peace, love, and yoga to all for the holidays!

2009 has just whooshed by, hasn't it? so before i get sucked into the whirlwind of the holiday season (actually, i already seem to be spinning in it!), here are the holiday schedules for the yoga studios in town. btw, santa monica power yoga is the only yoga studio offering classes on christmas day AFTER lunch... and even past dinner! so you can still get your yoga fix even if you've slept in because you were busy ho-ho-ho'ing late into the wee hours of the morning :)

here's wishing a very happy hanukkah, festivus, christmas, kwanzaa, new year's, and whatever-it-is-that-you're-celebrating to everyone!

~~ westside ~~

Back for Yoga, El Segundo
In celebration of the holiday season, the studio will be closed on Thursday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) and Friday, December 25th (Christmas Day), 2009. The regular class schedule will resume on Saturday. Andy will bring you back into the swing of things with a his Saturday, December 26th, 2009, 9:30 AM class.
The studio with be closed again on Thursday, December 31st (New Year's Eve) and Friday, January 1st, 2010 (New Year's Day). Andy will again bring your yoga into the New Year on January 02, 2010 with his Saturday, 9:30 AM class. Regularly scheduled classes will continue on Sunday, January 03, 2010.

Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Thursday Dec 24th:
ALL CLASSES will be on their regular schedule, except 8:30pm Yin Yoga with Govindas will be CANCELLED
Friday Dec 25th:
SPECIAL CHRISTMAS DAY YOGA SCHEDULE
10am Kirtan Yoga Flow with Govindas & Radha
12pm Holiday Yoga Flow with Sidnie Charnaw
These will be the only classes for the day
Saturday Dec 26th:
ALL YOGA CLASSES will be at their REGULAR TIME
8PM SPECIAL KIRTAN EVENT with Kalidas

Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Thursday, Dec 24th: Last class is at 12:45pm; All afternoon classes cancelled
Friday, Dec 25th: Closed
Saturday, Dec 26th: Closed
Thursday, Dec 31st: Last class is at 12:30pm; All afternoon classes cancelled
Friday, Jan 1st: 7am, 9am, 9:15am classes cancelled, special Life Bliss Meditation class with Saul David Raye at 9:30am; last class is at 2:30pm.

Goda Yoga, Culver City
Thursday, Dec. 24: One Class 10:30a -12 p - All Levels - Jules
Thursday, Dec. 31: One Class 10:30a -12p - All Levels - Jules
Closed Dec. 25 and Jan 1...regular schedule otherwise

The Hub, West Los Angeles
Christmas Eve Day:
9-10:30 a.m. Mixed Vinyasa Flow with Lauri Ashworth
Christmas Day:
The studio will be closed the day of Christmas
Sunday December 27:
FREE yoga and breathwork class at Lululemon/Brentwood lead by Lauri Ashworth and Mike Baker from 9:30am-10:30am
New Year's Eve Day:
9-10:30 a.m. Mixed Vinyasa Flow with Sarah Ezrin
New Year's Day 2010:
All classes are canceled, but please join the Hub for a very special breathwork circle lead by Mike Baker from 8-9:30 p.m.

Iyengar Yoga Institute, Los Angeles
***Please note that all classes are 1 1/2 hours in length, except for the two-hour classes on the mornings of Dec. 25th and Jan. 1st***
Wed, Dec 23:
10:00 am – All Levels with Aida
4:00 pm – All Levels with Koren
8:00 pm – All Levels with Chris
Thurs, Dec 24:
10:00 am – All Levels with Vladimir
5:00 pm – All Levels with Vladimir
Fri, Dec 25:
9:00 - 11:00 am – All Levels with Marla
Sat, Dec 26:
8:30 am – Level 2-3 with Marla
10:30 am – Level 1-2 with Chris
2:30 pm – Level 1 with Vladimir
4:30 pm – Level 2 with Paul
Sun, Dec 27:
8:30 am – Level 3 with Paul
8:30 pm – Scoliosis with Alice
10:30 am – Level 1 with Marla
6:00 pm – Restorative with Garth
Mon, Dec 28:
10:00 am – All Levels with Marla
6:00 pm – All Levels with Kirk
Tues, Dec 29:
10:00 am– All Levels with Effie
6:00 pm – All Levels with Kirk
Wed, Dec 30:
10:00 am – All Levels with Aida
Dec 23 8:00 pm – All Levels with Chris
Thurs, Dec 31:
10:00 am – All Levels with Amanda
5:00 pm – All Levels with Chris
Fri, Jan 1:
10:00 - 12:00 pm – All Levels with Aida
6:00 pm – Restorative with Robyn
Sat, Jan 2 Regular class schedule resumes

Maha Yoga, Brentwood
Thursday Dec 24:
7:00-9:00AM Mysore Ashtanga Jorgen Christiansson
9:15-10:45AM All Levels Gabi
11:00-12:30PM Level 2&3 Tom Morley
All other classes canceled
Friday Dec 25:
7:00-9:00AM Mysore Ashtanga - Jorgen Christiansson
10:30-12:00PM Donation Fundraiser Class, All Welcome - Gabi
All other classes canceled
Thursday Dec 31:
7:00-9:00AM MOON DAY - No Ashtanga Class Today - Jorgen Christiansson
9:15-10:45AM All Levels - Stephen Weigand
11:00-12:30PM Level 2&3 - Tom Morley
All other classes canceled
Friday Jan 01:
7:00-9:00AM Mysore Ashtanga - Jorgen Christiansson
11:00-12:30PM Level 2&3 - Steve Ross
All other classes canceled

Power Yoga East, Santa Monica
The following classes will be cancelled:
Thurs 12.24: 1:30pm, 6:30pm & 8:30pm
Fri 12.25: All classes
Thurs 12.31: 1:30pm, 6:30pm & 8:30pm
Fri 01.01: 7:00am, 1:30pm, 4:30pm, 6:30pm & 8:30pm

Power Yoga West, Santa Monica
The following classes will be cancelled:
Thurs 12.24: 7:00am, 8:30pm & 10:30pm
Fri 12.25: 5:30am, 7:00am & 11:00am
Thurs 12.31: 8:30pm, 10:30pm
Fri 01.01: 5:30am, 7:00am & 10:30pm

Santa Monica Yoga, Santa Monica
Closed December 24 & 25, December 31 & January 1.
Limited schedule in between. Click here for holiday schedule.
Friday January 1, 11:30 am - FREE New Year’s Day Yoga with Kyra Haglund
Join Kyra for an all levels flow class. What better way to start the New Year?

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Marina del Rey
We'll have a Reduced Schedule for New Years:
New Years Eve (Dec 31) - 10:30am Class only
New Years Day (Jan 1) - 5:30pm Class only
Normal Schedule returns on Saturday January 2

Studio Surya Yoga, Venice
Closed for Christmas
Click here for Holiday Schedule

Tenth Gate Yoga and Dance, Los Angeles
SUNDAY 12/20:
9-10AM - YOGA ON THE SAND
MONDAY 12/21:
9:3o-10:30AM - YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS
6:30-7:15PM - KURUNTA (ROPE) YOGA
7:15-8PM - BELLY DANCE WITH AMY
TUESDAY 12/22:
8:30-9:3oPM - YOGA FOR SENIORS
THURSDAY 12/24:
9:30-10:30AM - YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS
1-2PM - YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS
SATURDAY 12/26:
10:30AM-12PM - YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS
12-1PM - XMAS BELLY DANCE WITH AMY
SUNDAY 12/27:
9-10AM - YOGA ON THE SAND
MONDAY 12/29:
9:30-10:30AM - YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS
6:30-7:15PM - KURUNTA (ROPE) YOGA
7:15–8:30PM - BELLY DANCE WITH AMY
TUESDAY 12/29:
8:30-9:30PM - YOGA FOR SENIORS
THURSDAY 12/31:
9:30-10:30AM - YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS
FRIDAY 1/1/10:
9:30-10:15AM - YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS
10:15-11AM - NEW YEAR BELLY DANCE WITH AMY
SATURDAY 1/2/10:
10:30AM-12PM - YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS
12-1PM - NEW YEAR BELLY DANCE WITH AMY
Please note that YOGA ON THE SAND will be going on hiatus until March.

Truyoga, Santa Monica
Thursday, December 24:
Pilates with Suk Gin Alberty - 1:00 p.m.
All other day classes and evening classes are canceled.
Closed Christmas Day, Friday, December 25.
Thursday, December 31:
Ring in the New Year Yoga Flow Class with Chani Nicholas - 12:00 p.m.
All other day classes and evening classes are canceled.
Happy Holidays from TruYoga!!!

YAS, Venice
Click here for holiday schedule

Yogaco, Santa Monica
X-MAS EVE DEC 24th:
WATER ROOM --
7:30am VINYASA FLOW DAN
9:15am VINYASA FLOW JENNIFER
11am POWER YOGA TAMAL
EARTH ROOM --
6:30am-8:30am ASHTANGA MARIA
SKY ROOM -- CANCELED
X-MAS DAY: YOGACO WILL BE CLOSED
New Year's Yoga with Kelsey on Dec. 31st at 4:15pm!
Ring in the new Year with a great candlelit yoga class and special live musical guest, and wine toasting afterward!!

Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Wednesday, Dec 23rd thru Tuesday, Dec 29th - Classes canceled for the holidays

Yoga Hop, Santa Monica
Thursday, December 24:
9:15-10:45AM Summit 2/3 - Matthew Reyes
All other classes canceled
Friday, December 25: CLOSED
Thursday, December 31:
9:15-10:45AM Summit 2/3 - Matthew Reyes
11:00AM-12:30PM Level 2/3+ - Jennifer Moore
1:00-2:00PM Level 2/3+ - Kourtney Kaas
All other classes canceled
Friday, January 01:
10:00-11:30AM Level 2/3+ - Matthew Reyes
All other classes canceled

Yoga West, Los Angeles
Yoga West will be closed:
12.24 for all evening classes (open for all morning classes)
12.25 for all classes
1.1 for all classes

Yoga Works Main Street, Santa Monica
CHRISTMAS EVE CLASSES:
7:30-8:55 Yoga Blend 2 Bahni Turpin
9:15-10:45 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 Vinnie Marino
11:00-12:30 Yoga Blend 1 Jasmine Lieb
12:45-2:15 Restoratives/Pranayama Chris Stein
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED
CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY
NEW YEAR’S EVE CLASSES:
7:30-8:55 Yoga Blend 2/3 Malachi Melville
9:00-10:30 Vinyasa Flow 2 Gigi Snyder
10:45-12:15 Kundalini (all levels) Kia Miller
w/live music
12:30-2:00 Restoratives Chris Stein
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED
NEW YEAR’S DAY CLASSES:
9:00-10:30 Yoga Blend 2/3 Chad Hamrin
10:45-12:15 Yoga Blend 1/2 Kia Miller
12:30-2:30 Vinyasa Flow 2 Annie Carpenter
w/ Chanting and Pranayama
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED

Yoga Works Montana Avenue, Santa Monica
CHRISTMAS EVE CLASSES:
7:30-8:55 YogaWorks 1 Al Tavera
9:00-10:30 Iyengar 1/2 Scott Hobbs
9:15-10:40 Vinyasa Flow 2 Carolina Goldberg
10:45-12:15 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 Jesse Schein
10:45-12:15 Yoga Blend Nicola Dunne
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED
CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY
NEW YEAR’S EVE CLASSES:
9:00-10:25 YogaWorks 2 Annie Carpenter
10:00-11:30 Iyengar 1-2 Marla Apt
10:45-12:15 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 Jesse Schein
12:30-2:00 Yoga Blend 1 Nicola Dunne
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED
NEW YEAR’S DAY CLASSES:
9:00-10:30 YogaWorks 1 Al Tavera
9:15-10:40 Yoga Blend 2 Malachi Melville
10:45-12:15 Yoga Blend 1/2 Nicola Dunne
11:00-12:45 Iyengar 1/2 Marla Apt
12:30-2:30 Ashtanga/Mysore Sonya Cottle
12:45-2:00 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 Greville Henwood
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED

Yoga Works Pacific Palisades, Pacific Palisades
CHRISTMAS EVE: ALL CLASSES CANCELLED
CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY
NEW YEAR’S EVE: ALL CLASSES CANCELLED
CLOSED ON NEW YEAR’S DAY

Yoga Works Westwood, Los Angeles
CHRISTMAS EVE CLASSES:
9:00-10:30 YogaWorks 2 Thomas Taubman
9:00-10:30 Iyengar 1/2 Paul Cabanis
10:45-12:15 Vinyasa 2/3 David Lynch
10:45-12:15 Yoga Blend Anita Manglani
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED
CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY
NEW YEAR’S EVE CLASSES:
9:00-10:30 YogaWorks 1/2 Thomas Taubman
9:30-10:55 Iyengar 1 Herb Sandoval
10:45-12:15 Vinyasa 2/3 David Lynch
11:00-12:30 Yoga Blend 2 Eka Ekong
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED
CLOSED NEW YEAR’S DAY

Yogis Anonymous, Santa Monica
HOLIDAY SUB SCHEDULE --
Tuesday 12/22:
9am: Brian Aganad (for Angela)
2:30pm: Ashley Turner (for Krista)
4:15pm: Brian Aganad (for Angela)
6:30pm: Brian Aganad (for Brock)
Wednesday 12/23:
7am: Chani (for Felicia)
9am: Kristin Olson (for Krista)
Thursday 12/24:
9am: Good Cop/Bad Cop with MB LaRue and Tommy Holmes
11am: Yoga for the Whole Village with Ally Hamilton and Dorian Cheah (live on electric violin with loops and effects)...holiday party after!
Friday 12/25:
closed
Saturday 12/26:
8am: Tommy Holmes (for Dale)
2pm: Kristin Olson (for Chani)
4pm: Mary Beth LaRue (for Meredith)
Sunday 12/27:
12pm: Mary Beth LaRue (for Meredith)
4pm: Ashley Turner (for Chani)
Monday 12/28:
9am: Ashley Turner (for Krista)
11am: Ashley Turner (for Briohny)
Tuesday 12/29:
9am: Ashley Turner (for Angela)
1pm: Mary Beth LaRue
2:30pm: Ashley Turner (for Krista)
4:15pm: TBA (for Angela)
6:30pm: David Boyle (for Brock)
*if there isn't a sub listed, you can assume your regular teacher will be there :)
New Year's Eve (Thursday December 31st):
7am: CHANI NICHOLAS
9am: CHRIS ARMAS
11am: GOOD COP/BAD COP with TOMMY HOLMES and MARY BETH LaRUE
1pm: MARY BETH LaRUE
2:30pm: KRISTA CAHILL
4:15pm: LEELU MORRIS
6:30pm: BROCK'S CLASS IS CANCELED
8:30pm: ALLY HAMILTON
New Year's Day (Friday the 1st)
7am: CHANI'S CLASS IS CANCELED
9am: KRISTA CAHILL(for Angela)
11am: ALLY HAMILTON with live music by DORIAN CHEAH
1pm: VIRGINIA WEISS' CLASS IS CANCELED
2:30pm: CHARLIE SAMOS
4:15pm: ANGELA KUKHAHN AND BRIAN AGANAD
6:30pm: JORGEN CHRISTIANSSON
8:30pm: KOURTNEY KAAS
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Your Neighborhood Studio, Culver City
We will be CLOSED Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. Regular schedule for all other days.


~~ mid-city / downtown ~~

Bikram Yoga Downtown, Los Angeles
Click here for schedule

Bikram Yoga Silverlake, Atwater Village
We will be on a special schedule for the holidays from December 23rd, 2009 to January 1st, 2010. Please click here for the holiday schedule.

City Yoga, West Hollywood
Refer to our modified HOLIDAY SCHEDULE online, effective 12/21/2009 to 1/3/2010
We will go back to our regular schedule on Monday 1/4
** Christmas Day Transformational Class with Hillary Rubin 10:30-12:00 mixed level
Give yourself the gift, Be the gift, Open the gift & Share the gift. Amazing surprise never taught before that will provide great fun - guaranteed!!!

Golden Bridge, Hollywood
Monday, December 21st: Tej's 5:30pm & Gurmukh's 7:00pm class will be cancelled!
Thursday, December 24th: Golden Bridge will be open from 8:30am - 1:00pm.
Friday, December 25th: Golden Bridge will be closed all day, no classes or workshops!
Thursday, December 31st: Golden Bridge will be closed all day except for a Special New Year's Workshop starting at 9:00pm
Friday, January 1st: Golden Bridge will be closed all day

Guerilla Yoga, Hollywood
There are no classes scheduled from 12/24 - 12/31
SPECIAL NEW YEARS DAY CLASS CO-TAUGHT BY MARC & TIFFANY
Oh this is going to be fun. And the first class of the first day of the year should be just that ... fun.
Friday January 1, 2010
10:30 - 12:30
Hollywood Dance Center
Suggested Donation: $20
Since we have already received lots of interest in this class and space is limited, we kindly ask that you RSVP either by e-mailing me directly OR on the Facebook Events page that has been set up. This will also give us ample time to book the larger room at the Dance Center if need be.
Please RSVP at guerillayoga@mac.com

Liberation Yoga, Los Angeles
Christmas Eve Day:
8:00am-10:00am - Ashtanga with Joel
10:00am-11:30am - Flow with Steven
11:30am-1:00pm - Level 1 with Jessie
1:00pm-2:30pm - All Levels with Sarah
WE ARE OPEN FOR LAST MINUTE SHOPPING UNTIL 6pm!!!
Christmas Day:
Though we did stay open during the 8 beautiful days of Hannukah we will be closed Christmas Day.
New Year's Eve Day:
8:00am-10:00am - Ashtanga with Joel
10:00am-11:30am - Flow with Steven
11:30am-1:00pm - Level 1 with Jessie
1:00pm-2:30pm - All Levels with TBA
9:45pm-midnight - New Year's Eve Celebration with Christine
New Year's Day 2010:
1:00pm-2:30pm - Level 1-2 With Lynn
2:30pm-4:00pm - Flow 2/3 with Ashley

Silver Lake Yoga, Silverlake
Dec 21st, Monday - No 10am Parent and Me
Dec 23rd, Wednewday - No 7am, no 10am Toddler and Me, No 12:30pm Just Stretch, No 7:30pm Mixed Levels
Dec 24th, Thursday - There will be the 9:15pm class with Jonathan, 10:45am Pilates with Lynne, 11am Prenatal with Juliette. All other classes cancelled
Dec 25th, Friday - No classes!
Dec 26th, Saturday - No 9:30am Mixed Levels
Dec 28th, Monday - No 10am Parent and Me
Dec 30th, Wednesday - No 7am, no 10am Toddler and Me
Dec 31st, Thursday - There will be the 9:15am with Barry, 10:45 Pilates with Lynne, 11am Prenatal with Juliette, 12:30pm Beginner's II with Jonathan. All other classes cancelled
Jan 1st, Friday - New Year's Day! One class with Dana at 11am, All levels

Still Yoga, Silverlake
Thu December 24:
9:00 - 10:30 AM all levels anusara-inspired - Allison Linamen
10:45 - 12:15 PM all levels anusara-inspired - Jenny Brill
12:30 - 2:15 PM the practice - Tara Judelle
All other classes Cancelled
Fri December 25:
10:00 - 12:00 PM Christmas 2 hour class - Tara Judelle
All other classes Cancelled
Thu December 31:
9:00 - 10:30 AM all levels anusara-inspired - Maria Cristina Jimenez
10:45 - 12:15 PM all levels anusara-inspired - Jenny Brill
All other classes Cancelled
Fri January 1:
11:00 - 1:00 PM New Year's Day 2 Hour class - Gina Zimmerman
All other classes Cancelled

Swerve Studio, Los Angeles
SWERVE offers a special Class Schedule from December 19th - January 1st, 2010. Please click here to link to our detailed special schedule.

U Studio, Miracle Mile
Monday Dec 21st:
5:30 pm -- Andrea
Tuesday Dec 22nd:
10:15 am -- Andrea
5:30 pm -- Calysta
Wednesday Dec 23rd:
5:30pm -- Calysta
Thursday Dec 24th:
CLOSED
Friday Dec 25th:
CLOSED
Saturday Dec 26th:
10:30 am -- Masha
Sunday Dec 27th:
10:30 am -- Masha
Andrea returns to her regular schedule Monday Dec 28th. Stay tuned for New Year's Class schedule.
Mary's Wednesday/Friday 10:15 community flow will return Wed Jan 6th!!

Urth Yoga, Silverlake
Wednesday, December 23rd:
6:55a $5 Yoga Hour w/Sarika
9:00a Mixed Levels w/Sachie
12:30p $5 Yoga Hour w/Nicole
4:30p Basics w/Patricia
6:15p Mixed Levels w/Jeff
8:00p Mixed Levels w/Huck
Thursday December 24th:
9:00a Basics w/Eden
10:45a Mixed Levels w/Sachie
Friday December 25th:
10:00a Mixed Levels w/Jeff
Saturday December 26th:
8:30a Basics w/Huck
10:30a Mixed Levels w/Nicole
Sunday December 27th:
9:00a Mixed Levels w/Keric
10:45a Basics w/Keric
5:00p Mixed Levels w/Jeff
7:00p Relax & Restore w/Kathy
Monday December 28th:
9:00a Basics w/Nicole
12:30p $5 Yoga Hour w/Sarika
6:15p Mixed Levels w/Jeff
Tuesday December 29th:
9:00a Basics w/Nicole
10:45a Mixed Levels w/Sachie
12:30p $5 Yoga Hour w/Peter Wolff
6:15p Basics w/Patricia
Wednesday December 30th:
9:00a Mixed Levels w/Sachie
10:45a Mixed Levels w/Peter Wolff
12:30p $5 Yoga Hour w/Eden
7:30p Relax & Restore w/Gabe
Thursday December 31st:
9:00a Basics w/Rachel
10:45a Mixed Levels w/Sachie
4:30p Mixed Levels w/Patricia
Friday January 1st:
11:00a Mixed Levels w/Huck
We return to our regular schedule on Saturday, January 2nd

Yoga Works Center for Yoga, Larchmont
CHRISTMAS EVE CLASSES:
8:00-9:25 Iyengar 1/2 Nancy Sandercock
9:30-10:45 Yoga Blend 1 Susan Swan
10:00-11:30 Yoga Blend 2 Eka Ekong
11:00-1:00 Ashtanga Jodi Blumstein
11:45-1:15 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 Joan Hyman
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED
CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY
NEW YEAR’S EVE CLASSES:
8:00-9:25 Iyengar 1/2 Scott Hobbs
8:30-9:55 Yoga Blend 1 Susan Swan
9:30-10:55 YogaWorks 2 Carmen Fitzgibbon
10:00-11:25 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 Joan Hyman
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED
NEW YEAR’S DAY CLASSES:
9:30-10:55 Yoga Blend 1 Fred Miller
10:30-12:00 Yoga Blend 2 Steve Freedman
11:00-1:00 Ashtanga Jodi Blumstein
12:15-1:45 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 Eka Ekong
1:15-2:45 Iyengar 1/2 Paul Cabanis
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED

Yummy Yoga, Los Feliz
Tuesday, Dec 22:
7:30 AM ~ Power Hour with Sasha
4:30 PM ~ All Levels with Clio
6:00 PM ~ Level 2/3 with Amy
7:45 PM ~ Candlelight Flow with Jeff
Wednesday, Dec 23:
7:30 AM ~ Power Hour with Rabia
4:30 PM ~ Level 1/2 with Sasha
6:00 PM ~ Core Class with Caroline
7:45 PM ~ All Levels with Larry
Thursday, Dec 24:
7:30 AM ~ Power Hour with Sasha
4:30 PM ~ All Levels with Clio
All other classes cancelled
Friday, Dec 25:
All classes cancelled
Saturday, Dec 26:
10:30 AM ~ All Levels with Larry
All other classes cancelled
Sunday, Dec 27:
10:00 AM ~ All Levels with Larry
5:30 PM ~ Level 2/3 with Amy
7:15 PM ~ Restorative with Ali
Monday, Dec 28:
7:30 AM ~ Power Hour with Sasha
4:30 PM ~ Level 1/2 with Ali
6:00 PM ~ Core Class with Sasha
7:45 PM ~ All Levels with Larry
Tuesday, Dec 29:
7:30 AM ~ Power Hour with Sasha
4:30 PM ~ All Levels with Clio
6:00 PM ~ Level 2/3 with LeTania
7:45 PM ~ Candlelight Flow with LeTania
Wednesday, Dec 30:
7:30 AM ~ Power Hour with Sasha
4:30 PM ~ Level 1/2 with Sasha
6:00 PM ~ Core Class with Caroline
7:45 PM ~ All Levels with LeTania
Thursday, Dec 31:
7:30 AM ~ Power Hour with Sasha
4:30 PM ~ All Levels with Clio
All other classes cancelled
Friday, Jan 1 ~ NEW YEAR'S DAY!
10:00 AM ~ Two-Hour New Year's Class with Ducky
All other classes cancelled


~~ san fernando and san gabriel valleys ~~

Awareness Center, Pasadena
We will be CLOSED for regular classes on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
We will be OPEN for a New Year’s event and Sadhana on New Year's Day 4:15 - 6:30am.

Black Dog Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Thursday, December 24th (Christmas Eve):
We will be closing at 1:30pm. We will have our regular Thursday morning schedule and our last class will be at 12:00 noon. (Please see our website for more information)
Friday, December 25th (Christmas Day):
Hanna Gilan Strong Flow 9:00a
Lauri Janover Basic Flow 9:30a
Jenny Brill Strong Anusara 10:30a
Melissa Morgan Gentle Yoga 11:00a
Thursday, December 31st (New Year's Eve):
We will be closing at 1:30pm. We will have our regular Thursday morning schedule and our last class will be at 12:00 noon. (Please see website for more information)
Friday, January 1st (New Year's Day):
Ashley Albrand Strong Flow 10:00a
Sigrid Matthews Basic Flow 10:30a
Jenny Brill Strong Anusara 11:30a
Lauri Janover Gentle Yoga 12:00a

Garden of Yoga, Woodland Hills
Christmas:
Garden of Yoga will be CLOSED on Thursday, December 24th (Xmas Eve)
Garden of Yoga will be CLOSED on Friday, December 25th (Xmas Day)
Diana will be teaching Mindful Flow on Saturday, December 26th at 10am
New Year's 2010:
Garden of Yoga will be CLOSED on Thursday, December 31st (New Years Eve)
Garden of Yoga will be CLOSED on Friday, January 1st (New Year's Day)
Come set your New Year's intentions with a Mindful Flow class with Diana
on Saturday, January 2nd from 10am - 11:30am
We will all be back to teach our regular classes on Monday, January 4th

Karen Shuman's Beyond Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Thursday Dec 24th:
11:00-12:30pm Gentle Hatha Karen S.
Friday Dec 25th: CLOSED
The rest of the weekend is the normal schedule.
Thursday Dec 31st:
10:30-12ish Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Tina Marie Daly
**A special class to release all old patterns and limitations. Help call in what you would like to manifest in the New Year!!***
Friday Jan. 1st 2010!!: CLOSED
Saturday Jan. 2nd:
11:00-12:30pm Hatha Flow Dario
**only class for the day**
Normal schedule for the rest of the weekend!!

Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Thursday, December 24th:
7:30 - 8:45am Mixed Level Flow with Vickie Howie
9:00 - 10:30am Level 1 with Ruth Zalduondo
10:35 - 12:05pm Mixed Level Flow with Daniel Stewart
12:15 - 1:45pm Gentle & Therapeutics with Ann Braden
12:15 - 1:15pm Lunch Flow (Mixed Flow) with Holli Rabishaw
Friday, December 25th:
10:30 - 12:00pm Mixed Level Flow with Michelle Goldstein
12:15 - 1:45pm Easy Does It with Karen Rosales
Thursday, December 31st:
7:30 - 8:45am Mixed Level Flow with Vicki Howie
9:00 - 10:30am Level 1 with Sarah Court
10:35 - 12:05pm Mixed Level Flow with Daniel Stewart
12:15 - 1:45pm Gentle & Therapeutics with Ann Braden
12:15 - 1:15pm peapLunch Flow (Mixed Level) with Holli Rabishaw
Friday, January 1st:
10:30 - 12:00pm Level 1 with Sarah Court
12:15 - 1:45pm Mixed Level Flow with Daniel Stewart

Yoga at the Village, Glendale
Thursdays, 12/24/09 and 12/31/10:
No 6:00pm and 7:30pm Classes on Christmas Eve and New Years' Eve Days
Fridays, 12/25/09 and 1/1/10:
Closed All Day Christmas and New Years Days

Yoga Blend, Burbank
Thursday, December 24:
Studio Closes at 2pm
Friday, December 25:
Studio Closed - All Classes Cancelled
Thursday, December 31:
Studio Closes at 2pm
Friday, January 1:
Studio Closed - All Classes Cancelled*
*Special New Years Day Restorative Workshop with Bekah Finch

Yoga Groove Studio, Burbank
December 24, 2009 (x1) 10:00am class mixed level
December 25, 2009 - Closed
December 26, 2009- (x1) 10:00am class mixed level
December 27, 2009 - (x1) 10:30am class mixed level
December 28,2009 - (x1) 10:00am class and (x1) 6:00pm classs
December 29, 2009- (x1) 10:00am class and (x1) 6:00pm class
December 30, 2009- (x1) 10:00am class and (x1) 6:00pm class
December 31, 2009- (x1) 10:00am class
January 1, 2010- Closed
January 2, 2010- (x1) 10:00am class
January 3, 2010- (x1) 10:30 class
January 4, 2010 Back to Regular Schedule

The Yoga Loft, Woodland Hills
THE STUDIO WILL BE CLOSED DECEMBER 24 & 25 AND DECEMBER 31 AND JANUARY 1, 2010. THERE WILL BE A FEW OTHER MINOR CHANGES TO THE SCHEDULE DURING THE HOLIDAYS. GOOD IDEA TO CALL 818.710.9057 FOR UPDATES BEFORE YOU ATTEND A CLASS.

Yoga Madre, Arcadia
Dec. 24 - 1 class only 9-11 with René - FREE
Dec. 25 - CLOSED
Dec 31st 1 class only 9-11 with René - FREE
Jan. 1st - CLOSED

The Yogi Tree, Toluca Lake
Closed for the holidays, reopening Monday, December 28
We will be closed Thursday, December 31, 2009 and Friday, January 1, 2010. Regular classes resume Saturday, January 2, 2010.


~~ south bay / long beach ~~

Bikram Yoga, Manhattan Beach
Thu December 24:
7:00 - 8:30 AM Nicolle
9:15 - 10:45 AM Jenni
12:00 - 1:30 PM Nicolle
4:45 - 6:15 PM Alana
All other classes Cancelled
Fri December 25:
9:15 - 10:45 AM Ziggy
All other classes Cancelled
Thu December 31:
5:30 - 7:00 AM Alana
7:00 - 8:30 AM Nicolle
9:15 - 10:45 AM Allyson
12:00 - 1:30 PM Nicolle
4:45 - 6:15 PM Allyson
All other classes Cancelled
Fri January 1:
9:15 - 10:45 AM Polly
12:00 - 1:30 PM Nicolle
4:45 - 6:15 PM Allyson
All other classes Cancelled

Free Spirit Yoga, Long Beach
Christmas Eve 12/24: 9:30am with Andrea T, 3:00pm with Lonne
Christmas Day 12/25 : 11:00am with Lonne
New Year's Eve 12/31: 9:30am with Andrea T, 3:00pm with Dharma
New Year's Day 1/1/10 9:30am with Andrea T
The new schedule for 2010 is live online at freespirityoga.com and click on class schedule.

Green Yogi, Manhattan Beach
Special Holiday Classes
December 24th:
9:30am - 10:45am Power Vinyasa with Anne Israel
11:00am - 12:15pm Gentle Christmas Flow with Mary Strong
December 25th: Closed
December 31st:
9:30am - 10:45am Power Vinyasa with Anne Israel
11:00am - 12:15pm Full Moon Flow with Heather Archer
January 1st: Closed

Happy Me Yoga, Redondo Beach
- STUDIO CLOSED: 12/24 - 12/27
- Only morning classes: 12/28 - 12/31
- 2010: see website for schedule changes! happymeyoga.com

Yoga Loft, Manhattan Beach
We will have a special reduced class schedule between Christmas and New Years'. Please visit http://www.yogaloftmb.com/

Yoga Works South Bay, El Segundo
CHRISTMAS EVE CLASSES:
8:00-9:25 Iyengar 1/2 Saraswati Browne
8:00-9:25 Led Ashtanga Maria Zavala
9:30-10:55 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 Garth Hewitt
9:30-10:55 YogaWorks 1 Amy Drucker
11:00-12:30 Vinyasa Flow 2 Julie Rader
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED
CLOSED ON CHRISTMAS DAY
NEW YEAR’S EVE CLASSES:
8:15-9:45 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 Garth Hewitt
8:00-9:25 Yoga Blend 1 Doug Binzak
9:30-10:55 Vinyasa Flow 2 Shelley Williams
9:45-11:15 Iyengar 1/2 Jennifer Edwards
11:00-12:30 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 Rachel Simmons
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED
NEW YEAR’S DAY CLASSES:
9:00-10:30 Vinyasa Flow 2 Shelley Williams
9:15-10:45 Yoga Blend 1 Zhi Myers
10:45-12:15 Vinyasa Flow 2/3 David Lynch
12:30-2:00 Yoga Blend 1/2 Doug Binzak
ALL OTHER CLASSES CANCELLED

keeping busy this holiday season

for some reason, i seem to have earned the reputation of being the busiest non-teaching yogini in town. it's probably because i've been compiling these lists of must-do yoga events... and find myself wanting to do all of them :)

so here's what i've found so far for the month of december. besides the growing number of kirtans now held on a regular basis, there seem to be a slew of partner yoga classes, winter solstice observances, and of course, new year's eve celebrations. it's looking like i'm going to be even busier than usual this month!

keep checking back; i'll continue to add events as i find them...

~~~ this month's deals ~~~

One FREE class with each of December's featured teachers at Black Dog Yoga in Sherman Oaks: Tiffany Fraser and Heidi Kaufman!
Tiffany's classes are:
Tuesday 11:00a-12:30p - Intermediate Anusara
Thursday 11:00a-12:30p - Intermediate Anusara
Thursday 3:30p-5:00p - Anusara Yoga for Beginners
Saturday 10:30a-12:00p - Intermediate Anusara
Heidi's classes are:
Monday 11:00a-12:30p - Deep Stretch, All levels
Wednesday 11:00a-12:30p - Deep Stretch, All levels
Friday 6:00p-7:30p - Deep Stretch, All levels
Click here for coupons

One FREE class during the month of December for any of the featured classes at Rising Lotus Yoga in Sherman Oaks (coupon required; email me for coupon):
~ Candle Lit Flow: 8:00-9:30pm - Tues, Thurs
~ Relax Deeply: 5:30-7:00pm - Sundays
~ Mixed Level: 6:45-8:00am - Mon, Wed, Fri

Come to yoga at Truyoga in Santa Monica and get a FREE appetizer at the Daily Grill:
Beginning Monday, December 14th, TruYoga will be running a lunch and dinner promotion with the Daily Grill Santa Monica (located in the same building).
Attend the following classes and receive a voucher for a free appetizer from the Daily Grill.
*M/W - Gentle Yoga with Therapeutics at 10:30 a.m.
*M/W - Vinyasa Flow at 5:45 p.m.
*M/W - Vinyasa Flow at 5:45 p.m.

Dinner & a Stretch: Maha Yoga + Kreation = Harmony
Just $30 for any yoga class and dinner (BYOB)!
Purchase vouchers at either location:
Maha Yoga, 13050 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood
Kreation Kafe, 1023B Montana Ave, Santa Monica
Expires Dec 15th.


~~~ ongoing events ~~~

Community classes, courtesy of lululemon athletica
Cost: FREE
lululemon Beverly Hills, 334 N Beverly Dr ~
Sundays at 9:30am: AcroYoga! Dec 6 - Yogi Hendlin and Huck Hirsch, Dec 13 - Lara Catone and Yogi Hendlin, Dec 20 - Huck Hirsch and Sarah Vosen, Dec 27 - Lara Catone and Sarah Vosen. Plus: Every Monday 6:15pm Run Club and Runner's Yoga, Dec 10 7:30pm - Hip Hop Dance DVD Release Party with Sarita Lou
lululemon Brentwood, 11920 San Vicente Blvd ~
Sundays at 9:30am, Yoga with The Hub: Dec 6 - Sarah Ezrin, Dec 13 - Barbie Baylis, Dec 20 - James MacDonald, Dec 27 - Lauri Ashworth. Plus: Every Monday 6:15pm Jingle Jog (thru Dec 17 only; resumes in January on Thursdays!)
lululemon Calabasas, at The Commons, 4719 Commons Way ~
Sundays at 9:30am: Dec 6 - Pilates with Leah, Dec 13 - Anti-Gravity Yoga with Lori Robbins, Dec 20 - Yoga with Sri Hari Moss. Plus: Every Monday 6pm - Running Club
lululemon Glendale, at The Americana, 233 S Brand ~
Sundays at 9:30am: Yoga with Shakti Box: Dec 6 - Heather Funston, Dec 13 - Tiffany Russo and Clio Manuelian, Dec 20 - Nicole Ghastin and Beau King, Dec 27 - Kasey Luber and Trinity Stuart. Plus: Every Wednesday 11am - Kids Yoga with Abbie Rose, Dec 10 9pm - Kundalicious Yoga with Masha Sapron and Amber Rothwell
lululemon Pasadena, 110 W Colorado ~
Sundays at 10am, CATZ Fitness Workout: Dec 6, Dec 13, Dec 20, Dec 27. Plus: Every Wednesday 6pm - Fun Run Club, Dec 10 7:30pm - Meditation with John Sovec, Dec 13 5:30pm - AcroYoga Demo with Mod Amaya and Alex Plank, Dec 16 7:30pm - Kickboxing with Mauricio and David
lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd ~
Sundays at 9:30am: Yoga! Dec 6 - Laurie Searle, Dec 13 - Marlize Joubert with YogaEarth special event, Dec 20 - Leslie Kazadi, Dec 27 - Michelle Goldstein. Plus Dec 12 9:30am - Hip Hop Cardio with Sarita Lou
lululemon South Bay, at Plaza El Segundo, 2008A E Park Pl ~
Sundays at 9:30am: Yoga with The Green Yogi! Dec 6 - Yin/Yang Yoga Flow with Mary Fanto and Matt Rothert, Dec 13 - Power Vinyasa with Mary Strong, Dec 20 - Power Vinyasa with Anne Spinner, Dec 27 - Power Vinyasa with Heather Archer. Plus: Every Thursday 6:15pm - Run Club at Manhattan Beach Pier

Yogi Lunch with Atma Ananda Das
Govinda's Vegetarian Restaurant, 3764 Watseka Ave, Los Angeles
Fridays, Dec 4th, 11th, 18th 1:00-2:15pm (Every Friday)
Cost: BYOL (Buy your own lunch)

I do this because the yoga teachers, the healers and the guides for others need to get together in person. Yoga is all about relationships... so we meet up and love, that's yoga!

Friday Night Movies and Potluck
Inner Harmony Yoga, San Pedro
Friday, Dec 4th 6:30-9:00pm (1st Friday of month)
Cost: A vegetarian (ovo-lacto OK) dish to share. Please bring a serving utensil. Donations of paper/plastic plates and utensils would be most welcome!

We'll break bread together and enjoy an uplifting movie, all in the comfort of your local yoga studio.

Palisades Outdoor Yoga Hike with Hilary Kimblin
Michael Lane and Trailer Canyon Fire Road, Pacific Palisades
Saturday, Dec 5th 9:00-11:30am (Once a month)
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 day of hike. Please click here to reserve your spot

A Saturday morning hike and an outdoor yoga class for those seeking solace from the week.
Please bring a yoga mat and/or a towel, dress in layers and wear good hiking shoes/boots. Sun block, sunglasses and a hat also recommended. Water is required!
Be prepared to hike for some 45 minutes uphill, to our outdoor outdoor walls-free "classroom". The yoga class will last around an hour (no previous experience necessary), then we will pack up and hike downhill for around 30 minutes. We will be out by 11:30am. This is a lot of fun and a great way to meet new people!

Kirtan with BhaktiMa
Lyfe Yoga Center, Hermosa Beach
Saturday, Dec 5th 7:00pm (1st Saturday of the month)
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation

In the spirit of building community, join BhaktiMa for a wonderful evening of music.

ART OF LIVING KIRTAN
Yoga Desa, Topanga
Saturday, Dec 5th 7:00pm (1st Saturday of the month)
Cost: By Donation

Ecstatic chanting in Topanga Canyon hosted by Art of Living Foundation teachers Andrew Behla & Michèle Krolik at Yoga Desa. Singing traditional sanskrit mantras have a profound effect on the environment and consciousness, helping to quiet the mind and open the heart. No experience is necessary, just a willingness to participate with a beginner's mind.
OPEN TO ALL!
For more information visit artoflivingla.org

Yogi Brunch with Zat Baraka and Atma Ananda Das
Euphoria Loves Rawvolution Cafe, 2301 Main Street, Santa Monica
Sunday, Dec 6th 10:00am-noon (Once a month)
Cost: BYOB (Buy your own brunch)

Yoga is about relationships.
This includes our relationships with the body/mind, the earth, other souls, and the source... Yogi brunch is a space for instigating, preserving, and celebrating all these relationships. In other words, members of the yoga and healing communities will come together to eat, laugh, and love.
Come enjoy a special raw vegan earth friendly meal for your delight.
Euphoria Loves Rawvolution Cafe is a central meeting point for the progressive conscious community of Los Angeles.

Yoga Potluck with Psalm Isadora
Aanand Saagar, Venice
Sunday, Dec 6th 6:00pm (Once a month, location varies)
Cost: Bring a potluck dish to share

Please bring your favorite dish to share as a community offering, remember, all we ask is for your participation, grub and love! Yoga Potluck is a community event to share and celebrate the simplest things, good food, good company and good yoga.
If you have a mat, please bring it, otherwise I have a few extras.
All are welcome, it is an all levels class. Invite your friends and family, celebration loves company.

FREE COMMUNITY NIGHT: HUMILITY with Chutney Berry
City Yoga, West Hollywood
Tuesday, Dec 8th 7:30pm (2nd Tuesday of the month)
Cost: FREE

Yoga riddle:
It's bigger than us and yet small enough to see.
It's attractive in others and what we strive to be.
It's the antidote for arrogance, low self esteem, and competitiveness
Perfectionism, know it all "ism", pride and close mindedness.
We could all use more of it
What is it?
Humility
On and Off our mats. In our practice and our lives. Come tap into the power that transforms.
No Yoga Experience necessary.

Kirtan at Randall's
Private residence, 2235 Linnington Ave, Los Angeles
Wednesdays, Dec 9th and 23rd 7:30pm (Every other Wednesday)
Cost: By Donation

Dec 9th - Joey Lugassy, Govindas, Cooper Madison, and others
With excellent ayurvedic Indian food by Kailas and Mike Baker.
Dec 23rd - TBA

An Evening of Kirtan with Daniel & Friends
Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Friday, Dec 11th 8:30pm (2nd Friday of the month)
Cost: By Donation

Daniel's kirtan is a unique blend of western soul and jazz style improvisation with authentic Sanskrit mantras. The joy he feels singing is evident in the energy that grows in the room and the heart opening often experienced by participants.
Musicians: Sarah, Arielle Silver and Emily Kern on vocals, Jeff Harris on guitar, Angela Devita on flute, and Cooper Madison and Greg Klimuck on drums.
No singing experience needed, only a willingness to open your heart to the joy.

Bizarre Sundays: Yoga + Brunch with Evolve Lifewear
Sunday, Dec 13th (2nd Sunday of the month)
Yoga at 10:30am with Jesse Lombardi at Be Love Yoga followed by Brunch at Royal Claytons English Pub
1855 Industrial Ave, Los Angeles
Cost: $10 yoga, $10 brunch (alcohol not included)

SUNDAY NIGHT YOGA & DINNER with Jennifer Kelly
The Yogi Tree, Toluca Lake
Sunday, Dec 13th 5:00-7:00pm (2nd Sunday of the month)
Cost: $20, children 12 and under are FREE!

From its very inception, The Yogi Tree set the clear intention: this studio belongs to everyone. You, me, him, her, all of us - a unified body of individuals. To honor that intention, that "circle of love" of which Rumi writes, The Yogi Tree is very proud to offer an all-ages, community-oriented Kundalini Yoga class, followed by a yogi-style dinner. Join Yogi Tree owner Jennifer Kelly for an uplifting, deeply connective yoga class - one that will offer physical and spiritual alignment for you, while also activating a dynamic group energy. A homemade, yogi-style dinner, enjoyed casually in a warm group setting, will follow.
Come on your own. Bring a friend. Bring a child. Bring everyone you know.

Kirtan with BhaktiMa
Harmony Yoga, Redondo Beach
Saturday, Dec 19th 7:00pm (3rd Saturday of the month)
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation

Please come listen, chant and enjoy!
"Our goal is create a journey of sound, where the line between performer and audience melts into a single current."

Ecstatic Chanting with Steve Ross
Maha Yoga, Brentwood
Saturday, Dec 19th 8:00pm
Cost: By donation

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.

Weekly Kirtan at Bhakti Yoga Shala
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Cost: Suggested donation $10-$15
Friday, Dec 4th 8:30pm (1st Friday of month) - Andres Salcedo
Saturday, Dec 5th 8:00pm (1st Saturday of month) - Govindas and Radha
Friday, Dec 11th 9:00pm (2nd Friday of month) - Joey Lugassy
Saturday, Dec 12th 8:00pm (2nd Saturday of month) - Michael Thomas
Friday, Dec 18th 9:00pm (3rd Friday of month) - Terra Gold
Saturday, Dec 19th 8:00pm (3rd Saturday of month) - Zat Baraka
Friday, Dec 25th 8:30pm (4th Friday of month) - Kalidas
Saturday, Dec 26th 8:00pm (4th Saturday of month) - Travis Eliot


~~~ this month's highlights ~~~

A MantRa TaNtra EaSt wEst FuSion ExpErieNce with Jai Uttal, Larisa Stow and the Shakti Tribe, and Naked Rhythm
A BENEFIT FOR CHARITY:WATER.ORG - HELP BUILD A WELL IN INDIA
Kali Klub, 3229 Casitas Avenue, Atwater Village
Friday, Dec 4th 7:00pm-midnight
Cost: $25 in advance, $30 at door

Jai Uttal, Larisa Stow and Shakti Tribe, Naked Rhythm, DJ Avi in a totally new and innovative environment for Kirtan and world music - KALI KLUB - A conscious nightclub and total sensory environment with Massive Projections, Lasers, Light Shows, Huge Sound, Visionary Art and Artists, Astrology, Tarot, Amazing Raw food from Sahadev of the Rose Temple, fun vendors, Coffe, Tea, Juice Bar... AND YOU!!!
TONS OF FREE PARKING AND PLENTY OF ROOM TO DANCE!!!

108 Sun Salutations with Psalm Isadora - A Fundraiser for Women's Empowerment School in India
With Live Kirtan with Zat Baraka, Ena Vie, Cryrus Pirasteh and Momo Loudiyi
Modern Om, 13452 Washington Blvd (just east of Lincoln), Venice
Saturday, Dec 5th 10:00am-1:00pm
Cost: By Donation

This is the 2nd annual Yoga Mala for the Tree of Life Yoga School. Last year, we raised $2,000. This year my goal is to raise $3,000. Please come and join us, if you want to participate in the mala or just to come show your support and give your energy. Our good friends Cyrus, Zat and Momo will be doing kirtan to keep the energy up. So even if you just come to support, you can join in the chanting.
Proceeds go towards "Healing the Mother". A women's education project. Helping the women in the city of Vizag to achieve their dreams through education, yoga and job skills, allowing them to create a foundation for self fulfillment and self reliance and to become empowered members of their community. By helping empower the women, we empower the children and families they help support. Tree of Life Yoga School and Community is a 501(c)3 corp.

Passion + Grace ~ Kirtan with Jai Uttal + Daniel Paul
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Saturday, Dec 5th 7:30-10:00pm
Cost: $25; $32 day of

"Kirtan is food for the spirit, a life raft of song...."
Embark on a journey into the multi-colored, many roomed mansions of the heart through the practice of Kirtan; or chanting the ecstatic songs of ancient India. Using call-and-response singing and storytelling, recording artist Jai Uttal will invoke a space of prayer and heartfelt expression, joined by his good friend, tabla maestro and vocalist Daniel Paul.
No previous experience is needed. This is an exploration of the heart, independent of vocal or musical technique.

Kirtan with Sheela Bringi
Aanand Saagar, Venice
Saturday, Dec 5th 8:00pm
Cost: $15 Suggested Donation

Kirtan is collective call-and-response chanting that opens the heart and leads the mind to stillness. Sheela Bringi skillfully weaves the ancient chants of India with world rhythms and creative instrumentation. She sings kirtan and plays the harp, harmonium and bansuri (bamboo) flute, and has been trained in Indian classical, devotional and jazz music. Sheela's music has been greatly influenced by her Indian family heritage, her teachers, and Amma, the "hugging saint" from South India.

Passion and Grace - The art of devotional singing with Jai Uttal
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Sunday, Dec 6th 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $40

In the practice of Kirtan we are able to come into contact with the wide palette of feelings inside of us and to begin to freely express them and share them with others. Rather than being obstacles in our path, these emotions become the fuel to connect us to the Spirit, to our eternal beloved. This deep river of passionate surrender and prayer is known as Bhakti Yoga, the Yoga of devotion or personal relationship with the divine.
In this workshop Jai will explore how we can approach the path of Bhakti Yoga in our own lives, with our own personalities and identities. We will begin to understand a new meaning of aesthetics, an internal aesthetics, wherein we create our most beautiful prayers to spirit without the slightest concern for other's opinions or criticisms. We will touch on the vast beauty of the Indian Raga and Tala systems and direct participants to further study in those areas. Jai will open the floor to all kinds of questions, and, with a very flexible and lighthearted approach, will answer from his personal experiences and ideas and the stories of ancient India.
No previous experience is needed for these workshops. This is an exploration of the heart, independent of vocal or musical technique.

Mother-Daughter Partner Yoga Workshop
Lyfe Yoga Center, Hermosa Beach
Sunday, Dec 6th 3:30-5:30pm
Cost: $40

Looking for another way to connect with your daughter and feel closer in one of the strongest relationships you will experience in your life? Honor your bond through this Mother Daughter Partner Yoga Class. Proceeds will go towards the Hermosa Beach Education Foundation.

The Kundalini Yoga Experience with Krishna Kaur
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Thursday, Dec 10th 6:00-7:30pm
Cost: FREE

Come join internationally renowned teacher, Krishna Kaur, for a 90-minute Kundalini Yoga Experience that will leave you transformed. A true master, Krishna has been teaching Kundalini Yoga for over 35 years. Her classes are high-energy, uplifting and very powerful. For those who are interested in profound personal transformation, this is the class for you.

Yoga Side of the Moon with Andres Salcedo
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Friday, Dec 11th 8:00-10:00pm
Cost: $20

After many successful "Yoga Sides of the Moon" workshops around the planet, Andres is excited to bring this event back to Exhale. Creating a dynamic flow based on simple asanas, you will embark into a yogic exploration through the sound of Pink Floyd's album "Dark side of the Moon" surrounded by atmospheric soundscapes and carefully placed sound effects that will help you achieved a natural psychedelic emotional state.
The workshop will start with a simple warm up series, follow by a flow inspired on the sound of the album and created on the spot based on the energy of the group, ultimately leading to tranquil and peaceful relaxation of the body, mind and spirit. Bring your yoga mat, open heart and be prepare to sweat, flow and fly high.

A Special Holiday Charity Class for Yoga Gives Back
Yogaworks Center for Yoga, Larchmont
Saturday, Dec 12th 2:00-5:00pm
Cost: $20 Suggested donation

Come join us in a universal spirit of union to help women in India break out of the chains of poverty. An amazing team of Yoga Works teachers will gather at Center For Yoga to teach this special class; Clay Kyle, David Lynch, James Morrison, Joan Hyman, Whitney Allen, Kia Miller, Mia Togo, Malachi Melville and Jeanne Heileman. Live soulful music by Rich Ferguson, Kalani and Friends. Special Carols by Andrew Abaria and his singers, and James Morrison's live song! Lots of amazing raffle items to support YGB!! Thank you everyone and see you all there.

Yoga 4 Creativity with Brenda Strong, a Fundraiser for Yo San University
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Saturday, Dec 12th 4:00-6:00pm
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. To purchase tickets please visit: healthcarecomedy.blogspot.com

Intention+Attention=Transformation; Come explore the 2nd Chakra and learn how to receive all you dreamed of with this Yoga Practice with Brenda Strong. Laughter is an expression of Joy and Joy is the by-product of being aligned with Divine Source. Learn to release all the patterns of emotional and physical blocks to your creative power and awaken the Divine Feminine art of receiving. We will open the hips, unlocking the energy center buried there and explore our potential for aligning our intention with our attention through the breath. Healing from the Inside-Out and awakening the source of unending creativity and joy.
All proceeds from this special event will benefit Yo San University’s Outreach Programs, providing acupuncture and Chinese Medicine to Children’s Hospital, Premiere Oncology Foundation, low income families and people living with HIV and AIDS.

Laughter is the Best Medicine - A Party and Health Care Comedy Fundraiser for Yo San University
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Saturday, Dec 12th 7:00-11:00pm
Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. To purchase tickets please visit healthcarecomedy.blogspot.com

A Party and Comedy Program benefiting Yo San University with Eddie Pepitone, Andrea Shreeman, Masood Ali Khan, Joe McGovern, Sebastien Gendry, Shani Tennyson and more.
Doors open at 7pm, Comedy begins at 8pm.
Complimentary organic food and wine, plus a raffle with amazing health conscious gifts from high vibration companies like: Parducci Wines, Earthbar, Coconut Bliss, Transition Nutrition, Guayaki, Beyond O2, Innerwear Clothing, Leaf Organics, Robert Sturman Studio, Steam Salon, Vital Hemptations, RawVolution, Amazon Herb Co., Lucy Activewear, Yogitoes, Yogaglo, Buddha Nose, African Cowboy, New Chapter, Lilla Bello Studio and Arbonne International.
Through its outreach programs, Yo San University provides acupuncture and pain management to Children's Hospital, Premiere Oncology Foundation, Venice Family Clinic and WeHo's Being Alive program for people living with HIV and AIDS.

Zen Dancing End of the Year Partay with Micheline Berry
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Saturday, Dec 12th 8:00-10:00pm
Cost: $20

DJ Drez spinning funky world beats
Te'Amir on percussion
Domonic Dean Breaux, winds and
Micheline Berry, dance
Come unwind and celebrate the approaching Winter Solstice with a spontaneous feast of Funky World Beats sure to get your holiday groove on...
Come prepared to dance your heart out!

yoga + hiking + picnic = awesome with Dan Ward
Yogaco, Santa Monica
Sunday, Dec 13th 10:15am-3:15pm
Cost: By donation

Starting with a 10:15am yoga class taught by Dan Ward at YOGAco. The yoga class features a special treat: Samadhi singing and Vyas on guitar!
Then we carpool up to a top secret nearby hiking location where we'll roam theez hillz for a 3-6 mile hike.
After the hike, there'll be a vegan picnic catered by The Homecooked Vegan, Lesley Ward.
There will also be a wonderful Christmas ornament craft table and probably a sick frisbee session, too!
Families welcome! the entire event is by donation only!

Meditate and Celebrate the True Birth of a New Year: Winter Solstice at Yoga West
Yoga West, Los Angeles
Sunday, Dec 13th 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $50

Invigorate your life for the Advantage of 2010 with a course taught by Guru Singh
The power of appreciation (Gratitude)
Leads to mental clarity (Aptitude)
Providing a vital projection (Attitude)
Bring a piece of fruit, paper and pen.

Partner Thai Yoga Workshop with Deon DeWet
Urth Yoga, Silverlake
Sunday, Dec 13th 1:00-4:00pm
Cost: $30 in advance, $40 at the door

Experience the joys of giving and receiving a unique method of Interactive Yogic Bodywork, within the peace and safety of Urth Yoga Studio.
Learn how to combine assisted Yoga stretches and Traditional Thai Massage - harmonizing the flows of energy throughout the body. Enjoy a profound sense of release and contentment as you and your partner help each other to deeply integrate body, mind and soul. This class is recommended for all people – as long as they can maintain a kneeling or lunging position for a few minutes at a time.
No prior Yoga or massage experience is required. We will work on a comfortable combination of mats and blankets on the floor. Bring a friend or let us know to pair you up with a compatible partner.

Guided Partner Massage Workshop with Christi Anne Franck and Katrina Webster
Yoga Blend, Burbank
Sunday, Dec 13th 1:30-4:00pm
Cost: $60 per couple before December 6th, $70 after

Touch is so important to our being. Partner Massage and Yoga are beneficial ways to incorporate a different kind of touch and healing energy into your life.
During the course of the workshop, you and your partner will be guided through a basic sequence that includes many of the essentials of Partner Yoga poses weaved in with Relaxing Massage Techniques. It's a class that builds trust, opens energy and allows both parties to go deeper in their practice. These techniques are easy to do and will have you and your partner feeling great.
This workshop is open to all partners, come with a friends, parent, husband, wife, neighbor, etc.
No experience in yoga or massage is needed.

PARTNER YOGA WORKSHOP with SARAH COLEMAN and SHAUN GRANATO
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Sunday, Dec 13th 1:45-3:45pm
Cost: Suggested Donation $20

Join Sarah Coleman and Shaun Granato for an exploration of Partner Yoga. In Partner Yoga you will learn to breath and flow together as well as assist each other through traditional yoga asana This will not only deepen the body's experience but enhance communication and connection on a more subtle level. Yoga means to join- body, mind and spirit. The intention of the partner yoga practice is to explore your yoga with another embracing joined expression and trust as well as find new depths in your physical practice. This workshop is taught with a sense of curiosity, joy and even some laughter!

To honor the 91st birthday of B.K.S. Iyengar
Iyengar Yoga Institute, Los Angeles
Sunday, Dec 13th 2:00-4:00pm
Cost: Suggested donation $20

We hope you will join us on December 13 to honor the man who has touched millions around the world. Reflect in the beauty of others in our community as we reflect in the beauty of the Self.Garth McLean will teach an all-levels asana class in honor of this auspicious occasion.
Refreshments will follow.
Proceeds to benefit IYILA and Bellur Trust (Guruji’s charity).

Kirtan Cookie Party with The Temple Bhajan Band
Yoga Bindu, San Pedro
Sunday, Dec 13th 6:00pm
Cost: $5 and cookies!

Bring 2 dozen cookies (to exchange) and $5 for the band. Enjoy an evening of dinner and kirtan, and take home an assortment of holiday cookies and good cheer.

Anusara®: Inner Symmetry with Elena Brower
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Thursday, Dec 17th 6:30-8:00pm
Cost: FREE

You are invited to experience your inner symmetry through asymmetrical poses; this practice intends to be an exploration of your capacity for balance and ease in any interaction in your life.
Elena Brower, Certified Anusara® Yoga Teacher, is the founder and co-owner of Virayoga in New York City. Teaching 12+ years, she is a faculty member at Kripalu, and in collaboration with Flavorpill, Elena teaches large-scale yoga classes, most recently at the Museum of Modern Art, YouTube video and Times Square, with plans to reach cultural institutions in cities nationwide and worldwide in the next 2 years.

OmDance and Chant
Inner Power Yoga, Woodland Hills
Thursday, Dec 17th 7:45-9:45pm
Cost: Love Donation

Dance wild, sing free and celebrate the essence of your true nature in a safe and sacred space with and Chant. Supported by awesome world music and live chanting we will flow from movement to meditation, sound to stillness, honoring the bliss of being... Led by Narthana Nithyananda and Stella Davies.

Winter Solstice 108 Sun Salutations to Live Music with Lonne Dickerson
Free Spirit Yoga, Long Beach
Friday, Dec 18th 7:15-9:00pm
Cost: $25 pre-registration, $30 at the door

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. By doing 108, you are sparking each one of your 108 nadis (energy centers, chakras) in your body, cleansing and purifying for the new season. Begin to think of an intention you'd like to set for this class and time of year. You will need a small towel, yoga mat & some water. Space is limited. Following class will be light refreshments.

Yogasonic at Rising Lotus Yoga
Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Friday, Dec 18th 7:30pm
Cost: Suggested Donation $15

YogaSonic is an exciting and new approach to the practice of Vinyasa Flow Yoga, it melds freestyle Vinyasa Flow Yoga and real time live ambient music to bring a fresh, vibe filled experience to group yoga practice. Incredible live ambient tunes created and mixed in the studio by John Tague offers a deep and unique experience to the practice. Freestyle yoga offers yogis the opportunity to practice on their own in a spontaneous, energetic group setting; embodying yoga in their own authentic way.
Group warm up, cool down and meditation guided by yoga instructor Michelle Goldstein.

Off The Mat, Into the World 2010 Launch and Kirtan Dance Party
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Friday, Dec 18th 7:30-11:00pm
Cost: $15

Join Suzanne Sterling, Seane Corn, and Hala Khouri for a Solstice celebration and Kirtronica dance party to launch our Off The Mat, Into The Word 2010 Initiatives.
Celebrate with us as we sing, dance and chant for change! This evening, co-hosted by YogaGlo and OTM, will include Kirtan and dancing with Suzanne and her rockin' kirtronica band, Solstice ritual and prayer with Suzanne, Seane and Hala, and guest performances from local street youth; raffle, yummy vendors and Yoga Play Lounge (fun yoga toys) and more! We will be launching our 2010 Seva Challenge South Africa and Seva Challenge Los Angeles Initiatives, our Seva Challenge documentary film, and celebrating the release of Suzanne's new album called "Blue Fire Soul."

Winter Solstice Celebration with Sara Ivanhoe
Yogaworks Main Street, Santa Monica
Friday, Dec 18th 7:45-9:45pm
Cost: $25

Now is the time to clear out the past and get ready for the year to come. Celebrating the solstice is a powerful way to plant seeds for the future and taking some time for yourself to nurture and prepare for the winter months is equivalent to animals preparing for hibernation. The winter solstice is the longest night of the year, the time to go inward and honor the power of darkness--it is by honoring the darkness that we are brought back to the Light. Come join us for the Ritusamhara or "Garland of the Seasons", our seasonal ritual which will include asana pranayama mantra, arati and live music by Travis Eliot.

108 Sun Salutes Celebrating the Winter Solstice
Yummy Yoga, Los Feliz
Saturday, Dec 19th 1:00-3:00pm
Cost: Canned soup donations!

Skip the crowded shopping malls and come breathe, move, and sweat, and celebrate the season while you GIVE to families in need!
Join Larry and Amy for this donation-based traditional yogic offering in honor of the first day of Winter. Please bring donations of canned soup to help keep bellies warm for local families in need this winter!

Winter Solstice Sacred Groove Yoga/Dance Party
Be Love Yoga, Downtown Los Angeles
Saturday, Dec 19th 2:00-8:00pm
Cost: $10

Calling in the Light ~ Ritual of Renewal with Yoga + Kirtan With Shiva Rea, Dave Stringer and Steve Gold
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Saturday and Sunday, Dec 19th and 20th; see below for times and individual pricing
Cost: $108 Early Bird by Dec 7th, $145 after ~ includes Three Yoga Sadhanas and Evening Kirtan Celebration

Inside the fertile darkness the light emerges...
The Winter Solstice is one of the oldest and most potent rituals of renewal. As the northern hemisphere of the earth reaches its darkest point of the year, the Winter Solstice is the turning point of increasing light from December 21st onward.
For many world cultures, the Solstice is the true new year as the ritual marker to truly let go, honor and bring closure to the past year and ignite our deepest visions and intentions for the coming year as the light is emerging. Our bodies as nature are intimately connected with this macro solar rhythm giving us a powerful opportunity to align and be in harmony with the greater flow.
While the outer world moves in a holiday flurry, this ritual yoga, kirtan, meditation and vision intensive will dive into the deeper rhythm of inner renewal.
- Saturday, Dec 19th 3:00-6:00pm
Calling in the Light: Deep Listening, Cleansing and Renewal with Shiva Rea and Steve Gold
Cost: $60
Experience a chakra-based yoga sadhana as a ritual invocation and intention process that provides a full-spectrum map for cleansing and activating one’s life flow from the root chakra to our vision of the coming year. Through deep listening and surrender, we will create offerings for ritual containers for dissolving, completion and activating to be offered into the fire at the moment of the solstice to transform the peak of darkness into the light of transformation.
- Saturday, Dec 19th 8:00-10:00pm
Calling in the Light: Kirtan with Shiva Rea and Dave Stringer
Cost: $25 in advance; $35 day of
- Sunday, Dec 20th 10:30am-12:15pm
Embodying the Light: Meditative Prana Flow with Steve Gold
Cost: $20
- Sunday, Dec 20th 2:00-5:30pm
Embodying the Light: Winter Solstice Yoga Mala, Mantra and Sunset Ocean Puja with Shiva, Dave Stringer and Steve Gold
Cost: $60
Forming a mandala of light, we will ground our intentions through a yoga mala of 108 Namaskars to the mantra and kirtan of Dave Stringer and then head in a procession to the ocean (weather permitting) to complete the Solstice ritual at sunset.
**Bring warm clothes and your heartfire. Family and friends are welcome to join the procession at 4:15 in front of Exhale.

Solstice OM Chant with Allison McCready
Santa Monica Yoga, Santa Monica
Saturday, Dec 19th 6:00-7:15pm
Cost: $10 suggested donation

OM has been described as the primordial sound; a sacred mantra representing the absolute oneness of the Universe. By chanting OM we use this sacred mantra to enter into a dialogue with the divine. Chanting helps us clear illusion from our mind and tune our inner being to the frequency of Love. The sweetness of chanting stills the mind, dissolves worries, and opens the heart. In addition to profoundly affecting the individual, chanting OM reverberates through the body of mankind, helping to heal a violent world. In this class we will set intentions for the new season, chant OM and immerse ourselves in the loving vibration of this simple and powerful prayer.
Helpful notes:
**No yoga experience is required – all are welcome.
**Arrive a few minutes early.
**Avoid eating at least 1 hour before chanting.
**Leave your cell phone in your car.

108 Sun Salutes
Santa Monica Yoga, Santa Monica
Sunday, Dec 20th 7:00am
Cost: FREE!

Join teachers Nancy Goodstein, Kyra Haglund, Luke Ketterhagen, and Allison McCready in this celebration of the solstice. It is traditionally auspicious to repeat a prayer or mantra 108 times. Repeating 108 sun salutes is a unique and fun way to welcome the returning sun at the solstice.

Winter Solstice Workshop with Bekah Finch
Yoga Blend, Burbank
Sunday, Dec 20th 2:00-4:00pm
Cost: $15

"Winter solstice - the longest night of the year - profoundly challenges our psychological tolerance for darkness. It is a visionary time. Like the dark of the moon each month, Winter Solstice represents not only the pitch black of night, but also a seed of something that will unfold in the coming year. We pray for a future we can only imagine."
Join Bekah for a blend of yoga, meditation and creation to honor the winter, celebrate the darkness and to plant powerful seed intentions for the coming year.

Christmas Yoga with Santokh Claus
Awareness Center Yoga, Pasadena
Sunday, Dec 20th 2:00-3:30pm
Cost: By donation

A class for children of all ages!
An Awareness Center tradition!
A Christmas treat for the entire family!
Santa (aka Dr. Santokh Singh Khalsa) will share a special yoga class, followed by guitar music and caroling!
This class is by donation which will benefit Five Acres Children's Foundation.

Kirtan with Ryan Brewer
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Sunday, Dec 20th 8:00pm
Cost: By Donation

Solstice Celebration with Gurmukh, Tej & Gurushabd
Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood
Monday, Dec 21st 6:00-8:30pm
Cost: $25

We are entering a new era where intellectual knowledge is not what will sustain us in life. We are entering an era where our own blessings will bring us the most power. Your blessing power can make you pure, elevated and believe it or not, more efficient! When you develop the habit to bless – your environments, the people in your life, and even those you think don’t deserve it -- you surround yourself in blessings. Join us as we develop the mind set to bless, to uplift, and heal the world at the time of the Winter Solstice, when the sun energy is smallest and our depth is most accessible. We will end with a fruit meditation where we’ll “Inject Healing Sounds into Fruit.” Please bring an orange and one to share with a friend!

Becoming like Angels: A Christmas Eve Celebration with Tej
Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood
Thursday, Dec 24th 9:00am
Cost: $16 or Keytags

Out of the Mind Comes the Lotus – Experiencing the Kindness in You
Life is both plus & minus, but for some 2 + 2 = 5. They add smiles, warmth, love and kindness which equals the most powerful healing on the planet. We become like angels by celebrating our inner strength, allowing us to be secure, to give to all, and to live in the service of our Destiny.
This class will challenge your ego and give you the health and inner energy to live from your angelic nature. Come for powerful Kundalini Yoga & Meditation and great company.

Christmas Eve with Ananda Los Angeles
Heaven on Earth Holistic Center, 7122 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles (Second Floor, above Starbucks and Susina Bakery. Entrance on Detroit St)
Thursday, Dec 24th 7:30-9:00pm
Cost: Free

Join us for this all-ages Christmas Eve program that includes a special version of the Festival of Light, an inspiring Christmas Eve talk, a Christmas Message from Paramhansa Yogananda, music, sacred stories, a candle ceremony...and more. Children of all ages are welcome.
Plenty of FREE PARKING is available. To see the location of the parking structure, as well as directions and more information about this location, CLICK HERE.

Kirtan with Kalidas
Aanand Saagar, Venice
Saturday, Dec 26th 8:00pm
Cost: $15 Suggested Donation

Celebrate New Year's Eve with Guru Singh
Yoga West, Los Angeles
Thursday, Dec 31st 6:30-8:30pm (Doors open at 5:30pm for light refreshments and mingling)
Cost: $30 until 12/30. Space is limited and will sell out; no tickets will be sold the day of event. No keytags.

Also, Guru Singh would like to extend the following invitation:
Please join us across the street at the Guru Ram Das Ashram for more New Year's Eve festivities
9:30pm - 31 min. "Meditation for 1,000 Days"
10:00pm - 31 min. Prosperity Meditation
10:30pm - Kirtan Program Begins
Midnight - Hukam for 2010
Yogi tea and tasty snacks will be served. All are welcome. Please bring a headcovering.

Blue Moon Meditation and New Year's Eve Party with Yoga Bindu
Angel's Gate Cultural Center, 3601 South Gaffey St, Bldg "H", San Pedro
Thursday, Dec 31st 7:00pm-past midnight
Cost: $25 plus potluck. Payment must be made by December 10 for us to secure Angel's Gate "H"

The second full moon in one month is called a "blue moon" and is considered an auspicious occasion. This December 31, 2009 is a Full Long Night Moon, the night when this midwinter moon is above the horizon for the longest time of the year, making this night the longest and darkest.
When the moon is full, our emotional nature and deep intuition are much more active. This particular moon is related to growth and stability, supporting the emotional tides within us as we celebrate a new month, a new year, and a new decade!
We will release the old while setting new intentions for a healthy, stable, prosperous 2010!
Join us for a night of outside moon meditation, intention and celebration.

New Year's Eve Meditation Circle
Studio Surya Studio, Venice
Thursday, Dec 31st 7:00-10:00pm
Cost: $55

Join Jasmine Dickens in Sacred Ceremony New Year's Eve 2009. 2010 is the year of the Tiger. "When tiger appears get ready for adventure, challenge and change. The power, passion and vitality of tiger will activate the same components within yourself."
In this Sacred Circle we will focus our collective energies on emptying ourselves of all that is the past and then we will CHOOSE what we wish to create in 2010. Once the choice is made we are engulfed and completely surrounded by our chosen creation. We will invoke the sacred medicine of the tiger to assist us. Embrace the newness of 2010 with grace, courage and trust!

Rumi and Sacred Music for the New Year
Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Thursday, Dec 31st 7:00pm
Cost: $15 in advance, $18 at the door

An intimate evening of Rumi's poetry read by Claire Hartley and devotional Sufi music by Yuval Ron.
Please join us for meditative and introspective sacred music from the Sufi Turkish Mevlave tradition as performed on the Oud (Middle eastern Lute) and the Ney flute weaved with mystical wisdom of Rumi’s poetry. Uplifting, enchanting and inspiring experience as the New Year is about to begin!

New Year's Eve Kirtan Celebration and Meditation
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Thursday, Dec 31st 8:00pm - 1:00am
Cost: Suggested Donation $20

Bring in the New Year Bliss with Govindas & Radha, Travis Eliot, Andres Salcedo, Ryan Brewer, Sidnie Charnaw, Masood Ali Khan, Chris Morro, The Kirtaniyas, Momo Loudiyi, Kalidas, MC Shiva Baum and many more...

Rocking Intentional New Years Eve Flow Class with Sarah Bergman and Daniel Stewart
Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Thursday, Dec 31st 8:30pm
Cost: Regular class price

Come set the tone for your New Year with sweat, yogi tears and Rock n' Roll. We will bid 2009 adieu with a bang of community practice lead by Sarah to live music by Daniel and friends. We'll align ourselves as one in joyous flow and welcome 2010 in with grounding rituals that cultivate clarity for envisioning the path ahead, collectively and individually. This New Years celebration class will close with a short kirtan and an opportunity to sit and melt into meditation. Jai 2010!

New Year's Eve with Ananda Los Angeles
Heaven on Earth Holistic Center, 7122 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles (Second Floor, above Starbucks and Susina Bakery. Entrance on Detroit St)
Thursday, Dec 31st 9:00pm-Midnight
Cost: Donation Basis

Join us for this spiritual approach to bringing in the New Year the right way--with a fun and uplifting focus to helping 2010 be the best year of your life!
This evening will include chanting, writing exercises, a brief inspiring talk, affirmations, a centering meditation, a fire ceremony to sweep out the old and bring in the new, healing prayers, a New Year's message from Paramhansa Yogananda, and more.
For Everyone -- All Ages Welcome
Plenty of FREE PARKING is available. To see the location of the parking structure, as well as directions and more information about this location, CLICK HERE.

ONE Night: 12th Annual Golden Bridge New Year's Celebration with Gurmukh Khalsa
Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood
Thursday, Dec 31st 9:00pm-1:00am
Cost: Cost: $60 in advance, $68 day of

Full Blue Moon Night
Golden Bridge doors open for all in celebration, prayer and community on New Year’s Eve night! It will be a night of individual reflection, ecstatic kirtan and dance, yoga, deep meditation, chanting, the gong, and great company! The Nite Moon Café will serve warm delicious Indian cuisine along with assorted sweets and yogi tea chai.
Whoosh! Out goes the physical, mental and emotional debris of 2009, giving space for new opportunities and relationships to be found in the highly charged energy field of 2010.
This is a very exciting and energized year affording us a renewed sense of spirit with which to sail the seas of life’s grand adventure! On New Year’s Eve, let us use the power of group consciousness to draw infinite sums of energy and prana into us.
Join us on this magical evening as we link our prayers with all the seekers of light on the planet and blend the clear light of compassion into every aspect of our lives.
Please note also that there is NO CHILDCARE at this event. Parents are responsible for their kids at all times!

New Year's Eve Awakening: A Tantra Puja with Charu Morgan
The Hub, West Los Angeles
Thursday, Dec 31st 9:00pm-1:00am
Cost: $75 per person, $50 early registration. Preregistration is required to hold your space: eveningofawakening.blogspot.com

Where have you held back this year? What were the greatest moments of experiencing the depths of your loving, the agony of your hate? What are you longing for as you enter into this new year? Allow yourself to awaken your body, fully embrace and lovingly release the experiences of the year gone by, be blessed and nourished in your visions for the year to come and celebrate by discovering yourself alive on a whole new level as you ring in the new year.
This Evening of Awakening is inspired by the Tantric Puja ritual. A Puja is a prayer. In Tantra, our prayer is recognizing the divine in every human being, our temple is the body. In a Puja ritual each man will have the opportunity to partner with each woman for a simple exercise or meditation. The Tantric meditations use breath, movement, sound, and guided meditation to enrich each meeting throughout the ceremony. Attending Couples may choose to work solely with each other. There is no nudity or sexual contact in the class.

New Year's Eve Ecstatic Experience with Mesmera
Awareness Center Yoga, Pasadena
Thursday, Dec 31st 9:30pm-midnight
Cost: $25 by 12/28, $30 thereafter

Connecting to the Infinite through movement!
Ecstatic Dance!
Elixir Bar!
Annointing Oils!
Sole Rubs!
Release 2009! Connect to the Divine! Create new intentions for 2010! Adventure into the unknown!
This evening will be a mystical union of the physical and spiritual. Through movement, you will reach a meditative state and connect to the Infinite; transcending the personal and igniting the Divine. The first part of the evening will be a guided experience through the chakras. Then we will dance to heal and go into free-form movement. This ecstatic journey will provide you with keys to your individual joy, wisdom and artistic freedom.

New Year's Eve Practice and CELEBRATION with Christine Burke
Liberation Yoga, Los Angeles
Thursday, Dec 31st 9:45pm-Midnight
Cost: $45

Ring in the new year with that yoga glow! This practice is an all levels vinyasa class with chanting, meditation and new year's treats. Start 2010 with a healthy smile on your face and a peaceful heart. This event sells out so don't wait until the last minute! Call (323)964-5222 to reserve your spot. We must receive payment for your spot to be confirmed.

Welcome the New Year in Peace
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Marina del Rey
Thursday, Dec 31st 10:00pm
Cost: FREE

Ring in 2010 in peace, setting intentions for your spiritual progress. Join like-minded members of the yoga community for our annual New Year celebration.
The evening will consist of meditation, chanting and a puja at midnight to welcome the new year.

New Years Kirtan Celebration with Daniel Stewart, Sarah Bergman & Friends
Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Thursday, Dec 31st 10:30pm
Cost: $15 Suggested Donation

Rocking Intentional New Years Eve Kirtan with Daniel and Friends. Sing and Dance into 2010!
Join Sarah & Daniel and Friends for a joyous Kirtan to celebrate the dawning new year. We'll sing and dance as we set our intentions and welcome the new year. By donation. Chant and be happy!

Beach Yoga on New Year's Day with Brad Keimach
Santa Monica Beach ~ at the water's edge by lifeguard station #29 (end of Marine Street)
Friday, Jan 1st 10:30am-12pm (also every Saturday and Sunday, same time and place)
Cost: By Donation

Bring a large towel or mat, sunscreen, your great spirit and a sense of adventure and beauty! If it's cool out, have layers that you can take off easily as we warm up, and then put back on as we cool down. Hats and scarves can also come in handy. It's surprisingly fun to practice in cool weather, as long as you're dressed for it.
There is free parking on Hampton (2nd St.) and 3rd and 4th. Leave time to circle around to find free parking. See you there!

Balanced & Zen into 2010 ~ 2 hour Restorative class with Bekah Finch
Yoga Blend, Burbank
Friday, Jan 1st 10:30am-12:30pm
Cost: $20 by Dec 25th / $25 after

A special 2 hour restorative class
A huge number of people spend the first day of the new year hungover, exhausted and just feeling bad. Start your new year in a new way!
Join Bekah for 2 hours of healing restorative yoga to bring your body into balance and your mind into zen.
It is an easy, yet powerful way to get 2010 off to a great start!

FREE New Year’s Day Yoga with Kyra Haglund
Santa Monica Yoga, Santa Monica
Friday, Jan 1st 11:30am
Cost: FREE

Join Kyra for an all levels flow class. What better way to start the New Year?

Chanting at Narayan Mandir with Wah! and Joey Lugassy
Narayan Mandir, 1668 Rising Glen Blvd, Hollywood
Friday, Jan 1st 3:30-8:30pm
Cost: By Donation

Start the New Year chanting and seal your intentions of peace for the planet, peace in your own heart! Be the love, come and share in the community vibe and exquisite beauty of Narayan Mandir, located in Hollywood Hills.
Bring a cushion. Adults only, please.
Note: this event starts in the afternoon.

Sarva Aishwarya Puja + Kirtan with Saul David Raye and special guests
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Friday Jan 1st 6:00-8:00pm
Cost: $25 in advance; $30 day of

Join Saul for this very special New Year's Celebration filled with sacred ceremony, chanting, dancing, prayer all aligning with the power and invocation of the New Year! Evening includes New Years Puja by vedic priest Shiva Kumar, live music, ecstatic chanting, dancing and more! Don’t miss this wonderful celebration and affirmation of life! It will open your heart, lift your spirit and nourish the inner channels of strength, abundance and wisdom in you! What better way to invoke the New Year!

Kirtan with Lalita Lily Diamond
Aanand Saagar, Venice
Saturday, Jan 2nd 8:00pm
Cost: By Donation

JOIN LALITA FOR KIRTAN TO OPEN THE NEW YEAR
Honoring GANESHA, the Lord of New Beginnings and the Dispeller of Obstacles
Invoking the blessings of Ganesh for success is tradition at any new beginning. Please join us as we celebrate the power to overcome obstacles through chanting mantras, singing songs, offering flame, water, flowers and prayers. You may bring your Ganesha images.

I AM THE DREAM: Y.O.G.A. FOR YOUTH FUNDRAISER
The Yogi Tree, Toluca Lake
Sunday, Jan 3rd 5:00pm
Cost: By Donation

This January, Y.O.G.A. FOR YOUTH launches its annual fundraising drive, I AM THE DREAM, with the intention of raising $108,000 to sponsor yoga classes and programs for children in need.
The Yogi Tree is very proud to offer an all-ages, community-oriented Kundalini Yoga class, followed by a yogi-style dinner. Join Yogi Tree owner Jennifer Kelly for an uplifting, deeply connective yoga class - one that will offer physical and spiritual alignment for you, while also activating a dynamic group energy. A homemade, yogi-style dinner, enjoyed casually in a warm group setting, will follow.
Come on your own. Bring a friend. Bring a child. Bring everyone you know.
We are donating 100% of the door for this class to Y.O.G.A. FOR YOUTH. Additionally, you can visit the Y.O.G.A. FOR YOUTH website to make a donation: http://www.yogaforyouth.org/index.php
"I am a part of all that I have met," says Lord Alfred Tennyson. So it is. You are a beautiful part of The Yogi Tree, as The Yogi Tree, hopefully, is - or will be - a beautiful part of you.

a pesky eater's guide to LA food trucks, part 3

i was never a picky eater. i'd eat almost anything served to me, whether it be comfort food cooked at home, fried mystery meat served at fast food joints, aromatic concoctions doled out by street vendors, or gourmet meals presented at 5-star restaurants. as long as it tasted good to someone, i was willing to give it a shot.

but that was before i decided to give up eating meat altogether. now all i can do is reminisce about the taste and feel of the food i no longer eat -- well-aged steaks, perfectly-sauced chicken, tender juicy pork chops. thank god i still eat fish and seafood, otherwise i'd go nuts!

because the items listed at the top of most menus feature meat from animals who used to roam the earth -- or their cages, in some cases -- most vegetarians and pescetarians will usually walk right past the brightly-painted trucks parked curbside during the lunch break... and head straight for nearby salad bars where they can load up on the familiar (read: ho-hum) assortment of veggies and dressings.

if they only knew what they were missing!

i've been checking out the food truck scene for many months now and have already posted two guides covering the pescetarian options on the trucks i'd visited -- all 27 of them:

~ a pescetarian's guide to the LA food truck scene, part 1
~ veg-head LA food truck guide, part 2

since then, i've stopped at seven more trucks. so once again, i'm going to merge the list of truck names included in those two earlier entries with these new ones so that you have all of them in one convenient place, with a link to the appropriate review. i've also included their websites as well as the names they tweet under (because that's the only way you'll ever find out where they're parked!)

asian-latin fusion cuisine trucks:

kogi BBQ (kogibbq.com @kogibbq) - korean-mexican (part 1)
calbi BBQ (calbibbq.com @calbiBBQ) - korean-mexican (part 1)
bool BBQ (boolbbq.com @boolBBQ) - korean-mexican (part 1)
bull kogi (kimchibulkogi.com @bullkogi) - korean-mexican (part 1)
don chow tacos (donchowtacos.com @donchowtacos) - chinese-mexican (part 1)
LA fuxion (lafuxion.com @LA_FuXion) - asian-latin (part 1)
lomo arigato (lomoarigato.com @lomoarigato) - japanese-peruvian (part 2)


ethnic street food trucks:

marked5 (marked5.com @Marked5) - japanese burgers (part 1)
fishlips sushi (fishlips-sushi.com @fishlips_sushi) - sushi (part 1)
skewers on wheels (skewersonwheels.com @SKEWERSONWHEELS) - ** no longer around **
india jones chow truck (indiajoneschowtruck.com @indiajonesct) - indian frankies and curries (part 1)
dosa truck (dosatruck.com @dosatruck) - indian dosas (part 1)
nom nom (nomnomtruck.com @nomnomtruck) - vietnamese banh mi sandwiches (part 1)
border grill (bordergrill.com/bg_t/bg_twel.htm @BorderGrill) - gourmet mexican (part 1)
panini on wheels (paninionwheels.com @paninionwheels) - italian paninis (part 2)

flying pig truck (flyingpigtruck.com @FlyingPigTruck) - asian and pacific rim; i liked the tofu buns with crushed honey-roasted peanuts and the crab balls with cilantro-lime chimichurri, but what grabbed my attention were the plantain fries, which reminded me of the saging na saba of my childhood in the philippines :) i have to confess that i also tried the tamarind duck taco that people have been raving about (yup, i'm not perfect) and i can see why they love it... it was fabulous!


good-old american grub trucks:

green truck (greentruckonthego.com @Green_Truck) - organic dishes (part 1)
let's be frank (letsbefrankdogs.com @letsbefrank) - hotdogs (part 1)
south philly experience (southphillyexperience.com @SouthPhillyExp) - philly cheesesteak sandwiches (part 1)
barbie's Q (barbiesq.com @BarbiesQ) - BBQ (part 1)
LA BBQ guy (labbqguy.com @labbqguy) - BBQ (part 1)
chef on wheels BBQ (chefonwheelscatering.com @chefonwheelsBBQ) - hawaiian-influenced food (part 1)
baby's badass burgers (babysbadassburgers.com @babysbbs) - burgers (part 2)
gastrobus (thegastrobus.com @thegastrobus) - soups and sandwiches (part 2)
grilled cheese truck (thegrilledcheesetruck.com @grlldcheesetruk) - grilled cheese sandwiches (part 2)

dogtown dogs (dogtowndog.com @dogtowndog) - hotdogs; for a dollar more, you can sub a soy dog instead of the all-beef dog in their signature dog (topped with fennel slaw, dijon mustard, and roasted red peppers) or in the california dog (loaded with avocado, arugula, fried onions, and more). or you can order the portobello mushroom, roasted pepper, grilled onion, and melted cheese "dog". all that veggie goodness will fill your belly quite nicely; it did mine :)

mattie's kitchen (mattiessouthernkitchen.blogspot.com @mattieskitchen - southern cooking; if you're looking for chicken fried steak and smothered pork chops, you won't find it here. but then again, as pescetarians, we really don't eat that stuff anyway (at least i keep telling myself that). i've wolfed down the vegetable gumbo, shrimp and grits, even the hoppin' john (black-eyed peas and rice)... and i can't wait to track down chris and this truck again (and again) so i can try the shrimp and catfish po boys, mac and cheese, red beans and rice... there's so much to choose from!

frysmith (eatfrysmith.com @frysmith) - french fries; while i love french fries as much as the next person, i'm really not into the chili cheese fries scene. if you are, ask for the soy chorizo with beans alternative that can be put on top of either regular or sweet potato fries. shredded cheese is optional. as for me, i'll just have to wait until they come up with something that keeps the fries crisp until i eat them. like with a simple dipping sauce. or two.


and lastly, my personal favorite, the dessert trucks (which are totally vegetarian!):

get shaved (getshavedice.com @getshaved) - shaved ice (part 1)
coolhaus (eatcoolhaus.com @COOLHAUS) - ice cream sandwiches (part 1)
king kone (kingkone.net @kingkonela) - soft serve cones, sundaes, floats, and shakes (part 1)

sprinkles (sprinkles.com @sprinklesmobile) - cupcakes; this is a roving branch of their popular brick-and-mortar store. while the selection of cupcake flavors offered on the truck is limited and the cost per cupcake is higher ($4 on the truck vs. $3.25 at the store), you might be willing to pay the "convenience charge" just so you don't have to drive all the way to beverly hills for a cupcake or two. AND find a nearby place to park :(

dainty cakes (daintycakesla.com @daintycakesla) - cupcakes; talk about fresh -- the cupcakes are actually baked on the truck! besides the usual sugar-laden variety, they have vegan, gluten-free, and sugar-free options, too. they have a slew of cake/frosting combinations in the display case to drool over while you decide what to get. that one time i found them, i passed on the red velvet and the chocolate cupcakes (i know, it was hard) and picked the banana with strawberry frosting. after i ate it all up, i felt like goldilocks, thinking that it wasn't too sweet nor too big; it was just right.

sweets truck (thesweetstruck.com @thesweetstruck) - pastries and coffee; unlike the other two cupcake trucks, molly does NOT bake her own stuff. instead, she sources her treats from various bakeries and candy shops around the city. the one thing she DOES make on the truck is steaming hot coffee and espresso (yes, there's an espresso machine on the truck!). the truck is equipped to make anything from lattes to cappuccinos, so there's no need for a starbucks run if the sweets truck is anywhere nearby!

there are a few more twittering food trucks that are slated to start rolling this month; i'll keep you posted on what's on them as soon as i find them. in the meantime, here's a little slideshow on what these trucks actually look like: food truck frenzy!