Celebrate and Give Back September 12, 2013
E-News from LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health Magazine
SEPTEMBER 2013 | ISSUE 174
September 2013 Issue
On the Cover: Celesta Hodge
Photo by: David Young-Wolff
From the Editor
Those of us who practice or have been influenced by the practice of yoga have a long gratitude list. We have to be thankful for the legacy of practitioners who have gone before us and paved the way to our practice. To show our gratitude, even in subtle ways, we have numerous opportunities.
Yoga Gives Back is a nonprofit which endeavors to demonstrate that gratitude by bringing the yoga community together to literally give back to people in India–the birthplace of yoga–through supporting microloan programs that allow women to become empowered entrepreneurs. Through this commitment, there is the opportunity to connect across boundaries of time and space to manifest the true self-empowering potential of the practice. Yoga Gives Back’s gala fundraising dinner will be held in Malibu Saturday night, September 21. Support the world communityhere.
Also on September 21, the Dharma Yoga Festival will offer a free day of classes, music, lecture, and more, giving thanks to Swami Vivekenanda, who is seen as one of the most important influences on the dissemination of Yoga philosophy in America, and whose legacy reverberates today. We look forward to seeing you there.
And the modern practice continues to grow in every corner of LA, as the hotel property, Mr. C Beverly Hills, has partnered with Kinema Fitness to offer poolside yoga every Saturday at 9amthat is open to the local community. Please bring your own mat and join the team for a practice in a unique location that enhances the power of yoga.
See you on and off the mat,
Felicia Marie Tomasko, RN
LA Yoga Magazine, Editor in Chief
Upcoming Events
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
9:00 A.M. Mr. C Beverly Hills has partnered with Kinema Fitness to offer poolside yoga every Saturday at 9am. Open to the local community; bring your own mat.
9:00 A.M. – 11:00 A.M. Master Class with Beth Shaw. Only 15 spaces available for anyone not attending the Mind Body Fitness Conference with Yogafit. $20 payable at the door. Hyatt Palm Springs. 285 N. Palm Canyon Dr, Palm Springs.
1:30 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. Seed Freedom and Systems of Abundance. A conversations reminding us that the small farmer’s rights are inherently connected to the future of our world, Dr. Vandana Shiva brings to the front and center the small farmers role in the issue of food security. Mudtown Farms, WLCAC, Phoenix Hall, 10950 South Central, Los Angeles,. $10 suggested donation. Registration mandatory
7:30 P.M. Kirtan with Tim Jordan. Chant your heart open with Tim Jordan and band at Yoga at the Village. 1306 Sonora Ave., Glendale. $10
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 15
4:00 P.M. – 12:00 A.M. The Lovestock Festival. A “party with a purpose” including free food, music, healing room, cosmic puja ceremony and many more surprises. FREE or $10 suggested donation, all going towards “Just Like My Child” foundation. Los Angeles, exact location details given uponregistration.
4:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. Singing Crystal Bowls with Richard Dubuc. Allow your mind to be free of thought as the Singing Crystal Bowls awaken the senses and balance the chakras through the soothing sounds and deep vibrations that resonate from them. The effect is tranquil relaxation and healing, and an awareness of how sound energy puts you in touch with your inner self and emotions. $30 Yoga Upstairs, Agoura Hills, CA.
Yogafit Palm Springs Mind and Body Fitness Conference. Deepen your yoga practice, continue your teaching education, and transform your life with a carroty of enlightening workshops and trainings. Subjects include meditation, therapeutics, and healing physical and emotional trauma. Hyatt Regency Suites Palm Springs, 285 North Palm Canyon Dr.
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17
7:00 P.M. Light of the Valley: The 15th Renovation of Swayambhu screening at LACMA‘s Bing Theater. Light of the Valley documents the inspiring story of the 15th renovation of the Swayambhu Stupa in Nepal–one of the most important stupas in the buddhist world. Screening will be followed by Q&A with producer Barry Schieber, professor Deepak Shimkhada, professor Lisa Leeman, and Padma Maitland. RSVP; admission free.
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
6:30 P.M. The Healing Gardens of Ayurveda will present highlights of their upcoming yoga, spiritual and rejuvenation 15 day “once in a lifetime” first class tour to India and Nepal. FREE. Accompanied with Wine and Cheese. The Healing Gardens, 2675 Irvine Ave. Suite 100, Costa Mesa. RSVP
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20
Symbiosis Gathering 2013 on the weekend of the 2013 Autumnal Equinox at Woodward Reservoir in Oakdale, CA. Festival will include live music, yoga, a marketplace, and much more.
Xanadu’s Catalina Island 5K Health and Fitness Festival. Benefiting the Outdoor Discovery School, Xanadu’s festival experience is only a short boat ride away from LA. Event includes a 5K island run, psot-race beach BBQ, camping, yoga and meditation classes, health and fitness workshops, and a moonlight dance party. $250/ 2 night camping package. Sept 20 – 22 Two Harbors, Catalina Island.
7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Fall Yoga Mala with Anne & Natalie. Celebrate the Autumn Equinox as Anne & Natalie lead you through an invigorating practice of 108 sun salutations. DJ Shirley will play fun music to set the mood. $25; Register here.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Symbiosis Gathering 2013 on the weekend of the 2013 Autumnal Equinox at Woodward Reservoir in Oakdale, CA. Festival will include live music, yoga, a marketplace, and much more.
Xanadu’s Catalina Island 5K Health and Fitness Festival including 5K Island run, post-race beach BBQ, camping, yoga and meditation classes, health and fitness workshops, and a moonlight dance party.
8:30 A.M. Peace On the Beach. NAAM Yoga LA celebrates international Peace Day and Heal the Bay’s Coastal Clean Up Day with human peace circle and sound meditation. FREE. Santa Monica Pier.
9:00 A.M. Mr. C Beverly Hills has partnered with Kinema Fitness to offer poolside yoga every Saturday at 9am. Open to the local community; bring your own mat.
9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Heal the Bay Coastal Cleanup Day. Join Heal the Bay for the largest garbage collection ever organized. The annual volunteer event will take place at more than 50 cleanup locations across Los Angeles County. Free
11:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M. Dharma & Yoga Fest 2013. Celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda with kirtan, yoga workshops, spiritual discourses, kids activities, cultural shows, and more. Excelsior High School. 15711 Pioneer Blvd., Norwalk.
12:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Learn the benefits of hydration, exfoliation and younger looking nails, skin, body and soul. Beautiful living inside and out. Spa Del Rey and poolside cabana at The Ritz Carlton, Marina Del Rey.
2:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M. Oh, My Aching Back workshop with Jeff Perlman. Learn gentle, safe movements to stretch tight muscles and strengthen weak ones in the back. Open to students of all levels. $35 prepaid; $40 at the door. Yoga Upstairs.
4:00 P.M. Autumnal Equinox Yoga and Wine Tasting. A ninety minute “Yin Flow” class with Olivia Kvitne followed by wine tasting with One Hope Wine. 15% of wine sales go toward a local organization for veterans. This is a pre-event for “Yoga For Heroes” in November. Shakti Sanctuary, Rancho Palos Verdes. Exact address given up registration. Space is limited, register now. $15
6:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. Yoga Gives Back Fundraiser. Yoga Gives Back’s Thank You Mother India annual fundraiser in Malibu is an Indian-themed evening with live music, dance, appetizers, wine, INdian dinner, silent auction, and YGB video presentation. Proceeds support YGB’s programs in India, funding 240 mothers and children with mircrofinancing and education funds. $75 before Sept 15, $100 at the door. 29507 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu.
7:30 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. NAAM Yoga LA Fall Equinox Celebration with world renowned spiritual leader, Dr. Joseph Michael Levry. in celebration of the Fall Equinox, as we organize, harmonize, coordinate and redirect our inner forces toward self-healing and world peace. Pre-sale $30, day of $50 NAAM Yoga, Santa Monica.
8:00 P.M. MARA: World Premiere Dance Performance. MARA is a multimedia dance and musical theatre production of 35 dancers and musicians, featuring the vibrant classical dance form of India, Bharata Natyam. MARA blends the evocative melodies and rhythms of classical Indian Music, jazz, and funk creating the illusive world of the mind. $30; $20 students. Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. Hollywood.
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22
Symbiosis Gathering 2013 on the weekend of the 2013 Autumnal Equinox at Woodward Reservoir in Oakdale, CA. Festival will include live music, yoga, a marketplace, and much more.
Xanadu’s Catalina Island 5K Health and Fitness Festival including 5K Island run, post-race beach BBQ, camping, yoga and meditation classes, health and fitness workshops, and a moonlight dance party.
1:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M. Fall Equinox Yin Yoga Workshop. Welcome the Fall Equinox with Yin Yoga atYoga Upstairs with Paula Fortunato. This two-hour workshop will ground you for the coming season. $25 prepaid; $30 at the door. 5308 Derry Ave, Suite K, 2nd Floor, Agoura Hills.
5:00 P.M. Autumnal Equinox Venice Beach Yoga Mala. 108 Sunday Salutations at the beach to set intentions while creating a communal, moving meditation. FREE. 27th Avenue and the sand, Venice.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23
Symbiosis Gathering 2013 on the weekend of the 2013 Autumnal Equinox at Woodward Reservoir in Oakdale, CA. Festival will include live music, yoga, a marketplace, and much more.
On the Horizon
SEPTEMBER 29
2:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M. Light Up Your Life with Energy Healing. Join master healer, spiritual teacher and New York Times best-selling author Deborah King for an energetic transformation that takes you out of the dark and into the light. $25 in advance $30 day of. Register now. Agape Sanctuary. 5700 Buckingham Pkwy., Culver City.
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 with Deva Premal & Miten, Sue Lynch, and Andrea Boccaletti on healing vets through music/yoga/meditation and manifesting peace: On War and Peace
Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.
Big Sean’s Organic Green Recipe
You may know his debut album, Finally Famous, and his #1 single on the Billboard Hot 100, My Last, but do you know Big Sean’s favorite healthy vegetarian meal?
Hip hop artist Big Sean’s career has exploded over the past two years and in LA YOGA’s September Rockstar Health & Fitness feature Lori Rischer discusses the ways he keeps grounded amidst his busy tour schedule. Eating organic is at the top of his list.
Read BIG SEAN – Born to be Famous to learn more about the rising star, including how to make his favorite vegetarian salad.
Moksha Yoga Is Now Modo Yoga
What has been known as Moksha Yoga LA since opening their doors in Los Angeles two years ago, will now be Modo Yoga LA. This change will happen simultaneously with the 5 other studios in the United States. Moksha Yoga was founded in Toronto, Canada in 2004 and has over 55 studios in its home country and will continue to go by Moksha Yoga in the Canadian studios.
As the Sanskrit word “Moksha” means “liberation”, the company found many other yoga studios, festivals and other businesses were using the same name and began looking for a different way to define their US affiliate studios. The founders created the name “Modo” from the root word, “Modus.”
Their definition of Modo is “everything that you create and live; the full expression of your intentions, efforts and ideals.” Nothing else about the studios are changing, only the name above the door. Read more about this change on the new website: Modo Yoga.
Celebrate Vivekananda Legacy: Dharma Yoga Festival
Celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s 150th Birth Anniversary at theDharma and Yoga Fest in Norwalk, CA. On September 21, Excelsior High School will transform into a transformational ground filled with live kirtan, yoga workshops, spiritual discourses, and more. Chant with the Kirtaniyas, meditate with Dancing Shiva teachers, and be awed by traditional Garba dancers. Participants from the Self Realization Fellowship, Kali Mandir, and Internationl Society of Krishna Consciousness will all unite to honor the monk who bravely stood before the Parliament of the World Religions and made an appeal to unite all spiritual traditions in 1893.
Admission and parking is free for the festival. For more information, visit Dharma and Yoga Fest.
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 right), Dr. Peter Gariaev, Princess Kaoru Nakamaru, amongst many more.
Exhibit tables are still available for only $199 for the three-day event.
Tickets will be available at the door for $80 per day; cash only. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit Alchemy Event.
YogaFit Finds its Home in Los Angeles
The look and feel of YogaFit‘s new studio on Robertson Blvd (also home to the YogaFit corporate office and retail showroom) matches the YogaFit philosophy: open and modern. The space offers YogaFit trainings, YogaFit classes, Boot Camp, women-only classes, and YogaFit Express (a 45-minute yoga practice to fit into a busy workday). For more information on the first YogaFit studio in the states, visit: LA YOGA Open Doors.
Yoga Gives Back Annual Fundraiser
Yoga Gives Back will host their annual flagship event for the global campaign, “Thank You Mother India” on September 21st in Malibu from 6:00pm-9:00pm. Event will include Odissi dancers, live auction, raffle, Indian dinner and wine and much more. Tickets are $100 per person (including a generous gift bag). To purchase tickets, visit Yoga Gives Back Tickets.
Yoga Gives Back is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and funds in order to alleviate poverty in India. YGB started in Los Angeles in 2007, determined to find a way for the US yoga community, which generates over six billion dollars per year, to help the poorest people in country that gave birth to yoga. Many charitable organizations have emerged from within the yoga community, but Yoga Gives Back specifically targets and supports our struggling sisters in India.
In 2007, inspired by Nobel Peace Prize Recipient Dr. Muhammad Yunus‘ revolutionary micro financing breakthrough, Yoga Gives Back began supporting micro credit programs. Through theGrameen Foundation, YGB funds programs who lend small loans to women who are otherwise excluded from the conventional banking and financial systems. In 2010, exploring a way to get direct help to the poorest, YGB developed “Sister Aid” programs to fund education, vocational training on a personal basis, and micro credit programs. YGB has selected and partnered thus far with successful Non Governmental Organizations, NISHTHA in West Bengal and Deenabandhu in Karnataka. YGB is now directly funding 240 mothers and children with micro loans and education funds, with minimum of 5 year commitment for each person.
To read more on how YGB and Mircrocredit is changing lives, visit the LA Yoga Online.
The Largest Outdoor Yoga Class
In honor of September’s National Yoga Awareness Month, Terranea Resort is partnering with LA Yoga and Find Bliss Magazine to host what is anticipated to be Los Angeles largest outdoor yoga gathering. In addition to the special Yoga day, Terranea will be offering complimentary yoga classes at the resort throughout the month.
Seasoned yogis and beginners alike are invited to participate in the day, which will include Yoga on the 16,000-square-foot oceanfront Palos Verdes Meadow, lead by Terranea’s fitness experts. The class will be held at 2 p.m. on September 29 and will emphasize the most current moves and techniques. The event is open to the public, free of charge. Attendees should bring a yoga mat.
Following the class, participants are invited to enjoy refreshments at The Spa at Terranea and attend a trunk show featuring Lululemon and preview upcoming items available for the upcoming holiday season. Participants will also receive a goody bag featuring a variety of products and special offers and be eligible for a drawing to win one of several prizes including a pair of Tieks and an overnight stay at Terranea Resort with 60-minute spa treatment valued at $700.
For more information about the Terranea and LA Yoga Outdoor Yoga event or for complimentary class reservations, contact The Spa at Terranea at 310-265-2740.
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 andTrudy 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.
Be Inspired to Inquire
This Saturday, September 14 will be a great time for study and connecting to higher, philosophical principles when the Moon is in Sagittarius aspected by Jupiter in Gemini. “Questioning your long-held beliefs and being inspired by this inquiry is possible,” shares Sam Geppi in LA YOGA’s September astrology. “Our beliefs must make sense to us intellectually, or else they are merely dogmas. Now is a great time to work that out.” 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: Earth’s Power Yoga
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.
“If you like Hot Power Vinyasa, Earth’s Power Yoga is a great place for you to practice. The room was heated to about 96 degrees–not too hot. Some heated classes leave me wilted by the end of the standing series,” share LA YOGA contributor Kaitlin Huwe. “The teacher, Ashley, did a great job of reminding the Yogis that we were there to practice Yoga–not to do a fitness class. Looking out the window and the bustling intersection of Melrose and Fairfax, watching all the cars go past as I was in Twisting Chair. I felt a moment of stillness in the heart of the city. What more could you ask for on a Wednesday night? I am digging this Passport to Prana. I feel like a wandering yogi in Los Angeles. Once I got over my fear of showing up some place I’ve never been before, I find a new perspective to the practice with each studio I visit. While it may be intimidating at first, it’s refreshing to practice yoga in a room with people I’ve never even seen before. We’re all practicing the same thing– no matter if we’re in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Silverlake or Downtown.”
Are YOU ready to explore new LA studio and places within with a Passport to Prana card? VisitPassport to Prana.
Giveaway: Rope & Canvas
Featured in our September issue, Rope & Canvas is the latest addition to the growing number of LA-based conscious apparel brands. Their plant-based shoes are handmade and combine traditional craftsmanship with timeless simplicity.
The brand’s story is as simple as the shoes. Looking for casual plant-based shoes, founder Michael Falck remembered the espadrilles he wore during childhood summers in France. He found a manufacturer in the French Basque region who made what he had in mind: classic espadrilles made from jute and cotton – natural, breathable and in their very own way just ‘so LA’. Find out more about Rope & Canvas.
LA YOGA is excited to give away give away three pairs of espadrilles – size and color of the winner’s choosing! Enter to win by liking LA YOGA on Facebook and writing us with why you want to win!
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