Legend: BLUE-open, RED-closed, GREEN-by donation
Click here to view the accidental yogist's map of los angeles yoga studios in a full-size page

Sunday, November 29, 2009

getting down, yogi-style

most people outside of the yoga community think that a yogi's idea of fun means spending the entire day chanting the single syllable om, hoping to achieve enlightenment. or trying to learn how to stand on one's head. or even levitate.

maybe that's true for some, but for most of us, we're pretty much regular folk. we like to sing and dance, although our form of singing and dancing probably won't land us on american idol. or SYTYCD (so you think you can dance, for the non-followers).

what we do is called kirtan, a form of bhakti, or devotional, yoga. it involves a leader, or wallah, who is usually accompanied by other singers as well as one or more percussion, string, and wind musicians. the leader chants out a mantra and everyone else chants it right back. back and forth. over and over again. faster and faster. until the room goes ecstatic and the room is filled with writhing, swaying bodies. it's almost like being on a natural high!

LA has a fairly large population of kirtan aficionados. we are such an appreciative audience that our fair city has become a regular stop for most musicians on the kirtan circuit -- krishna das, jai uttal, dave stringer, wah!, david newman, girish, deva premal, snatam kaur... the list goes on and on.

in fact, on any given weekend, there's bound to be a kirtan packing the classrooms at exhale venice or bhakti yoga shala, two yoga studios on the westside. and that's the problem; eastsiders either have to schlep all the way to the beach to get their kirtan fix, or go without.

and this is where the hip new kali klub comes in. located in a warehouse just north of downtown LA in atwater village, the klub strives to be a popular nightspot on the east side of town, not just for kirtan, but also for music, dance, and art.

its inaugural fundraiser event last night featured wah! and girish, both of whom got their start locally, eventually becoming global sensations. it was hosted by DJ avi of naked rhythm, a world music group whose album, frequency, is guaranteed to get everyone on their feet and dancing to its infectious beat. proceeds from the evening were to benefit charitywater.org, an organization that helps bring clean drinking water to developing nations.

unlike his usual kirtans where he chants from his seat on a classroom floor, girish performed rockstar-style, standing while alternately playing his harmonium and guitar. he was accompanied by marti walker on vocals, dave allen on percussion, abby scoville on cello, and a bass player whose name escapes me (shame on me!).

wah! then took the stage with a handful of lovely yoginis going through sequences of poses on the stage while she and her musicians belted out a compilation of soulful chants from her recently-released albums.

while the musicians performed on stage, videos and light shows were projected throughout the room to provide additional visual stimulation. a vegetarian food stand and a drink bar were located by the entrance to satisfy the late-night munchies. there were massages, tarot readings, and art exhibits to entertain the guests. tables, couches and throw pillows were strategically placed around the central dancefloor, allowing everyone to do whatever it was that they wanted to do, whether it was to eat, dance, or just lounge around to take it all in.

spotted chanting and schmoozing last night were some of the who's-who of the local yoga community, including the producer of bhakti fest, the editor of LA yoga magazine, the director of yogamates.com, other musicians, a good number of yoga instructors, as well as yours truly :)

the official grand opening concert at the kali klub will be held this coming FRIDAY, dec 4th at 7pm. it will feature kirtan superstars jai uttal, larisa stow & the shakti tribe, and naked rhythm, with DJ avi once again hosting the evening. tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and can be purchased through the kali klub website: http://kaliklub.com/eventstickets.html.

get your tickets now; you won't want to miss this big event!

Monday, November 23, 2009

before you pop the tofurkey into the oven...

here's a compilation of the thanksgiving day schedules around town. while many of them will cost you the price of a regular class, some of them are by donation, with proceeds going to a local food bank or other charity. and if you look closely, you'll notice that a few of them are FREE! so check out the list; one of these classes is bound to fit in with your schedule and/or budget.

i'll keep adding on to the list as i find them:

~~ westside ~~

Beach Yoga with Brad Keimach, Santa Monica
There will be a special Thanksgiving morning Beach Yoga session, as well as Friday morning, since so many of you will be off of work. Saturday and Sunday will make 4 days in a row!
WHEN: 10:30am-12pm
WHERE: Santa Monica. Walk up Marine Street (which becomes Barnard Way), all the way to the water's edge, by lifeguard station #29. I'll be there to welcome you!
COST: By Donation.
BRING: Large towel, or mat. Sunscreen! Your great spirit! A sense of adventure and beauty!
PARKING: Free street parking on Hampton, Second St., Third St. Allow a few minutes to circle.

Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Thanksgiving Day yoga schedule as follows:
9am Zat Baraka (digestion prep)
11am Sidnie Charnaw
1:30pm Michael Thomas
7pm Kirtan with Michael Thomas, Masood, Sidnie and Honeybee
All classes by donation

Creative Chakra Spa, Marina del Rey
Nov 24th - Nov 28th Happy Thanksgiving - resume next week
Nov 28th 4.30pm Call to confirm FREE Special Holiday Thanksgiving Yoga

Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Wed November 25:
7:00 - 8:30AM Level 2/3 Chani Nicholas
9:00 - 10:25AM Level 2/3 Micheline Berry
9:15 - 10:40AM Level 1 Keri-Anne Telford
10:30 - 12:10PM Level 2/3 Saul David Raye
10:45 - 12:15PM Level 1/2 Brian Campbell
12:45 - 2:15PM Level 2/3 - Community Brad Keimach
2:30 - 3:55PM Music Yoga Flow - Community Garth Hewitt
4:00 - 5:25PM Level 2/3 Tracy Krosnoff
5:30 - 6:55PM Level 1/2 Keri-Anne Telford
6:00 - 7:30PM Level 2/3 Erich Schiffmann
All other classes are cancelled
Thu November 26:
9:00 - 10:25AM Level 1/2 Hala Khouri
9:00 - 10:25AM Level 2/3 Shiva Rea
10:30 - 12:15PM Level 2/3 Saul David Raye
10:45 - 12:10PM Level 1/2 Keri-Anne Telford
Fri November 27, 2009:
9:00 - 10:25AM Level 2/3 Micheline Berry
9:15 - 10:40AM Level 1 Keri-Anne Telford
10:30 - 12:10PM Level 2/3 Kyra Haglund
10:45 - 12:15PM Level 1/2 Brian Campbell
12:30 - 2:00PM Level 2/3 Tracy Krosnoff
12:45 - 2:15PM Level 2/3 - Community Brad Keimach
2:30 - 3:55PM Level 1/2 - Community Desiree Bartlett
All other classes are cancelled

Goda Yoga, Culver City
Thursday, November 26: 9:30-11:00am All Levels with Nathalie
Friday, November 27: 10:00-11:30am All Levels with Cheryl

Home Simply Yoga, Santa Monica
All classes cancelled - Thursday Nov 26, Friday Nov 27, Saturday Nov 28

Iyengar Yoga Institute, Los Angeles
THANKSGIVING DAY:
9:30–11:00am Holiday Class - All Levels with Amanda White

Maha Yoga, Brentwood
Thursday Nov 26:
7:00am Mysore Ashtanga - Jorgen Christiansson
9:15am All Levels - Amy Loftus
11:00am Level 2&3 - Steve Ross

Point Dume Yoga, Malibu
Our special Holiday schedule for this week;
Mon: 9am - Ted - level 2/3 / 11am - Ted - all levels / 5:30pm - Jill - all levels
Tues: 9am - Ryan - all levels / 10:45am - Chaz - mixed levels / 12:30pm - Romy - pre-natal /
7pm - Stephen - all levels
Wed: 9am - Ted - level 2/3 / 11am - Ted - all levels / 5:30pm - Jill - all levels
Thanksgiving: 9am - Ted - all levels / All other classes canceled
Fri: 9am - Ted - level 2/3 / 11am - Helen - all levels
Sat: 9am - Ted - all levels / 10:45am - Ted - all levels
Sun: 9am - Jyoti - all levels / 10:45am - Chaz - mixed level flow

Santa Monica Power Yoga - East, Santa Monica
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY CANCELLATIONS:
Thursday 11.26: All classes
Friday 11.27: 7:00am
All classes by donation

Santa Monica Power Yoga - West, Santa Monica
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY CANCELLATIONS:
Thursday 11.26: 1:30pm, 4:30pm, 8:30pm & 10:30pm
Friday 11.27: 5:30am
All classes by donation

Santa Monica Yoga, Santa Monica
THANKSGIVING DAY YOGA Thursday November 26:
These classes are a fundraiser for Westside Food Bank. Please donate by cash or check made out to the Westside Food Bank.
9:00am - All Levels Flow with Kyra Haglund
11:00am - Slow Deep Stretch with Cindy Fraser
Closed Friday November 27 - regular schedule resumes Saturday November 28

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Marina del Rey
Please note we will have a reduced schedule for the Thanksgiving Holiday:
Thursday, November 26 - 10:30a Open Class Only
Friday, November 27 - 5:30p Open Class Only
Saturday, November 28 -Normal Schedule Resumes

Studio Surya Yoga, Venice
Thanksgiving Schedule: 8am Budokon, 10am and 12pm Vinyasa classes.
We also would like to say, "Thank You" to our incredible students for all of your support with a FREE... you heard right! .... post-Thanksgiving yoga class. This Friday, come sweat off your holiday feast with a special 1.5 hour Power Flow class taught by Mary Beth La Rue. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to meet our newest teacher, detox your body and try our new Power Flow classes. As space is limited in our little boutique studio, we will be taking reservations for this class.
When: Friday 11/26, 11am
Reservation #: 310.910.4740

Tenth Gate Yoga, West Los Angeles
Thurs 11/26
9:30-10:30am - Yoga For All Levels
Fri 11/27
9:30-10:30am - Yoga For All Levels
10:30-11:30 Am - Turkey Belly Buster Belly Dance
3:30-4:30pm - Yoga For All Levels
6:30-7:45pm - Yoga For All Levels
Sat 11/28
10:30am-12pm - Yoga For All Levels
12-1pm - Turkey Belly Buster Belly Dance
Sun 11/29
9-10am - Yoga On The Sand

True Kundalini, West Los Angeles
Closed Nov. 26th - 29th (open Monday Nov 30th)

Truyoga, Santa Monica
Wednesday, November 25th
Gentle Yoga with Leslie at 10:30am
Yoga Flow with Claudia at 1:00pm
Thursday, November 26th
Closed ~ Happy Thanksgiving!
Friday, November 27th
Gratitude Yoga with Chani at 1:00pm

YAS, Venice
Thanksgiving Day Schedule:
Yoga for Athletes®
8:30am Level 1-2-Denis
10:00am All Levels-Nicole
YAS class
11:15am-Julie
Call YAS Venice to reserve a spot (310) 396-6993.
We will be closed in the evening and reopen on Friday with our complete schedule.

Yoga Desa, Topanga
Unless otherwise posted, Yoga Desa will be CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day.

Yoga Hop, Santa Monica
Thursday, November 26:
9:15-10:45am - Summit 2/3 - Matthew Reyes
All other classes cancelled

Yoga West, West Los Angeles
Thanksgiving Day Class with Guru Singh: Thursday, November 26th 9-11 am
*keytag class (only class of the day)
A great way to start this day is to open ourselves with Yoga, then receive the Infinite through our Meditation. With that experience, we can live with grace in gratitude for all the Infinite has given us. Of course, a great meal with family and friends will also help with generous servings of dessert!

Yoga Works Main Street, Santa Monica
Thanksgiving Classes:
7:30-8:55am Yoga Blend 1/2 Nicola Dunne
9:00-10:30amVinyasa Flow 2/3_ Vinnie Marino
10:45-12:15pm Vinyasa Flow 2/3_ Sara Ivanhoe
All Other Classes Cancelled

Yoga Works Montana, Santa Monica
Thanksgiving Classes:
7:00-9:00am Ashtanga/Mysore - Sonya Cottle
7:30-8:55am Yogaworks 1 - Al Tavera
9:00-10:30am Vinyasa Flow 2/3 - Garth Hewitt
9:15-10:40am Iyengar 1/2 - Chris Stein
10:45-12:15pm Vinyasa Flow 2/3 - Jesse Schein
10:45-12:15pm Yoga Blend 2 - Birgitte Kristen
All Other Classes Cancelled

Yoga Works Pacific Palisades, Pacific Palisades
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, our studio will be closed for the day.

Yoga Works Westwood, Westwood
Thanksgiving Classes:
7:30-9:00am Yoga Blend 1/2 - Romy Phillips
8:30-10:00am Yogaworks 1 - Anita Manglani
9:15-10:45am Iyengar 1/2 - Paul Cabanis
11:00-12:30pm Yoga Blend 2/3 - John Neidlinger
All Other Classes Cancelled

Yogis Anonymous, Santa Monica
7:00 am - 8:30 am: Chani Nicholas
(Fill your tank with Gratitude and spread it all day!)
9:00 am - 10:30 am: Brock Cahill
(He will cook your turkey upside down and left and right)
11:00 am - 12:30 pm: Good Cop/Bad Cop with MaryBeth LaRue and Tommy Holmes
(after that, you can seriously eat whatever
All classes by donation

Your Neighborhood Studio, Culver City
Closed Thanksgiving Day


~~ mid-city / downtown ~~

Bikram Yoga, Downtown LA
Thanksgiving Day, 11/26: 9:30am Emily
Friday, 11/27: 9:30am Emily, 4:30pm Jill

Bikram Yoga, Silverlake
Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 26th, we will have 8:00 am and 10:00 am class only. Friday, November 27th we will have 9:30 am and 4:30 pm class only. The rest of the weekend will be the regular schedule.

City Yoga, West Hollywood
THANKSGIVING DAY 11/26:
7:30-9am mixed with Anthony
9:30-11am mixed with Rebecca
All other classes are canceled
FRIDAY 11/27:
8:30-10am basics with Anthony
10:30am-12:30pm Special 2 hour Practice style class with Noah Maze ($20 donation - all proceeds to St. Jude's Children's Hospital)
All other classes are canceled
SATURDAY 11/28:
7-8:30am 11th Step
8:30-10 basics Anthony
9-10:30am advanced Rebecca
10:30am-12pm mixed Camilla
Studio closes at noon, All other classes are canceled
SUNDAY 11/29:
back to our regular schedule

Dancing Shiva Yoga and Ayurveda, Los Angeles
~ Wed, 25th:
~ Thurs, 26th: 9am level 2 with Mas "Happy Thanksgiving"
~ Fri, 27th: Closed

Dharma Mittra Yoga, Los Angeles
Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule (Each class may include a few optional partner yoga poses):
Thanksgiving Day 11/26 - One class only, 10:00-11:30am All Levels
Friday 11/27 - Two classes, 11:00am-12:30pm All Levels /7:30-9:30pm Recover Yoga Dharma One
Saturday and Sunday schedules are the same.

Earth's Power Yoga, Los Angeles
Closed Thanksgiving day.
Friday the 27th: Just two classes - 10:30am and 5:45pm.
Weekend schedule: Sat - 10:30am and 12:15pm, Sun - 10:30am and 5:45pm.

Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood
Thanksgiving Celebration with Gurmukh
Thursday, November 26th 9:30am - 11:30am
Cost: $20
Let the day of thanksgiving begin with playful, prayerful and powerful Kundalini Yoga, meditation, double gong and a bit of Thanksgiving dance!
Feast on our famous sourdough waffle breakfast and all the trimmings along with delicious yogi tea! Give thanks and blessings for the gift of your life.

Guerilla Yoga, Hollywood
TWO HOUR TURKEY DAY PRACTICE AT THE HOLLYWOOD DANCE CENTER
The sweet folks at the Dance Center have opened their space exclusively for Guerilla Yoga on Thanksgiving Day. That means a strong two-hour practice as we go through all the arm balances that have bird names. And we'll make a few up.
Now this is the way to start a feast.
Time: 9:30 - 11:30am
Date: Thanksgiving morning, November 26
Place: The Hollywood Dance Center.
Cost: $15 Suggested Donation
Tiffany's Wednesday practice on 11/25 and Marc's Friday practice on 11/27 will be canceled.

Karuna Yoga
Thanksgiving Day Yoga: November 26th 9:30-11am FREE
Please join Kelly for our annual holiday class. Let's be together!

Liberation Yoga, Los Angeles
Three ways to be grateful and joyous on Thanksgiving!
Thursday is a shortened schedule and the rest of the weekend is yoga as usual!
10:00am-11:30am - Mixed Level Flow - Steven Espinosa
11:30am-1:00pm Level 1- Jessie Diaz-Perez
1:00pm- 2:30pm - Flow Level 2-3 - Claudia Fucigna

Runyon Canyon Yoga, Hollywood
Thursday: 10:30 am Kamala / 2:00 pm Steve
No Evening class at Berkeley Clinic location on Thanksgiving Day Thursday 11/26
All classes by donation

Silver Lake Yoga, Silverlake
Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26: Sam Graham will be teaching an all-levels class from 10:00am-11:30am
Friday, Nov. 27: The 7:00-8:00am class will be canceled. All other classes remain the same!

Still Yoga, Silverlake
Thu November 26:
9:00-11:00am Thanksgiving 2-hr class Tara Judelle
All other classes cancelled

U Studio Yoga, Los Angeles
Andrea is Back and Ready to Help U get Through Thanksgiving!!!!!!!!!!!
9am Thursday...Be There!!!
PLUS Friday at 5:30...Back to the Usual schedule for U!!!

Urth Yoga, Silverlake
Thursday 26th November:
8:00am- 9:00am $5 One hour with Rachel Jackson
9:30am-11:00am Mixed Levels with Huck Hirsch
Friday 27th November:
9:00am-10:30am Mixed Levels with Martha Ellen Sensensay
12:30pm- 1:30pm $5 One hour with Rachel Jackson
4:30pm- 6:00pm Basics with Nicole Ulrick
Saturday 28th November:
8:30am-10:00am Basics with Gabe Hendrie
10:30am-12:00pm Mixed Levels with Nicole Ulrick

Yoga Circle Downtown, Los Angeles
Thanksgiving Holiday Schedule:
Wed Nov 25: 8:30am, 12noon and 6:05pm
Thu Nov 26: Closed Thanksgiving Day
Friday Nov 27: 12noon and 6:05pm
Sat Nov 28: Regular Schedule
Sunday Nov 29: 10:30am only
All classes by donation

Yoga Works Center for Yoga, Larchmont
Thanksgiving Classes:
8:30-9:55am Yoga Blend 2/3 - James Morrison
9:00-10:30am Yogaworks 2 - Carmen Fitzgibbon
10:00-11:30am Yogaworks 1 - Nona Chiang
11:00-12:25pm Iyengar 1/2 - Marla Apt
All Other Classes Cancelled

Yummy Yoga, Los Feliz
Wednesday, Nov 25:
7:30 AM, Power Hour ~ Laura Bouza
4:30pm, Level 1/2 ~ Ducky Punch
6:30pm, All Levels ~ Larry Santiago
All other Wednesday classes are cancelled
Thursday, Nov 26:
***Special Thanksgiving Donation Class***
9:00 to 10:30 AM ~ All Levels Donation class with Larry Santiago and Amy Dominguez
Come breathe, move, sweat, and celebrate joy this Thanksgiving! Before you stuff yourself with turkey and pie...join us for a sweet, juicy flow class.
**This class is by cash DONATION only - class series do not apply. All contributions will go to a local food bank!
All other Thursday classes are cancelled
Friday, Nov 27:
5:00pm, All Levels ~ Caroline Cardino
All other Friday classes are cancelled

~~ san fernando and san gabriel valleys ~~

The Awareness Center, Pasadena
CLOSED FOR Thanksgiving, Thurs. Nov. 26th
Open for regular classes Friday through the weekend… come burn off the Thanksgiving feast!

Black Dog Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Our shortened holiday schedule for Thursday, November 26, 2009:
9:00a - 10:25am Intermediate Flow - Sigrid Matthews
9:30a - 11:00am Strong Flow - Shawn Bracha
10:00a - 11:30am Basic Flow - Mischa Allen
10:30a - 12:00pm Mixed Level Anusara - Jenny Brill

Garden of Yoga, Woodland Hills
We will be closed on Thursday, November 26th for the Thanksgiving Holiday. All other classes will be as scheduled.

Karen Shuman's Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Before you enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends come enjoy a Gentle Hatha yoga session where you will be able to stretch your body and feel a sense of relaxation to accompany your festive day ahead!
The class will take place from 11:00am-12:30pm

Mark Blanchard's Power Yoga, Studio City
Thanksgiving Day: 9:30am - Elizabeth Folk-Blanchard
Studio closed the rest of the day
Friday: Regular schedule

Mission Street Yoga, South Pasadena
This year we give SPECIAL THANKS to all of YOU as we celebrate the completion of our 7th year @ MSY !!!
To show our appreciation, we are offering a FREE 2-hour Thanksgiving day practice led by Mark Frankel. 10am to Noon.

Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Please join us Thanksgiving to give thanks. Our 10:35 Mixed Level with Daniel is a DONATION only class. All proceeds will go to the West Valley Food Bank. Please bring cash or check only to make your donations. Please NO FOOD donations.
9:00 am - Level 1 with Shannon Baker
10:35 am - Mixed Level Flow with Daniel

Yoga at the Village, Glendale
FREE 9am Thanksgiving Class - Closed for the rest of the day on Thursday, November 26th.
Open as usual Fri, Sat and Sun. Happy Thanksgiving!

Yoga Blend, Burbank
Thursday, November 26th:
9:30am-11:00am Level 1-2 with Nicole
10:00am-11:30am Gentle with Christy
The studio will be closed for the remainder of the day.
Friday, November 27th:
6:45am Level 1-2 and 8:00am Gentle Backcare classes will be canceled.
The rest of the schedule throughout the weekend will remain the same.

Yoga Groove Studio, North Hollywood
We will be having our traditional 10a.m. class on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 26, 2009. Please come and enjoy this special class with Karen Byers before heading off to celebrate with family and friends.

Yoga Kingdom Sanctuary, Pasadena
Nov. 26th - Thanksgiving Day:
9:30 - 11:00 AM Classical Hatha All Level Rachel
Nov. 27th - Day after Thanksgiving Day:
9:30 - 11:00 AM Classical Hatha All Level Naader

The Yoga Loft, Woodland Hills
Wednesday 11/25/09 10:00am taught by Susie. 5:30pm and 7:00pm are canceled.
Thursday 10:00am Kundalini Yoga with Tamera* Afternoon and evening classes canceled.
Friday 10:00am mixed level with Barbara* There is a 5:30pm class.
*Attendance at Thursday or Friday class is our gift to you and our way of thanking you for your support. All we ask is that you bring a non-perishable food item or a pair of new socks, these items will be distributed to a local food bank.

The Yogi Tree, Toluca Lake
WE ARE CLOSED THURSDAY AND FRIDAY IN CELEBRATION OF THANKSGIVING
WE WILL REOPEN SATURDAY MORNING FOR OUR REGULAR WEEKEND SCHEDULE


~~ south bay / long beach ~~

Back for Yoga, El Segundo
We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (11/26) and the Friday after (11/27). Regular scheduled classes will be held on Saturday and Sunday.

Free Spirit Yoga, Long Beach
On Thanksgiving Day we will have only one Yoga class at 9:00am with Lonne. There is a sign up sheet at the front desk, space is limited. Regular schedule the rest of Thanksgiving weekend.

The Green Yogi, Manhattan Beach
8:00- 9:15am Power Vinyasa with Anne Israel
9:30-10:45am Power Vinyasa with Jamie Horgan
11:00-12:00am Power Hour with Mary Strong

Happy Me Yoga, Redondo Beach
CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING: Closed 11/26 - 12/01
Will re-open Wednesday 12/02!

Ja Yoga, Long Beach
OPEN THANKSGIVING MORNING - 9:30am and 11am
Closed in Evening

Lyfe Yoga Center, Hermosa Beach
Nov 26 9:00am - Join us Thanksgiving Day morning for an All Levels class taught by Michael.

Yoga Bindu, San Pedro
FREE Yoga Class offered by ASHTANGA YOGA SAN PEDRO
$10 suggested donation
Proceeds go to San Pedro’s Homeless
Thurs Nov 26th 6a-7:30am / 7:30-8a special Yoga Nidra Rest Period

Yoga Loft, Manhattan Beach
Special holiday class schedule is as follows:
Wednesday, 11/25: All regular classes will be held
Thursday, 11/26:
8:00-9:15am Level 2/3 with Jamie Horgan
9:30-10:45am Level 1/2 with Wendy Rhodes
Friday, 11/27:
10:15am Level 1/2 with Julie Rader
5:00pm Level 2/3 with Jamie Horgan
Sat & Sun 11/28 and 11/29: All regular classes will be held

Yoga Works South Bay, El Segundo
Click here for holiday schedule

Yoga World Studio Downtown, Long Beach
We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and we will reopen on Friday with our full schedule of classes. Happy Thanksgiving!

Yoga World Studio Los Altos, Long Beach
We will be closed on Thanksgiving Day and we will reopen on Friday with our full schedule of classes. Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

just another busy weekend in LA

it seems like i'm still recovering from all the activity from LAST weekend, and here i am, trying to figure out what to do THIS weekend!

after a slow start friday (doing exactly what, i can't remember), i ended up taking a yoga class that evening with jorgen christiansson at yogis anonymous called "classic yoga made in india". given that jorgen teaches the daily ashtanga class at maha yoga, it made total sense that it would turn out to be a led ashtanga class of sorts (and since i can never remember the exact sequence of the primary series, i can't tell you if we went in order or just did selected poses). after class, i grabbed a quick dinner bite at the calbi food truck parked on arizona, then moseyed over to bhakti yoga shala for joey lugassy's kirtan with ena vie, ambika leigh, josh brill, matthew hufschmidt, eddie young, ben marciano, and deepak ramapriyan. knowing that i had an early start the next morning, i left before the chantfest ended.

compared to the relative sanity of friday, i was all over the place on saturday. a 9-mile run with my marathon training group at 7am, followed by our usual post-run bonding at the coffee bean. from there, i hopped on my bike and headed over to the t-loft complex in west LA, partly for the ARTRA art exhibit, partly to check out the open house, but mainly to shmooze with the owners of the food trucks that were parked there for the event -- john at barbie's BBQ, eric at lomo arigato, and natasha at coolhaus. after downing an entire order of lomo saltado (with tofu!) for lunch from eric's truck, and being so stuffed that i had to pass on ice cream from natasha's truck (something i've NEVER done before), i got back on my bike and pedaled my heavier self back home to recharge my batteries.

at 7pm, i was back on my bike, this time headed for yogaco on the 3rd street promenade for the yogabear fundraiser class with jen pastiloff. since i was one of the early arrivals, not only was i able to chat with other friends who were already there and buy a couple of raffle tickets, but i also received a gift bag full of all kinds of goodies, including a libre tea glass which i can't wait to use! as with many events here in LA, the attendees got there late, the class started late, so in order for me to get my next stop, i had to leave before savasana (tsk tsk!). from what i heard (and saw on facebook), the event went well into the evening, with everyone having a great time with the food, the wine, the silent auction, and the raffle. and best of all, it turns out that one of my raffle tickets scored me another gift bag!

back on my bike, i swung by home just long enough to peel off my yoga clothes, freshen up, throw on a cocktail dress and heels, then hop back on my bike for the casa de milagros fundraiser at yogaglo. by the time i got there at 9pm, the party had been in full swing for almost three hours... and it was still swinging! many of the partygoers were outside, checking out the silent auction tables, drinking pomegranate saketinis, and noshing on the food from the various vendors -- the green truck, samosa house, coconut bliss, karma chow, and more. after going around hugging all the friends i could find, inhaling a samosa, then downing a saketini, i rushed into the studio to check out the dancefloor. and by then, jason bentley from KCRW was on stage, spinning his mesmerizing music while artists from lucent dossier experience were moving through the crowd. pulled into the magical spell that was cast over the room, i found myself dancing with friends late into the evening...

early sunday morning, my bike and i boarded the 8:50am big blue #10 bus bound for union station in downtown LA. our destination: the monthly flying pigeon dim sum ride led by adam bray-ali of the flying pigeon bike store in highland park. it always ends up being a fun ride through the streets of LA to a nearby restaurant for some food and camaraderie. this time we biked to the empress pavilion in chinatown, where we gorged on all kinds of dim sum delights. and luckily for me, there were a number of veggie/peskies at my table, so it was easy to just pick out the greens and seafood dishes from the carts that were going around the dining hall.

after lunch, most of the group followed adam back to the bike store while a number of us ventured towards little tokyo to check out the festivities for the newly-opened metro gold line extension. after checking to see what the different booths had to offer and deciding to pass on fighting the crowds for the ride to the eastern end, i lined up with my bike to get on the westbound train -- which we were barely able to squeeze into -- for the ride back to union station to catch the bus back home. once home, all the activity of the weekend came to a screeching stop... at that point, all i wanted to do was sit and do absolutely nothing. and that's exactly what i did!

looking at my calendar, this weekend's looking to be just as busy as the last, with the upcoming 14-mile great LA walk taking up most of saturday. i think a power nap -- or two -- is in order right about now...

Thursday, November 12, 2009

where do i go? what do i do??

when everyone you know seems to want to schedule their events on the last few weekends before the holidays, this is what you get: scheduling chaos!!

and you know you live in the yoga capital of the world when your facebook event list looks something like mine. mind you, this is just for THIS FRIDAY and SATURDAY!:

Yogi Lunch Friday 1:00pm
Partner Thai Yoga Friday 7:00pm
Yoga Side Of the Moon Friday 7:45pm
Summoning Shakti Friday 8:15pm
Kirtan Bliss at Rising Lotus with Daniel Stewart & Friends Friday 8:20pm
Friday Night Kirtan with Joey Lugassy Friday 9:00pm
Beach Yoga for the Kids of Nicaragua w/Jay CO Saturday 10:00am **
Karen Shuman's Yoga One Year Anniversary Saturday 10:00am
Intro to Yoga Tantra FlowTM Workshop: Exploring the Chakras Saturday 1:00pm
Pacquiao vs. Cotto Saturday 6:00pm
Casa de Milagros Fundraiser Saturday 6:00pm
Survivor: Yogabear Island Saturday 7:00pm
Deva Premal and Miten Saturday 7:30pm
David Newman Durga Das Saturday 8:30pm


** popped up on my facebook page after my original post!

i mean, i want to go to all of them, but how can i be in five places at the same time? argh!

maybe if both you and i split the list, you can tell me all about the ones i DIDN'T get to! hmmm... that might work...

here's friday's list:

1. Yogi Lunch Friday 1:00pm - every friday, atma and taruni invite everyone from the yoga community to meet them and their friends for lunch at govinda's vegetarian buffet in culver city (at the hare krishna temple). not only have i met some really interesting people each time i've shown up, but the lunch itself is healthy and inexpensive. it's always a win-win situation.

2. Partner Thai Yoga Friday 7:00pm - deon dewet will be teaching this workshop at silver lake yoga in silverlake. the thought of partner yoga AND thai massage sounds delicious. and the fact that it could be with some random stranger makes it an adventure :) however, getting to silverlake from the westside during the friday evening rush sounds painful... but then again, the thai massage would help relieve the stress, wouldn't it?

3. Yoga Side Of the Moon Friday 7:45pm - this is a 2-hour vinyasa flow class taught by andres salcedo at exhale venice. according to the flyer i picked up, it'll go something like this:
"... 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 (sic) a natural psychedelic emotional state. The workshop will start with a simple warm up series, followed by a flow inspired by 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..."
i've taken daniel overberger's class with dark side as the soundtrack; it might be interesting to experience how andres spins his class to the same music...

4. Summoning Shakti Friday 8:15pm - this is a late-night women's bonding event with bekah finch and susannah weaver at yoga blend in burbank. here's how the website describes the evening:
"Do you feel disconnected from your body?
Would you like to feel more sexy, more grounded, more radiant and just more WOMAN?
Through sacred circle, yoga, breath, meditation, sound, massage, self study and more we will learn to not only understand and honor our bodies and their cycles, but learn to love and celebrate them! From this harmony of wholeness we are able to experience more satisfying relationships, expanded awareness, and a deeper connection to nature, self-love and to our authentic purpose as empowered women."

i am woman, hear me om! :)

5. Kirtan Bliss at Rising Lotus with Daniel Stewart & Friends Friday 8:20pm - daniel and his posse have been traveling far and wide around town, sharing the love with all who attend their kirtans. but their kirtans at rising lotus in sherman oaks, daniel's home studio, always seem to draw the largest crowds and generate the most bhakti. so if you've never chanted with them before, this is THE place to catch them! by the way, this might be an opportune time to listen to the friends daniel will have with him this time: "Joining us for the first time Arielle Silver on Vocals and Cooper Madison on Tablas! also Jeff Harris on guitar, Angela on flute and Darby Orr on Bass!"

6. Friday Night Kirtan with Joey Lugassy Friday 9:00pm - this is joey's usual second-friday-of-the-month time slot at bhakti yoga shala in santa monica. according to his facebook invite, the following musicians will be joining him: Josh Brill - Guitar, Ena Vie - Vocals, Ambika Leigh - Vocals, Eddie Young - Cello and Bass, Deepak Ramapriyan - Violin, Ben Marciano - Flute, Matthew Hufschmidt - Drums. OMG, such an amazing group!

as for saturday, here's what i have to choose from:

0. Beach Yoga for the Kids of Nicaragua w/Jay CO Saturday 10:00am - jay's going to be teaching a yoga class on the beach in santa monica to raise funds to provide disease-free drinking water to kids and their families through the nicaragua surf yoga volunteer adventure project. meet jay and the class at the end of bay st (just south of pico) "on the grassy knoll under the trellises next to the beach." and yes, it's ok to be jealous of the fact that we can still practice yoga on the beach in november here in southern california :)

1. Karen Shuman's Yoga One Year Anniversary Saturday 10:00am - karen took over annie's yoga studio in sherman oaks a year ago, and to celebrate the occasion, she's holding a party at her studio -- renamed karen shuman's beyond yoga -- complete with a full-day schedule of classes and vendors. here's what she posted recently:
10:00-10:30am Yoga with Ropes Karen S.
11:00-11:30am Hatha Flow Dario
12:00-12:30pm Gentle Therapeutic Yoga Monique
1:00-1:30pm Iyengar Andrea
1:45-2:15pm Gentle Hatha Avalon
2:30-3:00pm Kundalini Yoga Alana
3:15-3:45pm Tai Chi Rapha
4:00-4:45pm Meditation w/ 4 elements Anthony
5:00-5:30pm Group Healing Mutiam
~ Mini Healing Sessions (no pre-registration, come early to sign up for a session)
ROOM A - 11-1pm Tarot Card Readings w/ Vee / 1-3pm EFT w/ Brian Guzman / 3-5pm Hypnotherapy w/ Shauna Krikorian
ROOM B - 1-3pm Massage with Suzy Harbulak / 3-5pm Massage with Avalon Solange
~ Enjoy healthy food and beverages!!
~ Don't forget to bring your gently used Business Clothing for our clothing drive in support of Urban Possibilities!!
ENTIRE DAY IS DONATION!!!

2. Intro to Yoga Tantra FlowTM Workshop: Exploring the Chakras Saturday 1:00pm - isabelle du soleil will be teaching this balancing flow class at yogaglo in santa monica. according to the yogaglo blog:
"Join us for an amazing Energetic Vinyasa flow & Meditation Workshop to awaken, ignite and balance your 7 chakras or energy centers. The chakras are the keys to a greater physical, mental, psychological and spiritual balance..."
i know i could always use some balance to smooth out my crazy day!

3. Pacquiao vs. Cotto Saturday 6:00pm - so far, i've missed every other televised fight of the pinoy boxing wonder, manny "pacman" pacquiao. and it looks like i'll have to miss this one, too. which is really too bad, because i've been invited to watch the pay-for-view HBO telecast at a friend's house... who'll also be providing filipino food to go with the experience! darn :( i'm sure i'll see the highlights on the news the next morning... and see if the vegas oddsmakers correctly predicted that he'll win it handily. (and yes, i know the fight has nothing do to with yoga -- and, in fact, is totally non-ahimsic -- but it's a plug for one of my people. yay!)

4. Casa de Milagros Fundraiser Saturday 6:00pm - ashley turner and ted mcdonald have put together a fundraiser at yogaglo in santa monica for casa de milagros, an orphanage started by mama kia near machu picchu in peru. not only will the money raised help pay for mama kia's medical expenses (she was recently diagnosed with bone cancer), as well as support the orphanage and the two soup kitchens she runs, but the highlight of the event is that KCRW DJs jason bentley and jeremy sole, plus uber-DJ carmen rizzo, will be spinning music the entire evening! to get a feel for what the music will be like, you can check out jason and jeremy's archived shows at KCRW.com as well as carmen's music at carmenrizzo.com.

5. Survivor: Yogabear Island Saturday 7:00pm - yogabear is a nationwide non-profit organization that provides free yoga to cancer survivors. jennifer pastiloff, director of the southern cal chapter of yogabear, has been devoting all her time to promoting this fundraiser that will be held at yogaco in santa monica. the evening will start with a yoga class taught by jennifer, with live music provided by erica rhodes on cello. after the class with be an amazing raffle with prizes provided by lululemon, exhale, whole foods, robert sturman, local restaurants, and many more!

6. Deva Premal and Miten Saturday 7:30pm - the last time deva premal and miten were in LA back in 2007, i attended their magical performance outdoors on the lawn at LMU. this time, they'll be chanting with bansuri artist manose at the historic barnum hall theater on the santa monica high school campus to promote their new CD, in concert. you can check the event flyer at the yogaworks website for ticket purchase information. if listening to them live doesn't bring you instant bliss, i'm afraid nothing else will.

7. David Newman Durga Das Saturday 8:30pm - i've been fortunate enough to have been to a few of david newman's kirtans -- in washington DC while i was visiting my sister, in philadelphia (david's home base) while i was visiting my daughter, and at least twice here in LA, my own home base. and every performance has been better than the last! this time, he's going to be chanting at bhakti yoga shala in santa monica, which is quickly becoming a tour stop for every major kirtan artist, including jai uttal, gaura vani, and now david newman.

so which one(s) will i go to? i'll let you know after i figure out how to be in more than one place at the same time!

Monday, November 09, 2009

giving thanks and sharing the love

with all the fundraisers and events scheduled for this month of thanksgiving, i knew i needed to pull myself out of hibernation and share them all with you! so here once again is my monthly update for all the goings-on in the LA area.

for all of you who are fans of my facebook page, you know you'll be getting updates about these and many other events as soon as i hear about them. for those who aren't, here's what's going on in november... and if you aren't a fan, it's easy, just click here to join everyone else! :)

as always, keep checking back to see what's new!

~~~ this month's deals ~~~

Ten Days of FREE yoga for new students at The Green Yogi in Manhattan Beach!
Just say FREE10 when you register for your first class. And tell them the accidental yogist sent you :)
Good only through the end of November.

One FREE class with each of November's featured teachers at Black Dog Yoga in Sherman Oaks: Ashley Albrand and Dice Iida-Klein!
Click here for coupons

Ashley's classes:
Monday 7:00p-8:30p Strong Flow - NEW CLASS
Wednesday 7:00p-8:30p Strong Flow - NEW CLASS
Friday 8:45a-10:15a Strong Flow
Dice's classes:
Monday 8:45a-10:15a Strong Flow
Tuesday 7:00p-8:30p Strong Flow
Wednesday 8:45a-10:15a Strong Flow
Thursday 7:00p-8:30p Strong Flow
Sunday 9:30a-11:00a Strong Flow *
*This is a Drop-Off class with Two Hearts Yoga. Come take Dice's class at Black Dog while your child takes one at Two Hearts Yoga (kids class is ages 3 and up).

One FREE class during the month of November for any of the featured classes at Rising Lotus Yoga in Sherman Oaks (coupon required; email me for coupon):
Prenatal - Mondays & Fridays - 1:30 - 3:00pm
Mommy & Me - Wednesdays - 1:30 - 3:00pm
Kids Yoga - Tuesdays - 3:30 - 4:30
Karate - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday

Fall specials at Dancing Shiva Yoga and Ayurveda in Los Angeles:
1. YOGA: Sundays 5:30pm class by donation with Miyuki Fox.(Good through the Fall schedule)
~ All weekday 9am classes are $10
2. AYURVEDA - 10% Shirodhara
3. STORE: 10% off Herbal supplements

Bizarre Sundays: Yoga + Brunch with Evolve Lifewear
Sunday, Nov 8th (every second Sunday of the month)
Yoga at 10:30am 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)


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: Nov 1 - Yoga with Jessa Baxter, Nov 8 - Yoga with Joel Adalpe, Nov 15 - Yoga Flow with Marlize Joubert, Nov 22 - Yoga Tuneup with Patty Wortham, Nov 29 - Root to Rise Workshop with Krista Cahill
lululemon Brentwood, 11920 San Vicente Blvd ~
Sundays at 9:30am, Yoga: Nov 1 - Marlize Joubert, Nov 8 - Briohny Smyth, Nov 15 - Aras Baskauskas, Nov 22 - Alex Crow, Nov 28 - Leigh Golden. Plus: Nov 12 7:15pm - Pure Barre with Marni Rosenthal Chaikin, Nov 19 7:30pm - Zumba with Coach Neda
lululemon Calabasas, at The Commons, 4719 Commons Way ~
Sundays at 9:30am: Nov 1 - Yoga with Sri Hari Moss, Nov 8 - Body Hoops with Diana, Nov 15 - Extreme Bootcamp with Corey, Nov 22 - Yoga with Georgina Purple. Plus: Every Monday 6pm - Running Club, Every Tuesday 6am - Trekking Club
lululemon Glendale, at The Americana, 233 S Brand ~
Sundays at 9:30am: Nov 1 - Pilates with Nadia Ahern, Nov 8 - Yoga with Elyse Briggs, Nov 15 - Yoga with Barry Ennis, Nov 22 - Yoga with Lauri Janover, Nov 29 - Yoga with Christy Marsden. Plus: Every Wednesday 11am - Kids Yoga with Abby Rose
lululemon Pasadena, 110 W Colorado ~
Sundays at 10am, Studio Physique Workout: Nov 1, Nov 8, Nov 15, Nov 22, Nov 29. Plus: Every Wednesday 6pm - Fun Run Club, Nov 4 7:30pm - Yoga for School Teachers, Nov 28 10am - Yoga with Shad Cruz
lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd ~
Sundays at 9:30am: Yoga with Yogis Anonymous! Nov 1 - Ally Hamilton, Nov 8 - Charlie Samos, Nov 15 - Angela Kukhahn, Nov 22 - Chani Nicholas, Nov 29 - Virginia Weiss
lululemon South Bay, at Plaza El Segundo, 2008A E Park Pl ~
Sundays at 9:30am: Nov 1 - Stretch and Barre, Nov 8 - Stretch and Barre, Nov 15 - Yoga with Peter Sterios, Nov 22 - Run and Yoga with Steve Mackel, Nov 29 - Yoga and Arm Balances with CJ Frogozo. Plus: Every Thursday 6:15pm - Run Club at Manhattan Beach Pier

AcroYoga and Ecstatic Dance with guest DJs!
The Church at Ocean Park, 235 Hill St, Santa Monica
Every Tuesday evening - 6:15pm AcroYoga, 7:30pm Ecstatic Dance
Cost: $15 for Dance, FREE for Yoga


This is all about getting great exercise, freeing your mind and body, and connecting with yourself and with your community in a safe, healthy space. If you want to just DANCE then this is the place for you. The fearlessness with which others leap, roll, strut, and be themselves gives you permission and courage to dance your pain, fear, anger and joy. Come roll, skip, prance, sashay, promenade, sweat and stretch - all without any judgment. AT THE END OF EACH ECSTATIC DANCE SESSION, WE CONVENE IN A COMMUNITY CIRCLE FOR COOLDOWN, SHARING AND CONNECTION.
Click on link to see current DJ lineup: Ecstatic Dance LA

ART OF LIVING KIRTAN
Yoga Desa, Topanga
Saturday, Nov 7th 7:00pm (1st Saturday of 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

An Evening of Kirtan with Daniel & Friends
Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Friday, Nov 13th 8:30pm (2nd Friday of 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, Sylvie and Emily on vocals, Jeff Harris on guitar, Abby Scovile on cello, Angela Devita on flute, and Matthew Hufschmidt on drums.
No singing experience needed, only a willingness to open your heart to the joy.

Kirtan with Andrew Behla and Michèle Krolik
Aanand Saagar, Venice
Saturday, Nov 21st 7:30pm
Cost: $15 Suggested Donation


Andrew Behla and Michèle Krolik have been active teachers for the Los Angeles Art of Living Foundation since 1990. They weave an organic sound that allows the call and response chanting to be fully supported. New compositions as well as traditional chants give a variety to the experience of diving back into the silence of the Self. Andrew explains, "Chanting in Sanskrit has an incredible effect on the consciousness when done with 100% enthusiasm. It's like charging your batteries while having fun at the same time! Also, the chants are constantly evolving and anyone can join in. All you need is a YES mind and the heart will follow!".

Weekly Kirtan at Bhakti Yoga Shala
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Cost: Suggested donation $10-$15

Friday, Nov 6th 8:30pm (1st Friday of month) - Andres Salcedo
Saturday, Nov 7th 8:00pm (1st Saturday of month) - Govindas and Radha
Friday, Nov 13th 9:00pm (2nd Friday of month) - Joey Lugassy
Saturday, Nov 14th 8:00pm (2nd Saturday of month) - Michael Thomas
Friday, Nov 20th 9:00pm (3rd Friday of month) - Terra Gold
Saturday, Nov 21st 8:00pm (3rd Saturday of month) - Zat Baraka
Friday, Nov 27th 8:30pm (4th Friday of month) - Kalidas
Saturday, Nov 28th 8:00pm (4th Saturday of month) - Travis Eliot


~~~ this month's highlights ~~~

West Coast Bhakti Bar Kirtan Tour with Andrew Zenoff
Saturday, Oct 24th 8:00pm - Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Saturday, Oct 31st 8:00pm - Bhakti Yoga Shala Halloween Party
Sunday, Nov 1st 7:30pm - The Hub, West Los Angeles
Cost: FREE


Andrew got this crazy idea to cruise the West Coast and share Kirtan during the last two weeks of October to help spread the love, share the names and build The Bhakti Bar community. Please join him, accompanied by Joss Jaffe on Tabla and support vocals with C.C.White.

Learn to Fly With Lara Catone and Sarah Vosen of AcroYoga
lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd
Thursday, Nov 5th 6:30pm
Cost: FREE!


Live Music Flow with Christy Marsden and Josh Brill
Yoga Blend, Burbank
Thursday, Nov 5th 8:15-10:00pm
Cost: $20


Come experience a blend of breath, mantra and slow, gentle asana with Christy Marsden accompanied by live music from Josh Brill with the soft glow of candles lighting the way as you flow into a deep state of relaxation and peace. Josh's music gently supports and accompanies the practice, breath, and movement of the class, achieving a delicate rhythmic balance of the inner and outer states of being. Like an interactive film score for your yoga, Josh channels and creates music for the moment. Poetically called a "sonic womb," the sublime musical accompaniment facilitates a dynamic energetic exchange and dance between the practice and the music, deeply supporting the intimate inward journey of harmonic resonance, asana and breath.

Yogaco Fashion Show
Yogaco, Santa Monica
Friday, Nov 6th 7pm
Cost: $5


Yogaco hosts the first Yoga Fashion show with Global Ghetto Organics , Beyond Yoga and Energy Muse Jewelry! Muse, peruse and kick off the holidays with drinks, food, fashion and yogis modeling the newest trends at our studio!
All drinks, food, and fun included. All clothes 25% off for the evening!
You'll catch some famous yogis doing some yoga party-tricks on the catwalk too!

The Hollywood Movie Premiere of "Happiness Is"
Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood
Friday, Nov 6th 7:30pm at Golden Bridge Yoga in Hollywood
Cost: By Donation (All Proceeds of the Event will benefit the Amrit Davaa World Health Organization)


HAPPINESS IS…a cinematic road trip that explores the myths and the truths of the “pursuit of happiness” in America. It is the second film from Andrew Shapter, Director of the critically acclaimed documentary, Before The Music Dies. The film journeys through history–without boundaries or prejudices–in an attempt to understand what Happiness truly is, in the face of what the definition of Happiness has become.

Introduction to AcroYoga with Lara Catone and Sarah Vosen
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 7th 11am-1pm
Cost: $20 before 11/7, $25 at door (cash only)
Click on link to preregister: Introduction to AcroYoga


All levels, all ages, all people are invited to experience a full spectrum AcroYoga practice in a safe, supportive environment. These workshops include partner yoga, basic acrobatics, assisted inversions, basic flying and Thai massage, introducing the building blocks of AcroYoga while emphasizing the sacred experience of community. No yoga experience required. No partner needed. Bring an open mind, an open heart, and a dose of curiosity!

Yoga & Diabetes with Bradley Kapture
The Yoga Loft, Woodland Hills
Saturday, Nov 7th 1:30pm
Cost: FREE


November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and as one of the leading causes of death in the United States, being aware could help save your life or a loved one.
95% of diabetics in the United States are living with Type 2 diabetes - the form of the disease brought on by stress, poor nutrition and a lack of exercise.
Join yoga instructor, author and founder of Yoga 4 Diabetes, Bradley Kapture, for a special seminar on living with Type 2 diabetes and using yoga to help deal with diabetes, through breathing and simple postures.

Tantra Yoga Workshop with Zat Baraka
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 7th 1:30-3:45pm
Cost: Suggested donation $21


Zat Baraka will lead a 2 hour workshop in Yogic Buddhist Practice. Create a home practice!Asana, Pranayam, Mantra and Meditation (Tummo and Shamatha). We will learn the basics of how to work with poisonous emotions, learn practices to transform confusion, and awaken sanity. Tummo Practice is a tantric meditation that dissolves and releases tensions. The combination of these practices leaves one feeling clear, balanced and open to life as it is.

Mark Whitwell's Heart of Yoga Peace Project presents: EXPERIENCE Yoga's Expression of Peace in Action
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 7th 7:00pm
Cost: $20 limited pre-sale tickets
Click on link to purchase: Brown Paper Tickets


An intimate evening experiencing many yogic expressions of beauty, peace and harmony.
Benefiting Heart of Yoga's Middle East Peace Project, a not-for-profit 501(c)3, bringing peace to the Middle East through teacher trainings and the practice of yoga.
Celebrate our direct participation with nurturing source through Music, Kirtan, Ecstatic Tantric Poetry, Live Performance Art and more with: Mark Whitwell, Pandit Vikash Maharaj and Prabhashj (Indian Classical masters from Varanasi, India), Suzanne Sterling, Micheline Berry, Joey Lugassy, Steve Gold, Radiance Sutras (featuring Lorin Roche and Camille Maurine), Chris Tompkins, Josh Brill, Maesyn, Psalm Isadora, Masood Ali Khan, Denise Kaufman, and surprise special guests!
Yoga as performance art and ritual by: Acro Yoga (featuring Lara Catone and Sarah Vosen), Kaia Ra, Robin Sol, Chris Filkins

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


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

Ecstatic Kirtan with Daniel Stewart & Friends
Yoga Works Main Street, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 7th 8:00pm
Cost: $20 before 11/7, $25 at door, $5 discount if you mention facebook!


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.
Featuring: Matthew Hufschmidt, Sarah Bergman, Kelly Bodden, Jeff Harris, Dorian Cheah, David Watts, Abby Scoville, and more to be announced.

Classical Indian Music Concert/Bhajan with Ranjeet Pathak and Ajeet Pathak
Aanand Saagar, Venice
Saturday, Nov 7th 8:00pm
Suggested donation $15


Please join us for an evening of Classical Indian Music. We are honored to be hosting Santoor and Tabla maestros, Ranjeeth Pathak and Ajit Pathak. Their performance will be followed by a kirtan/bhajan, led by Prachi Dixit.

Tantra and Mantra Workshop, The Yoga of Vibration with Chris Tompkins and Joshua Brill
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Sunday, Nov 8th 2:00-5:00pm
Cost: $35


A workshop exploring Mantra as the highest practice of Tantra. Experienced through techniques from ancient Tantric texts and Nada Yoga; The Yoga of Sound.
This workshop will include:
-Translations, explanations and applications of Tantric texts
-Mantra as a Science of Universal Attunement
-Music and Sound as our direct link to Sacred Vibration
-The link between Breath, Vibration, and Harmony
-Proper Sanskrit pronunciation and physical placement of Mantra
-Tools to increase awareness, attention, and consciousness
-Tantric practices to open the Heart Chakra and to activate the spiral of Kundalini
-Establishing Balance through practices of Toning, Music, and Rhythm

Kirtan with Sheela Bringi
Aanand Saagar, Venice
Sunday, Nov 8th 8:30pm
Cost: Suggested donation $10


Join Indian vocalist & multi-instrumentalist Sheela Bringi in an evening of devotional music and Kirtan joined by Cody Remaklus (percussion).

Lisbeth Scott CD release concerts: Hope Is A Thing
The Edgemar Center for the Arts, 2437 Main St, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 7th 8:30pm and Sunday, Nov 8th 7:30pm
Cost: $25 for Saturday, By donation for Sunday


A concert celebrating the release of the new CD Hope Is A Thing featuring Lisbeth Scott, Quinn on drums, Ian Walker on bass, Christopher Bruce on guitars and Tina Guo on cello.....Two evenings! 7th and 8th!
Sunday's concert will be a benefit for the non-profit Education Through Music and all ages are welcome.
http://www.edgemarcenter.org/ or 310-392-7327 for tix

Community Night: Meditation for Parents with Sara Lamm
City Yoga, West Hollywood
Tuesday, Nov 10th 7:30pm
Cost: FREE!


This evening will create space for parents to reconnect with themselves and the sound of silence. We'll practice mindfulness meditation and discuss ways that "just sitting" can enhance both our parenting and well-being.
Leave your "To Do" lists at home--just bring your breath!

Bibliyoga with Marcus J Freed
Mimoda Studio Theatre, 5774 W Pico Blvd, Los Angeles
Part I - Tuesday, Nov 10th 8:00pm: "Finding Joy, Peace and Healing”
Part II - Wednesday, Nov 11th 8:00pm: “Becoming Strength, Light and Happiness”
Cost: $15 each class
Click on link to register: JConnectLA


JConnectLA presents 2 back-to-back Bibliyoga workshops with the witty, worldly and wise BibiYogi, educator and performer Marcus J Freed of London. Bibliyoga is soulfood for the body that offers a physical-spiritual uplift through powerful yoga, Jewish wisdom and Kabbalah.
Yoga for Ecstatic Living: Bibliyoga for the Body & Soul workshops are each one hour vinyasa flow sessions for all levels of yoga from beginner to advanced. Both workshops will be followed by a salon discussion at a nearby café moderated by Rabbi Yonah of JConnectLA.
Wear loose clothes and bring a yoga mat or some will be available for purchase.

Partner Thai Yoga with Deon DeWet
Silver Lake Yoga, Silverlake
Friday, Nov 13th 7:00-10:00pm
Cost: $35 (reservations recommended)


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.

OmDance & Chant
The Yoga Loft, Woodland Hills
Friday, Nov 13th 7:30-9:30pm
Cost: $20


Dance wild, sing free and celebrate the essence of your true nature in a safe and sacred space with OmDance & 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 & Stella Davies.

Yoga Side of the Moon with Andres Salcedo
Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice
Friday, Nov 13th 7:45-9:45pm
Cost: $20


On this auspicious Friday the 13th and after many successful "Yoga Side 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 achieved a natural psychedelic emotional state. The workshop will start with a simple warm up series, followed by a flow inspired by the sound of the album and created on the spot based on the energy of the group, ultimately leading to a 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.

Marla Leigh’s RHYTHMJUJU: A Percussive~Trance Dance Ritual
Yoga World Studio, Long Beach
Friday, Nov 13th 8:00pm
Cost: $15 pre-register, $20 at door


Join us for this powerful, healing, percussive ~ dance ritual, featuring ancient sacred drums from India, the Middle East and Africa, tastefully combined with worldly flutes, Hebrew & Sanskrit chants and down tempo, ambient electronics.
Evening ritual begins with setting intentions, gentle yoga stretches, followed by a memorable trance ~inducing a rhythmic dance journey.
Dance, meditate, release, reveal, explore with the sacred sounds of LIVE soulful world music!

Beach Yoga for the Kids of Nicaragua with Jay Co - a Fundraiser for Nicaragua Surf Yoga Volunteer Adventure
Beachfront end of Bay Street, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 14th 10:00am
Cost: By Donation


Jay Co is doing a special class this coming Saturday morning (Nov. 14) at the beach to raise money for the upcoming Nicaragua Volunteer Trip. All donations collected from this class will go directly toward buying water filters for the filtration towers that we put up on the last trip. These filters are absolutely necessary to keep the clean water flowing; your tax-deductible donation will provide potable, disease-free water to the elementary school children of Jiquilillo, Nicaragua and their families.

Karen Shuman's Yoga One Year Anniversary
Karen Shuman's Beyond Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Saturday, Nov 14th 10:00am-5:00pm
Cost: By Donation


OFFERINGS:
~ mini sample yoga classes
~ mini healing session
~ massages (1:00-3:00PM with Suzy & 3:00-5:00PM with Avalon)
~ Tarot Card Readings (11:00-1:00PM)
~ Henna Tattoo Artist
~ donate used business clothing to support Urban Possibilities
SCHEDULE:
10:00 AM~Yoga with Ropes~Karen S.
11:00 AM~Hatha Flow~Dario
12:00 PM~Gentle Therapeutic Yoga~Monique
1:00 PM~Iyengar~Andrea
1:45 PM~Gentle Hatha~Avalon
2:30 PM~Kundalini Yoga~Alana
3:15 PM~Tai Chi~Rapha4:00 PM~ Meditation with the 4 Elements~Anthony
5:00 PM~Group Healing~Mutiam
ALL CLASSES DONATION ONLY! FIRST COME FIRST SERVE!
ENJOY HEALTHY FOOD AND DRINKS FROM OUR SPONSORS LARABAR AND CASCADIAN FARM ORGANICS

YOGA 4 DIABETES with Bradley Kapture
The Hub, Los Angeles
Saturday, Nov 14th 1:30-2:30pm
Cost: FREE


Join Bradley Kapture for a special seminar on living with Type 2 diabetes and using yoga to help deal with the condition through breathing, simple postures and good nutritional choices. November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and as one of the leading causes of death in the United States, being aware could help save your life or the life of a loved one. 95% of diabetics in the United States are living with Type 2 diabetes--the form of the disease brought on by stress, poor nutrition and a lack of exercise.
This was the experience of yoga instructor, author and founder of Yoga 4 Diabetes, Bradley Kapture. Due to life changes, in just three years, he went from a fit and healthy instructor to a life with Type 2 diabetes brought on by stress and poor food choices. But through yoga and a good diet, Bradley has been able to eliminate the use of medication for the treatment of his Type 2 diabetes.
Through his experience, he created 'yoga4diabetes,' a series of simple yoga postures and breathing exercises to help regulate blood sugar levels for diabetics and those with pre-diabetic symptoms.

FIESTA DE MILAGROS - A fundraiser for Casa de Milagros, a home for orphaned children in Cusco, Peru
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 14th 6:00-10:00pm
Cost: Suggested donation $50 (no one turned away for lack of funds)


Giving Thanks to One Who Has Given So Much...Raising Awareness + Support for Mama Kia's medical expenses, her 31 adopted children and 2 soup-kitchens
Enjoy a night of healthy food, spirits, silent auction + soulful grooves.
DJ's: KCRW's Jason Bentley Carmen Rizzo Jeremy Sole
Wandering performances by Lucent Dossier Experience
Sponsors: Whole Foods, Samosa House, The Green Truck, Frey Wines, Rosenthal Vineyards, Gekkeikan Sake, POM, Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate, Activate Water, Icelandic Water, Silvermoon Raw Chocolates + more!

Survivor: Yogabear Island - A fundraiser for Yogabear, providing yoga to cancer survivors
Yogaco, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 14th 7:00-11:00pm (class at 7pm, party/raffle at 8:15pm)
Cost: By Donation


Join Yoga Bear LA and Lululemon in an evening at Yogaco. At 7 pm Jennifer Pastiloff will be leading a donation-based gentle yoga class. Erica Rhodes will be on the cello and Fawntice Mccain playing her Tibetan sound healing bowls. This class is free for survivors.
Stay around after for the anti-oxidant party afterwards! Besides anti-oxidants such as red wine, dark chocolate, and green tea there will chair massages by donation, live music, a raffle, and other treats. And Annabel Ruffell be donating 40% of any sales of her artwork that evening to Yogabear.
Every $10 donation gets a raffle ticket!
**Buy raffle tickets online at http://www.yogabear.org/page/survivor-yoga-bear-island for $10! You do not have to be there to buy tickets or to win! We have so many wonderful prizes!

ECSTASY OF CHANTING
The Hub, Los Angeles
Saturday, Nov 14th 7:30pm
Cost: Suggested Donation $10 (no one turned away; pay what you can) Part of the proceeds donated to International Save The Children Alliance


Chanting has transformed people's lives for thousands of years. Please join us for an evening filled with music and the singing of devotional chants.
The members of The Ecstasy of Chanting (EOC) have played together for many years. Their deep experience and love brings the joy and subtlety of chanting straight to the heart. Chanting has transformed people's lives for thousands of years. EOC chants with the freedom and love that is the birthright of the unencumbered soul. Please join us for an evening filled with music and the singing of devotional chants.
The Band: Robbie Gillman on Keyboard; Leslie Gillman on Vocals; Andy Agle on Vocals; Peter Factor on Guitar and Percussion, Allen Astin on Mridangam and Percussion; Anna-Pia Hubacher on Harmonium and Vocals; Paul Levine on Vocals; Eddie Young on Cello and Bass.

A MAGICAL KIRTAN LOVE WEEKEND with David Newman (Durga Das) and special guests MIRA and Phillipo Franchini
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Kirtan: Saturday, Nov 14th 8:30pm
Workshop: Sunday, Nov 15th 1:30-3:45pm
Cost: Suggested donation $20 for Kirtan, $30 for workshop


Join David Newman and special guests Mira and Phillipo Franchini for a bliss-filled, inspirational experience of sacred yoga teachings and practices. This workshop is designed to deepen your spiritual practice of yoga and improve the quality of your experiences through the application of Love as a way of life. For ages yogis have known that Love is the master key to happiness, and therefore created a practice, called Bhakti Yoga, which is centered around the manifestation of that Love. Bhakti yoga simply means the yoga of love and devotion. It encompasses practices that open the heart and lead us to the very essence of Love, our true nature.
This training is a crash course in Bhakti or devotion, both as a practice and a way of life. The weekend will include two significant components of Bhakti Yoga. First, is Kirtan, the use of healing mantras in the form of devotional chanting. Second is Satsang or "wisdom sharing", examining the teachings of the saints and scriptures on the nature of Love as a spiritual path.
Bhakti Yoga teaches that the miracle of Love is inside each one of us and has the power to heal all!

SUNDAY NIGHT YOGA & DINNER with Jennifer Kelly
The Yogi Tree, Toluca Lake
Sunday, Nov 15th 5:00-7:00pm
Cost: $20


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.

Yogasonic
lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd
Thursday, Nov 19th 6:00-7:30pm
Cost: FREE


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/electronica 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.

Yoga with Stephanie Phelan and Live Music by Masood Ali Khan
Maha Yoga, Brentwood
Friday, Nov 20th 7:30pm
Cost: Regular class price


Please join us for an evening that will open your heart and sooth your soul.

Yogasonic at Rising Lotus Yoga
Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks
Friday, Nov 20th 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.

Giving Thanks to Shakti: A Benefit Kirtan Led by Women, in Celebration of the Feminine
Bhakti Yoga Shala, Santa Monica
Friday, Nov 20th 9:00pm
Cost: Suggested Donation $15


Join us for a night of kirtan, poetry, ritual and sacred ceremonial dance!
The intention of this celebration is to inspire the men and women of our yoga community to partake in the ancient tradition of honoring the feminine as the Mysteries of winter approach.
Chanting will be led by Terra Gold, C.C. White, Radha Rosen, Ena Vie, Ambika Leigh, Annmarie Solo and Sarah Bergman. Poetic inspirations spoken by Psalm Isadora, sacred dance by Jacqui Lalita and music by Momo Loudiyi (guitar), Meena Makhijani (tablas), Jamie Papish (drums/percussion) and Dahveed Hari Bol Das (percussion/drums).
All proceeds will be donated to help women locally and globally. Local profits go to support the non-profit organization Sojourn Services, aiding women in recovering their strength, support and means when they are homeless or coming out of a domestic violence situation. Global outreach goes to "Healing the Mother," a seva project to open a school for destitute women in Vizag, India.

yoga + hiking + picnic = awesome with Dan Ward
Santa Monica Power Yoga West, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 21st 6:00AM
Cost: By donation


here's how it goes:
1) meet at 6am at SMPY WEST to greet the day with a sweet flow
2) carpool up to a local hiking spot (announced at class) where we knock off a challenging hike somewhere between 4 and 6 miles
3) picnic our brains out (vegan feast catered by lesley ward)
4) maybe throw in a hilarious frisbee session. some people are even improving their disc skillz!

Partner Yoga Workshop with Holly Reed and Howard Pollock
Ja Yoga, Long Beach
Saturday, Nov 21st 2:00-4:00pm
Cost: $40 per couple before 11/21, $50 at door


What better way to give your special someone thanks than to spend an afternoon reconnecting to each other?
Imagine the opportunity to share sacred space, opening your hearts, allowing the energy, love, and gratitude to flow between the two of you.

Sneak Preview and Fundraiser: Bonsai – Celebrating the Vision of Muhammad Yunus
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 21st 7:00pm
Cost: Suggested Donation $15


A documentary by Holly Mosher as part of Empowerment Works' Artist in Action series.
What if you could harness the power of the free market to solve the problems of poverty, hunger, and inequality? To some, it sounds impossible.
But Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is doing exactly that. Bonsai celebrates Yunus’ extraordinary humanitarian work, which started when he simply lent $27 to 42 people out of his own pocket. As the founder of Grameen Bank, Yunus pioneered microcredit, the innovative banking program that provides poor people - mainly women - with small loans they use to launch businesses and lift their families out of poverty. In the past thirty years, microcredit has spread to every continent and benefited over 100 million families. His Grameen Bank currently lends to one out of every 1,000 people on earth and with a 98% rate of return – unheard of in the financial world.
Please join us for a festive night featuring film clips, photographs from the filmmaker, delicious hors doeuvres, drinks, music and dancing.

Kirtan with BhaktiMa
Harmony Yoga, Redondo Beach
Saturday, Nov 21st 7:00pm (3rd Saturday of every month)
Cost: $10 Suggested Donation


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

The Human Comedy with Vanda Mikolowski
Yoga Works Main Street, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 21st 7:00pm
Cost: $15 early; $20 at the door


Join Vanda for an irreverent and hysterical comedy inspired by "What the Bleep," "The Secret," Eckhart Tolle, Ram Das, Alan Watts, Byron Katie, Tom Robbins, David Bohm, Werner Erhardt, Socrates, 12-step programs and more.
Vanda: “The show's about having fun and laughing at ourselves in that oh-so-elusive pursuit of enlightenment or happiness … revealing the absurdities & foibles that arise as we pursue everything from the most ancient spiritual practices to the latest and greatest in groups, courses, techniques, books and movies on our road to ‘the answers’.”

Special Screening: WHAT THE BLEEP DO WE KNOW?! with special guided meditation with Jean Merritt
The Yogi Tree, Toluca Lake
Saturday, Nov 21st 7:00pm
Cost: Suggested donation $10


Join The Yogi Tree for this very special screening of What the BLEEP preceded by a warm, illuminating guided meditation from Jean Merritt, whose weekly Sunday class VISUALIZATION FOR MANIFESTATION has fast become a studio favorite.
Light snacks and What the BLEEP discussion to follow the screening.

Kirtan for a Cause with Tamal Dodge
Heaven on Earth Holistic Living Center, 7122 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles
Saturday, Nov 21st 8:00pm
Cost: By Donation


Come sing with us and support Team Survivor, a non-profit organization providing free fitness classes to cancer survivors.

Karma Kirtan with Daniel Stewart and Friends - A fundraiser for OPCC, providing services to the homeless and low-income families
Yogis Anonymous, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 21st 8:00pm
Cost: Suggested Donation $15


Rock the bhakti with Daniel Stewart and his many talented musical guests (including electric violinist and Yogis Anonymous co-owner Dorian Cheah) for a night of joyful call and response Kirtan.
No experience necessary, just a willingness to open your heart and dive into the blissful flow.
100% of profits from this event will be donated to OPCC, a network of shelters and services for low-income and homeless youth, adults and families, battered women and their children and people living with mental illness.

6 Different Schools of Yoga Unite for 1 Cause - a Fundraiser for Yoga Gives Back, providing microfinancing to women in India
Yogaglo, Santa Monica
Sunday, Nov 22nd 10:00am-12:00pm
Cost: $25 Suggested Donation


Come join us in a universal spirit of union to help women in India break out of the chains of poverty. 6 different yoga school teachers are coming together under one roof to create a very special flow class, starting with Kasey Luber/Kundalini, Gary Margolin/Ashtanga, Chris Stein/Iyengar, Tara Judelle/Anusara, Felicia Tomasko/Eclectic Hatha, John Sahakian Restorative/Breathwork. This 2 hour class is for everyone, from beginner to advanced. Soulful groove live music will be played by Kalani and Friends.

Stone Soup Party: A Feast for the Belly and Soul - Making something from nothing…with faith and community
The Awareness Center, Pasadena
Sunday, Nov 22nd 12:00–3:00pm
Cost: FREE


When it seems like there is not enough or there is fear about survival, thinking becomes limited and we lose our connection to gratitude and appreciating the blessings that we have in our lives. The idea for this new event came to Wahe Guru in a vision and she wants to gather everyone together to enjoy the simple gifts of laughter, good food and spiritual community. For when we alone may not have enough, together, with God’s blessing we have a feast for the belly and soul.
Please bring an item to put in the community soup or to contribute to the potluck.
Please contact April at cloudappy@hotmail.com to find out what to bring. If you are not able to bring food, please offer to set up or clean up afterwards.
We will read the inspiring children’s story, “Stone Soup” and do a group meditation as the soup is cooking.
Please bring your kids and other family members. We will provide the stones…

Yoga, OFF THE MAT: TWISTS + BALANCES ~ A Workshop with Terri Dunn benefitting Tashirat School and Ashram
Redondo Beach Spectrum Club, 819 N Harbor Dr, Redondo Beach
Sunday, Nov 22nd 2:00-4:00pm
Cost: $25 minimum donation


Join us during the month of November, the month of giving and thanks, as we practice Yoga Off the Mat for the Tashirat Yoga School + Ashram. Since its founding in 1993, the Tashirat staff have served the neediest sectors of society, providing yoga, counseling, and classes in natural medicine, hygiene, literacy, and basic and remedial education. In 2003, the Tashirat staff decided that the greatest service they could provide the surrounding community would be to open an orphanage. We invite you to explore twists + balances and take this adventure with us. Why not deepen your practice with Tashirat in mind with Terri in the lead and fellow yogis to support and smile along with you.
All levels, Members and non-members welcome.
CONTACT: Alicia 310.621.4080 or sirenssociety.org

The Cosmic Kirtan Collective
Inner Power Yoga, Calabasas
Sunday, Nov 22nd 7:00-9:00pm
Cost: Love donation $15


Come and dance your socks off, celebrate and sing your heart out at the debut of this new Kirtan band* at Inner Power Yoga.
* Kirtan is a traditional Indian form of call and response music based on the "Bhakti" tradition which celebrates life, heartfulness and a joy of the divine!

108 Sun Salutations Dedicated to the Children of Uganda
Yogaco, Santa Monica
Saturday, Nov 28th 7:00pm
Cost: By Donation


Be inspired by this season of Thanksgiving and help raise money for the children of Uganda! Get friends and family to sponsor each sun salutation that you practice in this inspirational class led by Rennie Yabiku. All proceeds will go to building schools, providing food and clean water for the Ugandan people. Open to anyone who is up for the challenge!
Food and drinks provided after class!

Wah! and Girish - A Night for Giving Thanks
Kali Klub, 3229 Casitas Ave, Atwater Village
Saturday, Nov 28th 7:00pm
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 day of
Click on link to purchase: It's My Seat


A benefit for Charity:water.org - Raise funds for a well in India
Special sneak preview of the new Kali Klub!
Kali Klub is a place where Los Angeles yogis can meet and share the joy of Bhakti Yoga through ecstatic dance and chant, practice Seva through selfless giving and make connections with like-minded souls. Call it a new conscious and spirit based nightclub.
It's a longed-for spot, just a thought with community in mind.
Remember the environment - car pool. Plenty of seats but you can bring your own pillows and seats.

Yoga Class benefitting Tashirat School and Ashram
Lyfe Yoga Center, Hermosa Beach
Sunday, Nov 29th 1:00-2:30pm
Cost: Suggested Donation $25.00


Join LYFE as we donate space for Tashirat School and Ashram. Since its founding in 1933, the Tashirat staff have served the neediest sectors of society, providing yoga, literacy and basic education.
All proceeds will go to Tashirat School and Ashram.

Tuesday, November 03, 2009

it's november... already?!?

all i seem to remember is being caught in the whirlwind of september: yogamonth and the challenge i posed to myself to take a yoga class everyday, each time at a different yoga studio with a different teacher. bhakti fest and the three days of ecstatic kirtan in the searing heat of the desert. the global mala event and the endless cycles of 108 sun salutations that i found myself doing all over town.

and when it was all over, i rested. i allowed myself the luxury of being able to skip my yoga practice when i felt like it. i abstained from kirtans to give the chanting voices in my head a chance to be silent. i decided i was just going to go with the flow and do whatever i felt like doing. including doing absolutely nothing at all.

the next thing i knew, i was dressed in costume at a halloween party on the 31st of october. what?!?! how did an entire month become nothing but a blur? now THAT's scary.

so now i'm flipping through my calendar, trying to recall an entire month that just whizzed by...

the first week:
- the much-anticipated concert featuring the LA philharmonic's new musical director, gustavo dudamel, at the hollywood bowl. it was a free event, and everyone in town was there, from concert hall subscribers, to hollywood bowl regulars, to those who had never been to either venue but were there only because it was FREE. but the fact that close to 17,000 of us were all there enjoying beautiful world and classical music together under an evening summer sky was awesome.
- the grand opening of the eco-friendly the green yogi in manhattan beach and its week of free classes. (it's amazing to me how all these yoga studios continue to pop up all over town; just in the past few months, FOUR new studios opened up in santa monica within blocks of each other: bhakti yoga shala, yogaco, yogis anonymous, and the yoga studio at the preece and toff salon at fred segal -- though even after taking richard rahn's class their first day in business, i have yet to find their website!)
- getting ready for my trip to the philippines to attend my high school reunion. including shopping for gifts to give my family and friends. and waiting in line at the federal building in westwood to expedite my passport renewal when i realized my old one had just expired. you'd think i would've checked when i bought my plane ticket back in august. but nooooo...... :(

the second week:
- my trip to manila to visit my parents and my sisters and to spend time reuniting with my high school classmates. it was also my chance to check out the residual damage to my parents' home after the catastrophic rains of typhoon ondoy caused the floodwaters to reach the five-foot level INSIDE the house (thankfully, they had time to move the more valuable items upstairs to the second floor, although there clearly was damage that was still in the process of being fixed or replaced -- waterlogged walls, furniture, appliances, cars). while there, i was so busy that i barely had time to get to the ONE yoga class that i took at pulse yoga in makati. i was hoping to also get to the bikram yoga studio in greenhills, but because of transportation and timing issues, it just never happened. sigh.

the third week:
- the ojai yoga crib! thanks to kira ryder and the crew at lulu bandha's yoga studio in ojai, i finally got to experience the joy of the crib. three days of yoga in a magical town with fantastic teachers, healthy food, clean air, the nicest people... and my green bike! how could anything be more memorable than that? the entire weekend rightfully deserves a write-up of its own, so i'll do that... soon :) in the meantime, i'm so enamored with ojai that i'm trying to find another reason to go back!

the fourth week:
- getting back into the groove... taking yoga classes with teachers i hadn't seen in a while. chasing tweeting food trucks. catching up on back episodes of "glee". watching michael jackson's new "this is it" documentary at the new multiplex at LA live. and restarting my marathon training in preparation for the upcoming stadium-to-the-sea LA marathon in march.

thirty-one days of just going with the flow. and sure enough, there it went. whoosh!

it's definitely time for me to get back on track, isn't it?