Photos via Wanderlust | Facebook
Written by Jillian Love
Why does four days doing yoga and taking workshops in the summer at Squaw Valley in late July seem so irresistible? Perhaps it’s the fresh mountain air, or doing sun salutations in the warm glow of the summer sun. Or maybe it’s the pure joy of spending a long weekend with several thousand like-minded people stretching, dancing, eating healthy food and pursuing healthy living. So, if you too are inexorably drawn to this type of thing and can feel the wanderlust bubbling in your blood at the mere mention of a destination yoga festival—don’t worry, you’re not alone…
It turns out that wanderlust is quite a natural phenomenon—much so that researchers have identified a wanderlust gene which is associated with increasing dopamine levels in the brain. Yes, there is a natural high associated with following your heart and doing what feels good. Wanderlust is defined as “strong longing for wandering or irresistible impulse to travel.” So if you’re looking for a fix, there just so happens to be a Wanderlust Festival on the horizon. Wanderlust promises to more than quench your desire to pack up your yoga mat, throw on your best lululemon outfit, grab your water bottle and go, go, GO!
For ten years, Wanderlust has gathered teachers, experts, musicians, and creators at stunning resorts for transformational experiences all over the world. You can literally find a different event almost every other weekend if you wanted to. But from July 18th through 21st the premier annual Wanderlust event is happening in the mountains of North Lake Tahoe in California, and you definitely want to “wander” over to this one if you can.
This year’s lineup promises to be extra special, with top yoga and meditation teachers, outdoor instructors, musical performers, speakers, artists and chefs. There is always plenty of great food, and a rich vendor marketplace to stroll through. I am particularly excited about the musical lineup which includes artists like MC Yogi, Above & Beyond, Thievery Corporation, DJ Drez, Tavana and so many more. There is nothing like spending a day doing open air yoga and mind expanding workshops, and then an evening dancing to high vibe music under the stars. Squaw Valley is a hub for ski resorts during the winter months so accommodations are plentiful and range from camping to hotels. You can come for just a day or, better yet, plan to spend the whole weekend. Of course, I do recommend staying as long as possible and indulging in as much Wanderlust as you can manage. You know you want to!