Allissa Obler is the owner of Mudita Wellness in Stillwater, and the organizer and founder of the upcoming River Valley Yoga Festival. She is committed to sharing her vision of making yoga accessible through her weekly classes and workshops, as well as through discounts to First Responders, Veterans, Teachers, and those 65 and older. The River Valley Yoga Festival will be held on a farm just north of Stillwater over the weekend of September 23-25, 2022.
Betsy Weiner: “Hi Allissa! Tell me a bit about your background and what brought you to yoga?”
Allissa Obler: I was diagnosed in my teens with a genetic neuromuscular disease causing poor balance and coordination, as well as difficult proprioception. I found B.K.S. Iyengar’s book, “Light on Yoga” and it made me think perhaps yoga might help. I’m from Illinois and lived in Chicago at that time, where I found a yoga class. I came away from that experience feeling inspired. That was about 25 years ago and, as I like to joke, when all yoga mats were purple. Ha! My practice was on and off after that, but I always came back to it knowing something was there.
B.W.: “What was the inspiration that led you to become a teacher?”
A.O: About 6 years ago I went to stand up and could not bear any weight on my legs. My legs literally gave out on me. It lasted for about a month. I was under a tremendous amount of stress at the time. I knew I needed a break and I felt like the Universe said, “Enough!” I took time to meditate and do the internal work of yoga. I thought about teaching for quite some time and wanted to offer the gifts of these practices to others and pay it forward.
B.W.: “Were there certain practices or techniques you used to get you through that time?”
A.O.: A lot of positive self-talk; I had to be my own inner cheerleader. I meditated, sitting quietly and listening to my inner teacher. I leaned into the teachings of Judith Hanson Lasater and used gentle, restorative practices for healing and inspiration.
B.W. “What inspired you to open a studio?”
A.O.: I felt like it was time to have a space of my own. I wanted to be able to bring my style to the forefront with the freedom for it to be an extension of my vision. I love what we are growing in this space. We have a very special, caring, close-knit and welcoming community. I wholeheartedly believe yoga is more than just a physical practice, it’s a lifestyle. Mudita is an extension of that belief. I want to encourage people to slow down and find space in their mind and in their life to be more aligned with the best version of themselves. It’s important to me that yoga is accessible so that everyone can benefit.
B.W.: “What was the impetus for the River Valley Yoga Festival? How did the idea come to fruition?”
A.O.: I feel like all roads have guided me to this place. I followed so many serendipitous meetings and trailheads. About 6 years ago I dreamt that I would oversee a yoga festival. The thought never really left my brain! I had attended a yoga festival held on a farm in Illinois and had a lovely experience. I remember thinking ‘why don’t we have one of these in Minnesota?’ One day I saw my chiropractor and I said something about bringing a yoga festival to Minnesota; saying it out loud made it real. My varied background makes sense now in light of all that needs to be done in order to bring this vision to life.
B.W.: “What else can you say about the upcoming festival?”
A.O.: I want to highlight all the unique and beautiful things about this area. I am looking into partnerships with local businesses and vendors. I plan to bring in a variety of yoga styles and practices from near and far; both physical and non-physical; mudras, mantras, mala making, Ayurveda, nutrition, and even the environmental aspects of the area as it relates to our practices. I think my mission is to help bring yoga to the masses and I love the idea of bringing people together. The festival is for all practitioners, even those who never thought yoga might be for them. A place to gather over the course of one weekend to share with each other, learn from each other, grow together, and heal together. I want everyone to feel welcome, and to feel they are a valuable part of the community.
You can find Allissa and Mudita Wellness at 1903 Greeley Street Suite 100 Stillwater, MN and at www.muditawellnessmn.com
For more information and to stay up to date on festival details go to https://rivervalleyyogafestival.com/
