setting an intention

in today's edition of thrillist los angeles, there was photo of a buddhist monk happily holding a bowl of what looked to be... could it be... pieces of chocolate?

turns out it was a plug for a line of chocolate from a company called intentional chocolate. supposedly, this "gourmet varietal chocolate has been shown to significantly decrease stress, increase calmness, and lessen fatigue in those who consume it."

really? how do they do it?

i'll let you read an excerpt from the IC website:

Intentional Chocolate is the result of the findings of a breakthrough scientific pilot study and a year of consumer testing. With the introduction of this groundbreaking new product, creator and founder Jim Walsh aims to create an entirely new category of chocolate that both enhances its already beneficial qualities and brings our understanding of nutrition to another level. Breakthrough licensed technology, developed by the HESA Institute (Human Energy Systems Alliance) captures the focused good intentions of experienced meditators and then infuses those intentions into chocolate. Intentional Chocolate is unique among food products in that it has been experimentally demonstrated to improve the overall well-being of those who consume it. It is the first of a new line of food products designed to provide sensory delight, exceptional nutrition, and a novel, scientifically demonstrated form of “intentional nutrition.” The results of this encouraging pilot study are published in the scientific peer-reviewed journal, Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, October 2007.

Intentional Chocolate is embedded with the following intention: Whoever consumes this chocolate will manifest optimal health and functioning at physical, emotional and mental levels, and in particular will enjoy an increased sense of energy, vigor and well-being. The new "ingredient" in Intentional Chocolate is not a conventional nutrient, but rather the focused benevolent intentions of highly experienced meditators. Intentional Chocolate is the first product born out of this mind-matter technology. Though the success of this empowerment has been scientifically substantiated under double-blind, placebo-controlled conditions, Walsh focuses less on the scientific aspects and more on the intentions behind the product. "More and more people are yearning to live a purposeful, intentional life and to express our good intentions for the world. Intentional Chocolate reminds us, in a particularly delicious form, that we can do good for ourselves by wishing well to others."

what all this mumbo-jumbo is basically saying is that eating intentional chocolate will make you feel good. interesting. but then again, could it be that people feel good after eating their chocolate because chocolate in general tastes good, and eating something good tends to makes people feel good? i know it does me :)

anyway, figuring that any new chocolate, intention-infused or not, was worth a taste test, i checked out IC's online store. and it turns out that benevolent intentions don't come cheap; a 14 ounce bag of fine dark "pistoles" (chocolate chips, in other words) will set me back a whopping $29, plus another $11 or so to ship it to me!

this really bothers me because i can't see how buddhist monks who've taken a vow of austerity would choose to have anything to do with a line of chocolate that caters primarily to those who can afford to live a life of luxury :(

ah, but if you keep perusing their website, you'll find this note that might appeal to the do-gooder in you:

10% of the net proceeds from the sales of Intentional Chocolate will be donated to the Deer Park Buddhist Center and Monastery who played a key role in experiments and studies conducted. “We want to support the Dalai Lama's vision of creating a center at Deer Park to facilitate dialogue between Eastern and Western disciplines. The Eastern tradition has a rich technology of the mind while Western science excels at the technology of matter. Bringing them together is a true mind matter interaction," says Jim Walsh, Founder of the Intentional Chocolate Company. Helping support Deer Park will assist in making the Dalai Lama’s vision a reality leading to many more innovations and joint projects."

note that it says "10% of the net proceeds", not "10% of the sales price". so what do you think... maybe fifty cents of your purchase, if that, will make it to the buddhist center's collection box? how about you skip the pricey chocolate altogether (or choose something sourced locally instead, like see's, perhaps) and send your donation directly to the deer park buddhist center? in fact, they're in the midst of a fundraiser for the upcoming visit of the dalai lama himself and are accepting donations here.

i don't know. it seems like a lot of to-do just to sell chocolate. but then again, i'm sure someone's bound to go for it...

yes, i'm still here...

honestly, i've been so busy running around that i hadn't noticed that it's been over a week since i last posted anything!

work has been so crazed that i've had to skip my evening yoga practice a number of times, not so much because i was exhausted -- although, truly, i was -- but because by the time i walked out of the office, there was no way i could get to any yoga studio in time to catch their last class of the day :(

on the days that i did manage to escape the confines of my desk, i was busy taking advantage of the summertime yoga offerings around town. like yoga out on the beach. or yoga within the walls of a museum. or saluting the summer solstice with an auspicious 108. or dancing with wild abandon to the beat of tribal drums. you know, stuff like that...

there was tuesday last week when i rode the big blue (hmmm...) to the westwood art forum for vytas baskauskas' power yoga class. i managed to muster up enough power to keep up with him despite being mentally drained... then promptly rewarded myself after class by buying half a dozen brownies at diddy riese (i mean, who can resist their "six for $2.50" deal?). needless to say, the calories i consumed far exceeded the calories i burned.

then on wednesday, i met up with aaron reed for the first of his series of summer beach yoga classes on venice beach. joining him were guest instructors denise kaufman, lynda carre, and dearbhla kelly. practicing in the outdoors with aaron's crew was more like playing outdoors, only because we got to use everything around us as props -- we swayed with the wind, we ran in and out of the waves, and we burrowed ourselves into the sand -- while dolphins frolicked before us in the surf.

thursday was an especially hectic day at work, so much so that right after i turned off my computer, all i wanted to do was go home and sleep. so i did.

on friday, i had hoped to catch thomas taubman's candlelight yoga class at your neighborhood studio in culver city, but even if the friday evening traffic flow had been ideal -- and it rarely is -- there was no way i could catch a 6:30pm class if i was still standing in a parking lot in torrance at 6:20pm. sigh.

ah, but then came the weekend. and despite the heat wave, the obsessive-compulsive in me wanted to make up for slacking off the previous two days.

so i ran a five-mile loop up temescal canyon on saturday, through the palisades to rustic canyon, and back. at 9am, after the cloud cover had burned off and it was already in the 80's outside. yes, call me crazy.

then after making a brief appearance at a potluck picnic organized by my running friends, i rushed out to yoga works south bay in el segundo to put myself through a two-and-a-half hour sun salutation workshop with leeann carey. and mind you, she didn't have us just doing 108 surya A's. or even B's. that would have been too... predictable. leeann ratched up the difficulty and had us doing 108 asana sequences, broken down into 27 sun salutations, followed by 27 standing sequences, followed by 27 seated sequences, followed by 27 backbend/twist sequences. and while i was plugging away, trying to follow along with the sometimes-confusing combinations, i could feel my heart beating in cadence to the live drumming that was going on in the back of the classroom. when it was all over, i was so drained that i could've sworn i heard myself snoring during savasana. argh.

you'd think that after saturday's madness, i would've curled myself up into a ball and slept all of the next day. but no, not me.

early sunday morning found me riding the bus once again, this time headed for exhale in venice for micheline berry's level 2/3 flow class with guest percussionists craig kohland and jim mcgrath of shaman's dream. oh. my. god. there's nothing more stimulating than moving mindlessly and energetically in time to furious drumming. or more cleansing than sweating profusely while the temperature in the room continues to rise from all the movement. if i were half-asleep when i arrived at the studio, i was definitely wide awake by the time i left!

after a short respite at the nearby santa monica farmers' market, where i camped out on the grass while grazing on cherries, cheese bread, and goji berry lemonade, i hopped back on the bus for home.

and a mere two hours later, i was back on the bus once more; this time, it was on the shuttle to the hollywood bowl for the first KCRW world music night of the season. on stage for the evening were frederico aubele from argentina, los amigos invisibles from venezuela, bebel gilberto from brazil, and thievery corporation from the US (whose music is a creative amalgam of global electronica -- indian, middle eastern, reggae, and brazilian). it was exhilarating... i could have danced all night!

so was i exhausted yet? you bet i was. but did i stop there? not a chance.

monday was more beach yoga, this time with stephanie wilson on a small patch of grass overlooking the ocean in santa monica. the class was one in a series of weekly fundraisers for the west la/malibu surfrider foundation; all donations dropped into the collection box -- no matter the size -- went entirely to supporting the cause. unlike aaron's fun on the sand class, stephanie's class was surprisingly demanding. there were times when i was tempted to just drop into child pose and wait until it was all over. but no, type-A me just had to keep going.

thankfully, tuesday came, and i got exactly what i needed: a good hour or so of meditation, this time with jamie elmer at the westwood art forum once again. and i finally found myself consciously breathing out and breathing in. breathing out hyperactivity and breathing in calmness. breathing out insanity and breathing in sanity. just breathing and being still.

and so now, yes, i'm still... here. it's about time.

let's all go to the beach!

summer's here, and it's time to head down to the beach to play in the sand with all our yoga buddies. yes, it's beach yoga time again!

here's what i've found so far; i'll be updating it as i find more.

in the meantime, see you at the beach!

7th Annual Beach Yoga Workshop with the Beach Yoga Tribe - Aaron Reed, Sara Ivanhoe, Jo Tastula, Denise Kaufman, Kishan Shah, Hala Khouri, Isabelle du Soleil, Lynda Carre, and other special guests
When: 7:00pm until last light on the following evenings: Wednesday, June 18 / Tuesday, June 24 / Wednesday, July 2 / Tuesday, July 8 / Wednesday, July 16 / Tuesday, July 22 / Tuesday, July 29 / Wednesday, August 6 / Tuesday, August 12
Where: The water’s edge at the intersection of Rose Ave. and the Pacific Ocean in Venice. (You can park near Exhale Venice and walk down or use the beach parking lot at the end of Rose--$4.00)
How much: It's FREE!

We have some great guest teachers coming up, culminating in a freeform yoga session on Tuesday, August 12. Everybody does thier own thing together!
The schedule for the rest of the year is as follows:
Wed - July 16: Denise Kaufman, Jo Tastula and Dave Stringer
Tues - July 22: Kishan Shah
Tues - July 29: Isabelle Du Soleil
Wed - August 6: Hala Khoui
Tues - August 12: Freeform -- no teacher, no student!
Although we are hoping for clear skies and sunshine, “June Gloom” is always a possibility on any summer evening. Please bring a large beach towel (no mats!) and dress appropriately (lightweight long pants, longsleeves, sweatshirt or fleece jacket, socks --layer up!). Weather permitting, there will also be an optional sunset swim—prepare or go bare.

Yoga by the Beach with Shayn Almeida
*DONATION BASED YOGA CLASSES*
Classes are located on the grass just a few blocks North of Rose Avenue @ Ocean Front Walk and Barnard Way (Border of Venice and Santa Monica).
Classes held daily - Monday through Friday 9-10:30 AM / Evenings/Weekends: TBA (June)

‘Yoga by the Beach’ classes blend the traditional elements of being outdoors, breathing fresh air and an ocean breeze, with a modern approach to the Vinyasa Flow style, and attention to everyone's personal and individual needs.
With clear focused attention towards opening our awareness, connecting, and relating to all areas of the body, each of these classes will release tension and build strength on all levels: Mental, Emotional, Physical, and Spiritual.
Emphasis is placed on proper alignment, breathing, flexibility, as well as core strength in order to increase range of motion, and create peace of mind to bring about clarity and the ability to focus, offering a renewed source of energy, and a stronger more supple body.
Regardless of your level of experience this is a strong and challenging class that you will definitely enjoy. Come on down and invite your friends.

Stand-Up Comedy Yoga on the Beach with Vanda!
(Touring teacher for the Dixie Chicks, Stand-Up comic since 1982 www.vanda.us)
When? Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays (Lovely Anna teaches Fridays!) and Saturdays 9-10:15am (ish)
Where? Rose Avenue and the water’s edge. Bring big bed sheet!
How much? No Fee. Any Love offering ($1-$20) you feel peaceful about is appreciated.
Call Vanda if you have questions: (360) 789-1466 or email vandayoga@hotmail.com

I teach a fun and funny class, an eclectic style informed by many yogic traditions, custom-designing the practice to your needs. I'm 48, so I've hurt myself enough that I can teach you not to. We have fun celebrating being fully alive in the bodies we have right now. I'll remind you how perfect and radiant you truly are!
I start with a comic monologue as you sit and meditate and laugh and get the endorphins going. Then, we move into some seated “yin” yoga poses, or what I call “little yoga” as we hold certain other poses like seated, wide angle forward bend, my special guest comic does some “spiritually incorrect comedy” for your yogic pleasure.
Comedy Yoga on the beach is fun, stretchy, strengthening, deeply nurturing, entertaining, enlightening, focused, peaceful, gratifying and green. The intention of the class is to deliver so much value to you on the level of BEING that it impacts every aspect of your life and creates peace on earth.
~Join us for the funnest yoga on earth. Must like laughing. And dolphins~


Summer Nights Yoga Series
Outdoor Donation based Vinyasa Flow Yoga every Monday at 6:30 pm in front of Ocean Park in Santa Monica. We will be on the grass between the bike path and beach directly in front of Ocean Park Blvd.
100% of the proceeds benefit The Surfrider Foundation.
STARTING JUNE 9th.

The Summer Nights Yoga Series is being created to allow individuals to participate in an activity that will...
1) Improve their health
2) Benefit the local beaches and ocean
3) Build and strengthen community relationships
The master yoga instructor for the course will be Stephanie Lange. There will be guest appearances from various instructors from the Los Angeles community throughout the summer. 100% of proceeds will go to the SURFRIDER FOUNDATION.
Please remember to bring a yoga mat, towel and water, as well as cash or check for donations. We will be able to provide you with a receipt if needed.
Surfrider is running a Rise Above Plastics campaign so in support of their efforts we ask that you bring a Kleen Canteen or Sigg canteen for your water rather than a plastic bottle.


Sunset Beach Yoga with lululemon Santa Monica
Every Sunday at 6:45pm on the bluffs overlooking the ocean in Santa Monica

Kick off for the Sunday Sunset Beach Yoga is on May 18th! Then keep the summer stretching going every Sunday through August 31st!
Where to meet? At the store at 6:45pm, we'll walk together!
What? All levels of Vinyasa flow!
Who? You and the Lu staff and guest teachers!
Why? Why not do some complimentary yoga overlooking the ocean while the sun sets???


Yoga On The Beach with Howard Davis
Tenth Gate Yoga http://www.tenthgateyoga.com/

First and third Sunday of the month - 8 AM (all welcome)
WILL ROGERS STATE BEACH in Pacific Palisades, park on Temescal Canyon off PCH
COST - $20
Don't eat breakfast, wear layers and bring a towel
** CELEBRATE MY 50TH BIRTHDAY AND SUMMER SOLSTICE - SUN 6/22 **

i want to be a part of it - new york, new york!

running the new york marathon is such a thrill for runners, not only because of the myriad of activities that one can do while in the city -- restaurants, museums, theater, and so on -- but also because one can literally run in the middle of the street and not worry about getting hit by aggressive cab drivers or confused tourists trying to make their way around the one-way street maze.

i was fortunate enough to have been able to run it way back when... before the lottery was implemented, before runners had to continue to train while wondering if they got in (and possibly having to scramble to find another marathon if they didn't). sigh. getting into marathons was so much simpler then... and cheaper... but i digress...

now it turns out that yogis might be able to get free access to the manhattan street scene, too, if mayor bloomberg's plan comes to fruition this summer.

here's an article posted today in the new york times:

On 3 Days in August, City Will Try No-Car Zone

By WILLIAM NEUMAN and FERNANDA SANTOS
Published: June 17, 2008

It has been a long-held dream of New Yorkers of a certain (greenish) stripe: the streets of Manhattan free of cars. Now, for a few hours, on a few streets, on a few weekends this summer, that dream will become reality.

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg announced on Monday that he will create a car-free zone on three Saturdays in August, along a 6.9-mile stretch of streets through Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge, north to Park Avenue and the Upper East Side. Cars, trucks and buses will be banned on the streets along the route from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Aug. 9, 16 and 23. The mayor was careful to describe the initiative, called Summer Streets, as an experiment.

"If it works, we’ll certainly consider doing it again," Mr. Bloomberg said, at a news conference in the East Village on Lafayette Street, which will be included in the route. "If not, we won’t. But we have never been afraid to try new ideas, especially the ones that have the potential to improve the quality of life."

The route will run north-south along Centre Street, Lafayette Street, Fourth Avenue and Park Avenue to 72nd Street. The southern half of 72nd Street from Park Avenue to Fifth Avenue will also be shut to vehicles, to link to Central Park.

Mr. Bloomberg and the transportation commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan, said the idea was to make the streets a haven for walkers, cyclists and others. Fitness, dance and yoga classes will be held along the route, and there will also be places to rent bicycles. The plan was reported in The New York Sun on Monday.

"It's a new way to use a street, using it more as a park than as a thoroughfare," said Paul Steely White, the executive director of Transportation Alternatives, an advocacy group promoting walking, bicycling and mass transit that worked with the city to develop the car-free zone.

"Everyone around the world knows about Park Avenue as one of New York City's most storied thoroughfares, and to turn that over to pedestrians and cyclists, even though it's just for three consecutive Saturdays, I think that sends a very powerful message that the tide is turning so that bicyclists and pedestrians are on at least an equal footing with drivers."

the rest of the article, as well as a map of the area involved, can be found here.

update: speaking of new york, i just received a big apple event notice from soyjoy a few hours after i posted the article above. too bad i can't make it; not only would the airfare be ridiculously high on such short notice, but i'm already holding tickets to a much-anticipated performance by thievery corporation, seu jorge, bebel gilberto, frederico aubele, and los amigos invisibles at the hollywood bowl this sunday :)

by the way, there supposedly will be equivalent soyjoy "art and optimism" events in other major cities around the country, including los angeles, so stay tuned.

here's the new york event posting, just in case you can make it:

Solstice in Times Square

WHAT: A free yoga-fest in the heart of Times Square. Both experienced and beginning Yoga enthusiasts find tranquility and transcendence in the midst of the urban energy of the world's most commercial and frenetic place.
WHEN: Saturday, June 21, 2008
WHERE: In Times Square, at the intersection of Broadway and 7th Avenue between 43rd and 44th Streets
ADMISSION: Free.

CLASS SCHEDULE:

8AM - 9:15AM (Open to all levels)
Start off the longest day of the year with Sun Salutations and a moderate vinyasa practice that will help you to set an intention and direction for the day, the summer, and ideally the year. We will reflect on the challenge of staying calm amidst the chaos of New York City by tapping into the light and energy that exist both inside and outside of us.
INSTRUCTOR: Tim Tompkins

10AM - 11:15AM (Beginners)
Yoga rookie? Out of practice? No worries! Join us for this beginner’s class and learn basic poses with a focus on aligning the body and connecting each movement to the breath. Learn sun salutations as you enjoy yoga in Times Square! A perfect opportunity for learning fundamentals or jumpstarting your practice again!
INSTRUCTOR: Connie Chan

NOON - 1:30PM (Bikram)
Bikram Yoga is a form of Hatha yoga conducted in a heated room which is why this class is being held at high noon!
Bikram Yoga is a beginning yoga series for everyone! In the 90 minute class you will work every muscle, tendon, ligament and joint in your entire body giving you an incredible sense of well being.
INSTRUCTOR: Santiago Solis

3PM - 4PM (JUST ADDED! Open to All Levels)
Learn the traditional Hatha Yoga postures in a given sequence allowing you to stretch and strengthen your body to maximize your real potential. You will learn how to revitalize your yoga practice using the same sequence on a daily basis. We will continue to expand our awareness of breathing throughout the session and end the session with a brief meditation.
INSTRUCTOR: Nishit Patel

5PM - 6:15PM (Open to All Levels)
If you are looking for a more energetic and athletic yoga experience, oflow yoga is the perfect high-intensity vinyasa flow for you. The dynamic sequences combine power with creativity and core conditioning with energy work to get your body moving. Fueled by sexy, body-rocking music, oflow will conquer mind over madness in the middle of Times Square.
INSTRUCTOR: Joschi Schwarz

7:30PM - 8:45PM (Sunset Session - Open to all levels)
If you've been curious about the connection of body, mind and spirit, why not explore in the most challenging of environments? In the midst of Times Square, find PEACE through a flow of yoga postures arranged for all levels that encourage you to include all the components, inside and outside the body!
INSTRUCTOR: Douglass Stewart

click here for the link to the event website for more information about the yoga teachers and studios involved.

dashing to class

tracy from platial.com recently sent me a quick heads-up. turns out that dash navigation -- the company behind a new internet-connected GPS device, the dash express -- used my yoga studio map (yes, the one shown at the top of my blogsite) as an example to demonstrate the dash's web integration capability via wi-fi and cell sites.

in a presentation made at the web 2.0 summit last october, dash's mark williamson and rob currie showed the attendees how the dash express relays live traffic information from road sensors plus driving patterns fed back from other dash express users. it also works with yahoo to supply current search results as well as with other internet sites, such as platial, to provide additional driving information.

i hear john is into yoga. let's say he's going to LA next week and wants to find the location of a bunch of yoga studios just in case he has some time between meetings to chill out. if he goes on the internet, he might stumble across one of these geo-mashups out there. this one is off of a site called platial, and somebody has, lo and behold, mapped all the yoga studios in LA. but where do you really want this information? you don't want it here on your computer. you want it on your dashboard in your rental car to find it right at your fingertips.

mark then proceeds to upload the map's RSS feed to the dash website, and within seconds, a button shows up on the dash.

so now john's driving around LA and says, "i've got an hour". he hits the button he created, LA YOGA, and he gets the most relevant content based on that platial site in his car...

naturally, i'm thrilled to death, even if most of the tech nerds in the audience were probably more into the technology behind the web hookup than the usefulness of my yoga studio map. oh well; to each his own.

if you're interested in viewing the video in its entirety, click here (my map's few minutes of fame is around the 4 minute mark)

i'd love to try out the dash gizmo for myself, maybe not so much to access the yoga studio map (because, after all, i created it and have been to all the places on it), but to try out many of its other features. unfortunately, the $399 price tag is a bit too steep for me. maybe i can hope that being used in their show-and-tell might earn me a discount, or better yet, maybe even a free one? hint, hint :)

by the way, these dash GPS units were recently named by thrillist.com as one of the ultimate gifts for dad. here's what thrillist wrote:

Unlike most units, this in-car number's fully hooked up to the 'net, and also provides live traffic data that'll direct you towards the fastest route -- giving dad a hyperintelligent computer to disagree with when mom's not around.

The Ultimate Dad's Take: Out of all these gifts, this one's the most brilliant. It pissed me off, about two years ago, I was sitting around and said, wouldn't it be cool if you could mesh GPS up-to-the-second traffic reports? Of course, I never did anything. But you don't want to just stay idling in traffic with $4.50 gas. And road rage and drive-bys. It could solve all the problems of this country.
Read More

the yoga works website is down?!?

i'm not sure exactly when their website went down, but my not having access to the yoga works online class schedule has definitely put a crimp in my weekend's yoga class selection process, especially since there are a number of teacher substitutions due to the father's day holiday :(

i've had to resort to accessing up-to-date information the old-fashioned way -- i've called the front desks of the various locations to find out who's teaching what and when. it's scary how my practice has become so internet-dependent!

anyway, here are the phone numbers of the different yoga works locations, just in case you don't have them programmed into your cell phone or committed to memory:

yoga works center for yoga, larchmont - (323) 464-1276
yoga works main street, santa monica - (310) 664-6470
yoga works montana avenue, santa monica - (310) 393-5150
yoga works pacific palisades - (310) 454-7000
yoga works south bay - (310) 322-6500
yoga works westlake village - (805) 371-3030
yoga works westwood - (310) 234-1200

zooming into june!

how can we we already be almost halfway into june when i'm still recovering from the memorial day weekend... and the rock 'n' roll marathon weekend after that ... and my trip to boston this past weekend?

i think i just figured out where the time went :(

anyway, there's a lot going on this month, including some classes you might want to treat your special dad to on or around father's day, june 15th. also note that since the summer solstice falls on saturday the 21st, there'll be a variety of classes and events to mark the occasion, including a number of 108's. chances are, you'll find me at one of them, although exactly which one is still up in the air; i need to coordinate my yoga schedule with my tickets for the hollywood bowl season which starts next friday, june 20th!

as always, keep checking back as updates get posted...


ongoing events:

Yoga for Progressive Athletes
Rose Bowl, Pasadena (hosted by lululemon Pasadena)
Every Tuesday 6:00-7:00pm
Cost: FREE

Join us for Yoga for Progressive Athletes.
Welcome to Summer. Breakout the running shoes, buy the new swimsuits, and get ready for months of outside activity. Fun lately has become serious business. We want to shave minutes off of our 5k, increase our vertical leap for the outside jumper, some of us just want to get more tone places to tan.
Yoga for the progressive athlete is a program designed to help those ready to define their relationship and understanding of how the body moves and functions. It will be an active econstruction of gross fascia binding, novel synthesis of kinetic and isometric movement to promote muscular growth and break muscular habits, as well as integrating of breathwork for a calm meditative mind. The goals of this class are to help the participant move more efficiently and completely, increase their strength and balance, and also to look 'tight' in their trunks or bikini.
Limited "community" mats are available. Bringing your own mat is encouraged. Please dress in layers so that you may remove articles as you warm-up during the class.
CLASS WILL MEET AT THE ROSEBOWL BETWEEN GATES A&B AT THE WILL-CALL TICKET BOOTH

Practice in the Park
Central Park, Pasadena (hosted by lululemon Pasadena)
Every Wednesday, 6:00pm until sunset
Cost: FREE

Namaskara y'all,
The weather is looking good for Wednesday!
So it is time for another free yoga "Practice in the Park" at Central Park next to Old Town Pasadena (north of Del Mar Ave. between Fair Oaks and Raymond) at 6PM until around sunset. (Park on adjacent side streets. Bring change for parking meters.)
We will find a flat, grassy, sunny spot to practice. We take advantage of practice on a forgiving surface to go after fun yoga arm balance variations and crazy acro stuff. (If you have any requests for particular poses, just let me know.)
Join lululemon athletica ambassador, Scott Lewicki, and other local yogis and yoginis for a fun, impromptu practice.
Please bring your own mat and dress in layers so that you may remove articles as you warm-up during the class. Check this page before coming for updates on rain days.

YOGA AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Marina del Rey
Thursday evenings, 7:00-8:30pm (see dates below)
Cost: $75 for the series of 5 lectures, $65 for members

The yoga scriptures teach us that we and nature are one. Yoga is a nature-based Sadhana. The current eco-crisis is the result of actions that deny this and is evidence that we behave as if we are separate from and able to control nature. The solutions are spiritual and this makes it the business of every yogi.
This course will enable us to explore yoga and our relationship with nature more deeply and will present practical, do-able solutions. A good opportunity to get a lot of information in one place!
Presented by Joanne Poyourow, cofounder of the Environmental Change-Makers, a community group focused on "What We Can Do" about environmental issues. www.envirochangemakers.org
5 June - "The 3 R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" - Learn what you can do to live lightly upon the earth. Techniques to reduce the amount you personally contribute to our waste stream, including reusing, ‘un-shopping’, and simplifying our lives.
19 June - "Water Wisdom" - How to be water-wise both indoors and out. These lessons are important in this drought year, but also in view of global warming and the climate impacts forecast for California.
3 July - "Greener Gourmet" - We'll talk about local vs organic food, GMOs, the environmental impact of excessive meat consumption, and where to get good food in Los Angeles--all of which can add to gourmet taste!
10 July - "Power Possibilities" - We'll discuss what you can do to eliminate energy waste and improve efficiency, what "power down" means, and what it will look like as we venture into the second half of our planet's oil supply (Peak Oil).
17 July - "Transportation Solutions" - We'll cover getting better mpg from your existing vehicle, how to select a greener new vehicle, transitioning to car-free transportation, and relocalization.

BodyFreedom - Experience Profound Healing Through Dance with Tarnie Fulloon
The Awareness Center, Pasadena
Every Thursday 9:00–10:30am
Cost: $97 Series of 6, $67 Series of 4, $20 Single Class

Join Tarnie Fulloon, creator of BodyFreedom, and experience her unique method of healing movement blending physical therapy, spiritual psychology and dance as a modality for self-expression and deep healing. No experience necessary!

Yoga for Runners with Steve Mackel
lululemon Pasadena, 110 W Colorado Blvd
Every Thursday 6:30-7:30pm
Cost: FREE

Join us for Runners Yoga with acclaimed ChiRunning coach Steve Mackel.
Yoga for Runners – Coach Steve Mackel works on creating overall balance, taking runners through a series of yoga poses and explains the correlations between the pose and the biomechanics of running. He also moves students through vinaysa flow series while he focuses on creating strength first and flexibility second.
*WEATHER PERMITTING. Please check the events section for further information if it is a rain day.

Devotional Chanting
Ananda Los Angeles, Santa Monica
Every Saturday 7:30-9:00pm

If you like music, either singing yourself, or sitting quietly while others make music around you, come take part in Ananda's chanting sessions (kirtan in the Sanskrit language).
The sacred sounds of chants penetrate deeply into the consciousness. They have the power to transform and uplift the soul, and to open the heart. Chanting is an excellent, easy way to lift your spirits, and revitalize yourself after a long week of work.
Yogananda and Kriyananda have written many beautiful chants in English. We also sing some traditional chants of India in Sanskrit. Melodies are simple, and usually repetitious so you can easily join in. The chants are usually accompanied by harmonium, guitar, drums and cymbals.
Some Kirtans will be dedicated to Babaji and Lord Krishna with chants, stories of these great saints, an arati, and periods of meditation.
We pull out all the stops and let the devotion flow with chanting on harmonium, guitar, drums and cymbals.
Come ready to clap, sing and let your heart open wide to God's blessings.
www.geocities.com/anandala1/ananda-la-kirtans.html

Kirtan at SMPY West
Power Yoga West, Santa Monica
Saturdays, June 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th 8:00-10:00pm
Cost: By Donation

Our instructors will hold a candlelit evening of Kirtan/Chanting every Saturday of the month. Different instructors lead each week and always on donation basis.
1st Saturday of every month, Govindas and Radha (kirtanwithgovindas.com)
2nd Saturday of every month, Travis (traviseliot.com)
3rd Saturday of every month, Andres
4th Saturday of every month, Terra and Friends (terrawellness.com)
Bring meditation cushions or blanket (no yoga mat). Wear comfy clothes.
Come sing from the deepest corner of your heart!

All-levels Fitness Class
lululemon Beverly Hills, 334 North Beverly Drive
Every Sunday 9:30-10:45am
Cost: FREE

Various styles of yoga, pilates, personal training, all levels - perfect for beginner, intermediate or advanced practitioners. Great for adults and teens. Check our community events listing, we do family classes too!
Weekly classes are followed by healthy snacks to refuel!
Sample some of the Los Angeles area's best instructors in a non-intimidating environment, deepen your practice with personal attention in an intimate space and practice with us!
We have community mats for our guests.
(see "other events" section below for yoga class schedule)

Community Fitness Classes
lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way
Every Sunday 9:30-10:30am
Cost: FREE

Complimentary Community Fitness classes on Sundays at 9:30 am - 10:30 am.
(see "other events" below for yoga class schedule)

Yoga on the Green with Still Yoga!
lululemon Glendale, 233 South Brand Avenue
Every Sunday 9:30-10:30am
Cost: FREE

Still Yoga is our June studio of the month, and to celebrate we are bringing Still teachers to the store every Sunday for Anusara-style community classes.
Please bring your own mat, limited number of mats provided for use.
*Be aware there might be sun exposure. Dress accordingly or wear sunblock.
Light refreshments to follow.
June 7th: Tony Giuliano
June 15th: Lucy Bivins Abbie Pechacek
June 22nd: Mark Frankel
June 29th: Danielle Vouvalides

In-store Fitness Classes
lululemon South Bay, 2008A East Park Place
Every Sunday 9:30-10:30am
Cost: FREE

We would like to officially welcome Equinox to the neighborhood! The club will be opening June 20, 2008 and is located at 5400 Rosecrans. (Just west of the Bed Bath and Beyond shopping center.) The club will provide an energizing, inspiring upscale atmosphere, featuring the most cutting edge equipment, classes and programs. Lululemon will be hosting in-store classes taught by Equinox instructors for the month of June. Check out the awesome line-up for the month!
June 1st - Body Blast
June 8th - Core Flow Yoga
June 15th - ZUMBA
June 22nd - Pilates Body
June 29th - Dance Urbana
*Chair massages by Equinox Masseurs will follow the class

All-levels Yoga
lululemon Pasadena, 110 W Colorado Blvd
Every Sunday 10:00am
Cost: FREE

Limited "community" mats are available. Bringing your own mat is encouraged. As classes fill up quickly, and space is limited, please come early.
Please dress in layers so that you may remove articles as you warm-up during the class. Our space is outdoors behind the store on the patio (accessible through the alley on Delacey).
Check this page before coming for updates on rain days.
June 15th: Anusara-style yoga class with Alicia Pal
June 22nd: All levels yoga and meditation with Ann O'Brien
June 29th: All levels yoga class with Steve Hsu

Sunset Beach Yoga!
lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd
Every Sunday 6:45pm
Cost: FREE

Beach Yoga is back!
Kick off for the Sunday Sunset Beach Yoga is on May 18th! Then keep the summer stretching going every Sunday through August 31st!
Where to meet? At the store at 6:45pm, we'll walk together!
What? All levels of Vinyasa flow!
Who? You and the Lu staff and guest teachers!
Why? Why not do some complimentary yoga overlooking the ocean while the sun sets???
June 1st: Kishan Shah
June 8th: Ben Fritz
June 15th: Desiree Bartlett
June 22nd: Rudy Mettia

Yoga For A Cause Donation Class With Laurie Searle and Molly Roemer
This month: COALITION FOR CLEANER AIR!
Liberation Yoga, Los Angeles
Sunday, June 1st (Every month) 1:30pm-3:00pm
Cost: By Donation

Yoga For A Cause is an all levels donation based class that happens the last Sunday of each month. This program is designed and orchestrated by Laurie Searle (Founder of ewishingwell.org), Christine Burke and Ashley Albrand and will include other teachers at Liberation Yoga. Every penny donated will go to the cause of the month. These causes will range from animal rights to kids rights and everything and anything where there is the need for our support. We hope to bring some awareness and financial aid to those who need it most while offering up our spirit and energy towards the highest good - all this and a fun and healthy yoga class too! Please come join us and no donation is too small. For more information on some of the organizations that will be sponsored and for information on ewishingwell - visit www.ewishingwell.org.
THE COALITION FOR CLEAN AIR is the only statewide organization advocating exclusively for healthy air for all Californians. Since 1971, CCA has worked to restore clean air in California through advocacy, outreach and education. www.coalitionforcleanair.org

Chanting with Steve Ross
Maha Yoga, Brentwood
Friday, June 6th ** CANCELLED ** (Every month) 8:00pm
Cost: A Donation for our musicians

We invite you to join us for a blissful evening of chanting.
The evening will open your heart, still your mind and lead you to a state of profound euphoria.
Wear comfortable clothing, bring a cushion to sit on and enjoy.

FRIDAY NIGHT GROOVE NIGHT with singers/songwriters Mike Weiss and Eric Bloom
Yoga Groove, North Hollywood
Friday, June 6th (1st Friday of every month) 8:00-9:15pm
Cost: $10 donation or class pass will be honored

Join Karen every first Friday of the month for a Yoga Groove class. May include live music.
Come and enjoy an evening at Yoga Groove with special guests Mike Weiss and Eric Bloom performing live at 8 pm.

Kirtan in the Canyon with Andrew and Michele and Friends
Yoga Desa, Topanga
Saturday, June 7th (1st Saturday of every month) 7:00pm

Singing these special songs with full enthusiasm is a meditation in itself and can leave you quite happy and high. See for yourself.
Call (818) 340-6088 for information.
www.artoflivingla.org/public.html

FREE Community Night: Partner Yoga
City Yoga, West Hollywood
Tuesday, June 10th (2nd Tuesday of every month) 7:30pm
Cost: FREE

Every second Tuesday of each month, City Yoga will hold an informal gathering featuring different teachers and topics.
This month join Linda Eifer and Tom Jermain for an evening of partner yoga. Partner poses help deepen your practice through giving and receiving; offering and accepting. Challenge each other to find freedom in poses as you help provide the boundary.
No partner required! Bring a friend or we will partner you throughout the evening.
Please R.S.V.P. by calling 323-654-2125

Kirtan with Daniel, Larry, Sarah and Friends
Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Friday, June 13th (2nd Friday of every month) 8:15pm
Suggested donation $15

Come join me and many talented musical guests for a joyful evening of music, meditation, and chanting. No singing experience needed, only a willingness to open your heart to the joy.
I'm excited to say that in addition to Larry on percussion and lovely Sarah singing with me, we'll have Abby on Cello, Jeff on guitar and Slyvie on vocals too. Last month they joined us and the music lifted the roof off the building. Let's do it again!
Join me for a yoga class @ 6:30 or just come @ 8:15 to open your heart and sing.
Singing Kirtan has been a such a pleasure and we are building a powerful community with these regular events. Please forward this to anyone who might be interested.
Hope you can join us...

Karma Yoga Party
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Marina del Rey
Saturday, June 14th (Every month) 2:00pm
Cost: FREE

Karma Yoga is also important for balanced sadhana, so we are offering a separate opportunity for that. Once a month, usually the second Saturday in the month, we will be having a Karma Yoga Party - so that everyone can come and work together in the karma yoga spirit to support the center and strengthen the developing spirit of community. Projects will include cleaning, painting, computer work, filing and office work, sewing and a whole lot of other things that need doing to keep the energy of the center sattvic. For this to work properly, we need enthusiastic coordinators. We hope you will be able join us in this capacity.
2:00-6:00pm: Karma Yoga at the Center
6:00pm: We will share pizza and refreshments together
7:00pm: Saturday night at 'Om' (movie night) - the movie will be "Little Buddha"

Join the evoLUtion with Global Green!
lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd
Thursday, June 26th (Every month) 7:30-9:30pm
Cost: FREE

For this month's Join the EvoLUtion join Max Simon, the founder and chief enlightenment officer of The selfcentered Tour, for an entertaining and experiential gathering to step away from the endless mind-chatter, disconnect from the buzz, and get selfcentered. In addition to experiencing what it feels like to be authentically alive, you will learn how to integrate these visionary selfcentered tools into daily life so that every part of your world gets easier, clearer, and better.
Max’s vision is to inspire one million people to get selfcentered.
Bring comfortable, breathable clothes that you can move in and a yoga mat.
This is a unique opportunity to gather with your local community and learn ways to make a difference in our world through embodied spirituality and compassionate action. Participants will explore these ideas through, asana, music, and meditation.
This event begins at 7:30 and lasts approximately 2 hours.
Spread the word!

Kirtan (call and response chanting) with Travis Eliot, Daniel Stewart, and Friends
Santa Monica Yoga, Santa Monica
Saturday, June 28th (Every month) 8:00-9:30 PM
Cost: By Donation


other special events:

Get Your Energy Flowing with Kundalini Yoga with NJ
lululemon Beverly Hills, 334 North Beverly Drive
Sunday, June 1st 9:30-10:45am
Cost: FREE

Come join us Sunday, June 1st at 9:30 for an experience you will never forget. Kundalini Yoga is known for its ability to not only create energy but to unblock the energy that you already possess. Nirinjan Khalsa will lead us through this powerful class with love, compassion and joy.
Meet us at the store at 9:30, and as always treats after!

Celebrating Beauty: Anusara Yoga with Hillary Rubin
Westwood Art Forum, 1028 Westwood Blvd
Wednesday, June 4th 7:30pm
Cost: FREE (reservations required)
website: www.westwoodartforum.com

Hillary Rubin teaches at City Yoga where her transformative classes weave a life-affirming philosophy that celebrates the individual along with her personal understanding of the body's natural ability to heal.

Hatha Yoga with Nina Mikkelsen
Westwood Art Forum, 1028 Westwood Blvd
Friday, June 6th 7:00pm
Cost: FREE (reservations required)
website: www.westwoodartforum.com

A lifelong yoga pracitioner, Nina specializes in creating a strong yet accessible practice harmoniously balancing physical postures and breathing techniques designed to stretch the body and increase flexibility of the mind.

Open House -- FREE classes all weekend!
Mission Street Yoga, South Pasadena
Saturday and Sunday, June 7th and 8th
Cost: FREE

MSY throws its doors wide open and invites you to come practice all weekend long for FREE. Explore our regularly scheduled classes and meet our incredible group of Anusara teachers. A 15% discount will be offered on all series. (Limit one per student.)

Symphonic Yoga with Brad Keimach
Westwood Art Forum, 1028 Westwood Blvd
Sunday, June 8th 6:00pm
Cost: FREE (reservations required)
website: www.westwoodartforum.com

Symphonic Yoga with Brad Keimach With a background as a symphony and opera conductor, Brad Keimach hosts a special Symphonic Yoga workshop. Imagine your yoga practice set to the classical music of Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms. Brad teaches weekly at Exhale Center for Sacred Movement.

Honoring the Fathers We Love
Yoga Works, all locations
June 9th through 15th
Cost: FREE

Invite a dad to a free class!

Public Display of Meditation in Beverly Hills
Self-Centered tour with Max Simon
Lululemon Beverly Hills, 334 North Beverly Drive
Wednesday, June 11th 7:30-9:30pm
Cost: FREE

The Mission: To instill stillness into the heart of Beverly Hills.
The Cause: To give you an experiential hit of how it feels to get selfcentered within the midst of chaos.
Instructions: Meet at 7pm at the Beverly Hills Lululemon.
Who should come: Even if you've never meditated, come to this experience. Everyone will Injoy this profound adventure.
RSVP and/or ask questions to PDM@getselfcentered.com.

Anusara-inspired yoga with Georgina Purple
lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way
Wednesday, June 11th 8:30-9:30pm
Cost: FREE

Join us for an evening of anusara-inspired yoga with lululemon ambassador Georgina Purple! 8:30-9:30pm at our Calabasas store.

Free Mommy and Me class with Ravit and Eden
Your Neighborhood Studio, Culver City
Thursday, June 12th 10:00am
Cost: FREE

Yoga, Dance and Play!
In this one hour interactive class there will be yoga, dance, play, and of course bubbles! All Yogi's, Dancers and Parents are welcome. A great way to meet other mommies and daddies while bonding with your child.
Babies 3 months to Toddlers 3 years old welcome. Come join the fun!!!

More Than OM ~ Moving into the heart and spirit of singing through yoga with Rhona Klinghofer
Lyfe Yoga Center, Hermosa Beach
Friday, June 13th 7:30-9:30pm
Cost: $35 preregistration / $40 at door

This fun and unique class will focus on how the voice is freed through the practice of Yoga. We will attempt through singing, to combine specific body postures with the breath to achieve this end. The class is designed for all levels and no prior singing experience is required.

The Core Turns One!
The Core Your Perfect Center, Redondo Beach
Saturday, June 14th
Demos 5:00-9:00 pm / Live Music and Dancing 9:00pm....
Cost: FREE

Join us in celebrating The Core, Your Perfect Center's first year of success! We're so grateful that you've lovingly welcomed The Core into your lives over the past year and it's our turn to say thank you.
We invite you to bring the entire family for an evening of fun:
• class demos for both children and adults
• live music
• dancing
• hors d'oeuvres
• the announcement of new low prices
• 40% off any purchases made on the night of the soiree
• and more!
No presents necessary; all we ask is that you bring your family...
and your neighbors, and your colleagues, and the mailman, and your friends, and your friends' friends, and your friends' friends' friends....you get the idea!

Marla Leigh's Rhythms in Peace Fundraising Concert
Pilates Studio City, 11219 Tampa Ave, Northridge
Saturday, June 14th 8:00pm (doors open at 7:30pm)
Cost: $17 presale, $20 door
www.marlaleigh.com

Support Sacred World Music, Dance, Celebrate Life in Rhythm with Marla's eclectic world music ensemble, Rhythmjuju
DANCE the night away with Marla's world music ensemble, "Rhythmjuju"
Plus, "sonicritam", Marla's student ensemble and Silent Auction
Food kindly sponsored by Whole Foods Market, Porter Ranch Location!
Rhythms in Peace is a landmark, global sound healing CD and DVD project that brings together Grammy-winning artists and other world class musicians with tribal music groups from across the globe. Some proceeds from this project will go to aid women's sacred music groups in developing countries (Morocco and Egypt). We are currently fundraising for the first phase of the project where we will to go to Morocco in September 2008, to record with the Houyarites, a trance healing women's drumming/vocal group, as well as with Gnawa and Berber musicians.

Zen Dancing Ritual World Concert with Micheline Berry
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Saturday, June 14th 8:30-10:00 PM
Cost: $15; $20 the day of

Where ecstatic dance and live world music meet, Zen Dancing® induces peak states of ecstatic embodiment and deep union with the pranic "flow" between dancer and drum, breath and beat. The language of dance is universal and since 1996 Micheline Berry, Craig Kohland and their world ensemble Shaman's Dream have been resurrecting and defining the ritual world dance in Los Angeles, CA. Their live concerts are akin to a world ethnotronica odyssey that will sweep you up in a wave of trance dance marked by the evocative indigenous sounds and deep visionary grooves that have become the signature of their music.
No experience necessary...simply come prepared to move and let the music take you where it will.

Vinyasa/yin yoga class with Sony Trieu
lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way
Sunday, June 15th 9:30-10:30am
Cost: FREE

This class incorporates vinyasa flow and yin yoga in a delightful balance! Instructed by Sony Trieu, the class will be held from 9:30-10:30am.

Father's Day YogaPhobia with Julie Carmen
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Sunday, June 15th 2:00-4:00pm
Cost: $30; attend with your Dad and he'll only pay half price!!

ALL LEVELS WELCOME! Come alone or bring your Dad to this fun YogaPhobia class. We'll be stretching and strengthening, breathing and reducing our stress on Fathers' Day. No one is too tight, too loose, too big, too small, too young, too old for YogaPhobia.

Yoga with Vytas Baskauskas
Westwood Art Forum, 1028 Westwood Blvd
Tuesday, June 17th 7:30pm
Cost: FREE (reservations required)
website: www.westwoodartforum.com

Vytas teaches at Power Yoga in Santa Monica where he encourages his students to learn through yoga the lost art of balance, compassion, moderation, and stillness. Vytas' classes are a conscientious refuge from the insanity of Los Angeles.

Yoga with Diana Storace
lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way
Wednesday, June 18th 8:30-9:30pm
Cost: FREE

Relax and rejuvenate with this Wednesday evening class instructed by Diana Storace, lululemon's ambassador! 8:30-9:30pm.

Sun Meets Moon Yoga Hike with Hilary Kimblin
Michael Lane and Trailer Canyon Fire Road, Pacific Palisades
Friday, June 20th 7:00-10:00pm
Cost: $15

Join us on the longest day of the year in honor of summer solstice! There will be a moonlit yoga hike in the Palisades led by Hilary of Yoga Under the Trees. Please RSVP to 323-841-3606 and find directions and more info on her website: www.yogaunderthetrees.com

108 Sun Salutes for Solstice with Lonne Dickerson
Free Spirit Yoga, Long Beach
Friday, June 20th beginning at 7:15pm
Cost: $25 pre-registration, $35 at the door

Bring in the Summer Solstice with 108 Sun Salutations to Live Music. Joel Long will play the Sitar and Drums to guide you on your transformative journey while Lonne will lead you through various forms of sun salutations. Cleanse and purify for the new season. You will need a small towel, yoga mat & some water. Space is limited. Following class will be light refreshments.

Summer Solstice Celebration with Bekah Finch
Yoga Blend, Burbank
Friday, June 20th 8:30-10:30pm
Cost: By Donation only!

Join Bekah Finch for the hottest, longest day of the year!
The Summer Solstice (also called midsummer) is a celebration of the earth at her peak - come honor her abundance and beauty through a combination of yoga, creation and moving meditation.
The practices will aim to increase strength, focus, clarity and **fertility.
Summer Solstice is a lively festival celebrated all over the world for thousands of years. It is a time of plenty- lots of sun, food, crops, flowers and outdoor activities. We aim to not only connect ourselves with the natural cycle of our planet, but to take time to simply enjoy the little celebrations in our world- like the day with the most sunshine. We also acknowledge that while summer is in its prime, we now slowly move back towards longer nights. It is important for us as we attempt to heal this planet to be aware of these shifts and honor them.
Wear comfy clothing to move in and we always have some seasonal snacks together after our celebration so feel free to bring something "summery"!
Come join in a midsummer night's asana!
*donations will go to treepeople
**fertility does not simply mean making babies. Fertility actually means "richness of the soil" and before it was used to describe reproduction it also was used to describe "creative imaginations."

108 Sun Salutations for Summer with Leeann Carey
Yoga Works South Bay, El Segundo
Saturday, June 21st 2:00-4:30pm
Cost: $40 by 6/7; $50 after 6/7

The Sun Salutations reflect the "Ha" in a Hatha Yoga practice - its definitions include sun and heat, and its meaning includes giver of life, that which promotes growth, and the fire that burns at the heart of all that is unmanifest.
In Indian Philosophy, the number 108 is considered to be auspicious; suggesting completeness or wholeness. As well, other cultures take to its sacred meanings. In Buddhism philosophy, there are 108 names of Buddha. In ancient Chinese philosophy, 108, denotes the number of man. There are 108 beads on Tibetan mala, and there are 108 beds on a Catholic rosary.
On the Summer Solstice, we'll take a journey on our yoga mats to honor the sun and its powerful properties with the ritual of 108 sun salutations. We'll break the practice into four rounds of 27 salutations.
Round One: Prayers to Self
Round Two: Prayers to Others
Round Three: Prayers to the World
Round Four: Offerings to the Divine
We'll complete the class with complimentary closing passive poses and integration - Savasana.
It is not important if every student completes 108 Sun Salutations - only that they participate. It is about coming together and building energy together. Participants will be encouraged to rest if they need to. Just come and contribute your positive energy.

Come and Celebrate Being Alive and Summer Solstice 2008 With Saul David Raye, Amarananda Bhairavan, Marla Leigh, Shaman Shack and more!
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Saturday, June 21st 4:00-10:00pm
Cost: see details below

Join us for the special evening celebration of the summer solstice. In the northern hemisphere this is the day of most light. It is a powerful day for intention, sacred ceremony, yoga and tending your inner fire! The ancients have long recognized the power of certain time periods to re-connect us to the cosmic intelligence and the power of life itself. The solstice is one of those days. Immerse yourself into the power of community and celebration!!!
Schedule of Events:
4:00-5:50 pm - Solstice Yoga class with Saul David Raye and special musical guest Marla Leigh
(regularly priced class series and memberships apply)
** Class will include the Nithya Dhyaan Life Bliss Meditation **
6:00-6:15pm - Spiritual Nutrition & the Cosmic Healing Power of the Reishi Mushroom: short talk by Rehmannia Thomas of Shaman Shack
6:15-7:00 pm - Sangha ~ Community gathering: drinks and light, high vibrational snacks, thai massage sampler, henna and more! Additional individual charges apply.
Evening Program ~ $20
7:15-8:30pm - Healing Ceremony & Dance Meditation
Gayatri Ceremony (Puja) for Peace, healing and transformation with Tantric Priest and Healer Amarananda Bhairavan ( Nandu )- Gayatri is the most ancient recorded prayer in the history of the earth. This ceremony opens awakens spiritual power & light for the whole Earth.
8:30-10:00 pm - Ananda Ritam! Dance to Bliss!
Dancing is at the very heart of the all spiritual traditions as one of the fastest and most blissful ways to drop your mind, raise your vibration, heal and awaken the light and joy inside of you. Join Saul as he guides this evening of hi-frequency dancing and other meditations.

Summer Yoga Mala with Jo Tastula
Yoga Loft, Manhattan Beach
Saturday, June 21st 6:00-8:30pm
Cost: $25/ $30 at door

In this seasonal favorite event, Jo leads yogis through an evening of setting intentions for the summer season,108 sun salutes (all surya namiskar A), chanting, and meditation. This ritual is challenging, but extremely cleansing and celebratory. Spaces fill quickly!

Sacred Breathing Circle - Theme: “Joyful Abandon” Summer Solstice With Wahe Guru Kaur
The Awareness Center, Pasadena
Saturday, June 21st 7:00–9:30pm
Cost: $35 by 6/18, $40 thereafter

The Sacred Breathing Circle is a journey into the Self. It allows you to identify and release mental, emotional and physical blocks and bring light to areas that need healing. Experience Kundalini yoga and an ancient pranic technique, called the “Healing Breath,” that promotes healing and regeneration on all levels. Please wear comfortable clothes that you can move in.

Surya! A Summer Solstice Implosion with Gurmukh Khalsa
Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood
Saturday, June 21st 7:00-9:30pm
Cost: $40/adv, $50/day of

Surya is the energy of the sun - when you have a lot of Sun Energy you are expressive, extroverted and enthusiastic!
Enhance your relationship with the sun with three powerful Surya meditations when the Sun Energy is the highest and is with us the longest. Join us on this very auspicious night and harness sun’s powerful energy to increase your radiance and harness your prosperity and open your heart!
We will end the evening with a double-gong meditation that will consolidate the Surya energy into your hearts!
Stay after class for Summer treats!

Ritusamhara Celebration - Summer Solstice with Sara Ivanhoe
Yoga Works Main Street, Santa Monica
Saturday, June 21st 7:45-9:45pm
Cost: $25

“…Nightfall will be pleasant with fascinating moon, and in such nights Love-God can somehow be almost mollified…but now we can happily enjoy the nights devouring cool drinks and dancing and merrymaking in outfields…”
Kalidasa’s “Ritusamhara” verse 1.1
“Ritusamhara” is a traditional Indian celebration. Literally translated as ‘Garland of the Seasons,’ we will be honoring “Ritusamhara” four times a year and now is the time for Summer Solstice! This mini- festival will include asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra and live music- all in praise of summer, the top of the inhale, the peak of light. Come honor the sun, soak up the heat and get ready to radiate- it’s going to be a great summer!
The asana portion of the program will be gentle. A light meal one hour before commencement of the practice is permissible.

Summer Solstice Restoratives with Karen Koeppe
lululemon Beverly Hills, 334 North Beverly Drive
Sunday, June 22nd 9:30-10:45am
Cost: FREE

Relax and Restore: A Summer Solstice Rejuvenating Workshop with Leslie Porter
Santa Monica Yoga, Santa Monica
Sunday, June 22nd 5:00-7:00pm
Cost: $35 pre-registered by June 16; $40 at the door

In this class, we’ll practice gentle asanas (Yoga postures) with the support of blankets, bolsters, and other props and Pranayama (breathing techniques) to Relax and Restore from the stress of our daily lives and invite in the new season in a healing and nurturing way. Potential benefits include deep rest, a feeling of well being, improved sleeping rhythms, increased feeling of openness in the body, and finding stillness within.
“The power of restorative yoga lies in its ability to nurture ones own internal healing processes” (Iyengar Institute SF).
What to bring: Something warm to wear if it is a chilly night and an eye pillow or something to cover your eyes.

Symphony for the Senses
The Core Your Perfect Center, Redondo Beach
Sunday, June 22nd 7:00-10:00 pm -- Doors open at 6:00 pm
Cost: $22 Adults, $11 Children (Ages 6 & Up)

3rd Point Studios & The Core, YPC are proud to present an evening of Celebration, Connection & Contribution!
• Sample & browse an eclectic array of holistic products & services
• Experience the deep restorative effects of sound healing
• Share the joy of movement through Nia
• Event-only discounts on 3rd Point Studios & The Core, Your Perfect Center purchases!

Yoga with Jamie Elmer
Westwood Art Forum, 1028 Westwood Blvd
Tuesday, June 24th 7:30pm
Cost: FREE (reservations required)
website: www.westwoodartforum.com

A special Mind and Balance workshop to link the mindful and grounded qualities of meditation with our asana practice. This workshop we will awaken the body with a gentle asana practice and combine the stillness of meditation with balance postures to create focus while staying relaxed. Jamie Elmer teaches weekly at Exhale Center for Sacred Movement.

Venice Eco-Fest 2008
On the Venice Boardwalk at Windward Avenue
Saturday, June 28th 10:00am-7:00pm
Cost: FREE

On Saturday, June 28th, Venice welcomes a new annual ecologically themed festival at Windward Ave and Venice Beach.
Venice Eco-Fest features music by local talent on a solar stage, as well as speakers such as Councilman Bill Rosendahl and actor Ed Begley Jr.
Bring the family to enjoy a kid’s area with interactive entertainment, plus all kinds of delicious organic food and drink will be for sale.
There will be over 150 eco-conscious and educational booths offering up to date info on alternative energy and a variety of green technological displays, plus works by local artists.
Volunteers are needed, please call 866-220-2370.
Venice Eco-Fest is presented by Earth Day LA and the Venice Chamber of Commerce, and sponsored in part by LA Department of Water and Power, LA Department of Cultural Affairs, Venice Neighborhood Council, Venice Boardwalk Association, and The Sidewalk Café.
http://www.earthdayla.org/

Symphonic Yoga IV~MOZART, Beethoven, Puccini, Tchaikovsky and friends with Brad Keimach
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Saturday, June 28th 1:30-3:30pm
Cost: $25

This is a Level 2/3 Vinyasa Flow class, set to classical music. The composers whose music will accompany this special class include Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy, Verdi, Puccini, Ravel, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Strauss, and Mendelssohn, among others. All of the performances were conducted by Brad from his professional conducting days in New York. come and see how your practice feels, and how your breath moves when accompanied by some of the towering geniuses of classical music! A once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Charity Flow Yoga Class with Joan Hyman and Friends
Yoga Works Center for Yoga, Los Angeles
Saturday, June 28th 3:00-5:15pm
Cost: $20 minimum donation

Join some of LA's most popular yoga teachers along with DJ Matt Robinson to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation!
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections and other side effects from years of deterioration; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enxymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the driving force behind the pursuit of a cure. Thanks to the dedication and financial backing of supporters - patients, families and friends, clinicians, researchers, volunteers, individual donors, corporations and staff, they are making a difference.
This event will be taught by an eclectic mix of some of LA's most popular yoga teachers in 20 minute segments while DJ Mattnifique plays a mix of global rhythms for the soul.
Teachers include: Kathryn Budig, Krista Cahill, Annie Carpenter, Jeanne Heileman, Joan Hyman and David Lynch

Studio Blessing Benefit Concert with Wah!
Yoga Works South Bay, El Segundo
Saturday, June 28th 8:00-10:00pm
Cost: $25 suggested donation

Join us for a special evening of enchanting music by Wah to celebrate the opening of our new studio. All of the proceeds from this blessing ceremony will be donated to Growing Great, a school garden and nutrition program.

Bikram yoga with Mahnaz Jahangiri
lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way
Sunday, June 29th 9:30-10:30am
Cost: FREE

Come and learn what Bikram yoga is all about! Bikram instructor Mahnaz Jahangiri will lead the class through the 26 Bikram poses to give us a little taste of what encompasses this practice! The heated environment of Bikram will be created through the use of heat lamps. You won't want to miss this class, from 9:30-10:30am!

Vinyasa, Grace, and the Music Within with Max Strom
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Sunday, June 29th 12:30-2:30pm
Cost: $40

Known for the moving music he plays in his classes, Max offers this flow class sequenced to a particular body of music aimed at evoking grace and beauty within.
“Today, music has often been made a pastime, a means of forgetting God instead of realizing God. It is the use one makes of things which constitutes their fault or their virtue.” - Hazrat Inayat Khan
Workshop includes: Standing postures, twists, backbends, meditation. This workshop is appropriate for all levels.

Yoga for Men; Strength & Surrender with Max Strom
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Sunday, June 29th 2:45-4:05pm
Cost: $40

Strength and surrender appear to be opposites, but Yoga teaches that this is not so. It often takes the most strength to be kind, and great courage to forgive. This life affirming workshop will enhance our strength as men, while offering a starting place for taking off our emotional armor when it no longer serves us or those we love. Class includes: Lecture, yoga postures, breathing, and visualization.
For men only please

news from the city desk

just received a couple of emails from the folks at city yoga, who are celebrating their 9th anniversary this month. congratulations to the city crew!

the first one was a thank-you from rebecca and anthony to the entire city yoga kula:

In the nine years of being in business we have had many ups and downs, highs and lows, happy and sad times. Through all of it you all have warmed the hearts of those in need, celebrated with great joy, lent a hand, a truck, a tool, delivered food, raised money, built two houses.. whatever it took to help the community. Our hearts are humbled and grateful. All month we are offering discounts around the studio. Pick up a coupon page the next time you're in or just go online and download it there.

Please know that as you grow, we grow. When you tell us what you think, we listen. We welcome you all to give us feedback at anytime about how City Yoga can better serve you. We look forward to another nine years serving this vibrant and fearless community.

Thank you!

Rebecca and Anthony


their update also included some good news regarding camilla bergstrom's amazing recovery after her freak accident barely a month ago:

We are thrilled to inform you that Camilla will be back to teaching her Saturday class on June 21 @ 10:30. She is a bit nervous as we can all imagine. She misses you all and is anxious to be back amongst the healing energy of the classroom.

It is with more gratitude that we would like to announce that the fundraiser we held for Camilla raised over $5000! Your generous donations have allowed her to rest fully and help pay some of her living and medical expenses.


they also attached this letter from camilla:

To all my beautiful friends and yogis,

I wish I could individually thank each and every one of you who have reached out in so many creative, powerful and loving ways. It feels very impersonal to send out a mass letter like this, but one of the many lessons I have learned through all this is to allow myself to receive. Please know you all are a huge part of my healing. Nothing is more healing than love and because of all of you I truly feel I will get through this. THANK YOU from the deepest place in my heart.

Most of all, no words can describe the gratitude I feel for Anthony and Rebecca who created a chain of love, so unconditional, and reached out to all of you when I needed it the most. Their action is a true testimony of what this path of Yoga is all about. I feel honored to have such great friends in my life.

Much love and gratitude

Camilla


the second email arrived the next day. anthony's message was a bit puzzling to me; i still don't know what to make of it:

Dear Friends,

I write to all of you with mixed emotions to say that I have chosen to resign my certification as an Anusara Yoga teacher. It is a decision that I have made after much deliberation. John Friend and Anusara Yoga have been my teachers for the last ten years, and they have immensely shaped my teaching and informed much of what I know about the yoga practice. For that I will be forever grateful.

My decision to leave is out of respect for John and this community. My teaching, philosophy and practice have deep roots in Anusara and have been consistent with it's principles. However, as City Yoga embraces its ninth anniversary, I realize that my vision of the kula we have cultivated at our studio diverges from the Anusara community mission. With due respect to John's vision and policies, I have decided to leave the official Anusara movement. I will continue to work hard in the yoga community of Los Angeles to make City Yoga a model for the study and practice of yoga, for social engagement and personal growth.

I am excited about what lies ahead for me and for the future of City Yoga in the coming years. As I move forward in my teaching and my life, I will always hold deep appreciation for John and love for the Anusara community that nurtured me. I look forward to continued collaboration with my Anusara friends as City Yoga explores new possibilities and opportunities.

With gratitude and respect,

Anthony Benenati

wow... resigning his certification? is this equivalent to renouncing one's faith or one's citizenship?

life in the big city... gotta love it!

a dying breed

i know this has nothing to do with yoga, but since i never could see the point behind these monster vehicles, other than catering to drivers with big egos (and possibly small appendages and/or small IQs) who just want to prove that "my car is way bigger than yours", i practically stood up and cheered when i read an article that was published today in the washington post. here are excerpts from that article:

The Hummer's Dead End?
As Gas Hits $4 and Sales Tank, GM Considers Selling Brand

By Frank Ahrens, Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Reacting to growing consumer sentiment, General Motors chief executive G. Richard Wagoner Jr. said yesterday that the world's biggest automaker will consider revamping or selling off some of the world's biggest passenger vehicles -- the Hummer line.

Is there any vehicle that so incites the ire, the anger, the reptile-brain rage of a group of people? Is there any other vehicle that has suffered as much defacement by eco-vandals?

Yesterday, Wagoner conceded what much of America has been thinking for some time: We want smaller vehicles. Gasoline at $4 per gallon (for now!) will do that to you.

"At this point," Wagoner said, "we are considering all options for the Hummer brand . . . everything from a complete revamp of the product lineup to partial or complete sale of the brand."

Sell it? Like, to whom?

For sale: One vilified vehicle division. Makes four-ton SUVs that get 15 miles per gallon downhill with a tail wind. Comes with dental floss to pick Miatas out of grill.

Hummer hatred goes deep. Indeed, it's hard to imagine a product other than a handgun that so clearly splits the division between what some people perceive as a right and others perceive as social destruction.

And so the war has raged on, nearly since the Humvee (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle) became a rock star of the first Persian Gulf War and was seen by Arnold Schwarzenegger, who said: Must. Have. That. (He later tooled about in a specially built hydrogen-fueled Hummer, which just seems wrong on so many levels.)

We would be remiss if we did not mention the Hummer's role in disaster relief. A group called HOPE, Hummer Owners Prepared for Emergencies, used their vehicles for what they were intended -- extreme conditions -- by helping the Red Cross ferry medical supplies and other aid around New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. A Hummer can cross two feet of water which, you must admit, is pretty cool.

But few Hummers have been put to such tests. They're more likely to be sighted, spotless and bone-dry, rolling up to a red carpet in Hollywood, disgorging an underfed starlet or an alpha-dog executive.

The Hummer has won a place in the culture, appearing in "The Simpsons," "The X-Files" and "24." The Hummer 1 carbon-bootprinted its way through some "Jurassic Park" films, a poetically appropriate casting considering the 7,000-pound vehicle's engine was burning up what used to be dinosaurs.

North American sales of the Hummer family peaked at 75,939 vehicles in 2006, according to Ward's AutoInfoBank data. The drop since then has been precipitous, no doubt owing to high gas prices and social shaming. This year, only about 3,000 H2s have been sold. (At $4 per gallon, the $57,000 H2's tank costs $128 to fill.)

So, the Hummer may go the way of the brontosaurus and other lumbering herbivores, actual and metaphorical, all grazing peacefully in the growing shadow of the incoming meteor.