2013-10-03

Immerse Yourself in Rhythm and Joy October 3, 2013

E-News from LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health Magazine

OCTOBER 2013 | ISSUE 177







October 2013 Issue

On the Cover: Elisabeth Rohm

Photo by: Kimberly Metz

From the Editor

If we glance over at our nightstand or our bookshelf, we may see the stack of titles that we turn to for inspiration, an escape, or a combination of the two.

In the teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda, there is a value placed on the reading or study we do related to sacred teachings, what uplifts us, or what helps us to see the world and ourselves with wide open eyes, mind, and heart.

At any one time, I shuffle between a number of books, including classics such as the Bhagavad Gita (I’m currently enjoying translations by Stephen Mitchell and Eknath Easwaran); along with Donna Gates’ always relevant Body Ecology Diet; Deborah King’s new title Entangled in Darkness, Seeking the Light; and Elizabeth Gilbert’s just-released novel The Signature of All Things.

I love to immerse myself in the written word, and I’m not alone. In our regular magazine feature “On My Nightstand,” we talk to notable people in the community to discover what they’re reading and how these ideas inspire and influence them. Recently, we connected with Rickie Byars Beckwith and Chaka Khan, both of whom are involved in this weekend’s RAJ (Rhythm and Joy) Festival being held at Hummingbird Ranch in Simi Valley. These two influential and inspiring artists are being joined by a stellar line-up of soulful teachers, musicians, artists, and more. These women shared with us what they’re reading now in the time preparing for this event. ReadRickie’s picks here; Chaka’s here.

We all have those times of preparation in our lives when we’re gearing up for something or simply engaged in our everyday work in the world. Whatever the task, knowing that inspiration is as close as our nightstand–and diving in–is a powerful way we stay connected, motivated, and on the path.

Turning the Page,

Felicia Marie Tomasko, RN
LA Yoga Magazine, Editor in Chief

Upcoming Events

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3

9:00 P.M. Celebrate the release of EarthRise SoundSystem‘s new album, ROCK BEATS PAPER, at the West Side’s renowned global beats dance party: Afro Funke’ at Zanzibar in Santa Monica.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

8:30 A.M. – 11:30 P.M. Alchemy Event Master Plan. Celebrate the co-creation of a new humanity and listen to panels about new possibilities in science, technology, spiritual expansion, healing and more. Radisson Hotel LAX 6225 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles.

RAJ Festival. 3 days 3 stages. Entertainment for the whole family in the arts for transformation, music for the soul, and food for thought. Hummingbird Nest Ranch 2940 Kuehner Dr., Simi Valley.

7:30 P.M. – 9:30 P.M. Yoga, Food and Body Image Intensive with Chelsea Roff. Day 1: Yoga – A Game-Changer in Eating Disorders. Chelsea shares her personal story of overcoming an eating disorder and speaks to the role yoga can play in healing food and body image issues at all ends of the spectrum. Exhale venice. 245 S. Main Street, Venice.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5

7:00 A.M. – 8:45 A.M./2:30 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Yoga, Food and Body Image Intensive with Chelsea Roff. Day 2: Coming Home to the Body. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to use the practice of yoga to support you in developing a healthier relationship with your body. Exhale venice. 245 S. Main Street, Venice.

8:30 A.M. – 11:30 P.M. Alchemy Event Master Plan. Celebrate the co-creation of a new humanity and listen to panels about new possibilities in science, technology, spiritual expansion, healing and more. Radisson Hotel LAX 6225 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles.

9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. The Neuroscience of Well-Being, Mindfulness and Love. Two-day training with Dan Siegel M.D. and Jack Kornfield Ph.D. on the skill, science and art of well-being, mindfulness and love. $315 UCLA Ackerman Grand Ballroom 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles.

12:30 P.M. – 2:30 P.M. Restore With Yoga. Mental and visceral relaxation, reduce stress and recover from injury with Michael Thomas.  Palos Verdes Yoga. 2325 Palos Verdes Drive West #104, Palos Verdes Estates, CA.

4:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Church in Ocean Park’s 15th Annual Communitas Awards. The Church in Ocean Park Communitas Awards will honor Anne Hawthorne, Robbie Jones, and yoga teacher Jasmine Lieb. $65 Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St., Santa Monica.

8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. Sacred Music and Ecstatic Chant. Sheela Bringi weaves together her angelic voice, rapturous bansuri, and melodic harp into ancient ragas, devotional love songs and timeless mantras. Sheela will rejoined by soulful songwriter/guitarist/trumpeter Clinton Patterson and table maestro/composer Javad Butah. Exhale Venice, 245 S. Main St., Venice.

RAJ Festival. 3 days 3 stages. Entertainment for the whole family in the arts for transformation, music for the soul, and food for thought. Hummingbird Nest Ranch 2940 Kuehner Dr., Simi Valley

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6

7:00 A.M. – 8:45 A.M./2:30 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Yoga, Food and Body Image Intensive with Chelsea Roff. Day 3: The Double Edged Sword. In this workshop, we’ll explore “the double edged sword” of yoga for eating disorders. Whether you’re a teacher who wants to learn to better support your students, or you struggle with these issues yourself, this workshop provides an insider’s perspective on how yoga can be used to help. exhale venice. 245 S. Main Street, Venice.

8:30 A.M. – 11:30 P.M. Alchemy Event Master Plan. Celebrate the co-creation of a new humanity and listen to panels about new possibilities in science, technology, spiritual expansion, healing and more. Radisson Hotel LAX 6225 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles.

9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Honoring the Path of the Warrior. A one-day program for veterans including a hike to Muir Beach, meditation, and mindfulnessand Sensory Awareness practices, as well as a delicious, vegetarian lunch provided by Green Gulch Farm. Free. Green Gulch Farm Zen Center, Muir Beach, CA. Veterans interested in attending should RSVP.

9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. The Neuroscience of Well-Being, Mindfulness and Love. Two-day training with Dan Siegel M.D. and Jack Kornfield Ph.D. on the skill, science and art of well-being, mindfulness and love. $315 UCLA Ackerman Grand Ballroom 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles.

10:30 A.M. – 12:00 P.M./1:30 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Meditation Workshop and Initiation with Yogmata. Yogmata is the world’s only woman Siddha Master. Her meditation workshops offer powerful experiences of life-changing initiation. Double Tree Suites, 1707 Fourth Street, Santa Monica.

1:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M. Yoga Sutra Sundays – A Series with Joy Stone. 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.  $45. Black Dog Yoga.

RAJ Festival. 3 days 3 stages. Entertainment for the whole family in the arts for transformation, music for the soul, and food for thought. Hummingbird Nest Ranch 2940 Kuehner Dr., Simi Valley.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8

7:00 P.M. – 8:30 P.M. Sustainable Works Green Living Workshop. Join this FREE workshop and learn how information like this will help you save money and positively impact your family, community, and ultimately the planet. Santa Monica Main Library Community Rooom, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica.

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 11

Open Your Healing Abilities Retreat. Rediscover the unity with infinite force in order to heal yourself and others with Siberian Shaman Ladamira. Write Organic Resource Center. 24680 Piuma Rd., Malibu.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12

Open Your Healing Abilities Retreat. Rediscover the unity with infinite force in order to heal yourself and others with Siberian Shaman Ladamira. Write Organic Resource Center. 24680 Piuma Rd., Malibu.

10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. BeWell Expo. Indulge in the beauty and wellness industries’ best kept secret.  $25 per day/$45 per day at the door. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St., Pasadena.

10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Kindred Spirit Workshop. The powerful workshop offers the question: “Are we going to use this relationship to awaken together?” Terces and Matthew Engelhart, co-founders of Cafe Gratitude and Gracias Madre, offer the chance to be transparent and to ultimately generate unconditional love in all your relations. Earthways Foundation, 20178 Rockport Way, Malibu.

1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. Restorative Yoga…But I’m Not Tired with Anna Pavlich Connelly. We all need to learn how to take care and slow down even if we only have 10 minutes in our busy day to do so.  In this workshop, students will learn how to incorporate the restorative poses into their life and home practice. Yoga Upstairs. 5308 Derry Avenue, Suite K, 2nd Floor Agoura Hills.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13

Open Your Healing Abilities Retreat. Rediscover the unity with infinite force in order to heal yourself and others with Siberian Shaman Ladamira. Write Organic Resource Center. 24680 Piuma Rd., Malibu.

9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M. Beyond the Shore. Join the first annual, nonprofit, Beyond the Shore festival and help set the Guinness World record for the largest SUP yoga class. This new festival offers fun for the whole family benefiting ocean conservation and awareness. Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach.

10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. BeWell Expo. Indulge in the beauty and wellness industries’ best kept secret.  $25 per day/$45 per day at the door. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St., Pasadena.

10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Kindred Spirit Workshop. The powerful workshop offers the question: “Are we going to use this relationship to awaken together?” Terces and Matthew Engelhart, co-founders of Cafe Gratitude and Gracias Madre, offer the chance to be transparent and to ultimately generate unconditional love in all your relations. Earthways Foundation, 20178 Rockport Way, Malibu.

4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Singing Crystal Bowls with Richard Dubac. These pure crystal quartz bowls echo the sounds of the earth and provide a deeply grounding experience. Your mind is swept clear and your subtle body is soothed into deep relaxation and healing. $25 Yoga Upstairs. 5308 Derry Ave. Suite K, Agoura Hills.

On the Horizon

6:30 P.M. Th new documentary Dreaming Heaven will be previewed at the Malibu Screening Room. Event will include live music from soundtrack and Q&A.

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 where Duke Mushroom, Lissa Coffey, and Palo Hawken were invited to talk about food for the soul, mind, and body: Feeling Food-Inspired

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

Herbs for Healing Remedies

In the Farmer’s Corner in LA YOGA’s October issue, we feature a few common herbs and spices that contain active ingredients for curing inflammation, indigestion, and more. Turmeric, ginger, and garlic are well-equipped ayurvedic remedies to name a few.

Here are several common herbs and spices and how to use them for at-home healing, compliments of LA YOGA: Kitchen Herbs for Healing.

The Urban Zen Experience at YogaWorks

It’s YogaWork‘s mission to embrace each student’s search for personal growth, well-being and fulfillment by offering the highest quality yoga programs.

YogaWorks is honored to partner with the Urban Zen Foundation, to offer a level 1 integrative training that incorporates yoga therapy, Reiki, essential oil therapy, contemplative care and nutrition as a holistic approach with modern western science. This foundational program focuses on treating the patient, not just the disease. Learn to take care of a loved one at home, further your education in the health and wellness industry or as a medical professional. To learn more about Urban Zen and it’s intergrative healing arts, visit LA YOGA: Yoga Therapy.

Join the Urban Zen Foundation on Saturday, October 5, from 2:00-4:00pm at the YogaWorks Westlake Village studio for a special workshop to experience a sampling of  their level 1 training and an opportunity to ask questions with trainers, Hazel Patterson and Tracy Griffiths. To inquire more about our program offerings, watch the Urban Zen Experience, visit YogaWorks or contact us.

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 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 community@layogaonline.com.

There are also opportunities to advertise in this reference guide. Speak to your advertising representative for more details.

Stay Tuned!

ObamaCare: What You Need to Know

What’s all the ruckus about? When you start looking into it, the Affordable Care Act (aka Obamacare) actually seems fairly straightforward. A recent presentation sponsored by California Lawyers for the Arts gave a clear summary of the program’s benefits and who is affected. Writer Jeffrey Ainis breaks down for LA YOGA readers the important facts around ObamaCare. Inform yourself: read 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 at Bhakti Fest Tickets.

Recovery 2.0 Talks Available Online

The Recovery 2.0: Beyond Addiction online conference was held September 28–October 2. This free online conference brought together the voices of 35+ professionals, including Mastin Kipp, founder of TheDailyLove.com (pictured right) who lead a talk on “Moving Beyond Blocks in your Life.” Within this conference and talks, leaders delivered cutting-edge, inspirational, spiritual, medical and practical approaches to overcoming addictions.

Recovery 2.0 gathered the best information and teachers in the world to help inspire people struggling with addiction, supporting their families and loved ones as well as those who work in the field of recovery. Even though the conference passed, you can still listen to the talks online for free. Check it out today.

Get Strong and Healthy at HALE Pilates Method

The HALE Pilates Method studio in Redondo Beach boasts a pilates studio as well as strength training room. In addition to physical health, nutrition is an important factor at HALE.

The studio has two registered dietitians who work with clients to change their eating habits, help them shop for groceries, and keep them motivated.

Learn more about the studio that provides everything from workouts to nutrition to a small community at LA YOGA: HALE Open Doors.

Open Your Heart with Ram Dass

“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.

Fight the Good Fight

This weekend, we may feel a surge of confidence and aggression until the end of November as Mars enters Leo. “Now is a time to fight the good fight and defend your principles,” encourages Sam Geppi in LA YOGA’s October astrology. “This renewed discipline is a welcomed change, as Mars has been debilitated in Cancer since August – and we may have slid on our principles.” For more explanations 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: Bikram Yoga Downtown LA

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.

“Seeking a little simplicity? It’s yours if you’ve got 90 minutes.  Classes at Bikram Yoga Downtown LA consist of 26 postures and two breathing exercises,” shares LA YOGA contributor Erynne Elkins. “Our euphoric instructor, Loren, led the class like a seasoned auctioneer. The mindfulness you’re encouraged to bring to each pose makes you feel as if you’re the only person in the room. You’ll leave feeling cleansed and detoxed. When it’s all over, head back outside where the zooming downtown traffic will sound like soothing classical music.”

Are YOU ready to explore new LA studio and places within with a Passport to Prana card? VisitPassport to Prana.

Giveaway: Klezmerson Live at the Skirball

Klezmerson, a Mexico City-based septet will be playing at theSkirball Cultural Center this Saturday, October 5 for their U.S. debut! Klezmerson plays a new type of music that combines klezmer melodies and rhythms with gypsy, Middle Eastern, and Latin American influences.

LA YOGA is excited to give away two pairs of tickets to watch Klezmerson perform. Enter to win by liking LA YOGA on Facebook and writing us with why you want to win!

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