Empower Yourself with Ayurveda August 1, 2013
E-News from LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health Magazine
JULY 2013 | ISSUE 168
July/August 2013 Issue
On the Cover: Lili Haydn
Photo by: David Young-Wolff
From the Editor
Learning experiences are available to us every day. Some come in the form of a conversation, a challenging situation to negotiate, or even a message transmitted in a Facebook post. Others may appear in the form of our family, a structured classroom setting, a yoga or fitness studio, or within a workshop or conference.
Fortunately, we have access to many moments that are more than just casual and involve the opportuntiy to spend time with gifted teachers, in a structured setting, and share ideas. These moments propel us forward; they can be the spirutual rocket fuel in our own personal jet.
Over the years, I have had numerous opportunities to learn from Vaidya Mishra, who is heading the SVA Sutra to Science Conference this weekend. For anyone interested in the science and art of Ayurveda, this is a rare occasion–the ability to sit with such a master–and the experience is available this coming weekend.
YogaWorks is also beginning another round of their Urban Zen training. It’s a program we’ve followed–see our interview with supporter Donna Karan. As integrative medicine continues to gain traction in medical settings (here in LA, Urban Zen initiatives are implemented at UCLA), this program unites Reiki, Yoga, aromatherapy and more therapies that provide services in settings where they were previously unavailable.
Next week, we’re looking forward to the Yoga Alliance Business of Yoga Conference where a group of speakers and workshop leaders (including yours truly) will be teaching on different aspects of integrating yoga into the modern world.
Every day, if we open our eyes and our hearts, we learn. Here’s to our commitment to this practice.
See you in class,
Felicia Marie Tomasko, RN
LA Yoga Magazine, Editor in Chief
Upcoming Events
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2
Join SVAyurveda in Winnetka, CA for the Inaugural Sutra to Science Conference and learn how SV Ayurveda can complement your health and your life through Vedic Healing Sounds, the transdermal Marma System and hands-on Marma Practicums.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
Join SVAyurveda in Winnetka, CA for the Inaugural Sutra to Science Conference and learn how SV Ayurveda can complement your health and your life through Vedic Healing Sounds, the transdermal Marma System and hands-on Marma Practicums.
Join YogaWorks South Bay studio for a sampling of their Level 1 Urban Zen Training that incorporates yoga therapy, Reiki, essential oil therapy, contemplative care and nutrition as a holistic approach with modern western science.
8:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. ROGA. Run + Yoga. 8AM – RUN Meet under the iconic Pier sign at the top of the ramp at Colorado and Ocean for a morning brisk run around the beach and pier. 2 and 5 mile courses available. Walkers welcome too. Secure yoga mat drop off. 9AM – YOGA Meet at the far west end of the pier, up the stairs to the gallery by Mariasol’s.
10:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Intro to Primal Core Class with Psalm Isadora and Sean Gray. This is a very special free intro class for the 21-Day Primal Core Challenge that begins Monday, August 5th-August 23. Only 25 spaces available, first come first served. Studio U 760 Washington Blvd., Marina Del Rey.
2:00 P.M. Yoga is My Health Insurance. YIMHI classes are built upon the core principles of yoga with the goal of supporting individuals to improve health and wellness. $25 in advance $30 at door. Peace Yoga Gallery, 903 S. Main St. Los Angeles.
2:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Sacred Pregnancy with Nina Phelan. Sacred Pregnancy Workshops are a special place to gather together in meaning-FULL and personal ways. Celebrate your pregnancy through expression, art, deep sharing and laughter. Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood. 1357 N. Highland, Los Angeles.
7:30 P.M. Genetic Roulette. This sometimes shocking film may change your diet, help you protect your family, and accelerate the consumer tipping point against genetically modified organisms (GMOs). l.o.v.e. kitchen will be open for dinner. Peace Yoga Gallery. 903 S. Main St., Los Angeles.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 4
SRF World Convocation Yogananda’s teachings with instruction, kirtan, and group meditations with the Self-Realization Fellowship community. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. 404 S. Figuerosa St., Los Angeles.
10:00 A.M. The Festival of the Chariots commences at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium and will proceed on Main St toward the Ocean Front Walk Plaza at Venice Beach. Festival will include a free feast for thousands, free entertainment, and booths bringing together the finest in Indian culture.
MONDAY, AUGUST 5
SRF World Convocation Yogananda’s teachings with instruction, kirtan, and group meditations with the Self-Realization Fellowship community. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. 404 S. Figuerosa St., Los Angeles.
6:30 A.M. – 8:30 A.M. Primal Core 21 Day Challenge with Psalm Isadora and Sean Gray, Aug. 5-23. Primal Core Method is based on ancient yogic science to un-block your mind and body and unleash your full life potential. Studio U. 760 Washington Blvd., Marina Del Ray. Register by email.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 6
6:00 P.M. InterContinental Los Angeles’ summer rooftop yoga series with renowned yoga instructor Noah Christensen every Tuesday throughout the summer. Open to all skill levels, practice against the picturesque cityscape, with views spanning downtown and the Hollywood Hills to the Pacific Ocean and everything in between! Call (310) 284-6538 or visit InterContinental Los Angeles to book a mat.
SRF World Convocation Yogananda’s teachings with instruction, kirtan, and group meditations with the Self-Realization Fellowship community. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. 404 S. Figuerosa St., Los Angeles.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUT 7
SRF World Convocation Yogananda’s teachings with instruction, kirtan, and group meditations with the Self-Realization Fellowship community. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. 404 S. Figuerosa St., Los Angeles.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 8
Join Yoga Alliance in Washington, DC from August 8-10 for a conference focused on supporting yoga professionals, both studio owners and independent yoga teachers.
SRF World Convocation Yogananda’s teachings with instruction, kirtan, and group meditations with the Self-Realization Fellowship community. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. 404 S. Figuerosa St., Los Angeles.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 9
Join Yoga Alliance in Washington, DC from August 8-10 for a conference focused on supporting yoga professionals, both studio owners and independent yoga teachers.
For the second year, the South Bay Yoga Conference celebrates with music, Yoga, shopping, kids’ practices, and local healthy food in this neighborhood block party at Redondo Unified High School.
SRF World Convocation Yogananda’s teachings with instruction, kirtan, and group meditations with the Self-Realization Fellowship community. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. 404 S. Figuerosa St., Los Angeles.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 10
Join Yoga Alliance in Washington, DC from August 8-10 for a conference focused on supporting yoga professionals, both studio owners and independent yoga teachers.
For the second year, the South Bay Yoga Conference celebrates with music, Yoga, shopping, kids’ practices, and local healthy food in this neighborhood block party at Redondo Unified High School.
Himalayan Kriya Yoga Master Yogiraj Siddhanath Experience Healing and Spirituality. Learn scientific kriya meditation. Kriya Yoga Empowerments, $125. Healing workshops: FREE Seaside Center for Spiritual Living. 1613 Lake Dr., Encinitas.
SRF World Convocation Yogananda’s teachings with instruction, kirtan, and group meditations with the Self-Realization Fellowship community. The Westin Bonaventure Hotel & Suites. 404 S. Figuerosa St., Los Angeles.
8:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M. ROGA. Run + Yoga. 8AM – RUN Meet under the iconic Pier sign at the top of the ramp at Colorado and Ocean for a morning brisk run around the beach and pier. 2 and 5 mile courses available. Walkers welcome too. Secure yoga mat drop off. 9AM – YOGA Meet at the far west end of the pier, up the stairs to the gallery by Mariasol’s.
9:30 A.M. – 6:30 P.M. Golden Bridge Yoga Santa Monica Grand Opening. A day of celebration to honor and bless the newest GB studio. The day will be dedicated to fun, yoga, music, food and sacred community. All proceeds will go to different local charities in out neighborhood. Golden Bridge Yoga Santa Monica. 719 Broadway St., Santa Monica.
10:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. Maha All Day Kirtan. Enjoy twelve hours of bliss with a with a variety of kirtan singers and bands in this celebratory, spiritual music event. Feel free to come at any time. FREE. Vedanta Society. 1946 Vedanta Place, Hollywood.
Aquatic Pool Yoga Teacher Training Learn the healing and fun practice of yoga in a salt water pool. This practice is active, gentle and restorative. The Inn at Deep Canyon, Palm Desert.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 11
10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Yoga Sutra Sundays – A Series with Joy Stone. One Sunday each month, July through December. The Yoga Sutras, written by the great sage Patanjali, are the foundation of yogic philosophy. Join Joy Stone for an ongoing conversation about The Sutras, one Sunday each month, from July through December. Join at any point – attend one, some or every session. $45Black Dog Yoga. 4454 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks.
For the second year, the South Bay Yoga Conference celebrates with music, Yoga, shopping, kids’ practices, and local healthy food in this neighborhood block party at Redondo Unified High School.
Himalayan Kriya Yoga Master Yogiraj Siddhanath Experience Healing and Spirituality. Learn scientific kriya meditation. Kriya Yoga Empowerments, $125. Healing workshops: FREE Seaside Center for Spiritual Living. 1613 Lake Dr., Encinitas.
Aquatic Pool Yoga Teacher Training Learn the healing and fun practice of yoga in a salt water pool. This practice is active, gentle and restorative. The Inn at Deep Canyon, Palm Desert.
On the Horizon
AUGUST 12
Join Daniel and Friends under the stars at the Ford Amphitheater for a lively summer evening of free kirtan.
AUGUST 18
10 A.M. – 6:00 P.M. Discover your cosmic connections through sound, images and meditation at an upcoming workshop at Studio of Pacific Arts. For more information, visit Mari Mendoza Healing Arts.
AUGUST 20
FREE informative community lecture by Dr. Sauveur Ghozland on balancing hormones through Bio Identical Hormone Therapy. Lecture will share how bio identical hormone therapy can help counteract weight gain, sleep disturbances, hair loss, moodiness, postpartum depression and more. For more information and to RSVP for this event at SMC Pharmacy in Santa Monica, call (310) 315-9999.
We’re honored to be the sponsor of Yoga Chat with the Accidental Yogist on killradio.org every Wednesday from 1:00-2:30pm Pacific.
Here’s the link to this week’s podcast featuring books about Bikram Yoga, the Matt Bolster murder mysteries, and facing our fears: Summertime Beach Reads
Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.
Superfood Smoothie Recipe
Superfoods are some of the most concentrated natural foods in terms of their phytochemical and antioxidant constitution.
On a quest to eat her way to health, chef Julie Morris, began researching superfoods. Understanding that they had the potential to nourish, satisfy, energize, and heal, Morris committed her career to creating sumptuous superfood recipes as a recipe developer, cooking show host, and spokesperson and executive chef for Navitas Naturalsfor Navitas Naturals.
One recipe on her super list? This Orange Goji Smoothie.
For this smoothie recipe and to learn more about superfoods, visit
Find Bliss: Superfood and Superfood Recipes.
Marma Therapy at SV Ayurveda Conference
What is a Marma point? What role does it play in your body and its relationship to the cosmic energy, Prana? How can you use SVA Marma massage to reduce stress, bring in mental peace and emotional balance, have a natural non-surgical Face-lift, reduce cellular damage from EMF and EMR exposure? Want to find out? Join us for the SV Ayurveda Inaugural Conference, August 2-3 in Winnetka, with ayurvedic expert Vaidya Mishra and his team of medical and ayurvedic experts. There will be 4 practicums offered by experts to teach you how to allocate, and properly activate specific marma points for optimal radiant health.
Find out more at: SV Ayurveda or Vaidya Mishra. Mention that you are an LA Yoga online newsletter reader to receive a special LA Yoga discount for the conference entrance fee.
Discover Your Cosmic Connections
Are you a Galactic citizen? Discover your cosmic connections in an Upcoming Workshop at Pacific Arts Center and Dance Studios. On Sunday, August 18, from 10 A.M. – 6 P.M., explore through sound, images and meditation and open to the possibility that there is more to life than we are living it now.
This will be a fun experiential workshop focusing on:
-Sound: a bit of history about how sound is being used to alter consciousness.
-Sacred geometry & Crop circles: looking at how shapes can trigger higher
functioning of the brain and bring about awareness.
-Meditation: using Sacred Mandalas and sound to stimulate creativity.
-Sacred play: exploration opening into higher realms of consciousness and
creativity.
-Working with color and shapes to make your own personal Mandala
Workshop costs $95, with delicious light lunch included. For more information and to reserve your space, visit Mari Mendoza Healing Arts.
200 HR Vinyasa Teacher Training in Bali
Join Suzanne Faith Slocum Gori for a 200 hour Yoga Alliance Vinyasa Teacher Training from October 6-31, 2013 in Bali, Indonesia.
The training will be held at the exquisite Shankari Retreat Centre and will include amazing surf, beautiful beaches, superior food (raw, vegan options), swimming pools, quiet environment, refined accommodations and easy access to the lush jungle.
Suzanne and guest faculty Kenny Graham will lead a comprehensive, practical, classical & modern approach to yoga including: poster labs and asana practice, anatomy, subtle body, meditation, pranayama, mantra, mudras, kriyas, ayurveda, yoga philosophy, pre-post natal, kids yoga, and much more!
Cost (not including flight): $3940 CAD [includes a 200 hour Yoga Alliance Teacher Training, accommodations, food (3 meals a day/snacks for 24 days),
airport pickup/drop off, taxes and fees]
For registration, payment, and flight info, visit: Epic Travels or email Suzanne.
Stay a Day at Bhakti Fest West
The 5th Annual Bhakti Fest West is nearly a month away and is set to be the largest gathering of yoga teachers and kirtan artists in the western world including: Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, Bryan Kest, C.C. White, Shiva Rea, Elena Brower, Girish, Dharma Mittra, Radhanath Swami, Deva Premal & Miten with Manose, The GuruGanesha Band, and many more.
Day passes for Saturday and Sunday are available for $100 each; weekend passes (Saturday and Sunday) are also available for $175. Yoga, kirtan, and workshop schedules have just been announced so you can plan your day/days accordingly! Visit Bhakti Fest Schedulefor more details.
Those that plan to attend for the entire weekend, full festival passes are still available for a discounted rate of $325. Use code ‘layoga‘ to receive a $50 discount. Visit Bhakti Fest Tickets to purchase your ticket now!
“Open Your Heart in Paradise”
“Celebrate Aloha” with Ram Dass, Krishna Das and Friends for the 5th Anniversary of the “Open Your Heart in Paradise” Retreat at Maui’s beautiful Napili Kai Beach Resort from December 4-9.
Join beloved Buddhist teacher, Jack Kornfield for morning meditations and his dharma talks with Mirabai Bush and Trudy Goodman. Enjoy daily Words of Wisdom sessions with Ram Dass and soaring nightly kirtans with Krishna Das. Practice daily hatha yoga with Saraswati Markus or beachfront Qi Gong with Joyanna Cotter. Special sessions include “Aloha in Action” with Lei’ohu Ryder/Maydeen Iao and chanting Hanuman Chalisas with Nina Rao and Friends. Ocean side resort, health conscious meals, and transportation included from Kahului Airport.
For more information and registration, visit Ram Dass or email.
Ram Dass gathered his most essential practice-based guidance for living fully in the here and now into “Polishing the Mirror: How to Live from Your Spiritual Heart.” Set to release today, August 1, readers will find within these pages a rich combination of perennial wisdom, humor, teachings, and stories from Ram Dass’ most valued spiritual practices. For more information or to pre order, visitPolishing the Mirror Release.
Yoga Alliance’s Business of Yoga Conference
Join Yoga Alliance in Washington, DC from August 8-10 for a conference focused on supporting yoga professionals, both studio owners and independent yoga teachers. The mission of the conference is to help sustain the yoga business, so that the practice of yoga can grow and continue to transform lives. Event will include 3 joint sessions, separate program tracks for studio owners and yoga teachers, 4 healthy meals, and up to 12 hours of continuing education available.
Group yoga events can be an exciting and rewarding way to refresh and invigorate your teaching and attract new students, but putting together a successful yoga event requires numerous logistics. From budgeting and permitting, to identifying and marketing to your target audience, the to-do-list can be endless. In the session “Dreaming Your Event into Being,” lead executive of business development for Wanderlust Festival, Julia Kadarusman, will share lessons to apply when organizing any event, whether it’s two miles from home or a world away.
For more information on The Business of Yoga Conference and its yoga professionals, visit
Yoga Alliance: Business of Yoga Conference.
Second Annual South Bay Yoga Conference
For the second year, the South Bay unites with music, Yoga, shopping, kids’ practices, and local healthy food in this neighborhood block party at Redondo Unified High School.
Set to take place form August 9-11, classes at the South Bay Yoga Conference will include Herbs and Foods that Heal with Vandana Tilak, Self-Healing Reiki, and on-going yoga from 8:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M. every day. Yoga classes will include Yoga for surfers by Marion Clark (pictured right), self-healing reiki yoga by Claudia Bumuller, Yoga Tune-Up with Trina Altman, Yoga and Goal-Setting with Olivia Kvitne, and many more.
For a complete listing of yoga classes offered, visit South Bay Yoga Conference Schedule. After class, swing by the marketplace for bodywork by Scent to Heal.
Free Evening of Kirtan at the Ford Amphitheater
Sing and dance to the beat, play a new instrument, and experience the unexpected with Daniel Stewart and Friends at the Ford Amphitheater. The Ford JAM sessions are an interactive community experience where you are encouraged to participate, get up on the Ford stage, and dance and sing to your hearts content at this FREE musical event. All ages and skill levels are welcome.
Join Daniel and Friends under the stars at the Ford Amphitheater for a lively summer evening of kirtan on Monday, August 12 from 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Tickets are FREE and all ages are encouraged to attend. Reaching over 10,000 people in all five of its locations, this is truly an experience you won’t want to miss! To reserve your tickets, visit Ford Amphitheater.
Tangled Up in Pure Love
On Tuesday, August 6, a new cycle of feeling, compassion, and love begins with the New Moon in Cancer. “Cancer is ruled by the Moon, the planet of our deeper intuition. Yet we typically experience this intuition and feeling as ‘the emotions,’” explains Sam Geppi in LA YOGA’s July/August astrology. “Therefore, this may be a very emotional day and month… It is here where our love becomes tangled up, often in external objects and desires. Ideally, our heart should be tangled up in pure love; when this happens, compassion results.” For a more in-depth breakdown of the summer months astrology, visit LA YOGA: Astrology.
Sam Geppi is an internationally-respected Vedic astrology teacher. For free Vedic astrology DVDs and courses: Sam Geppi.
Passport to Prana: Yoga Poser
LA YOGA is grateful to team up with Passport to Prana, the original multi-studio yoga pass that entitles you to one class at each of participating yoga studio throughout Los Angeles for just $30.
“A yoga class inside the upscale Fred Segal store in Santa Monica? Yes, please. Mary, our accommodatingYoga Poser instructor, eased everyone into the room. Yet it was the hardest class I’ve ever taken,” shares Erynne Elkins. “But that’s a compliment. She encouraged us to embrace our varying comfort levels in this Total Poser Flow class. And everyone did by giving it their all. Be sure to register online as this popular class fills up fast. And don’t forget to bring a water bottle and towel. Get ready to take your practice to the next level, because these “Posers” are the real deal.”
Are YOU ready to explore new LA studio and places within with a Passport to Prana card? VisitPassport to Prana.
Looking for Scientific Study Participants
LiveYoga Wellness is looking for Scientific Study Participants on the Effects of Mindfulness on Memory & Function in Chronic Pain Sufferers. Researchers at Loyola Marymount & Harvard Universities are seeking subjects that are 50 years or older, have been in pain for at least 6 months, and have not been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia or severe memory impairment.
If you decide tot ake part in the research study, you would complete assessments which include questionnaires and a simple physical test, receive either mindfulness or breathing training, and receive a free meditation CD. Study will take place at Mosaic Physical Therapy. If you are interested, please email Dr. Lori Rubenstein.
Giveaway: Violet Love Headbands
Violet Love Brands, founded and designed by Rebecca Michaels, is a line inspired by strong patterned headbands that can be worn in a variety of unique ways. These headbands were initially developed from a desire to obtain what could not be found. After embarking on a search for a headband to suit her needs, Rebecca was left empty-handed and felt compelled to design her own collection. At its launch in 2006, Violet Love was crowned the winner of SURF EXPO’s LAUNCHED category, featuring the top 10 hottest new products.
Violet Love helps bring a splash of vibrancy and individuality to the bland world of athletic wear and fashion accessories. Perfect for exercise or as a fashion piece, the performance headbands are available in a variety of prints and colors.
LA YOGA is excited to team up with Violet Love to give away two Violet Love Performance Headbands to four lucky LA YOGA readers. Enter to win by liking Violet Love Brands on Facebook and writing to LA YOGA with why YOU want to win!
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