E-News from LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health Magazine
OCTOBER 2013 | ISSUE 180
October 2013 Issue
On the Cover: Elisabeth Rohm
Photo by: Kimberly Metz
From the Editor
We are all influenced by the changing patterns in the universe around us. One of the indicators of this is the astrological energetic shifts we may experience. According to the Vedic Astrological forecast for today, Sam Geppi says, “Testing your beliefs will be important when the Moon joins Jupiter and Gemini. Closing the gap between what you truly comprehend (based on your experience) and what you believe (based on what inspires you) will be important. This process is important if our beliefs are going to truly transform our lives.”
Transformation is one aspect of what we are here to create, and what we are here to support in each other’s practice.
Often, I have conversations with people about living in Los Angeles. While the geography, freeway system, and culture of this city certainly has its challenges, it also contains a plethora of gifts and opportunities, including the ability to connect with people to support the practice.
This weekend, Golden Sol Yoga in Los Feliz throws open its doors for their grand opening, while on the Westside, NAAM celebrates two years of cultivating community. These are but two of the many events and locations bringing people together to support the art of transformation and the testing of beliefs. This query is an ongoing process and part of our daily practice, if we dare to engage in the flow of energy around us.
May we transform with ease,
Felicia Marie Tomasko, RN
LA Yoga Magazine, Editor in Chief
Upcoming Events
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24
Lulu Bandha’s International Yoga Crib. The International Ojai Yoga Crib is a yoga pilgrimage, gathering together from around the world. Built on the rich Spiritual Tradition of the Ojai Valley, the yoga sessions, meditations, and evening events take place in some of the most historically significant and sacred spots throughout the Valley. Find out more information and get tickets.
Spooktacular Special from Spa Del Rey. Spa del Rey is offering Halloween themed make-up, nail art & lashes starting at only $10. October 24th – October 31st.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25
Lulu Bandha’s International Yoga Crib. The International Ojai Yoga Crib is a yoga pilgrimage, gathering together from around the world. Built on the rich Spiritual Tradition of the Ojai Valley, the yoga sessions, meditations, and evening events take place in some of the most historically significant and sacred spots throughout the Valley. Find out more information and get tickets.
Retreat for Women with Sifu Beth Leone and Julianne Reynolds. Care for your body and soul and give nurturance to the feminine spirit using meditation, tantra yoga, qigong, sacred rituals and self-care practices. Glen Muse Estate, Ojai. Email for more information.
Insight Meditation Weekend Workshop. Acclaimed author and teacher Douglas Veenhof offers a 3-day workshop (Oct. 25-27) on insight meditation. Using the meditative technique of single-pointed concentration, the contemplative telescope, he will teach the Buddha’s Four Applications of Mindfulness. Meditation practitioners of all traditions and levels are welcome. Mahasukha Center. 6512 Arizona Ave., Los Angeles.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Lulu Bandha’s International Yoga Crib. The International Ojai Yoga Crib is a yoga pilgrimage, gathering together from around the world. Built on the rich Spiritual Tradition of the Ojai Valley, the yoga sessions, meditations, and evening events take place in some of the most historically significant and sacred spots throughout the Valley. Find out more information and get tickets.
Naam Yoga LA Celebrates 2nd Year Anniversary. Weekend event of free classes, fun and special celebrations including yoga classes, West-African Dance, Kirtan and more. Naam Yoga 1231 4th St., Santa Monica.
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Headstand Workshop with video feedback. Learn how to master one of the most important yoga postures. The Headstand (Sirshasana) is called “The King of Asanas” because it has profound psychic, physical, and psychological effects. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center. 13325 Beach Ave, Marina Del Rey.
3:30 P.M. – 7:00 P.M. Rock It To The Core presented by lululemon athletica, Calabasas. Talk from Marianne Williamson, yoga flow led by Dawn Stillo, Drorit Rudin and Brian Hyman, food trucks on premises plus dancing and music from 7LIONS. FREE with donations going toward A Place Called Home. Calabasas High School Football Stadium.
5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. Shirdi Sai Temple Grand Opening. Dinner, kirtans/bhajans, a fire pug, and introduction to meditation are some of the events that are part of the grand opening celebration. 6020 Melvin Ave., Tarzana.
8:00 P.M. Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band Kirtan. As part of the International Ojai Yoga Crib, Sean, Gwendelyn and Alvin play musical muse to something deep in each of our souls. They are in service to the music of the Divine. Ojai Yoga Crip. $10 or free to Crib guests, crew and teachers. Krotona Hall 441 E. Ojai Ave.
A Day in the Desert: An Intimate Musical Retreat in a Magical Desert Oasis. Hosted by ‘SUP Magazine. Live music, yoga and meditation, arts and crafts, workshops and more. Boulder Gardens, CA.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Lulu Bandha’s International Yoga Crib. The International Ojai Yoga Crib is a yoga pilgrimage, gathering together from around the world. Built on the rich Spiritual Tradition of the Ojai Valley, the yoga sessions, meditations, and evening events take place in some of the most historically significant and sacred spots throughout the Valley. Find out more information and get tickets.
Naam Yoga LA Celebrates 2nd Year Anniversary. Weekend event of free classes, fun and special celebrations including yoga classes, West-African Dance, Kirtan and more. Naam Yoga 1231 4th St., Santa Monica.
11:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M. Day of Inner Peace. Join host Josh Radnor in Los Angeles for discussion, teachings, music, art, and dance with the aim to explore inner peace and its connection to outer and world peace. Speakers include the founder and director of Inkarri Multicultrual Association and the Pneuma System, Juan Ruiz Naupari; New York Times bestselling author, Rory Freedman; David Newman, Avasa and Matty Love, and others. Center for the Arts, Eagle Rock, 2225 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles.
1:45 P.M. – 3:45 P.M. Bhakti Shakti Sankalpah: Deepening your Practice and Living your Intention withSarah Garney. learn tools and energy processes to clear blocks and get aligned with commitment, creativity and being true to ourselves and our soul purposes. Bhakti Yoga Shala, 207 Arizona, Santa Monica. Suggested donation: $20-$30
2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Grand Opening Party for Golden Sol. Music, belly dancing, family yoga and music for children, the Yoga of Joy, intuitive readings and beautiful teas from around the world. Please bring canned goods, gently used coats, new socks and women’s undergarments, and household items to be donated to Downtown Women’s Center. Golden Sol Yoga and Wellness Center, 4446 Ambrose Ave., Los Feliz.
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Yoga and Ecology Workshop. Join us in a workshop that explores this concept by linking the philosophies of environmental ethics and deep ecology to the practice of Yoga. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center. 13325 Beach Ave, Marina Del Rey.
3:00 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. EcoSalon Film Series. ”Not My Life” depicts the cruel and dehumanizing practices of human trafficking and modern slavery on a global scale. With awareness and action, these victims can be set free and go on to live extraordinary lives. FREE. Microsoft Store at the Westfield Century Mall, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles.
3:30 P.M. – 5:30 P.M. Thriller Jam, Halloween Dance Workshop with Kim Blank. Kim danced as one of the living dead in the original Michael Jackson “Thriller” video. She will be teaching choreography from this pioneering, ground-breaking, timeless video. $20 Swerve Studio, 8250 West 3rd St., Los Angeles.
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28
Naam Yoga LA Celebrates 2nd Year Anniversary. Weekend event of free classes, fun and special celebrations including yoga classes, West-African Dance, Kirtan and more. Naam Yoga 1231 4th St., Santa Monica.
Repair and Prepare Facial at The Beauty Wave. During the change of seasons is the time when your skin needs the most care. Hydration is of paramount importance to achieve beautiful, healthy, and resilient skin. The Beauty Wave is now offering their special “Repair and Prepare Facial” for only $59 through November 30. 3802 W. Riverside Dr., Burbank.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29
Sand Mandala at the Rosemead Library. Monks of the Dreprung Gomang monastery of Tibet will create a mandala (Sanskrit for “world of harmony”) by carefully arranging millions of grains of colored sand. Ending ceremony will celebrate change and impermanence. Oct 29 – Nov 2 Rosemead Library
8800 Valley Blvd, Rosemead
10:45 P.M. – 12:45 P.M. Legacy: Individual and Collective Activation. We come together and practice yoga in a community, for the most powerful activation. Be in the support of group energy. Create something radically alive through the collective power of asana, meditation and group activation. exhale venice, 245 S. Main Street, Venice.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1
7:30 P.M. Deva Premal and Miten and the GuruGanesha Band. MantraFest brings together two visionary musical ensembles for the first time, led by three chief architects of the sacred chant phenomenon that have energized the yoga and meditation alternative movement in recent years. $30-$108
Barnum Hall, Santa Monica High School 600 Olympic Blvd, Santa Monica.
Cabo Loves Yoga. Awaken your inner yogi as you fall in love with Los Cabos in a three-day festival with outdoor yoga practice in breathtaking surroundings, with spa, live music, and fresh organic cuisine. LePaz San Jose del Cabo Baja California Sur, Mexico Nov 1 – 3. Book your ticket.
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Fire in the Belly with Garth McLean. This workshop will offer a simple “how to” approach to keep the digestive system functioning through the practice of asana, including strategies for people with diabetes in addition to those simply wishing to maintain healthy metabolism. Six months of Iyengar Yoga experience recommended. $45 Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles 1835 South La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles
7:00 P.M. Shamanic Dance with Malaika Darville. Shamanic techniques, intention, breath, ceremony, dance, and the power of the elements will help you connect, activate, and open to more of your authentic self. Bhakti Yoga Shala 207 Arizona Ave, Santa Monica.
Seduction of Spirit: Music Meditation. In a supportive group of like-minded individuals, Deepak Chopra, special guest speakers, and Chopra Center master educators will guide you in Primordial Sound Meditation, Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga, visualizations, creative activities, and discussions that will awaken you to all the gifts that lie within the inner silence of your soul. Nov 3 – 9 Omni La Costa Resort & Spa 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad.
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 that features LA Yoga Magazine music critics McKenna Rowe, Joe Kara, and Daniel Overberger: Music That Inspires
Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.
Immunity Soup for Flu and Cold Season
Modern research shows that astragalus root, a Chinese herb long used to ward off colds and flu, has powerful immune-enhancing properties. The sliced, dried root is available online and in herb stores; it is nontoxic and adds a pleasant, sweet taste when simmered in soups. Shiitake mushrooms also boost immunity and have an antiviral effect. Garlic is an antibiotic and ginger a natural anti-inflammatory agent.
Find complete recipe here.
This best-selling True Food Kitchen dish can be found in the cookbook True Food: Seasonal, Sustainable, Simple, Pure by Andrew Weil, MD, Sam Fox, and Chef Michael Stebner.
¡Downward-facing Perro in Cabo!
CABO LOVES YOGA is a weekend-long feast for the body and senses in beautiful Los Cabos. With a funky mix of yoga, music, farm-to-table cuisine and mindful living, Cabo Loves Yoga is the perfect retreat for anyone looking to escape everyday life and experience a combination of nature and nurture.
The retreat includes a 3-day guided practice with 3 leading yoga teachers, 3 trendy and cool get-togethers, fresh and healthy food, musical discovery and beachfront dance parties.
November 1-3, 2013
Visit Cabo Loves Yoga for details.
Prepare Your Info for Teacher Training Guide
LA YOGA’s next teacher training guide will be in the December/January issue of the magazine. Please complete this questionnaire before OCTOBER 28 to be considered for listing in LA YOGA Magazine’s 2014 Annual Yoga Teacher Training Guide. Only one response per program is necessary. Preference is given to programs within California. Any questions, email edit@layoga.com.
There are also opportunities to advertise in this reference guide. Speak to your advertising representative for more details.
We look forward to hearing from you.
A Weekend of Love and Gratitude with Jai Uttal
Jai Uttal & Nubia Teixeira with Daniel Paul
November 29 – December 1
The Ojai Foundation
Through the practices of chanting, pranayam, and personal dance, we explore, express and share the deepest caverns of our souls and ultimately find the eternal spring of love and gratitude. Share in the ocean of bhakti during this unique Thanksgiving Weekend gathering with time-honored teachers and lovers of music, dance, life, and love. Saturday evening’s kirtan will be open to the public, so be sure to invite your friends.
Weekend Registration: $450 by September 1st, $490 after. See website for accommodations.
SATURDAY EVENING KIRTAN ONLY: $25.00 prepaid, or $30 at the door
Seasonally-Inspired Spa Treatments for Fall and Winter at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles
Get into the holiday spirit with spa treatments featuring classic holiday spices and fresh Fall ingredients, from pumpkin and pomegranate, to chocolate and cinnamon – these flavorful treatments will leave a glow far more lasting than a sugar cookie high.
Available Oct 1 – Dec 31, seasonal treatments include a Pumpkin Spice Hydrating Facial, Cranberry Pomegranate Body Polish, Hot Chocolate Stone Massage and a Peppermint Pedicure, and are priced from $70. As an added treat, spa guests who book any 50-minute treatment on a Saturday can enjoy complimentary poolside morning yoga from Kinema Fitness.
To make an appointment, please call The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Los Angeles at (213) 763-4400.
A Tribute to S.N. Goenka
Satya Narayan Goenka
(January 30, 1924 – September 29, 2013)
Goenka opened retreat and training centers all over the world. Because it is not tied to any particular sectarian religion, Vipassana is a universally accessible and globally influential path of self-realization.
Buddhist meditation teacher, Wes Nisker, reflects on his time sitting with the great Goenka at his early Vipassana retreats: ”Goenkaji’s love of the Dhamma was palpable. We trusted him, practiced hard with him, and under his kind gaze we also fell in love with the Dhamma.”
Read Nisker’s tribute in its entirety here.
Bhakti Fest 2014 Tickets On Sale Now
The dates have been set! All three 2014 Bhakti Fest events have been announced and tickets are on sale now for a discounted price through the new year. Tickets for Shakti Fest, set to take place at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center from May 16-18, are on sale for $200. Tickets for Bhakti Fest Midwest, taking place at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, WI from June 20-22 are on sale for $150. The 6th Annual Bhakti Fest West, set to take place at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center from September 4-7, are now on sale for just $200. Mark your calendars and purchase your tickets atBhakti Fest Tickets.
Maui Retreat. Ram Dass. Krishna Das. Jack Kornfield.
“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.
Golden Sol Grand Opening in Los Feliz
Join us at our Grand Opening celebration on October 27th from 2-6pm. We’ve planned a wonderful afternoon of free yoga, music, and dance. There will be something fun for the entire family.
Golden Sol has partnered with the Downtown Women’s Center to help gather donations of supplies (clothes, household goods, hygiene products, and food) for the shelter. Although a donation is not required to join in the fun, we encourage you to bring something to share with these ladies. A gently used sweater or a pair of cozy socks can bring a big smile to someone’s face!
Everyone will be entered into our raffle. We will be giving away class passes, bodywork, and energy sessions…AND if you bring something for the Downtown Women’s Center you’ll get an extra ticket.
Golden Sol has several intimate rooms including a meditation sanctuary, healing rooms for consultations, a garden, and a community space where people can relax after class, sip a cup of tea, enjoy art, and even bring their work. The wide variety of classes include Kundalini Yoga, Yoga of Joy, Vinyasa, Hatha, and the subtle yet powerful practices of Yoga Nidra, healing breath, and meditation. This yoga and wellness center aims to become “Your Home for Om!”
Golden Sol, 4446 Ambrose Ave, Los Angeles, 646-320-1318
Closing the Gap
October 24-25
Testing your beliefs will be important when the Moon joins Jupiter and Gemini. Closing the gap between what you truly comprehend (based on your experience) and what you believe (based on what inspires you) will be important. This process is important if our beliefs are going to truly transform our lives.
For more explanations of astrological trends this week, visit LA YOGA: Astrology.
Sam Geppi is an internationally-respected Vedic astrology teacher. For free Vedic astrology DVDs and courses: Sam Geppi.
Your Passport to Prana
LA YOGA is grateful to team up with our friends at Passport to Prana, the original multi-studio yoga pass. Passport to Prana entitles you to one class at each of the participating yoga studios for just $30:
-Bikram Yoga -Dancing Shiva
-Black Dog Yoga -Rising Lotus Yoga
-Bhakti Yoga Shala -Hot 8 Yoga
-Naam Yoga -Over 30 more participating studios
Are you an LA studio and want to be added to this list? We’re happy to share that it is free for studios to join the program! Email Raj with inquiries. Visit Passport to Prana for more information.
Giveaway: Say the Word
We are pleased to be able to offer two tickets to Say the Word: Get it Together on November 1st at Skirball Cultural Center. Join host Beth Lapides (UnCabaret) and special guest comedy writers and comedians Tim Bagley (Will and Grace, Monk), Kevin Nealon (Weeds, Saturday Night Live), Merrill Markoe (TV Nation), Dan Levy (The Office), Carlos Kotkin (author of God Please Let It Be Herpes), and Wendy Liebman as they share comedic stories of weddings, funerals, graduations, birthday parties, and gatherings of a more clandestine sort.
Presented lounge-style with cocktails and light fare available for purchase. Line-up subject to change.
LA YOGA is excited to give away two tickets. Enter to win by likingLA YOGA on Facebook and writing us with why you want to win!
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