From Law School Aspirations to Yoga Mastery:
Aubrey’s Inspiring Journey In this inaugural podcast episode, the host interviews Aubrey Hackman, who shares her captivating journey from a law school aspirant to a yoga enthusiast and festival founder. Aubrey discusses her early life in Peoria, Illinois, and how she got into yoga during her college years in Colorado.
She recounts her experiences of attending the Telluride Yoga Festival, her deep connection with yoga teachers like Alana Cavaglia, and her eventual immersion into Ashtanga and Jivamukti yoga. Aubrey’s passion for creating meaningful yoga experiences led her to establish the Telluride Yoga Festival at the young age of 24, which quickly grew to host 1200 participants annually. Aubrey explains her awakening to the importance of yoga’s deeper spiritual and karmic roots, contrasting it with the more commercialized aspects of modern yoga.
She highlights the significance of understanding and practicing yoga beyond its superficial facets, emphasizing mindfulness, altruism, and the importance of maintaining harmony within oneself and with the environment. Her journey took another turn as she pursued education in Eastern Medicine, acupuncture, and herbology, blending these disciplines with her yoga practice.
The discussion touches on her personal experiences with health challenges, the transformative power of acupuncture, and her ongoing dedication to integrative health practices. Aubrey also reflects on the evolving world of yoga festivals, the impact of commercialization, and the balance between genuine practice and popular appeal. She shares her thoughts on future wellness trends, the role of technology in mindfulness, and the importance of combining Western and Eastern medical practices for holistic health.
As a mother of twins, Aubrey candidly talks about the profound changes and insights motherhood has brought into her life. She discusses the challenges and rewards of parenting and how it has deepened her empathy and understanding of self-love and care. This engaging conversation provides a fascinating look into Aubrey’s multifaceted life, her dedication to authentic yoga practice, and her exploration of holistic health.
Tune in to hear more about her inspiring story and insights into the future of wellness.
00:00 Introduction and Setting Up
00:52 Early Life and Yoga Journey
04:43 Founding the Telluride Yoga Festival
07:06 Transition to Acupuncture and Eastern Medicine
16:42 Motherhood and Personal Growth
24:37 The Journey to Self-Love Through Yoga
26:03 Balancing Heart and Mind in a Capitalist Society
27:23 Challenges in the Yoga Community
29:22 The Role of Teachers and Authenticity in Yoga
31:41 Yoga as Medicine and Integrative Approaches
36:17 The Intersection of Technology and Wellness
43:04 The Future of Medicine: Integrating Eastern and Western Practices
50:30 Building a Conscious Community
52:01 Conclusion and Future Plans
