celebrate your independence!

admit it -- most of us took up yoga because we wanted to rid ourselves of something we no longer wanted.

pain. excess weight. limited mobility. a stressful job. a bad relationship.

and in time, thanks to a regular yoga practice, we've found ourselves in a better place than where we started. or at least we can start to see ourselves making baby steps in that direction.

so let's take time out during this 4th of july weekend to look back and see how far we've come -- and celebrate our independence from all that stuff that drove us to yoga's door. yay for being happier and healthier!!

while some yoga studios will be closed in observance of the holiday, most will be open on sunday, the 4th, with abbreviated schedules.

here's what i've found so far; keep checking back for updates...

i'm listing this first because it's in the great outdoors:

~~ beach yoga with brad keimach ~~

Monday morning, July 5: 'Independence Day' Beach Yoga, regular time and place: 10:30-12

So, that weekend we'll have THREE chances to meet on the Beach for our special practice!
Here are the details for all Beach Yoga events:
WHAT: Beach Yoga
WHEN: Every Saturday and Sunday, 10:30-12, all year 'round
WHERE: Santa Monica. Walk up Marine Street (which becomes Barnard Way) all the way to the water's edge, by Lifeguard Station #29, with the yellow ramp. I'll be there to welcome you!
COST: Donation
BRING: Large towel, or mat. Sunscreen. Your great spirit! A sense of adventure and beauty.
PARKING: There is free parking on Hampton (2nd St.), and 3rd and 4th. Leave time to circle around to find free parking.


and these are also outside... of a yoga studio, that is :)

~~ FREE 4th of july yoga at lululemon athletica ~~

lululemon beverly hills, SATURDAY at the W hotel westwood - 9am Poolside yoga with Grace

lululemon calabasas, 4719 Commons Way - 9:30am Vinyasa flow with Chaz Russ

lululemon santa monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd - 9:30am Sunday yoga with Mary Beth La Rue


now for your indoor options:

~~ the awareness center, pasadena ~~

Sunday, July 4th 9:30am and 11:15am classes will leave you feeling free to BE!
We will close at 12:30 on Sunday, July 4th

Regular hours will resume Monday, July 5th

~~ back for yoga, el segundo ~~

Friday, July 02, 2010
Vinyasa Flow-All Levels 6:00-7:15 AM Jill
Vinyasa Flow-All Levels 6:15-7:30 PM Alex

Saturday, July 03, 2010
Hatha Basics-All Levels 9:30-10:45 AM Leticia (sub for Andy)

Sunday, July 04, 2010
***STUDIO WILL BE CLOSED***

Monday, July 05, 2010 ***Regular Class Schedule***
Beginner Hatha 5:30-6:45 PM Jennifer (sub for Andy)
Gentle Yoga 7:00-8:15 PM Linda

~~ be love yoga, los angeles ~~

CLOSED TILL JULY 8TH

~~ bhakti yoga shala, santa monica ~~

JULY 4th Weekend:
All classes will be as scheduled for the holiday weekend except for Sita's Saturday 6pm class due to the Bhagavan Das kirtan at 8:30pm
There will be no other changes to the regular schedule for the weekend.

~~ bikram yoga, silverlake ~~

4th of July Schedule: 8am and 10am. All other classs on 4th of July are cancelled. All other days we are on regular schedule.

~~ black dog yoga, sherman oaks ~~

We will be open on Sunday, July 4th with a shortened schedule:
9:00a-10:25a......Basics....................................Cindi Lee
9:15a-10:45a.......Intermediate Flow.............Taylor Estes
9:30a-11:00a.......Strong Flow.........................Dice Iida-Klein
10:30a-12:00p.....Strong Anusara.................Jenny Brill
11:30a-12:45p.....Healthy Backs/Yin Yoga..Mischa Allen

We will have a FULL regular schedule on Monday, July 5th!

~~ city yoga, west hollywood ~~

SCHEDULE for the 4TH of JULY weekend!

Saturday July 3rd - Full Schedule

Sunday July 4th:
9:00-10:30 Mixed with Tom
10:30-12:00 Mixed with Brookelin
NO OTHER CLASSES - ENJOY THE HOLIDAY!

Monday July 5th - Govn't Holiday
6:30am canceled
all other classes are on!

~~ dancing shiva yoga and ayurveda, los angeles ~~

Fourth of July yoga schedule (tomorrow):
basics with Jaime at 8:30am
level 2 with Arun Deva at 10am
all other classes cancelled for the holiday

~~ dharma mittra yoga, los angeles ~~

The studio is closed Sunday, Independence Day, and no class either Monday morning July 5th at 9:15am. (Although we are back in action Monday night for 6:30pm class.)

~~ earth's power yoga, los angeles ~~

Abridged schedule July 4th weekend:
Sunday the 4th Just one class - Erin will teach the 10:30 am
Monday the 5th 10:30 am

~~ exhale center for sacred movement, venice ~~

July 4th Schedule is here~! Complete with LIVE MUSIC, FIREWORKS, + MORE !
8:00am Pranayama/Meditation ~ Annie Carpenter
9:00am Level 2/3 ~ Annie Carpenter
9:15am Level 1/2 ~ Keri-anne Telford
10:30am Level 2/3 ~ LIVE MUSIC JAM with Micheline Berry
11:00am Level 1 ~ Hala Khouri
12:30pm Level 2 ~ Brad Keimach

~~ free spirit yoga, long beach ~~

July 4th Weekend schedule is regular EXCEPT Sunday 5:30pm class is canceled.

~~ garden of yoga, woodland hills ~~

We will be closed on Sunday, July 4th for the holiday.
We will have a special ALL LEVELS class on Monday, July 5th at 10 am with Diana.
5 PM class will be cancelled on July 5th only.

~~ golden bridge yoga, hollywood ~~

Sunday, July 4th, 10:00am
4th of July 2010 Serpent Energy & Light with Gurushabd
Cost: $20.00
The power of the 4th of July, 2010 is the power of the serpent energy of light - the Kundalini.
Please join and experience the fire energy of light within you. Once awakened it becomes a wave of energy weaving its way through the Chakras. Serpent power - it penetrates where nothing else can go.
We will join together in Kundalini Yoga, Chanting, Meditation and dance. Then we will take an internal journey into the ancient sound of the Sacred Gong. Let your Kundalini rise. All Levels Welcome.
Enjoy delicious watermelon after class!

~~ the green yogi, manhattan beach ~~

Sunday July 4:
9:30 - 10:45 AM Power Vinyasa All Levels - Mary Strong

~~ heal and soul, encino ~~

Closed Sunday, July 4th - NO CLASSES

Monday, July 5th:
10:30-11:30 Mat Pilates Robin Schoenfeld
12:15-1:45 Hatha Yoga Marie Besso

~~ hot 8 yoga, santa monica ~~

Sun July 4:
8:00 - 9:30 AM Hot Yoga - Dakota Lupo
9:00 - 10:15 AM Hot 8 Power Yoga - Marlize Joubert
10:00 - 11:00 AM Hot 8 Yoga Sculpt - Laura Schneider

~~ the hub, los angeles ~~

CLOSED IN HONOR OF INDEPENDENCE DAY!

~~ in the mudra yoga and dance, canoga park ~~

The studio will be closed from Thursday July 1st - Sunday July 4th.
Classes will resume on Monday July 5th.

~~ inyoga center, valley village ~~

Special 4th of July Weekend Schedule - Summer Sizzler Celebration!
Saturday, July 3rd
9 – 10:30am Lo Flow - Joe Kara
10:30 – 12pm Yoga Basics - Ariel Kiley

Sunday, July 4th
9 – 10:30am Lo Flow - Joe Kara
10:30 – 12pm Gentle Yoga - Sharon Kay

Monday, July 5th
9 – 10:30am Special Mixed Level Class* Team taught (with beach balls!!!) by Clio Manuelian & Ariel Kiley
*Regular price

Tuesday, July 6th
Due to an in-studio activity on Tuesday, we unfortunately have CANCELLED the following three classes:
10:30 - 12pm Lo Flow - Clay Kyle
12:30 - 1:30pm Community Flow - Eden Putini
1:30 - 2:45pm Pre & Post Natal - Nicole Honnig
This is a one-time only cancellation - these classes will resume on Thursday.

~~ iyengar yoga institute, los angeles ~~

July 4th Holiday Schedule:
Sunday July 4 at 10:30 am - All Levels with Marla Apt
Monday July 5 at 9:30 am - All Levels with Vladimir Jandov
All other classes are canceled

~~ the jade apple, north hollywood ~~

JULY 4th HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:
We are offering a special 2-hour class this Sunday - 10:30 - 12:30p with Karen
No RESTORATION this Sunday
Regular schedule for Monday JULY 5th

~~ karen shuman's yoga remedy, sherman oaks ~~

Sunday July 4th Special Schedule:
10:30-12:00pm Yoga for Your Body w/ Karen Shuman
**all other classes are canceled for the day and schedule will resume to normal on monday!!**

~~ liberation yoga, los angeles ~~

Just Two Classes Sunday July 4th:
10am-11:30am All Levels Flow with Erin McGuire
12:00pm-1:30pm Level 1 with Jessie Diaz-Perez
The rest of the weekend is regular schedule.

~~ lyfe yoga center, hermosa beach ~~

HOLIDAY WEEKEND CLASSES:
Saturday July 3:
8:00am Vinyasa Flow
9:30am Iyengar
11:30am Strong and Calm
1:00pm Prenatal

Sunday July 4th - 9:30am Vinyasa

Monday July 5th - 10:00am Iyengar

~~ maha yoga, brentwood ~~

JULY 4 CLASS SCHEDULE:
7:00am Ashtanga with Jorgen
9:00am Level 2/3+ with Stephen Weigand
10:30am Level 2/3 with Steve Ross
Last Class of the Day is at 11am

~~ mark blanchard's power yoga, studio city ~~

Holiday Schedule as Follows - Saturday is regular schedule. and Sunday is 9 a.m. with Bethany and 10:30 with Grace - all other classes canceled.

~~ mission street yoga, south pasadena ~~

We will be closed 4th of July; regular schedule resumes on the 5th!

~~ purple yoga, long beach ~~

Holiday Schedule - July 4th
9:00AM Red Series
10:30AM Blue Series
Our regular class schedule resumes Monday, July 5th.

~~ raksa, culver city ~~

WE WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY JULY 4th

~~ rising lotus yoga, sherman oaks ~~

Sunday, July 4:
8:00 - 9:30 am - Mixed Level Flow with Christine
9:00 - 10:25 am - Level 1-2 with Daniel
10:00 - 11:30 am - Level 1 with Ruth
10:35 - 12:05 am - Mixed Level Flow with Daniel
All other classes are canceled.

~~ runyon canyon yoga, hollywood ~~

There will be no 6pm Classes July 2,3,4,5. They are closing the park at 5pm on these days for the 4th of July Holiday weekend. We will be back Tuesday the 6th at 6pm. All other classes will be held as scheduled.

~~ santa monica power yoga - east ~~

July 3: All classes will be held
July 4: All classes will be held except the 2:15 - 3:45 pm will be canceled

~~ santa monica power yoga - west ~~

July 3: All classes will be held
July 4: All classes will be held except the 8:00-9:30pm will be canceled

~~ santa monica yoga, santa monica ~~

The studio will be closed Sunday July 4th. We will have a regular schedule Saturday the 3rd and Monday the 5th.

~~ silver lake yoga, silverlake ~~

July 4 Schedule - Two classes only:
9-10:15am Beginners Class with Sam
11-12:30pm Flow Class taught by Dana
All other classes canceled

~~ still yoga, silverlake ~~

Sunday July 4:
10:00 - 12:00 PM July 4th 2 Hour Class - Tara Judelle

~~ studio surya yoga, venice ~~

Will be closed will be closed tomoon the 4th.... but don't forget Mary Beth will be teaching fun, fabulous and FREE yoga tomorrow at Lululemon Santa Monica, 9:30am :)

~~ swerve, los angeles ~~

4th of July Weekend Schedule:
Friday, July 2nd - Classes are on as normal, except:
12:15pm Circuit Training with Patty CANCELED
3pm Ballet with Mike CANCELED
Gym Club Closed

Saturday, July 3rd:
8:30am Wold Beat Workout with Kim Blank
10am Yoga Booty Ballet with Teigh McDonough
12:15pm Triple A with Krista McDevitt
1:30 pm Bollywood Bhangra Beats with Achinta McDaniel
Gym Club and all other classes CANCELED

Sunday, July 4th - SWERVE is CLOSED

Monday, July 5th:
8:30am Pilates Plus with Kim Director
9:30am 6 Pack Abs with Kim Director
10am Yoga Booty Ballet with Lauren Haze + LIVE Drumming by Curtis Byrd
11:30am Triple A with Krista McDevitt
12:30pm Vinyasa Flow Yoga with TBD
Gym Club and all evening classes CANCELED

*Please note the gym, private training, shower, and dressing rooms will be closed from Friday, July 2nd through Monday July, 5th.

~~ swerve studio, los angeles ~~

Sunday, July 4th - SWERVE is CLOSED

~~ truyoga, santa monica ~~

One class on Monday, July 4th:
12:00 PM - 12:55 PM Yoga Music Flow (Level 2) with Ashley Albrand

~~ tryoga wellness, westchester ~~

July 4th Holiday Weekend Schedule:
Closed Sunday, July 4th - NO CLASSES
Regular Schedule Monday, July 5th

~~ u studio yoga, los angeles ~~

Sunday, July 4th - 9am with Andrea
(We will be closed the rest of the day. Monday's Power Hour with Masha canceled for July 5th. The rest of our schedule remains the same)

~~ updog yoga + cycling, west hollywood ~~

Sunday July 4:
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM cycling - Tevia
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM E-Ryde - Tevia
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM yoga for every body (all levels) - Kris
10:30 AM - 11:15 AM cycling - Sandra (sub for Adam)

~~ urban lily yoga, sherman oaks ~~

4th of JULY Special Schedule:
9:00am-10:30am Yoga Blend & Flow Level 1/2
10:30am-12:00pm Vinyasa Flow Level 2/3
Both with Elinore Cohen

~~ urth yoga, silverlake ~~

9:00a - Mixed Levels with Keric
10:45a - Basics with Keric
12:30p - $5 Yoga Hour with Jeff

~~ vinyasa lounge, el segundo ~~

Class Schedule for 4th of July:
8am – Morning Yoga, All Levels with Natacha
10am – Vinyasa Flow, Level 2 with Dani
CANCELED on July 4th – 4pm Vinyasa Flow & 5:30pm Slow Flow

~~ YAS - venice, silverlake, downtown LA ~~

YAS Venice & SL Open 1/2 Day on "THE 4th of JULY" So Rise & Shine!! (no mention of DTLA?)

~~ yoga at the village, glendale ~~

Open July 4th Weekend as usual EXCEPT NO SUNDAY 5PM and 8PM classes

~~ yoga blend, burbank ~~

So that our amazing staff can spend time with family and friends, Yoga Blend will have a limited schedule on Sunday, July 4th.
9:30-11am Basics: Dana
10-11:30am Gentle: Susan Q
11:30-1pm Mixed: Darby
12-1:15pm Kundalini: Christi Anne
The studio will close after the Kundalini Class at 1:15pm and re-open with regularly scheduled classes on Monday, July 5th.

~~ yoga circle downtown, los angeles ~~

Independence Day Weekend Schedule:
Friday July 2 12:00 & 6:05
Saturday July 3 10:30

Sunday July 4 closed

Monday July 5 8:30, 12:00, 6:05 & 7:30

~~ yogaco, santa monica ~~

July 4th - All classes from 2:30pm on are cancelled in all rooms...the last class to be held will be:
1:00pm - Jenn Pastiloff in the Water Room
Get your yoga in and then celebrate your freedom!
ALSO CANCELLED ARE 11:45 AND 1:15 CLASS IN THE EARTH ROOM

~~ yogaglo, santa monica ~~

Monday, July 5 - Studio Closed for Holiday. Happy 4th of July

~~ yogahop, santa monica ~~

Sunday, July 04:
8:15-9:45AM Summit 2/3+ - Matthew Reyes
4:00-5:30PM Summit 2/3 - Kourtney Kaas

~~ yoga kingdom sanctuary, pasadena ~~

Sunday, July 4th: Sunday Morning Classes Only
Monday July 5th: 9:30 AM, 5:00 PM and 7:00 PM Classes Only

~~ yoga loft, manhattan beach ~~

Yoga Loft will be open for 2 classes on Sunday, July 4th, 2010:
8:30AM LEVEL 2/3 FLOW with JESSI HARPER
10:00AM LEVEL 1/2 FLOW with ADRIANO DOS SANTOS

~~ the yoga loft, woodland hills ~~

The studio will be open on Sunday for Radha's 11:00 am class only. The 9:00 am and 5:00 pm classes will resume the following week. Regular schedule on Monday July 5th.

~~ yoga shelter, studio city ~~

Join us Sunday July 4th:
Slow Flow at 9:15am with Lisa
Yoga Rocks at 10:30am with Eric and Lisa

~~ yoga vista, playa vista ~~

We will be closed on the 4th of July, but will be back on July 5th.

~~ yoga west, los angeles ~~

Join Gurudhan Singh and Guru Singh
Declaration of Conscious Independence
When: Sunday, July 4th 9-11am
Why: Freedom is a human requirement; it allows you to live your life as a mission - not an omission - not requiring permission
How much: $20
*Bring an orange

~~ yoga works center for yoga, los angeles ~~

8:30-9:50am Yoga Blend 1/2 - Bebe Chianni Lin
9:00-10:20am Iyengar 1/2 - Vladimir Jandov
10:00-11:25am Vinvasa Flow 2 - Clay Kyle
10:30-12:00pm Viniyoga 1 - Fred Miller
11:30-1:00pm Vinyasa Flow 2/3 - Joan Hyman
12:15-2:00pm Yoga Blend 2/3 - Eka Ekong
All Other Classes Cancelled

~~ yoga works main st, santa monica ~~

7:30-9:00am Yoga Blend 2/3 - Chad Hamrin
9:15-10:45am Vinvasa Flow 2/3 - Vinnie Marino
11:15-12:45pm Yogaworks 1/ 2 - Rachael Simmons
All Other Classes Cancelled

~~ yoga works montana, santa monica ~~

8:00-9:30am Iyengar 1/2 - Chris Stein
8:30-9:50am Yogaworks 1/2 - Al Tavera
9:45-11:10am Vinyasa Flow 2/3 - Kia Miller
10:00-11:30am Yogablend 1 - Sara Mata
11:15-12:45pm Yogaworks 2 - Greville Henwood
All Other Classes Cancelled

~~ yoga works pacific palisades ~~

In honor of Independence Day and the festivities in the Palisades neighborhood, the studio will be closed for Saturday, July 4th. Normal classes will resume the following day, July 5th. We hope you enjoy your holiday and wish you well.

~~ yoga works south bay, el segundo ~~

8:00-10:00am Ashtanga Led - Maria Zavalla
9:00-10:30am Iyengar 1/2 - Saraswati Browne
10:30-12:00pm Yoga Blend 2 - Yvette Hamaya
10:45-12:10pm Vinyasa Flow 2/3 - John Neidlinger
12:15-1:45pm Yoga Blend 1 - Romy Phillips
12:15-1:15pm Mat Pilates 1/2 - Monica Schuller
All Other Classes Cancelled

~~ yoga works westwood, los angeles ~~

8:15-10:00am Iyengar 1/2 - Marla Apt
9:00-10:30am Yogaworks 2/3 - Thomas Taubman
10:45-12:15pm Vinyasa Flow 2/3 - David Kim
10:45-12:15pm Yoga Blend 1 - Szymon Wojcik
12:30-1:25pm Mat Pilates 1/2 - Leslie Porter
All Other Classes Cancelled

~~ yoga world studio - downtown and los altos, long beach ~~

We will be closed on the 4th of July. We will reopen on July 5th with our regular schedule of classes.

~~ the yogi tree, toluca lake ~~

Studio Closed

~~ yogis anonymous, santa monica ~~

The July 4th Schedule: 8am Caleb Asch (live-streaming!), 10am Jorgen Christiansson, 2pm Ally Hamilton, 4pm Chani Nicholas.

~~ your neighborhood studio, culver city ~~

We are CLOSED Sunday, July 4th - Happy Holidays!
We have a regular schedule Saturday and Monday...

~~ yummy yoga, los feliz ~~

Teacher Subs & 4th of July Schedule:
Friday, July 2
4:30 PM ~ All Levels ~ Ducky Punch subbing for Heather Foster

INDEPENDENCE DAY, Sunday, July 4
10:00AM ~ All Levels ~ Larry Santiago teaches, come early to get your spot!
All evening classes are cancelled.

Monday, July 5
12:00PM ~ All Levels~ Clio Manuelian teaches her delicious lunchtime flow. If you have not tried it yet, put a hold on lunch, because this is your chance for pure yumminess.
6:00pm ~ All Levels ~ Amy Dominguez will be celebrating with a strong and fun-filled vinyasa flow.
All other classes are cancelled.

sunset yoga with a red-carpet view

sorry for the last-minute notice, but this got buried in my email inbox. it's for a fundraiser that'll be held TOMORROW in hollywood:

Yoga Class & Party to Benefit Survivors of Domestic Violence
Sunday, June 27th 4-7pm
Sunset Vine Tower Penthouse
1480 Vine Street, Hollywood

Who wouldn’t want to take the world’s most beautiful sunset yoga class? Most yoga students practice in a windowless room, but this benefit class, led by The Boulevard Zen Foundation’s Rich Tola, will be held on the 20th floor of Hollywood’s Sunset Vine Tower, overlooking the entire city.

The Boulevard Zen Foundation brings yoga and lifestyle education to women and children survivors living in domestic violence shelters. The foundation teaches that yoga equals respect – empowering women and children by strengthening their self-esteem, self-respect, and physical well-being. By reinforcing Rich Tola’s core principles and yoga mantra, strong body – clear mind, Boulevard Zen strives to do its part to stop the cycle of violence.

This one-of-a-kind “Walk the Red Carpet in your Yoga Clothes” charity event includes a silent auction packed with incredible items such as signed memorabilia and tickets to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Attendees will also enjoy free Bliss Spa services, a DJ reception in the panoramic penthouse, complimentary wine after class, and more!

ALL PROCEEDS help us bring yoga into domestic violence shelters nationwide.

Schedule of events:

4 pm - Walk the Red Carpet in your Yoga clothes
5 pm - One Hour Vinyasa Flow class (optional)
6 pm - Complimentary Wine & Silent Auction

* DJ & Silent Auction all night!

Buy tickets online at: http://www.boulevardzen.com/
Space Limited - Tickets $25
Contact: (323) 388-7315 info@BoulevardZen.com

live from new york... it's yoga at the great lawn!

summer officially started early this morning, june 21st, at 4:28am pacific time. at that exact moment, the sun reached its northernmost point in the sky, giving us the most hours of daylight. which is why it's considered the longest day of the year (and no, it's NOT because it has more hours in the day than any other day... you wish!).

so to celebrate the first full day of summer, flavorpill and adidas will be hosting a massive yoga event in new york city's central park tomorrow. yes, it's a school night, but how often do you get to hang out with 9,999 like-minded yogis?

here's the invite, if you somehow missed it:

YOGA at THE GREAT LAWN
10,000 people. The first breath of summer.
Tuesday, June 22 - Central Park, NYC - 6pm

Celebrate great, diverse New York culture on the first full day of summer with an evening of music, spoken word and yoga. All skill levels are welcome.

~ Class led by renowned yoga teacher Elena Brower
~ Hosted by Reggie Watts, performances by Buddy Wakefield, Grammy nominee DALIEN aka 13 HANDS, Wah!, O'Nkosi Rhythms, and more!
~ Free Gaiam yoga mats from JetBlue
~ Free ChicoBags made of 100% recycled plastic

to join in the fun, you need a FREE ticket, which was available at the flavorpill site (i say was because all the tickets have been handed out at this point. but if you're in NYC, i suppose it can't hurt to see if they'll put you on a waitlist if you get there without a reservation).

if you were lucky enough to score a spot in the class, here are some last-minute instructions:

When: Tuesday, June 22 - 5:30pm gates open / 7pm class begins
Where: The Great Lawn, Central Park. Enter at 81st St and Central Park West or at 80th St and 5th Ave. (Once you enter Central Park, our Karma Crew, in green shirts, will direct you to the Great Lawn)

>> Reminder: You must bring your printed ticket for entry

Upon entry, you will receive a complimentary JetBlue yoga mat, a ChicoBag made of 100% recycled materials, a Smartwater, and other goodies. Please do not bring your own yoga mat, as they will not be allowed onto the lawn. Also, please do not bring oversized bags, blankets, or glass bottles. Everyone on the Lawn must be 16 years or older.

Beginning at 5.30pm, you can enjoy live performances by Reggie Watts, 13 Hands, and Buddy Wakefield. At 7:00pm, Elena Brower will take the stage and class will begin. The class is for all yoga levels. Following class, you are invited to enjoy live drumming by O'Nkosi Rhythms until 9pm.

This is a "Leave No Trace" event. Please dispose of plastic bottles in our recycling bins and take everything with you when you leave.

for those of us who can't make the event in manhattan (such as yours truly), we can still join in the festivities remotely. our good friends at LA-based yogaglo will be live-streaming the entire event for FREE starting at 5:30pm EST (2:30pm PST) until it winds down around 9:30pm. while the live feed will start out with the performers and speakers entertaining the gathering masses, the actual yoga class with elena won't get started until 7:15pm EST (4:15pm here in LA). so that'll hopefully give you plenty of time to get home, clear the furniture out in front of your TV screen, and get ready for what promises to be an awesome yoga class. but, if for some reason you can't be there for the live feed, click on that same yogaglo link to access an archived copy of elena's class which will be made available the next day.

on the other hand, if the idea of doing your downward dogs all by your lonesome just doesn't do it for you, here's another way you can participate, courtesy of the standard hotel in west hollywood (by the way, the standard in miami will be hosting a similar event; click here for details). and just like both the live event and its live-streamed counterpart, it's also FREE!!

Yoga on The Great Lawn
Inhale in. Exhale out.

10,000 People. The World's Largest Yoga Event.
Can't make it to NYC?
Don't worry, we're playing along in Hollywood, too!

We'll be live streaming the NYC Yoga event
Yoga guru Tara Stiles will lead a free class

3pm Pacific Time. Tuesday, June 22. Poolside.

The Standard Hotel Hollywood
8300 Sunset Boulevard
West Hollywood, California 90069
Phone: (323) 650-9090

RSVP: HollywoodYoga@standardhotel.com

note: the hotel will be featuring the live-streamed class on the tv monitors at the cactus lounge, adjacent to the pool deck (and no, you won't be able to lay down a yoga mat in the middle of the bar). while that's going on, a separate poolside class will be led by tara stiles. around 50 yogis and yoginis are expected to attend, so make sure you give yourself enough time to get there and score a good spot.

by the way, i'll be tweeting updates about the activity from the standard hotel here in LA. so if you're on twitter, follow me at @ayogist.

and don't worry... i'm a good yogi; i won't be tweeting while asana-ing :)

beach towel yoga!

it's beach yoga season once again... time to move out of the confines of the yoga studio and out into the open air! while not all of these classes are on the sand, all have a view of the pacific ocean. so depending on whether or not you want to get sand between your toes and in your hair, take your pick. and continue to watch this space; i'll keep adding on as i hear about them...


Yoga on the Pier is Movin to Malibu!

Starting SATURDAY, June 19th join KIIS-FM and 98.7FM at the Malibu Pier at 8:30AM a free yoga session overlooking the Pacific Ocean taught by Lori Rischer - on the deck of the Malibu Pier – followed by breakfast at the Beachcomber Cafe.

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING:

~ Make sure to bring your mat, water and a towel
~ We'll bring the instructor
~ Nature will bring the rest
~ You must bring a valid photo ID in order to participate
~ Must be 18 or a parent or guardian will need to sign a release
~ Parking is free on the street or $6.00 (Pay $14 up front and get reimbursed after the class) in the lot
~ Space is limited so get there early to get a spot


Beach Yoga with Claudia Bumuller

SATURDAY morning Beach Yoga with the dolphins from 8.30 – 9.30 am in Hermosa Beach through the Be Well Spa at the Beach House Hotel.

Cost: $15. Class only held if 3 people sign up. Call by Friday evening by 7.00 pm.
Be Well Spa 310-614-7455.


Beach Yoga with Brad Keimach

WHAT: Beach Yoga
WHEN: Every SATURDAY and SUNDAY, 10:30-12, all year 'round
WHERE: Santa Monica. Walk up Marine Street (which becomes Barnard Way) all the way to the water's edge, by Lifeguard Station #29, with the yellow ramp. I'll be there to welcome you!
COST: Donation
BRING: Large towel, or mat. Sunscreen. Your great spirit! A sense of adventure and beauty. If it's cool out, and it might be this weekend, bring lots of layers of clothes that you can take off easily as we warm up, and then put back on as we cool down.
PARKING: There is free parking on Hampton (2nd St.), and 3rd and 4th. Leave time to circle around to find free parking.

QUESTIONS? Email bradkeimach@gmail.com or become a facebook fan at Beach Yoga with Brad


Yoga by the Sea with Howard Davis

SUNDAYS at 8 AM at Will Rogers State Beach - Wear layers of clothing, don't eat breakfast and park for free on Temescal Canyon.


Yoga at the Annenberg Community Beach House

Instructors are from Santa Monica Yoga’s staff. Registration is through the city.
Classes held at the Annenberg Community Beach House at Santa Monica beach. Click here to register

• WEDNESDAYS 9:00-10:00 am with Luke Ketterhagen
• SUNDAYS 9:00-10:00 am with Jane Zingale

ALL levels welcome.
Sign up for all 5 weeks for just $62 per session or pay just $15 per class. (Parking included.)
All sessions 9 - 10 am. No class 7/4.

Wednesdays: Vinyasa - emphasis on breath, alignment and connecting to spirit as a way of healing.
Session 1: 6/23 –7/28
Session 2: 8/4-9/1

Sundays: Vinyasa Flow - emphasis on deep stretch.
Session 1: 6/20 – 7/25
Session 2: 8/1-8/29

free hugs!

if you happen to be near LAX this week and notice a swarm of white-robed devotees on century boulevard, don't be alarmed; they're not going to ask you for spare change nor are they going to try to convert you. they're all here to see amma, also known as the hugging saint, who's back in town for her annual visit.

as part of her summer 2010 north american tour, amma will be stopping at ten cities across the continent: seattle, san ramon, los angeles, albuquerque, dallas, chicago, new york, washington DC, boston, and toronto. she will be sharing her love, her wisdom, and her darshan, or hugs, with any and all who are willing to sit and listen to what she has to say.

while her hugs are free, there will be many opportunities for you to pull out your wallet -- to buy food, drink, clothing, books, artwork, and of course, amma souvenirs. yes, it seems a bit incongruous that while one half of the ballroom is seated and quietly absorbing amma's love, the other half is busy walking around comparing prices and acquiring more personal possessions. for me, it's one way to keep entertained while waiting to get my hug. but others might find that their time is better spent sitting inside to read a book or listen to music. or walking outside to enjoy the beautiful summer weather.

be prepared to wait. because of the thousands who show up, plan on getting there early and staying for a good chunk of time. for an event like this, parking on the street at a parking meter might not be the wisest choice, unless you're willing to run back and forth to avoid getting a parking ticket. so my suggestion is to either park in one of the lots or structures, or better yet, if you're going to one of the daytime events, take the bus (it's a short walk from the LAX transit center on 96th street).

to give you a better idea of what to expect, these were my thoughts the first time i saw her back in 2007: blog.accidentalyogist.com/2007/06/embracing-chaos.html

and when i saw her again in 2009: blog.accidentalyogist.com/2009/05/need-hug.html

this year, i'll be there for the big event -- the devi bhava on friday night. i know people who plan to stay until the last hug is given the next morning. as for me, i'll probably leave once i get my hug. which, from previous experience, would be shortly after midnight...

the money raised from this visit goes towards supporting amma's many charities: schools, hospitals, orphanages, disaster relief efforts, and more. information about all her charitable work can be found at http://www.embracingtheworld.org/; videos can be found at www.youtube.com/ammafootage.

here's amma's schedule for this week:

Amma's Visit to Los Angeles
Date: June 14 ~ June 18
Location: Hilton at Los Angeles Airport, 5711 West Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90045
Phone: 310- 410-6055

All public programs are free and open to the public. For attending retreats pre-registration is required.

Free Public Programs

Monday, June 14
11:00am – 5:00pm

Tuesday, June 15
Morning 10:00am – 2:00pm
Evening 7:30pm – after midnight
Spiritual talk, music, meditation and individual blessings

Friday, June 18
Devi Bhava - Program begins at 7:00pm

Numbered tokens for entering the darshan line to meet Amma are distributed one hour before each program, with priority given to those meeting Amma for the first time. Please Note: Due to time constraints token availability may be limited.

Retreat*
Wednesday, June 16 – Friday, June 18

*Please visit www.amma.org for retreat registration or call (510) 537-9417 x125

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Darshan?
Darshan is Amma's blessing that comes in the form of a compassionate hug.

Will lunch be served during morning programs?
A delicious vegetarian lunch is served and snacks are available for a modest fee.

What are the events during evening programs?
The evening program starts with spiritual talk (either by Amma and/or one of Amma's senior disciples or devotees). This is followed by devotional singing (bhajans).Following this darshan continues for those that did not receive darshan in the morning.

Will Dinner be served?
Dinner is served every evening for a modest fee at 6:00 pm (before the programs begin) and at 10:00 pm (after the bhajans). For Devi Bhava nights please see below.

What is Atma Puja?
Atma Puja is a ceremony done for spiritual advancement of the world.

When does Darshan usually end?
Darshan continues until the last person is received by Amma.

What dress should be worn?
We request that you respect the Indian traditions by dressing conservatively and avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, tight clothes or short skirts.

world oceans day

it's been 49 days since the deepwater horizon offshore oil rig explosion on april 20th, 2010. for over a month and a half now, thousands upon thousands of barrels of oil have been gushing from the wellhead located at the bottom of the gulf of mexico, almost a mile below sea level. and sadly, not only has it reached the surface, but also the coastline. it's now considered to be the worst environmental disaster in U.S. history.

the owner of the oil field, british petroleum -- more commonly known as BP -- is still trying to stop the flow. top hat. junk shot. top kill. none of these supposedly well thought out plans have worked. probably because BP never really thought about how they'd fix this catastrophe if it ever happened. maybe because they'd hoped it would never happen.

by now, you've probably seen the underwater video footage of the BP oil leak (click here to view CNN's live feed) as well as the photos of the sea life that has been affected by the oil washing up on the shore (click here to view the album posted by david dunlap in the new york times). maybe you've even attempted to fathom the extent of the spill by comparing its size with your city, your state, or even your country (click here to run the mapping tool provided by paul rademacher).

yes, it's depressing. you, me, and millions of other people feel totally helpless about this catastrophe and have no idea what we can do to help stop the seemingly unstoppable flow of oil from further destroying the environment.

so maybe today, world oceans day, is the perfect time to think about what we can do to make sure this disaster doesn't happen again.

for example, you can visit the ocean project website and learn more about them and their "wear blue and tell two" awareness campaign.

or you can participate in local yoga fundraisers for environmental organizations. this way, you can help take care of the earth while you take care of your mind and body.

here are some examples:

~ ongoing at home simply yoga in santa monica:

Warriors for the Planet: Introducing the New 10+1 Class

Two missions: To make yoga accessible to as many people as possible and to support environmental consciousness. Many of our classes will cost just $11 without the need of a membership or a package; $10 will go to the teacher and studio and $1 will be donated to an environmental cause on behalf of the "Home Simply" community.

~ this sunday, june 13th, at guerilla yoga at the hollywood dance center in hollywood:

WHAT: A mixed-level Anusara yoga class with Joseph Seeman
TIME: Promptly at 9:15 a.m. - 10:45 a.m. (yes, my Equinox folks...that's 90 min.!)
COST: This is completely at your discretion. 100% of all monies will be given to Friends of the Earth. I will be paying for the rental of the space. There will be a box for you to submit your donations.
WHAT TO BRING: A mat. Any props you may need. Water. A towel. And most of all a strong desire to sweat and play!
WHY THIS ORGANIZATION? When the oil spill hit the Gulf, I was greatly concerned and, as the situation became increasingly worse, I knew that something needed to change and I need to take some kind of action. I began researching organizations to help with the cleanup. After many hours, I realized that many of them we taking donations but not using them for the cleanup because BP is supposed to be paying for it. (I hope!)
It was then that I realized that I needed to find an organization that looks at the root of the problem...the core. Again, after many hours of researching, I found Friends of the Earth.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION... Friends of the Earth and their network of grassroots groups in 77 countries defend the environment and champion a more healthy and just world. They are progressive environmental advocates who pull no punches and speak sometimes uncomfortable truths to power. It's an approach that for four decades has yielded victories protecting our planet and its people.


for those who can't make those classes, check out this press release i just received:

Canada’s top yogi, Olympic trainer and the creator of the Blissology style of yoga, Eoin Finn, launches new website and donates percentage of online sales in honor of World Oceans Day

The long‐awaited launch of the new Blissology website is finally upon us! This Tuesday, June 8, visit Blissology.com to experience all of the new features the site has to offer and for an innovative approach to downloadable yoga content. The new site features all of Eoin Finn’s dvds available for online download, which is both a green revolution to cut down in packaging and cost, and is also an easily accessible way to stay in shape when traveling, at the office or for any time when you need yoga on the go. As the launch is set for June 8, which is also World Oceans Day, all of the revenue from online video sales and new video downloads will go to support this worthy cause.

About Blissology: Eoin Finn developed Blissology in order to teach others how to cultivate harmonious relationship with their bodies, mind and heart along with the larger web of life; through the experience of connected, intelligent, and uplifting yoga asanas. Blissology Yoga provides a foundation for intelligent movement, resisting gravity to counter the compression of joints, developing better energy flow for healing of injuries, neuromuscular and energetic re‐patterning, clear thinking under pressure, and restoring the body and mind from the stresses of both athletics and everyday life.

yoga on the fringe

local radio station KCRW recently published their updated fringe benefits provider list, which includes a long list of yoga studios in LA and orange counties which offer discounts to KCRW members. the list includes both newly-opened and well-established yoga studios; they give nice discounts to cardholders who present the card when paying for their classes. and as we all know, every little bit helps!

for those unfamiliar with KCRW and/or their fringe benefits card, here's a short primer:
KCRW is the subscriber-supported NPR affiliate radio station based in santa monica that provides music, news, and cultural programming to on-air listeners in the LA area as well as online to followers anywhere in the world. subscribers donating at a specified level receive the fringe benefits card that gives them discounts at a number of businesses located in los angeles and orange counties.

here's the latest list of yoga studios and discounts that i've pulled off the KCRW website:

Beyond Physical Therapy Website
2903 W Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey 90292
(310) 578-5960
20% off yoga & Pilates individual sessions & packages; 20% off massage services; excludes acupuncture & physical therapy

Bikram Yoga Studio City Website
11239 Ventura Blvd, Studio City 91604
(818) 752-4325
15% off single classes; excludes series

Black Dog Yoga Website
4454 Van Nuys Blvd, Sherman Oaks 91403
(818) 380-0331
20% off individual classes, excludes series

City Yoga Website
1067 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles 90046
(323) 654-2125
15% off individual classes, excludes series

Creative Chakra Spa Website
3401 Pacific Ave, Ste 2A & 2B, Marina Del Rey 90292
(310) 823-9378
15% off oceanside spa services, yoga & Pilates; 10% off custom aromatherapy; 10% off tea & elixirs; discount also valid online, use code CCSPA

Dancing Shiva Yoga & Ayurveda Website
7466 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles 90036
(323) 934-VEDA
15% off individual classes; 10% off 5, 10 & 15 class series; 10% off Ayurvedic body work

Exhale Center for Sacred Movement Website
245 S Main St, Venice 90291
(310) 450-7676
15% off individual classes & class series packages

Goda Yoga Website
9711 Washington Blvd, Culver City 90232
(310) 287-1255
15% off Hatha Yoga classes & series; excludes intro offer

Golden Bridge Yoga Website
6322 De Longpre Ave, Los Angeles 90028
(323) 936-4172
15% off individual classes, 5-class passes & workshops; excludes cafe & wellness center & spa

Heartbeat House Website
3141 Glendale Blvd, Los Angeles 90039
(323) 669-2821
20% off single classes; 20% off 4-class packages

Home Simply Yoga Website
1547 6th St, Ste 102, Santa Monica 90401
(310) 899-1930
15% off single classes; 10% off class packages & retail

Hot Yoga Valencia Website
25330 Diamond Pl, Ste 110, Agua Dulce 91350
(661) 257-9955
25% off individual classes, 10% off series

In Focus Wellness Website
717 Broadway Ave, Santa Monica 90401
(310) 576-2008
15% off single classes

Krystal Spa Website
1111 S Grand Ave #406, Los Angeles 90015
(213) 747-KSPA
20% off massage services & yoga classes; excludes spa events

Liberation Yoga Website
124 S La Brea Ave, Los Angeles 90036
(323) 964-5222
20% off individual classes & series

LYFE Yoga Center Website
1310 Pacific Coast Hwy, Hermosa Beach 90254
(310) 374-5933
15% off single class, 5, 10 or 20 class series, clothing, accessories & eco-friendly products

Maha Yoga Website
13050 San Vicente Blvd, Brentwood 90049
(310) 899-0047
15% off individual classes; 10% off series of five classes; excludes other series

Purple Yoga Website
120 W Wilshire Ave, Studio B, Fullerton 92832
(714) 525-5363
6535 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach 90803
(526) 596-5700
20% off individual classes, excludes series; 10% off retail, excludes beverages

Rising Lotus Yoga Website
13557 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks 91423
(818) 990-0282
15% off single classes; excludes series

Santa Monica Yoga Website
1640 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica 90405
(310) 396-4040
$2 off single class price; 10% off passes for 5, 10, 15 or 20 classes

Still Yoga Website
2395 Glendale Blvd, Unit D, Los Angeles 90039
(323) 906-8960
20% off individual classes; excludes series

Studio Surya Yoga Website
1501 Main St, #106, Venice 90291
(310) 910-4740
20% off individual classes

Studio U Website
1027 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice 90291
(310) 452-1717
20% off individual classes; 10% off class packages

The Hub Website
2001 S Barrington Ave, Ste 150, Los Angeles 90025
(310) 575-4200
15% off yoga, breathwork & meditation sessions

The Yoga Center Website
1820 S Elena Ave, Redondo Beach 90277
(310) 375-6722
20% off individual classes; 15% off series of 3 private sessions

TruYoga LA Website
2425 Colorado Ave, Yahoo Ctr, Santa Monica 90404
(310) 829-2420
15% off individual classes & packages; 15% off massages; 10% off retail

Urban Lily Yoga Website
14843 Burbank Blvd, Van Nuys 91411
(818) 782-6144
20% off single classes; 15% off class packages

YAS - Costa Mesa Website
291 E 17th St, Costa Mesa 92627
(949) 515-8888
20% off single spinning & yoga classes; 10% off class packages; excludes unlimited packages

YAS - Silverlake Website
1932 Hyperion Ave, Silverlake 90027
(323) 913-1991
15% off single spinning & yoga classes; 10% off class packages; excludes unlimited packages

YAS - Venice Website
1101 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice 90291
(310) 396-6993
20% off single spinning & yoga classes; 10% off class packages; excludes unlimited packages

Yoga Blend Website
1921 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank 91506
(818) 954-9642
15% off classes & class series packages for all levels

Yoga Shakti Website
19142 Beach Blvd, Ste FF, Huntington Beach 92648
(714) 968-9093
4249 Campus Dr, Ste B140, Irvine 92612
(949) 856-9642
$3 off single classes; 10% off any class series

Yoga Works Website
15327 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades 90272
(310) 454-7000
230 1/2 Larchmont Blvd, Larchmont 90004
(323) 464-1276
1426 Montana Ave, Santa Monica 90403
(310) 393-5150
2215 Main St, Santa Monica 90405
(310) 581-2952
1256 Westwood Blvd, Westwood 90024
(310) 234-1200
20% off individual classes; excludes series

Yoga World Studios Website
250 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach 90802
(562) 804-5525
15% off single classes & class packages; excludes unlimited packages; 15% off retail

Your Neighborhood Studio Website
3625 Hayden Ave, Culver City 90232
(310) 876-3498
15% off single dance classes; excludes series

Yummy Yoga Website
1717 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles 90026
(323) 953-8449
15% off single, 5 & 10 class packages