“Well, I came upon a child of God He was walking along the road And I asked him, Tell where are you going? This he told me-
Said, I’m going down to Yasgur’s Farm, Gonna join in a rock and roll band. Got to get back to the land and set my soul free.”
Every time I hear those lyrics I am transported to a different time and place. The simplistic melody of the Crosby, Stills & Nash classic casts a spell that that lasts for a few moments.
Whether you are a Baby Boomer who longs for a renewal of the “Summer of Love” or a Millennial seeking to simply disconnect and embrace a soul freeing experience. This weekend’s Barefoot & Free Yoga Festival offers an opportunity to do just that.
If yoga is your thing you probably already know something about the Barefoot & Free Yoga Festival. It is held annually in the Proud Lake Recreation Area of Southeastern Michigan. Maybe you’re curious about the benefits and health advantages yoga provides to those who practice the art. Could be you just want to “get back to the land,” camp under the stars, and relax for a weekend. Didn’t I mention music? Yes, the festival offers a full slate of performers from a variety of different genres. All to help you get into the spirit of the event.
The Festival is a full weekend of nature, camping, yoga, music, healing arts, talks, and classes. Nestled in a Pure Michigan setting and just minutes outside of the Detroit area. The Festival has something for everyone. Providing the opportunity for friends and families to partake in either the festivities or just the enjoyment of the 4,700-acre state park. The venue, Proud Lake, has kayaking, canoeing and SUP boarding. As well as fishing, mountain biking, a boat launch, camping and picnic areas.
The Festival lineup includes 28 yoga teachers and instructors with a vast range of technique and talent. Bibi McGill, Patrick Beach, Irene Pappas, Katie Silcox, Amber Cook, and Todd Tesen are just a few. Featured musicians include the Desert Dwellers, DJ Drez and DJ Tasha Blank. They will be spinning interactive bass-heavy sounds. Other musical acts pull from a wide range of influences, including world beat, synth pop, desert romance and more. The Festival healers will be offering workshops, teachings, and ceremonies. A full lineup of teachers, instructors, musicians, and healers can be found on the Festival website http://www.barefootandfreeyoga.com/.
“Barefoot & Free is an opportunity for people to experience different stylings of yoga in a totally free environment. It also allows those new to yoga a great sampling of classes and instructors. And pairing the yoga festival with a fabulous music line-up to celebrate the experience in the Michigan outdoors, makes us unique to many other festivals in Michigan.” -Beth James, Barefoot & Free Festival Founder.
Daily and Weekend Passes
Immerse yourself in the yoga experience with a variety of excellent teachers & be inspired by the yogis around you. What a perfect opportunity to see how awesome YOGA is! Festival kickoff is Friday, July 28, 2017 at 4PM. Classes and performances will follow throughout the weekend. Yoga and music passes can be purchased for the day or weekend directly from the Festival website. Kids 12 and under come free. There are kid activities and yoga for kids, along with childcare. Local retail and food vendors will be on-site selling their homemade/handmade products and healthy eats.
Well, then can I walk beside you?
I have come to lose the smog,
And I feel like I’m a cog in something turning.
And maybe it’s the time of year,
Yes and maybe it’s the time of man.
And I don’t know who I am,
But life is for learning.
We are stardust, we are golden,
We are billion-year-old carbon,
And we got to get ourselves back to the garden.
