Mind, body and soul catered for at Hout Bay health festival
Health, wellness, connection and community was the order of the day at the Shanti Wellness Festival, at Riverside Estate, in Hout Bay, at the weekend. Established in 2019 with a focus on “Health, Wellness, Connection and Community”, the festival offered participants a wide range of activities, including yoga, martial arts, wellness, dance and health exercises.
“Some of our aims were to create an uplifting, positive lifestyle and wellness festival for the whole family,” said yoga instructor Carey-Ann Sturgess, who along with her friend, Dani Boden established the festival in 2019.
With a focus on unique classes, she said, the event presented an opportunity for people to gather and celebrate life in a safe, joyous environment.
“We are very passionate about creating a safe space for people to come and experience different wellness modalities, in community, for children to play and connect and for our guests to be able to let go and feel good,” said Sturgess.
“The festival catered for adults and children with a wide variety of classes from Kundalini Yoga to belly dancing, acrobatic yoga and Tai Chi – as well as inspiring talks and workshops,” she said.
Hout Bay Tai Chi teacher, Sifu Xiong Changsen said he is always more than happy to conduct classes to those familiar and new to the art form.
“The atmosphere was warm, dozens of people participated and experienced the health benefits of Tai Chi,” he said.
“Tai Chi is suitable for people of all ages and since Tai Chi combines exercise and meditation, the brain is also exercised, thereby improving brain function. Improving heart health can strengthen the immune system,” he said.
Those who attended his session might agree.
“Practising Tai Chi has many health benefits, not only can it strengthen the body, it can improve balance and coordination, and improve cardiovascular function and muscle flexibility,” he said.
“And there is a saying that goes ‘Step into the door of Tai Chi. Health will always be with you’.”
• For more information, email Carey@shantifest.co.za or Dani@shantifest.co.za or call Sifu Xiong Changsen on 074 583 8888.
