E26 Creating a Yoga and Wellness Festival with Allie O’Kane

At the end of summer 2024, Connecticut will have it’s very own yoga and wellness festival. Allie O’kane, a yoga teacher, Reiki master, astrologer, and crystal healer, is the founder of the Transcend Yoga and Wellness Festival. Allie’s journey in the world of yoga and holistic healing is a testament to the transformative power of pursuing one’s passions.

In our conversation we learned about Allie’s profound dedication to yoga and wellness. She shares her vision for Transcend Fest, the first yoga and wellness festival to be held in Connecticut. born out of her desire to create a welcoming community and supportive environment for yoga practitioners. The festival is set to feature over 90 offerings, including movement classes, wellness lectures, and diverse activities such as herbalism, astrology, and hula hooping.

What’s striking about Allie’s story is the way she manages to balance her 9-to-5 job with her passion for yoga and wellness. It’s evident that her purpose is deeply rooted in adding value and helping others, as she supports 90 teachers and organizes a festival with a wide range of holistic workshops and an immersive after-party experience, complete with a DJ, botanical mock bar, fire performance, and spiritual offerings like palmistry and tarot readings.

One of the highlights of Allie’s work is her expertise in Kundalini yoga, a transformative practice that involves breath work, hand positions (mudras), yoga asanas, and meditation. Allie emphasizes that Kundalini yoga is a technology over 1000 years old, designed to tap into inner reserves and foster perseverance and resilience. She teaches Kundalini classes through pop-up workshops and online courses, providing a platform for individuals to engage in deep self-exploration and healing.

In addition to her yoga practice, Allie integrates astrology, crystal healing, and Reiki into her offerings. Her lifelong fascination with astrology has led her to offer full natal chart readings, astrocartography for location recommendations, and planetary herbalism, enriching her clients’ experiences with personalized insights and guidance.

Allie’s commitment to creating inclusive and accessible spaces for spiritual growth and self-discovery is evident in her decision to form a team of dedicated individuals to organize the Transcend Fest. The festival aims to bring together yoga teachers from all over Connecticut, welcoming both beginners and experienced practitioners to explore diverse yoga practices and participate in activities that nourish the mind, body, and spirit.

As our conversation comes to a close, Allie shares her enthusiasm for the future – from teaching at multiple festivals to looking ahead to 2024 with optimism. She invites listeners to follow her journey on Instagram, where she shares her insights, practices, and upcoming events, including the Transcend Fest.

Allie’s story is a testament to the power of finding purpose and balance through holistic practices. Her dedication to creating transformative experiences for others serves as an inspiration for those seeking to align their work with their deepest passions. By listening to Allie’s story, we are reminded of the importance of pursuing our purpose and finding ways to integrate it into our daily lives.

To listen to the full episode and discover more stories of purpose and fulfillment, you can subscribe to “Working Towards Our Purpose” on your favorite podcast platform.