Top 5 Outdoor Yoga Classes in LA August 22, 2013
E-News from LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health Magazine
AUGUST 2013 | ISSUE 171
July/August 2013 Issue
On the Cover: Lili Haydn
Photo by: David Young-Wolff
From the Editor
When I first heard about the opportunity to practice yoga on a helipad in Century City at InterContinental Los Angeles Hotel–I signed up right away. How often do we have the opportunity to literally fly through our practice surrounded by 360 views of the city? The class more than fulfilled on its promise with an enjoyable flow suitable to everyone around me, great views, and even some harmonium and chanting to close it out with instructor Noah Christensen. The next week I returned, friend in tow.
I experienced a similar reaction when I was told about Roga–the run and yoga series held Saturday mornings on the Santa Monica Pier. What better way to wake up your weekend–accompanied by the ocean breeze and expansive view of the Pacific? The instructors rotate each week and the final class of the season (this Saturday) will be taught byGigi Yogini.
Wherever we live, setting aside the time to take advantage of the unique opportunities allowing us to combine our practice, our community, and our environment helps us to feel connected: with our sense of fun and leisure time, with the setting in which we live, with our practice.
There are a number of other ways for us to do this indoors and out, when we’re at home or when we’re away, in an hour, or over a weekend.
May we seize the moments,
Felicia Marie Tomasko, RN
LA Yoga Magazine, Editor in Chief
Upcoming Events
TONIGHT, THURSDAY, AUGUST 22
7:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. “On the Wings of Phoenix Rising” artist reception with Yuan Miao at Ethos Art Gallery. Experience the transmission of universal energy through hair yentas, shakti paintings and live mantras. For more info, visit: New Century Foundation.
“From Victimhood to Mastery: Freedom from the Cycle of Suffering Retreat” with Lama Marut, Cindy Lee, Claire Thompson, and Rebecca Stanley. Enjoy daily teachings, meditation and yoga in the beautiful, mountain lake setting of Zaca Retreat Center near Santa Barbara.
Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival. World-class wineries, live entertainment and celebrity chefs come together for a four day, city-wide, epicurean extravaganza. Click here for schedule and locations.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 23
Big Bear Yoga Festival. Incredible yoga teachers, dance, vibrant music, inspirational topics, delicious food, rock climbing, pool lounging and more, set in the stunning San Bernardino Mountains. YMCA Camp Oakes. 47400 Monte Vista Dr., Big Bear. Use Discount Code “LoveLAYogaOnline” and get 10% off your Big Bear Yoga Festival tickets.
“From Victimhood to Mastery: Freedom from the Cycle of Suffering Retreat” with Lama Marut, Cindy Lee, Claire Thompson, and Rebecca Stanley. Enjoy daily teachings, meditation and yoga in the beautiful, mountain lake setting of Zaca Retreat Center near Santa Barbara.
Weekend of Philosophy and Yoga Asana with Noah Mazé and Dr. Douglas Brooks. “Ganesha and Subrahmanya.” Get to the heart of your yoga practice and deepen the foundations of your teaching with three days of yoga history and philosophy with world-renowned scholar Dr. Douglas Brooks.Yogamaze 169 N. La Brea, Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival. World-class wineries, live entertainment and celebrity chefs come together for a four day, city-wide, epicurean extravaganza. Click here for schedule and locations.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
Big Bear Yoga Festival. Incredible yoga teachers, dance, vibrant music, inspirational topics, delicious food, rock climbing, pool lounging and more, set in the stunning San Bernardino Mountains. YMCA Camp Oakes. 47400 Monte Vista Dr., Big Bear. Use Discount Code “LoveLAYogaOnline” and get 10% off your Big Bear Yoga Festival tickets.
“From Victimhood to Mastery: Freedom from the Cycle of Suffering Retreat” with Lama Marut, Cindy Lee, Claire Thompson, and Rebecca Stanley. Enjoy daily teachings, meditation and yoga in the beautiful, mountain lake setting of Zaca Retreat Center near Santa Barbara.
12:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M. YogaWorks Teacher Training Preview with Jessica Seaburn. Come prepare to practice, meet our trainers and ask questions if you are interested in deepening your practice or becoming a teacher. YogaWorks Mission Viejo.
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Marianne Williamson, “Changing Your Heart, Changing The World.” This event will also be live streamed. Center for Spiritual Living, Westlake Village.
7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Cosmic Kirtan Connection. An evening of community and creating music in the traditional kirtan call-and-response musical style from India, part of the Bhakti Yoga tradition.Inner Power Yoga. 21928 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills. Suggested donation, $15.
Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival. World-class wineries, live entertainment and celebrity chefs come together for a four day, city-wide, epicurean extravaganza. Click here for schedule and locations.
SUNDAY, AUGUST 25
Big Bear Yoga Festival. Incredible yoga teachers, dance, vibrant music, inspirational topics, delicious food, rock climbing, pool lounging and more, set in the stunning San Bernardino Mountains. YMCA Camp Oakes. 47400 Monte Vista Dr., Big Bear. Use Discount Code “LoveLAYogaOnline” and get 10% off your Big Bear Yoga Festival tickets.
“From Victimhood to Mastery: Freedom from the Cycle of Suffering Retreat” with Lama Marut, Cindy Lee, Claire Thompson, and Rebecca Stanley. Enjoy daily teachings, meditation and yoga in the beautiful, mountain lake setting of Zaca Retreat Center near Santa Barbara.
3:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. SoLA Food Co-op presents the Second Annual Organic Food and Music Festival. Cafe Club Fais Do-Do. 5257 West Adams Blvd., Los Angeles.
Los Angeles Food and Wine Festival. World-class wineries, live entertainment and celebrity chefs come together for a four day, city-wide, epicurean extravaganza. Click here for schedule and locations.
3:00 P.M. EcoSalon Film Series, “Vanishing of the Bees.” Presented by Green Lifestyles Network. Microsoft Store, Westfield Century Mall. FREE
7:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. After Dark Eco Hours. Fundraiser event for Green Lifestyle Network, a nonprofit promoting sustainable living and nightlife. Clean comedy, open bar organic cocktails, vegan desserts, silent auction, gift bags and more. Blind Barber Shop Back Room. 10797 Washington Blvd., Culver City.
MONDAY, AUGUST 26
7:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. Holistic Wellness Workshop with Bruce Fulford. A wellness workshop from a completely holistic angle, alphabiotics and clinical nutrition will be explained and demonstrated. All participants will have their pH levels tested as well as their stress levels tested through applied kinesiology. $25 Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollwood. 1357 N. Highland, Los Angeles.
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27
7:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. The Power of Mantra with Tracee Stanley, ERYT. One of the most effective ways to shift your vibration to accelerate transformation and healing is the repetition of mantra. Learn the practice of Japa meditation as well as be introduced to mantras to enliven, heal and awaken. Golden Bridge Yoga, Hollywood. 1357 N. Highland, Los Angeles.
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28
6:30 P.M. – 8.30 P.M. “Meditation with Eminent Himalyan Kriya Yogi Sadguru Mangeshda” direct disciple of legendary Maha Yogi Mahavatar Babaji in Thousand Oaks. Contact Ahasuki for more info.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 29
6:00 P.M. – 8:15 P.M. YogaWorks Teacher Training Preview with David Lynch and Jorge Luna. Come prepare to practice, meet our trainers and ask questions if you are interested in deepening your practice or becoming a teacher. YogaWorks South Bay.
SATURDAY, AUGUST 31
8:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. “Kriya Yoga Initiation and Workshop.” A rare opportunity to learn authentic Kriya Yoga from Himalayan Kriya Yogi Sadguru Yogiraj Sri Sri Mangeshda. Contact Ahasuki for more info.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 1
8:30 A.M. World Peace Pilgrimage. The fifth annual interfaith World Peace Pilgrimage welcomes all faiths to come together at Mounty Baldy with the mutual inanition of sending peace and light to the world. FREE
On the Horizon
SEPTEMBER 5 – 8
5th Annual Bhakti Fest West. The largest gathering of yoga teachers and kirtan artists in the western world, the fifth annual Bhakti Fest West includes Krishna Das, Jai Uttal, Bryan Kest, CC White, Shiva Rea, Girish, Dharma Mittra, Radhanath Swami, Deva Premal & Miten with Manose, The GuruGanesha Band and many more. ($50 discount code: LAYOGA) Joshua Retreat Center.
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 interviews with yoga therapist Leslie Kazad, Kundalini yoga teacher and owner of Ra Ma Institute Guru Jagat, and online editor at Yoga Journal Kelle Walsh: Yoga = Good
Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.
Summer Sangria Recipe
Do you have an “End of Summer BBQ” coming up? Be the talk of the party by crafting and bringing Frey Organic Red Wine’s homemade sangria! Frey Organic Red Wine kissed with organic citrus fruit is the perfect complement to an upcoming party or romantic picnic. All you need is:
-Frey Organic Natural Red Wine -2 Organic Oranges
-1 Organic Lemon -3 tbsp Organic Sugar
-1/4 cup Triple Sec -and a Valid ID
For directions on how to concoct this refreshing beverage, along with a cheese to pair the wine with, visit: Find Bliss: Wine, Chocolate, and Cheese Picks of the Month
Spend the High Holy Days with the Kirtan Rabbi
Have you been searching for a different kind of High Holy Days experience? One that is truly transformative? One that takes you deeper — beyond all the stories and words?
This year, you have found your place! Metivta’s contemplative prayer services — weaving together chant, meditation, movement and embodied learning — will take you on a unique journey of Teshuvah, a return to the root of your soul.
We are led by internationally known Rabbi Andrew Hahn, theKirtan Rabbi, and Metivta’s teachers.
Elul Silent Retreat: Aug. 23-25
Rosh Hashanah: Sept. 4-6
Yom Kippur: Sept. 13-14
Erev Rosh Hashanah and Erev Yom Kippur are FREE.
Join Metivta for a memorable High Holy Days experience. For more information, visit Metivta High Holy Days.
Alchemy Event 2013 Master Plan
Join the Alchemy Event in co-creating a new humanity at the upcoming Master Plan event from October 4-6 at the Radisson LAX Hotel. The weekend long event will include lectures, panels, exhibits, health, technology, healing, meditation, music, and healthy foods. Keynote speakers include George Noory (pictured left), Dr. Peter Gariaev, Princess Kaoru Nakamaru, amongst many more. Exhibit tables are still available for only $199 for the three-day event.
Three day tickets are on sale until September 1 for only $149. Get $50 discount by entering code: ‘layoga’. Tickets will be available at the door for $80 per day; cash only. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit Alchemy Event.
Top Outdoor Places to Practice Yoga in Los Angeles
As the summer is coming to an end, we’ve created a list of the outdoor yoga classes you must take before the summer’s ending.
From yoga on the pier, to the mountains, to the tops of buildings, the places to practice in Los Angeles are as versatile and endless as the city itself. Here is our list of our top five must-visit places to practice this summer (and Indian Summer!): LA YOGA: Outdoor Yoga in Los Angeles.
Bhakti Fest West: Tribute to Shyamdas
The 5th Annual Bhakti Fest West is set to be the largest gathering of yoga teachers and kirtan artists in the western world, but sadly there will be a very noticable absence at the Bhakti gathering. With the passing of Beloved Shyamdas earlier this year, plans to honor the Sanskrit Scholar and kirtan wallah are underway. One method on the list? Shyamdas: Bhakti Fest Midwest 2012 live album will be released and sold at the festival. Read LA YOGA’s review on the album here.
Full festival passes are still available for $325. Day passes for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday are available for $100 each; weekend passes (Saturday and Sunday) are also available for $175. Use code ‘layoga‘ to receive a $50 discount. Visit Bhakti Fest Tickets to purchase your ticket now!
Manduka Acquires yogitoes®
We watched as yogitoes®, a privately held yoga towel brand, single-handedly transformed the yoga product industry with its Skidless® technology over the past few years. Now, we’ll watch as Manduka and yogitoes pair up together to create more revolutionary products for the yoga studio, as Manduka recently announced the acquisition of yogitoes®. For more information on the merging of the two innovative companies, visit Yoga in the World: Manduka Acquires yogitoes®.
The Sacred Art of Yuan Miao
“On the Wings of Phoenix Rising: The Art of Yuan Miao” will be on display at Ethos Art Gallery from August 23-September 12.
Join Miao for a free artist reception tonight, Thursday, August 22. Miao will also be leading a “Healing Yourself from Within” workshop on Saturday and a “Guidance from Guan Yin: An Empowerment” workshop on Sunday. Experience the transmission of universal energy through hair yantas, shakti paintings and live mantras at this two-day workshop. For more info, visit: New Century Foundation.
For an in-depth interview with Yuan Miao and the inspiration behind her work, visit LA YOGA: The Sacred Art of Yuan Miao.
“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.” Released on 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, visit Polishing the Mirror Release.
Blue Moon May Leave You with the Blues
This past Tuesday (August 20)’s Blue Moon in Aquarius leaves a feeling of emotional emptiness. Why? “Saturn, the planet of facing hardships, is the ruler,” explains Sam Geppi in LA YOGA’s July/August astrology. “This outpouring often comes in the form of service to others and social causes. There is an auspicious aspect from Jupiter to this Full Moon, which can help ‘fill up’ the heart with hope and teaching.” For more explanation of current astrological trends, 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 Shelter
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.
“There’s a beautiful wooden door at the other end of Yoga Shelter‘s room when you come in to lay your mat down. Circular steps lead up to this intricately carved piece. I made sure I was facing it. Rob, our instructor, entersed and declared he’s going to teach us everything we need to know about yoga during our Slow Flow class,” shares LA YOGA contributor Erynne Elkins when reflecting on her experience when using her Passport to Prana pass. “He made everyone, including himself, pledge to concentrate on our individual practice and not judge others. Class ended and as Rob opened that door a whoosh of invigorating air filled the room.”
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: Hari’s Teas for the Element
Hari’s Tea is a collection of products which support a well-being experience through authentic blends. According to ancient wisdom, the five Elements are life’s symbolic building blocks. To live a harmonious life, one must have all five in balance. How can we know where we stand? And how can we create that balance? Many trained in Eastern technologies such as Ayurveda or Sat Nam Rasayan, have methods to analyze and treat the state of these elements in you. Or yoga and meditation provide the possibility of balancing the elements yourself. At Hari Tea, their master blenders and practitioners have drawn upon these ancient technologies to craft a perfectly balanced tea in their Teas for the Elements series.
LA YOGA is excited to give away one box of each of the five elements by Hari Tea! Enter to win by liking LA YOGA on Facebook and writing us with why you want to win!
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