A journey to myself before the rising mountain sun

When the alarm goes off at 3:50 AM, I am not one of those people who jumps out of bed fresh and motivated. I am also not a big fan of yoga – I've tried it a few times, and I've definitely noticed the positive effects on body and mind, but I didn't stick with it. Nevertheless, the promotional announcement for Sunrise Yoga with Marcel Clementi at the Rosshütte somehow stayed with me. So, in July 2022, my alarm really did go off at 3:50 AM, and I got up – not fresh and radiant – but curious and a little motivated after all.

When I later marched to the valley station of the Rosshüttenbahnen with my mat, tea, and warm clothes, the fatigue quickly faded – because I was not alone. Figures bundled in jackets and scarves, with yoga mats under their arms, seem to emerge from all corners of Seefeld. I see one or two familiar local faces; but many strangers are also mixed in. "We were looking for one last experience for our departure day," say two young women from Germany who walk with me to the lift. "I took this as the start of my vacation and left at 1:40 AM today," says a lady from Bavaria.

When the funicular train departs at 4:30 AM, it is filled with the excited whispers of around 100 participants who want to greet the sun in a very special way with Clementi at the Seefelder Joch.

Upon arriving at the top, we are welcomed by the coolness of the summer morning in the mountains, gentle, ethereal sounds, and a cheerful Marcel Clementi: "Take your time to feel what freedom means to you – because that is our theme for today." And so I sit now on my mat, close my eyes, feel the fresh morning air on my face, and suddenly there is an incredible amount of space within me. It sounds a bit corny, but this moment at 5:00 AM at the Seefelder Joch, nearly 1000 meters above my everyday life, truly feels like freedom. Clementi picks up our thoughts and shares personally that for him, too, the feeling of freedom comes up again each time he sets off early in the morning for his Sunrise Yoga sessions in Seefeld.

Upon arrival at the moment, there follow movements, yoga flows, and for me – I admit – some physical challenges. But Clementi manages, with his friendly demeanor, to give each of us the feeling that we are doing great. "Remember, in Downward Dog, we have spotlights on our bums to shine up at the sky" – a chuckle runs through the crowd – "you can’t do anything wrong; in yoga, everything is just as it is" – a sigh of relief – "those who can do it better have simply tried it more often" – the thought of going to the yoga mat more often slowly begins to take root in my mind.

At some point, the sun blinks over the peaks of the Karwendel mountains and everyone stops. And of course, one or another phone is pulled out to capture this magical moment. "In such moments, we never miss pulling out our phones to film, but often forget to simply experience it," Clementi gently reminds us. I feel caught, put the phone away, and take a deep breath, close my eyes, let the sun tickle my eyelids, and have to admit that the inner image that emerges is magnificent – far more beautiful than any great phone photo.

To conclude, Clementi shares a few of his life wisdoms with us: He recounts how his grandfather advised him to always face the sun so that shadows fall behind him. He explains that half-empty glasses are much better in a time when everything must be full and perfect, because they still have plenty of room for new things. Some may sound like calendar quotes or be well-known, yet these sentences, spoken by the Tyrolean with simple honesty, have a certain power up there at Seefelder Joch to initiate something.

After the yoga session, many seek Clementi's presence, asking questions, taking a group photo, and requesting him to demonstrate an exercise. The native Innsbruck resident patiently engages with everything and takes his time.

Even later at breakfast, which everyone can still enjoy at the restaurant of the Rosshütte Mountain Station before the descent, he is there for anyone who still wants to know something. The tranquility of the yoga morning has given way to cheerful laughter. And yet, almost all conversations revolve around the past two hours. Because somehow they have done something to us. Even to me: I haven't morphed into an early riser and fanatic yogi – but I have incorporated a few flows into my daily routine, marked the dates for the next sunrise sessions in my calendar, and I am even eyeing the next Good Vibes Festival, which will take place from June 30 to July 2, 2023 in Seefeld and offers not just two hours, but three days of yoga with Clementi and some of his favorite colleagues from home and abroad.

The next yoga dates in the region:

* June 10, 2023
* August 12, 2023