Finding inspiration in a yoga gathering + motivational film.

Sure, we may have reached that tricky stretch of winter when spring feels desperately out of reach. Thankfully, though, those folks over in Sochi have arrived just in time to light a fire under us, reminding us that there’s no time like the present to get a move on. For those undeterred by the wet and the gray, there are of course slopes, trails and sno-parks aplenty (try a company like Evergreen Escapes if you prefer the group dynamic). But if staying indoors is more of a draw, go ahead and scurry up walls at climbing gyms like Stone Gardens, “skydive” at iFLY or unroll your mat for three inspirational days at the  Northwest Yoga Conference.

This third annual extravaganza, the Pacific Northwest’s largest yoga event, draws yogis from near and far to the Lynnwood Convention Center March 7 through 9. The jam-packed, varied schedule features more than 30 acclaimed teachers including Kathryn Budig, Eoin Finn and Aadil Palkhivala. The conference also invigorates participants with live music, inspirational speakers, meditation sessions, a documentary screening, even a yoga trance dance.

Space is filling up quickly; so organizers recommend that those interested register online for one, two or all three days as soon as possible. The conference aims to draw brand-new yogis, too, by offering several free classes (for all ages) throughout the weekend. Check out free courses here.

At SIFF Cinema, the award-winning documentary Walking the Camino: Six Ways to Santiago (screening for a limited time) inspires wanderlusting Seattleites to plan their next beautiful and challenging adventure. The film follows six strangers from around the world as they attempt the epic 500-mile pilgrimage across northern Spain. (We don’t know about you, but our bags are just about packed.) Director Lydia B. Smith, who has deep roots in the Pacific Northwest, said, “Showing our film in Seattle has long been a goal of mine. The enthusiasm for pilgrimage and discovery in this region make it a natural venue to celebrate the life-changing adventure of the Camino de Santiago.”

Suddenly, the Seattle winter doesn’t seem like such a bad thing.