Photos: Kristina Lynn Photography & Design
Instructor Allissa Obler creates an experience for longtime practitioners and newcomers alike.
The River Valley Yoga Festival returns for its third year this September 19-22, with new features and vendors for attendees to enjoy. The weekend will be filled with a variety of sessions and lectures and will provide the opportunity for guests to focus on what their bodies and minds need.
“This is the type of event where you can build your own retreat,” says Allissa Obler, festival host and owner of Stillwater’s Mudita Wellness. “You have the freedom and flexibility to really make it personal and impactful for where you’re at in your life right now.”
Obler’s yoga journey began in her twenties, but a health crisis eight years ago changed her relationship to the practice. “I lost the ability to bear weight on my legs,” she says. “I was convinced at the time that it was due to stress. I ended up meditating myself back to health and at that point decided to become a yoga teacher.”
Alongside her budding yoga practice, Obler says she had another dream she was holding close to her heart. “I hadn’t talked to too many people about my dream of a yoga festival,” she says. During a meeting with a friend, Obler decided to let her in on the dream.
All Obler needed was a location. “[My friend] said, ‘Oh, Allissa, did you know we own a 80 acre farm just north of Stillwater?’ I [just] about fell off my chair. ‘We’ve been wanting to use it for something special. I think we would love to do a yoga festival.’”
We spoke with Obler about her journey creating the festival and what this year’s weekend will hold.
What are you most excited about this year?
AO: We have the most incredible group of presenters coming this year. These teachers have such vast knowledge, training and experience that they are bringing to this event, and they are not only wise and talented, they have such amazing energy.
This year, North Shore Saunas is bringing sauna tents and cold plunges. We have someone else who is bringing in a yurt-style tent and she and her friend will be offering different healing services. We have more vendors in our market than ever before. We have this really cool variety of people offering clothing, botanical skincare, 100 percent USDA Certified Organic CBD products and spiritual jewelry.
Are there any changes from previous years that repeat attendees and newcomers should be on the lookout for?
AO: This year we are also going to have some food on site. I’m partnering with the owners of Lake Osceola Retreat and they are going to grill beef, chicken and vegetable kabobs. We’re also partnering with the International Gourmet Baking. She uses products that are sustainably made but also very clean ingredients to create baked goods, and we’ll have those available at our concession stand this year.
Is there a range in skill level for certain classes?
AO: The teachers and presenters we have are really good at making things accessible for all levels. One of the sessions we have is actually teaching people how to use props—like blocks—to help them do poses that might be challenging otherwise. All levels are absolutely welcome. So take a chance! We try to create this safe space where people can come and explore.
Can you offer some encouragement to anyone looking to begin their journey in yoga or reconnect with one they started previously?
AO: Yoga [is] always there for you. It’s never too late to reconnect or start again. I think one of the things I love most about the practice is that there’s something at all ages and stages of life. Even if you have had some setbacks, there’s always a way or a place that yoga can meet you. I think there’s something for everyone, and the benefits are so rich. It’s never too late to start, or start again.
Tickets for workshops, day passes and weekend passes are available on the River Valley Yoga Festival website until September 13, with scholarships available for those with financial need.
River Valley Yoga Festival
Facebook: River Valley Yoga Festival
Instagram: @rivervalleyyogafestival
