E-News from LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health Magazine

SEPTEMBER 2014 | ISSUE 226

September 2014 Issue
On the Cover: Candice Loper
Photo by: David Young-Wolff

From the Editor

Yoga is skillfulness in action. This is one of my favorite definitions of yoga, paraphrased from Krishna’s instructions in the Bhagavad Gita. When I take this to heart, I realize that maybe, if I am lucky, I am really practicing a few minutes a day. The rest of the time I aspire to the practice of yoga. And hopefully, the aspiration brings me closer to reality.

When we consider this and the emphasis on mastery in all parts of our lives as the essence of the yoga tradition, we see all of our activities in a new light, including our physical practice. For example, this week, I had the opportunity to participate in Exhale’s newest class offering: Core Fusion
Extreme (CFX), which is a mix of different high intensity interval training exercises incorporating TRX suspension training, heavy hand weights, core balls, cardio, restorative stretches, and active recovery. The experience left me realizing that while walking my dog Lulu is an important daily
activity, it doesn’t count as cardo, which really is meaningful in the big picture of health, wellness, fitness, and dare I say skillfulness in action. If you’re curious, bring sneakers (no bare feet allowed) and try a CFX class at Exhale in Venice through September 13. You’ll be glad you did!

Another area where we can implement skillfulness is in how we practice
compassion. Santa Monica City Council Candidate Zoe Muntaner introduced me
to the Compassion Games, beginning today, September 11 (a fitting calendar
date to begin this). Take the challenge and perform a Random Act of Kindness or become a Secret Agent of Compassion.

Kayoko Mitsumatsu, the founder of the nonprofit Yoga Gives Back, is a living example of compassion and has made a commitment to skillfulness in practice through supporting educational and entrepreneurship microloans for women and children in India. I am honored to be on the host committee for their September 20 Malibu fundraising event. Please join me there.

Through our desire to become more skillful, we uplift each other, something Erica Austin knows about in her effort to Uplift LA. Join her and the team on September 19 for a rave not to be forgotten.

In the meantime, commit to skillfulness.

With Compassion,
Felicia

Felicia Marie Tomasko

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

Add your event FREE on LAYOGA.COM! Find out more.

Upcoming Events

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Awareness Film, Art & Music Festival. September 11 – 21. Across multiple venues over ten days, the mission of the Awareness Festival is to open eyes to some of our world’s pressing issues. Filmmaker Q&As, Informative Panels, as well as conscious art, healing and music.????? Various locations in Los Angeles.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

6:00 P.M. Dinner and Documentary. Monthly gathering to eat healthfully, swap recipes and discuss challenges and benefits of plant-based diets. Dinner & dessert by Chef Jeff Fewel. Documentary: Yoga Unveiled: Evolution and Essence of a Spiritual Tradition. By donation. Full Circle Yoga & Healing Arts. 17451 Bastanchury Rd. Ste. 101B, Yorba Linda.

7:00 P.M. Faith Connections Film LA Premiere. Filmmaker Pan Nalin goes behind the scenes at the Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s most extraordinary religious events. Watch Trailer and find out about all showtimes through September 18. Laemmie Music Hall. 9036 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

1:00 P.M. LYFE Wellness Integrative Program. Two hour intro to the six session program. Body/mind integrating exercises including yoga, meditation, breath work. $50. LYFE Yoga Center. 1310 PCH at Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach.

1:30 P.M. Maha Kirtan. With Vedanta Singers and Friends plus special guests including Temple Bhajan Band, Art of Living, Ananda Ashrama and Tim Jordan Kirtan. Chair and refreshments served all day. Donation free. Vedanta Society. 1946 Vedanta Pl., Hollywood.

5:00 P.M. Garden of Yoga 10 year Anniversary Healing Party. Join us at our celebration and enjoy an evening of healing which will include free yoga classes, massage, reflexology, vegetarian food, giveaways, music and more. Free. Garden of Yoga. 22284 Buenaventura St., Woodland Hills.

7:00 P.M. Yoga Trance Dance® with Ariana Bates. Learn to move the way love moves! Shiva Rea style movement alchemy with yoga, meditation, ecstatic dance, and live soundbath. Chocolate Lounge hosted by Debra Mazer. $15 pre-sale. $20 at door. Stella Luna Yoga. 9191 Valley View St., Cypress.

Chakra Camp. Chakra Camp, a two-day campout held on the shore of Lake Morena, is designed to celebrate and expand the yoga community in the San Diego area. The weekend’s festivities are scheduled around 7 yoga classes taught by 7 different teachers, each honoring one of the chakras.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14

1:00 P.M. Shortcuts to Mindfulness Book Release Party. Celebrate Catherine Auman’s new book. Snacks, beverages, book signing, and giveaways. Free. Transpersonal Counseling Center. For more info, click here. 2566 Overland Ave. Ste. 500B, Los Angeles.

6:00 P.M. Ecstatic Breathwork and Meditation with Scott Schwenk. $20 Reserve now. Aura Yoga. 8608 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood.

6:30 P.M. Pump Film. Narrated by Jason Bateman and from the Director of the Sundance award-winner, FUEL, PUMP is an inspiring, eye-opening documentary that tells the story of America’s addiction to oil,Co-sponsored advanced screening by LA YOGA Magazine and Awareness Film Festival. Free. James Bridges Theatre. 1409 Melnitz Hall, Los Angeles.

7:00 P.M. Wah! in Conncert. Join Wah! for a rare evening of songs and celebration.The Healing Concert is an evening immersion into Wah!’s beautiful, meditative music with calming “Blisslights.” Ahmanson Auditorium, University Hall 1000, Los Angeles.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

11:00 A.M. Vermont Yogathon. September 18 – 19. The Travel Yogi and Yoga Reaches Out (YRO) unite yogis dedicated to yoga and Seva (selfless service). 100% of profits go to YRO to help children in need. Starts at $60. Mountain Top Inn. 195 Mountain Top Rd., Chittenden, VT.

7:00 The Secret of the Yoga Sutra. Deepen Your Connection to the Heart of Yoga! Join Us for a Lecture, Q&A, Guided Practice with Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD., Spiritual Head, Himalayan Institute. Hosted by Yoga Madre. $35. Neighborhood Unitarian Universalist Church. 301 N Orange Grove Blvd., Pasadena.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

12:00 P.M. Yoga Anatomy Training with Leslie Kaminoff. September 19 – 22. Join acclaimed teacher and co-author of the best-selling book Yoga Anatomy for 25 hours of anatomy training. $649. You and the Mat. 23811 Aliso Creek Rd. Suite 100, Laguna Niguel.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 20

1:00 P.M. Pranayama with Surendra Mehta, MBA, YTRx-500c. Learn methods of practicing eight of the most important Pranayamas, increase the immunity of the body, and strengthen organs. $95. LiveYoga Wellness. 6700 W. 83rd St., Los Angeles.

Xanadu Catalina Island Adventure. This whirlwind daytrip, called Xandu Cata- lina Island Adventure, begins when attendees depart for Catalina on a DJ’d 3-decker boat. Once ashore, teams of swimsuit-clad adven- turers compete in a 5K fun run while being sprayed by super soakers and solving assigned riddles.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21

1:00 P.M. Iyengar Workshop with Marla Apt. $50. LYFE Yoga Center. 1310 PCH at Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach.

2:30 P.M. Ayurveda Fall Cleanse Workshop. Gentle, food-based cleanse led by Lois Leonhardi. Cooking demo/sample included. Member $20/Non-Member $30. Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center. 13325 Beach Ave., Marina del Rey.

6:00 P.M. Dinner Gala Honoring David Lynch and Jim Carrey. A catered, locally sourced dinner and drinks to support Heal One World with live music and dancing. Meet fellow philanthropists making a difference in the world today. VIP gift bags given to each guest. $125. Santa Monica Bay Club. 1210 4th St., Santa Monica.

On The Horizon

October 9 – 12. Be A Diva Retreat. Reset and restore with yoga, workouts, surfing, biking, beach volleyball, DJs, dance parties, nutrition seminars, photo shoots, and swag bags. Huntington Beach.

October 10 – 16. Bali Goddess Retreat. All female getaway combining yoga, Balinese culture, and spa time. Goddess Sanctuary. Bali.

October 23 – 26. Ojai Yoga Crib. Festival breakout sessions at historically and spiritually significant locations in Ojai Valley region. Challenging yoga classes and lecture-based studies of Christian Yoga, Shiatsu, and kirtan. Caters to both physically active yogis and those who prefer to forego asana. John Hickey, Dana Flynn, Dr. Ravi Ravindra, and Sean Johnson attending.

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 interviews with
filmmakers of four film entries at the upcoming Awareness Film Festival
from September 11-21 — “Moving from Emptiness: The Life and Art of a Zen
Dude”, “Voices”, “Scarred Lands and Wounded Lives” and “Project: Ice”

*Films of Awareness*

Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes by clicking here.

Play The Compassion Games September 11 – 21

The Compassion Games are designed to make our communities safer, kinder, more just, and better places to live. No matter where you are you can perform a Random Act of Kindness, or become aSecret Agent of Compassion and receive a secret mission for each of the eleven days.

People and teams from around the world are participating in this “coopetition” that combines the power of compassion and cooperation with the fun of competition. No one can lose the Compassion Games. When we serve with compassion, we all win!

The Games remind us to act with compassion. Join in to play and post your results on the Compassion Map. Here is how you can join in.

First IAYT Accredited Yoga Therapy Training Programs Announced

In an announcement that demonstrates the growing reach and professionalism of the field of Yoga Therapy, theInternational Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT)announced the first set of 12 accredited yoga therapy training programs on June 7, 2014, in Austin, Texas, at it’s annual conference, the Symposium on Yoga Therapy and Research (SYTAR).

The IAYT is the only international professional yoga therapy organization granting accreditation in the emerging field of yoga therapy. This milestone, is a key step in the development of yoga as a recognized and respective therapy in integrative medicine.

To read more, visit LAYOGA.COM

Free Screening of PUMP at Awareness Film Festival

Narrated by Jason Bateman and from the Director of the Sundance award-winner, FUEL, PUMP is an inspiring, eye-opening documentary that tells the story of America’s addiction to oil, from its corporate conspiracy beginnings to its current monopoly today, and explains clearly and simply how we can end it – and finally win choice at the pump.

PUMP entertains the viewer by presenting exciting and affordable options for fuel sources, while also exploring the devastating economic ramifications that an oil monopoly has on the global economy.

PUMP is part of the Awareness Film Festival, bringing awareness to some of our world’s pressing issues through film, and will be screened Sunday, September 14 at 6:30 P.M. James Bridges Theater. 1409 Melnitz Hall, Los Angeles.

See the full schedule for Awareness Film Festival here.

This Week’s Giveaway: Two Tickets to Pay 2 Play Screening

If you care about getting our government to protect our environment or ban/label GMOs then you will want to see the film Pay 2 Play: Democracy’s High Stakes.

The film takes an entertaining look at how our government is corrupted by the influence of money and what we can do to take back our democracy and get the protection we need. PAY 2 PLAY features Robert Reich, Marianne Williamson, Lawrence Lessig and more.

LA Yoga is giving away two tickets to an LA screening of Pay 2 Play September 12 – 18.

To win, email us and let us know why protecting the environment is important to you.

Recipe: Vegetable and Fruit Kebabs with Honey Balsamic Dressing

For families who choose fresh, local, and organic whole foods, kids’ snacking can easily derail all healthful good intentions. The market is inundated with prepackaged snacks for kids—usually filled with toxic ingredients like food coloring, added preservatives, and excessive amounts of sugar.

Don’t fall prey to a snack attack. Use this blueberry muffin recipe for a yummy snack and to keep your family’s nutrition and wellness on track.

8 small wooden skewers or 12 toothpicks or 2 small plastic forks
½ red bell pepper, cut into 2-inch pieces
½ cucumber, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium tomato, cut into 8 wedges
1 pint blueberries
1 cup strawberries cut in half
1 nectarine, peeled and cut into wedges

For recipe directions and honey balsamic dressing recipe, visitLAYOGA.COM

Read All About Bhakti Fest West

The 6th annual Bhakti Fest West Yoga and Music Festival took place in Joshua Tree, CA from September 4 – 7, 2014.

Master yoga teachers Dharma Mittra, Shiva Rea, Saul David Raye, Tim Miller, Bhava Ram and more led heart opening yoga classes plus non-stop kirtan, world music, workshops, healthy living and much more.

To re-live this past weekend’s Bhakti Fest, visit the Bhakti Fest official blog site with blogs of all three festivals this year by LA Yoga’s Olivia Kvitne.

Green Festival September 12 – 14

Green Festival, the largest and longest-running festival on sustainability and green living, returns to Los Angeles from September 12th through the 14th.

More than 200 local exhibitors will showcase a wide range of products, services and resources in all things earth-friendly – from organic food, fashion, health, children’s toys and pet care to eco-travel, energy and transportation.

The event includes instructor-led yoga classes, vegan cooking demos, eco-fashion shows, inspirational speakers, family-friendly activities, live entertainment, sustainable beer and wine garden, and vegan/vegetarian food court.

Convention Center, Harbor and Santa Monica Freeways.

Buy tickets online. $10-$15.

Book Review: YogaLean by Beth Shaw

President of YogaFit, Beth Shaw’s new YogaLean program, inspired by the eight limbs of classical yoga, outline a holistic path toward a healthy, lean, and energetic lifestyle involving mind, body, and spirit. YogaLean guides the reader to use and develop ancient yogic wisdom in combination with specific behaviors that have proven to be helpful when attaining a healthy weight.

YogaLean brings in the latest research on neuroscience to explain and support the notion that our thoughts create our bodies and details the steps needed to help one create lasting change. YogaLean encourages expansion and self-acceptance and truly sets the stage for personal transformation.

Buy this book now.

To read the entire review by Kristy Manuel, visit LAYOGA.COM

Ahimsa Yoga and Music Festival

Yoga, music and autumn colors come together this fall at the Ahimsa Yoga and Music Festival, a two day event October 4 and 5 in the heart of the Catskill mountains at Windham Mountain Resort.

This year Ahimsa is featuring over 39 professional yoga teachers offering over 55 classes, along with 10 musical guests including David Newman(Durga Das), Brenda McMorrow with John de Kadt , Gaura Vani, and Adam Bauer. Guest Yoga Teachers include Sadie Nardini, Peter Sterios, Sondra Loring, Meghan Currie and more.

Get your tickets here.

Yoga Gives Back Malibu Fundraiser

September 20th is the Yoga Gives Back (YGB) annual flagship event for global campaign “Thank You Mother India” held at a private Malibu home. More than 100 fundraising classes and events take place all over the world during this campaign season, raising majority of funding for YGB’s programs in India.

The party starts at 6:00 P.M with live performance by Sheela Bringi and Pranidhi Varshney, in addition to Cello/Oud/Woodwind original ensemble. Guests will also enjoy welcome drinks, appetizers, raffle, and silent auction. The sit-down dinner features wine, a brief YGB film presentation on a big screen, and mingling with special guests and an amazing Gift Bag (worth over $200) for everyone. Space is limited.

But tickets now.

Starry Night 2014: The 3rd Annual UPLIFT Yoga Bash

Join distinguished yogis including Jaysea DeVoe, Anthony Chavez, and Lacey Calvert (pictured here by Robert Sturman wearing Beyond Yoga) for an evening of yoga dance flow under the stars presented by Beyond Yoga andUplift Teen Yoga.

Event highlights include custom body art, a special musical performance by East Forest, giveaways from Beyond Yoga, healthy bites from Whole Foods, a special acro yoga performance by Acrovision, luxe yoga swag bags, and an OM circle with all 700 yogi guests after the yoga practice.

Ticket prices start at $64. All proceeds from this event will benefit the non-profit organization, Keep Friendship Alive, and UPLIFT Teen Yoga, benefitting teens at the Boys and Girls Club of Laguna Beach. Find our more and get yourtickets. Use promo code LAYOGA fo 10% off your ticket.

Friday, September 19th, 2014 6:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M., Segerstrom Center for the Arts, Costa Mesa.

Animals in Need: Koki and Sofie

Koki, with his sister Sofie, was rescued from a high kill shelter where we found them in terrible condition. Koki just loves being with his sister.= They are both great with strangers and children, dogs and cats. They are neutered/spayed, microchipped and updated on all shots.

Visit here if interested in Koki and Sofie.

Dogs Without Borders is a non-profit 501-c-3 rescue organization that rescues stray and abandoned dogs from local shelters as far away as Taiwan and Mexico. Dogs Without Borders does not have a facility and relies solely on foster volunteers to house and care for their rescue dogs until they are adopted. DWB is proud to have found homes for over 2,500 dogs since its inception, and will continue to rescue thousands more with the support of generous donations, fosters, and volunteers. Find out more.

Vedic Astrology: Time to Explore

An interesting blend of emotional stability, curiosity, and intensity will be seen as the Moon is aspected by Mars, transiting through Taurus and Gemini. This may be a time to explore deeper transformations and changes in your romantic relationships or other important social interactions.

Mars in Scorpio is demanding authenticity and truth now, and is more than willing to challenge your comfort zone in order to get it.

For more on September astrology, visit LAYOGA.COM

New LA Yoga App On Your Phone and Tablet

We are very excited announce the LA Yoga app is now available for Apple and Android devices. The app is a free download and each issue is only $.99 or the entire year for $9.99.

Some benefits you will enjoy with your new state of the art LA Yoga app include:

-Higher resolution for crisper and brighter images

-Easier zoom in and zoom

-Clip small parts of any image and send them to your friends by text, email or social media sharing

-Use Stream to see what others are clipping and sharing

-Receive inspiration push notifications and updates between issues

Find Bliss, sister publication to LA Yoga, is also available as an app with FREE downloads of issues.

Get your LA Yoga app now.

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