I am on my way to Las Vegas for a yoga conference. No, there were no typos in that previous sentence. The worlds of yoga and decadence will be meeting over the course of 4 interesting days. Outcome to be determined.

OK, it’s my dirty little secret. I LOVE Vegas!! I really do. (Even my daughter was conceived there, which you might consider too much information.) I have absolutely no interest in gambling and pass through the casinos only because I have to. (It's designed that way.) But something about that city just oozes fun for me. I love the fabulous restaurants, like having every major culinary city in the world distilled to a 1 mile strip. The shopping is stupendous, (and here I do exercise restraint) and I love Cirque du Soleil, which has a handful of phenomenal shows constantly running. I am amazed that the city even exists - including a major body of water created in the middle of a desert, unbelievable replicas of so many wonders of the world, and the draw to remain appealing to millions of visitors every year. There exists some of the best people watching I have ever experienced and the weather is my favorite - hot, dry, yummm.

Usually my experience with yoga conferences does not include much time for exploration of the host city. 8-10 hours of yoga/day leave one a bit petered out for intense sightseeing. But I wonder if the draw of Vegas will have me donning a little dress, big shoes and making my way to the big fun. This particular conference, The Art of Vinyasa, is located at a beautiful resort off the main strip. I am trying to envision a tranquil landscape and serene spa feeling. But all I'm seeing is the mini Eiffel Tower, the fountains at the Bellagio and lots of see-through clothing.

The city shines outside my airplane window, inviting me in as powerfully as a personally engraved invitation. I feel like this journey now represents the human dichotomy. How do we reconcile the good and the bad, the pure and the sexy, consciousness and neon? I don't really feel guilt about having these aspects co-habiting my body. It is my truth. Perhaps everyone's truth. But it does feel odd, and certainly something that requires explanation from time to time. (I'm not quite sure if my students and clients found this information about me refreshing or frightening!) I am enjoying the thought process, looking forward to some great yoga and glad I packed that dress. The one I could never wear anywhere else.