This week on Instagram, we’re highlighting Yoga Journal, a Boulder-based magazine that has been the number one authority on the yoga lifestyle since 1975. We spoke with Danielle Gordon, senior marketing manager of Yoga Journal, to discuss more about Yoga Journal’s inspiration to help people lead healthier, happier and more fulfilling lives. Follow us at @elevationout this week to get to know Yoga Journal better and be sure to check out the Yoga Journal Live! event this September 22-25! The countdown is on for this yoga-tastic festival, which offers yoga classes, presentations, special events, on-site trainings and full-day workshops.
Q & A with Danielle Gordon:
1.) For our readers who haven’t read the Yoga Journal, can you tell us about the magazine?
For 40 years, Yoga Journal has been an authority on yoga and the yoga lifestyle. Founded in 1975 by members of the California Yoga Teachers Association, Yoga Journal offers all practitioners—from beginners to masters—expert information on how to live a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life both on and off the mat. Every day, Yoga Journal engages its print, online and live audience with top teacher insights and in-depth reporting on poses, breathing, meditation, nutrition, health, trends and more. Always informative and inspiring, the magazine’s welcoming, inclusive point of view puts every reader in front of the world’s best teachers. With 12 international editions spanning 28 countries, and five national live events annually, Yoga Journal is the world’s largest and most influential yoga brand.
2.) What was the inspiration behind the beginning the Yoga Journal?
Our award-winning, flagship print platform provides authoritative information and insights about yoga and the yoga lifestyle, including accessible asana instruction, anatomy and philosophy lessons, food and nutrition advice, news and trend updates, travel and natural beauty tips, and more—all from the leading teachers and experts in the field. Yoga Journal’s mission is to meet readers wherever they are on the mat and offer the latest updates from the yogasphere, while honoring the traditions and authenticity of this powerful, 5,000 year old practice.
3.) What are some of the most important messages you try to convey to your readers?
Yoga is for every body; all ages, sizes, and levels of practice. Start where you are…it’s a great place to begin! As you progress in your practice, notice how yoga affects your life both on and off the mat. Yoga not only makes for strong and supple bodies, it also helps with resiliency of spirit.
5.) What sorts of events does Yoga Journal host?
For 20 years, Yoga Journal Events have provided the unique top-notch educational opportunity for yoga practitioners of all levels, from all over the world, to experience Yoga Journal Magazine LIVE! Attendees come to explore new styles, get inspired and connect with our top-tier roster of highly regarded yoga teachers and influencers. Yoga Journal LIVE Events are held in five locations annually including Estes Park, CO, New York, NY, San Diego, CA, San Francisco, CA and Hollywood, FL. Our events feature classes, panels, keynotes, full-day workshops, on-site trainings and a Yoga Market with products and services for healthy balanced living.
6.) What is your best advice for someone who wants to do yoga for the first time?
Focus on yourself — how the asana feels in your body, how it affects your mind and spirit. Don’t compare yourself with anybody else. This is your journey.
7.) Can you tell us about the Yoga Journal LIVE Colorado and which events you’re most excited for?
YJ LIVE Colorado is our flagship event. We’ve been bringing together world-class presenters, local favorites, and yogis from all over the world to this beautiful location for over 20 years. With 75+ classes, 30+ presenters, 25+ special events, on-site trainings and full-day workshops it’s hard to choose what we’re most excited for! Vinnie Marino’s Rock and Roll flow is always an energetic experience that keeps you moving. Gina Caputo’s half day Mountain Hike and Flow or her exploration of the taste buds in “Veda Balance Bowl” will stretch your experience beyond the asana practice, and Kathryn Budig’s UnF’withable soulful flow accompanied by DJ Taz Rashid is sure to be a liberating experience. There’s something for everyone to try whether it be a traditional style class with masters like Dharma Mitra, Gary Kraftsow, Sally Kempton, and Shiva Rea or a new twist on the foundations of yoga with Archery, Slackline yoga, or Hooping.
NEW this year we will be broadcasting our opening ceremony “Breathing Peace – An evening of meditation for all honoring Fall Equinox, UN International Peace Day and Global Mala Project hosted by Shiva Rea with Meditations by Judith Hanson Lasater, Sianna Sherman, Sally Kempton and additional presenters. This event will be broadcast live from our Facebook page too.
The Saturday Night FREE concert is also something to be excited about! Rock Your Soul with Sadie Nardini, Justin Michael Williams, Bibi McGill
This transformative, energetic, and soulful musical performance by two fast-rising artists, Sadie Nardini with her band Salt & Bone, and Justin Michael Williams, featuring special guest, guitarist Bibi McGill, who recently toured with Beyoncé is guaranteed to be an event highlight.
