Tradition dictates that a 10-year anniversary is celebrated with aluminum; modern norms have ditched the tin for diamonds. As we begin celebrating 10 years of Wanderlust in 2019, we think the diamond is apropos: Over the years, we’ve certainly refined the proverbial lump of mindful coal into what we consider a shining beacon of the promise of wellness for all.
It’s been a journey—and there have certainly been plenty of bumps along the road. But one of the things that hasn’t changed (and of which, full disclosure, we’re pretty darn proud!) is our great relationship with world-class teachers. Every year we bring you a roster of renowned talent to help you find your true north. In this series, we’ll highlight some of those teachers who have been with us over the years—and how they look back at their relationship with Wanderlust over the past decade. This week: Chelsey Korus.
Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this very special 10-Year Anniversary! Join the global mindful movement at a Wanderlust event this year.
Chelsey Korus and Matt Giordano performing Acro on the top of a mountain at Wanderlust Aspen-Snowmass, 2014.
Tell us about your first Wanderlust experience.
I came to Wanderlust the first or second year it was held in Vermont. I rode up with Elena Brower and her son Jonah from NYC. I was hired to perform acrobatics with my partner Matt, and it was an honor of a lifetime to be asked to come. I remember being completely enchanted by the family feel of this gathering. While it was bigger than anything I had ever been to before, you could wander into a tent or walk across the lawn to find the most magical people to talk to. We would stay up late into the night singing kirtan under the stars. Oh how we’d sing! I felt revived by the people and the spirit of that Mountain village. I recently cracked open my journal from this trip to find this on page one: “Everyone here is so happy and peaceful. I think this may be the tribe I was looking for. They are seekers, like me.”
Chelsey and Matt performing at various Festivals throughout the 2015 season.
Describe Wanderlust in three words.
Family
Metamorphosis
Laughter
Chelsey in a “Wanderlusters” episode, shot at Wanderlust O’ahu, 2017.
What does Wanderlust mean to you?
Wanderlust is more than a job for me. It’s a collection of people that have become family, and moments that have turned into memories that have built a life. I started teaching here afraid of my own voice; afraid of the messages that I had inside me to teach. But I was surrounded by teachers and mentors that would not allow me to play small with my life or my teaching. They encouraged me to play big. I taught classes called “Pretty Hurts” and spoke up about body image and how hard it can be to truly accept ourselves as we are. I taught one called “Feminist AF” and had a woman tell me her husband would never allow her to come to such a class. I asked if she would bring her husband with her, and if they were at all offended, they could absolutely leave after the beginning talk. They did not leave, in fact they took the entire class together in the front row!
Chelsey’s Write Now episode. It’s all about love.
What have you learned through Wanderlust?
Over and over again I am taught that people are good. In their own time, they will seek out opportunities for their minds and hearts to expand. I’m honored that so many people choose Wanderlust as their opportunity to try new things and grow into happier and healthier human begins. My students’ stories of transformation throw me out of bed in the morning. They make me want to keep walking my path and tell it as it is. As authentically and as passionately as I am able. I don’t really have words to adequately express how grateful I am to Wanderlust for taking a chance on this kid acrobat/ yogi all those years ago. I am who I am today because of this journey we’ve been on together.
Classes with Chelsey are available now on Wanderlust TV!