Meet Alina Hokanson | Yoga retreat leader & Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alina Hokanson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alina, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
My buisness helps people connect back to themselves. By taking people out of their everyday busy routine into beautiful places in nature they are able to slow down and come back to what is truly important for them. Through mindfulness, movement and nutrition they connect back to a more powerful and authentic version of themselves. This vibrancy is then shared through them with the people in their life and the world around them as a whole.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My buisness is about providing space for people to realize that they already have a power and magic within them that is their guiding light. I am passionate about simplifying life and the distractions and spending time connecting to nature.

I am excited to expand my retreats to new beautiful landscapes around the world. I taught yoga for many years (since 2010) diligently at several studios in Denver with little pay. Through that time I built connections and community and this is why my retreats are successful, the personal connection. Sometimes events do not fill or dates need to be changed and this is challenging but you just start on the next creative idea and believe in it. I also photograph other peoples retreats and capture the magic that unfolds during this time spent together.

I truly believe that when we connect first back to ourselves and then to like minded community that we are a powerful tribe. Things are constantly evolving and I have realized that when I am in the work of self-improvement and movement I can not help but share it. Often what I teach and share are things that I am also working through in this human experience. Life is challenging sometimes but we can learn to flow with the ups and downs with more ease and grace.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Denver is a vibrant city full of music, food, art, friendly people, and a huge outdoor mountain playground close by. I would take my guest to a great concert preferably at red rocks or mission. ballroom. We would go check out the art walls in RiNo and get a cappuccino at Crema followed by some food at Denver Central Market. A longboard ride around Washington park and another coffee at Corvus. We would visit my good friends on 16th street at Appaloosa grill and watch the music there during dinner. After a fun filled couple days in the city I would take my guest west and get to the mountains for a hike or a day skiing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family and friends for their constant encouragement. All of the yoga and mediation teachers and students who have inspired me along the way. Lindsay Gonzalez from Balancé in El Tunco for giving me the tools and confidence to lead my first successful retreat.

Website: www.rhythmsofnatureyoga.com

Instagram: @alina_hokanson

Facebook: Alina Hokanson

Other: Photography website www.alinahokanson.com

Image Credits
Erin Nutini Alina Hokanson Gaston Bevacqua