ASTRO.GONG.YOGA Offers Solutions for Connection and Practice

Part of the role of Yoga studios is their service as places of refuge and support to many on their path of enhancing physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The current footprint of how people are able to access in-person yoga is going through some major shifts in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. In contrast, ASTRO.GONG.YOGA, a sound healing and Yoga Center with an astrology-informed approach, is emerging with an in-person presence in Mid-City Los Angeles.

ASTRO.GONG.YOGA merges a trilogy of proven ancient healing modalities designed to rejuvenate and rebalance mind, body, and spirit, while supporting you on the path to understanding yourself. Their offerings are widely diverse and yet interwoven to provide a holistic experience. These include: Astrology workshops, Gong Sound Healing events and in-depth training with co-founder and Gong Master Lou Maurer.

The schedule at ASTRO.GONG.YOGA also features a variety of yoga classes that allow everyone to discover the yoga style most suitable for their individual needs. These three methods are blended together in their bi-monthly Moon Time Ceremony and Workshop.

The physical environment of AGY is spacious and light and is a complete contrast to the hustling and bustling La Brea Ave. The interior consists of two studios, one which is home to 27 Gongs. Fortunately, AGY also has a large outdoor rooftop where all their current socially distanced offerings are taking place.

ASTRO.GONG.YOGA Cofounder Emily Johnston

Authenticity and Inclusivity

Opening in the Summer of 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic meant that founders, Emily Johnston and Lou Maurer, needed to be imaginative and inventive.

ASTRO.GONG.YOGA Co-Founder Lou Maurer

At this time, they were determined to offer a little sense of normalcy through ASTRO.GONG.YOGA. As the yoga community reorganizes, Emily and Lou are focusing their efforts on serving by bringing together an authentic and inclusive community that revolves around yogic philosophy, sacred sound, and wisdom.

Despite – or maybe because of – the intensity we have all felt throughout 2020 (and into the beginning of 2021), people are attending the in-person outdoor classes and workshops at AGY. The team has seen that individuals are actively searching for in-person socially distanced yoga that will enable them to maintain their self-care routine while maintaining the health of their community. Higher levels of anxiety and increased time spent online have left people seeking to engage with and be a part of a meaningful community that makes a positive impact in the world and supports each other. It is with the support of this emerging community that AGY is able to give back and contribute.

ASTRO.GONG.YOGA Boutique

Their indoor communal space is decorated with a gallery supporting local artists and cultural non-profits, fundraisers and community classes (on the rooftop) are offered regularly, and their in-house boutique offers ethically and locally sourced wellness products to support small business.

Hope and Connection

AGY’s story is one of hope. Hope that the essence of yoga, community, and connection is unreplaceable despite all the challenges that we are currently facing in Los Angeles and beyond. Connection and co-regulation are a vital part of our self-care routines. Perhaps more than anything the pandemic has taught us how connected we all are, reaffirming that those precious moments of coming together through breath and movement that make the practice feel meaningful will sustain.

Learn More About ASTRO.GONG.YOGA

To learn more about AGY offerings, health protocols, and to pre-book a class visit: www.astrogongyoga.com

Find AGY at 145 N La Brea Ave. Unit E. Los Angeles, CA 90036

Keren Eshed

Keren Eshed is an LA-based Yoga teacher, student, and a Yoga therapist in training who is passionate about sharing the gift of Yoga. IG @keren.eshed

The post ASTRO.GONG.YOGA: Building Community and Sharing Wisdom appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Officer White Meditating 2: Officer Eric White of the Emeryville, California Police Department, meditates as part of a mindfulness program instituted by Chief Jennifer Tejada in order to help officers process trauma and increase positive outcomes with the public.

The Mainstreaming of Mindfulness

The coronavirus has affected all of us in ways we never imagined. Many of us face overwhelming emotions and thoughts and in need of tools as we navigate into the unknown future. There seems to be no better time to develop or deepen mindfulness practices. The Mindfulness Movement, a documentary by Director Rob Beemer and Executive Producers Deepak Chopra and Jewel, explores the spread of mindfulness from its roots in the Buddhist tradition and into the mainstream world as a secular contemplative practice.

Producers Deepak Rob Leigh Poonacha: A behind the scenes photo of (from left to right) Producer/Director Rob Beemer, and Executive Producers Leigh Koechner, Deepak Chopra and Poonacha Machaiah.

Busting the Myths of Mindfulness

Although mindfulness is becoming more well-known around the world, there are still misconceptions about the nature of practice and its practical value. The film clears out myths and provides an immense amount of information regarding the practice and its benefits. These include mindfulness’ scientifically-proven ability to rewire and restructure the brain, reduce stress, restore balance, and improve sleep as well as its ability to strengthen our resiliency.

etna mindfulness class: Aetna employees meditate during a class in the Mindfulness Center at Aetna’s corporate office in Hartford, Connecticut.

Alongside the research, it becomes clear that mindfulness works as the film tracks its application with specific groups, including the Mindfulness Warrior Project, an organization guiding veterans with PTSD. Following the development of the movement over the past decades, The film interweaves the personal journeys of four individuals. These are: Dan Harris, co-anchor of ABC’s Nightline and the weekend editions of Good Morning America; Sharon Salzberg, a pioneer of mindfulness in the West and co-founder of the Insight Meditation Society; singer-songwriter Jewel; and George Mumford, a leading mindfulness teacher who taught NBA legends Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal.

Jewel with foundation teens: Jewel works with the co-founder of the Inspiring Children Foundation, Ryan Wolfington (who is a Co-Executive Producer of the film) as they lead at-risk teens in Las Vegas through the mindfulness-based Jewel Never Broken program.

The Transformation of Mindfulness

Their stories showcase the power of mindfulness to transform. And the film continues to show the movement’s spread in all areas of life – from schools, prisons, police forces, and workplaces. We also see how mindfulness has infiltrated daily life and our smartphones with apps and technology products. The viewer is also invited to participate in two short mindfulness practices with leading teachers and experience the potential it has to offer first-hand.

At a time in which we consume so much information and content that can be overwhelming and ignite fear, The Mindfulness Movement is a refreshing antidote. The film’s message that mindfulness is a practice that everybody can do is an important one. The diverse group of people featured in the film offer a convincing set of benefits to convince those who may be still reluctant to try meditation. Although seasoned practitioners might find the information here familiar, the film can inspire all of us to share the practice of mindfulness with others in order to contribute to positive social change.

Watch and Share The Mindfulness Movement

The Mindfulness Movement is available online for rent or purchase beginning on April 10: themindfulnessmovement.com

Keren Eshed

Keren Eshed is an LA-based Yoga teacher, student, and a Yoga therapist in training who is passionate about sharing the gift of Yoga. IG @keren.eshed

The post The Mindfulness Movement is a Documentary that Offers Solutions appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

“Dancing is a spiritual exercise in a physical form” – Merce Cunningham

Merce Cunningham was considered one of the most influential and innovative modern dance choreographers. His work broke through the boundaries of classical dance and art. The documentary film Cunningham, by Alla Kovgan, invites the viewer to be mesmerized by watching a selection of Merce’s signature work spanning from the 1940s to the 1970s.

Choreography, Process, and Philosophy with Merce Cunningham

I know very little about dance and yet from the first moment, I could not take my eyes off the screen, observing every movement, following the unfolding spaces and taking in every sound. The film blends Merce’s original footage alongside new recreations of his most famous choreographies. The two are interwoven together to create a timeless feeling. Merce is known for creating chance principles, like coin flipping to determine movement sequences, and incorporating them into his choreography, thus allowing circumstances and the present moment into his work. These created a unique combination of movements and presented the dance world with something fresh and new.

Merce’s approach and philosophy to life are set forth through his own words as well as quotes from members of his dance company and collaborators. Some of Merce’s thoughtfully chosen words capture the essence of his perspective on dance, relationships, and life. “I don’t describe it, I do it” and “It isn’t about the money…it is about making something,” convey his emphasis on the doing itself rather than the future results. His words resonated within me while I was taken into a mesmerizing journey through movement, space, and sound.

The Visual Experience of Pioneering Choreography

The use of 3D technology fits beautifully with the narrative and captures Merce’s pioneering choreography. This is a visual experience in which the viewer is surrounded by constant movement and change. For me, the peak of the experience was the recreation of the choreography RainForest, which incorporates artwork by Andy Warhol. Shiny silver pillows float freely in the air, dancers in nude color partly torn leotards and tights performing unconventional movements, and electronic nature sounds – all create a surreal experience. Each element is stunning on its own and brought together they blend into a unique visual experience.

Merce saw dance as a spiritual practice and the film portrays that fully and completely. I was left inspired to enable randomness into my life and practice the most challenging practice – focus on the doing while letting go of the attachment to future results.

Learn More about the Documentary Film Cunningham

Learn more about the film at: cunninghamfilm.com

Keren Eshed

Keren Eshed is an LA-based Yoga teacher, student, and a Yoga therapist in training who is passionate about sharing the gift of Yoga. IG @keren.eshed

The post In the Documentary Film Cunningham, a Choreographer’s Spiritual Practice is on Screen appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

The vision of Namastday Yoga Center, according to founder Michele Bohbot CIYT C-IAYT, is to “offer a program that encourages students to learn to connect with themselves on a deeper level. Yoga is the cheapest investment someone can make, and it offers the best return. Yoga has changed my life in many ways and creating Namastday Yoga Center was my way to give back.”

Namastday has expanded its original offerings of yoga classes and workshops to host teachers and special events such as Garth McLean’s Yoga to Address or MS & Other Movement Challenges and Approved Professional Development courses which meet requirements of the International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Teach and Go for Instructors

Studio rentals from Namastday’s “co-working” opportunity, as a Co-Yoga Studio®, allows instructors and other wellness professionals to use the modern facilities, rope walls, and treasure trove of yoga props and chairs to “Teach and go!”

Classes and Styles Available at Namastday Yoga

When I visited, a hallway filled with inspiring pictures of B.K.S. Iyengar led me to the entrance. Although Namastday has a profound Iyengar Yoga presence, class offerings are impressively diverse. The schedule includes Iyengar, Ashtanga, modern-style vinyasa, Hatha, and Restorative, as well as classes focusing on general and specific health concerns.

When I attended the Yoga for Health class, Nancy Sandercock, one of many highly qualified teachers, showed a tremendous amount of knowledge as she carefully explained how to cultivate awareness and healthier movement patterns.

Namastday consists of two studios, an education area where you can sip complimentary tea while deepening your yoga philosophy understandings, and a meditation room. A retail area sells Electric Yoga apparel designed by founder Michele Bohbot, as well as props, books, and more.

The studios have beautiful natural lighting and are fully equipped with every yoga prop you will need. With all the tools to give practicing yogis the space they need to nurture a consistent and healthy practice, Namastday Yoga Center is a one-stop haven.

Namastday Yoga Center

113 N. San Vicente Blvd. 2nd Floor
Beverly Hills, CA 90211
(310) 923-9922
namastday.com

Keren Eshed

Keren Eshed is an LA-based Yoga teacher, student, and a Yoga therapist in training who is passionate about sharing the gift of Yoga. IG @keren.eshed

The post Namastday in Beverly Hills adds More Diverse Class Offerings appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.