Sunrise Yoga at Red Rocks
To tell the truth, I have done yoga in many beautiful studios. Nevertheless, there was nothing, and I mean nothing, that trained me to the pure magic of doing yoga at Red Rocks. It was not only a workout, but a spiritual awakening, a concert to my soul and the Earth was my stage. In case you are thinking even slightly about it, I would like to explain to you why this experience is a must-do.
My alarm blared at 4:30 AM. I was questioning my choice in life in the dark Colorado morning. But as I drove towards Morrison the earliest signs of daylight were starting to show on the sky. It comes to the amphitheater and there is an atmosphere of still waiting. Individuals speak in whispers and the breath is misting in the cool air. You climb onto those ramps and then you are on it, the legendary, regal red sandstone structures outlined in a rising sky. Worth the Hollywood wake-up call is the view itself.
The Reason Why Yoga at Red Rocks is a Bucket-List Event.
It is possible to do sun salutations anywhere. Why then is this so unlike? It is the whole plunge of all your senses. It is not a class it is an event.
The atmosphere that cannot be beaten: The air of this world-renowned location is palpable. You are sitting where great musical performers have stood in the past, but at this point, it is empty and holy. The acoustics of nature make the sound that the instructor has or even the soft music seem as though it is within you.
Connection to Nature: You do not see a picture of a mountain, you are on the mountain. It makes you feel like you are in the morning, the pine air is cool and fresh and the sun is rising over the horizon to make you grounded in a way nothing in the studio can.
The Community Ambience: Although there are hundreds of people present, the practice is extremely personal. But there is the strong feeling of family mission. It is a very intimate experience of human life to breathe in unison with a crowd of people as the sun comes up.
My Stepped Preparation Guide of your practice.
A small plan is reason to make your experience pure bliss, not stress. And this is what I found out this morning.
Ticket purchases: The majority of yoga events at Red Rocks are sponsored by third parties, such as Yoga on the Rocks. You have to purchase your ticket online. These are events that sell fast, and once a person signs up to get alerts, they should buy the tickets immediately they are put on sale.
What to Pack in Your Yoga Bag:
A Heavy Yoga Mat: The rows in the venue are made of concrete and thus a heavy non-slip mat is in no way a compromise to comfort.
Layers, Layers, Layers: I began with a jacket, hat, and gloves. When the sun appeared, and we were on the move, I unzipped to tank top. You should expect a 30 degrees temperature change.
Snacks and Water: 6,400 feet is a water important place. I carried a big bottle of water and a small snack such as a granola bar to eat after classes.
Sun Protection: The Colorado sun is high even during a sunrise lesson. Your friends are sunscreen and sunglasses.
A Sense of Adventure: Go with an open mind and no expectations. Prepare to be malleable, physically and spiritually.
My Morning to remember: A Self-Corpus Callies.
When we sat down on our mats we heard the voice of the instructor in the canyon. We commenced with plain breathing, that whoosh of several hundred lungs full of cool mountain air. As I went through the vinyasa, I was so tiny compared to the huge rocks, but fitted perfectly with the scenery.
The crucial experience was an episode of a warrior pose that was held. My muscles were painful and then the instructor told us, look up. The sun rose on the horizon and filled the amphitheater with the golden light. In that moment the struggle was melted down into nothingness and pure joy reigned. I was not merely standing in a position, but I was saluting the sun with the sun. The last savasana, when I was lying on the warm stone with the sky changing the pink color to blue, was the most peaceful ceremony in my life.
Beyond the Mat: Turning a Day of Your Red Rocks Trip.
You do not need to stop with namaste. You have come down here, and you might as well make a day of it!
Denver Mountain Park: Explore the Park: Red Rocks. Before midday, the heat, increase the trading post trail. Denver has magnificent views and geological structures.
Fuel Up in Morrison: The Morrison town at the foot of the amphitheater is lovely. I took a deserved breakfast and a cup of coffee in one of the local cafes where the world was opening up.
Go to the Visitor Center and Museum: Explore the history and geology of this fantastic place and view the inductees into the Hall of Fame.
Your Short FAQs, Answered
Q: I’m a beginner at yoga. Can I handle this?
A: Absolutely! All levels are usually the target of the classes. The instructors provide changes. It is not about doing a perfect handstand but it is about the experience.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: A majority of the events are held on the rainy and dry days, and it is better to have a rain jacket. The event can be postponed or canceled in case of extreme weather conditions such as lightning.
Q: Do you have a storage area?
A: You will be carrying all your personal stuff (wallets, keys, layering you take off) around with you on your mat, so travel light and minimal to carry valuables.
Q: How early should I arrive?
A: I would advise at least getting there 45-60 minutes before the time of the start of the classes. This allows you ample time to park, walk up, get a good position and relax without any hurry.
My yoga at Red Rocks was not the nasty item on a bucket list. It was a reminder of that beauty that is there when we align our rhythm with the natural world. It is demanding, it is majestic, and it shall be an experience that will not be forgotten easily even after you have packed up your mat.