Taoist Tonics
TONIX BOTANICAL SOLUTIONS is a new local apothecary where you can find products using principles of ancient traditions to enhance the body, mind and spirit. “It is a space for sharing and educating the community to further healing ourselves and the planet,” says Chris Lyans, head of Tonix production development. Indulge in customized elixirs to invigorate, refresh and restore physically and mentally. The remedies treat stress and fatigue, monitor health, happiness and longevity as well as heighten awareness and open and balance the chakra (energy centers).
This eco-friendly venue offers consultations with Desiree Romero, Tonix founder and a Taoist tonic herbalist who caters to both the needs of people and animals. Tonix Botanical Solutions, 543 Santa Monica Blvd. 13, Los Angeles, CA 90069. mytonix.com
Pray with Your Body
Sweat, pray, sing, dance and meditate at Santa Monica’s newest Yoga sanctuary BHAKTI YOGA SHALA. After teaching and singing at Santa Monica Power Yoga, opening this donation-based devotional studio is the fulfillment of a long-standing dream for community members, Yoga teachers and musicians Govindas and Radha. The Shala offers a Bhakti Vinyasa Yoga style anchored in the qualities of “honoring, reverence, humility, devotion, love and celebration,” says studio co-owner, Govindas. “When we bring these qualities into our physical Yoga practice, our practice then becomes a full body prayer – a devotional offering of gratitude to source continually reaffirming the beauty, magic, joy and mystery of existence.” A variety of teachers and styles throughout the week serve up the love. Regular kirtan and music events will inspire heart-opening and weekend workshops will feature local, national and international teachers who will enlighten and deepen your sadhana (spiritual practice). Bhakti Yoga Shala, 207 Arizona Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90401.bhaktiyogashala.com
A New Light Shines
LA is home to RAY OF LIGHT YOGA CENTER. “The more we strive to live in the light through our thoughts, actions and the words that come out of our mouth, ultimately the happier we will be and the more we can elevate people,” says studio owner Melanie Armstrong, known by her spiritual name Sunder Kaur. Ray of Light shares the Kundalini Yoga and meditation teachings. “Once this style touches you on an experiential level, no one has to convince you that it works – you just know, and there’s something really beautiful about that,” says Sunder Kaur. Ray of Light is also a center of wisdom on topics such as holistic healing, nutrition and astrology. “Our goal at Ray of Light Yoga is to offer a refuge from today’s hectic world because if there’s one thing we all need is to take time out for ourselves,” says Melanie. Get a workout, tap into your inner self and relax. Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of homemade yogi tea after every class. Ray of Light Yoga Center, 11950 San Vicente Boulevard, #107 Los Angeles, CA 90049. rayoflightyogacenter.com
Hot for Haute Yoga in Solana Beach
“Fueled by good fortune and intention,” Solana Beach is the spot for HAUTE YOGA, an eco-conscious studio with bamboo tatami mat flooring and cork wall covering, says Dino Flacco, the president and managing partner. Specializing in Hot Yoga, it was no wonder Dino and his wife Olvera named their Yoga sanctuary ‘haute.’ After traveling far and wide throughout Europe and Asia practicing Yoga, the Flaccos decided to open a studio together with best friends Ron and Robin Chamberlain. Haute Yoga encourages students to socialize to and fro with fellow yogis and yoginis in this friendly and easygoing Zen-like space. Enthusiasts unafraid of some sizzle indulge in classes labeled “hot,” “medium” and “mild” varying from the studio’s specialty, Bikram, to Ashtanga and Vinyasa flow styles. This new Yoga haven has become a popular hot spot even for celebrities like Queen Latifah, who, according to Dino, stopped by for a class while in town for the weekend. Haute Yoga, 437 South Highway 101 Suite #401 Solana Beach, CA 92075. hauteyoga.com
All New Doors by Melissa Chua, a journalism graduate from California State University – Northridge who is a reporter for Pacific Citizen and an aficionado of Yoga of all temperatures.M.chua13@gmail.com
By Melissa Chua
