there's something definitely screwy when it's perfectly ok to run naked in public, but not to meditate (fully clothed, i may add) in public :(



here's a video of what happened at the public display of meditation led by max simon and his self-centered tribe on hollywood boulevard last month, courtesy of yogamates.com and lime.com: balance



maybe the authorities were threatened by the obvious presence of super heroes such as batman, spiderman, the hulk, zorro, and wait... who's that... jack sparrow?



thanks to kezia for passing along this vidbit!

while reading up the latest latimes.com update on today's controversial olympic torch run in san francisco, this entry caught my eye -- naked yoga?



Three men who billed themselves as "naked torch runners" ended up as naked torch walkers, shuffling through a thick crowd along the Embarcadero.



"We want to demonstrate the spirit of the original Olympics, which was a nudist event," said George Davis, a San Francisco writer who said his most recent book is called "Naked Yoga."



Davis, who was stark-naked except for his shoes, carried his cellphone and clothes in a satchel swung over his shoulder.



The naked men carried a 3-foot-tall cardboard torch with the words "Human Rights" written on it.



"We're here to promote human rights for everybody everywhere," Davis said.



i'm not quite sure what running naked has to do with human rights... unless running naked was a human right that the nuns conveniently neglected to teach us in elementary school?



but then again, we're talking san francisco here. this is the same city whose largest footrace, the bay to breakers 12K -- and whose catchphrase is "show me yours!" -- has a large contingent of naked runners every year (and honestly, after running alongside them a number of times, i believe i have the right to be protected from having to look at some of those bodies!)



anyway, i looked into this "naked yoga" guy and found some of his background information:



George Davis is a well known author of the book, Naked Yoga, and nudist activist. In 2007, he decided to run for mayor to serve the City of San Francisco and advance the ideas for a Free Body Culture. The Free Body Culture (FKK-Freikorperkultur) is a century old social/cultural movement advocating nudity in home, leisure, recreation, and sports. His first act as mayor would have been to work to make Golden Gate Park clothing optional like the great urban parks in Europe.



In June 2007, George was arrested and cited for indecent exposure four times with handcuffs, paddy wagon, and holding cells. All of these arrests were immediately discharged by the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, because nudity is not a crime in San Francisco or the State of California unless one is lewd or blocking traffic. (emphasis mine -- i'm filing that under: good to know)



and as for his book, here's what it's supposedly about:



Naked Yoga is a photo-illustrated book with 24 participants of various ages, races, sexes, and body shapes demonstrating yoga naked. There is a whimsical section titled,"What the world would be like if you could do naked yoga in public." The book's definition of yoga are exercises and postures that one can do with limited space and no equipment including clothing. 234 pages.



hmmm... call me a prude, but i don't think i'm ready for naked yoga in public just yet... nor naked running, for that matter...

no, this isn't about trying to get the people of new orleans back into their pre-katrina homes; brad pitt's busy taking care of that.



this is about trying to keep liberation yoga financially afloat after flood damage from burst water pipes caused the cancellation of almost half of all their classes. that plus the need to repair and/or replace much of their interior space has severely impacted their bottom line.



if you've ever been fortunate enough to walk through the welcoming front door (or even the back door) of this little gem in the mid-wilshire area, you'll know why there's been such an outpouring of love and support from all of their students.



i received this email from glendene yesterday; i'm going to give her the floor so she can tell you all about the upcoming fundraiser herself (and that pun was totally unintentional):



Dear Friends of Liberation Yoga,



I am very excited to announce that we will be holding a special fundraiser for Liberation Yoga. I got the idea from a friend who threw a similar fundraiser for a teacher who underwent open heart surgery in 2007. The community got together and raised over $4000 to help this person who was unable to work during his two-month recuperation period. It was a beautiful gesture of love from the community to make an offering like this to someone who needed a little extra help in a time of need, and it was so easy to do.



Well, Gary and Christine could use our support too. Many of you are aware that in February a pipe burst in the studio, which caused some major structural damage to the indoor studio floor and walls. Because Liberation had to cancel 50% of their classes for 12 days so the floors could dry, they lost a substantial amount of revenue. I would like to help them recoup some of their lost revenue, and I am humbly asking that the Liberation community to help me in this endeavor.



I have rented a space large enough for literally hundreds of people to gather. Steven Espinosa, Ashley Albrand, and Jessie Diaz-Perez have volunteered their time to teach a two-hour yoga class for our great community. All that is requested of you is to make a minimum contribution of $20, which will go directly to Christine and Gary. Even if you cannot make the event please feel free to make a contribution. Those of you who practice yoga at Liberation know that we are not only supporting a business, but we are supporting a sanctuary. To many of us Liberation is a respite from the crazy city of L.A.



I hope to see you all there, and thank you so much in advance for your generous and loving support.



When: Sunday, April 27, 2008 2:30-4:30pm

Where: Women's Club of Hollywood, 1749 N La Brea Ave, Hollywood

Donation: if you are paying by check, please make the check out to either Christine Burke or Gary McCleery



Please RSVP to Glendene at liberation_community@yahoo.com by April 20, 2008.



Namaste~



and while we're on the subject of the flood damage, here's an update from christine. the fact that she can still inject humor into the situation totally amazes me... but then again, she is an amazing person :)



Greetings!



"Holy $#@*! I have never, in all my years, seen a floor do that! That is UNBELIEVABLE!" ~ the floor specialist who is installing the new floor at Liberation



So in addition to being chosen as the "Best Yoga Studio In LA" for two consecutive years it seems we could win the "Best Warped and Damaged Floor" for 2008!!! And most certainly Liberation Yoga students win the most flexible (of mind!!) and limber of body for spending so much time on that crazy floor! Well, ladies and gentlemen, it is finally in motion - Shiva has struck and the sound of saws and drills and bursting floorboards are like music to our ears. You will all be happy to know that there was nothing scary under there - only air! A lot of hot air!



So in our attempts to not disrupt everyone's schedule too much we are going to practice guerilla yoga for the evening classes. What this means is that we will use the room which is mostly concrete and we will lay a carpet over that and some of the wood too. By doing this we only have to cancel a few of the daytime classes but not the evening for only the next 3-4 days.



Below is the schedule which lists the classes that are happening and says in block letters the classes that are not. Please read carefully. Thank you all immensely for your support and perseverance and please come to class because it's always better to have yoga than not to have yoga!!



MONDAY SCHEDULE

7:00-8:30am Level 1-2 - Lynn Taylor (Garden)

9:00am ASHTANGA CANCELLED // 9:00-10:30am Iyengar - Pagan (Garden)

11:00am-12:30pm - Level 1 - Susan Kaye (Garden)

4:15pm GENTLE RESTORATIVE CANCELLED

5:00-6:30pm All Levels - Sarah Isenberg (Garden)

6:30-8:00pm Level 1 - Cathie Baker (Inside) // 6:30-8:00pm Flow - Ashley Albrand 2-3 (Garden)

8:00-9:30pm All Levels Flow - Alicia Johnson



TUESDAY SCHEDULE

6:30am ARUN IS CANCELLED

9:00-11:00am Ashtanga - Joel Bender (Garden) // 9:30am FLOW CANCELLED

11:00am-12:30pm Level 1 - Jessie Diaz-Perez (Garden)

4:30pm All Levels - Jennifer Long (Garden)

6:30-8:00pm Level 1 - Kathleen Ross-Allee (Inside) // 6:30-8:00pm Flow 2-3 - Christine Burke (Garden)

8:00-9:30pm Level 2 - Erica Kyriakatos (Inside) // 8:30-9:30pm Meditation - Deborah Tull (Garden)



WEDNESDAY SCHEDULE

7:00-8:30am Level 1 - Lynn Taylor (Garden)

9:00-11:00am Ashtanga - Joel Bender (Garden) // 9:30am IYENGAR CANCELLED

11:00am-12:30pm Level 1 - Sarah Hemphill

4:30-6:00pm All Levels - Laurie Searle (Garden)

6:30-8:00pm Gentle Restorative - Jeanne Korn (Inside) // 6:30-8:00pm Flow 2-3 - Ashley Albrand (Garden)

8:00-9:30pm Level 1 - Christine Burke (Garden) // 8:00-9:30pm All Levels Flow - Alicia Johnson (Inside)



THURSDAY SCHEDULE

We hope to be back to normal on Thursday; if not, we will send out an email on Wednesday to update everyone!!

it was a sea of blue at the NCAA final four basketball matchups in san antonio this afternoon. for the earlier game, it was the blue and gold of the #1 UCLA bruins against the blue and gray of the #1 memphis tigers. and for the later game, it was the blue and white of the #1 north carolina tarheels versus the crimson and blue of the #1 kansas jayhawks. and as always happens at any kind of athletic competition, even if the teams are top-seeded, someone has to win. and sadly, someone has to lose.



my friend tom and i met to watch the UCLA-memphis game at the local beer and pizza joint near his home earlier this afternoon. we were both UCLA alums; strangely enough, we both graduated the same year but never knew each other way back then. he was an econ major who spent his days studying supply and demand up in the north campus while i was a computer science major who spent my nights writing program code down in the south campus. ahhh... those were the days...



my allegiance was fairly obvious. i showed up clad in the colors of our alma mater -- a bright blue sweatshirt with a fairly large (and loud) UCLA embroidered in gold on the front -- while he, for some reason, was more lowkey; he chose to wear a rather neutral gray sweater. memphis gray? how could he? and i thought he was a bigger bruin fan than i was. oh well.



things started out nicely enough. UCLA drew first blood and scored the first points of the game. in short time, memphis not only caught up but managed to stay ahead... all the way to the final buzzer. argh!



not only did my team lose, but since i had put my money on the bruins to win the whole shebang in my basketball bracket in the office pool, i pretty much had to kiss my investment goodbye. i suppose i could learn to love leftovers...



too stunned to think of anything interesting to do that evening, i headed back to the westside, out to steve ross's monthly kirtan at maha yoga in brentwood. and yes, i was still wearing my blue and gold sweatshirt. i mean, why change? i was clearly there to vent and chant out my depression. i was there to chant the blues away.



led by steve ross on guitar, mark gorman on bass, and girish on percussion, it felt good to just let it out. especially when we got to what steve fondly referred to as the airport mantra:



hare ram hare ram ram ram hare hare

hare krishna kare krishna krishna krishna hare hare



i could've gone on all night, but unfortunately, no amount of chanting would have been able to change the outcome of the game. maybe the mighty bruins will do better next year?



hmmm... maybe i should keep on chanting until then, just in case...

in addition to all these events that are coming your way in april, don't forget to check out the earth day celebrations that'll be held around town this month...



ongoing events:



Tuesday Night Yoga

lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd

Every Tuesday 7:30-8:30pm

Cost: FREE



This month's classes are all led by incredible Forrest Yoga teachers that are local to our area!

April Fool's Class - Ben Fritz

April 8th - Brian Campbell

April 15th - Samara Glassman

April 22nd - Angela

April 29th - TBA

(see "other events" section below for teacher bios)



Yoga for Runners with Steve Mackel

lululemon Pasadena, 110 W Colorado Blvd

Every Thursday 6:30pm

Cost: FREE



Join us for Runners Yoga with acclaimed ChiRunning coach Steve Mackel.

Yoga for Runners – Coach Steve Mackel works on creating overall balance, taking runners through a series of yoga poses and explains the correlations between the pose and the biomechanics of running. He also moves students through vinaysa flow series while he focuses on creating strength first and flexibility second. (60 minutes)

*WEATHER PERMITTING. Please check the events section for further information if it is a rain day.



All-levels Fitness Class

lululemon Beverly Hills, 334 North Beverly Drive

Every Sunday 9:30-10:45 am

Cost: FREE



Various styles of yoga, pilates, personal training, all levels - perfect for beginner, intermediate or advanced practitioners. Great for adults and teens. Check our community events listing, we do family classes too!

Weekly classes are followed by healthy snacks to refuel!

Sample some of the Los Angeles area's best instructors in a non-intimidating environment, deepen your practice with personal attention in an intimate space and practice with us!

We have community mats for our guests.

(see "other events" section below for weekly class schedule)



Community Fitness Classes

lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way

Every Sunday 9:30-10:30am

Cost: FREE



Complimentary Community Fitness classes on Sundays at 9:30 am - 10:30 am.

(see "other events" below for weekly class schedule)



All-levels Yoga

lululemon Pasadena, 110 W Colorado Blvd

Every Sunday 10:00am

Cost: FREE



These classes are outside, in back of our store. We suggest you dress in layers, appropriate for the current temperature. Bring your own mat or we can provide you an awesome Lululemon mat. Just show up. No RSVP needed.

*WEATHER PERMITTING. Please check the events section for further information if it is a rain day.

(see "other events" section below for weekly class schedule)



Friday Night Groove Night

Yoga Groove, North Hollywood

Friday, April 4th (1st Friday of every month) 7:45-9:15pm

Cost: Regular class



Uniquely themed classes created by the Yoga Groove staff. May include candlelight, live music, dance, meditation, singing, and chocolate.

Please check www.yogagroovestudio.com for details of each week.



Devotional Chanting

Ananda Los Angeles, Santa Monica

Every Saturday 7:30-9:00pm



If you like music, either singing yourself, or sitting quietly while others make music around you, come take part in Ananda's chanting sessions (kirtan in the Sanskrit language).

The sacred sounds of chants penetrate deeply into the consciousness. They have the power to transform and uplift the soul, and to open the heart. Chanting is an excellent, easy way to lift your spirits, and revitalize yourself after a long week of work.

Yogananda and Kriyananda have written many beautiful chants in English. We also sing some traditional chants of India in Sanskrit. Melodies are simple, and usually repetitious so you can easily join in. The chants are usually accompanied by harmonium, guitar, drums and cymbals.

Some Kirtans will be dedicated to Babaji and Lord Krishna with chants, stories of these great saints, an arati, and periods of meditation.

We pull out all the stops and let the devotion flow with chanting on harmonium, guitar, drums and cymbals.

Come ready to clap, sing and let your heart open wide to God's blessings.



Chanting Workshop

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Marina del Rey

Saturday, April 5th 4:00-6:00pm

Cost: FREE



If you love to chant or want to learn, this is your chance! Come for a relaxed afternoon of Kirtan (mantra chanting) and good company. Practice the traditional call-and-response Sivananda daily chants, experiment with rhythm, become confident to lead chants, learn new ones. It's easy, and uplifting.

Mantra chanting is the most joyful when done in a group. The awakening energy develops devotion and selfless love. These are wonderful complements to your hatha yoga practice.

www.sivananda.org/la/Chanting.htm



Kirtan in the Canyon with Andrew and Michele and Friends

Yoga Desa, Topanga

Saturday, April 5th (1st Saturday of every month) 7:00pm



Singing these special songs with full enthusiasm is a meditation in itself and can leave you quite happy and high. See for yourself.

Call (818) 340-6088 for information.

www.artoflivingla.org/public.html



Chanting with Steve Ross

Maha Yoga, Brentwood

Saturday, April 5th 8:00pm

Cost: A Donation for our musicians



We invite you to join us for a blissful evening of chanting.

The evening will open your heart, still your mind and lead you to a state of profound euphoria.

Wear comfortable clothing, bring a cushion to sit on and enjoy.



Kirtan at SMPY West

Power Yoga West, Santa Monica

Saturdays, April 5th, 12th, 19th, and 26th 8:00-10:00pm

Cost: By Donation



Our instructors will hold a candlelit evening of Kirtan/Chanting every Saturday of the month. Different instructors lead each week and always on donation basis.

1st Saturday of every month, Govindas and Radha

2nd Saturday of every month, Travis

3rd Saturday of every month, Andres

4th Saturday of every month, Terra and Friends

Bring meditation cushions or blanket (no yoga mat). Wear comfy clothes.

Come sing from the deepest corner of your heart!



FREE Community Night: The Basics of a Meditation Practice

City Yoga, West Hollywood

Tuesday, April 8th (2nd Tuesday of every month) 7:30pm

Cost: FREE



Everything you truly seek, you already contain.

Join Senior certified Anusara Yoga instructor Noah Mazé for a practical and experiential evening to empower you to start, or refine, a meditation practice.

Attendees are welcome to bring questions.



Kirtan with Daniel, Larry, Sarah and Friends

Rising Lotus Yoga, Sherman Oaks

Friday, April 11th (2nd Friday of every month) 8:15pm

Cost: $15 Suggested donation



Come join Daniel and many talented musical guests for a joyful evening of music, meditation, and chanting. No singing experience needed, only a willingness to open your heart to the blissful flow.

Welcome the spring and the lengthening days with a flow class at 6:30 and a rocking Kirtan at 8:15.

Attend one or both. Regular class fee for class, Kirtan by donation.

Singing Kirtan has been a such a pleasure and we are building a powerful community with these regular events.



Zen Dancing Ritual Concert with Micheline Berry, Craig Kohland + Shaman's Dream

Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice

Saturday, April 12th (Second Saturday of each month) 8:00-10:00pm

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door



Where ecstatic dance and live world music meet, Zen Dancing® induces peak states of ecstatic embodiment and deep union with the pranic "flow" between dancer and drum, breath and beat. The language of dance is universal and since 1996 Micheline Berry, Craig Kohland and their world ensemble Shaman's Dream have been resurrecting and defining the ritual world dance in Los Angeles, CA. Their live concerts are akin to a world ethnotronica odyssey that will sweep you up in a wave of trance dance marked by the evocative indigenous sounds and deep visionary grooves that have become the signature of their music.

No experience necessary...simply come prepared to move and let the music take you where it will.

http://www.zendancing.com/



Ananda Ritam - A Benefit for Shanti House with Saul David Raye + Special Guests

Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice

Friday, April 25th 8:00-10:00pm

Cost: $15 in advance; $20 at the door



Dancing and singing have long been sacred healing practices to awaken the life force, connect us to spirit and embody an ecstatic connection to the Divine force that sustains all life. Join us for this transformational evening of breathwork, chanting, live music and sacred dance to celebrate life, support Shanti House and open to the very rhythm, energy and bliss of existence.

Shanti House is a non-profit seva organization whose goal is to empower and involve the local healing community to provide food, healing services, wellness education and yoga to the homeless, at-risk youth and those in need in our community. Shanti House will aid and support other local non-profits already in the community.



Kirtan (call and response chanting) with Travis Eliot, Daniel Stewart, and Friends

Santa Monica Yoga, Santa Monica

Saturday, April 26th 8:00-9:30 PM

Cost: By Donation





other special events:



Free Class with Desiree Bartlett

Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice

Tuesday, April 1st 2:30pm

Cost: FREE



Please join Desiree Bartlett for a special COMPLIMENTARY class sponsored by lululemon! All levels welcome.



Tuesday Night Yoga with Ben Fritz

lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd

Tuesday, April 1st 7:30-8:30pm

Cost: FREE



"When I first came to yoga I was a 235 pound injured college linebacker who couldn't touch my toes. Patience and persistence were things I learned to embrace.

Slowly, with consistent practice my breath began to open up my body, and then I began to experience my spirit. I began to explore all the many modalities in the healing arts; yoga, Qi Gong, massage, nutrition, meditation, and more."

for more information on Ben visit www.deserthealer.net



SUZANNE TENG and MYSTIC JOURNEY: a World Music Dance Concert

BONSORTE STUDIO, 2401 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica

Saturday, April 5th 8:00pm

Cost: $20



Join us for a mystical musical journey with contemporary world music ensemble featuring:

Suzanne Teng, world flutes

Gilbert Levy, world percussion

Dann Torres, oud, guitar, electric sitar

Alex Spurkel, world percussion

Jon Ossman, bass

Andrew Werderitsch, didgeridoo

Celebrate spring with friends, great world music and dancing in this beautiful space!



Yoga Booty Ballet with Swerve founder & lululemon ambassador Gillian Clark!

lululemon Beverly Hills, 334 North Beverly Drive

Sunday, April 6th 9:30-10:45 am

Cost: FREE



Join lululemon Ambassador Gillian for a signature Swerve class, Yoga Booty Ballet.

An empowering hybrid of MEDITATION, exhilarating cardio DANCE, the grace, poise and strength of BALLET and the POWER and flexibility of Hatha YOGA. Signature moves combine with ancient techniques designed to shake, lift and enhance your fine muscular ass and divine essence.

We'll be heading to the park to have class in the grass! We'll leave from the store promptly at 9:30 AM.

Park is located at the intersection of Santa Monica Blvd and Beverly Drive.



Sunday Yoga Class with Carolyn Sachs

lululemon Pasadena, 110 W Colorado Blvd

Sunday, April 6th 10:00am

Cost: FREE



Lululemon ambassador, Carolyn Sachs, leads this special Sunday morning practice.

If you were to ask me, "What kind of yoga do you teach?" then my reply would have to be, "I share what I know and what I am...and do really cool asanas that make you feel great!"

Limited "community" mats are available. Bringing your own mat is encouraged. As class fill up quickly and space is limited, please come early.

Please dress in layers so that you may remove articles as you warm-up during the class. Our space is outdoors behind the store on the patio (accessible through the alley on Delacey).



Partner yoga with Matthew Cohen

Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice

Sunday, April 6th 2:00-4:00pm

Cost: $30



In this workshop we will extend our solo experience and share it with another. Consciously working with another person translates into useful life skills. Partner Yoga deepens our sensitivity, awareness and compassion. The mutual support and connection to others strengthens the sense of community. We will focus on breath, postural alignment & placement. Ultimately, working with partners allows us to learn more about ourselves. This is a potent, enlightening and joyful workshop. Partner Yoga is a creative way to revisit your practice using touch as communication while enjoying the benefits of moving deeper into one's practice with a little help from a friend! Class will include backbends, forward bends, balance, twists and more...Bring a partner or one will be provided for you! Matthew incorporates practices from dance, yoga, chi kung (qi gong) and martial arts.

All levels are welcome.



Kirtan with Girish

Electric Lodge, 1416 Electric Ave, Venice

Sunday, April 6th 6:30-9:00pm

Cost: $15 (members), $20 (non-members). Cash only at door



It's kirtan time again! Please join us for another wonderful evening of singing and chanting with Girish! To know more about Girish, go to www.girishmusic.com

Register on www.yogimilan.com to become a member. Buy tickets for this event on www.yogimilan.com in the 'events' section or Click here to buy tickets now!

Feel free to bring blankets and pillows to get comfy in the kirtan hall.

There is parking for 40 cars at the venue. Rest will have to park on the streets.



Tuesday Night Yoga with Brian Campbell

lululemon Santa Monica, 331 Santa Monica Blvd

Tuesday, April 8th 7:30-8:30pm

Cost: FREE



Brian Campbell is a senior mentor teacher in the Forrest Yoga system. He taught at the Forrest Yoga Institute in Santa Monica for 4 years, where he completed Forrest Yoga's foundational Teacher Training, and twice completed the Advanced Teacher Training. Brian currently teaches at Exhale's Center for Sacred Movement in Venice and Shakti's Elements in Santa Monica. Brian is also a skilled bodyworker specializing in opening blockages and healing pain.

for more information on Brian visit www.bodyworkyoga.com



Anusara-inspired yoga with Georgina Purple

lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way

Wednesday, April 9th 7:00-8:00pm

Cost: FREE



Join us for an evening of restorative yoga with lululemon ambassador Georgina Purple.



Spring has Sprung, part 2 with Lululemon ambassador Steve Mackel

lululemon Pasadena, 110 W Colorado Blvd

Thursday, April 10th 6:30pm

Cost: FREE



Spring has Sprung - That's right, the Spring Equinox was March 20 which opens the door to a yogic spring ritual of 108 Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar).

I have probably done this ritual 4 times over the last 8 years and I usually have better years when I sweat out the 108 compared to when I don't. From what I understand, and for me, it is spring cleaning for the body, mind and spirit.

We will be doing 54 Sun Salutations (A series) in sets of 7 each Thursday. Each set we will dedicate and meditate on different intentions. This practice will take about 1.5 hours each Thursday (the first session was held March 26th).

I can't say enough about this practice and how it can help your focus, strength and your ability to deal with challenges. This is why it is perfect for runners or anyone.



Calling The Spirits: An evening of Mysical Mantra Music with Sean Johnson and The Wild Lotus Band

Yoga Works Main Street, Santa Monica

Friday, April 11th 8:15-10:15pm

Cost: $15 early, $20 at the door



Savor the spicy grooves and dreamy melodies of this beloved New Orleans band who put a funky, mystic twist on kirtan.

This evening’s candlelight concert will consist of call-and-response chanting and mantra-based songs that soothe your soul in one moment and drive you into wild celebration in the next. Sean will also share inspiring stories and insights about the healing power of mantra and music. Traditionally at the end of the concert the band invites everyone to lay down as they offer a calming lullaby to send participants home into dreamy relaxation. Sean says, “Like gospel music and other forms of musical devotion on the planet, kirtan music is an incredible way to lift your spirit and celebrate life. We create a comfortable atmosphere where people feel really free and open to explore this transformative music in their own way -- whether that’s singing along, dancing, or resting into the grooves.”



YOGA4Drummers with Stefan Storace

REMO Recreational Music Center, 7308 Coldwater Canyon Ave, North Hollywood

Saturday, April 12th 2:00-3:30pm

Cost: $15, Cash only please



Yoga helps to align the body to have movement, breath, and blood flow in rhythmic harmony. Drumming helps to build the body's immune system. Yoga and Drumming is a perfect match.

Learn to relax before and after playing your drum. Learn how to warm up, relax, and open your body for optimal performance.

In this very special and unique Yoga4drummers workshop, a drum circle will kick the event off to get the juices flowing. We will then move into a series of very simple stretches, joint openings and movements that you can take home or on the road. Simple breathing exercises will be taught to relax, invigorate and release stress throughout the body. Lululemon Athletica will provide yoga mats if you don't have one. Please bring a towel and water.

www.remo.com/health

(818) 982-0461 ~ contact Mike or Jerry



Yoga Flow with Diane Hudock

lululemon Beverly Hills, 334 North Beverly Drive

Sunday, April 13th 9:30-10:45 am

Cost: FREE



Sunday yoga with Sri Moss

lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way

Sunday, April 13th 9:30-10:30am

Cost: FREE



Complimentary in-store yoga with Sri Moss from Yoga Works!



Iyengar Yoga with Michael Ruccolo

lululemon South Bay, 2008A East Park Place

Sunday, April 13th 9:30am

Cost: FREE



Join Michael Ruccolo of Lyfe Yoga Center in Hermosa Beach for an Iyengar Yoga class.

Iyengar Yoga is an inspired and innovative approach to the classical Eastern discipline. Iyengar yoga has been developed over a period of seventy years by B.K.S. Iyengar that encourages weak parts to strengthen and stiff areas to stretch, thus awakening and realigning the whole body. As the body moves into better alignment, less muscular work is required, and relaxation occurs naturally.



Namaste Women's Choir with Mary Donovan

Santa Monica Yoga, Santa Monica

Sunday, April 13th 5:30pm

Cost: Regular class



The Namaste Women's Choir will be performing live during a level one yoga class with the amazing Mary Donovan. To attend, you just need to go to the class (of course, donations for the choir will be greatly appreciated).

The choir is a group of women dedicated to learning and performing choral music in a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere, focusing on inspirational choral music from all traditions and religions. This secular ensemble uses music to elevate their audiences and to introduce them to the vast beauty of choral music for women, while bringing peace and understanding to the community.



Off the Mat, Into the World Benefit Flow Class with Special Guests SEANE CORN and SUZANNE STERLING

Yoga Loft Manhattan Beach

Friday, April 18th 7:00-10:00pm

Cost: $35 suggested donation



A Benefit Flow Class with kirtan and thoughts on Global Awareness.



Kirtan with Michael Dunn

Yoga Works Pacific Palisades

Friday, April 18th 8:00-10:00pm

Cost: $15 early, $20 at the door



Join Michael Dunn for peace producing Kirtan with an appealing Western flavor.



A Night of Acoustic Yoga with Jo Tastula

Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice

Saturday, April 19th 8:15-10:00pm

Cost: $25



Join acclaimed singer/songwriter Tom Freund and creative dharma yoga flow teacher Jo Tastula for an evening of acoustic yoga. Come commune with community, move and groove to soulful original organic vibes, and celebrate Gaia on one of her many Earth Day festivities. Jo will lead a mixed level flow class which will touch and movie everything to the inspirational musings of one of today’s most talented artists.



Sunday in-store yoga with Diana Storace

lululemon Calabasas, 4719 Commons Way

Sunday, April 20th 9:30-10:30am

Cost: FREE



Join us for our complimentary in-store yoga class, instructed by Diana of Garden of Yoga.



Level 1/2 Flow Yoga with Amber Gross

lululemon South Bay, 2008A East Park Place

Sunday, April 20th 9:30am

Cost: FREE



Join Amber Gross of Movement Studios in Westchester for a 1/2 Flow Yoga class.



Sunday Yoga with John Bea!

lululemon Pasadena, 110 W Colorado Blvd

Sunday, April 20th 10:00am

Cost: FREE



John Bea leads our all levels yoga class today! John is definitely a favorite teacher as his classes are for those who like to get that yoga flow going.



Yantra (Sacred Geometry) Painting Workshop

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Marina del Rey

Sunday, April 20th 1:00-5:00pm

Cost: $30 members, $40 non-members (includes materials)



Yantra painting is a sacred art, based on the Vedas, the ancient Indian scriptures of knowledge and wisdom.

This workshop will be led by Vidya and Rajeshwari, who have both learnt Yantra painting from Dutch master artist, Pieter Weltevrede. They invite you to discover the delights of constructing and painting your own Yantra and the good news is that you don’t need to be an artist! We will provide paper and some tools, but please bring a sharp lead pencil, an eraser, ruler and compass if you have one.

The act of drawing and painting Yantras is a deeply meditative experience and it teaches the mind how to concentrate, how to be one-pointed. This practice is fascinating and absorbing and creating a Yantra can yield valuable lessons. Yantra drawing requires accuracy, exactness, discipline, concentration, neatness and patience. The geometrical forms of the Yantra activate the right hemisphere of the brain, which is visual and nonverbal.

Especially for Westerners, who are more left hemisphere dominated and are deficient in right hemisphere education which causes some loss of imagination and of faith in higher values. Right hemisphere education through art, dance and music is needed to restore the balance. By coloring and drawing the geometrical Yantra diagrams, based on the mathematical perfection of sages of the East, Westerners can make both their hemispheres work simultaneously and calmly, achieve faith and live in constant awareness.



Sat Kartar Kaur: “Listen” Kirtan/Chant Meditation Concert

The Awareness Center, Pasadena

Friday, April 25th 7:30pm

Cost: $20 if paid by 4/24, $25 at the door



Sat Kartar Kaur's offerings of music synthesize Eastern and Western influences, but are centered in her life study and practice of Sikh Kirtan and Kundalini and Naad Yoga. Her unique vocal style ranges from the ethereal mystic space created in her Indian classical raga recordings, to groove-driven, gutsy interpretations of chants, hymns, songs, and stories.

Sat Kartar has performed, taught, and facilitated sacred music experiences in India, Canada, Spain, Mexico, Australia, and the U.S. for over over 30 years in a wide variety of venues, including clubs, art openings, yoga center.



Symphonic Yoga III with Brad Keimach ~ Mozart, Beethoven, Puccini, Tchaikovsky and friends, and you

Exhale Center for Sacred Movement, Venice

Saturday, April 26th 1:30-3:30pm

Cost: $25



This is a Level 2/3 Vinyasa Flow class, set to classical music. The composers whose music will accompany this special class include Mozart, Beethoven, Debussy, Verdi, Puccini, Ravel, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Strauss, and Mendelssohn, among others. All of the performances were conducted by Brad from his professional conducting days in New York. come and see how your practice feels, and how your breath moves when accompanied by some of the towering geniuses of classical music! A once-in-a-lifetime experience!



Temple Bhajan Band Workshop and Kirtan

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, Marina del Rey

Saturday, April 26th 4:00-8:30pm

Cost: $45 for the whole program!



Come join with us for an afternoon and evening of celebration, chanting, and incredible bhajans played by LA's very own Temple Bhajan Band.

4:00-6:00pm: Harmonium & Kirtan Workshop

6:00-7:00pm: Feast!

7:00-8:30pm: Kirtan performance

The Temple Bhajan Band is a group of devotional chanters that tours Southern California's Yoga Studios, Yoga Retreats, and various social events. They have been together for 5 years. The heart of the band is Sura whose voice is legendary among practitioners of Yoga and Interfaith followers. While Sura sings to the accompaniment of the harmonium he leads the rest of the members on instruments such as the esaraja, tamboura, kartals, flute, violin, and mrdunga drum in a dynamic symphony that is timeless. The Temple Bhajan Band plays ancient Vedic bhajans, which include mantras and chants from spiritual India. Many of the chants are done in a responsive fashion where the audience can participate and experience the purifying pleasure of the chanting.



Recover from Taxes: A Restorative Workshop to Relax and Restore the body and mind with Leslie Porter

Santa Monica Yoga, Santa Monica

Saturday, April 26th 5:00-7:00pm

Cost: $35 pre-registered by April 21, $40 registered after April 21



In this class, we’ll practice gentle asanas (yoga postures) with the support of blankets, bolsters, and other props and pranayama (breathing techniques) to relax and restore from tax season and the stress of our daily lives. Potential benefits include deep rest, a feeling of well being, improved sleeping rhythms, increased feeling of openness in the body, and finding stillness within. “The power of restorative yoga lies in its ability to nurture ones own internal healing processes” (Iyengar Institute SF).

What to bring: Something warm to wear if it is a chilly night and an eye pillow or something to cover your eyes.



Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Gen Fischer

lululemon South Bay, 2008A East Park Place

Sunday, April 27th 9:30am

Cost: FREE



Join Gen Fischer of The Yoga Loft in Manhattan Beach for a Vinyasa Flow Yoga class!



Sunday Yoga with Janine Conte!!

lululemon Pasadena, 110 W Colorado Blvd

Sunday, April 27th 10:00am

Cost: FREE



Janine Conte teaches us today in an Anusara-style yoga class. Janine is a dedicated yogi and a very special member of our local community.

Limited "community" mats are available. Bringing your own mat is encouraged. As class fill up quickly, and space is limited, please come early.

Please dress in layers so that you may remove articles as you warm-up during the class. Our space is outdoors behind the store on the patio (accessible through the alley on Delacey).