Imagine a gathering of 100,000 people meditating. Let’s put it in perspective for a moment. The census population of Santa Monica in 2010 was 89,736 and in 2009, U2 performed at the Rose Bowl for a record-breaking sellout crowd of 97,014 people. In Mexico City in November 2015, Dr Joseph Michael Levry and the Naam Yoga community facilitated the fifth annual Superclass for Global Peace. An estimated 100,000 people practiced yoga and meditation in person along the major thoroughfare Reforma Ave near the Angel of Independence monument, while thousands more participated online from 97 countries around the world.  

”When we meditate with hundreds of thousands of people at the same time we generate a magnitude of high pranic energy that can affect the minds and hearts of everyone.  We positively change our molecular vibration and raise our frequency to new heights of compassion and tolerance. Through the principle of resonance, the lowest vibrations in a group naturally attune to the highest vibrations, thus we are collectively transformed,” says member of the Naam Yoga nonprofit organization.

The Superclass offered an opportunity for people to experience the signature Naam Yoga practice that incorporates sound, movement, and breathing in sequences designed to positively affect the flow of energy in the body. “It doesn’t matter what language you speak or what your religion is, at the Superclass prayers and meditations are performed from many backgrounds and in many languages. Everyone can feel at home; it is a beautiful reflection of unity and universality,” asserts another participant.

The purpose of this epic gathering: to promote peace. NAAM Yoga founder Dr Joseph Michael Levy says, “It has never been more important than it is right now for the world to envision peace and create it.” Planning is underway for the sixth annual event (you too can get involved) and there are numerous opportunities to lay down your mat for Superclass sessions at the studio in Santa Monica. Stay tuned for the sixth annual Superclass for Global Peace.

Learn more at: naamyoga.com; naammexico.com; lovepeacelighttoall.com;

Tiffany Tomaszewski

Tiffany Tomaszewski is a writer living, loving, and searching for life in the greater Los Angeles area.

The post Naam Yoga takes over Mexico City appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Weekly Special Classes

Yoga on the Great Lawn at Sunnylands
Join Kristin Olson, owner of Urban Yoga, for outdoor yoga in sunny Rancho Mirage.
Fridays in March at Noon. Free
Great Lawn at Sunnylands Annenberg, 37977 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage
sunnylands.org

ROGA on the Santa Monica Pier
Each week a different teacher leads a run and yoga class on the historic Santa Monica Pier.
Saturdays through 28 Mar 8am Run, 9am Yoga. Free
Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica
santamonicapier.org/roga

Workshops

Manifestation—From Desire to Fulfillment
Scott Schwenk leads an all-levels workshop using mediation, contemplation, and ecstatic breathwork to create functional paths to fulfillment.
7 Mar 2-4 pm
Unplug Meditation, 12401 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles
unplugmeditation.com

Introduction to Mantra with Amita Stark
Mantras or sacred sound formulas are one of the most common yoga practices interwoven into a class. Learn what they mean and how they work.
7 Mar 2 pm
Exhale Venice, 245 S Main Street, Venice
exhalespa.com

Power, Presence & Authenticity
The Institute for Embodied Wisdom presents this workshop led by founder Scott Coady to help you become a trusted and genuine leader.
10 Mar 6 pm Free
Full Circle Venice, 305 Rose Avenue, Venice
fullcirclevenice.org; embodiedwisdom.com

Breath of Life
Utilize your breath to experience the depths of awareness flowing through your consciousness. With your heart and mind wide open, allow your body to surrender using Tibetan/Crystal Healing Bowls and Gongs.
13 Mar 7:15 pm $30
Gurus Gate Yoga 815 Manhattan Avenue Manhattan Beach
gurusgateyoga.com

Yoga for Better Sleep
Peggy Hall teaches a simple and relaxing pre-sleep yoga routine to facilitate relaxation and a restful night.
14 Mar 1 pm $40 Advance $50 Door
Better Living Yoga, 27792 Aliso Creek Rd. #B-140, Aliso Viejo
betterlivingyoga.com

Come Home to Yourself ~ Yoga + Essential Oil Workshop
Balance body and mind using essential oils and yoga with Natalie Macam.
14 Mar 12:30 pm $25 Advance $30 Door
Yoga Desa, 120 N Topanga Canyon Blvd Suite 103, Topanga
yogadesa.com

Healthy Hips & Hamstrings with Ellen Huang
Ellen teaches students how to safely strengthen and release hips and hamstrings to create a deeper, more comfortable stretch.
15 Mar 1:30 pm. $25 Advance $30 Door
Yoga Vibe, 1717 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles
practiceyoga.la

Self Love with Ria Ray, March 19th, 2015

Self-Love with Ria Ray
Learn to acknowledge negative thoughts and keep them at bay, and effectively practice self-love. Opening yourself to self-love will expand your creativity, passion, and purpose.
19 Mar 10 am -12:30 pm $175 includes Ria Ray mantra cards and journal
Reserve a spot at ria@riaray.com
Fred Segal Yoga, 420 Broadway, Santa Monica
fredsegal.com

Kirtan Flow Class with Ryan Brewer & Ali Owens
Ryan Brewer and Ali Owens combine kirtan and yoga, giving your practice a playful flow.
21 Mar 5pm
Yogaraj, 2001 S Barrington Ave, Los Angeles
yogaraj.org

Take Flight Arm Balancing Poses Class
Cynthia Price teaches how to safely transition n from Crow to Tripod and Side-Crow to Firefly.
21 Mar 1-3 pm $30 Adv, $40 door
Lotus 7 Yoga & Pilates, 22521 Avenida Empresa #117, Rancho Santa Margarita
lotus7yoga.com

Fundraisers

Earth Coco Fundraiser for Community School in East Samar Philippines
Learn about the Filipino culture through yoga, song, and dance. Proceeds aid children affected by the 2014 typhoon in the Philippines.
21 Mar 4 pm Donation
Mahasukha Center, 6512 Arizona Ave, Los Angeles
tigerwaveyoga.com

Special Events

Kathmandu Boutique Open House
Join like-minded community in this open house with food, music, special sales, and more.
15 Mar All day. Donation.
Kathmandu Boutique, 1844 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
kathmanduboutique.com

Conferences

Sister Giant Conference
Marianne Williamson’s political weekend conference will focus on compassion with the theme, “Activating Conscience and Restoring our Democracy.” Speakers include Senator Bernie Sanders, former Congressman Dennis Kucinich, Lisa Bloom, Thom Hartmann, and more.
28 – 19 Mar
Los Angeles
sistergiant.com

Trainings

Learn to Teach Meditation
This 200-hour training session at the Mclean Meditation Institute in Sedona is a comprehensive course on theory, science, and practice.
1 Mar begin date Financial aid available
Mclean Meditation Institute, 411 State Route 179, Sedona, AZ
McLeanMeditation.com

iRest Yoga Nidra Level 1 Training
Richard Miller PhD teaches the history, basic principles, theory, and practice of this integrative program proven to alleviate stress and insomnia, and increase energy and improve relationships.
21- 26 Mar  $1495
Mary & Joseph Retreat Center, 5300 Crest Road, Rancho Palos Verdes
irest.us

Music and Dance

Sound Bath Yoga with Niki Saccareccia & Guy Douglas
Meditation, gongs, and chakra-based singing bowls blend ancient instruments with restorative poses.
6 Mar 7:30 pm $20
Black Dog Yoga, 4454 Van Nuys Blvd, Suite 206, Sherman Oaks
blackdogyoga.com

Full Moon Sol! Yoga Trance Dance with Shiva Rea
and guests to benefit Shine Light Solar Lamp Project
8 Mar 8-10 pm Donation
Exhale Venice, 245 S Main St, Venice
exhalespa.com; shivarea.com

Prana Vinyasa and Soul Kirtan
with Shiva Rea and C.C. White
9 Mar 3-5:30 pm
Exhale Venice, 245 S Main St, Venice
exhalespa.com; shivarea.com

The Ghazal Ensemble, March 15, 2015 at the Skirball

Ghazal Ensemble at the Skirball

Experience the fusion of Persian and Indian classical music with this Grammy-nominated group.
15 Mar 7 pm. $30 General $25 Skirball Members $20 Full-time Students
Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles
skirball.org

Soul Bridging CD Release Party
William Meader discusses Spiritual Alchemy (workshop the following day) and how to connect with your intuition. KCRW DJ Sole MC’s; free CDs
3 Apr 7-10 pm. Free
Writer’s Boot Camp at Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave, Santa Monica
soulbridging.com

Food

Vegan Street Fair
This tapas-style street fair features bite-sized food samples less than $3 and free entrance.
1 March 12 – 6 pm Free
Weddington St and Bakman Ave, North Hollywood
veganstreetfair.com

Healthy Desserts Workshop
Satisfy your sweet tooth with nutritious raw and macrobiotic recipes from Yogi Janaki.
8 Mar 2 pm $35 includes ingredients
Sivananda Yoga Center, 13325 Beach Ave, Marina Del Rey
sivanandala.org

Spiritual Teachers
Amma Sri Karunamayi
Programs focused on peace, wisdom, and love applicable to all faiths with Amma Sri Karunamayi. Meditation programs, fire ceremonies, retreats, and more.
3-5 Apr Los Angeles.
7-8 Apr Ojai and Ventura
karunamayi.org

Tiffany Tomaszewski

Tiffany Tomaszewski is a writer living, loving, and searching for life in the greater Los Angeles area.

The post March Events Los Angeles – Get Up and Go appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Author Chris Grosso is a musician covered in tattoos. A recovering addict well-versed in what it means to look inside oneself and be at peace.

Indie Spiritualist is divided into “sides;” an homage to Grosso’s musical roots.

The stories in “Side A: Angels of Darkness (The Words, The Ways)” showcase how Grosso found his understanding of spirituality. He shares raw tales of blackouts and relapses and how he began writing music for savasana before he even knew what it was. Grosso’s style is refreshing: “Honestly, all bullshit aside, it doesn’t matter if I’m some uber yogi—or whatever else: a cave monk in Thailand, a priest in the Vatican, or the Dalai Lama himself. You and I are equally as connected to this Collective Consciousness, regardless of the way we choose to pursue it (or even not pursue it), because we already are It.

“Side B: Demons of Light (Meditations, Practices, and Eclectic Multimedia Suggesttions)” focuses on practices. Grosso explains types of meditations offering step-by-step guidance and discusses art, yoga, music, journaling, books, and prayer and shares what specifically inspires him. Both Sides include QR codes and links to Grosso’s original music.

Grosso’s parting words sum up his message: “I really didn’t want to end this on a cliche note, but fuck it; it really is like Gandhi said: We can be the change we wish to see in the world… This. Shit. Is. Doable.” Grosso can be found at: theindiespiritualist.com.

Tiffany Tomaszewski

Tiffany Tomaszewski is a writer living, loving, and searching for life in the greater Los Angeles area.

The post Book Review – Indie Spiritualist: A No Bullshit Exploration of Spirituality appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.

Toews knows what he’s doing, and he takes his passion for veganism, environmentalism, and the sale of non-GMO products seriously. In order to alleviate the stress some people feel from abrupt dietary changes, Toews says, “Viva la Vegan strives to have an alternative for any non-vegan item that someone choosing to go vegan might be familiar with, making the transition to a vegan lifestyle less difficult.” Examples include a soy-based vegan “salmon” and even a konjac-based calamari substitute. As for dessert, Viva even carries a vegan alternative of the Twinkie. None of Viva la Vegan’s products are tested on animals, most do not use GMO ingredients, and there is an abundant selection of raw and gluten-free products. And did I mention you can shop online, too?

Toews says the Viva family plans to open more stores. “We are doing what we do for all human and non-human animals, the Earth, and our customers’ personal health.”

Viva la Vegan
2723 Ocean Park Blvd., Santa Monica
vivalavegangrocery.com

By Tiffany Tomaszewski, a writer and part time voice-over artist living, loving, and searching for life in the greater Los Angeles area.

Tiffany Tomaszewski

Tiffany Tomaszewski is a writer living, loving, and searching for life in the greater Los Angeles area.

The post Vegan Grocers Set Up Shop in Santa Monica appeared first on LA Yoga Magazine - Ayurveda & Health.