Wanderlust Raleigh 108

Disclosure: I was provided with a complimentary ticket to Wanderlust Raleigh 108.  This provides me with entry to their Wanderlust Raleigh 108, however no other compensation was provided and all travel and other expenditures are paid for by me.  As always, all thoughts are strictly my own.

I was able to attend the Wanderlust Raleigh 108 venue on Saturday, April 21st.  The mission of Wanderlust is to help you find your true north-to cultivate your best self.  They create events, media, products, and experiences to help guide you on your path toward a healthy and inspired life.  

I had heard about these events for the past couple of years and was greatly intrigued but never had the opportunity to attend.  So, when the wonderful people at Wanderlust emailed me about helping them promote the Raleigh event, I was beyond thrilled.

Wanderlust is entitled as "The World's Only Mindful Triathlon".  There are three mindful activites-running, yoga, and mediatation all done in local parks.  Wanderlust 108 is the ultimate opportunity to come together around shared values and practices.

First, the 5k is  entirely how you wish to complete a 5k.  You can run, skip, hop, dance your way to the finish line.  Second, you attend a gigantic yoga party in which a DJ and yoga teacher will guide you through a 90 minute yoga flow.  Third, you have a guided meditation for 30 minutes.  Afterwards, you can attend a ton of mini-classes to participate in for the afternoon.  

Wanderlust 108 is also good for the world.  For every ticket sold, $1.08 will be donated to The Global Fund to Fight AIDS through (RED).

My day started early at 6:00 am since I had to pick up everything and was given a press invite to attend.  I drove to Dorothea Dix Park since the event was being held there.  I was able to park across from the field where the event took place and walked around for about 30 minutes before the event started.  I found a space for my yoga mat and read until 8 am. 

I also found a face painter and got my face painted.  I loved that aspect of being placed in the mood of "warrior" and "finding my north"! 

At 8:30 am until 8:45, there was a pre-race stretch workout and the 5k started promptly at 9 am.  A lot of the women were walkers and 90 minutes was allocated for the time limit.  It was a beautiful sunny day and we were told to enjoy the 5k, allow our minds to rest and get ready for a mindful day for ourselves.  I finished and grabbed some water, ate an apple and got ready for yoga at 10:30 am. I even found a buddha wall!

The yoga instructor on the stage was great with her voice and her instructions.  Yoga lasted for an hour followed by thirty minutes of a mindful mediation.  At this point, it had really warmed up and laying on my yoga mat with my eyes closed during the mediation with the warmth of sun really set the tone for relaxation!  

I had packed a lunch so I didn't need to wait in the long line for Wanderbowl (the food tent) and I was thankful for that.  I would recommend packing food or pre-ordering food if you attend an event.  The afternoon consisted of a choice of multiple activities such as Aerial Yoga, Essential Oils, and Hooping to AcroYoga, AcroYoga Therapeutics, Tarot 101, and Bodywork.  I decided to try Aerial Yoga.  

I was a bit hesitate but decided that this was my chance to see if I enjoyed it and whether I should sign up for a more extensive class.  I loved it until the instructor stated that we were to flip over and just hang. 

I went into a panic and couldn't move so one of the guides help flip me back.  Of course, the picture that they took while I did this makes me look like a complete dork (which I am or feel like I am!). 

But it was fun and I can now say that I've done that.  I'm not sure that I will do it again but who knows.  I headed home after this as it was close to 3 pm and I was just done for the day.  

Wanderlust Raleigh 108 was a wonderful day filled with a total relaxation for me.  I loved everything about it!  From the moment that I arrived at the park, I was filled with the wonder of beauty, warmth and community.  Wanderlust builds on that throughout the day and allows you to find or be YOU!  Would I do it again?  ABSOLUTELY!  Would I recommend that you do it?  YES, and YES!!!!

Till next time and remember my journey continues...If you can dream it, you can do it as Walt Disney said!