Judy Leaver, Professional Writer | Best Words, Best Order

Literary Mileage
Okie Yoga

I just got home from a 10-day odyssey in Oklahoma and Missouri where I grew up and most of my family still lives. I stayed in Tulsa with one of my sons and his crew. There are things about Oklahoma that I treasure, having lived in Washington, DC the last 17 years. Brilliant red sunsets and thrilling thunderstorms are made all the more dramatic because of the state’s wide-open vistas. Tulsa is in northeast OK, an area called Green Country because it is so verdant compared to the rest of the dust bowl state.

So…what’s this got to do with yoga? Part of my visit included a weekend at The Canebrake, a resort in rural Oklahoma. This progressive oasis offers yoga, meditation, massage, birding, a ropes course, and organic food. Its juxtaposition in this famously red state had me shaking my head all weekend. The Canebrake is the vision of the Bracken family, set on their 800-acre property overlooking Lake Ft Gibson. It’s the first location in Oklahoma to be certified as a sustainable tourism destination. Encouraging Conservation in Oklahoma (ECO), is a program through the state’s Tourism and Recreation Department.

Sam Bracken says the spa resort was built upon sustainable principles that continue to drive the Bracken family’s business practices. “The ECO program fits with our mission to be good stewards of the Earth in what we build, how we hire employees, the food we prepare and the building materials we use. We converted our horse barn into a 17,000 square foot resort that was built on an earth-friendly philosophy. The cottages, fine dining restaurant, and organic and locally produced food selections all reflect the same commitment to provide exceptional surroundings and service.”

The name “The Canebrake” comes from a species of native Oklahoma bamboo that once commonly grew at the end of waterways. It served as a filter, so that the water on the backside was calm, clear and clean – how I felt after a weekend there. You can read more about this beautiful place at www.thecanebrake.com.

Check out the little cowboy's warrior pose!

Namaste, Y’all.

3 Responses to “Okie Yoga”

Sandy McElhaney Says:
July 19th, 2010 at 11:31 am

Judy, I didn’t know you practiced yoga. I thought you were a Jazzercise gal. I LOVE yoga. Namaste right back at you!

Sandy
Sheila Campbell Says:
July 19th, 2010 at 11:58 am

Okay, now here’s ANOTHER place I’d like to visit. What a great idea they have. I keep thinking about a long drive west someday…maybe Canebrake would be a good place to stop.
Shirley Inglis Says:
July 21st, 2010 at 1:39 pm

I live in Oklahoma and go to The Canebreak about once a month. Most recently I attended the Wed. evening live music offering with excellent food service as we enjoyed the music. The Canebreak never disappoints and the staff remembers you each time you come. Even in friendly, rural Oklahoma that is a pretty significant quality.