Accessible Yoga in West Adams District
Yoga lovers can add DHARMA MITTRA YOGA LA to their weekly studio rotation. Named after Sri Dharma Mittra, who is frequently referred to as the “Teacher’s Teacher” and “The Rock of Yoga,” the studio shares Dharma Mittra’s teachings through classical Yoga practice. The sequences, “Shiva Namaskara Vinyasas” are taught only by teachers who have studied with Dharma Mittra himself. Every class incorporates asana (posture), pranayama (breath techniques), meditation, yamas (retraints or practices) and niyamas (observances). Centrally located in the West Adams District in LA, Dharma Mittra LA specifically caters to low income communities who would otherwise not have the opportunity to be exposed to Yoga, says John Kendall, one of the studio’s instructors. Partner Yoga, Kids Yoga Fun Zone (ages four through twelve) and Vacation Yoga Camp are also offered along with 12-step recovery Yoga classes to assist and support those struggling with addictions. “Through consistent practice and offering the fruits of one’s effort, the practitioner joins this ocean of consciousness and travels toward self realization through experience…they gradually and automatically start to evolve,” says studio owner and director Sonya Enchill. In addition to Yoga practice, students can receive donation-based legal advice at Sonya’s social justice clinic. Dharma Mittra Yoga LA, 5376 West Adams Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90016. dmyla.com
Ocean of Bliss Washes Ashore in Venice
Originally from Hyderabad, India, Arvind Chittumalla has a fervent desire to infuse the Yoga of the scriptures into the Yoga practiced by people today and close what he sees as a gap between the two. His work led him to start YogiMilan.com, an online Yoga community portal and create the new Venice Beach wellness center, AANAND SAAGAR. The Hindi name, which translates to “ocean of bliss,” is a wellness center with a strong emphasis on meditation, kirtan and cultivating wisdom through self-inquiry and group discussions. “Only when we have a comprehensive spiritual practice, can we take Yoga off the mat and incorporate it into our daily lives,” says Arvind. Every service is offered with the intention of ultimately raising the consciousness of individuals and communities. Teachers include: Isabelle Du Soleil, Amy Lombardo, Jonathan Troen, Meagan McDonough and artist and teacher Arnaud Damasceno. LA YOGA Radiance Sutras columnist Dr. Lorin Roche will be teaching meditation on Wednesdays nights. Some ongoing kirtan artists include: Andrew Behla, Kali Das, the Temple Bhajan Band and Lalita Lily Diamond. Om Healing Circles and classical Indian dance are also featured. Aanand Saagar, 606 Venice Blvd, #H Venice, CA 90291. aanandsaagar.com
Reducing Stress in the Mountains
Yoga therapist and teacher Jaime R. CarloCasellas escaped from the desert to the mountains to to manage a stress reduction clinic that hosts monthly retreats in the San Bernardino National Forest. The Yoga retreat center, VILLA RESPIRO or “village of breath,” is the ultimate getaway into nature and all its beauty. “[It] was established, so we could have a quiet place in a pristine mountain setting where we can be free from the hustle and bustle of everyday life,” says Jaime, founder and director of Villa Respiro. Currently oneday retreats are scheduled every third Saturday, beginning again in October. These include Yoga and meditation throughout the day and dharma discussions based on varying themes. To maintain reduced stress levels post-retreat, Jaime offers courses treating stress-related disorders such as depression, addiction and terminal illness at the desert-based Stress Management & Prevention Clinic.
“Explore your journey of self-discovery and well-being” through Pratyaahvaya or Yoga of resonance classes. Jaime says, “Pratyaahvaya Yoga is a form of mindfulness Yoga that teaches us how to resonate with all living beings. This type of Yoga reminds us that we are not alone, and every second of our lives counts, says Jaime. Villa Respiro, 67-135 Ribbonwood Dr. Spring Crest, CA 92564. Stress Management & Prevention Clinic and Yoga Center, 71-511 Suite G, Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA 92270.
Heaven On Earth
Through a colorful array of classes and services, HEAVEN ON EARTH HOLISTIC LIVING CENTER invites guests to “embody heaven on earth” by helping one another live from the heart. “It’s about heaven and earth merging within the heart of every human beng,” says director and founder Stahsha Stanowicz. This full-spectrum West Hollywood facility offers classes in fitness, art and education as well as provides holistic health care services. This studio and wholeness center uniquely offers chakra dancing, laughter Yoga and hosts special events such as poetry and music nights and goddess parties. “Heaven on Earth is a community space devoted to showcasing fun [and] positive approaches to many of the challenges we face as a society,” says Stahsha. “The purpose is to provide each person the tools and support to build a positive lifestyle [of] growth, healing and authentic expression,” she says.
Join Heaven on Earth for their grand opening celebration Saturday, September 19 from 12 – 6 P.M. Heaven on Earth Holistic Living Center, 7122 Beverly Blvd., Suite E. Los Angeles, CA 90036. heavenonearthla.com
Rope Yoga in Santa Barbara
Now West coasters can reap the benefits from RussaYoga, a rope-based Yoga studio originally located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. With a new location in Santa Barbara, RUSSAYOG YOGA STUDIO offers fifteen group classes per week. And since you’re almost at the beach, why not do some Yoga on the beach? RussaYog hosts outdoor classes at East Beach every Saturday morning. Children ages eight to fourteen can also join in on the fun with classes for youth. The RussaYog experience is divided into four stages, which will challenge you to explore your limits of balance, stamina and strength through poses with and without ropes. “Because of the nature of the ropes, a beginner feels supported, as if working with a gentle partner, encouraging you to expand your limits, mindfully and confidently,” says studio owner Teresa Singh. “People who are experienced with Yoga or athletes who want to improve their ‘edge’ may find RussaYog to be ideally suited to increase awareness of breathing, toning muscles and delving deeper into stretches,” Teresa says. After every class, enjoy a fresh cup of RussaYog’s homemade Chai tea, socialize with fellow yogis and learn more about rope Yoga. RussaYog Yoga Studio, 1905 Cliff Drive Santa Barbara, CA 93109.russayog.com
Moving Lotus
LOTUS 7 YOGA AND PILATES planted its new home just one mile away from its original location in Santa Margarita. Moving upward and onward, the new 3,000 square foot facility is bigger, better and hosts a wellness center. “We will be the only full-service Yoga/Pilates and integrated wellness center in Rancho Santa Margarita that will include massage therapy, a licensed aesthetician, a chiropractor, a reflexologist, and a doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture and nutrition,” says Lotus 7 owner, Lisa Brabender. Beyond the wide range of Yoga and Pilates classes, Lotus 7 offers holistic care for the mind, body and spirit. “At Lotus 7, we strive to provide a unique urban escape dedicated to enhancing your well-being,” says Lisa. Recycling and reusing whatever could be salvaged from Lotus 7’s first location, the new studio is environmentallyfriendly and uses chemical-free design materials wherever possible. Lotus 7 Yoga and Pilates, Plaza Empresa 29941 Aventura, Ste. F, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688. lotus7yoga.com
All New Doors by Melissa Chua. Melissa is a regular contributor to LA YOGA who is a graduate of CSU-Northridge’s Journalism program. She is the detail-oriented organizer of the spreadsheet for teacher training programs. While we were getting ready to go to press, she was doing her civic duty serving on a Los Angeles jury before heading over to Rising Lotus Yoga in the Valley: m.chua13@gmail.com.
