GuRubee (Ruben Mahboobi)

Seva Practitioner

GuRubee (Ruben Mahboobi) is a holistic bodyguard and nationally-certified executive protection specialist; an experienced yoga and meditation teacher; a personal trainer; and an artist who heals with energy, bodywork, and sound. He is a Reiki master (having received his attunement from Master Roshi Varma in Pushkar, India) and holds a certificate in Thai Massage from the Wat Po Thai Traditional Medical School in Bangkok, Thailand. Rubee has been teaching yoga and meditation since 1996. He is a Yoga Alliance RYT (Registered Yoga Teacher: 200-hour, 500-hour credentialing in progress) and a member of the Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

A crisp, clean spring breeze blew through our home here at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center on the first morning of Shakti Fest. Govindacharya set strong intentions for participants to honor Shakti, the Divine Feminine, during the opening ceremony on the main stage. A meditation was held to help those who were present to dive into the sacred space inside ourselves where compassion, origin and our deepest sweetest love is rooted; in this place participants found solace in the soft embrace of The Mother. We were called to act, speak, and be present from this space through the coming days of Shakti Fest.

After the ceremony, our family of festivalers set foot into the desert feeling full with devotional love to find a plethora of classes, workshops and kirtan that would further help set those intentions free from their hearts and into each other.

Yoga class highlights for day one included “Bhakti Earth Medicine” led by Saul David Raye in Exhale Yoga Hall I. During the class, Saul focused on the understanding that in the root of each one of us, is “medicine we were blessed with to help heal each other in this time of great change and uncertainty”. Saul brought a strong lesson for all those who were present that, “we practice yoga to remember what we really are, which are loving light beings that can connect mind, body, sprit with the Source.” Saul’s teachings paired with celestial kirtan left participants feeling sweetly supported and embraced by our great Mother Gaia.

On the other side of the Shakti spectrum was a lighthearted class lead by Elka Hauk called “YogaSambaDance” in Yoga Hall II sponsored by My Yoga Online. She offered an opportunity to “not just do yoga, but have a multicultural experience.” In the class, Elka introduced practices that originate from her native Brazil such as Caiporeira, Afro Dance and Samba. She shared that, “I feel it’s particularly important for this culture to understand how to truly love themselves and others by coming together through collective singing, dance and expression of a blessed body.” With heart pounding tribal beats and electro dance music, she guided the class to be out of their minds and into their hearts.

In the vendor village a variety of whole food offerings were available to help nourish Shakti Fest goers during their full energetic day of yoga, dance, kirtan and celebration. Participants quenched their thirst with Reeds Ginger Beer and Kombucha, and filled their bellies with mouth-watering bites of pure food love served by Bliss Café, Asana Foods and Pie for the People.

Lighting up the Main Stage during the day were incredible world renowned musical artists such as Sita Devi and Jaya Lakshmi . Gina Sala took the stage to transition the music from bright sunny day into sultry desert sundown with her playful, yet deeply heartfelt mantras and harmonious, angelic voice.

Wah! brought the sacred listening experience from evening into dark night with her deep pulsing bass bringing forth the primordial heart beat for all those present. With her famously smooth and elegant sound, she subdued the crowd of yogis and yoginis while simultaneously revitalizing them with strong, soothing melodic mantras; a sign of her divine musical diversity.

A spontaneous combustion of devotional love closed our first day of Shakti Fest with an on the spot kirtan jam led by Vijay of the Kirtaniyas, that organically came together on the steps of a major walking path. People passing by, on their way to camp to turn in, stopped in their tracks

Francine Brown, LMT, NMT, RMT, and Kai Chi Do Instructor

Therapeutic Massage

I am a Sacred Body Worker; I have trained in Therapeutic Sports Massage, Swedish, and Neuromuscular therapy, Visceral Technique and Reiki. In each session we invite in the Divine for guidance to integrate the universal knowledge to meet you where you are at and assist you back to the sacredness of your being.

At Bless This Body, we focus on the healing of the whole person to bring that feeling of inner peace and provide tools for you to come home into your body. www.BlessThisBody.com

Randy Cummins, AOBTA CI, LMT

Shiatsu-Thai Style Massage

Randy is a certified Shiatsu instructor and massage therapist with over 25 years of hands on experience. Shoshin Shiatsu Massage (Black Swan Productions). www.blackswanproductions.com Shoshin “Beginners Mind” Shiatsu owes its origin to the very roots of traditional acupressure, Zen and Thai style bodywork.
A series of passive floor stretches and compressions create an evolving session based on what is felt, how the client reacts, and what we intuitively know. By constantly enticing our minds into the present moment, this act of bodywork ultimately transforms into the stillness of meditation, creating spontaneous soul medicine from human touch. For an example of the work: http://youtu.be/TFBnusj-wa4

Rivka Leah Jade

Massage Therapist, Intuitive Naturopath, Life Coach, Yogini, Doula, Expressive Arts Therapist, & Founder/ Director of
Awake!-Soul Healing Arts

Full Spectrum Natural Mind, Body, Spirit, & Energy Medicine. Peak Experience for Peak Performance. Rivka Leah Jade has been a healer for 20 years. Rivka was voted “Best of Miami Beach Massage Therapists” in 2011, 2012, & 2013. She is licensed/ certified in a variety of Western & Eastern Healing Modalities & has trained with many Indigenous Healers & Lineage Holders. In 1999 Rivka founded Awake!-Soul Healing Arts & developed her signature healing modality “Soul-Body Integration”. She specializes in Clinical & Transformative Massage Therapy, Holistic Lifestyle Guidance, Emotional Release Work, Spiritual Guidance, & Subtle Body Alignment.

For more information: www.wix.com/cosmicat/awakesoulhome; 305-684-4638; soulspiritbody@yahoo.com

Andrea Klunder

Thai Bodywork

Infuse Yoga: www.infuselife.net

Resources for truly inspired living; yoga, bodywork, meditation, music, travel, healing, creativity, and more. Training is offered online and off in Chicago and abroad.

Dana Lundin L. Ac. CST, RYT

Bodywork and Energywork

Dana is a world-traveled shamanic healer, yogini, licensed acupuncturist and certified massage therapist, with training in cranial sacral manipulation, shiatsu, neuromuscular massage and structural therapies. She has worked with some of the most respected medicine-carriers in the world, including Sandra Ingerman, Oscar Miro-Quesada,PhD., Alberto Villoldo, Barbara Brennan, John Perkins and Theo Paredes, PhD.

Dana has the unique ability to hold the energetic frequency of the New World. She is guided to explore and resolve complex issues of health in the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual bodies and holds the delicate balance of sacred space and protective compassion for her clients in session. Ancient Energetics: www.ancientenergetics.com

Neil Smalheiser

Thai Yoga Bodywork

Thai Yoga Bodywork (also known as Thai massage) is a form of partner-assisted yoga that is uniquely relaxing, nurturing and invigorating all at once. Some people choose thai massage to help with back or shoulder issues, while others just like to get a general tune-up. Neil Smalheiser completed his Traditional Thai Yoga Bodywork training and is currently pursuing advanced clinical studies. He sees clients in the Chicago area, participates at Bhaktifest and other regional and national festivals, and offers workshops.

Thai Sanctuary: http://thaisanctuary.massagetherapy.com

Petra Sliwiak

Agape Energy Therapy

Are You Ready to Expand the Boundaries of What is Possible? A unique experience awaits you as you learn about the art of non attachment. We will take a few minutes to discuss what blocks you are facing and what you can do on a daily basis to remove them. Then you will receive healing body work which consists of simple Thai Yoga stretches, reflexology, combined with guided meditation and vibrational & breathing techniques used for letting go. It is best if loose comfortable clothing are worn, jeans or belts are not recommended. Let go of who you are to become someone greater! I’m looking forward to Being with you all.

The Nudge You Need provides chakra clearing which assists folks with letting go of past conditionings that keep us from achieving our personal and financial and health goals. The Nudge You Need: www.facebook.com/thenudgeyouneed

Mouse Savaiano, LMT, RMT

Integrative Massage

Release tensions, stress, body pain and feel the complete rejuvenation from the Integrative Massage from Mouse Savaiano.
Your experience may include Reiki, Intuitive Healing, Chakra Clearing & Thai Bodywork as well as Traditional Table Massage – her treatment will help you to reset, refresh and will help in making your time here at Bhakti Fest Midwest that much more enjoyable! Touch Transform (Chicago , IL): www.touchtransform.com

Anjuli Mahendra, LMT, NCBTMB

Embodied Resonance: Integrated Thai/Structural/Chi Nei Tsang/Intuitive

Anjuli Mahendra’s Embodied Resonance practice is an integrated form of structural and Thai bodywork focused on balancing the body with deep stretching, compression, acupressure, connective tissue elongation, and intuitive unwinding.

In addition to Thai and Structural work, her practice is also informed by traditional healing arts systems including Shiatsu and Taoist bodywork which includes abdominal massage to balance the organs and meridians of the body. Anjuli’s therapeutic, intuitive touch has been helping people work through acute physical/emotional imbalances as well as deep-seated, chronic ailments.

In addition to working in the connective tissue, joint, and muscular fields of the body to restore alignment, she also tunes into the energetic field, encouraging clients to listen to their inner state of being. Anjuli also facilitates movement workshops and classes to explore a deeper awareness of inner state, creating a container for healing and growth, heightened listening, and expanded perspective.

FMI:.anjulimahendra.com

Haaq Mark Sanders

Bodywork

Haaq Mark Sandersis a mystic who learned to commune with god at an early age and continued to defy gravity and the powers that be. Hawk has risen from numerous near death experiences that seem to always propel him to a greater depth of consciousness, and to become a light to those who encounter him.

Hawk’s therapy assists the body, mind, and spirit to become integral and make the connections to the higher self and learn to live in the heart. As a master of circumstance, he has been called many things: a mystic, a poet, a servant, a philosopher and a good king. Hawk earned a master’s degree in social anthropology emphasizing nonverbal communication, which allows him to cultivate more inner stillness. As a practitioner of cranial-sacral therapy and cranial osteopathy, Hawk has diverse training with four different schools of thought in the profession.

Healers, therapists, teachers, business owners, artists, musicians, dancers, leaders, housewives, to name a few, are the people who can benefit from Hawk’s guidance, wishing to take their own existence to a new level of effectiveness and grace.

Dan Nazarian

Massage Therapy

Dan Nazarian has famously giant hands! This engulfing touch combines with a kaleidoscopic array of techniques to create massage sessions that err on the side of dramatic. Modalities in the mix include Swedish, Deep Tissue, Sports, Myofascial Trigger Point Release, and Reiki — as well as innovative yoga-inspired stretches. All sessions include a choice of aromatherapy oil/blend, as well as the opportunity to incorporate a touch of Reiki to say hello to any of the seven chakras. Women, Men, Young, Old, Gay, Straight, Shy, Bombastic & everyone inbetween are welcomed with a big smile.

Dan lives happily in San Francisco where he runs The Big Hand—home of the famous Rock & Roll Massage Experience.
thebighand.net

David Zieve BSEE

Massage Therapy, Cranio-Sacral

David started his healing work in Boulder Colorado in the 1970s at the School of Transpersonal Psychology where he studied Dream Analysis and Yoga. During that time he was a student of Richard Freeman’s Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga and Polarity Therapy with Katie Marks in Boulder. Since moving to San Diego in 1996 David has an MT certificate from The School of Healing Arts in Pacific Beach and a State of California Massage License. He has studied the Biodynamic Cranio-Sacral Therapy of Fanklyn Sills with Peggy Reynolds-Olsen and Hawk Haaq Mark Sanders and has been a cranio-sacral practitioner since 2003.
David is also a design and test engineer specializing in Electrosurgery. In this discipline radio frequency electromagnetic radiation is used to excise tumors or diseased organs, or to stop bleeding. In a similar way, electromagnetic healing energy of an extremely high frequency can be used to remove or neutralize blocks or thrombus in the energy system of a man or woman. This energy is created by the client and supported by the cranio-sacral therapist.

Peace comes from extending your Qi to the center of the earth and to the furthest reaches of heaven all at the same time. And then sitting still. FMI email: jmresources@yahoo.com

Jenna Anjali

Massage Therapy, Cranial Sacral, Thai Yoga Massage

Jenna Anjali has an extensive background in the Movement and Healing Arts, as a certified Massage Therapist as well as a Pilates, Yoga and Dance teacher and has been practicing bodywork since 2004. She has a private practice in Albany, California and also offers cleansing and detox therapies. Jenna’s bodywork sessions draw inspiration from her experience in Somatic Therapies, Breath work, Anusara Yoga Therapy, and Physical Therapy making for a therapeutic experience, which is holistic, effective and exceeds expectations.
In her sessions, she intuitively weaves together elements of Deep Tissue Therapy, Myofascial Release, Structural Integration, Cranial Sacral Therapy, and Thai Yoga Massage to create a profound therapeutic experience that is both nurturing and thorough.
Originally from Arizona, Jenna graduated from the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts with a license in Massage Therapy and certificates in Cranial Sacral Unwinding and Polarity Therapy. Jenna also received a certificate in Thai Yoga Massage from the Wat Pho temple in Thailand.

Jenna’s sessions focus on lengthening and repositioning the fascia (muscles protective layer), unwinding tension, releasing holding patterns, creating more lubrication and space in the joints, and relaxing soft tissue. Jenna’s intuitive and informed touch in addition to her belief in the body’s innate healing intelligence have helped people overcome chronic pain and learn new movement patterns. For more info: www.jennaanjali.com

Neil Smallheiser

Thai Yoga Bodywork

Thai Yoga Bodywork (also known as Thai massage) is a form of partner-assisted yoga that is uniquely relaxing, nurturing and invigorating all at once. Some people choose thai massage to help with back or shoulder issues, while others just like to get a general tune-up. Neil Smalheiser (http://thaisanctuary.massagetherapy.com) completed his Traditional Thai Yoga Bodywork training and is currently pursuing advanced clinical studies. He sees clients in the Chicago area, participates at Bhaktifest and other regional and national festivals, and offers workshops.

BOOK YOUR MASSAGE NOW! Visit Bhakti Fest Healing Sanctuary

The Joshua Tree Retreat Center is the oldest and largest retreat center in the Western United States; a unique architectural landmark on a sacred site.

CAMPING

Bring your own gear and camp under the stars! Showers and bathrooms are co-ed.
A camping pass can be purchased with your ticket, here.

YURTS

A sanctuary is more than a structure: it is a state of mind. Village Yurts is excited to partner with Bhakti Fest to provide structures that embody this belief. VillageYurts is offering affordable and convenient yurt rentals as an alternative to camping and traditional lodging.

For $150 a night you can have your own 14′ yurt, big enough to sleep one or two people. For a larger group, our 20′ yurt can easily accommodate five or more people for $200 a night. Your yurt will be ready and waiting for you when you arrive.

While our yurts are modeled after the traditional Mongolian design, they are constructed with modern techniques to provide a beautiful structure which is weatherproof and hassle free. Each yurt is composed of a beautiful wooden framework, natural canvas enclosure, plywood floor, and a door for a comfortable living experience.

We also offer all the necessary gear to ensure your comfort throughout the event. For an additional $100/person we can provide: sleeping bag, hydration pack, lantern, headlight, blow up mattress, and custom yurt shelving.

VillageYurts has provided yurts to festival-goers at at events across the West Coast for the past two years and we know what it takes to ensure a comfortable living experience in the midst of dust, wind, and heat. We are committed to creating the best experience possible for our clients and will be available for assistance throughout the event.

Must reserve Thursday-Sunday. If you have any questions or comments please feel free to contact us at info@villageyurts.com and to reserve contact housing@bhaktifest.com. *Please note that you have to pay for camping pass in addition to yurt rental.

RVs

You can bring your RV. Please be aware that there are no hook-ups available.
An RV pass can be purchased with your ticket by paying for “camping” here. Please enter the measurements of your vehicle when purchasing.

ON-SITE HOUSING*

Please contact Bhakti Fest if you are interested in booking on-site housing.

On-site housing prices include Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights.

Please do not purchase your festival pass until you reserve your room! You will purchase your room and festival pass at the same time.
See below for cancellation policy.

RIDGE COTTAGES

2 person occupancy available

A Ridge Cottage is a charming, private room with two twin beds and private bath. Built by Frank Lloyd Wright and son, Lloyd, its unique shape and avant-garde design is a treat to your senses. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, soap, and towels are provided. You may wish to bring extra blankets. These cottages are fully heated, and air-conditioned. You may wish to bring extra blankets.
Please be aware the Ridge Cottages sell out quickly. Book early to ensure your space!

Pricing: $450/per person

CARAVANSARY ROOMS

Only 3 and 4 person occupancy available

The Caravansary rooms are named after the Egyptian caravans that crossed the desert centuries ago. Built and designed by Frank and son Lloyd Wright, these large and spacious motel-like units sleep up to 2-4 participants in each room. Most rooms have a beautiful natural stone wall, and private baths. They are fully heated and air-conditioned. Some Caravansary rooms have a shared bath. In this case, the bathroom is located between the separate rooms and includes a toilet, shower and bath. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, soap, and towels are provided. You may wish to bring extra blankets.

If you (and your friends) don’t have enough folks to fill a room – you are not required to purchase all the beds in the room – however we will place participants in those additional beds.

Pricing:
2-person room with private bath: $400/per person
2-person room with shared bath: $375/per person
3-person room with shared bath: $375/per person
4-person room with private bath: $325/per person
4-person room with shared bath: $300/per person

APARTMENTS & STUDIOS

3-7 person occupancy

JRTC Apartments have a separate main living space, kitchen and bath. Sleeping arrangements will vary depending on floor plan. All apartments have at least one queen bed and a single twin in the large bedroom space. Main living space can sleep 1-4 additional occupants. Each apartment has its own private bath, and patio with views of gardens or desertscape. These apartments are fully heated and air-conditioned. The studios are large and spacious with one queen bed and twin (number of twins may vary). All studios have their own private bath and patio. They are fully heated and air-conditioned. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, soap, and towels are provided for both apartments and studios. If you wish to use the kitchen, please bring your own supplies – however we do not allow “cooking” in the kitchens. (Stick to salads, sandwiches and food that do not need to be heated.) You may wish to bring extra blankets.

Pricing: $350/per person

WOMEN’S DORMS
Up to 30 person occupancy

Dorm accommodations provide an opportunity to meet people from all over the world. The Women’s dorm is a large and spacious room with 8 showers and 5 restrooms. This room is fully heated and air-conditioned. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, soap, and towels are provided. You may wish to bring extra blankets.

Pricing: $250

MEN’S DORMS

Up to 13 person occupancy

Dorm accommodations provide an opportunity to meet people from all over the world. The Men’s dorm is uniquely designed by Frank Lloyd Wright and son Lloyd. This large and spacious, tiled room has beautiful stone walls and a fireplace, with 4 showers and 2 restrooms. This room is fully heated and air-conditioned. Bed linens, pillow, blanket, soap, and towels are provided. You may wish to bring extra blankets.

Pricing: $250

On-site housing will go on sale to the public on September 15, 2013

All prices are for Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
On-site housing guests may also stay with us on Wednesday for an additional $40 per person.

*Cancellation Policy for On-Site Housing and Ticket Purchase
Before April 25, 2014 – Full refund minus $50 per bed cancellation fee

After April 25, 2014 – No Refunds
Please contact Bhakti Fest if you are interested in booking on-site housing.

RECOMMENDED HOTEL

Best Western Gardens Hotel 
71487 Twentynine Palms Highway 
Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
(760) 367-9141
Best Western 29 Palms is Bhakti Fest’s official hotel for Bhakti Fest West 2013! To celebrate, they are offering a Bhakti Fest attendee group rate of $79 on a standard room (Queen or Double) if booked before August 9. If booked after 8/9, they will be offering an 18% discount. To book your room, visit here.

WHAT TO BRING

Clothing:
(May weather is warm during day, cool at night; September weather is hot during the day, cool at night)

Good, strong shoes: keep your feet safe and healthy while you are walking in the desert environment
Blanket for seating and beach chair
Your own reusable cup, bowl, and utensils for green eating
Flashlight and extra batteries
Sunscreen
A hat for shade
Sunglasses
Bathing Suit (swimming pool and wading pond on-site)
Towel
Camera
Pen and paper for names, addresses and memories
Extra set of keys to keep with you at all times (Avoid keys in your car!)
Vehicle Key Code (this will cut down on the time it takes for the locksmith to duplicate your key if lost)
Phosphate and sulfate free soaps detergents and shampoos
NO SMOKING

WHAT TO BRING FOR CAMPING

Camping Gear:
Extra toilet paper from recycled material
Flag or balloon to identify your campsite
Small luggage lock for your tent
Extra biodegradable trash bags
Showers available. Please note: showers are co-ed.
Extra stakes and/or weights for your tent in case of strong winds
No Alcohol
No Stovetops or Fires of any kind
No Weapons of any kind
No Fireworks
No Illegal Substances
No Vending will be allowed
No Loungers or recliners
No Bicycles or scooters or personal motorized vehicles will be permitted into the festival grounds
-NOTE: You will, however, be able to park your bicycle or scooter at any festival entrance via bicycle racks. Please note that the festival is not responsible for your bike/scooter and that you will not be able to move your bike/scooter unless you are leaving the festival grounds.
No Plastic bottles or grocery bags
No Styrofoam coolers
NO PETS
For safety reasons, any form of transportation that would carry you faster than a walking pace will not be allowed. This applies in all areas: camping, parking and the festival area.

JOSHUA TREE RETREAT CENTER & ADDRESS

A Sacred Space in the High Desert. Serenity, Balance, Peace, Health, Healing. This Sanctuary is poised at the Gateway of the Village of Joshua Tree, California. A jewel in the desert, a gem for seekers of serenity and healing.
This sacred space was founded in 1940 as a place of peace and meditation. The Land of 450 acres, rests on a huge underground water table, and is a powerful and rare fusion of sweeping vistas of desert, mountains and centuries of Joshua Trees, 5 miles from world famous Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree Desert Retreat Center
59700 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Use the below address for mapping your travels:
60098 29 Palms Highway
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
For Google maps click here

RIDE SHARE

A great way to help Green the Festival!!!

Can you offer a ride? Do you need one? Just want to be Green?

We created a special Ride Share Website to connect you to others. Click here

AIRPORTS

Palm Springs, California (PSP) approx. 40 miles from Joshua Tree.
Ontario, California (ONT) approx. 90 miles from Joshua Tree.
Los Angeles, California (LAX) appox. 142 miles from Joshua Tree.

SHUTTLE SERVICES

Hancock Limousine
Penny@HancockLimo.com
P.O. Box 787 Yucca Valley CA 92286
760-365-6779

Palm Springs Airport
1 Passenger: $75
2 Passenger: $45 each
3 Passenger: or more $30 each

Ontario Airport
1 Passenger: $130
2 Passenger: $90 each
3 Passenger: or more $60 each

LAX Airport
1 Passenger: $220
2 Passenger: $150
3 Passenger: or more $130 each

These prices do not include gratuity for the chauffeurs.

Joshua Tree Airport Shuttle
760.428.2187

Palm Springs Airport
1 Passenger: $60
2/3/4 Passengers: $50 each

Ontario Airport
1 Passenger: $130
2/3/4 Passengers: $100 each

LAX
1 Passenger: $200
2/3/4 Passengers: $150 each

These prices do not include gratuity for the chauffeurs.

Come back soon for a list of all the amazing vendors for Bhakti Fest West, including food, beverages, clothing, jewelry, music, and much more!