LaLaLå! Jivamukti Yoga Los Angeles in the DTLA Arts District

Tucked away in an industrial looking alley in the Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles is the Jivamukti Yoga Los Angeles Center. The studio is a welcome addition to the growing number of boutiques, cafes, communal workspaces and juice bars in the area. The first and only licensed Jivamukti Yoga studio on the West Coast opened in February, 2019. It looks like it is right at home in the evolving enclave.

For those not familiar with Jivamukti, it is a vigorous vinyasa style Hatha Yoga practice that incorporates ethical and spiritual awareness as part of its five tenets. These include: ahimsa (nonviolence, non-harming), bhakti (devotion), nada (music and sound), shastra (study of teachings), and dhyana (meditation). The method was founded in NYC in the 1980s by Sharon Gannon and David Life. Independently owned schools create a strong global community and views yoga as a conduit for activism.

The DTLA space is inviting, filled with light and plants. True to its industrial roots, it is constructed with repurposed and found building materials. The space has two practice studios. One is larger with a wall made of perfectly weathered, sliding industrial doors. The smaller studio is behind two beautifully hand-painted turquoise doors. Pink lights adorn the recessed shelf in the boutique stocked with local, handmade lotions and oils and a thoughtful selection of books. The different textures, materials, and colors in the studio are thoughtfully combined like a handmade quilt.

Community and Practice

Envisioned by founder and Advanced Certified Jivamukti Yoga Teacher Ha-Chi Yu several years ago as a way to bring the Jivamukti practice to Los Angeles, as well as a place to engage the local community through events and workshops. The new studio has something for everyone. Each week, the studio offers signature Jivamukti Fundamentals, Spiritual Warrior, and 75, 90 minute open level classes as well as vinyasa, restorative, and Karunta or “puppet” yoga performed with the aid of the ropes wall for added release, spinal traction and alignment.

There are several workshops each month ranging from Ayurvedic Facial Massage to Chakra Tuning to conscious movie nights. Look for the rotating roster of visiting international teachers for events and trainings. Before jumping back into the work week, find your way to DTLA for Sunday Reset, a guided meditation journey with certified clinical hypnotherapist Bianca Degroat.