yoga, animal-style

while most of the yoga fundraisers i've attended usually raise money to improve the life of humans, both here in the US and abroad, there are two upcoming fundraisers that hope to help those of the animal persuasion.

the first event is sponsored by off the mat, into the world, a program whose mission is to inspire yogis to get involved in conscious activism and service to the community, and participant media, a group that designs customized social action campaigns to give a voice to issues that resonate in selected films. this particular fundraiser is a tie-in with the upcoming release of "the cove," an award-winning documentary about the dolphin industry in japan that has played to standing ovations at sundance as well as other film festivals.

the second event is brought to you by yogaworks yoginis kathryn budig and jesse schein. this is a follow-up fundraiser to an earlier well-attended event that raised much needed funds for a local animal shelter.

so get ready to share the love with flipper and your furry friends as you practice your dolphin poses and downward-facing dogs on your yoga mat!


YOGIS to SAVE JAPAN'S DOLPHINS with THE COVE
Presented by Off The Mat, Into the World and Participant Media
Saturday, July 25th 7:00-10:00pm
Yogaglo, 1800 Berkeley Street, Santa Monica
Cost: Suggested donation $35

A community evening of yoga, chanting, and ecstatic dance with renowned Los Angeles teachers Kia Miller, Julian Walker, Kaia Van Zandt, and special guest speaker on dolphin consciousness LMU professor Thomas White Ph.D.
Live medicine music by Aykanna
All donations from this event go to Save Japan's Dolphins
Refreshments and snacks provided
Please bring your yoga mat and cushions
Contact Kaia for more details: kaiahvz@yahoo.com

The Cove is a chilling and emotional story that is likely to leave audiences wondering what they can do to help protect the dolphins of Japan, stop the sale of toxic seafood and preserve the environmental health of our spectacular oceans, which sustain the lives of not just dolphins, but also humans. It opens in Los Angeles and New York on July 31st.


Poses for Paws II with Kathryn Budig and Jesse Schein
Thursday, July 30th 7:30-9:00pm
Lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica
Cost: By Donation

Come flow with your furry friends, Kathryn Budig and Jesse Schein, Three Dog Bakery and all your lu's! We will be raising awareness for a local animal shleter and spreading the 4-legged love with a dog friendly vinyasa flow class. All levels for man and his best friend!