponsor Application Form

Additional Sponsorship Opportunities Are Available - email us at info@bigbearyogafestival.com for details!

Vendor Applications Open 🌿

We are building a vibrant and inclusive festival village and are currently seeking:

Wellness vendors

Artisan brands

Food vendors

Kids vendors and family-friendly offerings

Whether you sell nourishing food, handmade goods, wellness products, or family-friendly offerings, we would love to welcome you into our festival village.

If this aligns with you or someone you know, we would love to connect.

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Teacher Training Has Begun ✨

We are incredibly proud to share that our yoga teacher training program is officially underway.

This group has stepped into a meaningful journey of growth, learning, and transformation, and we are honored to support them.

Even more exciting, they will be graduating at this year’s Big Bear Yoga Festival, making it a beautiful full-circle experience.

We will be sharing their journeys along the way, so follow us on social media to witness their transformation.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbearyogafest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigBearYogaFestival/

We’re Growing – Join the Team 🤍

As this festival grows, so does the need for support, and there are so many ways to get involved.

We are currently looking for:

Day-of Volunteers

Photographers

Videographers

Year-round Leadership Volunteers

Content creation

Social media support

Fundraising and finance roles

Sales

Sponsorship

If you feel called to contribute your gifts in a meaningful way, we would love to connect.

Volunteer Form:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezCtUcSga4l6aI_AiGEpAC30kWjlM5zWP-kONhKgAOw5pyJQ/viewform

Your Practice, Your Pace 🌲

Whether you are a curious beginner, returning after time away, or a lifelong practitioner, there is a place for you here.

The Big Bear Yoga Festival is built on connection, practice, and shared experience.

There is still space for you in this growing community, and we would love to welcome you this October.

Tickets are available now.

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

With gratitude,

Big Bear Yoga Festival Team

Big Bear Yoga Festival is built on community. Every class, every conversation, every shared breath becomes part of something larger than a single weekend in the mountains. If you have felt supported, inspired, connected, or welcomed through this festival, we would be deeply grateful if you would consider leaving us a five-star review. Reviews may seem small, but they make a meaningful difference. They help new attendees feel confident joining us. They support our teachers and vendors. They strengthen our visibility so we can continue to grow in a sustainable and heart-centered way. When you share your experience, you help others understand what makes this community special.

If you have a moment, we invite you to leave a review on any of the platforms below:

Leave a review on Google

Leave a review on Facebook

Leave a review on Yelp

You can also support us by sharing our posts, tagging us in your photos, or simply telling a friend about your experience.

We read every review. We appreciate every word. And we are grateful for each person who chooses to uplift this community with their voice.

Thank you for helping Big Bear Yoga Festival continue to grow with integrity, connection, and heart.

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Community, Connection, and a mountain retreat

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:40:46 GMT

As we move toward summer, the energy around the Big Bear Yoga Festival continues to grow. More people are discovering this community. More families are making plans for the months ahead. More teachers, volunteers, and vendors are stepping forward. This festival is shaped by the people who show up. Right now, we are thinking about you.

Big Bear Yoga Festival

Main Festival Day • Saturday October 3, 2026

Weekend Experiences • Fri–Sun

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Subscribe now

A Different Kind of FOMO 💫

Most people talk about the fear of missing out.

Right now, we are feeling something a little different.

We are feeling the fear of missing participants.

This gathering is more than a weekend of classes. It is shared energy, connection, and community. It is the people who arrive open to movement, healing, laughter, and meaningful moments.

If you have been thinking about joining us, this is your invitation.

Tickets are available now, including family tickets for those who want to experience the festival together. https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Community Spotlight

This month we are highlighting a special member of our community.

Rachel S. Heslin has been fascinated by social psychology for over 40 years, exploring how identity influences both our experience and opportunities. She has facilitated training for the Southern California Society for Ericksonian Psychotherapy and Hypnosis (SCSEPH), helped co-host the WBECS (World Business and Executive Coach Summit) pre-summit sessions, and was a WBECS Implementation Mastery Facilitator.

Rachel is currently the author of two books: Navigating Life: 8 Different Strategies to Guide Your Way, and Rituals of Release: How to Make Room for Your New Life.

Her TEDx talk, “A Defense of Victim Mentality,” transforms condemnation to compassion in only 6 minutes, and her work through her company, The Fullness of Your Power, helps people become who the world needs them to be.

Brand: The Fullness of Your Power

Website: The Fullness of Your Power

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rsheslin/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/rachel.s.heslin

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelsheslin

It is people like Rachel who make this space so meaningful. Real people showing up with open hearts, shared intention, and a willingness to grow together.

Stress Relief and Mental Clarity 🧘

Life moves quickly, and many of us are carrying more than we realize.

Yoga creates space to pause.

Through movement, breath, and presence, yoga can help quiet mental noise, ease stress, and bring clarity back into focus.

That is part of what makes gathering in nature near Big Bear Lake so meaningful.

The festival offers a chance to step away from daily demands and reconnect with yourself.

Be Part of the Festival ✨

There are many ways to take part in this year’s festival, and we are currently accepting applications.

Vendor Applications

We are building a vibrant vendor village and are looking for wellness brands, artisans, makers, and community-minded businesses who want to connect with festival attendees.https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Kids Corner Applications

Family-friendly offerings are an important part of this year’s vision. We are currently seeking kids vendors and facilitators who can create fun, engaging, and meaningful experiences for children and families.https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Teacher and Performer Applications

We are continuing to shape the festival experience and welcome applications from yoga teachers, workshop leaders, musicians, and performers who feel called to share their gifts.https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Volunteers Needed 🤝

As the festival grows, so does the need for support.

We are looking for volunteers for festival weekend, as well as year-round leadership support.

Current needs include photographers, videographers, content creators, fundraising support, and finance help.

If you have been wanting to contribute your time, creativity, or organizational skills, we would love to hear from you.https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Behind the Scenes

Big Bear Yoga Festival supports small businesses around the world with loans using Kiva. Kiva is a nonprofit organization and online lending platform that connects lenders with underserved individuals and small businesses worldwide to provide microloans and promote financial inclusion. Here is our impact:

$500 Total amount lent

15 Loans made

11 Countries supported

You’re changing 24 lives!

Moritah

Monique

01_Bayouf Pout Group

Sarah

Maria Theresa

Haitgul

Location

India 23.53%

Tonga 17.65%

Uganda 11.76%

Kenya 5.88%

Senegal 5.88%

Honduras 5.88%

Peru 5.88%

Philippines 5.88%

Rwanda 5.88%

Sierra Leone 5.88%

Tajikistan 5.88%

Sector

Arts 41.18%

Food 17.65%

Clothing 11.76%

Water 11.76%

Manufacturing 5.88%

Housing 5.88%

With Kiva, you can make a difference by lending just $25 to people around the globe.

https://www.kiva.org/invitedby/annalisa8267

Summer Yoga Series Begins June 7 ☀️

Our Summer Yoga Series begins June 7 and continues every Sunday at 10:00 AM.

If you would like to attend, or if you are a yoga teacher interested in teaching, Please contact Amanda @ ms.amandac@yahoo.com to sign up.

This is a beautiful way to stay connected with the community throughout the summer while we look ahead to the festival this fall.

Make Plans for October With Us 🍂

Family tickets are available, and now is a wonderful time to start planning ahead for fall.

October in Big Bear Lake offers the perfect setting to step away from daily demands, breathe deeply, and reconnect through movement, nature, and community.

Whether you come on your own, with friends, or with family, we would love to welcome you to the Big Bear Yoga Festival this October.

We are building something meaningful together, and there is still room for you.

There is something powerful about stepping away from your routine and into a space where you can breathe, move, and reconnect.

We are building that space together, and it would not be the same without you.

With appreciation,
Big Bear Yoga Festival Team

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Spring Momentum at Big Bear Yoga Festival

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 07 May 2026 10:02:47 GMT

From new community growth to the launch of our Yoga Teacher Training program, this year’s festival is already shaping up to be something truly special.

Big Bear Yoga Festival

Main Festival Day • Saturday October 3, 2026

Weekend Experiences • Fri–Sun

https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Subscribe now

Tickets Are Moving

Super Early Bird pricing has officially ended, and we want to thank everyone who secured their spot early. Your support is appreciated!

Tickets are still available, and momentum is building and we expect spots to fill as we move closer to summer.

A Different Kind of Mother’s Day Gift

Instead of something temporary, gift an experience rooted in connection, wellness, and nature.

Imagine gifting: A weekend surrounded by fresh mountain air. Time to relax, recharge, and feel supported. Meaningful moments shared together.

Our Family Tickets make this easy.

Bring mom, bring the kids, or make it a full family experience.

This isn’t just a gift, it’s a memory in the making.

👉 Secure your tickets and gift something that truly matters. https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Community Spotlight: Karen Martinez – Marketing Volunteer

This month we are proud to highlight Karen Martinez, a dedicated member of the Big Bear Yoga Festival community and an essential part of our marketing team.

Karen is a passionate advocate for spiritual growth, holistic wellness, and community connection. Through her work with the festival, she contributes to newsletters, manages our Substack, and helps share the spirit of this gathering with a wider audience. Her focus is on building meaningful connections between participants, teachers, and practitioners while highlighting the transformative experiences that make this festival so special.

Beyond her work with the festival, Karen continues to expand her offerings in the wellness space. She has been invited to facilitate a workshop at the Autumn Awakening Retreat, a four day immersive experience taking place September 17 through 20 in Sedona.

This retreat is designed to support deep personal transformation and includes practices such as Kundalini and Hatha yoga, meditation, sound healing, cacao ceremony, group past life regression, and energy healing, all held within Sedona’s well known red rock landscape.

Karen invites members of our community to join her in this experience of release, renewal, and reconnection. It is a natural extension of the work we begin together at the festival.

To learn more about her offerings and upcoming retreat:

Autumn Awakening Retreat:https://www.goldenvibrations.org/autumnawakening

Website: https://celestialseagoat.as.me/

Profile: https://members.qhhtofficial.com/members/karen-martinez-2-2/?campaign=Myprofileemail&ref=657

Substack: https://substack.com/@celestialseagoat

FREE Summer Yoga Series Begins June 7

We’re excited to announce our Summer Yoga Series:

Starting June 7th

Every Sunday at 10:00 AM at the Big Bear Discovery Center!

This is a beautiful way to stay connected and continue your practice in the community.

👉 Interested in attending or teaching?

Please contact Amanda @ ms.amandac@yahoo.com to sign up.

We’re welcoming both participants and volunteer yoga teachers who want to be part of this offering.

We’re Growing – Join the Team

As this festival grows, so does the need for support and there are so many ways to get involved.

We’re currently looking for-

Day-of Volunteers:

Photographers & Videographers

Year-round Leadership Volunteers:

Content Creator (graphics + social media organization)

Leadership roles (Bookkeeping/Finance, Fundraising)

If you’ve been wanting to contribute your skills in a meaningful way, we’d love to connect. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSezCtUcSga4l6aI_AiGEpAC30kWjlM5zWP-kONhKgAOw5pyJQ/viewform

Vendors Wanted (Including Kids Vendors)

We’re building a vibrant, inclusive marketplace and are currently seeking:

Wellness vendors

Artisan brands

Kids vendors (family-friendly offerings are a big focus this year)

If this aligns with you or someone you know, reach out and be part of the experience. https://beacons.ai/bigbearyogafest

Teacher Training Has Begun

We’re incredibly proud to share that Big Bear Yoga Teacher Training has officially started.

This group has stepped into a powerful journey, and we’re honored to support their growth.

✨ Even more exciting:

They will be graduating at this year’s festival, making it a truly meaningful and full-circle experience. We’ll be sharing their journeys along the way, follow us on social media to witness their transformation.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbearyogafest

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigBearYogaFestival/

Community Growth Update

We’re seeing beautiful momentum across our platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigbearyogafest

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bigbearyogafest

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bigbearyogafestival

Substack: https://substack.com/@bigbearyogafestival

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BigBearYogaFestival/

This consistency is paying off and it’s all because of this community.

TikTok Giveaway - TikTok Contest for May!

We want you to follow us on TikTok, so we have a contest just for you to thank you for following, liking and sharing. We have a surprise for one lucky winner!

This yogi prize is valued at over $50 and includes gifts and gift cards!

How to Enter:

1. Follow us on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@bigbearyogafest

2. Like this post for the TikTok Contest for May!

3. Repost this post

3. Tag your festie buddy in the comments

4. One extra entry for each friend tagged on TikTok

One lucky winner will be chosen at random and announced after May 31!

Visit our official websites with more details for teachers, classes, music concerts, talks/workshops, vendors and more. www.BigBearYogaFestival.com

Good luck and we can’t wait to see you on TikTok!

Your Reset Is Waiting!

Just a few hours outside the city, you’ll find space to breathe, move, and reconnect in nature.

Picture yourself practicing near Big Bear Lake, surrounded by fresh mountain air and a supportive community. That’s what we’re creating, and we’d love for you to be part of it.

With gratitude,

Big Bear Yoga Festival Team

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Yoga Beyond the Mat: Connecting with Nature & Community

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 11:03:20 GMT

This month, we’re exploring ways to bring yoga into your everyday life, particularly by connecting with our voice, nature and our vibrant community.

Whether you’re hiking, gardening, composting, or volunteering, every small action can be a mindful step toward living yoga beyond the studio.Big Bear Yoga Festival

Big Bear Yoga Festival

Main Festival Day • Saturday October 3, 2026

Weekend Experiences • Fri–Sun

Get tickets here: Purchase Festival Tickets

Subscribe now

This month, we’re exploring ways to bring yoga into your everyday life, particularly by connecting with our voice, nature and our vibrant community.

Whether you’re hiking, gardening, composting, or volunteering, every small action can be a mindful step toward living yoga beyond the studio.

Nature Practices for Every Day

Here are some ways to extend your yoga practice into your daily life and deepen your connection with the natural world:

1. Mindful Hiking: Take a walk in the mountains or woods, focus on your breath, notice the colors, sounds, and textures around you.

2. Garden & Compost: Transform your outdoor space into a mindful sanctuary. Composting reduces waste and gives back to the earth.

3. Breath with the Elements: Practice pranayama outdoors—listen to the wind, feel the sun on your skin, or meditate by a stream.

4. Eco-Friendly Choices: Reduce, reuse, and consciously support sustainable products. Every choice can be an act of yoga.

5. Nature Journaling: Document your observations, gratitude, or inspirations from time spent outside.

Tips for Mindful Living Beyond Yoga

• Morning Nature Ritual: Begin each day with a few minutes of quiet reflection outdoors.

• Sustainable Eating: Incorporate more plant-based meals and reduce food waste.

• Digital Detox: Spend a day away from screens to reconnect with the present moment.

• Share Your Voice: Practice kind communication and active listening, extending yoga’s principles to interactions with others.

Yoga isn’t just physical. It’s a way of living in harmony with yourself, others, and the planet.

Community Spotlight:

This month, we celebrate Amanda Carlin, one of our Big Bear Yoga Festival leadership members:

Amanda is a long-time educator with a BA in Psychology and an MA in Biology. Recently completing her 200-hour yoga teacher training and certified in Social-Emotional Learning and meditation coaching, she has dedicated her life to improving mental health and overall wellbeing. Amanda believes in the mind, body, soul connection and is passionate about helping people cultivate positivity in their lives.

“Being surrounded by the wild and celebrating all four seasons in Big Bear inspires me to bring joy, growth, and balance into every class and interaction.” – Amanda Carlin

Connect with Amanda in advance at

Website www.yogawild.net

Instagram www.Instagram.com/yogawildbigbear

Facebook www.facebook.com/yogawildbigbear

We encourage all community members to share their stories, and if you’d like to be featured in our next Community Spotlight, reach out.

Festival Highlights & Opportunities

Bring the whole family! Our festival features hands-on activities, mindful play, and creative exploration for children of all ages. Family tickets provide access to workshops and family-friendly events so everyone can experience the festival together.

Creators’ Village

Our Creators’ Village celebrates local artists, makers, and wellness entrepreneurs. If you or someone you know wants to showcase handmade goods, art, or wellness services, the Village is a fantastic opportunity to connect with festival attendees.

Announcing Special Small Group Writing Classes

With Vanessa Poster

We are thrilled to announce Vanessa Poster of VIP Consulting is returning to the Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026 on Saturday, October 3rd to offer two special writing classes.

Vanessa is leading a 1pm class “Intro to Expressive Writing” and at 2pm “Writing to Heal” class. Both classes will be held at Creators Village in the VIP Consulting booth.

Vanessa Poster is a member of the Los Angeles Poets and Writer’s Collective and The Poetry Salon. She has studied Method Writing with Jack Grapes for more than 25 years. Her work has appeared in Grief Dialogues, the Book; Stories from the Muses; and Snapdragon: A Journal of Art & Healing, and more. She has been teaching creative writing since 2017 and runs a workshop called, The Write Way: Using the Written Word to Heal. She is a graduate of Stanford University. She was widowed in 2015 and her poems explore themes of grief, love, and gratitude.

Plan on attending one of her classes and stopping by her booth to explore writing in your life.

Connect with Vanessa in advance at VIP Consulting 310-408-4567

Website: Vanessa@VIPConsultingPartners.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/viposter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessaposter/

Volunteer Opportunities

Looking to give back? Our festival thrives on community volunteers. From setup and check-in to supporting workshops, volunteering allows you to connect with like-minded individuals and be part of something meaningful.

https://forms.gle/fE2oGQhg5Kgt4JWi7

Contact : Elizabeth Peregrina - Volunteer Manager

volunteers@bigbearyogafestival.com

Festival Reminders

• Tickets: Secure your spot and enjoy workshops, community connection, and festival festivities. Get tickets here: Purchase Festival Tickets

• Teacher Training & Retreats: Don’t forget to check our events like the California Sisters Retreat and Yoga Teacher Training opportunities. Reserve your spot here:

California Sisters Retreat - Friday, October 2 - Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Big Bear Lake, CA

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-california-sisters-big-bear-yoga-festival-retreat--2026

Big Bear Yoga Teacher Training - Starts soon!

Early registration is encouraged, and spots are filling fast. Learn more and register here:

https://unfoldingthelotus.com/

Teaching, Performing & Sharing Opportunities

Call for teachers and musicians - apply to teach or perform at Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026!

We have limited spots open this year. We would love to have you join us!

Theme This Year:

Vishuddha Chakra: Speak your truth. Move your body. Free your voice.

Apply Here: https://forms.gle/bUBbx8pKJmRtNE2v5

This April, explore yoga beyond the mat by embracing mindfulness, connection, and service. Whether you’re volunteering, hiking, composting, or sharing with family and friends, each action is a reflection of yoga in daily life.

Together, we build a community rooted in authenticity, empowerment, and sustainability. Let’s live yoga fully, beyond the studio, and celebrate our connection to nature and each other.

With gratitude,

The Big Bear Yoga Festival Team

Your Voice Matters: Help Us Grow with a Five-Star Review

Big Bear Yoga Festival is built on community. Every class, every conversation, every shared breath becomes part of something larger than a single weekend in the mountains.

If you have felt supported, inspired, connected, or welcomed through this festival, we would be deeply grateful if you would consider leaving us a five-star review.

When you share your experience, you help others understand what makes this community special.

If you have a moment, we invite you to leave a review on any of the platforms below:

Leave a review on Google

Leave a review on Facebook

Leave a review on Yelp

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Welcome to April!

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 11:02:42 GMT

This year, we’re focusing on the throat chakra, your center for voice, expression, and self-love.

Whether you’re journaling, practicing yoga, or simply spending time in nature, April is about finding your voice and letting it shine.

Big Bear Yoga Festival

Main Festival Day • Saturday October 3, 2026

Weekend Experiences • Fri–Sun

Get tickets here: Purchase Festival Tickets

Subscribe now

Throat-Centered Affirmations

Affirmations are a powerful way to reconnect with yourself and your voice. Try saying one or more of these each morning:

• I express myself clearly and authentically.
• My voice matters, and I honor it.
• I communicate with love, honesty, and compassion.
• I embrace self-expression without fear.
• Speaking my truth empowers me and those around me.

Pair these affirmations with deep breathing, hums, or chanting to energize your throat chakra and open channels for authentic expression.

Journal Prompts: Exploring Self-Love Through Expression

Take 10–15 minutes each day to reflect with these prompts:

1. What does authentic communication mean to me?

2. When do I feel the most comfortable expressing my true self?

3. Are there situations where I hold back my voice? Why?

4. How can I show more self-love through the words I think, speak or write?

5. What is one honest thing I’ve been wanting to say to myself or someone else?

Journaling your answers will help deepen your connection with your voice, clarify your intentions, and empower your self-expression.

“Big Bear Yoga Festival Memories: Fall in the Mountains” by Conni Berns

Clear sky, fresh wind and shorter days we travel to Big Bear, California. Summer gone we look forward and to “A Dance in the Park,” better known as Big Bear Yoga Festival.

My first time I went from Tai Chi on the patio, to Chair Yoga, and Yoga in Spanish, with origami meditation.

My second year, I volunteered at the coat check, met new friends while helping others. My favorite vendor sold me items made in cottage industries from overseas. Yoga outdoors and the Afterglow in the auditorium are my special memories.

Community Spotlight- Volunteers Who Inspire

Arlene Andrade, a novice to the yoga community. Through my sisterhood with Lyz I became acquainted with Big Bear.This will be my 2nd year volunteering at the BBYF. This year I am assisting as Volunteer Assistant Manager. I am enrolled in the Yoga Teacher Training program facilitated by Lyz this coming May and excited to be receiving my certification at the festival! There is so much unfolding this year for me.

I hold a B.A. and M.A. in Human Development from Pacific Oaks College and work privately as a caregiver for three families. In my down time I find so much comfort working with my hands from crocheting, gardening, watercolors, cooking and I am looking forward to speaking my truth by opening my vishuddah chakra so I can feel confident in singing out loud.

Teaching, Performing & Sharing Opportunities

Call for teachers and musicians - apply to teach or perform at Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026!

We have limited spots open this year. We would love to have you join us!

Theme This Year:

Vishuddha Chakra:

Speak your truth. Move your body. Free your voice.

Apply Here: https://forms.gle/bUBbx8pKJmRtNE2v5

Vendor Opportunities

We’re still accepting vendors for the upcoming Big Bear Yoga Festival!

If you have a wellness-focused business, handmade goods, or creative offerings, this is your chance to connect with our vibrant festival community. Vendor applications are open now, and spaces are limited.

Apply today: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdt2PXZnfxuiRJPPe7fXAHznItvWmLmIes1lzOFDfQzFGugKg/viewform?usp=header

Teacher Training & Event Updates

Exciting news! Our Big Bear Yoga Teacher Training is back this year. Whether you’re new to teaching or looking to deepen your practice, this program focuses on:

• Mindful communication and leadership

• Self-expression through yoga and movement

• Connection with the Big Bear community

Early registration is encouraged, and spots are filling fast.

Other events include:

• California Sisters Retreat – Celebrate sisterhood, nature, and connection in a mindful weekend experience. Friday, October 2 - Sunday, October 4, 2026 in Big Bear Lake, CA

Reserve your spot here:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/the-california-sisters-big-bear-yoga-festival-retreat--2026

• Kids Vendors at Creators Village – Inspiration for the little yogis in our community. Kids Vendor Fees: $5

Learn more and apply here: https://forms.gle/L7qQs5BaRsDrMroL9

Nature & Mindfulness

Spring is a perfect time to reconnect with nature. Whether you’re hiking, meditating by the lake, or simply enjoying a quiet moment under the trees, take time this month to:

• Observe without judgment

• Listen to your inner voice

• Share your gratitude through journaling or spoken words

Nature reminds us that communication is not only about words—it’s about listening, observing, and connecting authentically.

Ticket Sales & Festival Updates

Don’t forget! Tickets for the Big Bear Yoga Festival are on sale now. Secure your spot to enjoy workshops, community connection, and a celebration of wellness in the mountains.

Get tickets here: Purchase Festival Tickets

This April, focus on your voice, your self-expression, and your empowerment. Practice affirmations, journal your truths, and let your energy flow through your words and actions. Together, we’re building a community that celebrates authenticity, self-love, and mindful communication.

We can’t wait to see you at the festival and in all our upcoming events. Remember: Your voice matters. Your presence matters. You matter.

With gratitude,

The Big Bear Yoga Festival Team

Your Voice Matters: Help Us Grow with a Five-Star Review

Big Bear Yoga Festival is built on community. Every class, every conversation, every shared breath becomes part of something larger than a single weekend in the mountains.

If you have felt supported, inspired, connected, or welcomed through this festival, we would be deeply grateful if you would consider leaving us a five-star review.

When you share your experience, you help others understand what makes this community special.

If you have a moment, we invite you to leave a review on any of the platforms below:

Leave a review on Google

Leave a review on Facebook

Leave a review on Yelp

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Discover the Eight Limbs of Yoga & Celebrate Family at Big Bear

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 12:54:37 GMT

The Eight Limbs of Yoga: Living Beyond the Mat

When many people hear the word yoga, their minds immediately go to asana, the physical postures we practice on our mats. While asana is a beautiful and intricate part of yoga, it is only one piece of a much larger philosophy.

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The word yoga itself means union. It is an umbrella term, a complete system for living with awareness, integrity, and connection.

According to the ancient teachings outlined in the Yoga Sutras, there are eight limbs of yoga. These limbs offer a pathway not just for movement, but for how we live, breathe, focus, and evolve.

The Eight Limbs of Yoga

Yamas (Restraints)
Ethical principles that guide how we relate to the world.
For example, Ahimsa — practicing non-harm in thought, word, and action.
Niyamas (Observances)
Personal disciplines that shape our inner world.
Tapas — cultivating discipline and devotion, is one example.
Asana (Posture)
The physical practice that prepares the body for stillness and awareness.
Pranayama (Breath Regulation)
Conscious breathing practices that regulate energy and calm the nervous system.
Pratyahara (Sensory Withdrawal)
Turning inward and gently drawing awareness away from external distractions.
Dharana (Concentration)
Focused attention on a single point, such as the flame of a candle.
Dhyana (Meditation)
Sustained awareness and effortless presence.
Samadhi (Enlightenment or Union)
A state of deep absorption, where separation dissolves and we experience unity.

You may already be practicing yoga in ways you don’t even realize.

When you choose kindness instead of reactivity, that is yoga.

When you commit to learning one posture with patience and discipline, that is yoga.
When you engage in breathwork, meditation, or concentrate on a single point, that is yoga.

Yoga is not confined to the mat.
It is how we live.
It is how we breathe.
It is how we show up for ourselves and for one another.

At its heart, yoga is a way of being, an invitation to embody awareness in every moment.

And that is something we can practice anywhere.

This article was submitted by Melissa (Dass Akal) Warwick

Website:

https://www.goldenvibrations.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden_vibrations/

TikTok: @goldenvibrations

X.com: https://x.com/ReikibyMelissaM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaGoldenVibrations/

YouTube: @goldenvibrations444

Substack: https://substack.com/@goldenvibrations

Kids Corner at Vendor Village

Big Bear Yoga Festival is a family-friendly gathering, and our activities and classes for kids are designed to spark creativity, movement, and connection. Children enjoy playful yoga classes, mindfulness activities, arts and crafts, and outdoor adventures—all in a safe and supportive environment.

Our Kids Corner at Vendor Village is another NEW exciting opportunity for children to share their talents, crafts, and small business ideas. It encourages creativity, entrepreneurship, and community engagement at an early age.

By participating, families can experience learning together, share joy, and create lasting memories.

A Note for Parents

Kids Corner is a learning experience designed to spark creativity, confidence, and early business skills. Parents must supervise their child, help with planning and setup, and support them throughout the day at the festival. This is also a chance for an accomplishment to add to their future applications. It’s a fun way to learn how real businesses get started, take responsibility, and run a mini business for a day. Questions: Elizabethperegrina@gmail.com

Kids Vendor Fees:$5 Kids Corner Vendor Fee

Apply here!

Community Spotlight:

Robbie B. is the founder of Carin Yoga and is an E-RYT 500hr yoga teacher that offers classes for both children and adults, including Hatha, restorative, yin, and sound bath. She loves creating spaces where people can slow down, breathe, and reconnect.

Through seva work, she brings yoga to school teachers and children through public library programs. She also has the joy of teaching yoga internationally in Switzerland and Brazil.

Robbie first connected with BBYF a few years ago while volunteering and instantly fell in love with the community and vibe.

Website: https://www.carinyoga.com

IG: Instagramhttps://www.instagram.comCarin Yoga

Facebook: Facebookhttps://www.facebook.comCarin Yoga

Pinterest: Pinteresthttps://in.pinterest.comCarin Yoga

TikTok: TikTok · Carinyogawellness

Big Bear Yoga Teacher Training

For those called to deepen their practice or explore teaching, our Yoga Teacher Training offers a 200-hour Yoga Alliance-accredited program in the mountains. Participants engage in immersive learning, hands-on practice, and holistic study.

This training is perfect for anyone who wants to:

• Strengthen personal practice

• Understand yoga philosophy and asana deeply

• Connect with a supportive community

• Share the gift of yoga with others

Vendor Village

Our Vendor Village brings together wellness practitioners, artisans, and creators. If you want to share your offerings with a vibrant, engaged community, this is the place to be.

Apply here: Please fill out this form.

Family Ticket Sales

Big Bear Yoga Festival is a space for all ages. Our Family Pass is designed to make the festival accessible and enjoyable for parents, children, and multi-generational groups.

Family Pass includes:

• Tickets for up to 4 adults

• Kids 17 & under attend free on Saturday, October 3rd

• Access to Kids Corner, workshops, and the After Glow celebration

Festival Dates:

• Friday, October 2 – Friday Night Welcome Event

• Saturday, October 3 – Festival Day & After Glow

• Sunday, October 4 – Hike & Yoga with Picnic

Purchase Festival Tickets

The festival is about connection. Connection to yourself, to your family, to your community, and to the natural world around us. We hope this month inspires you to explore the Eight Limbs, celebrate family, and step into community with heart and intention.

Your Voice Matters: Help Us Grow with a Five-Star Review

Big Bear Yoga Festival is built on community. Every class, every conversation, every shared breath becomes part of something larger than a single weekend in the mountains.

If you have felt supported, inspired, connected, or welcomed through this festival, we would be deeply grateful if you would consider leaving us a five-star review.

When you share your experience, you help others understand what makes this community special.

If you have a moment, we invite you to leave a review on any of the platforms below:

Leave a review on Google

Leave a review on Facebook

Leave a review on Yelp

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Welcome Spring with Yoga and Big Bear Yoga Festival

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 12:08:45 GMT

Spring Equinox: A Season of Renewal

The Spring Equinox marks a moment of balance, day and night meeting in equal measure and invites reflection, renewal, and growth. Just as nature begins to bloom, this is a season to open to possibilities, release what no longer serves, and step forward with intention.

At Big Bear Yoga Festival, we see the equinox as a reminder that community, practice, and nature are intertwined. As we explore this year’s throat chakra theme, spring encourages us to speak with authenticity, listen deeply, and share our voices in service of connection.

Subscribe now

This season, we invite you to bring balance not only to yourself but to the planet. Yoga reminds us of our interconnectedness. How our choices ripple through the world around us.

Here are simple, home-friendly ways to care for the earth this spring:
• Composting: Collect food scraps like vegetable peels, coffee grounds, and eggshells. Composting reduces waste and nourishes soil.
• Reduce Single-Use Items: Carry a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bags to minimize waste.
• Support Local: Choose farmers, artisans, and small businesses. This strengthens your community and reduces environmental impact.
• Give Back to Nature: Take a walk and bring a bag to pick up litter on trails or streets. Small actions make a difference.
Sustainability is not perfection; it is intention. Our mountains, lake, and forests hold us. Caring for them is part of our practice.

Yoga in Focus: Camel Pose (Ustrasana)

A Heart-Opening Backbend for the Throat Chakra

When we think of opening the throat chakra (Vishuddha), we often think of chanting, breathwork, or speaking our truth. But certain asanas physically create space in the throat center — and Camel Pose (Ustrasana) is one of them.

Ustrasana is a deep heart-opening backbend practiced from a kneeling position. As the chest lifts and the head gently releases back, the front body opens — especially the throat, chest, and upper spine — encouraging energetic expansion through the Vishuddha chakra.

Benefits for the Throat Chakra

Opens and stretches the front of the throat
Encourages authentic expression
Supports confidence and emotional release
Expands the chest and improves breath capacity
Counteracts rounded posture from daily life

When practiced with steady breath and awareness, Camel Pose can feel both vulnerable and empowering, much like speaking your truth.

How to Practice Ustrasana

Begin kneeling with hips stacked over knees.
Place your hands on your low back, fingers pointing downward.
Press gently into the sacrum and begin lifting your heart upward.
Draw shoulder blades together and broaden across the collarbones.
If accessible, reach one hand at a time back to your heels.
Allow the head to release back only if the neck feels supported.
Breathe deeply into the chest and throat for 3–5 slow breaths.
To come out, bring hands back to low back and slowly rise upright.

Keep the thighs vertical — avoid sitting back into the hips. Think of lifting up before arching back.

Modifications

- Hands on Low Back
Keep hands pressing into the sacrum instead of reaching for the heels. This reduces intensity while still opening the throat and heart.

- Tuck the Toes
Tucking the toes under elevates the heels, making them easier to reach.

- Neck Neutral
If dropping the head back strains the neck, keep the chin slightly tucked and gaze forward or upward instead.

- Use Blocks
Place blocks beside your ankles to bring the floor closer to you. Place hands on blocks.

A Gentle Reminder

Backbends can stir emotion. Move slowly. Stay connected to your breath. If you feel dizziness or compression in the low back, ease out.

When practiced with intention, Ustrasana becomes more than a shape — it becomes a posture of courage. A posture of openness. A posture of truth.

Breathe in. Lift your heart. Speak your truth.

At Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026, our theme is “Where Your Voice Meets the Mountains.” In Ustrasana, we physically create space at the throat and heart — the very centers of truth and courage. As you lift your chest toward the sky and feel the vastness around you, imagine your voice carried across the mountain air. Steady. Clear. Authentic. In this posture, you are not just opening your body — you are remembering that your voice matters, and it deserves to be heard.

This article was submitted by Melissa (Dass Akal) Warwick

Website:https://www.goldenvibrations.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden_vibrations/

TikTok: @goldenvibrations

X.com: https://x.com/ReikibyMelissaM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaGoldenVibrations/

YouTube: @goldenvibrations444

Substack: https://substack.com/@goldenvibrations

Community Spotlight:

Melissa Warwick

Melissa Warwick, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, is a Kundalini and Classical Yoga teacher, Reiki Master, and Sound Healer, and the founder of Golden Vibrations. Teaching since 2017, she blends the science of breathwork with mantra, meditation, and subtle energy practices to create deeply transformational experiences.

Her classes are both grounding and expansive—awakening inner strength, heart coherence, and authentic expression.

A longtime teacher and Marketing Chair for the Big Bear Yoga Festival, Melissa is devoted to cultivating conscious community in the mountains she loves. She believes yoga is more than movement—it is a path of remembrance, empowerment, and connection.

Connect with Melissa:

Website:https://www.goldenvibrations.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/golden_vibrations/

TikTok: @goldenvibrations

X.com: https://x.com/ReikibyMelissaM

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MelissaGoldenVibrations/

YouTube: @goldenvibrations444

Substack: https://substack.com/@goldenvibrations

Big Bear Yoga Teacher Training

For those who feel called to deepen their practice or step into teaching, the Big Bear Yoga Teacher Training offers a 200-hour Yoga Alliance-accredited program in the mountains.

This immersive experience blends asana, philosophy, breathwork, and holistic practices to support both personal growth and professional development. Whether your path leads to teaching or simply to deeper self-awareness, this program meets you where you are.

If you’re curious about teaching, or simply feel drawn to deepen and integrate your yoga journey with Ayurveda, this training might be the next step your heart has been waiting for.

Learn more and register here: https://unfoldingthelotus.com/

Vendor Village

Vendors, service providers, educators and anyone looking to share inspiration with others....WE WANT YOU!

The application to apply to be a vendor in Big Bear Yoga Festival’s Vendor Village is now open!

We pride ourselves on creating an intimate environment where you can connect to and share your specialty with our festival attendees. Please take the time to fully read the application as we also take pride in having high-quality vendors and products for our attendees.

We look forward to bringing like-minded people together and hope that you will consider being part of our festival.

Want to apply?! Here ya go!

Please fill out this form.

From Volunteer to Community: My Journey with the Big Bear Yoga Festival

In 2014, I signed up to volunteer at the Big Bear Yoga Festival for the first time. At the time, I simply wanted to help. I had no idea that one small decision would become a meaningful part of my life for more than a decade.

Like many volunteers, I arrived curious and open, not fully knowing what to expect. What I discovered was something special.

-Falling in Love with the Community

From the moment I stepped onto the festival grounds, there was a feeling in the air that is hard to describe but easy to recognize once you experience it. The energy was calm, peaceful, and welcoming. People were kind to one another. Teachers, volunteers, and attendees all seemed connected by a shared intention to slow down, breathe, and be present.

That first year, I also had the opportunity to meet the incredible women who helped create the heart of the festival: Annalisa

Her dedication to building a space for yoga, healing, and community was inspiring. You could feel their love for the festival in every detail — from the classes to the music, the nature of Big Bear, and the way volunteers and guests were treated like family.

As a volunteer, I noticed something powerful: I felt different there.
More calm. More grounded. More myself.

It reminded me why community matters so much.

-Why Volunteering Matters

Volunteering isn’t just about helping run an event. It’s about being part of something bigger than yourself.

When you volunteer at the Big Bear Yoga Festival, you become part of a team that helps create a space where hundreds of people come to reconnect with themselves through yoga, meditation, movement, music, and nature.

-Volunteers help with things like:

Welcoming guests
Supporting teachers and workshops
Helping at the volunteer booth
Assisting with festival flow and logistics
Creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone attending

And the beautiful part is that while you’re giving your time, you also receive so much in return — connection, inspiration, new friendships, and the joy of being part of a conscious community.

-A Festival That Feels Like Home

Over the years, the festival has grown, but the feeling remains the same. There is still a sense of peace when you arrive. The mountain air, the yoga classes, the music, and the people all create something that feels sacred and joyful at the same time.

For many of us, the festival has become a yearly gathering of friends, teachers, healers, and volunteers who return again and again because of how it makes us feel.

Join Us This Year

This year’s Big Bear Yoga Festival will take place October 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, and we are welcoming a new group of volunteers to join our community.

If you’ve ever wanted to:

Be part of an uplifting yoga community
Meet amazing teachers and like-minded people
Experience the festival from the inside
Spend time in the beautiful mountains of Big Bear
Contribute to something meaningful

Then volunteering might be the perfect experience for you.

-How to Sign Up

We are currently welcoming volunteers for this year’s festival.

If you feel called to join us, please fill out the volunteer form below:

Volunteer Application:
Please fill out this form.

Whether it’s your first time volunteering or you’ve joined us before, we would love to have you be part of the team.

Who knows — you might just fall in love with the community the same way I did back in 2014.

And I can’t wait to welcome you there.

This article was submitted by Elizabeth Peregrina

Website:

https://unfoldingthelotus.com/

FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61582316104666

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unfolding.the.lotus

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@unfolding.the.lotus

Ticket Sales

Tickets are available for the Big Bear Yoga Festival, a weekend of practice, workshops, nature, and connection for all experience levels. Early registration helps us plan intentionally and nurture our growing community.

Festival Dates:

• Friday, October 2 – Friday Night Welcome Event

• Saturday, October 3 – Festival Day & After Glow

• Sunday, October 4 – Hike & Yoga with Picnic

Purchase Festival Tickets

Your Voice Matters: Help Us Grow with a Five-Star Review

Big Bear Yoga Festival is built on community. Every class, every conversation, every shared breath becomes part of something larger than a single weekend in the mountains.

If you have felt supported, inspired, connected, or welcomed through this festival, we would be deeply grateful if you would consider leaving us a five-star review.

When you share your experience, you help others understand what makes this community special.

If you have a moment, we invite you to leave a review on any of the platforms below:

Leave a review on Google

Leave a review on Facebook

Leave a review on Yelp

You can also support us by sharing our posts, tagging us in your photos, or simply telling a friend about your experience.

We read every review. We appreciate every word. And we are grateful for each person who chooses to uplift this community with their voice.

Thank you for helping Big Bear Yoga Festival continue to grow with integrity, connection, and heart.

Spring is a season of renewal and balance. An invitation to grow, connect, and open our voices. Whether you join as a participant, volunteer, vendor, or teacher-in-training, you are part of this unfolding community.

Warmly,

Big Bear Yoga Festival Team

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Deepen Your Practice at Big Bear Yoga Festival

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 13:03:14 GMT

Surrounded by mountains, forests, and calm waters, this is a space where you can connect deeply with your breath, body, and community. Whether you are just starting your yoga journey or have been practicing for years, Big Bear offers a setting that inspires presence, reflection, and connection.

Subscribe now

The fresh mountain air, expansive landscapes, and supportive community create the perfect environment to explore movement, mindfulness, and self-discovery. Experiencing yoga here is not just about physical practice—it is about joining a larger circle of people who value growth, connection, and heart-centered practice.

The Big Bear Yoga Teacher Training is a unique opportunity to deepen your practice and explore teaching in a supportive, immersive environment.

This program combines Yoga Alliance 200-hour certification with a focus on holistic practices, providing guidance on body, breath, mind, and philosophy. It is designed to meet students wherever they are, whether you are drawn to teaching or simply wish to grow in your own personal practice.

Why This Training Matters:

• Supports personal growth, self-awareness, and confidence

• Offers guidance for those interested in teaching yoga

• Creates a strong foundation in both practical and philosophical aspects of yoga

Learn more and register

Yoga Studio interested in becoming a Sponsor?

Yoga Studio Sponsors: Just $100 (Intro Price!)

As a Yoga Studio Sponsor, you’ll receive:

+ 1 FREE ticket to the festival (Value: $189)

+ NEW Benefit: Your studio name + link featured on our website’s “Yoga Studios & Partners Directory“ to Promote and Lift You Up in our Community

+ Receive the Big Bear Yoga Festival Print Marketing Kit via mail

+ The option to include your flyers or business cards in our goodie bags, or display them at registration

+ Discounted Booth at Festival 10/3/2026 ($60)

It’s an affordable and great way to be part of something inspiring and get your studio in front of wellness-minded folks.

We are deeply grateful to yoga studios (in-person and virtual) for making yoga available in our community. Questions: info@bigbearyogafestival.com

https://pci.jotform.com/bigbearyogafestival/yoga-studio-sponsor-application

Community Spotlight - La’Toya Berthil

La’Toya Berthil is a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT) and the founder of Sista Nature Yoga and Sista Nature Teas. A devoted yoga practitioner for over 11 years, she completed her foundational training at The Western Yoga College and has continued deepening her studies to expand her impact as a teacher and community healer.

La’Toya is passionate about increasing access to yoga and holistic wellness in marginalized communities, offering meaningful representation in spaces where Black and Brown practitioners have historically been underrepresented. Her classes are rooted in intention, accessibility, and energetic awareness, with a special love for Yin yoga and practices that cultivate sensitivity to the subtle energies within and around us.

Beyond the mat, La’Toya is a master herbalist, tea alchemist, and county gardener for San Bernardino. She received her herbalist certification from The Center of Excellence in 2015 and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Wellness. Through yoga, herbal education, and community outreach, she creates experiences that invite students to slow down, reconnect, and sip deeply from the well of natural healing.

When you step into her class, you are invited to breathe, soften, and experience yoga the way it was intended — grounded, nourishing, and deeply restorative.

Connect with La’Toya:

Instagram: @sistanatureyoga | @soulrootswellness

Facebook: facebook.com/sistanaturet

Big Bear Yoga Festival is a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone, from first-time practitioners to seasoned yogis. Our mission is to create heart-centered community, connection, and meaningful experiences through yoga, nature, and shared practice.

Festival Dates:

• Friday, October 2 – Friday Night Welcome Event

• Saturday, October 3 – Festival Day & After Glow

• Sunday, October 4 – Hike & Yoga with Picnic

Purchase Festival Tickets

Warmly,

Big Bear Yoga Festival Team

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Announcement from Friends of Big Bear Valley

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:28:29 GMT

We will be providing more information in the future, but please give our team time to grieve and process this sad news.

The FOBBV Team

Connect: Facebook
Website: friendsofbigbearvalley.org

From the Big Bear Yoga Festival Family

Our Big Bear Yoga Festival family is holding the loss of Sandy Steers with heavy hearts and so much love. Sandy passed yesterday, and the ripple of her absence is already felt in every corner of our community. We wish her peace on the journey home.

Sandy was more than a supporter. She was a teacher, an educator, a guide, and a true friend to the festival from the very beginning. Sandy had an educational booth at Big Bear Yoga Festival in 2013! She believed in the power of education, in the healing that comes from gathering, and in the importance of showing up for one another. And she lived those values every single day.

Her kindness, her wisdom, and her steady presence helped shape the spirit of the festival. She lifted people up. She taught with heart. She supported with generosity. She cared deeply about this community and all of the beings in it. Over the years she taught on a variety of topics including about the ecosystem of Big Bear, the Big Bear Bald Eagles, Shamanic Healing and Neuro-Linguistic Programming.

We are grateful for every conversation, every class, every moment she shared with us. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, how much more awareness and wisdom we have about the natural world in Big Bear, and the love she poured into Big Bear.

Sending love to her family, her friends, and everyone who was lucky enough to learn from her or walk beside her.

May we honor her by continuing the work she cared for so fiercely. May her memory be a blessing.

More About Sandy:

Sandy Steers was the executive director of Friends of Big Bear Valley, an environmental educational nonprofit since it was started by local residents in 2001. The group advocates for the amazing special habitats and species that we have the privilege of hosting in Big Bear Valley. Sandy was a respected and internationally known energy healer, teacher and guide with over 25 years of experience in Shamanic Healing (Inca tradition), Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Channeling/Energy Reading, Intuitive Energy Transformation and Past Life Healing.

She educated us about the beautiful eagles that make Big Bear home. She taught all of us—gently, consistently—how to care for the world around us with more intention and more love. Her passion for the natural world was contagious, and her leadership helped shape the way so many of us see and honor this mountain.

Donate to Friends of Big bear Valley

What makes Big Bear Special?

“The 15-mile long Big Bear Valley, with its beautiful lake, sits inside the San Bernardino National Forest in Southern California,” shares Friends of Big Bear Valley. They point out and share some amazing info about our area:

Dive into our valley’s awesome nature:

Irreplaceable, unique habitats: Some habitats exist only here in Big Bear Valley and each habitat hosts its own diverse species
First in recorded history an active Bald Eagle nest in these mountains: Watch the nest on our live stream camera 24/7
Plants that exist nowhere else in the world! Rare and amazing species, including many that exist only here
Fascinating, watchable wildlife, including rare or endangered species: A wide variety of birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish to observe and learn about, and even beautiful insects that exist nowhere else.
Amazing outdoor adventures: Dozens of activities to enjoy in every season from kayaking, hiking, biking and birding to skiing, boating, climbing, zip-lining, horseback-riding and much more.

Find out more about Friends of Big Bear Valley at friendsofbigbearvalley.org
More info about the Bald Eagles: https://www.friendsofbigbearvalley.org/eagles/
*Picture credit to FOBBV

Exploring Yoga, Nature, and Connection at Big Bear

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 12:02:31 GMT

This year’s festival theme centers on the throat chakra, inviting authentic expression and clear communication. We look forward to exploring this theme together throughout the year. Yoga is a lifelong practice that meets each person exactly where they are. Some arrive seeking physical movement, others come for stillness, healing, or deeper self-awareness.

Over time, many discover that yoga becomes not just something they do, but a way they live.

Whether you are stepping onto a mat for the first time or have been practicing for decades, yoga offers space for exploration, growth, and connection.

Subscribe now

Understanding Yoga and Its Many Pathways

At Big Bear Yoga Festival, we honor all levels of experience and all expressions of practice. Everyone belongs here.

There are many styles, or modalities, of yoga. Each offers a unique entry point into practice, and no single approach is better than another. What matters most is finding a style that supports your body, intentions, and current season of life.

Hatha Yoga

Foundational postures and breath awareness in a steady, accessible format.

Well-suited for those new to practice or anyone seeking a balanced, slower-paced class.

Vinyasa Yoga

Breath-linked movement in flowing sequences.

Appeals to those who enjoy continuous movement and creative sequencing.

Yin Yoga

Slow, longer-held postures that target connective tissues and joints.

Supportive for deep stretching, nervous system regulation, and quiet introspection.

Restorative Yoga

Fully supported postures focused on deep rest and relaxation.

Helpful for stress relief, recovery, and exhaustion.

Kundalini Yoga

Movement, breathwork, mantra, and meditation to work with subtle energy.

Often resonates with practitioners interested in spiritual and energetic exploration.

Ashtanga Yoga

Structured and progressive sequence of postures.

Attractive to those who appreciate consistency and a strong physical practice.

Yoga Nidra

Guided meditation often referred to as yogic sleep.

Supportive for deep relaxation, improved sleep, and stress reduction.

Trauma-Informed and Therapeutic Yoga

Practices that prioritize choice, safety, and nervous system support.

Helpful for people navigating trauma, injury, chronic conditions, or high stress.

And so many more! Iyengar, Svaroopa, Viniyoga, Jivamukti, Anusara, Kripalu, to name a few.

Which do you practice now in your life, and which do you want to learn more about?

Ready to Deepen Your Practice and Step Into Teaching?

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Fri, 30 Jan 2026 02:09:58 GMT

Big bear yoga festival is offering an upcoming Yoga & Ayurveda Teacher Training that uniquely blends two powerful traditions into one transformative experience. This isn’t just a typical 200‑hour teacher training, t’s an opportunity to grow personally, professionally, and spiritually while earning your Yoga Alliance 200‑hour certification.

Subscribe now

Here’s why this training stands out:

🌿 Two Trainings in One

🧘‍♀️ Transformational and Holistic

It’s designed to harmonize body, mind, and spirit, grounding your practice in both the physical and philosophical roots of yoga and in the holistic wisdom of Ayurveda.

🌱 For Students and Aspiring Teachers

✨ Why It Matters

If you’re curious about teaching, or simply feel drawn to deepen and integrate your yoga journey with Ayurveda, this training might be the next step your heart has been waiting for.

Learn more and register here: https://unfoldingthelotus.com/

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Where Community Gathers and Grows

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 12:03:05 GMT

This festival is more than a weekend of yoga. It is a living ecosystem made of teachers, families, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who believe in connection, wellness, and shared experience.

This season, we are opening the circle wider and inviting you to be part of what we are building together.

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So Many Ways to Be Involved

Big Bear Yoga Festival thrives because of the people who show up with intention and heart. Whether you are a local business, a wellness brand, a creative maker, or a community-minded family, there is a place for you here.

We are currently welcoming:

• Sponsors and community partners - Email us!

• Volunteers who want to support behind the scenes!

Elizabeth Peregrina - Volunteer Manager

Volunteer form

• Families who want to experience yoga, nature, and connection together

Get Tickets Now

Each role helps shape the experience and keeps the festival accessible, grounded, and community-centered.

Supporting the Festival Together

We offer a tiered partnership plan designed to support businesses and organizations at every level. Our partners help make the festival possible while aligning with a conscious, nature-based, and family-friendly event rooted in wellness and community.

Partnerships offer visibility, meaningful connection, and the opportunity to support a festival that values inclusivity, sustainability, and shared growth.

If you feel aligned, we would love to explore how we can collaborate.

Community Spotlight:

Christie Smirl | Kalavati Devi

Christie Smirl, also known as Kalavati Devi, is a devoted teacher, author, and guide whose work centers on healing, self-awareness, and conscious living. Through Healthier Vibrations, Christie shares tools that support personal transformation, energetic balance, and embodied well-being.

Her work blends ancient wisdom with accessible practices, inviting people to reconnect with their inner rhythm and cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves and the world around them. Christie’s teachings emphasize mindful living, vibrational awareness, and practical pathways for growth.

We are honored to spotlight Christie as part of the Big Bear Yoga Festival community and to celebrate the depth and intention she brings to her work.

Connect with Christie Smirl/ Kalavati Devi:

A Festival for All Ages

Big Bear Yoga Festival is designed with families in mind. From all-levels classes to kid-friendly experiences and creative spaces, we believe wellness is something that can be shared across generations.

We are especially excited to welcome families, young creatives, and children into the festival experience, creating space for confidence, expression, and connection in nature.

Plan Ahead and Join Us

Early planning helps us create a better experience for everyone. Early Early Bird and Family Tickets are now available, offering the best pricing for those ready to commit early.

Whether you are coming solo, with friends, or with your family, we invite you to secure your place and be part of the 2026 gathering.

Big Bear Yoga Festival is built on connection, collaboration, and care. As we grow toward 2026, we invite you to step into this shared space with us, whether as a participant, partner, volunteer, or supporter.

We are grateful to be building this festival together.

Give and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Community Zoom Meetup + Games Night

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Fri, 23 Jan 2026 21:42:00 GMT

These gatherings are open to our entire Big Bear Yoga Festival community — volunteers, teachers, attendees, vendors, and anyone interested in being part of the festival. Come connect, play a few lighthearted games, share some laughs, and build community in a relaxed, welcoming space.

Subscribe now

Every month on the Last Thu, until Sep 24, 2026, 9 occurrence(s)💙 Join us on Zoom: Zoom Link

Meeting ID: 851 5375 8325

Passcode: 188025

We can’t wait to connect with you beyond the mat!

Setting the Tone for 2026

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 13:01:24 GMT

This season offers a powerful moment to listen inward, set intentions, and begin shaping what’s to come.

As we move into 2026, Big Bear Yoga Festival is guided by presence, community, and shared vision. This is a year for conscious planning, meaningful gatherings, and creating space for connection across generations.

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Setting the Intention for the Year Ahead

The new year is not about rushing forward. It is about alignment. What do we want to grow? How do we want to gather? Who do we want to share space with?

Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026 is already taking shape, and early planning allows us to build an experience rooted in care, accessibility, and community. Whether you come with friends, family, or on your own, the festival is designed to meet you where you are.

Featured Teacher Insight:

Vishuddha: The Throat Chakra and the Power of the Voice

By Melissa (Dass Akal) Warwick

This month, we are honored to highlight a thoughtful article from festival teacher Melissa (Dass Akal) Warwick.

In her exploration of Vishuddha, the throat chakra, Melissa shares how this energetic center governs communication, truth, and expression. Associated with the color blue, the element of ether, and the planet Mercury, the throat chakra influences how we listen, speak, and bring our inner truth into the world.

Vishuddha acts as a bridge between the heart and the third eye. When energy flows freely through this center, expression becomes intuitive and authentic rather than driven by fear or conditioning. Melissa also reminds us that the voice is a powerful creative force. Every word carries vibration, intention, and resonance.

→ Continue reading the full article by Melissa (Dass Akal) Warwick on Substack:

Golden Vibrations

Vishuddha: The Throat Chakra & the Power of the Voice

The throat chakra, Vishuddha, is the fifth chakra in the energetic system. It is associated with the color blue, the element ether (space), and the planet Mercury, the messenger—governing communication, expression, and truth. Energetically, this chakra is connected to the throat, neck, jaw, mouth, vocal cords, thyroid, ears, and shoulders, all areas thr…

6 months ago · 2 likes · 4 comments · Golden Vibrations

Tickets for Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026

Planning ahead creates ease and intention. Our ticket options are designed to support individuals, friends, and families in gathering together.

Early Bird and Family Tickets are now available, offering a meaningful way to commit to time together in nature while receiving the best pricing.

Early Bird Tickets are ideal for those ready to commit early and receive the best available pricing.

Family Tickets were created for families of all kinds, offering access for adults and children to experience a weekend of movement, creativity, nature, and connection together.

Gifting a ticket is also a beautiful way to offer shared time and meaningful experience.

Community Spotlight:

Ashley Yau

We are honored to spotlight Ashley Yau, an international consciousness facilitator and author based in Big Bear Lake, California. Through her classes, creative work, and embodied presence, Ashley invites people to step beyond unconscious roles, rigid structures, and inherited stories, and into a space of choice, awareness, and possibility.

Ashley’s work is not about fixing or improving. It is about remembering who we are when we stop performing and begin listening to our own vibration. Her teachings encourage deep presence, allowing space itself to become creative and responsive.

Teaching globally, Ashley is also a certified Access Consciousness facilitator, offering practices where awareness expands and reality begins to shift in response to presence. We are grateful to welcome Ashley as a teacher at the Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026 and to celebrate the depth and clarity she brings to the community.

Looking Ahead

As we step into 2026, we invite you to set your intention with us. Whether you plan to attend, teach, volunteer, partner, or simply stay connected, your presence matters.

Winter reminds us that everything begins quietly.

We look forward to gathering again in the mountains.

Big Bear Yoga Festival Community Partnerships

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 08 Jan 2026 14:01:00 GMT

At the heart of the Big Bear Yoga Festival is community. Our festival is made possible because of YOU and through meaningful partnerships with organizations that share our values of wellness, accessibility, sustainability, and care for the people and land of Big Bear.

This season, we are grateful to spotlight three of our community partners who are doing important work year-round and helping support the spirit of the festival.

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Leafs of Wellness Foundation and Big Bear Yoga Festival

Leafs of Wellness Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families through wellness-focused initiatives, education, and community resources. Their work centers on their vision to participate in the growth of vibrant, prosperous, healthy communities. The foundation’s mission is to support wellness initiatives. Wellness extends beyond individual people to the interdependences of cultures, the world environment and the wisdom of nature’s way.

Big Bear Yoga Festival is produced as an initiative of Leafs for Wellness Foundation. Other initiatives include Make Music Big Bear Day (annually on June 21st) and free community yoga. Through outreach, programs, and community support, Leafs of Wellness Foundation continues to expand access to resources that promote balance, resilience, and healing.

We are honored to be a part of Leafs for Wellness Foundation, and together we are committed to uplifting the community and creating sustainable paths toward wellness.

Learn more or support our work here:
https://www.leafsfoundation.org/support.php

Submit an idea for Leafs for Wellness Foundation initiatives here:
https://forms.gle/zg6DiJfMHDUfirZW6
Volunteer with Leafs for Wellness Foundation here:
https://forms.gle/MCkWfqXogLzmsSPC9

Big Bear Trolley (Mountain Transit Authority)

Accessibility matters. The Big Bear Trolley, operated by Mountain Transit Authority, plays a vital role in supporting sustainable transportation throughout the Big Bear Valley. Their trolley service helps reduce traffic, supports environmental care, and makes it easier for residents and visitors to move around the mountain safely and conveniently.
By providing public transportation, the Big Bear Trolley supports community events, local businesses, and visitors alike—helping people arrive with ease and stay connected throughout the valley.
We are grateful to partner with an organization that prioritizes accessibility and environmental responsibility, helping our festival community move through Big Bear with intention and care.

Learn more about routes and service here:
https://www.mountaintransit.org/free-big-bear-trolley/

Grace’s Place Foundation

We are honored to highlight our nonprofit partner, Grace’s Place Foundation, an organization dedicated to creating supportive and healing environments for individuals and families on the journey toward wellness and recovery. Grace’s Place Foundation focuses on community care, connection, and empowerment by offering resources, programs, and compassionate support to those navigating life transitions, trauma, and emotional challenges. Their work aligns beautifully with the spirit of the Big Bear Yoga Festival, guided by shared values of resilience, compassion, and holistic wellbeing.

To learn more about the meaningful work they do and how you can support their mission, please visit: www.gracesplacefoundation.org

Our Partnership Program

Big Bear Yoga Festival offers a tiered partnership plan designed to support businesses and organizations of all sizes. These partnership levels allow our collaborators to engage with the festival in ways that feel aligned, accessible, and meaningful—while helping sustain a community-centered, family-friendly mountain gathering.
Our tiered approach ensures that partners receive thoughtful visibility, authentic connection, and opportunities to support wellness, accessibility, and environmental care throughout the festival experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about partnership opportunities or becoming part of our growing network of collaborators, we would love to connect.

Please reach out to:
Info@bigbearyogafestival.com

Why Partnerships Matter

Big Bear Yoga Festival is more than a weekend event. It is a collective effort rooted in collaboration, mutual support, and shared purpose. Our partnerships help ensure that the festival remains accessible, inclusive, and aligned with the wellbeing of the mountain and the community we gather with.
We are deeply thankful for partners like Leafs of Wellness Foundation, Grace’s Place Foundation, and the Big Bear Trolley who continue to serve the community and help make this gathering possible.

As we close out the year, we invite you to join us in sustaining this work. Your tax-deductible donation directly supports our educational programs, workshops, and community outreach, ensuring that wellness remains accessible to all.

Give before December 31st and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects

Happy New Year from Big Bear Yoga Festival

Big Bear Yoga Festival — Thu, 01 Jan 2026 14:03:48 GMT

As we welcome a new year, Big Bear rests beneath a quiet blanket of
winter. Snow settles into the pines, the lake reflects stillness, and
the mountains invite us to pause, breathe, and listen. This season
offers a natural moment for reflection, intention, and gentle
recalibration.
At Big Bear Yoga Festival, winter is not a time of waiting. It is a
time of planting seeds.
This year, we move forward with clarity, care, and connection as we
continue preparing for Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026. We are grateful to
share what’s unfolding and to invite you into the conversation.

Subscribe now

New Year Intentions
Listening Inward, Speaking Truth

The new year often arrives with pressure to do more, be more, move
faster. Instead, we invite a softer approach. One rooted in intention
rather than resolution.
This season, we’re honoring the energy of the throat chakra, the
center of expression, truth, and authentic voice. Winter teaches us
that stillness sharpens listening. When we slow down, we hear what
truly wants to be spoken.

As a community, we ask:
What truth is ready to be expressed this year
What conversations are ready to be had
What offerings are ready to be shared
Whether through teaching, creating, parenting, healing, or simply
showing up more honestly, your voice matters. The Big Bear Yoga
Festival exists because of the voices that say yes to community,
wellness, and connection.

Call for Sponsors
Supporting a Festival Built on Community

As we step into this new year, we are opening our Call for Sponsors
for Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026.

We are seeking aligned partners who believe in:
Community-centered wellness
Nature-based experiences
Family-friendly, inclusive spaces
Authentic connection and holistic living

If you are a yoga studio, wellness brand, practitioner, or local
business who feels called to support a meaningful mountain gathering,
we would love to connect with you.
Sponsorship is more than visibility. It is a shared intention to
nurture a space where people of all ages and backgrounds can come
together to move, breathe, learn, and belong.
For sponsorship details, please contact:

Info@bigbearyogafestival.com

Community Spotlight
Honoring the Voices That Shape Our Festival

This year, we are continuing our Community Spotlight series to honor
the teachers, facilitators, and practitioners who help shape the heart
of Big Bear Yoga Festival.
This winter, we are honored to highlight Annalisa, founder of big bear
yoga festival.

Annalisa Berns

Founder and Festival Manager, Big Bear Yoga Festival

Annalisa Berns is the founder and festival manager of the Big Bear Yoga Festival, a heart centered gathering held each year in Big Bear Lake, California. What began as a vision rooted in wellness and connection has grown into a vibrant mountain festival that brings people together to recharge, learn, and find balance in nature during the first weekend of October.

A true Libra at heart, Annalisa is guided by values of balance, fairness, and justice. These principles are woven into every aspect of the festival and reflected in her leadership style. Through her work, the Big Bear Yoga Festival has become more than an event. It is a shared experience of community, care, and belonging.

Beyond festival creation, Annalisa is passionate about animals, traveling the world, and spending meaningful time with family and friends. Her personal journey has also led her into deeper conversations around healing, resilience, and recovery.

Annalisa was recently featured on the Trust After Trauma podcast in the episode titled From Burnout to Balance: Trusting the Path to Recovery. In this conversation, she shares insights on recognizing the early signs of burnout, navigating pivotal moments of change, and rebuilding self trust through self care, boundary setting, and community support. Her story offers grounded and practical inspiration for those seeking balance and long term wellbeing.

In alignment with her values, Annalisa is proud to support our nonprofit partner, Grace’s Place Foundation. The foundation is dedicated to creating safe and supportive spaces that foster healing, recovery, and resilience. Their mission closely reflects the heart of the Big Bear Yoga Festival and its commitment to community wellness.

To learn more about Grace’s Place Foundation, please visit:

GracesPlaceFoundation

You can connect with Annalisa and explore Big Bear Yoga Festival here:

BigBearYoga.com

BigBearYogaFestival.com

facebook.com - bigbearyoga

facebook.com - bigbearyogafestival

instagram.com - bigbearyoga

instagram.com - bigbearyogafest

We are honored to celebrate Annalisa’s leadership, vision, and dedication to fostering balance, healing, and connection within our community.

Looking Ahead
An Invitation to Stay Connected

As we move into this new year, we invite you to stay connected with
us. This newsletter will continue to be a space where we share
festival updates, community stories, opportunities to get involved,
and reflections that bring us closer together.
If you feel called to be part of Big Bear Yoga Festival 2026 as a
sponsor, teacher, volunteer, vendor, or attendee, your voice is
welcome here.

May this winter season bring you clarity, warmth, and the courage to
speak your truth as we step forward together.

Give before December 31st and help us continue to grow a foundation of learning, connection, and healing.

Donate Now at Supporting Leafs Projects