The Magic of Mountain Yoga Festival
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In this episode of Travel With Meaning, host Mike Scheibel shares his transformative experience at the 10th annual Mountain Yoga Festival in St. Anton, Austria—a unique fusion of yoga, nature, and community that has become a spiritual sanctuary for travelers and yogis from around the world. Despite not identifying as a yogi, Mike feels a deep sense of belonging in the Alps, describing the intangible 'Le Hibbenz Gafool'—a feeling of peace, joy, and connection that defines the Austrian soul. Through conversations with Iris, the festival’s founder, local resident Simone, returning yogi Chris, longtime teacher Carl, and future visionary Sigrid, the episode reveals how the festival’s magic lies in its intentional blend of pristine alpine landscapes, authentic community, and mindful presence. The festival, rooted in simplicity and nature, offers a counterbalance to modern life’s chaos, inviting participants to reconnect with themselves and each other. The episode underscores travel as a soul-nurturing journey—not just to distant places, but to deeper self-awareness and belonging. From Simone’s emotional return to her roots, to Chris’s spiritual reawakening through yoga, to Carl’s philosophy that 'travel means coming home,' the narrative celebrates how nature and mindful practice can heal and inspire. The future of the festival remains grounded in its core values: yoga, community, and nature. Mike invites listeners to seek out their own 'Le Hibbenz Gafool'—that elusive feeling of peace and connection—by embracing simplicity, presence, and the quiet magic found in places like St. Anton.
Travel can be a soul-nurturing journey that reconnects you with yourself and nature.
The true magic of a place like St. Anton lies in its ability to evoke deep emotional and spiritual belonging.
Yoga is not just a practice on a mat—it’s a way of being in nature and community.
Simplicity, authenticity, and rootedness are key to Austria’s unique cultural and emotional resonance.
The Mountain Yoga Festival thrives because of its intentional design: small scale, nature-centered, and community-driven.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Arrival in St. Anton: The Magic of Le Hibbenz Gafool
“It's not even to see it, it's to feel because you can't explain it.”
The Birth of a Festival: Iris and the Vision
Iris, the founder of the Mountain Yoga Festival, shares the story of how a winter ski idea turned into a decade-long celebration of yoga and nature in a world-renowned ski resort. She reflects on the challenges, growth, and community support that made it possible.
Roots and Return: Simone’s Emotional Homecoming
“It's like traveling back in time and I think I get the same emotions which firstly it's joy. It's just pure joy. My heart and my soul is just like fireworks.”
Rediscovery and Reconnection: Chris’s Spiritual Journey
“Travel is a soul-nurturing experience. The opportunity to explore new things, to take courage, even when you're traveling alone...”
Nature, Presence, and the Teacher’s Path: Carl’s Wisdom
“Travel means coming home. Everywhere you go, you're home.”
“It's like traveling back in time and I think I get the same emotions which firstly it's joy. It's just pure joy. My heart and my soul is just like fireworks.”
“Travel means coming home. Everywhere you go, you're home.”
“It's not even to see it, it's to feel because you can't explain it.”
Host
Guests
Mountain Yoga Festival
other
St. Anton
place
Austria
place
Mike Scheibel
person
Iris
person
Simone
person
Carl Straub
person
Chris
person
Le Hibbenz Gafool
other
Sigrid
person
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