let the insanity begin!

i'm sitting on my bed, doing nothing (and thinking practically nothing). i'm taking this time to sit still and energize my batteries for the craziness that will commence in about two hours...

friday, 12:30-1:30pm: vinyasa flow level 2 class with jo tastula at yogaglo, santa monica

after class, i'll spend some time helping the mills clan get the studio all spiffed up for the summer festival later that evening, then go home to get myself all spiffed up :)


friday, 5:00-10:00pm: here comes the sun summer kick-off festival at yogaglo, santa monica

A FREE Summer kick-off festival celebrating the Yoga community, partner business and nonprofits working together for social change.

Enjoy complimentary food and cocktails, raffle prizes and a marketplace featuring local vendors who share a passion for giving back. This is more than a party; it's a chance to gather with other members of a like-minded community for networking to figure out how we can make a difference in the world and celebrate everything we are grateful for in our lives today. Let's spend our Friday night at a social gathering with purpose.

Music by the Hypnotic Gurus and DJ Drez

Friday June 26 5:00 - 10:00 p.m.
Yogaglo Studio
1800 Berkeley St., Santa Monica CA 90404


unfortunately, i'll have to bail early for my next event of the evening...

friday, 8:30pm: aretha franklin in concert at the hollywood bowl

Aretha Franklin returns to the Hollywood Bowl for the first time in 35 years! Join the queen of soul on Friday, June 26th, for an evening under the stars featuring her innumerable classic hits. Don’t miss the sizzling, gospel-charged voice that Rolling Stone declared Number One in its "100 Greatest Singers of All Time."


with luck, i'll get home by midnight so i can get a good night's rest...

saturday, 9:00am thru sunday, 9:00am: yogathon 2009! at city yoga, west hollywood

here's how those next 24 hours are going to go:

YOGATHON SCHEDULE!

9:00 – 11:00am Opening Asana: Rebecca and Anthony Benenati

11:00 – 12:30pm Asana: Noah Maze

12:30 – 2:00pm Lunch
Lunch donated by Tender Greens: Happy Vegan Salad, Chinese Chicken Salad (chicken on the side), Shrimp Ceviche with Chorizo on the side, Crostinis with olive oil, and berries for dessert

2:00 -3:00pm Keynote speaker: Pauley Perrette of CBS’s NCIS; Family Member: recipient of a house through Habitat for Humanity

3:00 – 5:00pm Thai Yoga Massage: Phoebe Diftler

5:00 – 6:30pm Asana: Tony Giuliano

6:30 – 8:30pm Dinner with Kirtan: Govindas and Radha
Dinner donated by Great India Café: Vegetable dish, Lentil Dish, Rice, Naan Bread, Chocolate Chip cookies by Stella

8:30 – 10:30pm Restorative: Sharon Skok

10:30 – 12:00am Drum Circle: Traci Dinwiddi

12:00 – 2:00am Kirtan: Daniel Stewart and friends

2:00 – 2:30am Break

2:30 – 3:00am Yoga Comedy: Carrie Snow

3:00 – 5:00am Meditation and Asana: Kristopher Nelson

5:00 – 5:30am Sunrise Comedy: Beth Lapides

5:30 – 7:30am Sunrise Asana: Anthony Benenati

7:30 – 8:00am Breakfast
Breakfast donated by Beverly Hills Juice and The Bagel Broker: A selection of juices and bagels

8:00 – 9:00am Closing with Habitat for Humanity representative, presentation of ceremonial check

Snacks donated by Whole Foods and Larabar: Energy bars and fruit.
Beverages: Coconut Water by Vita Coco, Reeds Ginger Brew, Arrowhead Water


and when that's all over, i'll have to quickly get myself back home and in bed for some quality snooze time before heading out one last time for the weekend...

sunday, 7:00pm: adele, etta james and the roots band, and janelle monáe in concert at the hollywood bowl

KCRW's World Festival - Jason Bentley, host
Grammy-winner Adele delivers heartbroken soul, blues and jazz with beguiling vocal power. Legendary vocalist Etta James returns to the Bowl, and newcomer Janelle Monáe, dubbed “the female OutKast,” opens.


insane? yes! but then again, would you expect anything less from me? :)

other ways to donate to the yogathon

i'm passing along some information i've received from the city yoga yogathon organizers. the silent auction items look extremely interesting... hmmmm....


We are only days away from Yogathon '09!
If you can't do the whole thing there are plenty of other ways to get involved.
We have all been called this year to serve, in any way we can.
Service is the backbone of a society and our yoga practice. It's time to step up.

Here's how:

1. Make a donation!
www.firstgiving.com/cityyogathon <<< or better yet, sponsor me at www.firstgiving.com/ayogist :)

2. Attend a class with the yogathoners!
$30 suggested donation for each class; contact Stacey Wiren at yogathon09@gmail.com or stop by the front desk to reserve your spot:

Saturday June 27
11:00am - 12:30pm Noah Maze' (then stay for a yummy lunch from Tender Greens for a $10 donation)
5:00pm - 6:30pm Tony Giuliano
6:30pm-8:30pm Kirtan with Govindas


3. Silent Auction beginning Wed. 24th at 6:30am and ending Friday 26th at noon!
Place your BID in person or call the studio at 323 654-2125

Yoga Bundle: A yoga starter pack from Manduka including: eko mat, strap, large mat bag, e-Qua towel, and cork block ($169 value), 3 piece winter white yoga outfit from Prana, 2 Chakra tank tops by Didi and a Yoga Private with Rebecca Benenati.
Bidding starts at $100

Art Bundle: A Painting by talented artist and City Yoga student Stephanie Bast. Stephanie's most recent shows were a triumphant Fall '08 exhibition at the wonderful GINA Gallery & Café, on the Piazza di Spagna in Rome, The C Gallery in Los Alamos, and is currently showing at The Judith Kaufman Gallery in North Hollywood. She works in acrylic on canvas. You can view her work at: www.stephaniebast.com. (Gallery Price: $1000)
This bundle also includes a beautiful necklace handmade by another talented City Yoga student, Doria Ragland.
Bidding starts at $100

Culinary Basket: Black and Decker mini food processor, cupcake pan, cookie kit from Williams Sonoma, multi colored mixing bowls, $50 gift certificate to Tender Greens & more!
Bidding starts at $75

Pamper Yourself Bundle: A gift box from Lush of Beverly Hills (all natural beauty and skincare products $50 value), $50 gift certificate for any hotel, restaurant, or nightclub in the SBE group including: SLS Hotels, Sahara Las Vegas Hotel, Katsuya, XIV-The New Michael Mina Restaurant, The Abbey, Hyde Lounge, and Area.
Bidding starts at $75

Brunch Bundle: 3 Calphalon Pans, $50 gift certificate to Cheebo, $25 gift certificate for Jinky's Cafe and a private yoga session with Stella Choe.
Bidding starts at $50

Thanks again for all your energy and support!

desperate times call for desperate measures

i'm desperate.

and in a way, my desperation is self-inflicted. i thought i'd do something crazy to raise money for a charity, and from the looks of it, no one seems impressed by my efforts. maybe it's because they know i'm always doing crazy things, so what's one more? hmph.

you see, back in february, city yoga sent out this challenge:

SAVE THE DATE FOR YOGATHON! June 27-28, 2009
ROLL OUT YOUR YOGA MAT AND OPEN YOUR HEART!

It's 6:00 am on June 28th and the sun is breaking through the arched windows of the upstairs studio. You salute the sunrise, your body buzzing with the effects of 22 hours of yoga. You are part of a community that has just raised enough money to build a house; with Yoga!

Celebrate 10 Years of City Yoga!

Give thanks for the City Yoga roof over your head and help raise a roof for a deserving family. On Saturday June 27 at 8:00 am 60 yogis will gather for 24 hours of:
~ Asana
~ Restorative
~ Meditation
~ Thai Yoga Massage
~ Chanting
~ Live Music
~ FOOD

All the rejuvenating aspects of a yoga retreat right here in town.

We are raising money for Habitat for Humanity. Any money made will go toward building a house but if we reach our goal of $100,000 then the house will be called "The House that City Yoga Built"! You know there are people in your life that would support you taking on this challenge. It's just crazy enough to work and we've proven it. The last 2 Yogathons raised $80,000.

and yes, i was one of the 60 participants at that last yogathon back in 2007. not only did i survive the 24-hour physical challenge, but i was also able to raise a decent enough amount of money for habitat for humanity -- decent enough at least to meet the minimum each of us was expected to raise at that time: $500. a few months later, i was actually able to work on that house that the yogathon helped finance. it required even more physical effort on my part, including my having to overcome my fear of heights to hammer roof studs for a good many hours, but at least i knew that my aching muscles helped build a beautiful home that a happy family now lives in.

so when i heard about this year's yogathon challenge, i jumped at the chance to build yet another home for another needy family. yes, i would push the limits of physical endurance one more time, hoping that my temporary bout of insanity would inspire people to pitch in once again.

when i signed up in april, i was told that the fundraising minimum had been raised to $750. with no job and no co-workers to rely on for support, i knew it wasn't going to be easy for me. i considered dropping out, but i knew -- and hoped -- that there were good-hearted people out there who would see the need and contribute. i also hoped that with all the fundraisers i had helped publicize and had even given money to, maybe some of the people involved would reciprocate and share the love. well, maybe...

i sent out emails to my family and close friends. some money trickled in.

i posted requests for sponsors on my facebook page. some more money trickled in.

i promised blog coverage to the yoga studios and teachers that i knew. a little more money trickled in.

and then the trickling came to a complete standstill. when i checked to see what had come in so far, a deep depression set in. after two months of begging and pleading, all i was able to raise was a measly $333. not even close to the $500 i had raised two years earlier.

so with only two days left before i place down my yoga mat at city yoga to spend 24 hours doing a variety of forms of yoga (including savasana!), it now looks like i have to make one more last-ditch attempt...

thanks to the generosity of derik mills of yogaglo (who, by the way, will be hosting THE block party of the summer in santa monica this friday, june 26th), i'm now able to offer a fabulous prize to one lucky donor:

a FREE one-year membership to yogaglo worth $216!

with this membership, you will be able to access an unlimited number of yoga classes and lectures taught by some of the best teachers in LA. you can either stream them from the yogaglo website in the comfort of your home, or if you live in the LA area, you can attend any of their in-studio classes at any time. and yes, all of this will be FREE to you for one entire year!

here's the deal:

for every $10 that you donate, you will get one entry into the drawing. only donations received on or before sunday, june 28th (the end of the yogathon) are eligible to win. the easiest way to donate is through the use of a credit card at my firstgiving page at www.firstgiving.com/ayogist. if you'd rather pay by check or cash, you can drop it off at city yoga's front desk in an envelope with "joni" written on the front.

the winner will be drawn on monday, or whenever i'm lucid enough to do the drawing :)

considering the tepid response i've received so far, your chances of winning are excellent! so please donate now... and i'm keeping my fingers crossed that you win!

the feel-good party of the summer

you're a good person.

and regardless of what others may think, deep down inside, you know you have it in you to do something good for your community. problem is, you just don't know where to start. or maybe you just need someone to give you a nudge.

here's your chance to network with other good people -- people who are equally passionate about making the world a better place. and while you're all busy schmoozing, there'll be lots of FREE food and drink and music to keep you all entertained. and raffle prizes, too!

so what's the catch, you ask?

there is none. the only requirement is that you show up, have a great time, and maybe even come away with a few new friends.

so whatever it is that you have on your calendar for next friday, cancel it. right now. because this is going to be way more fun!

Yogaglo and LA YOGA Magazine invite you to:

"Here Comes the Sun"
Friday, June 26th, 5:00-10:00 p.m.
Yogaglo Studio
1800 Berkeley St, Santa Monica, CA 90404 (near Stewart and Olympic Blvd)

A FREE Summer Kick-off festival celebrating the Yoga community, partner business and nonprofits working together for social change.

Enjoy complimentary food and cocktails, raffle prizes and a marketplace featuring local vendors who share a passion for giving back. This is more than a party; it’s a chance to gather with other members of a like-minded community for networking to figure out how we can make a difference in the world and celebrate everything we are grateful for in our lives today. Let’s spend our Friday night at a social gathering with purpose.

This event is a time for all of us to get to know each other better off the mat. Show up, or risk missing the event of the summer!


Participating Sponsors:

Aline Marie Yoga Mats
Jesse Arana
Fertile Goddess
Flowers by Mikiko Ideno
Fulfilled Pastries
Fusion Arts
GH Press
Goudas and Vines
The Grain Collective
The Green Truck
Green Yoga Association
Hard Cards
The Hill St. Meditation Center
HOPE Events
Inconvenient Bag
Karma Rescue
Kosmic Music
Life Rolls On
Lois Leonhardi
Loyola Marymount University Extension Program
lululemon athletica
Massage by Patricia
Native Foods
New Roads School
NextStep Fitness
Off the Mat into the World
One Hope Wine
Oxylent
Rebekah Vandenberg
Ria Ray
Samosa House
Safe Ride Solutions
Scent of Samadhi
Shades Hair Studio
Sky Wellness Jewelry
Soleo Organics
Surfrider Foundation
Sustainable Works
Tada! Café
Tiny Stars
Tom’s Shoes
Wells Bring Hope
Whole Foods Market Santa Monica
Vapika Spirit
Vitacoco
Y Catalog
Yoga Month
Yoga Tribe and Culture
yogitoes
and more!

the ananda LA center is on the move!

the ananda LA center in santa monica will be closing its doors at the end of this month.

not to worry; from what i've heard, it appears that they're merely migrating from a centralized system to a distributed system (my apologies, but that's the computer geek in me talking!)

here are some excerpts from the email updates i've received so far:

Ananda LA is changing form and relocating in order to serve you better.

Two years ago we brought Ananda to LA and opened this Center in Santa Monica. It's been a great location-very visible and successful in getting us anchored and starting to establish a presence.

Swami Kriyananda describes Ananda as a spiritual movement rather than a place. The word itself means bliss or happiness, a state of mind rather than an outward form. One of Ananda's main focuses is building spiritual community. We've created communities in several cities and in three countries. These have taken many different forms, often starting with a big house that served as an "ashram" for people to live together.

Many of you come to Ananda LA from long distances and have expressed that you can't come as often as you would like. In order to serve and involve more of you and at the same time start a community effort, we've decided to make two changes: Create a dynamic team of traveling teachers, so we can come to your area and provide classes; Rent a large group house to begin to provide community. This way we'll be able to hold classes, retreats, kirtans etc. in several locations, along with using the house as an Ananda LA Center.

Ananda LA in Santa Monica is giving birth to 6 Ananda Meditation/Satsang groups in Southern California:

Santa Monica: Rose Gradel with Francis Taub and Sharon McElroy
Thousand Oaks: Sherwood and Gayle Brown with Jill Barker
Pasadena: Ana Romero
Orange County: Elizabeth Schendel and Rosie Cameron
Encinitas: Casey and Joy Hughes
West Hollywood/Hancock Park: Paul Fetler and Lisa Kaz

Ananda SouthBay Center: Turiya Moore began this Center in 2002 and is well established. He and Ashleigh Bayer are dynamically serving the South Bay area. www.anandasouthbay.org

What Ananda LA will be offering:

· Regular weekly meditations through the Meditation/Satsang groups.
· Sunday Morning Inspiration in one location or in a rotation of two locations, twice per month.
· Four theme Retreatson various topics and two weekend Yoga Retreats per year led by Ananda teachers, in locations around L.A.
· How to Meditate workshops, at least once per month, at locations around the LA area.
· Ananda Yoga Teacher Training.
· Meditation Teacher Training.
· Spiritual Counselor Certification Program.
· Lectures throughout the LA area, open to the public.
· Pilgrimagesto Yogananda's shrines twice per year. These also give you a chance to meet Ananda folks from all around the country.
· 7-10 day Yoga Vacation/Retreats at an eco-resort in Mexico. You can look forward to a week of yoga on the beach, as well as spa treatments and spiritual practices.
· Brook and Sean will host at least one Social Event per month, at a variety of venues, just to get together and have fun.

How You Can Participate:

· Get involved in a Meditation/Satsang group near you.
· Volunteer to host a class in your home or in a venue nearby.
· Place flyers advertising classes and retreats.
· Come to Classes, Retreats and take part in a Pilgrimage.
· Start a Meditation/Satsang group in your area. Sean and Brook will help you get started and Pranaba, overall Ananda Meditation Group coordinator, will help give you any training you need.
· Support Ananda LA financially.

Special Meetings and Satsangs:

Saturday, June 13th:
Workday, 10am-5pm: We need your help to finish clearing out the Santa Monica Center. We could use your help. Also, during this time, we will also be having a:
Boutique Sale: everything is 50-75% off, including statues, malas, books, music, meditation supplies, altar cloths, body products, and more. We will also be having a:
Yard Sale: Everything must go! Including furniture, fixtures, and more.

Sunday, June 14th, 10:30 am: Our last Sunday gathering at the Center on 2210 Main Street. We'll end this phase with deep gratitude, and begin the next with prayers for an auspicious start. We'll also discuss and brainstorm ideas for this next phase. Please do what you can to come! This is going to take all of us and we want to hear from you. (Bring a cushion to sit on, as most of the chairs will be gone.)

Thursday, June 25th, 7:30pm: Jyotish and Devi, Spiritual Directors of Ananda Worldwide will be here to host a "visions for the future" meeting. We invite you to join us to help to launch this new phase with your ideas and inspirations. The location will be at Krishnadas and Mantradevi's apartment in Santa Monica. We will supply the address and directions in future emails.

If at all possible, please do come to at least one of this weekend's events. We look forward to seeing you.

In Divine Love and Light,
Krishnadas, Mantradevi, Sean and Brook
For Ananda LA

an inner feeling of certainty

i have a very dirty car. and i'm damned proud that it's gotten THAT dirty.

you see, ever since i started getting around town via bike or bus, my car has remained parked under a tree in front of my place. tree sap, bird poop, dust and grime. you name it -- it's on my car. and i never really notice how dirty it's gotten until i have to use it to do errands that require hauling mass quantities of stuff around town. or for getting to places that would take HOURS to get to by bike. or even by bus.

i've gotten so used to staying local that i recently mentioned to a friend that my yoga practice has definitely become westside-centric. and while that's not a bad thing (especially since the santa monica/venice area is yoga central of the world -- prove me wrong!), i needed to expand my horizons once again to check on what was going on east of where i live. which is basically anything east of the 405 :)

so last thursday, i decided to visit christy marsden and her class at yoga blend in burbank. she, too, gets around in the yoga community; every now and then i run into her in unexpected places. like at daniel stewart's kirtan at rising lotus in sherman oaks. or at yoga classes at exhale in venice (see what i said about the westside being yoga central?). it would be nice to visit her on her home turf for a change. and maybe even drop by a few other places near her. like the pastry counter at porto's. yum....

christy's level 1-2 class was at 11:35am. i could leave home after the rush hour traffic had subsided and save myself from needlessly burning even more gas while creeping along at sub-20mph speed.

i hopped into my car shortly after 10:30am and immediately noticed that i couldn't see out my windshield. not a problem; a little windshield wiper action took care of that. i was off and running! i got on the 10; things were moving along really nicely. i turned up the music on my CD player and was marveling at how nice the day had turned out to be...

it was only when i had reached the vermont exit that i had realized: i'm on the wrong freeway!!! why was i going through downtown to get to burbank? and just then, traffic came to a screeching halt. arggggggghhhhhh!

i could see it now. from where i was, i would have to take the 110. to the 101. to the 134. and if all i could muster was a measly 5mph, i wouldn't reach burbank until friday! it was 11am. could i get there in time?

i started considering my options. bail at hoover and take side streets to catch the 2 to the 5 to the 134? or keep on the current absentmindedly-charted course and suffer through the gridlock?

i needed help from above. but who could do an online traffic check for me?

i called my friend BDB, who was supposed to be home recuperating from his heart attack. luckily, he was heeding my advice to stay home and rest. he whipped out his iphone and fired up the freeway condition app. the 110 is red, he said, but the 101 is moving (i can't remember if he said it was yellow or green; all i know is that some movement was good news). i decided to stay on course. then called 411 to get yoga blend's phone number.

an actual human being answered the phone. so far, so good.

how late into a class do you close the doors?, i asked her.

15 minutes, she said.

i explained that i was coming from santa monica, was stuck in traffic, and was trying my best to get there on time.

you still have 20 minutes, she added, hoping to sound encouraging, i'm sure.

so could i make it from downtown to burbank in that much time? if things were moving, no problem. if things weren't moving (as they were. or weren't), it was iffy.

long story short, i finally reached the 101, traffic DID open up past the vermont exit (funny how i had suffered from one end of vermont to the other), and when traffic started to slow down again, i exited at barham then went flying down the road until i reached olive in burbank. i was sooo close!

as luck would have it, i pulled into the lone available spot in their small parking lot. i ran out of my car sans yoga mat and stuck my head in their door. did i get here in time????, i asked the person behind the front desk.

christy had a feeling it was you who called, she said (i must be the only person who'd drive in all the way from santa monica in the middle of the day!), so as long as you got here before noon, it was ok for me to let you in. she looked at the clock. and it's noon!

i trusted that i would make it. and i did.

by the time i snuck into the room, the class had just finished their surya warmup and were moving on to standing poses. christy motioned towards an empty spot in the room and i put down my mat.

sraddha was the theme for the day's class. faith, trust, and belief that something you're doggedly working towards WILL happen.

it's like she had read my mind as i pushed on through traffic to get to her class!

sraddha that as a beginner, the poses will become more familiar.

sraddha that as an intermediate yogi, you will begin to move on to more advanced asanas.

sraddha that for those who are trying to master arm balances and inversions, it will happen if you work at it long enough.

i know i had missed her "talk" at the beginning of the class, but from the references she was making in class, it sounded like she managed to overcome an obstacle to get to where she is now. and all because she had sraddha.

next thing i knew, she had us attempting eka pada koundinyasana ii (which is just as tough to do as it is to say). it really isn't that hard, she said. it all about using a seesaw action to get your back leg up. back leg? i couldn't even get my FRONT leg up!

but i persisted. and not only did i manage to get my front leg up and somewhat straight, but i ALMOST got my back leg up! maybe if i didn't worry about it so much...

then we worked on handstands. i could get there nicely with the help of a wall. try it away from the wall, she instructed. move back a few feet and try it. all of a sudden, i was spastic. one leg would move until it was vertical, but the other leg had no clue what to do. just work on getting that one leg up and keep the second leg horizontal.

class flew by so quickly that before i knew it, we were in savasana (but then again, it didn't help that i was half an hour late). before we parted ways, we chanted the mantra for the day:

shraddha virya smriti samadhi prajna purvakah itaresham

which, according to the swamiJ site, translates to this:

shraddha = unconditional faith, trust, confidence, belief, certainty
virya = energy, strength of will
smriti = memory, intentful remembrance, mindfulness
samadhi = deep absorption of meditation, entasy
prajna = wisdom, discernment, super cognitive
purvakah = preceding, coming before, prerequisite
itaresham = of other people

Shraddha is a faith that you are moving in the right direction. It is not a blind faith in some organization, institution, or teacher. Rather, it is an inner feeling of certainty that you are moving in the right direction. You may not know exactly how your journey is unfolding, but have an inner intuition of walking steadily towards the goal of life.

after class, i asked christy to fill me in on her story that i'd missed at the start of class. here's what she sent me:

The class was about achieving goals and I told the story of wanting to open a yoga studio when I was in Nashville, TN and how I got really close and then ended up leaving my husband, losing my job, the housing market crashed and I lost tons of money...but despite the huge obstacles, I still had 'sraddha' (faith, confidence, trust) that I could reach my goal...just not in the way I thought. It took another 5 years, but I did it and it ended up being here in LA instead where I am very happily re-married.

So, the class was about that deep sense of belief that you can achieve what you desire (whether it is physical, spiritual, mental, emotional) despite the obstacles...you don't lose sight of the goal, because that is what will get you up and motivated to do the work in the present. If you come into yoga for back pain, but don't really believe it will work, it will be difficult to stick with it, do the practice, commit, etc.

this clearly is something i have to keep in mind, especially now that i'm trying to figure out my next career move... so if you've ever thought that yoga is nothing but getting all bendy and twisty so that you can wow your friends at the next party, think again!

i love how i get to learn something new everyday :)

watch this space

if you want to find a way to kill time, sign up for facebook to keep track of your friends' thoughts, photos, videos, links, whatever. and if you want to kill even more time, sign up for twitter so that you can stalk everyone else in cyberspace...

i joined facebook over a year ago, and while i can say that it's been a great source of event information for me -- and this blog -- it's also been a great distraction. i found myself blogging less and less; because i was so busy checking on people, i never seemed to have time to write. or even time to THINK about what i wanted to write. then last march, i joined the twitterverse. and then things got even worse... witness the fact that i had NO event calendar for april. and while the month of may was a bit better, i only sent out the info in dribs and drabs.

it's time to get back to business!

so with my extremely distracted attention span, i'm going to try to get back on track for june. what you see here is what i've gathered so far. and i'll keep hunting and gathering... as time permits :)

so keep watching this space for updates!

by the way, many of these events will be held at the new bhakti yoga shala in santa monica. it's located at 207 arizona avenue, at the corner of arizona and 2nd (in the courtyard behind the lighthouse restaurant).


ongoing events:

Community Fitness Classes
lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way
Every Wednesday 7:30-8:30pm
Cost: FREE

Join us for complimentary yoga and fitness classes on Wednesday evenings at 7:30pm! Come relax and rejuvenate, or come to build those muscles - you choose what class you would like to take!

Beach Yoga with Brad Keimach
On the beach at Barnard Way and the water's edge in Santa Monica
Every Saturday and Sunday, 10:30am-12:00pm
Cost: By Donation

In honor of the great weather coming up (which will continue till next January), Beach Yoga will now take place on BOTH Saturday and Sunday, at 10:30am! It is a startlingly beautiful experience, unexpectedly profound. Come and enjoy!
How do you get there? Easy: just walk down Barnard Way, towards the beach. Go right on to the sand, and continue all the way to the water's edge. I will be there to greet you! This is a donation class. Be sure to wear sunscreen. A LARGE beach towel will work, as well as your mat. I've ordered dolphins and seals again, and I believe that since the temps will be approaching 80, they will make an appearance. Class will be canceled if it rains.

Kirtan at Bhakti Yoga Shala
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Every Friday at 8:30pm and Saturday at 8:00pm
Cost: By Donation

1st Friday, Andres Salcedo
2nd Friday, Joey Lugassy (starts at 9pm)
3rd Friday, Terra Gold
4th Friday, Kalidas

1st Saturday: Govindas and Radha (Chanting for Charity)
2nd Saturday: Michael Thomas
3rd Saturday: Zat Baraka
4th Saturday: Travis Eliot

Kirtan at SMPY West
Power Yoga West, Santa Monica
Every Saturday 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 (powersoulyoga.com)
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!

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

Every Sunday we host a complimentary fitness class featuring different styles of yoga, Pilates, dance and personal training. All levels are welcome - perfect for beginner, intermediate or advanced practitioners. Check out our events page for up to date information!
June 7th - JK Zen Fitness Trainer: Yoga
June 14th - JK Zen Fitness: PILATES FUSION
June 21st - JK Zen Fitness: ADULT PLAYGROUND CLASS
June 28th - JK Zen Fitness: CIRCUIT WORKOUT

Complimentary Fitness Class
lululemon Brentwood, 11920 San Vicente Blvd
Every Sunday 9:30-10:00am
Cost: FREE

Every Sunday we host a complementary fitness class for all ages and levels. Join us and some of the area's best fitness instuctors for yoga, pilates, dance, and other formats of fitness classes.
Weekly classes are followed by healthy snacks!
We have mats for the community or bring your own.
Starting June 1st, our Sunday in-store yoga classes will begin at 9:30am. Catch up on those zzzzz's Brentwood!
June 7th - Yoga with Jay Co from The Hub and SM Power Yoga (There is going to be a 5K/10k run that morning out on San Vicente, so you probably want to try and make it a little early)
June 14th - Yoga with Stephanie Phelan from Maha Yoga
June 21st - Yoga with Sarah Ezrin from The Hub
June 28th - Yoga with Meagan McCrary from The Hub

Community Fitness Classes
lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way, Suite R9
Every Sunday 9:30-10:45am
Cost: FREE

Join us for complimentary classes on Sunday mornings from 9:30-10:30am! Come take yoga, pilates, or a fitness class from your favorite local instructor. Check out our community calendar for more details!
June 7th - gTonnicks with Mr.G
June 14th - Fitbody workout with Stephanie Vitorino from Equinox Gym. Please wear sneakers!
June 21st - Kundalini Yoga with Tracy!
June 28th - Mat Pilates with Leah Watts, from Tone Pilates

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

Come and join our free fitness classes every Sunday from 9:30-10:30am at our store in the Americana at Brand! We host classes ranging from yoga and salsa to pilates and acro yoga!
Limited mats available, light refreshments to follow
See our "Community Events" page for more info!
June 7th - Yoga on the Green w/ Jennifer Black of Rising Lotus Yoga in Sherman Oaks
June 14th - Hand Balancing w/ Trapeze School of NY founder Jonathon Conant
June 21st - Yoga on the Green w/ Elyse Briggs, Glendale Ambassador and owner of Yoga at the Village
June 28th - Pilates on the Green w/ Kelly Tourgeman

Sunset Yoga!
lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd
Every Sunday 7:00pm **NEW TIME!**
Cost: FREE

Sunset Yoga is back and moving to the evenings so we can flow to the beautiful sun setting into the ocean.
June 7th - Sunset Yoga Flow with Garth Hewitt
June 10th - Vibration & Movement w/ Annie Carpenter & Omstream.com
June 14th - Sunset Core Fusion with Dene Selkin
June 21st - Sunset Yoga w/ Off the Mat Into the World's Rennie Yabiku
June 28th - Sunset Yoga Tune Up® w/ Jill Miller

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

Join us every Sunday for our FREE fitness classes! Check out our events section for complete details.
June 7th - Hatha Yoga with Jenn Tamera
June 14th -Yoga Flow with Garth Hewitt from Equinox
June 20th (8:30am) - Beach Bootcamp with Leslie Cordova. Bring a towel, water, can come prepared to sweat! We will be meeting in the sand where Rosecrans meets the beach.
June 21st - Yoga Flow with Steve Leigh
June 28th - Power Yoga with Amy Beausang

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

Every Sunday at 10am we have an All Levels Yoga class. We feature various teachers from the Pasadena community.
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).
June 7th - PILATES PLUS Mat Class with Amy Sowers
June 14th - PILATES PLUS Mat Class with Kate Forster
June 21st - PILATES PLUS Mat Class with Elizabeth Faunce
June 28th - PILATES PLUS Mat Class with Kate Forster

YOGA ON THE SAND with Howard Davis
Will Rogers State Beach, Pacific Palisades
(Selected Sundays of the month) 9:00am
Cost: $20

If you've never experienced the exhilarating joy of doing yoga outdoors, please join us at 9am. Don't eat breakfast, bring a towel and layers of clothing, and park on Temescal Canyon.

Yoga on the Beach with Claudia
Next to the Lifeguard Tower on Ave H, left side, close to the water, Redondo Beach
(1st, 3rd, and 5th Sundays of the month) 10:00-11:15am
Cost: $10 or more is gratefully appreciated

IF YOU CAN BREATHE. YOU CAN DO YOGA. YOGA IS FOR EVERYBODY. ALL LEVELS WELCOME!
Yoga in nature is very powerful since we are connecting with the 5 Elements of the universe. Sometimes we see the dolphins. Let's greet them with the dolphin pose (asana). Yes there is a pose.
More info at www.feelthebliss.wordpress or 310-370-3278

Friday Night Groove Night with Brigette Dunn-Korpela and Pete Korpela
Yoga Groove, North Hollywood
Friday, June 5th 8:00-9:30pm
Cost: $8 Suggested Donation

Come and take your yoga flow off the mat and into space. Brigette and Pete will fuse and intertwine yoga asana postures with the creative freedom of dance and live percussion and give birth to a whole new level of movement and spiritual expression.
Breathe and weave your practice throughout the sounds and vibrations of world, classical, and contemporary rhythms. Focus will be on breath, alignment, and a creative rhythmic flow.
Transform your yoga practice into an artistic form of self-expression and enjoy the experience of pure freedom of mind, body, and soul!

Kirtan with BhaktiMa
Lyfe Yoga Center, Hermosa Beach
Saturday, June 6th (1st Saturday of the month) 6:30-8:00pm
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation

In the spirit of building community join BhaktiMa for a wonderful evening of music with our neighbors and friends and family.

Kirtan in the Canyon with Andrew and Michele and Friends
Yoga Desa, Topanga
TBA (1st Saturday of the 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: Immunize Yourself: The Ayurvedic Approach to Prevention with Mary-Alice Quinn, CAS
City Yoga, West Hollywood
Tuesday, June 9th (2nd Tuesday of the month) 7:30pm
Cost: FREE

In a time where rogue viruses constantly threaten our health, it is now more important than ever to look to our own immune strength as our leading source of protection.
During this free, interactive talk we will explore:
• Prevention as the cheapest form of medicine
• The Ayurvedic perspective on immune system health
• Simple practices to build your immunity.
Bring a friend!

Kirtan with Daniel Stewart & Friends
Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Friday, June 12th (2nd Friday of the month) 8:15pm
Cost: By Donation

Come join Daniel Stewart and many talented musical friends this Friday February 13th @ 8:15 for a joyful evening of musical meditation and chanting. Daniel will be singing with Larry, Steve, and Keelan on drums, Sarah and Sylive on vocals, Angela on flute and Jeff on guitar.
No singing experience needed, only a willingness to open your heart to the joy.
The energy of our chanting keeps growing. Thank you for helping to make these events so joyous and powerful.
Hope you'll come and help us warm up the room and spread the joy at the Lotus. Jai Ma!

Kirtan with BhaktiMa
Harmony Yoga, Redondo Beach
Saturday, June 20th(3rd Saturday of the month) 7:00pm
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation

Join us for an evening of live music and chanting inspired by the ancient Indian tradition of bhakti yoga.

Full Moon Yoga Hike with Hilary Kimblin
Michael Lane and Trailer Canyon Fire Road, Pacific Palisades
Sunday, June 7th (Once a month) 7:00-10:00pm
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 day of

We will be on the trail by 7pm and out by 10pm. Please bring a yoga mat or towel, warm layers, water, decent walking shoes/boots, a snack to share and a sense of adventure!
Yoga Under The Trees is a great way to introduce a friend or partner to yoga, and also a wonderful way to meet new people. Beginners and the “completely rigid and inflexible” welcome. Join a hike today and Find Peace in the Wild.
Please RSVP hilary@yogaunderthetrees.com or call 323.841.3606

Chanting with Steve Ross
Maha Yoga, Brentwood
TBA (Once a month) 8:00pm
Cost: By Donation

Come to Maha Yoga for an enchanting evening of chanting with Steve. Open your heart and fill the studio with bliss. Sing along or just sit back and enjoy. Bring a cushion to sit on and wear comfortable clothing. Donation for our musicians.


other special events:

Lakshmi Puja (fire ceremony) and Photo Exhibit Featuring the Photographic Works of Julianne Reynolds
with Pujari/Tantric Vedic Priest, Sri Shiva Kumar
Urban Remedy, 1509B Abbot Kinney Blvd,Venice
Friday, June 5th 7:00-11:00pm
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation

Vedic Exhibition is an interactive art and puja exhibit with the intent to educate and change the way we approach our lives. The foundation of this project is the importance of rituals to invoke the spiritual awakening of the divine within.
Julianne Reynolds, documentary filmmaker, yogi and director of this exhibition, has been traveling and filming Indian Vedic Priest, Sri Shiva Kumar throughout the US and India. Julianne and Sri Shiva Kumar have developed a project to invite anyone interested in learning more about the vedic arts. As a photographer and filmmaker, this unique exhibit will showcase Julianne’s photographic work over the last two years.
Music Performed by Mathew Hufschmidt and David Watts
Tonic Herb Drinks, Shaman Shack
Limited Seating for Puja
Proceeds from these exhibitions will help educate underprivileged children in the USA and India.

Concert with Vikhash Maharaj and Prabhash Maharaj
Yoga Kingdom Sanctuary, Pasadena
Friday, June 5th 7:30pm
Cost: $20 Donation

Vikhash Maharaj and Prabhash Maharaj are Music Maestros from India seldom experienced in the West. They trace their lineage back fourteen generations of Varanasi musicians. Their music is direct tantric transmission of Shakti. They say, "This was given to our family by Shiva Himself and it is our task to give it to you." Just listening will transform you. An unparalleled resource for the Yoga Community of Los Angeles/Orange County.
Come and experience the complex rhythms, inspiring improvisation and the breath and depth of the healing benefits of this music. Their music is a truly powerful experience that will transform you from the inside out!

Acoustic Kirtan with Daniel Stewart & Friends
YogaWorks Valencia
Saturday, June 6th 6:00pm
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Join Daniel Stewart and many talented musicians for an evening of call and response chanting. No experience necessary, just a willingness to open your heart and surrender to the blissful flow.

Dance Night at Maha Yoga
Maha Yoga, Brentwood
Saturday, June 6th 7:30pm
Cost: $15 per person

Come dance and shake it loose!
Anna Vitalia will lead you on a journey through the 5Rhythms to a soundscape of ambient, hip hop, rock and roll, house, world beats and more.
This is a casual and fun dance practice much like yoga.
A space to come and dance wildly to your own beating pulse, let loose, exercise, stretch, meditate and emerge with a glowing smile.
No experience is necessary.
Just wear comfortable clothes and bring a bottle of water.
Feel free to email 5RhythmsLA@gmail.com with any questions.
Please vist www.gabrielleroth.com for more information.

Special Event: Kirtan with Shyamdas
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Saturday, June 6th 8:00pm
Cost: $15 Suggested Donation

Shyamdas, well-known devotional practitioner, author, and musician, presents Bhakti Yoga programs that combine ecstatic kirtan singing with stories and teachings from the path of devotion. He speaks from his background as a Vedic scholar and Sanskrit translator to share the philosophy of non-dual reality.

Do Yoga... Feed the Homeless with Ryan Brewer, benefitting the Gettlove Foundation
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Sunday, June 7th 12:00-1:30pm
Cost: By Donation

This is my debut class at the Bhakti Yoga Shala in Santa Monica and I've turned it into a charity event that could REALLY USE YOUR HELP! All proceeds from this DONATION-BASED class will go to benefit the Gettlove Foundation, a wonderful group dedicated to assisting the homeless in Los Angeles. Please come support me and this amazing organization! Just bring a mat, a couple friends, a towel (we're gonna sweat), and a donation of any amount. Please arrive a little early so we can get everyone in!

DO GOOD. DO YOGA: Yoga Bear Community Benefit Event with Jennifer Pastiloff, Nicole Reed, and Michael Ruccolo
Lyfe Yoga Center, Hermosa Beach
Sunday, June 7th 1:30pm
Cost: $10 online, $15 at the door

Yoga Bear is stoked to partner up with Michael Ruccolo of LYFE YOGA CENTER as we throw our very first Yoga Bear Community Benefit Class: "Do Yoga. Do Good." in Los Angeles. 100% of the proceeds will go directly to our SoCal chapter! Come out and play with us...
1:30 Doors Open.
2:00 Yoga Starts.
3:00 Speakers/Discussion/Community.
www.yogabear.org

SUMMER SUNSET ROOFTOP YOGA IN VENICE with Psalm Isadora
Urban Remedy, 1509B Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice
Sunday, June 7th 5:30-9:00pm
Cost: FREE (Bring a potluck dish to share)

*COMMUNITY * WELLNESS * YUMMY FOOD * MUSIC *
Kundalini Tantra & Vinyasa Yoga with Psalm Isadora
Join us on the rooftop of The Farmacy/ Urban Remedy
Warm up, chill out and watch the sunset
Bring something yummy and healthy to share
All food offerings are appreciated as donations from the heart.
Classes begin at 5:30, potluck at 7pm
BYOM (bring your own mat)
BYFF (bring your friends and family)
BYHF (bring yummy, healthy food)

Sacred Chant with Shyamdas
Narayan Mandir, 1668 Rising Glen Rd, West Hollywood
Sunday, June 7th 7:30pm
Cost: Suggested Donation $15

Special night of Kirtan with the world renowned teacher, sanskrit scholar and author, Shyamdas in a rare southern California appearance. Shyamdas was recently featured in the movie
Enlighten Up and has led Kirtans with Sting, Paul Simon, and Mike D of The Beastie Boys.
Please bring cushion to sit on, please no infants or children.
If you've seen Shyamdas at the Narayan Mandir before, then you know how special it is! DON'T MISS THIS EVENT and please tell your friends to join us!

The Intuitive Flow: Yoga for Actors with James Morrison
Yogi Tree, Toluca Lake
Friday, June 12th 7:30-9:30pm
Cost: $30 PLEASE Pre-Register, Space is Limited

Accessing intuition, celebrating freedom, honoring instincts, and trusting the process are key to manifesting our creativity. In this very special, intimate evening with acclaimed actor, filmmaker, and yogi James (24's Bill Buchanan) Morrison, your spirit will be touched, your intuition and imagination freed, and your deepest creative reservoirs tapped. Witness your creative potential expand in the compassionate, inspiring presence of Morrison, a White Lotus Foundation-trained yoga instructor.
Begin the evening with a full-length intuitive flow yoga class, led by Morrison, who offers an eclectic, energetic practice with an enthusiastic regard for the evolutionary art and infinite possibilities of Hatha yoga. Then enjoy never-before-seen film clips from Showing Up, Morrison's forthcoming, much-anticipated documentary about the highs and lows of life as a working actor, featuring interviews with Sam Rockwell, Philip Baker Hall, Kristin Chenoweth, and countless other acting greats. The evening will conclude with a candid Q&A/discussion in which Morrison will answer your most compelling questions about craft and practice alike.

Sound, Rhythm and Nature: The Music of Pandit Vikash Maharaj (Sarod) with Prabhash Maharaj (Tabla)
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Friday, June 12th 8:00-10:00pm
Cost: $15, $20 day of

Pandit Vikash Maharaj shreds the Sarod (a 19-stringed instrument) as only a true master can and Prabhash sets the Tablas on fire playing with blinding hand speed! Your chakras will be energized and you'll leave floating on air when they are done! They have an utterly engaging way of sharing this system of music showing how it heals the body, opens the heart, and connects us with the nature of life. Their music is powerful, charged and universally joyous! The Maharaj family tradition is now 15 generations deep and can be traced back over 500 years – ancient and healing sounds directly from the source. Pt. Vikash Maharaj is a gifted artist and together with his son, Prabhash, he creates an ambiance that is both deep and moving.

DONATION YOGATHON in support of breast cancer prevention!
Yummy Yoga, Los Feliz
Saturday, June 13th 8:00am-6:00pm
Cost: By Donation

*Ten 55-minute classes taught by wonderful instructors from all across LA
*Refreshments and comraderie all day
*Raffle prizes for donations over $20
Take as many or as few classes as you'd like - the day will be by donation only (cash or check only)
Saturday's Schedule of Donation Classes ~
8am..........LEAH MILLER
9am..........RUTHIE ZALDUONDO
10am........ALI LAVENTHOL
11am........MICHELLE RINGLER
NOON........DUCKY PUNCH
1pm..........CAROLINE CARDINO
2pm..........MARY DIGNAN
3pm..........HEATHER FUNSTON
4pm..........ASHLEY RIDEAUX
5pm..........DUCKY & ALI - team teaching!!
Please pop in throughout the day for refreshments in support of Sivan.
Any donation over $20 will be entered into a raffle for prizes, including:
- YogiToes
- One-hour massage from Leah Miller
- Monthly Unlimited Series at Yummy Yoga
- Eco-Friendly Jade Yoga Mat
- Gift Certicificates to local shops
....and other fabulous prizes!!!!

Sivan's Story ~
Sivan, one of Yummy's yogis, is having a risk-reducing mastectomy at the end of June in order to prevent breast cancer. She's only 27, but doctors have recommended she have this surgery after learning of inheriting the BRCA 1 gene mutation from her mother. Sivan's Aunt Linda died of metastasized breast cancer at age 49, leaving behind two sons. Sivan's grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer around that time. As it turned out, Sivan's grandmother had passed down the gene. Sivan's Aunt is unknowingly responsible for saving the lives of the women in her family, including Sivan's mother, who underwent preventative surgery when she learned of her gene diagnosis.
Sivan and her friends are making a film to document her surgery and recovery, and to educate viewers regarding new research in hereditary cancers for both men and women. Additionally, with her film, Sivan will bravely show women that this surgery can provide them with peace of mind, beautiful cosmetic results, courage, and a sense of true empowerment. We hope you can join us in support of not only the cause, but also a fellow member of the YUMMY community!

Karen Shuman's Beyond Yoga Open House!
Karen Shuman's Yoga, Sherman Oaks (formerly Annie's Yoga Studio)
Saturday, June 13th 10:00am-6:00pm
Cost: By Donation

Yoga, Live Music, Healthy Food and Healing!!! What more could you ask for in a day??
~~ 30 minute Sample Classes ~~
10-10:30am Hatha/Kundalini Mix w/ Karen
11-11:30am Hatha Flow w/ Dario
12-12:30pm Gentle Hatha w/ Vida
1-1:30pm Iyengar w/ Jay & Andrea
2-2:30pm Gentle Therapeutic yoga w/ Avalon
3-3:30pm Kundalini Yoga w/ Sylvia
4-4:45pm Intro to Meditation w/ Randall
5:15-6:00pm Live music/Sound Healing with the Didgeridoo and Drums

~~ Mini Healing Sessions (Sign in Sheet Available) ~~
Treatment Room 1:
Tarot Card Reading
Hypnotherapy
Ayurveda
Treament Room 2:
Massage
Reiki

GIVE--YOGA FOR AFRICA
Black Dog Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Saturday, June 13th 5:00-8:00pm
Cost: Suggested donation $25

Do you love yoga?
Do you love supporting the Black Dog Yoga family?
Do you love to help the fight against HIV/AIDS?
Please join Anusara-inspired teachers Rachel Jackson and Jenny Brill for an evening of playful yoga open to ALL LEVELS! The evening will feature live acoustic music from local artists.
This yoga workshop is helping to raise money for Colleen Hill (student at Black Dog Yoga) and One Heart Source, a non-profit organization going to Tanzania this summer as they work to house children orphaned by HIV/AIDS and to educate people of all ages about the epidemic.
So come show your support for Colleen, for greater well being in Tanzania and join us in sending some good karma out into the world! Learn some new poses, and even some Swahili!
workshop 5:00-7:00
refreshments 7:00-8:00
if you can't come for the workshop, feel free to come afterward and hang out.
Proceeds go directly to building an orphanage in Tanzania!

Celebrate and Radiate: Kundalini Yoga with Kia Miller
YogaWorks Main Street, Santa Monica
Saturday, June 13th 6:00-8:00pm
Cost: $25

Surrender the mind, listen to your heart, and befriend your soul. Delve into the magic of your own energy enhanced and revitalized through this evening of yoga, live music and meditation. Discover ancient yogic techniques for radiant health, happiness and longevity. Chant to connect to your highest potential. Live music with Aykanna and Anne Marie Solo. All levels welcome.

Live Concert: An Evening of Transcendental Gongs with Andrea Centazzo
Yogi Tree, Toluca Lake
Saturday, June 13th 8pm
Cost: $15/concert only or $20 includes Centazzo's latest CD

In this very special, intimate live performance, world-renowned composer, conductor, and gong master Andrea Centazzo offers his singular percussion style, playing on a set of over 200 instruments, complete with electronics, computer sequencing, and digital sampling, bringing to his audience the emotion of a new sonic adventure in jazz, world, and contemporary avant-garde music. Expand your consciousness. Lift your soul. Open your mind. Move your body. This is one evening of music you have to feel to believe!

Summer Solstice 2009 at Yoga West
Yoga West, Los Angeles
Sunday, June 14th 1:00-4:30pm
Cost: $50

2009 equals 11 equals LIBERATION
Summer is the season when seeds of Spring are grown by the Sun
Come and grow toward liberation in this Summer Solstice workshop
Summer Solstice is the annual moment of our Sun's highest energy... the source of physical light and life. This is the time to sit with the "you in you" the God within -- detach from the mind's trillion thoughts and develop your conscious path to destiny.
At this course we will practice a series of kriyas and meditations that bring mind and emotions into alignment with intentions. We will then begin a 40 day personal practice (sadhana) to actualize our intentions.
Please attend in comfortable clothing. Bring a soft mat to sit on, materials to write with, and a piece of fruit.

Amma's North American Tour
Radisson Hotel at LAX, 6225 West Century Blvd, Los Angeles
Monday thru Friday, June 15th-19th
Cost: Public programs are FREE

We are truly delighted to have Amma's physical presence in North America again this year.
On most public program days, there are two programs each day i.e. during the day (at 10:00 am) and the evening (at 7:30 pm). During these programs all are welcome to come and meet Amma and receive her darshan. Darshan means receiving a blessing in the form of a compassionate hug from Amma. Devi Bhava programs (ceremony in celebration of the Divine Mother) occur once in most cities on the last day of the program during the evening (at 7:00 pm). Please find more details below.
Numbered tokens for entering the darshan line to meet Amma are distributed one hour before each program, with priority given to those meeting Amma for the first time.
Please Note: Due to time constraints token availability may be limited.

Public Program
Monday and Tuesday, June 15 - June 16
Morning Programs:
Darshan: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Evening Programs:
Spiritual programs: 7:30 pm - end
Dinner: 6:00 pm and 10:00 pm

Devi Bhava - Public Program
Friday, June 19
Atma Puja: 7:00 pm
Darshan: 8:00 pm - end
Dinner: 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm

A Free Screening at Golden Bridge Yoga: "Invisible Children"
Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood
Tuesday, June 16th 7:00pm
Cost: FREE, Donations appreciated

Can a story change the world? In the spring of 2003, three young Americans traveled to Africa in search of such a story. What they found was a tragedy that disgusted and inspired them. A story where children are the weapons and the victims. The “Invisible Children: Rough Cut” film exposes the effects of a 20-year-long war on the children of Northern Uganda. Children who live in fear of abduction by rebel soldiers, and are being forced to fight as part of a violent army. This wonderfully reckless documentary is fast paced, with an MTV beat, and is truly unique. To see Africa through young eyes is humorous and heart breaking, quick and informative - all in the same breath. See this film, you will be forever changed.
The screening is free; donations are greatly appreciated with 100% of proceeds going to the Invisible Children Inc. to provide health, safety and education for the children of Northern Uganda who are affected by this 20-year-long war.

The Historic Summer Solstice Celebration: LIVE H2O: Concert For The Living Water!
Belmont Shore Beach, Ocean Blvd near Granada Ave, Long Beach
Friday thru Sunday, June 19th-21st
Cost: FREE

Join in with millions of people as we honor the living water and pray for world peace, health, and prosperity
Everything is possible with LOVE, faith, and people united in prayer! This 72-hour global event is designed to bring humanity back to unity and security in the name of LOVE, by celebrating Water.
website: www.myspace.com/liveh2ola

Yoga Blend will be teaching at this event on Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st. More details to come!

Operation Shanti - Summer Solstice Charity Yoga Flow Event with Garth Hewitt
Equinox Fitness Clubs - Woodland Hills, South Bay, Santa Monica
Friday thru Sunday, June 19th-21st (see below for times)

Join yoga teacher Garth Hewitt for this Summer Solstice Charity Event to kick off the summer!
Attend one of the three classes or attend all three!
Each event location will include a raffle for great prizes, an art auction, an art exhibition featuring Garth's photographs from India and refreshments.
Help Raise Money For This Great Organization That Helps Children In Mysore India
PLEASE RSVP!
Equinox - Woodland Hills - Friday, June 19th - 5:30pm (Yoga Class - 5:30pm - 7pm)
RSVP: Stephanie.Vitorino@equinoxfitness.com
Equinox - South Bay - Saturday, June 20th - 4pm (Yoga Class - 4pm - 5:30pm)
RSVP: Deborah.Delarosa@equinoxfitness.com
Equinox - Santa Monica - Sunday, June 21st - 4pm (Yoga Class - 5pm - 6:30pm)
RSVP: Amy.Dixon@equinoxfitness.com

Summer Solstice: Harnessing the Vibrancy of the Sun's Full Force with Gurmukh Khalsa
Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood
Friday, June 19th 7:00-9:30pm
Cost:$20

This is the time of year when the Sun’s Energy is at its highest, radiating the most vibrancy. Join us on this most auspicious night as we begin with a very powerful kriya given by the Ancient Ones to open good luck.
This sacred set was handed down by the powerful Master Rishi Anand, the Mahan Tanrtic of the time, thousands of years ago. We will clear the karmas, and open you to the radiant light of your own destiny, allowing prosperity, new opportunities and good luck to enter your life.
Through meditation we’ll bring out and enhance our own Excellence. As we relax to the sacred sound of a Double Gong, we’ll allow the effects to set into our very cells.
Stay after class for Summer Treats!

Ritusamhara: Summer Solstice Celebration with Sara Ivanhoe
YogaWorks Main Street, Santa Monica
Friday, June 19th 7:45-9:45pm
Cost: $25

“Ritusamhara” is a traditional Indian celebration. Literally translated as ‘Garland of the Seasons,’ we have been celebrating “Ritusamhara” 4 times a year, and now is the time for Summer Solstice! This mini-festival will include asana, pranayama, mudra, mantra and 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 Yoga Sound Bath with Heather Hudson and Jamie Bechtold
Yoga Blend, Burbank
Friday, June 19th 8:30-10:30pm
Cost: $30 by June 14th/$35 after

Come celebrate the summer solstice with a night of yoga and gongs! You will be guided through gentle and nourishing restorative yoga poses while the magical sounds of gongs and singing bowls fill the air. Your entire body will feel relaxed and balanced. Register early and save $5.

Southern Asian Art Council Panel Discussion: The Path of Yoga Through Art
Brown Auditorium, LA County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
Saturday, June 20th 2:00pm
Cost: Free, RSVP to saac@lacma.org by June 15

In Indian culture, worship pervades all aspects of life and sacred art is everywhere, from a humble doorway to a king's palace. This panel discussion explores religious philosophy and the yogic path depicted in selected artworks from LACMA's renowned permanent collection of South Asian and Himalayan art. Panelists include: Christopher Key Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymount University; Joseph Prabhu, Professor of Philosophy, Cal State Los Angeles, Program Co-Chair, Parliament of the World's Religions 2009; Felicia Tomasko, RN Chief Editor of LA Yoga and Ayurveda and Paula Fouce, Director, Producer President of Paradise Filmworks International. A screening of the film ORIGINS OF YOGA: Quest for the Spiritual will follow the discussion. This program was made possible by the Southern Asian Art Council at LACMA.

Summer Yoga Mala "Lite" with Jo Tastula
Yoga Loft Manhattan Beach
Saturday, June 20th 5:30-7:00pm
Cost: $20

Do the 108 sun salutes in the traditional Yoga Mala make you nervous? Well then, we have created this special summer version of the Mala for you! 75 surya namiskara "A" (sun salutes), meditation, intention-setting, and yoga nidra.

Summer Solstice Celebration with Bekah Finch
Yoga Blend, Burbank
Saturday, June 20th 6:00-8:00pm
Cost: $15 suggested donation

The Summer Solstice celebrates joy,warmth and laughter.
Cultures from all over the world have honored the one day a year where there is more light than dark.
It is even believed that Stonehenge was created specifically for the Summer Solstice ritual!
Our ancestors wanted to do all they could to strengthen and pay homage to the energy of the sun.
Summer Solstice is also a reminder that after today, the nights begin to grow longer and autumn is not far away; it is the perfect time to really honor and enjoy all the beauty in our lives.
Join Bekah for a night of drumming, dance, yoga, intention and creation to honor the summer!

Summer Solstice Vinyasa Flow with Live Drumming with Julie Rader
YogaWorks South Bay, El Segundo
Saturday, June 20th 7:30-9:30pm
Cost: $25 for members; $35 for nonmembers

Experience absolute freedom as you celebrate summer solstice during this creative vinyasa flow class with live drumming. This workshop is intended as a ritual to welcome in the new season on the longest day of the year. We will energize the body through an invigorating, creative vinyasa flow class with live drumming. The music and movement will leave you feeling open, blissful and inspired.

Special Screening: An Evening of Environmentally-Themed Documentaries with Oscar-Nominated Filmmaker Leslie Iwerks
Yogi Tree, Toluca Lake
Saturday, June 20th 7:30pm
Cost: $10

Leslie Iwerks is an Oscar® and Emmy nominated documentary director and producer with an unerring, unflinching eye for the places in life and humanity where passion and compassion are simultaneously most present and most absent. Join us at The Yogi Tree for a very special evening of documentary films that will open your heart, expand your mind, and change your soul.
*Downstream, short-listed for a 2008 Academy Award, traces the courageous actions of a doctor fighting for the lives of residents living and dying of rare cancers in a native community downstream from one of the largest and most toxic oil sands operations in the world in Alberta, Canada. http://www.downstreamdoc.com
*Recycled Life, nominated for an Academy Award® in 2006 and winner of nine top film festival awards, chronicles the thousands of people who have been living and working in the largest and most toxic landfill in Central America over the last sixty years - the Guatemala City garbage dump. Narrated by Edward James Olmos, the film had its television premiere on HBO’s Cinemax Channel in August 2007. Iwerks’ accompanying short film, A Safe Passage: A Tribute to Hanley Denning, aired on HBO-On-Demand and has helped garner over $3 million worth of individual financial contributions to the children and families living in the Guatemala City Garbage Dump. http://www.recycledlifedoc.com
Filmmaker reception and Q&A to follow.

Sitar and Drums for the Soul with Hypnotic Gurus
The Hub, Los Angeles
Saturday, June 20th 8:00-10:00pm
Cost: $25

A night of groovy music. Producer & Drummer, Sunil Narang, propelled by his trademark deep pocket groove, blends powerful beats with eastern sounds using a variety of percussion including tablas, electronic triggers and Tibetan, kathak and elephant bells. AJ Rikhi Ram, legendary sitarist of Rikhi Ram Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., evokes moods and textures from lush and melodic to sparse and moody.

An Evening of Chanting with Dave Stringer
Urth Yoga, Silverlake
Saturday, June 20th 8:00-11:00pm
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 day of the show

Dave Stringer, an accomplished composer, multi-instrumentalist and singer, has a special gift for bringing people together in ecstatic chant, call and response mantra singing. Punctuating the traditional mantras with flights of improvisation, he chants with luminous intensity and a freedom that is contagious. Dave Stringer’s sound marries the transcendent mysticism of traditional Indian instruments with the exuberant, groove-oriented sound of American gospel.

Summer Kick-Off Festival
Yogaglo Studio, 1800 Berkeley St, Santa Monica
Friday, June 26th 5:00-10:00pm
Cost: FREE

LA YOGA magazine and Yogaglo present: Here Comes the Sun!
A summer kick-off festival celebrating the yoga community and partner businesses working for social change
Enjoy complimentary food & cocktails, raffle prizes and a marketplace featuring local vendors who share a passion for giving back
With music by DJ Drez and the Hypnotic Gurus

BIJA KIRTAN DRUM CIRCLE with Tuesday May
Dancing Shiva Yoga and Ayurveda, Los Angeles
Friday, June 26th 7:30-9:00pm
Cost: $10.00 Suggested Donation/Free to all

Activate your Aura and participate in a guided chakra meditation, followed by "Bija Mantra" kirtan with Tuesday May.
Hand drums, Percussion, Bells, and Shakers welcome! Connect with your community!

YOGATHON! 2009
City Yoga, West Hollywood
Saturday and Sunday, June 27th-28th
Registration Fee: $45 (includes gift bags, food, prizes and much more)

Roll out your mat and open up your heart because it's time for Yogathon 09! Come celebrate 10 years of City Yoga. Give thanks for the roof over your head and help raise a roof for a deserving family.
On Saturday June 27, 60 yogis will gather for 24 hours of: Asana, Restorative, Meditation, Thai Yoga Massage, Chanting, Live Music, and FOOD.
100% of the net proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity.
Sign up now to save your spot!
*We are also seeking donations of goods, services and prizes

Venice Eco-Fest 2009
Venice Beach Recreation Area, Windward Ave and Ocean Front Walk, Venice
Saturday, June 27th 10:00am-6:00pm
Cost: FREE

This festival will feature:
~ Solar Powered Sound Stage with a full program of performers, dignitaries, celebrities, and environmental speakers that will both attract and educate people.
~ Booths representing green businesses, environmental organizations, and various environmentally and globally oriented non-profit and educational groups.
~ Food Court featuring organic and healthy foods.
~ Artists from the Venice and LA area.
~ Interactive Art Zone/Creative Play Area where people of all ages, focused especially for children, will spontaneously create, play, and interact in artistic and environmentally aware ways.

108 Sun Salutations with Live Mantra Chanting: A Yoga Fundraiser Event at the Venice Eco-Fest
Venice Beach Recreation Center
Saturday, June 27th 11:00-12:30pm
Cost: By Donation

Join Vishnuprem, Akemi on harmonium, the LA Sivananda Center, and LA Yoga Magazine for a ceremony of the 108 Surya Namaskara mala. Bring water and a mat or towel to enjoy a celebratory practice.

Charities Benefitted:
~ Green Yoga Association
~ Karma Animal Rescue
~ Sivananda Center Green Yoga in Practice
~ Learning Garden at Venice High School's Youth Gardening Project

You can support this event in two ways:
~ Download a pledge form from www.sivananda.org/la and find friends and family to sponsor you for a flat donation or per sun salutation completed.
~ Show up the day of the event, register, make your donation and participate in the event.
Checks and cash will be accepted. Please make checks payable to Green Yoga Association.

Radha Prasad Live in Concert
Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood
Saturday, June 27th 7:00-10:00pm
Cost: $18 in advance, $23/day of

Golden Bridge is honored to host internationally acclaimed flute artist, Pandit Radha Prasad for an uplifting night of Traditional Indian classical and folk music on Bamboo Flute. Radha Prasad is a gifted musician who was born and brought up in India and taught himself to play the bamboo flute at an early age. Radha Prasad is a senior most disciple of India’s foremost and world-renowned flutist Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia. He also received advanced training in Classical and Traditional folk music from Veena Pani Rastogi, world famous vocalist from Jaipur, India.
This event is presented by Golden Bridge Yoga Studio and Radha Prasad School of Music with support from California Traditional Music Society.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience sublime beauty of Indian devotional musical tradition live at Golden Bridge.

A Night of Hypnotic Downtempo Yoga w/ Jo Tastula + the Hypnotic Gurus
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Saturday, June 27th 8:00-10:00pm
Cost: $20, $25 at the door

Feed your heart & soul with a night of classical sitar mixed with deep downtempo grooves and Jo Tastula's signature yoga flow sequencing. Dance/ Play/ Practice/ Sit to the hypnotic rhythm or whatever moves you!

Embodying the Goddess with Erika Faith: A playshop with Yoga, Art, Music and Surprises
Lyfe Yoga Center, Hermosa Beach
Sunday, June 28th 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $30 in Advance, $35 at Door

All the words we have to distiguish the feminine seem to have a masculine association: s*he, fe*male, wo*man. Can we fully accept ourselves as the glorious representations of our divine crative power? Let us explore together in this very special afternoon with Erika Faith of Cloud Nine Yoga and friends.

recession busters!

i'm broke. you're broke. everyone else we know is broke.

or at least that's what seemed to be the gist of my conversation with some random guy i met at the laundromat last night.

you see, my washing machine decided to throw a fit yesterday. and of course, it had to happen the day before my daughter was due to leave home to return to philly for her summer job. needless to day, trying to pack a suitcase full of soaking wet, half-washed clothes was definitely out of the question.

so we threw the soggy mess plus the rest of our laundry into trash bags and hauled them to nearest laundromat, where we spent the last hours of our mother-daughter bonding time feeding mass quantities of quarters into machines, then waiting for those machines to perform their magic.

next thing i knew, this guy beside us was talking about how he saw someone depositing an unemployment check at the ATM. and not that there was anything wrong with that because he, too, was on unemployment. and from my knowing nod, he gathered i was in the same predicament.

welcome to the club.

so it's nice to know that the sources of donation-based and affordable yoga classes are becoming easier and easier to come by.

here's a list of what's out there. bookmark this page because i'll be adding more as i find them:

(last updated august 23rd)

FREE!:

indoor classes --
~ FREE community classes (usually on sunday mornings) at the lululemon stores around town: beverly hills, brentwood, calabasas, el segundo, glendale, pasadena, santa monica
~ "first class free" offer at many yoga studios, usually available to locals only
~ black dog yoga, sherman oaks: one FREE class during the month of SEPTEMBER with featured teacher of the month, hanna gilan. see website for schedules. click here for coupon
~ the hub, west los angeles: FREE one-hour mind, body, spirit class "tasters" on the last sunday morning of every month, starting june 28th -- AUGUST 30th: 9-10 am Budokan Flow Yogawith Liz Arch, 10:15-11:30 am "Did My Thoughts Do That"? with Gali Kronenberg, 11:45 am - 12:45 pm Level 1/2 Yoga with Sarah Court, 1-2 pm Breathwork Dynamics with Scott Schwenk, 2:15-3:15 am Liquid Asana with Cass Phelps, 3:30-4:30 pm Tai Chi
with Edward Yu
~ studio surya yoga, venice: FREE yoga class on Saturdays with coupon; valid through 9/30/09 and may be applied to either Bruna Sakanoi’s 11am Slow Flow class or Allison McCready’s12:30pm Vinyasa Flow class (contact me for coupon)
~ yoga potluck with psalm isadora, santa monica: FREE classes once a month; bring a potluck dish to share with everyone after class (click on link for meetup group)

outdoor classes --
~ FREE mommy and me yoga at the grove, los angeles: tuesdays, 9am
~ FREE YRG yoga for regular guys (and gals) with diamond dallas page, playa vista: saturdays at 10:00am at playa vista sports park, playa vista and bluff creek drive (click on link to get on mailing list for updates)

online classes --
~ yogamates, online: FREE streamed videos updated monthly; click on "free classes" for class choices
~ yoga to the people, online: FREE downloadable audio classes (itunes or mp3); click on link for class list


DONATION-BASED (i.e., pay what you can):

indoor classes --
~ bhakti yoga shala, santa monica: ALL classes
~ black dog yoga, sherman oaks: Taught by our wonderful Teacher Trainees on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 4:30pm, these Hatha I-II level classes are available to anyone and everyone regardless of your ability to pay. Give what you can, ALL proceeds will benefit local charities
~ body mind & spirit yoga, woodland hills: There is a suggested donation per class. Suggested donation means that if you can put $15/$20 in the box,please do so. If you are not in a position to do so, contribute what you can. ALL CLASSES BY RESERVATION
~ bryan kest's power yoga east and west, santa monica: ALL classes
~ guerilla yoga, los angeles: A suggested minimum donation of $10 can be made by cash or check payable to the instructor
~ home simply yoga, santa monica: most vinyasa classes; check schedule
~ LA yoga collective, los angeles: All classes are Pay What You Can with a Suggested Donation of $15
~ santa monica yoga, santa monica: mondays/wednesdays 1:45-3:15pm, saturdays 2:45-4:15pm - level 1-2 donation classes with new SMY teacher trainees
~ shakti box, los feliz
~ yoga circle downtown, los angeles: To all un- and under-employed...we are, as always, a donation based studio. We want you all to feel comfortable continuing your practice even though you may no longer have the full price of our classes to donate, especially now when stress may be the dominant factor in your life.
~ yogaco, santa monica: We suggest a $14 donation for every class taken at YogaCo in the hope that you, the student, will give in the spirit of appreciation for this Yoga center.
~ yoga loft, manhattan beach: Tuesdays & Thursdays 12:00-1:00pm ALL LEVELS LUNCH FLOW with Amy Beausang $10 suggested cash donation
~ yoga and meditation by donation with hilary kimblin, miracle mile: mondays, wednesdays, and fridays 7:45-9:00am (click on link for meetup group)
~ yoga at the village, glendale: surya namaskar class with maya gingery, sundays at noon starting july 12th. suggested donation $10-$15

outdoor classes --
~ beach yoga with brad keimach, venice: saturdays and sundays at 10:30am. santa monica beach, where marine meets the water (click on link to get on his mailing list)
~ outdoor yoga with sierra, long beach: $5 is the suggested donation, and is greatly appreciated, but certainly not required to participate, all are welcome! (click on link for meetup group)
~ donation classes on the cliffs with shana meyerson, santa monica: tuesdays and thursdays at 11am. palisades park on ocean avenue, just north of alta
~ runyon canyon yoga, hollywood: Bring a mat or a towel and a donation if you like. Anyone is welcome
~ yoga on the beach with elizabeth james, venice: $10 suggested donation. tuesdays and thursdays at 7:30am at venice beach, just north of the pier (click on link for meetup group)

online classes --
~ yogichocolate, online: You will find downloadable audio mp3s of recorded live yoga classes, meditations, and everything else yoga. All downloads are offered on a completely donation-basis


OTHER LESS EXPENSIVE OPTIONS:

indoor classes --
~ community classes at most yoga studios. most of them are half-priced, or close to it
~ use your KCRW fringe benefits card to get discounts on class prices at participating yoga studios. every little bit helps!
~ adult yoga at annenberg community beach house, santa monica: 3 different styles of yoga offered by santa monica yoga. Wednesday: Vinyasa-style class with Jane Zingale. Friday: Slow Deep Stretch with Cindy Fraser. Sunday: Vinyasa flow class with Guin Lyster. ALL levels welcome. 11:00am-noon. $10 per class. Mat provided - towel suggested.
~ black dog yoga, sherman oaks: "come alive for $5" yoga classes with rachel jackson. tuesdays and thursdays at noon
~ dancing shiva yoga, los angeles: For the month of August, YOGA Weekday 9am classes $10 Cash Only
~ dharma mittra yoga la, los angeles: two-for-one partner yoga ($12 for two!) every 3rd and 5th friday of the month 7:30-8:45pm
~ exhale center for sacred movement, venice: $10 all-levels classes with ashley turner all summer. thursdays 7:35-9:05pm
~ heartbeat house, atwater village: all yoga classes are $7
~ mission street yoga, south pasadena: $5 hour-long classes with jose alvarado at 12:30pm mondays, wednesdays, and fridays
~ studio surya yoga, venice: ALL classes only $10
~ third eye yoga, west hollywood: $10 per class for drop-ins. $9 per class when purchasing a 10 class card.
~ urth yoga, silverlake: $5 hour-long classes at urth yoga. 7am and 12:30pm daily. cash only
~ yoga loft, woodland hills: Enjoy an "Economy Class" - A single class is $10, bring a friend with you and pay just $15. Valid only for the classes listed and not with any other offer: Wednesday 7:00-8:30pm, Saturday 10:30-12noon

online classes --
~ lulu bandha's monthly video subscription, online: for $15 per month, access to kira ryder's live classes recorded and posted online; free 30-day trial
~ yogaglo, online and in santa monica: for $18 per month, UNLIMITED yoga classes streamed in HD online and/or taken in studio; free 15-day trial