The Power of Music

In my mind, meditation music allows you to release the noise in your mind. This type of music helps you focus, escape daily stresses, and even transcend to another level of consciousness. Meditation music can heighten your senses and unite your mind, body, and spirit.

The album Meditation Music by Joss Jaffe incorporates all of those qualities. Joss decided to create a body of music that is unlike his previous releases. Meditation Music is intentionally and carefully crafted to be both soothing and ambient. The effect is both relaxing and relieving. Anything like this that we can lean into to support our lives is a welcome relief.

The Science of Mediation Music

Joss says, ”This music is designed to help synchronize the brain with the deeper waves associated with relaxation and meditation. The science of meditation shows that what is happening in the brain is that the waves are slowing down. They move from the alpha and beta that correspond with increased activity and stress into the slower waves of delta and theta that correspond with relaxation, rest, sleep and rejuvenation. Meditation masters are able to do this on their own. This music is designed to help synchronize the brain with the waves associated with relaxation and meditation. I wanted a body of work that could be played in a gentle yoga class or even for meditation and spa relaxation such as massage.”

Each song has a unique effect. Some songs’ names identify this, such as “Deep Theta” and “Deep Delta.” For example, these feature long sonorous tones and a rhythmic underlying pulse. This creates a gently supportive, ambient soundscape. “Zen Forest” and “Temple Clouds” evoke states of peace and gentle nature soundscapes. “Morning Sun Drops” feels like the quiet of the morning, the world waking up to its first light.

A Healing Music Collection

Joss started playing music at a young age, and felt music to be a powerful companion. Music can invoke a variety of emotional states. And hearing a song or a melody can easily change our state of being. Hence, what we listen to is very important, as it affects the depth our experience. Yoga teachers, therapists, practitioners and healers around the world can use this music for Reiki, meditation, massage, relaxation, or as a compliment to any contemplative practice. Meditation Music by Joss Jaffe is an essential addition to any music healing collection.

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Joss Jaffe Releases Meditation Music appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

September 25-30, Bhakti Fest Celebrates in 29 Palms, California

Bhakti Fest is the only festival of its kind that celebrates the devotional path with roots in Bhakti Yoga, Kirtan, and meditation. This festival embraces ancient and modern sacred wisdom and traditional and non-traditional spiritual practices.

This year has been one for change, including Bhakti Fest’s move to their beautiful new location at Roadrunner Dunes in 29 Palms, CA. The City of 29 Palms is the home of Joshua Tree National Park North Entrance and the official Gateway to the Mojave Trails National Monument. Expect skies painted with color at dawn and dusk, and night skies filled with an abundance of stars.

Bhakti Fest will feature two music stages, expanded yoga and workshop villages, a sound temple healing sanctuary, a mantra dome, and a Kirtan School. In addition, families can enjoy Bhakti Kids Land offering a wide array of family programming, plus men’s and women’s sacred spaces for gender specific workshops and more. The location also comes also with some new features, including a lake for swimming and paddleboard yoga and a vast vibrant space for art installations.

Bhakti Fest Celebrates Devotional Music

The inspiration for Bhakti Fest first emerged 50 years ago when Founder Sridhar Silberfein attended the historical 1969 festival event, Woodstock. Promoters Michael Lang and Artie Kornfeld sought Sridhar’s advice on the soon to be legendary art and music festival. Sridhar responded, “Ya got some of the greatest musical acts in the world, but what’s missing is the spiritual component.”

With their to-do lists already bursting, they answered, “Ok you deal with that part.” Sridhar arranged for his teacher, Swami Satchitananda, to be flown to in by helicopter to deliver an invocation. While on stage, together Sri whispered to Swami Satchidananda, “Swamiji, wouldn’t it be great to bring this many people together to chant the names of God?” Swami Satchidananda smiled knowingly and said, “Yes, it would be great if you could do that.” Forty years later, Bhakti Fest emerged and has been a formative force in the rise and awareness of Kirtan and Bhakti Yoga.

Attend Bhakti Fest

Headliners for the 2019 event include: Jai Uttal, Dharma Mittra, Radhanath Swami, MC YOGI, Fannah Fi Allah, Saul David Raye, Sianna Sherman, Mike Love, Mas Vidal, Girish, Govind Das & Radha, Kia Miller, Dawn Cartwright, Ram Das (via video), Zoe Kors, and many more.

Housing options include camping, RV hook-up sites, glamping yurts, cozy trailers, and many hotels and Airbnbs in nearby City of 29 Palms.

Buy your tickets now at: Bhaktifest.com

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Bhakti Fest is the Spiritual Woodstock for the New Millennium appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Photo at Shakti Fest by Sandra Goodin

In 2019, Shakti Fest and Bhakti Fest move to a new Joshua Tree location.

The devotional festivals of Shakti Fest and Bhakti Fest are experiencing some exciting new changes for 2019. The venue that has hosted the festival for a decade has run into site restrictions with San Bernardino County. This has led to a fresh destination for the event’s locale.

Founder Sridhar Silberfein says, “We are so excited that we have found a fantastic place for Shakti Fest 2019 and to be staying in the amazing vibration of Joshua Tree, California. Our new location is the Joshua Tree Lake Campground. The Lake has hosted the Joshua Tree Music Festival for 18 years and offers a beautiful high desert hillside setting with a picturesque lake.”

The festivals are filled with yoga classes, spiritual lectures, vegetarian food, and celebratory singing and dancing to the call-and-response sacred music of kirtan.

Photo of Kristin Olson and Girish at Shakti Fest by Sandra Goodin

Dance, Sing, Eat, Learn

Shakti and Bhakti Fests nourish and recharge the body and mind. At the same time, these sacred events provide the space for attendees to cultivate connections with community, the divine, and the self. Beyond the chanting, a number of features offer a full festival experience.  An extensive healing sanctuary offers bodywork and wellness modalities. The space will also have a sound temple. Be prepared to celebrate at the dance temple featuring top spiritual DJs. Bring young ones to the Bhakti Kids Land and Family Village. Settle in for transformation at the immersive mantra dome.

Shakti Fest Yoga Teachers include: MC YOGI, Shiva Rea, Saul David Raye, Mark Whitwell, Govind Das and Radha, Kia Miller, Hemalayaa, Jaya Lakshmi, Leeza Villagomez, Mas Vidal, Nubia Teixeira, Kristin Olson, and more.

Kirtan artists playing at Shakti Fest include the following. Jai Uttal, Jaya Lakshi and Ananda, Govind Das and Radha, MC YOGI, Saul David Raye, and Amritakripa. The Hanuman Project, SriKala, Sita Devi, Larisa Stow and Shakti Tribe, Gina Sala, Sirgun Kaur, Joss Jaffe, Girish, Donna De Lory, David Newman, and more.

Shakti Fest Workshop leaders include noted teachers and authors. Laugh and learn with Zoe Kors, Lorin Roche and Camille Maurine, Dharma Devi, Josie Keys, and Mas Vidal. Breathe with Michael Brian Baker. Expand your consciousness with Syamarani, Zach Leary, Dawn Cartwright, and more.

Joshua Tree Lake Campground

At the Joshua Tree Lake Campground, the painted sky and lovely lake offer a gorgeous backdrop with the beauty of nature as your devotional décor. The setting makes this heart-centered event an even more sacred experience. Start preparing now for the magical weekend in May.

For more information about tickets, logistics, and lodging options, visit: bhaktifest.com.

 

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

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Joss Jaffe & Music on Dub Mantra Remix

Dub Mantra Sangha Remix is a follow-up album created by California-based musician, producer, and intercultural collaborator Joss Jaffe. His latest collection features nine reimagined tracks from his critically acclaimed release Dub Mantra Sangha.

Community of Musicians

In keeping with sangha, which means community, Joss has assembled a medley of musicians and DJs including Jai Uttal, Donna De Lory, Dave Stringer, Suzanne Sterling, Silvia Nakkach, Wah!, DJ Taz Rashid, Robin Livingston, and Rara Avis.

“Working with all the different artists was a huge learning experience. I love seeing the ways these artists approach a piece of music with different avenues of creativity. Collaboration creates art that is bigger than any one artist, and makes it more complex and beautiful,” says Joss.

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Dub Mantra Sangha Remix by Joss Jaffe appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Photo of Bobbi Boston Ashtanga Yoga Sherman Oaks by Joy Santos

Ashtanga Yoga Sherman Oaks Welcomes Students

Ashtanga Yoga Sherman Oaks (AYSO) is the first and only yoga studio (Shala) in the San Fernando Valley dedicated to upholding the tradition of the Ashtanga Yoga practice. The Shala offers ongoing Mysore-style classes. AYSO has been open since November, 2017. The Shala welcomes students into the yoga practice with a modern open and clean space. Adornments are reminiscent of its roots of Eastern meditative traditions, and its simplicity is inviting and supportive.

The Mysore format of Ashtanga Yoga allows students to learn the series of poses at their own pace. This allows them to connect with the teacher, find their own breath, movements, and individual experience while feeling the collective energy of practicing in a group. The Shala also offers traditional Led Primary Series on the first Saturday of the month.

Bobbi Boston photographed by Joy Santos

Ashtanga Yoga Teacher Bobbi Boston

Owner and Founder Bobbi Boston has been practicing Ashtanga Yoga since 1996. She feels it is her dharma to share the Ashtanga practice in the traditional Mysore format. Bobbi is a dedicated student who continues her education with her teacher R Sharath Jois in Mysore, India, and received her blessing to teach from his grandfather Sri K Pattabhi Jois before his passing in 2009. Fondly referred to as Guruji, Sri K Pattahbi Jois divinely created this practice and style in the lineage of his teacher, Tirumalai Krishnamacharya. Ashtanga Yoga remains one of the few lineage practices.

This studio is a testament of the dedication to the roots of the Ashtanga practice and how it has personally transformed Bobbi’s life.

More Information Ashtanga Yoga Sherman Oaks

For more information about Ashtanga Yoga and this lovely dedicated space, please visit ashtangayogashermanoaks.com

Ashtanga Yoga Sherman Oaks/My Petite Shala
17071 Ventura Blvd Ste 200, Encino, CA 91316
310-867-0894
bobbibostonyoga.com

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Ashtanga Yoga Sherman Oaks with Bobbi Boston appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

“Music is sustenance,” says singer/songwriter Karen Atkins. She is a long-time natural health expert in nearly 50 alternative modalities, including yoga, qigong and consciousness-based healing systems like BodyTalk. As she says, “Two decades of experience in helping people heal themselves has inspired me to make music with a similar purpose.”

432 Hz and the Harmony of the Heart

What gives her music have a healing quality? In My Room features a concept that is not commonly seen in popular music. Karen uses the A = 432 Hz tuning. Instead of the standard Western tuning of A = 440 Hz, Atkins tuned all of the instruments used in her album to the 432 Hz frequency, which is said to be the universal frequency that has a harmonious effect on the brain and the heart.

Karen Atkins and the Frequency Experiment Tour

To delve into how listeners experience the effect of healing music recorded in 432 Hz, Karen traveled across the US in the summer of 2017 on the “Frequency Experiment Tour.” People’s responses were overwhelmingly positive. Karen shared songs from In My Room through listening booths set up at outdoor fairs and markets, as well as at live shows. Over 200 study participants filled out before and after questionnaires to report their perceived stress and physical discomfort levels. People’s stress levels decreased significantly after listening to the music.

In My Room as Healing Music

Karen’s album is part of a new genre of healing music. It’s not your typical meditation or kirtan album. In My Room has flavors of Stevie Wonder, The Beatles, Earth, Wind and Fire, and the Carpenters. It is catchy and deep all at once.

Some of the most remarkable qualities of this album are its softly simple and clear expression of sounds and poetic lyrics. Upbeat tracks such as “Julian” feel fun and playful. One of my favorite songs, “Tell Daniel,” draws slow deep breaths inside its melodies. The title track of “In My Room” has a personal and universal message that effortlessly carries the weight through the lyrics’ emotion. “Slip Slidin’ Away” was a complete surprise to me. It concludes the album with a country-folk sound.

This album offers music that is designed to make you feel good by simply listening to it. The Frequency Experiment Tour even confirmed this effect with listeners. The words and melodies are both catchy. When you put on In My Room, you’ll probably find yourself singing along too!

Free Music for LA YOGA Readers

Exclusive for LA Yoga readers: Karen selected a few songs to accompany you during your yoga practice! Download for free: karenatkinsmusic.com/LAyoga

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Singer/Songwriter Karen Atkins Tunes Into Universal Frequency and Healing Music with In My Room appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

About Ascension, Niguma Vol.2 by Sangeeta Kaur

This album is a unique expression of Sangeeta, who is a Kundalini Yoga teacher, composer, and opera singer. In it, she tells the sacred story of Lady Niguma, an influential 11th century Yogini. Lady Niguma created one of the first documented yoga series, as well as a school and system of yoga predominantly for women.
 
For years Sangeeta felt inspired to share Lady Niguma’s story. “Being a theater and opera major, I asked myself how to share this hidden gem that’s so transformative,” says Sangeeta Kaur.
The inspiration came to fruition for Niguma: The Mantra Project.
 
Sangeeta and renowned producer/composer Nicholas Neidhard collaborated through a sound alchemy of sacred mantra, modern opera, the vast sounds of the Hungarian Orchestra and Choir, the Sufi mystical ecstatic chant Qawwali, and influences from West Africa and Armenia.
 
One of my favorites is “This Beautiful World.” It has mystical sweeping sounds that transport the listener on an expansive aural journey. Another standout is “Dream Tunnel” with its elegant, emotional, high-drama string arrangements and vocals that sound like gorgeous sighs. “Lascia Ch’io Pianga” is a nod to classical Italian opera, while “Samsara’s Tango” weaves the Tango soundscapes with operatic vocals.
 
Overall, Ascension left me feeling that this New Age music album will be appreciated on a global scale.
 

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Ascension, Niguma Vol.2 by Sangeeta Kaur: Music Review appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Some Guided Meditations in the Collection:

“Ocean Waves and Lotus Relaxation”

“Ocean Waves and Lotus Relaxation” features nature as the soundtrack. Dhanpal-Donna’s amazing imagery manages to engage all of your senses and her detailed descriptions paint pictures in your mind’s eye of the ocean landscape.
 
It captures the essence of the beach and takes you on a healing journey each time you listen.
 

“Visualization: Candle Flame”

In “Visualization: Candle Flame” the words guide you through the relaxation techniques, while the beautiful chanting of Sangeet Kaur and Harjinder Singh adds a wonderful atmosphere to the relaxation experience. Dhanpal-Donna gently guides you to a wonderful place of healing and renewal.
 

“Healing Meditation: Divine Within”

My favorite personal favorite was “Healing Meditation: Divine Within.” The long sonorous tones of Ram Singh’s voice create the perfect combination for a deep meditation.
 
Its simplicity was unassumingly powerful and transformative and left me with heightened senses and clarity. After listening and meditating with this track, I felt inspired, relaxed, and connected.
 

Guided Meditations for Everyone with Dhanpal-Donna Quesada

Dhanpal-Donna Quesada’s meditation album Guided Meditations and Imagery for Deep Healing & Relaxation is an essential addition to any healing collection. Learn to awaken your higher consciousness by listening to a calming voice guide you through a visualizations and meditations to connect with your inner mind and higher self.
 
Check out this guided meditation, “How to Deal with Negative Thoughts.”

 

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Guided Meditations: Imagery for Deep Healing Review appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

About Find Your True Fork

The studio is hosting Find Your True Fork dinner series that will provide the community a chance to learn about various cuisines and food philosophies through a series of dinners centered around mindful eating. It features ground-breaking chefs and influential thought leaders sharing their vision for healthy, sustainable, and ethical food choices. Each dinner spotlights a different approach to food and include a short lecture.
 
Jeff Krasno, Co-Founder of Wanderlust says, “Find Your True Fork is a platform for people to discover healthy, delicious and ethical approaches to food. We’re creating this platform by focusing on innovative chefs, in hopes, that people will see some of their own personal journeys within the stories of these chefs. Just like there is no one singular yoga method that is perfect for everybody, there is no one single diet that is right for everyone. We hope that Wanderlust can be useful to help people ‘find their true fork.’”
 

“Find Your True Fork is a platform for people to discover healthy, delicious and ethical approaches to food.” – Jeff Krasno, Co-Founder of Wanderlust

 
Jason Wrobel, the featured chef and world-renowned leader in organic raw vegan cuisine who began the series in June says, “I appreciate Wanderlust’s commitment to really highlight sustainable, ethical and mindful cuisine in all of it’s forms. It’s a delight that I get showcase my influences within this series.”
 

A Transformative Menu

During the evening of the first Find Your True Fork dinner, I found Wanderlust Hollywood transformed into a community dining hall filled with banquet tables graced with Jason Wrobel’s vegan menu. I found his courses not only to be creative and innovative but surprisingly different from my preconceived ideas of vegan food. The family-style servings was a reminder that life is best when shared.  The connection pulsing through people who came together with shared values left me with a sense of belonging and connectedness both with our community and to our earth.
 

Photo by Matt Hollingsworth

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Find Your True Fork at Wanderlust Hollywood appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Mandala Center LA studio Photo of Saul David Raye Class by Joy Santos

Mandala Center LA—Yoga, Community, and Conscious Living— exemplifies both yoga’s collective experience as well as its personal practice.

Mandala’s vision, according to co-founder Saul David Raye is, “to create a community of Teachers, Artists, Students, Activists. The intention is circular—hence the name Mandala—to invite everyone into the conversation.” Many of the teachers who are collaborating at Mandala have known each other for years. Some of the center’s teachers include: Saul David Raye, Richard Wegman, Grace Flowers, Micheline Berry, Samantha Mehra, Patti Quintero, Leslie Kazadi, John Sahakian, Normandie Keith, Sherry Brourman, Jason Frahm, Phoebe Diftler, Azita Nahai, Mas Vidal, Daniel Stewart, Steve Ross, Zach Leary, Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, Sianna Sherman, Mark Whitwell, Mia Togo, Sara Ivanhoe, Kia Miller, Cristi Christensen, Larry Payne, Ashley Turner, and more.

Part of the vision of the center is to have a circular model of a studio that includes profit-sharing for teachers and donating a portion of studio proceeds to nonprofits and seva or service projects and organizations. Saul says, “We wanted to offer a studio dedicated to consciousness first, a place to step up to a bigger vision of how to work together.” In addition to a robust weekly schedule of classes (drop-in and package prices available), Mandala will also offer healing sessions, meditation classes, and workshops and seminars from notable teachers.

During one of the studio’s first public events, I felt a sense of belonging and connectedness because Shiva Rea had arranged the mats in a circular formation—a Mandala.  The lofty ceilings felt spacious and the skylights invited the sun’s rays to join us. The strongest feeling I experienced at Mandala as I practiced is knowing that life is best when shared.

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Mandala Center LA appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Amethyst is a sincere expression of J Brave’s mission to spread messages of peace, love, and unity through the vehicle of hip hop music. The album’s name is inspired by the power of amethyst crystals and their connection to imagination, intuition, creativity, and passion. Amethyst has well-intentioned lyricism, epic beats, and messages that cover the full range of the human experience from playfulness to joy, to frustration.

The strong opening track “Chakraz” sets the entire tone for the album; it immediately put a smile on my face. “Destiny” is a another standout; produced by Daniel “Konscious” Krieger, it has gorgeous chorus sung by Shylah Ray Sunshine. “Drippy Fun“ has a seductive quality and what I can only describe as “soul meets body” beats.

“Make a Stand,” produced by Ian Noe, is tribute to leaders who make a difference even in the face of tyranny, suffering, and injustice. It motivates us that to make the change we have in order to make a difference, put your intentions into action, and stand for something that brings greater meaning and purpose to our lives.

“Walls Fall Down” connects us to the shadow side of life. Its lyrics remind us to learn to love and to let go. The shift of frustration to empowerment in the second verse and the story of how to rise from the being beaten down is beautifully empowering. It addresses the issues of our ups and downs in this life experience.

If you want to fuel your day with music that brings you joy, inspiration, motivation, and makes you want to dance, listen to J Brave’s new album Amethyst. This conscious rapper elevates and motivates and helps us to remember our essential truth. J Brave has the skills to make the words embody the shared human experience, to tell stories which belong to everyone, and to bring poetic lyrics alive through music.

Download the album here as part of the “pay what you can campaign” through Bandcamp.

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Amethyst by J Brave appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Khalil Rafati (pictured, above), one of the Founders of SunLife Organics says, “In 2011, my partner Hayley and I opened the doors to the first SunLife Organics in Malibu, California with a simple mission: to love, heal and inspire”

SunLife Organics has opened two new locations—in Pasadena and Manhattan Beach— to help share the remarkable and instantaneous results Khalil experienced as a result of enjoying organic juices, superfood shakes, salads, and bowls. Two of SunLife’s regularly ordered items by dedicated patrons are The Brazilian Bowl and Signature Superfood Shakes like the Wolverine (banana, raw almond butter, dates, coconut, maca, raw cacao, bee pollen, royal jelly, and almond milk).

One of my faves and one I find to be the most intriguing is the Billion Dollar Smoothie, a blend of some of the most nutrient-dense and protein-rich ingredients on the planet with smoothie ingredients like raw cashew butter and spinach along with Four Sigmatic 10 Mushroom Blend, E3-Live, MCT oil, and more. It’s so good at maintaining energy, stamina, and vitality that the proprietors drink it every morning.

Each of the six locations offer a cozy living room atmosphere with open space to sit down and chat, minus Wifi to encourage people to connect. Details such as crystals sprinkled throughout each locations are hallmarks of the SunLife community. The Manhattan Beach location is just a few blocks from the Pier and the beach making it a convenient stop before or after the beach. Retail items including superfood ingredients, nutrient dense snacks, body care products, and books (brain food), are all carefully selected because the owners use them and believe they bring greater meaning and purpose to their lives.

Khalil Rafati says, “SunLife Organics isn’t a juice bar. We wanted a place where we could come together and re-connect as a community, away from our iPads, smartphones, and social networks; a place to elevate the human spirit and help us get back to basics. It’s an experience fueled by the simple but profound joy of human connection.”

Pasadena
146 S. Lake Ave #103
Pasadena CA, 91101
626.765.9662

Manhattan Beach
451 Manhattan Beach Blvd #124
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
310.545.7773

For more information visit: sunlifeorganics.com

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post SunLife Organics Expands beyond Malibu appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Nathania Stambouli at Goda Yoga

Goda Yoga in Culver City first opened its doors 15 years ago in 2001 and has recently transitioned to new ownership. Nathania Stambouli is now the new owner and her personal story of desk job to yoga teacher studio owner in one year has been an inspiration to her students. Nathania has demonstrated the courage to take steps in the direction of her dreams and manifest things she never even thought possible.

With the transition, the lobby has also received a remodel. It mirrors the fresh energy and new direction the studio is taking as a new incarnation. Windows now open up to the street side for natural light and people outside the studio can sneak a peak at the yoga classes and see the awe-inspiring hand-painted mural that adorns one of the walls.

Goda Yoga will not only have new workshops every weekend, but Nathania, the new owner, is a believer in movement for wellness. She says “I wanted to offer not just yoga, but a full spectrum of multiple movement practices in the realm of mindful and healing arts to expose people to more than just yoga, practices about finding your center and moving from that place.”

The intention of the studio is to continue to build even more community by offering event gatherings such as kirtan and weekly sound baths where people can connect with others and have fun.

The core teachers who have been guiding students at this yoga studio for over a decade will remain, including Cheryl Moss, the previous studio owner. The diversified schedule includes a variety of classes such as Kundalini, prenatal, a beginner class every day, kids yoga, yoga for exceptional children (for autism and other disorders), slow deep stretch, therapeutic yoga (for people rehabilitating injuries, and Yoga Tune Up. All the classes will also no longer have expiration dates and will be valid for the life of the studio.

For more information, visit www.godayoga.com

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post New Beginnings at Goda Yoga in Culver City appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Following the birth of her child, former attorney Erin Fagerlind found herself driving around LA searching for yoga and other classes, resources, and community before she returned to work. Once she was back in the office, it was almost impossible for her to find relevant programs for parents that fit into her schedule. Her biggest challenge was spending time with her child while maintaining her own balance. The solution: Happy Baby.

Happy Baby family studio in El Segundo has a holistic approach to wellness with yoga, movement, mindfulness, music, and parenting education in a supportive and open environment. Erin Fagerlind says, “I wanted to make it accessible and flexible in terms of early-morning and later evening programming. I wanted to create a place where you could actually get a good workout and take your child, a place where children are always welcome. It was really important to me to offer a studio that helps parents feel comfortable, where they know it’s ok for their child to explore in a safe environment.”

In addition to yoga, Happy Baby also offers a wide variety of prenatal workshops and birth classes, support and resource groups for new parents, mindful parenting toddler groups, parent education workshops, one-on-one parent consultations, a robust referral network of pregnancy and family wellness professionals, as well as a number of other special programs.

For more information about Happy Baby ~ Family Yoga and Wellness Studio Location
353 Main Street
El Segundo, CA 90245
424-218-9774
happybabyLA.com

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Happy Baby Family Studio in El Segundo appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

As someone who has always felt the deepest peace when immersed in nature and found beauty in considering everyday actions as divine rituals, this book had me at the first page.

At its heart, A Year of Living Mindfully guides people to find their divine nature in daily actions, to connect to the natural world’s seasonal transitions, and to live in rhythm with nature. The central, organizing principle is inspired by the Medicine Wheel, an ancient Native American symbol.   

Ragan guides readers to understand the full arc of nature’s seasonal cycles and offers suggestions on living in accordance with the greater rhythms of the universe. She includes well-informed advice and stories drawn from ancient and spiritual traditions as well as instructions on how to implement these ideals through journaling exercises, guided meditations, rituals, recipes, yoga practices, herbal healing, aromatherapy, nutrition, natural beauty, self-care, sustainable home living, and community activism.

One of the topics I loved the most was Ragan’s exploration of how everyday tasks can have deeply meaningful purpose: feeding and nurturing our bodies, minds, spirits, and souls can be an art. The author’s suggestions are full of inspirations for each of us to develop our own unique sense of style, routine, and rhythm.  

In A Year of Living Mindfully Ragan says, “Treating each day as an opportunity for sacred and holy ritual and immersing ourselves in rituals of holistic living are central endeavors in the pursuit of a more meaningful life.”  

Purchase A Year of Living Mindfully here.

(Quest Books)

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post A Year of Living Mindfully book review appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

The 30Fifteen Studio is nestled in a residential neighborhood in Venice. The studio was founded by UK native Emily Tonkin, who came to the US in 2014 to share her tennis wear apparel line “30Fifteen”.  Named for the tennis score where the server is ahead but needs to stay focused on the goal it reflects the positive mindset and message Emily wants to share within the brand.

After creating a series of pop-up shops in California, Emily’s vision to grow her business was through a wellness center. Emily tells us, “It became clear to me that not only did we need to find a headquarters for the 30Fifteen brand, but also a space to nurture a community of health, wellness, fitness, and like-minded people. It’s much more than just selling clothes; we are driven by the phrase ‘Feel good, look good’.”

The studio is cozy and warm with exposed brick walls, lofty ceilings, dramatic drapes, and sunny natural light. Much like the boutique brand “30Fifteen”, which is not found in department stores, Emily wanted to create an intimacy that feels safe and inviting. She says, “LA is such a big city it’s easy to feel lonely. This city is also very transient so I wanted to offer a space where people can feel part of a community.”

Not only does 30Fifteen Studio offer both yoga and Yogalates on a daily basis, it also offers health and wellness events and workshops, as well as a wide assortment of holistic modalities and conscious offerings including massage therapy, Reiki, and angel cards. Also located on the property is “One Roof”, a shared workspace for female entrepreneurs to support ideas beyond inspiration to realization.

30fifteenthestudio.com

1336 Electric Ave, First Floor Studio, Venice, CA, 90291

By Natalie Macam, a yoga teacher who teaches locally at Agoura Power of Yoga and Malibu Beach Yoga: tigerwaveyoga.com  

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

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Walking through the door of New Moon Wellness is like entering a cozy living room. The warm wood floors and inviting sofas set a tone suitable for owner Andrea Gootnick’s vision to create a holistic community center. Andrea is an activist, life coach, and 26 year resident of the Conejo Valley who was largely influenced by her parents, especially her father. Andrea says, “My intention is to provide a space that opens hearts, minds, and souls to wellness and self-development.  My father was an educator and carved his own path through experiential learning. That is where my core is; there is a tremendous amount to learn about yourself while you are hiking or having a discussion.”

Many have already experienced the magic at New Moon through one of the events that include monthly kirtan, poetry, acoustic night, essential oil workshops, health and wellness speakers, and even intentional hiking journeys. While visiting New Moon, take advantage of the other offerings: a spirit store with an assortment of candles and wellness products by local vendors, tea and organic kombucha on tap, and even a gallery featuring rotating artists.

There is something unique about this small space nestled in an Agoura Hills strip mall. Most likely, this vibe is the manifestation of Andrea’s radiating spirit, as it is evident that she has poured her heart into her first store. Just as a New Moon is an opportunity for a fresh start, New Moon Wellness provides access to health and wellness. New Moon Wellness also hosts guest speakers such as local authors and healers, meditation evenings, vision board workshops, and women’s circles.   

New Moon Wellness

30315 Canwood Street, Suite 9

Agoura Hills, CA 91301

818-851-0543; new-moonwellness.com

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

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Love Yoga in Montauk was founded in 2010 by Sian Gordon and Jeff Schwarz. They’ve had their sights set west where the endless summer is not just an idea, but a way of life. Landing in Los Angeles, they’ve collaborated with westside native Kyle Miller and a roster of vibrant teachers to support their expansion, spearhead the global retreat programs, and to nurture a vibrant conscious community. Venice teachers include Sian, Kyle, Courtney Harms, Caley Alyssa, Daniella Karuna, Liz Arch, Mary Beth La Rue, Ryan Batiste, Deborah Lee, Hannah Dawe, and Meredith Liebross. Love Yoga is part of the growing and transformational Lincoln Boulevard creative region, adjacent to local businesses including Dawn, Superba, General Store, and Flowerbox.

Sian created the design-conscious studio with a resort aesthetic, including art by Carly Margolis and a hand-crafted artisan desk by Chad Hagerman. Walking into the bright studio featuring wraparound windows full of ample natural light with aqua-blue wood floors underfoot evokes the feeling of a surfer dropping into a wave and the fluidity of the yogis’ philosophies. The studio also features a private 10- car parking lot, a bonus in Venice.  

Kyle Miller says,  “As student and practitioner I knew we wanted to create a design conscious space that fits into the energy of the neighborhood.” Love Yoga’s intention is to offer classes with accessible, intelligent 60 and 75-minute vinyasa classes for all levels, grounded in a safe alignment.

Love Yoga Venice

835 Lincoln Blvd, Venice

loveyogaspace.com

info@loveyogaspace.com

By Natalie Macam, a yoga teacher who leads charity yoga treks to the Himalayas in Nepal every year and combines yoga with the use of essential oils to deepen and enhance the yoga practice. tigerwaveyoga.com.

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Love Yoga Venice appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

The intention of the space behind the name, Goorus (think Guru) is a remembrance of the heart teacher in us all.

Goorus Yoga is the only dedicated yoga studio in Pacific Palisades, believe it or not. Husband and wife team Gretchen and John Lightfoot didn’t plan on opening a yoga studio. But after news of the that the yoga studio in this location would be closing, Gretchen and John decided to continue to provide an opportunity for the Palisades community to come together on the mat by providing a space to raise awareness and create opportunities for personal growth, health, inspiration, and transformation.

The natural light and lofty ceilings in the studio create a welcoming, inviting, and inspirational environment.  As soon you walk in, you feel like you can exhale fully.  The entry, adorned by canvases by local artists, is warm and peaceful; it is conducive for connecting with friends old and new.

Goorus offers a full range of classes and workshops for students of all levels including their popular Iyengar Yoga classes, classes for children, chair yoga, and even Bollywood dance. Each weekday morning begins with a balancing Rise and Shine Yoga practice.  

John Lightfoot, a Pacific Palisades native, has long deep roots in the community and is dedicated to preserving the benefits a yoga studio brings to the area. Walk in and you immediately feel the pulsing heart of the space.

Goorus Yoga Studio

15327 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA

310-765-4871

goor.us

By Natalie Macam, an LA-based yoga teacher who leads charity yoga treks to the Himalayas in Nepal every year. tigerwaveyoga.comhttp://tigerwaveyoga.com

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

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For nearly a decade, Rising Lotus Yoga has been serving the Valley community for nearly a decade. After months of renovations, this large independent community now has an even larger location to call home.

When Claire Hartley and Daniel Stewart decided to open a yoga studio together, their intention was to create a space to incorporate sutra (yoga philosophy), and bhakti (devotion) within the asana classes. Claire says, “We loved to build up the bhav (feeling) in the room and integrate the yoga philosophy and sutras on the mat. Daniel and I wanted to build a temple.”

Indeed, the new space feels like a temple and embodies all the elements that yoga practitioners seek to support their practice. As you walk into the new location, the sun shining through the windows evokes both clarity and purity of light (jyotir – light of our true selves). The expansiveness of the lofty ceilings is a reminder of the limitless potential and freedom within (moksa).

The community seating area provides an invitation for everyone to connect with fellow students. In addition to ongoing classes, the three studios rooms are available for conscious events, including talks, speakers and devotional music offerings, to reach those interested in expanding their spiritual practice beyond asana.

Rising Lotus Yoga Studio

14148 Magnolia Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

818-990-0282, risinglotusyoga.com

Written by Natalie Macam, a Yoga Teacher and based in Los Angeles, tigerwaveyoga.com

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

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Black Dog Yoga studio welcomes new teachers and a fresh perspective for the yoga community.

Often, independently owned studios go through transitions and one of the latest in the city is the change in ownership at Black Dog Yoga in Sherman Oaks. Steve and Shirley O’Connor first opened the studio in the Valley in 2002. For the past six-and-a-half years, Peter Barnett has helmed the community. Now, Black Dog has transitioned to new ownership. The new team consists of teachers Sigrid Matthews, Dice Iida-Klein, Briohny Smyth and Yoga Vibe owners and teachers Amy and Larry Santiago.

What will remain the same? The studio will continue to feature a roster of talented teachers; and the teacher training staff, an inspiration to many students, will remain the same, with studio co-owner Sigrid Matthews as head of the program.

The studio intends to continue to nurture and to grow with the community and the space features an open lounge with hot tea and free WI-FI providing space for the community to connect with old friends and make new ones.

Black Dog Yoga will continue to host international guest teachers, including LA’s own; it will also be the home studio for Dice and Briohny of Bryce Yoga. In addition to hosting their own teacher training program, Black Dog will also be collaborating with other programs so their students can explore and deepen their practice.

Black Dog Yoga will continue the tradition to provide a space to raise awareness, and to create opportunities for personal growth, health, inspiration and transformation.

Black Dog Yoga
4454 Van Nuys Boulevard, Suite 206, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403
818-380-0331

Natalie Macam is a yoga teacher who leads Charity Yoga Treks to the Himalayas in Nepal every year.

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

The post Black Dog Yoga appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

We’re all looking for ways to uplift our lives and if we’re lucky, we are introduced to the tools and practices that promote health and wellness in all areas of our lives. If we’re really lucky, we’re introduced to yoga and mindfulness as early as possible. Fortunately, the yoga community includes people like Erica Austin, founder of the nonprofit organization Keep Friendship Alive and UPLIFT Teen Yoga, a curriculum that provides tools to help teens to thrive and encourages them to live in the present moment. (UPLIFT Teen Yoga video youtube.com/watch?v=6g38Ae-2rKs) Now in its third year, the drug-free, positive, uplifting rave UPLIFT Yoga Bash (coming up on September 19) is a powerful fundraising event that benefits Keep Friendship Alive and supports the UPLIFT Teen Yoga program.

For seven years, Erica has crisscrossed the country, speaking to over 250,000 college and high school students on behalf of Keep Friendship Alive. The mission of Keep Friendship Alive is to help youth navigate the many challenges they face, and to empower and encourage them to make healthy decisions. Now the organization is expanding to reach a younger audience with UPLIFT Teen Yoga. The idea of a yoga rave, UPLIFT Yoga Bash, was born in 2012 out of her inspiration to create a unique, fun, and uplifting fundraising event. The first event gathered 400 yogis and has grown to more than 700 yogis including teens from the UPLIFT Teen Yoga program.

We took some time to connect with Erica and a few of the UPLIFT Yoga Ambassadors

NM: How do you integrate the events you produce with your worth with youth?

Erica Austin: This year, our teen girls from the program will attend the event as our VIP guests, which will be exciting for them as being exposed to so many passionate adults having fun without drugs or alcohol—seeing their love for yoga and mindfulness—is powerful!

NM: What are your future plans?

EA: We would like to dedicate our focus to the expansion of our teen program by recruiting and training yoga instructors to lead the program. We are also talking to schools, studios, and after-school programs as possible venues for the program.

Camilla DiCiano | UPLIFT Ambassador and UPLift (all caps)Teen Yoga Program Lead

NM: How has yoga changed your life?

Camilla DiCiano: Starting my yoga journey has changed my life 180 degrees. After going to fashion school and then working in merchandise marketing, I quickly found myself exhausted, unfulfilled, and uninspired by the fashion industry. I wanted to find something more meaningful to me.

NM: Why are you an UPLIFT ambassador?

CD: The impact yoga has had on my life! If ONLY I had these tools and awareness for my life as an adolescent, my teenage years would have been radically different. I have always had a passion to mentor and connect with young girls, as I vividly remember the confusion, insecurity, and trials I experienced.

Natalie Bailey | UPLIFT Ambassador and UPLift (all caps) Teen Yoga Program Lead

NM: How has yoga changed your life?

Natalie Bailey: Yoga has not changed my life, it has transformed it: I cannot live without the mental clarity, physical connection, and overall positivity that I now enjoy on a daily basis because of yoga. I am more familiar with my true self, more forgiving of my mistakes, and am more aware of the expectations I create that blur the lines between reality and truth.

NM: What inspired you to be an UPLIFT ambassador?

NB: As a former middle school teacher, I always knew I wanted to continue to connect with young kids in meaningful and impactful ways. As an insecure teen myself, I recognized the amazing value that yoga can have for young girls in strengthening their confidence and understanding the true beauty they have within.

Jaysea Devoe | UPLIFT Ambassador

Jaysea is 12 years old and has completed the Yoga Alliance 200 hour teacher training. She is currently the youngest certified female yoga instructor in the U.S.

NM: How has yoga changed your life?

Jaysea Devoe: Yoga gives me a different perspective and taught me how to enjoy life and live in the present moment.

NM: What is it about UPLIFT that inspired you to be an ambassador?

JD: I love that they are spreading awareness and mindfulness to teens!

Ashley Galvin | UPLIFT Ambassador

NM: How has yoga changed your life?

Ashley Galvin: After my very first yoga class I knew I was embarking down a life-changing road. Yoga is my passion, my career, and my way of life. It is so much more than a pose: I am always learning and growing in my yoga practice and in life.

NM: What is it about UPLIFT that inspired you to be an ambassador?

AG: UPLIFT Yoga Bash is unlike anything I have ever come across. It is a huge, super-fun, and spiritually uplifting event. I can support this awesome yoga party and know that there is something much deeper behind all the fun.

Dylan Werner | UPLIFT Ambassador

NM: How has yoga changed your life?

Dylan Werner: I am a former firefighter and paramedic. After I was laid off, I turned to yoga. I took a chance on moving to LA to pursue teaching yoga full-time. I spend every day of my life doing, thinking, teaching, or talking about yoga.

For more information on UPLIFT’s mission and the UPLIFT Yoga Bash for 2018, visit: upliftyogabash.org.

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

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Brenda McMorrow

White Swan Records 

Brenda McMorrow’s Igniting the Beauty captures the sweetness of the sacred sound experience. The title itself speaks to the unique beauty we all embody, the beauty that ignites our heart fire when we chant and sing mantras.

Igniting the Beauty has a variety of moods and feelings. Brenda approaches “Ganesha Om” with a fresh perspective, combining the Sanskrit mantras with original folk and bluegrass arrangements. Other tracks feature Brenda’s personal renditions of traditional mantras sprinkled with English lyrics; one example of this is found in “May I Awaken / Govinda Bolo” where she weaves together the Sanskrit lyrics and their English translations. Her light and carefree vocals on “Gayatri / Shine the Light” emanate both meditative and soulful experiences. The strongest chant on the album, “Anandamayi,” is the ultimate sound nectar that provides the listener with a deeply-introspective sound experience. The harmonies within the track offer multiple layers of sound.

Brenda collaborated with acclaimed musician and producer Ben Leinbach, whose talents can be found on drums, percussion, and electric guitar as well as using his talents to record, mix, master, and produce the album.

The overall mood of Igniting the Beauty is devotional with a distinctly Americana feel for the sacred Sanskrit sounds. This recording expresses Brenda’s own experience with how the power of sound can be both expansive and heart-opening while carrying the vibration of pure joy.

Reviewed by Natalie Macam, a yoga teacher who leads regular charity yoga treks to the Himalayas in Nepal: tigerwaveyoga.com

Natalie Macam

Natalie Macam is a Yoga Teacher who teaches locally in Los Angeles: www.nataliemacam.com.

www.nataliemacam.com

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