SEPTEMBER 2012 RETREAT IN STYLE - AnyFliponline.anyflip.com/pguq/cinq/cinq.pdfstudying Asian healing...

Ayurvedic Daily Practices

Teen Talking Circles

Rockin’ Out with MC Yogi

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RETREAT IN STYLEO U R A N N U A L FA S H I O N PA G E S

Samsara: a visually stunning film

FIND BLISS LA

DAYTRIPPING DOWNTOWN LA

MII AMO GRATITUDE ON THE ROCKS

RELATIONSHIP MINDFULNESS THROUGH CONNECTION

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features28Fall FashionFor this year’s foray into fashion, we packed up a crew and headed out to Udaya Retreat Center in Malibu to showcase the yoga lifestyle.

54MC YogiHis music and message inspire people of all ages to chant to Shiva, Hanuman, or Ganesh. Here MC Yogi shares some of his inspirations on his own path of pilgrimage.

60SamsaraIn one of this year’s most highly anticipated feature documentaries, The filmmaking team also responsible for Baraka take us on an epic and intoxicating journey around the world through expansive visuals and emotional music.

contents

AY U R V E D A A N D H E A LT H

Community10 Get Up & Go12 Open Doors

Seen & Heard16 Yoga Journal Conference

Seva18 Talking Teens

Musician Profile20 Lila Downs

Don't Miss This26 Festival Highlights

SEPTEMBER 2012

ON THE COVER: Julie Docherty wearing Purple Tank by Anue for New Balance and shorts by Pushpa. Photographed at Udaya Retreat Center by David Young-Wolff: Davidyoung-wolff.com

Check Out Find Bliss Los Angeles! page 63

Ayurveda42 Daily Well-Being

Food & Home44 Farmers' Corner: Back to School

In Every Issue46 Meditation

48 Media

94 Astrology

96 Yantra

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editor's note

“When I have a great outfit and I feel good, I’m more likely to go to yoga, to the gym, or work out,” a friend of mine recently announced as she was rummaging through her closet. I’m certain that she’s not the only one who feels this way. It’s not like clothes are everything, or that we abso-lutely need the latest fashion in order to feel good about ourselves, but we may light up when we pull our favorite t-shirt over our head or feel comforted by the warm embrace of our favorite scarf. We may have a lucky item of clothing or a signature piece that defines us. Every day, we open our closet, pick some-thing out, and get dressed. And just as we talk about the politics of what we eat, what we choose to wear – our adornment – is another opportunity to make a statement. It is another opportunity to vote with our dollar for organic, sustainable, and recycled clothing, for clothing from a conscious producer, or even for clothing with a medicinal effect. While some may say that fashion is the very antithesis of yoga, or that our practice transcends the need to fuss over matching outfits, we make a statement every time we make a choice. We see this, for example, in the red robes of monks or the orange colors of swamis.

We may feel it in the correspondence of the energies of the chakras with different hues we wear. We talked to people who design and screenprint their own cre-ations, who are committed to organic and/or sustain-able materials, who run family businesses, who pro-duce out of passion. We chose malas tied by hand, jewelry with a thoughtful message, models who make yoga practice a part of their daily lives. While on lo-cation at Udaya Retreat Center in Malibu, we pho-tographed on grounds lovingly crafted with the envi-ronment in mind. We ordered vegan lunch and chose healthy snacks. Our makeup artist educated everyone on cosmetics that are environmentally friendly – as well as safe and even nourishing for the skin. How we live our lives in the modern urban world with integrity – these are some of the questions we are grappling with in these pages of LA Yoga. Flinging open the closet doors, choosing items to add to our wardrobe, assembling something that supports our desire to soar into handstand or surrender into sava-sana – this is part of that journey. May we wear it well,

Felicia M. Tomasko, RN

Photo of Felicia at Kathmandu Boutique by Jenny Lens. Life Force Bracelet by Energy Muse.


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B I K R A M ' S Y O G A C O L L E G E

O F I N D I A

CALIFORNIA AFFILIATED SCHOOLS

Los Angeles World Headquarters

San Diego

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Petaluma

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Oakland

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Agoura Hills

Los Angeles Downtown

Bonita

Irvine

South Pasadena

Manhattan Beach

La Canada

Pasadena

Costa Mesa

Huntington Beach

Marina Del Rey

Stockton

Palm Desert

Thank you to the entire Yoga community for participating in and supporting this effort to educate,

inspire, and share wisdom.

LA YOGA Magazine is published by Chandra Publishing 1234 26th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404

(310) 828-8218 www.layogaonline.com / layoga-digital.com

P R I N T E D I N L O S A N G E L E S

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Felicia M. Tomasko, RN

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: LA YOGA Justine Power

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: FIND BLISS Corti Cooper

PUBLISHER Douglas R. Corbett

Staff Writers Melissa ChuaCheryl Depp

Melissa Grace HoonCarrie Janell

Dale NieliBeth Prandini

Elizabeth RippsLaurie Searle

Associate EditorsJazmine Green

Karen Henry Joni Yung

Editorial Coordinator Vanessa Harris

Editorial Assistance Michael Blahut Arlene Casian

Rachael CleghornJessica Malloy

Tim ShulbergJessica ThomasJordan Younger

Advertising ExecutivesWestside Regional Manager Assia Valova [email protected] (310) 435-6490

Eastside Regional Manager Brianna Welke [email protected] (360) 303-8968

Midtown Regional Manager Emily Herakovich [email protected] (213) 482-0576

Newsletter Production Joseph Parra

Spanish Editorial AssistanceJaime Carlo-Casellas, PhD

Managing Editor, Find Bliss R. Samantha Silverman

Contributors

Suzanne BryantDr. John Casey

Kristina ClemensCarla CummingsAmy V. DewhurstBrett Leigh Dicks

Red Jen FordGuy GabrielSam Geppi

Marla Leigh GoldsteinCleveland Groove

Carrie HutchinsonJoe KaraTai Kerbs

Jenny LensAmy McDonaldRachel NahmiasErik Oberholtzer

Daniel OverbergerDr. Lorin RocheMcKenna Rowe

Robert & Melanie Sachs

Beth ShawRawtographer/Jeff Skeirik

Alisa Spirit of the WindDaisy Swan

Sarah TomlinsonLeeza Villagomez

Denise WalingAshley Walsh

Colin Young-WolffDavid Young-WolffPam Young-Wolff

AY U R V E D A A N D H E A LT H


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our contributors

ROBERT SACHS WriterRobert Sachs has spent his entire life studying Asian healing systems, includ-ing macrobiotics (at the Kushi Institute), Hatha Yoga, Tibetan medicine, shiatsu, Eastern body therapies and Ayurveda. Along with his wife, Melanie Sachs, Robert runs Diamond Way Ayurveda, a premiere promoter of Ayurveda in the spa and beauty industries. Diamondwayayurveda.com

MELANIE SACHS WriterMelanie Sachs is the author of Ayurvedic Beauty Care as well as the coauthor (with her husband Robert) of Ayurvedic Spa. She is one of the West’s foremost authorities on Ayurvedic spa and beauty treatments. She and Robert run a clinic as well as numerous training programs at their clinic in San Luis Obispo. They will be presenting at the Be Well Expo in September.Diamondwayayurveda.com

MCKENNA ROWE Writer McKenna caught the yoga bug young watching Lilias Folan on PBS. A runner, hiker, biker, and snowboarder, she once was a nationally ranked equestrian; also a successful composer, singer and DJ, McK-enna shares cutting-edge music during yoga, recruiting local musicians and DJs. She owned East Hollywood’s Chakra 5 Yoga studio during 2011 and the commu-nity continues to connect via social media and mobile yoga. Chakra5.la

CHERYL DEPP Writer Moving between action and being, Cheryl is an impressionistic writer with a passion for artistic expression. A forever yogini, this mother of two believes inverted pos-tures clear the mind and a good cup of coffee steadies the ground beneath her feet. A spirited entrepreneur with roots in the Midwestern town of Speedway, India-napolis, she’s driving her next adventure by repurposing discarded car tires into eco-conscious yoga mats. OmsTread.com

YOUR LETTERSDear LA Yoga,

I recently saw Passport to Prana in the magazine and love the fact that this offer is available throughout Los Angeles. What a great way to explore so many of the great studios in the area. It is wonderful to see that Passport to Prana is made up of all of the region’s stellar independent, truly grassroots community studios. This is a perfect way to explore these hidden treasures!

Namaste,

Ali Kamen

In the seasonal spa story in the June, 2012, issue of Find Bliss Magazine, incor-rect price and duration was given for the Rock Star Treatment at the Raven Spa. The Rock Star Treatment is two hours long and the price of the treatment is $185. The Raven Spa is located at 2910 Rowena Ave, Silverlake, 323-644-0240 or 208 Pier Avenue, Santa Monica, 310-399-4747. Theravenspa.com

Are you interested in joining out team? We have an opening for a volunteer edi-torial intern to help build a greater sense of community in LA. For more details, or to apply, please email: [email protected] subject line: intern ap

Michael Costa, L.Ac. picks up his copy of LA Yoga at Costa Acupuncture in Culver City. Yoursourceforwellness.org

WHERE I PICK UP MY LAYOGA

Do you want to be featured in an upcoming issue? Send an email to: [email protected] and tell us where you pick up your copy of LA Yoga.

CORRECTION

INTERN OPENING


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FILMEcoSalon Film SeriesSeptember’s film is Break-through, a documentary follow-ing the raw vegan lifestyle of Jinjee and Storm Talifero and their four children. Q&A with the filmmakers follows.30 September. 3-5:30pm. Free. Microsoft Store at the Westfield Century City Mall 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., LA. Greenlifestyles.org

FESTIVALS/CONFERENCESBhakti FestExperience the “bhav” for four days of continuous devotional chanting, Bhakti Yoga flow, wisdom workshops, an Eco-friendly vendor village, and a vibrant community.6-9 September. Joshua Tree Retreat Center, 59700 29 Palms Hwy, Joshua Tree. Bhaktifest.com

Be Well ExpoLeading experts will reveal insider secrets and showcase thousands of products and ser-vices that have been screened and selected just for you. Grab your friends and come to this innovative beauty and wellness show. LA Yoga readers receive 20% off with code: LAY29-30 September. 10am-6pm.

One day - $25, Two day - $50. Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 South Figueroa St., LA. Bewell-expo.com

WORKSHOPS/CLASSESYoga Aid World Challenge LA Wanderlust Yoga in the City - Los Angeles is the 10th and final city participating in this unique 24-hour global yoga relay. Class 1 opens with inspiring words by Marianne Williamson, followed by Yoga with Seane Corn, Katie Brauer, Derek Beres, David Kim, and Tommy Rosen. Class 2 will be taught by Brock & Krista Ca-hill, Ally Hamilton, Sianna Sher-man, and Kumudini. MC Yogi will close out the Yoga Aid World Challenge with a free concert. 100% of money raised will sup-port local charity partners.9 September. 1:30pm.Registration Free. Raise funds with your own Yoga Aid page.Santa Monica Pier, Ocean Ave. Yogaaid.com

Eco-Yoga PracticeEvery third Sunday, Jasmine Lieb and the Green Yoga Association host an evening of gentle Yoga practice, guest speakers and a shared vegetarian meal. 16 September. 6-8:30pm.$20 donation benefits the Green Yoga Association.

The Church in Ocean Park. 235 Hill Street, Santa Monica. Hillstreetcenter.org

Female Mystics, Saints, and Poets of India and TibetThis five-week course taught by Laura Amazzone will provide a compelling look at female religious authority as exemplified in the lives of Eastern mystics, saints, poets and gurus of past and present. Wednesdays.

19 Sept. – 17 Oct. 9:15pm. $190 total tuition. LMU Campus, 1 Loyola Marymount University Dr., LA.lmu.edu

Daylong Retreat with Phillip Moffitt: Emotional Chaos to ClarityIn this retreat based on his book,Phillip will guide you through aprocess of personal inquiry toidentify where emotional chaosis affecting your life. He will alsointroduce Buddhist practicesand essential life skills that can profoundly improve your ability to skillfully navigate challenging relational issues and find peace of mind and heart.22 September. 10am-4pm. $50-$150, sliding scale. InsightLA Olympic, 1430 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica. InsightLA.org

GET UP & GO SEPTEMBER

> Kathmandu Boutique Open House, 15 Sept. > Yoga Gives Back, Thank You Mother India, 29 Sept.> Yogmata, Himalayan Siddha Yoga, 6-7 Oct.


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Mastery of Consciousness: Gurukadaksham (Saktipat Grace)Utilize the mystical practice of Kalangi Kundalini Yoga (Yoga of the Achiever), empowering Siddhar Puja, Siddhar Yagna (fire ceremony) as tools to mastery of consciousness.27-30 September. 10am-4pm.Ariven Turiya Sakti Temple. Nandhi.com/events

Himalayan Siddha Yoga World Peace CampaignPilot Baba and Yogmata Keiko Aikawa are known masters in spiritual circles worldwide as they teach methods of letting go of wrongs, anxieties, self-doubts, and fears that hinder the mind from being still and clear.6-7 October. 10:30am-5pm. Hilton Los Angeles Airport, 5711 West Century Blvd., LA. Yogamata.org

COMMUNITYFree Yoga and Spinning Class at the Plank SpaceThe Plank Space presents a spinning class by Studio Pulse and a yoga class by Harmony Yoga. All with ocean views and fresh air.9 September. 5-7pm. Free.The Plank Space rooftop deck, 200 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. Theplankspace.com

Hindu & Buddhist Deities: Power of Archetypes Manoj Chalam will relate the symbolism of Hindu and Bud-dhist deities to archetypes within us. Through their myths, uncover hidden symbolisms and learn to work with them as part of a nondualistic spiritual and yogic practice. Kirtans sung by Jyothi Chalam.

13 September. 6:30-9pm. yogitoes rExperience Lab, 2403 Main St., Santa Monica. Yogitoes.com

The Promise: Launch Party and Book SigningCelebrate Mark Whitwell’s new book, The Promise of Love, Sex and Intimacy: How a Simple Breathing Practice Will Enrich Your Life Forever. Come and enjoy pressed juices by Pressed Juicery and live music by Joey Lugassy. Fundraiser for Heart of Yoga, a peace project in the Middle East focused on training women yoga teachers.

13 September. 7-9pm.Donna Karen’s Urban Zen, 9145 Nemo St., West Hollywood. Urbanzen.org

Kathmandu Boutique Open HouseA day of celebrating this growing conscious community with home

cooked vegan Nepalese food, live music and art exhibits featur-ing local artists, henna, healing massage, shopping discounts, and much more. 15 September. 11am-7:30pm.Kathmandu Boutique, 1844 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica. Kathmanduboutique.com

Zen and Calligraphy Zen Master Shodo Harada Roshi will lead this one day presentation on Zen and calligraphy. Presentation includes a brief history, its symbolism and a demonstration of this spiritual art form.15 September. 2pm.Event Free; Museum admission required. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles.Lacma.org

Andrea Adler’s Pushing Upward ReadingMeet 2012 L.A. Book Festival winner Andrea Adler in celebra-tion of her new novel, Push-ing Upward, published by Hay House. There will be live music, a ‘70s fashion show, and a reading by the author.15 September. 5pm-9pm.Cheryl Fudge, 1010 Montana Ave, Santa Monica. Pus.hingupward.com

NamasDAYexhale mind body spa will honor National Yoga Month with complimentary yoga classes throughout the day and an evening yoga bash with DJs, dancing, giveaways, gift bags, and a festive party atmosphere.

20 September. Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, 245 S. Main St., Venice. Exhalespa.com

USGBC – LA Chapter’s 8th Annual Green GalaFeaturing Architecture for Hu-manity founder Cameron Sinclair, the nonprofit US Green Build-ing Council’s Gala will include a cocktail reception, dinner, Sustainable Innovation Awards, and music by the Martini Kings.

28 September. 6:30-10:30pm. $250. Aquarium of the Pacific,100 Aquarium Way, Long BeachUsgbc-la.org

Yoga Gives Back "Thank You Mother India" – 2nd Annual Day of Global SupportWe call upon the karma yoga of all studios and teachers from every discipline of yoga to join YGB in supporting women and children in India.

29 September. Multiple locations and times.Yogagivesback.org/tymi

Compiled by Carrie janell

> Bhakti Fest, 6-9 Sept.> Yoga Aid World Challenge, 9 Sept. > Andrea Adler Reading, 15 Sept.


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community open doors

Lorna Jane, Malibu / Marina Del Rey / Santa Monica Place / Topanga / Westlake Prominade. Lornajane.com

LORNA JANE LAUNCHING IN CA

Lorna Jane, a women’s activewear retailer, has recently opened a collection of new California locations in Mali-bu, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Topanga and West-lake, with Huntington Beach on the way.

Established in Australia in 1990 to inspire women to live their best life through active living, Lorna Jane makes high-quality, breathable workout gear designed for women by women.

“Women who wear Lorna Jane are meant to feel great in every piece of our clothing,” said representative Sarah Rayner. “We understand that if you look good you are more likely to feel good and this will motivate you to get active in style.”

Lorna Jane styles are known for being long-lasting, with its specially-constructed LJExcel fabric that wicks mois-ture and is anti-pilling, quick drying, and both shrink- and fade-resistant. Lorna Jane claims to be perfect for sweating it out at Yoga or the gym, providing confidence to move in style.

“We design on-trend activewear with superior hi-tech fabrication and construction to improve your perfor-mance, motivate you and inspire you to move, nourish and believe everyday in order to live your best life.”

By Melissa Grace Hoon, an Orange County-based writer and cultural studies graduate who is training to become a Yoga instructor. Melissahoon.com

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YOGA CENTER PALM DESERT

Yoga Center Palm Desert stays true to tradition while welcoming all students to slip off their shoes and step onto a mat.

In a welcoming storefront with a hand-crafted rope wall, Yoga Center Palm Desert features a space dedicated to the Ashtanga and Iyengar practices. Studio co-owners Holly Hughins and Eileen Flaherty, along with Asthanga

teacher Roswitha Kima Smale, share common passions for the teachings of their respective traditions: Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga.

They set up shop under the same roof because of the syn-ergy of what they saw in their commitments to lineages from Sri T. Krishnamacharya. For practical reasons, they also found a benefit from a shared space; the Ashtanga Mysore practice occupies the morning hours, while the led classes fill the rest of the day.

To accommodate all types of students, they offer Mysore-style led Ashtanga practices, introduction to Ashtanga, adaptive yoga (including classes specifically geared for people with multiple sclerosis or other conditions), Iyen-gar levels one and two, rope wall classes (Yoga Kurunta), and Restorative Yoga. Special workshops include those led by senior teachers Dominic Corigliano and Cathy Rogers Evans, among others.

By Felicia Tomasko RN

Yoga Center Palm Desert, 73875 Highway 111, Palm Desert.Yogacenterpalmdesert.com


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community open doors

Harmony HB, 16907 Algonquin Street, Huntington Beach. 714-840-2446. Harmony-hb.com

HARMONY HB HUNTINGTON BEACH

Our focus is wellness through Yoga, incorporating mind, body and spirit as the traditional teachings encourage“

Harmony HB conjures wellness through Yoga, dance, art, and massage – all under one roof. Studio owner Jan Palmer says, “I want Harmony HB to be a place where people can gather, make new friends, get in shape, ex-

The Moving Joint, 12813 Venice Bl., Mar Vista. 424-228-5348. Themovingjoint.com

THE MOVING JOINT MAR VISTA

Living in the Mar Vista / Venice neighborhood, Alyson Boell-Marchand saw the need to create a “hub for move-ment” in her community which she has called The Mov-

ing Joint. After complications post-pregnancy, “I realized how people felt when they didn’t spend their time mov-ing, and I felt an even deeper desire to help people find movement in their bodies during this age of computers and commuters,” says Alyson.

As a dancer, Alyson always showed a passion for move-ment and believed in its healing powers “There are very few studios that have so many movement forms for so many types of people,” says Alyson. The Moving Joint offers Yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, prenatal and postnatal classes, infant massage, and dance classes. There is an on-site physical therapist and massage therapist as well for restorative movement and healing.

You can easily engage and interact with your instructors in the smaller class sizes designed for Yoga and Pilates Reformer classes. For Yoga newcomers, Alyson recom-mends Melissa’s Intro to Yoga class to learn the funda-mentals of the ancient form of movement and discuss the philosophies and traditions behind Yoga.

By Melissa Chua, an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. [email protected]

change ideas, and exist in harmony. Our focus is well-ness through Yoga, incorporating mind, body and spirit as the traditional teachings encourage,” says Jan.

The Huntington Beach wellness center welcomes all lev-els, offering a variety of Yoga, dance and fitness classes including Zumba and barre. Jan’s favorite class is Deep Stretch/Yin Yoga. “It keeps my body aligned and flexible and helps me balance stress and emotional well-being,” she says. Also delightful is Harmony HB’s menu of relax-ing massages.

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, featuring hand-made crafts, gemstones, fossils and artwork by local artists. The overall mission of Harmony is to promote love, balance, and unity and a sense of community in Huntington Beach.

By Melissa Chua


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YOGA JOURNAL CONFERENCE SAN DIEGO

seen and heard

BY GUY GABRIEL

PHOTOS BY CLEVELAND GROOVE

The first tool to throw into my yoga toolbox from this weekend came from ParaYoga instructor Rod Stryker. He reminded us that Tantra Yoga is fo-cused on converting the gross matter (the physical body) into refined and sophisticated matter. When we practice asana combined with pranayama, we refine the muscular, glandular, and nervous sys-tems so that the latent powers contained in our bodies begin to manifest their potential.

“Energy is flowing,” Rod said, “it helps us remove blocks so we can build a container for prana.”

Many of us spill out our energies through excessive speaking and worrying. As we practice with atten-tion to the breath and bandhas, we think about building this pranic energy up from the pelvic floor and allowing it to accumulate at the heart’s center.

We moved through a well-thought-out series of asanas with attention to activating all three band-has (locks or seals) in downward-facing dog. Stryker reminded us not to be overly aggressive, especially with our breath, and challenged the idea behind the loud ujjayi breath and its effect.

IN THE VEDIC PERIOD, LEARNING WAS A PART OF LIVING. TODAY, WE CARRY ON THAT TRADITION AT PLACES LIKE THE YOGA JOURNAL CONFERENCE SAN DIEGO WHICH WE ATTEND TO GAIN PEARLS OF WISDOM.


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We practiced it loudly, which indeed elic-ited a rajasic quality that was agitating and quite unrewarding. Next, we practiced with a gentle and easy sound that created a calming, more gentle feeling within, and I was sold!

One of the weekend’s many other gems was the Tantra panel with Rod Stryker, Gary Kraftsow, Sally Kempton, and Sianna Sherman. Stryker reminded us that Tan-tra “helps to awaken that which is sacred within us.” Sianna Sherman reminded us of the meaning of the word itself: “tan” means “that which expands”, and “tra” means “to protect.” “We must cultivate and expand our awareness of who we are,” Gary Kraftsow stated, “Tantra is a method of moving you to another place, away from what’s not serving you. That’s why we use this science of asana, pranayama, mudra, and mantra to help us shift and move our intentions to overcoming our patterns.” He reiterated, “Mastering our minds and bodies and the forces of nature is Tantra.”

This panel was quite thought-provoking. A comment Gary Kraftsow made about be-coming a serious student affected me. In-deed, the teachers will come, but ultimately it’s the inner guru who has to grow to see these sacred truths revealed. It’s a reminder we need to heed every day.

Yoga Journal will be offering a three-day Tantric Yoga immersion with Rod Stryker, Shiva Rea, Gary Kraftsow, Sianna Sher-man, Douglas Brooks, Sally Kempton, and Manoj & Jyothi Chalam Sept. 30 - Oct. 3. jyevents.com/ep

Guy Gabriel graduated from the California College of Ayurveda and holds certifications in Yoga Therapy Rx and Yoga and Ecology from Loyola Marymount University. He teaches at Amgen, Disney, and Universal Studios as well as Yoga at the Village and sees clients and students in Agoura Hills.

To read more, visit: layogaonline


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TEEN TALKING CIRCLES

A CIRCLE IN WHICH WE CAN SPEAK OUR TRUTH: WE ALL NEED A PLACE LIKE THIS IN ORDER TO FEEL SAFE AND BE HEARD. THIS IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT FOR TEENS, PARTICULARLY WITH THE INCREASING PRESSURE IN THE WORLD TODAY.

local heroes seva in action

Teen Talking Circles is a nonprofit organization with a mission to, “Educate, inspire, and inpower young women and men; foster partnership be-tween the genders, generations, and cultures; and support youth actions for a just, compassionate, and sustainable world.”

Linda Wolf has been living her dharma as TTC founder and Executive Director for nearly 20 years. Devoted to the cause, she, along with staff, and board members, offers programs that in-clude: girl circles, guy circles, mixed gendertalks, TTC facilitator trainings, and women's sacred circle yoga retreats.

Through experience, Wolf has noticed that teens often “don’t feel safe to speak their truth inside an institutional setting.” By co-creating with facilita-

tors a safe space to tell the truth, practice compas-sionate Listening, and take radical responsibility for their feelings and perceptions, teens in circle feel freer to reveal their authenticity, and strength-en their capacity to hold compassion for others.

Teen Talking Circles trains facilitators to use a variety of communication modalities, includ-ing Compassionate Listening (developed by the Compassionate Listening Project and used in the Middle East), Nonviolent Communication (founded by Marshall B. Rosenberg), sacred activism, art, and ritual. The organization’s up-coming Malibu benefit will augment TTC’s train-ing scholarship fund for adults from diverse orga-nizations, schools, and youth-serving programs in the greater Los Angeles area who have an interest

BY CHERYL DEPP


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in facilitating teen circles using Compas-sionate Listening. And the benefit with Deva Premal, Miten, and Manose will in-troduce Angelenos to TTC.

Linda Wolf’s passionate commitment to seva (selfless service) that wraps its arms around the eight limbs of yoga became apparent in conversation. This energy pro-vides, as Wolf states, the nonjudgmental and loving atmosphere of the TTC. As Wolf shared her thoughts of a “living presence,” she communicated that by allowing “teens to be heard without judgment, they feel safe and have the courage to go deeper into their truth.” An internal guidance emerges when, according to Wolf, teens “hear their own answers and their own wisdom, in-stead of being told how they should be or what would fix their problems.”

Susi Costello, Yoga teacher and TTC board member, adds, “It is only by putting this love into practice that the world can be transformed into a place where honesty, compassion, and justice are a reality for all people everywhere.”

The custom of ahimsa (nonviolence or compassion) is honored when, Wolf says, “we begin to recognize this other person as not other at all but as a part of our-selves.” A sense of community is revisited when “this exercise of listening openly and speaking with pure intentions becomes a metta (loving-kindness) meditation.”

The gift of giving and receiving is clearly evidenced within TTC. These circles help teens understand and connect to their voice. Strengthening their self-esteem, they cultivate the potential for peace within themselves and with the world.

Costello connects the experience in these circles with the centuries-old tradition of yoga, “When we are able to truly want the best for everyone as well as for ourselves, and when we are able to see the light that we share with every living being, then we can say we are truly practicing yoga.”

Join Deva Premal and Miten for a fundraiser for Teen Talking Circles hosted by Lindsay Wagner at the 747 Wing House in Malibu on Sunday, Sept. 9th: teentalkingcircles.org/deva

Cheryl Depp is an impressionistic writer, teacher, yogini, and mother of two. Discovering her inner land rover, catch her inspired unfolding at OmsTread.com


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musician profile

Lila Downs:Passion and Practice

BY BRETT LEIGH DICKS


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Being the daughter of a Mexican cabaret singer and a professor of art from Minnesota, Lila Downs’s musical world isn’t as much of a cultural collision as one might expect. Rather, it is a world that beautifully caresses and embraces the traditions of two very different cultures into something that far exceeds the sum of these two unique parts. Since her first record-ing, a self-released cassette titled Ofrenda more than fifteen years ago, Downs has taken both her music and its message to the world. And the resonance with which each have been met reflects the passion from which they were born.

In forging a sound where traditional American folk sensibilities blend seamlessly with the boisterous wanderings of her Mexican heritage and the aching lament of slowly crooned jazz, what actually comes to the fore is a remarkable sense of identity and bearing. Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and raised in both California and Minnesota, when college beckoned, it was a combination of voice and anthropology that captured her scholastic curiosity. But rather than setting the stage for a future career, her studies helped inform her need for an outlet focused on freedom.

“It was liberating to study voice,” offered Downs. “Especially since I was an adolescent at the time and bound up with all the energy and confu-sion that came with that stage of life. Singing has always been my guiding center. But getting away from that formal structure and its serious nature was something I had to do. I needed to be free and I have found that com-posing my own songs can offer me that.” >>

Lila Downs:

Photo by Fernando Aceves


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LAYOGAONLINE.COM 23

“It’s about the inner monsters that have to come out,” explained Downs. “Some-times those monsters are really scary, and sometimes they’re more about enjoying the pleasures of life. That is when I’m really ap-preciative of having my Mexican genes. I was raised in the Midwest and sometimes that Puritan side comes out – but then the Mexican side comes out and says, ‘Hold on a minute here we have to enjoy life.’ I love to have that. And I think we all have that within us in some way. We just need to iden-tify it. Sometimes it is in cultural terms, and sometimes it’s in more poetic terms. But I think that’s the key to balancing life.”

As emotive as her musical message always is, its delivery in the live arena is equally as impassioned. Vibrant and colorful, a Lila Downs concert is a celebration of life on so many levels. And with a touring schedule as frantic as the one she maintains, it is no surprise to learn that Yoga plays an instru-mental role in balancing her days on the road. She typically practices prior to vocal-izing. As well as the Yoga practice offering her a personal focus, it is also something that aids in preparing her for the pulsating and energetic stage performance for which she is renowned.

“I’m grateful for my Yoga practice be-cause it makes me a little bit lighter,” of-fered Downs. “On stage and on the road, it makes me a different person. It makes me much more peaceful and patient, and patience is definitely a beautiful thing. We have to be disciplined about respect-ing each other and keeping a positive atti-tude. Some of the darker rock bands might frown on me, but it helps all of us to keep our mind in gear. It’s important to keep this communal energy in a positive place. And I feel that Yoga has taught me about life. ”

Lila Downs will be performing:

Grammy Museum – 17 Sept., 8pm

The Grove, Anaheim (with special guests Las Cafeteras) – 21 Sept., 8pm

Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA (with special guests Las Cafeteras) – 22 Sept., 8pm

For more information, visit: Liladowns.com

Brett Leigh Dicks is a writer, photographer, and yoga student who is always looking for a reason to see live music, take a photographs, or travel the world.


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cross training

Everyone has flaws. I have an addictive person-ality; “Powerless-ness” is my middle name. When I walk into any 12-step program, people wink, nod, and smile because they’ve seen me so often. Recently I found Indo-Row, my newest obsession, and I’m never letting go.

Indo-Row (short for indoor rowing) is a work-out done on a specialized rowing machine that uses water as a resistance mechanism.

I first became aware of this phenomenon when I attended the Equinox Sports Club in West LA’s

“Shockwave and Indo-Row Summer Slam.” The buzz: Indo-Row requires no experience and classes burn up to 1,000 calories. Count me in!

The event was held on the club’s upper outside sundeck. When I entered the area, there was as much excitement, cheering, and screaming as if it were the finish line of the LA Marathon or a gold medal contest at the Olympics.

It was there where I met Josh Crosby, an Iron-man triathlete and world-class rower, who, along with Jay Blahnik, created Indo-Row. On this

INDO-ROW: A NEW FORM OF INDOOR ROWINGBY DALE NIELI PHOTOS BY RAWTOGRAPHER (JEFF SKEIRIK)

Dale is wearing Lorna Jane Activewear.


LAYOGAONLINE.COM 25

Saturday morning, he was hosting the competitions and encouraging ev-eryone to row their best. He had so much exuberance and passion that I signed up for a race right then and there.

Immediately, I noticed the participants were of different ages, shapes, and sizes, proving that Indo-Row is a workout for anyone. Collegiate rowers, triathletes, and newbies all shared the deck and traded time throughout the day. The gentleman to my left introduced himself as Milt Oberman. Celebrating his 68th birthday, he told me he had lost 30 pounds in seven months from rowing. Catching my attention to the right was a woman with the build of a professional athlete.

Matthew Murawski, an elite rowing coach and Indo-Row instructor, placed my feet in the proper position, told me how to read the monitors on the machine, and pointed out that rowing was 60% leg work. Not only was I excited to be embarking upon a great cardio challenge, but I was going to race!

My Yoga training kicked in as I slid my shoulder blades down, engaged my core, and pushed evenly with both feet. ”Breathe, breathe, breathe,” I repeated to myself.

Once the race started, time stood still. I listened to the swishing of the water, and felt the resistance of the strokes. It became a meditative experi-ence as I found my rhythm. My mind was so focused that I didn’t notice the sweat dripping down my forehead. I was having so much fun that it did not matter that my shirt was covered with mascara. And even though I was the final person still rowing, I was so thrilled by the experience that I wouldn’t allow myself to stop until I’d finished the 1,000 meters. Everyone had gath-ered and cheered me on until I was done. Now that’s community spirit!

The next day, the benefits of this workout were obvious. Indo-Row rocks the upper back, arms, legs, and core – all this without any impact on the joints. And best of all, after the race, my spirits soared.

Relating the benefits of this type of cross-training, Josh shared with me a story about his grandfather who rowed until he was 94, even after two knee replacements at the age of 89. The rowing both allowed his body to be strong enough for the surgery and was his best rehab.

According to Josh, Indo-Row is complimentary to Yoga, with the expan-sion of the musculature of the upper body along with the contraction. It’s a bit like a sequence of upward facing dog alternating with downward facing dog – using apparatus for resistance.

One week post-race, I met Matt at Studio 1-On-1 in Venice for an actual Indo-Row group fitness experience. Now that I was an accomplished race rower, I was ready to take on a 50-minute class, with skills and drills as well as interval and endurance training. Midway through the workout, during the “Recoveries” portion, we practiced a core strengthening and stretching series, which included leaning back into reverse plank. Although the class was both intense and demanding, Matt’s music was kick-ass. Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar would be proud as Matt continuously reminded us about proper form.

Providing a powerful cross-training regimen in conjunction with Yoga, Indo-Row combines a strong cardio workout with strength, flexibility, mindful meditation, and a lot of fun.

To find out more about Indo-Row classes or how to purchase a sus-tainable wood-framed Indo-Row machine, visit: Indo-row.com

Dale Nieli (MSW, hypnotherapist) is a certified yoga and fitness expert. She works primarily with clients in the entertainment industry out of her private studio in Santa Monica. She can be reached at [email protected]

It’s a bit like a sequence of upward facing dog alternating with downward facing dog— using apparatus for resistance.

“


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Venue: Los Angeles Convention Center1201 South Figueroa St.

Los Angeles, CA 90015Bewell-expo.com

Venue: Joshua Tree Retreat Center59700 29 Palms HighwayJoshua Tree, CA 92252

Bhaktifest.com

BeWell Expo is a bridge between

consumers and the beauty and

wellness industry. It is the

premiere gathering of beauty and

health experts with the mission

to expand consumers’ aware-

ness through education and sampling of innovative product

s.

Keynote speakers include Dr.

Zein Obagi, Dr. N. Perricone, and

Susie Ellis. LA YOGA readers

receive 20% off ticket prices

with code: LAY.

Celebrating the devotional path rooted in Yoga, kirtan, and meditation, Bhakti Fest includes ancient and modern sacred wisdom. This festival is sure to bring together a loving and respectful commu-nity. In the name of service, Bhakti Fest donates money to nonprofit organizations that provide housing, food, educa-tion, medical, and environmental beautification programs.

September has been designated as National Yoga Month by the Depart-ment of Health and Human Services to promote the health benefits of Yoga and to inspire a healthy life-style. Get the Yoga Month card to get one week of free yoga at any of the over 1,600 participating yoga studios nationwide.

Multiple Locations. Yogamonth.org

don't miss this…

BeWell Beauty and Wellness ExpoSeptember 29-30

Bhakti Fest September 6-9

Yoga Month 2012 September 1-30


LAYOGAONLINE.COM 27


HOODED CIRCLE SCARF BY TEEKI ,

MESH SPORTS BRA BY NUX , LEGGINGS BY BE UP,

STYLIST'S OWN JEWELRY. DETAILS PG 58.

Udaya Retreat Sanctuary – The Retreat at Oak Canyon is a new eco-friendly center nestled in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains. Enjoy yoga, hiking, and delicious farm-to-table meals prepared by onsite staff. Visit: Udayaretreat.com for upcoming programs or information about renting the space to run a retreat.


YOGA IS MORE THAN A PRACTICE; FOR MANY, IT IS A WAY OF LIFE THAT INFLUENCES OUR MUSIC, FOOD, AND OUR CLOTHING — AS WELL AS OUR CHOICE TO SPEND A PERFECT WEEKEND ESCAPING TO ECO-SANCTUARY

UDAYA RETREAT CENTER IN MALIBU.

PHOTOS BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF


ABOVE: TWO TONE DRESS BY GGO, JEWELRY BY SWEET EVIE. PURPLE DRESS BY NUX. PURPLE SANDALS BY JUIL, BRACELETS BY ATMA.

RED DRESS BY DINO. RED SANDALS BY UGG, SCARF SUPPLIED BY STYLIST. DETAILS PG 58.


FROM TOP: ORANGE TANK BY ELECTRIC YOGA , PANTS BY TEEKI , MALA BY

OJAI MALAS . MEN'S TANK BY SINNS ART , PANTS BY BE PRESENT , BRACELETS BY SATYA.

BLUE TANK & PINK PANTS BY BE UP , HEART MALA BY LADY FAITH.


PEACH TOP & GREY LEGGINGS BY GLYDER , PURPLE SANDALS BY JUIL. MEN'S LONG SLEEVE TEE BY BE PRESENT ,

BLACK SHORTS BY ZOBHA , SANDALS BY SANUK , JOURNAL BY ATMA . LAZER CUT SWEATSHIRT BY JALA, PINK LEGGINGS BY NUX ,

GREY SHOES BY SANUK, MALA BY 108 MALA. PRINTED DRESS BY JALA , CLOGS BY JUIL , MALA BY ATMA. DETAILS PG 58.


BELOW FROM LEFT: WHITE CINCH SHIRT & WHITE SKIRTED PANTS BY DINO , PURPLE MAT BY YOGA RAT.

WHITE BRA BY HARD TAIL FOREVER , WIDE LEG WHITE PANTS BY OM SHANTI , ORANGE MAT BY JADE , PINK TOWEL BY YOGAHITCH.

WHITE TOP WITH GREY STRAPS BY GLYDER , WHITE PANTS WITH FLOWERS BY YOGAFIT , GREY MAT BY FUL . DETAILS PG 58.

RIGHT (TOP): L ISTED ABOVE. RIGHT (CENTER): TWO LAYER BRA BY BE UP , WHITE PANTS BY YOGA FIT. RIGHT (BELOW): L ISTED ABOVE.


FROM TOP: MEN'S TEE BY KRIYA, PANTS BY BE PRESENT .

TUBE TOP BY PUSHPA , T IE DYE PANTS BY HARD TAIL FOREVER. RED TOP BY OM SHANTI ,

SHORTS BY JALA , MALA BY OJAI MALAS . COWL NECK DRESS BY GGO.

PINK TOP BY ELECTRIC YOGA , LEGGINGS BY LULULEMON , JEWELRY BY RENEE SHEPPARD.


ABOVE: PURPLE HOODED TOP BY VYANA YOGA , PINK SHORTS BY NUX, LAYERED UNDER GREY SHORTS BY YOGAFIT ,

MAT BAG BY LADY FAITH , MALA BY OJAI MALAS. DETAILS PG 58.


SEPTEMBER 2012 RETREAT IN STYLE - AnyFliponline.anyflip.com/pguq/cinq/cinq.pdfstudying Asian healing...

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