LA+Yoga+-+September+2012

FIND BLISS LA DAYTRIPPING DOWNTOWN LA MII AMO GRATITUDE ON THE ROCKS RELATIONSHIP MINDFULNESS THROUGH CONNECTION Teen Talking Samsara: Circles a visually stunning flm Rockin’ Out with MC Yogi Ayurvedic Daily Practices SEPTEMBER 2012 RETREAT IN STYLE OUR ANNUAL FASHION PAGES layoga_sept2012_covers.indd 1 26/08/12 10:03 PM

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AYUR VEDA AND HEALTH SEPTEMBER 2012 28 features 54 28 Fall Fashion For this year’s foray into fashion, we packed up a crew and headed out to Udaya Retreat Center in Malibu to showcase the yoga lifestyle. Photo by Rawtographer. 54 MC Yogi His music and message inspire people of all ages to chant to Shiva, Hanuman, or Ganesh. 60 Here MC Yogi shares some of his inspirations on his own path of pilgrimage. 60 Samsara In one of this year’s most highly anticipated feature documentaries, The flmmaking team also responsible for Baraka take us on an epic and intoxicating journey around the world through expansive visuals and emotional music. contents Check Out Find Bliss Los Angeles! page 63 Community Ayurveda 10 Get Up & Go 42 Daily Well-Being 12 Open Doors Food & Home Seen & Heard 44 Farmers' Corner: 16 Yoga Journal Conference Back to School Seva In Every Issue 18 Talking Teens 46 Meditation ON THE COVER: Musician Profle 48 Media Julie Docherty wearing Purple Tank by Anue for 20 Lila Downs 94 Astrology New Balance and shorts by 96 Yantra Pushpa. Photographed at Don't Miss This Udaya Retreat Center by David Young-Wolff: 26 Festival Highlights Davidyoung-wolff.com 2 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 2 26/08/12 10:02 PM

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editor's note Photo of Felicia at Kathmandu Boutique by Jenny Lens. Life Force Bracelet by Energy Muse. “When I have a great outft and I feel good, I’m more likely to go to yoga, to the gym, or work out,” a friend of mine recently announced as she was rummaging through her closet. I’m certain that she’s not the only one who feels this way. It’s not like clothes are everything, or that we abso- We may feel it in the correspondence of the energies lutely need the latest fashion in order to feel good of the chakras with different hues we wear. We talked about ourselves, but we may light up when we pull to people who design and screenprint their own cre- our favorite t-shirt over our head or feel comforted ations, who are committed to organic and/or sustain- by the warm embrace of our favorite scarf. We may able materials, who run family businesses, who pro- have a lucky item of clothing or a signature piece that duce out of passion. We chose malas tied by hand, defnes us. Every day, we open our closet, pick some- jewelry with a thoughtful message, models who make thing out, and get dressed. And just as we talk about yoga practice a part of their daily lives. While on lo- the politics of what we eat, what we choose to wear cation at Udaya Retreat Center in Malibu, we pho- – our adornment – is another opportunity to make a tographed on grounds lovingly crafted with the envi- statement. It is another opportunity to vote with our ronment in mind. We ordered vegan lunch and chose dollar for organic, sustainable, and recycled clothing, healthy snacks. Our makeup artist educated everyone for clothing from a conscious producer, or even for on cosmetics that are environmentally friendly – as clothing with a medicinal effect. well as safe and even nourishing for the skin. While some may say that fashion is the very antithesis How we live our lives in the modern urban world of yoga, or that our practice transcends the need to with integrity – these are some of the questions we fuss over matching outfts, we make a statement every are grappling with in these pages of LA Yoga. Flinging time we make a choice. We see this, for example, in open the closet doors, choosing items to add to our the red robes of monks or the orange colors of swamis. wardrobe, assembling something that supports our desire to soar into handstand or surrender into sava- sana – this is part of that journey. May we wear it well, Felicia M. Tomasko, RN 4 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 4 26/08/12 10:03 PM

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BIKRAM' S YOGA AYUR VEDA AND HEALTH COLLEGE OF INDIA EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PUBLISHER Felicia M. Tomasko, RN Douglas R. Corbett CREATIVE DIRECTOR: LA YOGA CALIFORNIA Justine Power AFFILIATED CREATIVE DIRECTOR: FIND BLISS SCHOOLS Corti Cooper Los Angeles Staff Writers Advertising Executives World Headquarters Melissa Chua Westside Regional Manager Cheryl Depp San Diego Melissa Grace Hoon Assia Valova [email protected] Carrie Janell (310) 435-6490 San Francisco Dale Nieli Beth Prandini Columbus Ave Elizabeth Ripps Eastside Regional Manager Laurie Searle Brianna Welke Petaluma [email protected] Associate Editors (360) 303-8968 Mountain View Jazmine Green Karen Henry Midtown Berkeley Joni Yung Regional Manager Emily Herakovich Editorial Coordinator [email protected] Oakland Vanessa Harris (213) 482-0576 Lower Lake County Editorial Assistance Newsletter Production Michael Blahut Joseph Parra Daly City Arlene Casian Spanish Editorial Rachael Cleghorn Assistance San Francisco Jessica Malloy Jaime Carlo-Casellas, PhD Sea Cliff Tim Shulberg Managing Editor, Jessica Thomas Find Bliss San Francisco Jordan Younger R. Samantha Silverman Mission Agoura Hills Contributors Suzanne Bryant Carrie Hutchinson Beth Shaw Los Angeles Dr. John Casey Joe Kara Rawtographer/Jeff Skeirik Downtown Kristina Clemens Tai Kerbs Alisa Spirit of the Wind Carla Cummings Jenny Lens Daisy Swan Bonita Amy V. Dewhurst Amy McDonald Sarah Tomlinson Brett Leigh Dicks Rachel Nahmias Leeza Villagomez Irvine Red Jen Ford Erik Oberholtzer Denise Waling Guy Gabriel Daniel Overberger Ashley Walsh South Pasadena Sam Geppi Dr. Lorin Roche Colin Young-Wolff Marla Leigh Goldstein McKenna Rowe David Young-Wolff Manhattan Beach Cleveland Groove Robert & Melanie Sachs Pam Young-Wolff La Canada Thank you to the entire Yoga community for Pasadena participating in and supporting this effort to educate, inspire, and share wisdom. Costa Mesa LA YOGA Magazine is published by Chandra Publishing Huntington Beach 1234 26th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 828-8218 Marina Del Rey www.layogaonline.com / layoga-digital.com PRINTED IN LOS ANGELES Stockton Palm Desert layoga_sept2012_text.indd 6 26/08/12 10:03 PM

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our contributors ROBERT SACHS MELANIE SACHS Writer Writer Robert Sachs has spent his entire life Melanie Sachs is the author of Ayurvedic studying Asian healing systems, includ- Beauty Care as well as the coauthor ing macrobiotics (at the Kushi Institute), (with her husband Robert) of Ayurvedic Hatha Yoga, Tibetan medicine, shiatsu, Spa. She is one of the West’s foremost Eastern body therapies and Ayurveda. authorities on Ayurvedic spa and beauty Along with his wife, Melanie Sachs, treatments. She and Robert run a clinic Robert runs Diamond Way Ayurveda, a as well as numerous training programs premiere promoter of Ayurveda in the at their clinic in San Luis Obispo. They spa and beauty industries. will be presenting at the Be Well Expo in Diamondwayayurveda.com September. Diamondwayayurveda.com MCKENNA ROWE CHERYL DEPP Writer Writer McKenna caught the yoga bug young Moving between action and being, Cheryl watching Lilias Folan on PBS. A runner, is an impressionistic writer with a passion hiker, biker, and snowboarder, she once for artistic expression. A forever yogini, was a nationally ranked equestrian; also a this mother of two believes inverted pos- successful composer, singer and DJ, McK- tures clear the mind and a good cup of enna shares cutting-edge music during coffee steadies the ground beneath her yoga, recruiting local musicians and DJs. feet. A spirited entrepreneur with roots in She owned East Hollywood’s Chakra 5 the Midwestern town of Speedway, India- Yoga studio during 2011 and the commu- napolis, she’s driving her next adventure nity continues to connect via social media by repurposing discarded car tires into and mobile yoga. Chakra5.la eco-conscious yoga mats. OmsTread.com YOUR LETTERS WHERE I PICK UP MY LAYOGA Dear LA Yoga, I recently saw Passport to Prana in the magazine and love the fact that this offer is available throughout Los Angeles. What a great way to explore so many of the great studios in the area. It is wonderful to see that Passport to Prana is made up of all of the region’s stellar independent, truly grassroots community studios. This is a perfect way to explore these hidden treasures! Namaste, Ali Kamen CORRECTION In the seasonal spa story in the June, 2012, issue of Find Bliss Magazine, incor- Michael Costa, L.Ac. picks up his copy of rect price and duration was given for the Rock Star Treatment at the Raven Spa. LA Yoga at Costa Acupuncture in Culver City. The Rock Star Treatment is two hours long and the price of the treatment is Yoursourceforwellness.org $185. The Raven Spa is located at 2910 Rowena Ave, Silverlake, 323-644-0240 Do you want to be featured in an upcoming or 208 Pier Avenue, Santa Monica, 310-399-4747. Theravenspa.com issue? Send an email to: [email protected] and tell us INTERN OPENING where you pick up your copy of LA Yoga. Are you interested in joining out team? We have an opening for a volunteer edi- torial intern to help build a greater sense of community in LA. For more details, or to apply, please email: [email protected] subject line: intern ap 8 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 8 26/08/12 10:03 PM

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> Kathmandu Boutique Open House, 15 Sept. > Yogmata, Himalayan Siddha Yoga, 6-7 Oct. > Yoga Gives Back, Thank You Mother India, 29 Sept. GET UP & GO SEPTEMBER FILM One day - $25, Two day - $50. The Church in Ocean Park. EcoSalon Film Series Los Angeles Convention Center, 235 Hill Street, Santa Monica. September’s flm is Break- 1201 South Figueroa St., LA. Hillstreetcenter.org through, a documentary follow- Bewell-expo.com ing the raw vegan lifestyle of Female Mystics, Saints, and Jinjee and Storm Talifero and WORKSHOPS/CLASSES Poets of India and Tibet their four children. Q&A with Yoga Aid World Challenge LA This fve-week course taught the flmmakers follows. Wanderlust Yoga in the City - by Laura Amazzone will provide 30 September. 3-5:30pm. Los Angeles is the 10th and fnal a compelling look at female religious authority as exemplifed Free. Microsoft Store at the city participating in this unique Westfeld Century City Mall 24-hour global yoga relay. Class in the lives of Eastern mystics, saints, poets and gurus of past 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., LA. 1 opens with inspiring words by Greenlifestyles.org Marianne Williamson, followed and present. Wednesdays. by Yoga with Seane Corn, Katie 19 Sept. – 17 Oct. 9:15pm. FESTIVALS/CONFERENCES Brauer, Derek Beres, David Kim, $190 total tuition. Bhakti Fest and Tommy Rosen. Class 2 will LMU Campus, 1 Loyola Experience the “bhav” for four be taught by Brock & Krista Ca- Marymount University Dr., LA. days of continuous devotional hill, Ally Hamilton, Sianna Sher- lmu.edu chanting, Bhakti Yoga fow, man, and Kumudini. MC Yogi wisdom workshops, an Eco- will close out the Yoga Aid World Daylong Retreat with friendly vendor village, and a Challenge with a free concert. Phillip Mofftt: Emotional vibrant community. 100% of money raised will sup- Chaos to Clarity 6-9 September. port local charity partners. In this retreat based on his book, Phillip will guide you through a Joshua Tree Retreat Center, 9 September. 1:30pm. process of personal inquiry to 59700 29 Palms Hwy, Registration Free. Raise funds Joshua Tree. Bhaktifest.com with your own Yoga Aid page. identify where emotional chaos Santa Monica Pier, Ocean Ave. is affecting your life. He will also Be Well Expo Yogaaid.com introduce Buddhist practices Leading experts will reveal and essential life skills that can insider secrets and showcase Eco-Yoga Practice profoundly improve your ability thousands of products and ser- Every third Sunday, Jasmine Lieb to skillfully navigate challenging vices that have been screened and the Green Yoga Association relational issues and fnd peace and selected just for you. Grab host an evening of gentle Yoga of mind and heart. your friends and come to this practice, guest speakers and a 22 September. 10am-4pm. innovative beauty and wellness shared vegetarian meal. $50-$150, sliding scale. show. LA Yoga readers receive 16 September. 6-8:30pm. InsightLA Olympic, 20% off with code: LAY $20 donation benefts the Green 1430 Olympic Blvd., 29-30 September. 10am-6pm. Yoga Association. Santa Monica. InsightLA.org 10 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 10 26/08/12 10:03 PM

> Yoga Aid World Challenge, 9 Sept. > Bhakti Fest, 6-9 Sept. > Andrea Adler Reading, 15 Sept. Compiled by Carrie janell Mastery of Consciousness: Hindu & Buddhist Deities: cooked vegan Nepalese food, NamasDAY Gurukadaksham (Saktipat Grace) Power of Archetypes live music and art exhibits featur- exhale mind body spa will Utilize the mystical practice of Manoj Chalam will relate the ing local artists, henna, healing honor National Yoga Month with Kalangi Kundalini Yoga (Yoga symbolism of Hindu and Bud- massage, shopping discounts, complimentary yoga classes of the Achiever), empowering dhist deities to archetypes within and much more. throughout the day and an Siddhar Puja, Siddhar Yagna (fre us. Through their myths, uncover 15 September. 11am-7:30pm. evening yoga bash with DJs, ceremony) as tools to mastery of hidden symbolisms and learn Kathmandu Boutique, 1844 dancing, giveaways, gift bags, consciousness. to work with them as part of a Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica. and a festive party atmosphere. 27-30 September. 10am-4pm. nondualistic spiritual and yogic Kathmanduboutique.com 20 September. Ariven Turiya Sakti Temple. practice. Kirtans sung by Jyothi Exhale Center for Sacred Nandhi.com/events Chalam. Zen and Calligraphy Movement, 245 S. Main St., 13 September. 6:30-9pm. Zen Master Shodo Harada Venice. Exhalespa.com Himalayan Siddha Yoga World yogitoes rExperience Lab, Roshi will lead this one day Peace Campaign 2403 Main St., Santa Monica. presentation on Zen and USGBC – LA Chapter’s 8th Pilot Baba and Yogmata Keiko Yogitoes.com calligraphy. Presentation Annual Green Gala Aikawa are known masters in includes a brief history, its Featuring Architecture for Hu- spiritual circles worldwide as The Promise: Launch Party symbolism and a demonstration manity founder Cameron Sinclair, they teach methods of letting go and Book Signing of this spiritual art form. the nonproft US Green Build- of wrongs, anxieties, self-doubts, Celebrate Mark Whitwell’s new 15 September. 2pm. ing Council’s Gala will include and fears that hinder the mind book, The Promise of Love, Sex Event Free; Museum admission a cocktail reception, dinner, from being still and clear. and Intimacy: How a Simple required. Los Angeles County Sustainable Innovation Awards, 6-7 October. 10:30am-5pm. Breathing Practice Will Enrich Museum of Art (LACMA), and music by the Martini Kings. Hilton Los Angeles Airport, Your Life Forever. Come and 5905 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 28 September. 6:30-10:30pm. 5711 West Century Blvd., LA. enjoy pressed juices by Pressed Lacma.org $250. Aquarium of the Pacifc, Yogamata.org Juicery and live music by Joey 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach Lugassy. Fundraiser for Heart Andrea Adler’s Pushing Usgbc-la.org COMMUNITY of Yoga, a peace project in the Upward Reading Free Yoga and Spinning Class Middle East focused on training Meet 2012 L.A. Book Festival Yoga Gives Back \"Thank You at the Plank Space women yoga teachers. winner Andrea Adler in celebra- Mother India\" – 2nd Annual The Plank Space presents a 13 September. 7-9pm. tion of her new novel, Push- Day of Global Support spinning class by Studio Pulse Donna Karen’s Urban Zen, ing Upward, published by Hay We call upon the karma yoga and a yoga class by Harmony 9145 Nemo St., West Hollywood. House. There will be live music, of all studios and teachers from Yoga. All with ocean views and Urbanzen.org a ‘70s fashion show, and a every discipline of yoga to join fresh air. reading by the author. YGB in supporting women and 9 September. 5-7pm. Free. Kathmandu Boutique 15 September. 5pm-9pm. children in India. The Plank Space rooftop deck, Open House Cheryl Fudge, 1010 Montana 29 September. 200 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. A day of celebrating this growing Ave, Santa Monica. Multiple locations and times. Theplankspace.com conscious community with home Pus.hingupward.com Yogagivesback.org/tymi LAYOGAONLINE.COM 11 layoga_sept2012_text.indd 11 26/08/12 10:03 PM

community open doors Established in Australia in 1990 to inspire women to live their best life through active living, Lorna Jane makes high-quality, breathable workout gear designed for women by women. “Women who wear Lorna Jane are meant to feel great in every piece of our clothing,” said representative Sarah Rayner. “We understand that if you look good you are more likely to feel good and this will motivate you to get active in style.” Lorna Jane styles are known for being long-lasting, with Photo by Colin Young-Wolff its specially-constructed LJExcel fabric that wicks mois- ture and is anti-pilling, quick drying, and both shrink- and fade-resistant. Lorna Jane claims to be perfect for sweating it out at Yoga or the gym, providing confdence to move in style. “We design on-trend activewear with superior hi-tech LORNA JANE fabrication and construction to improve your perfor- mance, motivate you and inspire you to move, nourish LAUNCHING IN CA and believe everyday in order to live your best life.” By Melissa Grace Hoon, an Orange County-based writer and cultural studies graduate who is training to become a Yoga instructor. Melissahoon.com Lorna Jane, a women’s activewear retailer, has recently opened a collection of new California locations in Mali- Lorna Jane, Malibu / Marina Del Rey / Santa Monica Place / bu, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Topanga and West- Topanga / Westlake Prominade. Lornajane.com lake, with Huntington Beach on the way. Yoga Center Palm Desert stays true to tradition while welcoming all students to slip off their shoes and step onto a mat. teacher Roswitha Kima Smale, share common passions for the teachings of their respective traditions: Iyengar and Ashtanga Yoga. They set up shop under the same roof because of the syn- ergy of what they saw in their commitments to lineages from Sri T. Krishnamacharya. For practical reasons, they also found a beneft from a shared space; the Ashtanga Mysore practice occupies the morning hours, while the led classes fll the rest of the day. To accommodate all types of students, they offer Mysore- style led Ashtanga practices, introduction to Ashtanga, adaptive yoga (including classes specifcally geared for people with multiple sclerosis or other conditions), Iyen- YOGA CENTER gar levels one and two, rope wall classes (Yoga Kurunta), and Restorative Yoga. Special workshops include those PALM DESERT led by senior teachers Dominic Corigliano and Cathy Rogers Evans, among others. By Felicia Tomasko RN In a welcoming storefront with a hand-crafted rope wall, Yoga Center Palm Desert features a space dedicated to Yoga Center Palm Desert, 73875 Highway 111, Palm Desert. the Ashtanga and Iyengar practices. Studio co-owners Yogacenterpalmdesert.com Holly Hughins and Eileen Flaherty, along with Asthanga 12 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 12 26/08/12 10:03 PM

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community open doors “ Our focus is wellness through Yoga, incorporating mind, body and spirit as the traditional teachings encourage change ideas, and exist in harmony. Our focus is well- ness through Yoga, incorporating mind, body and spirit as the traditional teachings encourage,” says Jan. The Huntington Beach wellness center welcomes all lev- els, offering a variety of Yoga, dance and ftness classes including Zumba and barre. Jan’s favorite class is Deep Stretch/Yin Yoga. “It keeps my body aligned and fexible and helps me balance stress and emotional well-being,” she says. Also delightful is Harmony HB’s menu of relax- ing massages. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, featuring hand- made crafts, gemstones, fossils and artwork by local HARMONY HB artists. The overall mission of Harmony is to promote love, balance, and unity and a sense of community in HUNTINGTON BEACH Huntington Beach. By Melissa Chua Harmony HB conjures wellness through Yoga, dance, art, and massage – all under one roof. Studio owner Jan Harmony HB, 16907 Algonquin Street, Huntington Beach. Palmer says, “I want Harmony HB to be a place where 714-840-2446. Harmony-hb.com people can gather, make new friends, get in shape, ex- ing Joint. After complications post-pregnancy, “I realized how people felt when they didn’t spend their time mov- ing, and I felt an even deeper desire to help people fnd movement in their bodies during this age of computers and commuters,” says Alyson. As a dancer, Alyson always showed a passion for move- ment and believed in its healing powers “There are very few studios that have so many movement forms for so many types of people,” says Alyson. The Moving Joint offers Yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, prenatal and postnatal classes, infant massage, and dance classes. There is an on- site physical therapist and massage therapist as well for restorative movement and healing. You can easily engage and interact with your instructors in the smaller class sizes designed for Yoga and Pilates Reformer classes. For Yoga newcomers, Alyson recom- mends Melissa’s Intro to Yoga class to learn the funda- mentals of the ancient form of movement and discuss the THE MOVING JOINT philosophies and traditions behind Yoga. MAR VISTA By Melissa Chua, an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing around with arm balancing poses. [email protected] Living in the Mar Vista / Venice neighborhood, Alyson Boell-Marchand saw the need to create a “hub for move- The Moving Joint, 12813 Venice Bl., Mar Vista. 424-228-5348. Themovingjoint.com ment” in her community which she has called The Mov- 14 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 14 26/08/12 10:03 PM

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seen and heard YOGA JOURNAL CONFERENCE SAN DIEGO IN THE VEDIC PERIOD, LEARNING WAS A PART OF LIVING. TODAY, WE CARRY ON THAT TRADITION AT PLACES LIKE THE YOGA JOURNAL CONFERENCE SAN DIEGO WHICH WE ATTEND TO GAIN PEARLS OF WISDOM. BY GUY GABRIEL PHOTOS BY CLEVELAND GROOVE The frst tool to throw into my yoga toolbox from Many of us spill out our energies through excessive this weekend came from ParaYoga instructor Rod speaking and worrying. As we practice with atten- Stryker. He reminded us that Tantra Yoga is fo- tion to the breath and bandhas, we think about cused on converting the gross matter (the physical building this pranic energy up from the pelvic foor body) into refned and sophisticated matter. When and allowing it to accumulate at the heart’s center. we practice asana combined with pranayama, we We moved through a well-thought-out series of refne the muscular, glandular, and nervous sys- asanas with attention to activating all three band- tems so that the latent powers contained in our has (locks or seals) in downward-facing dog. bodies begin to manifest their potential. Stryker reminded us not to be overly aggressive, “Energy is fowing,” Rod said, “it helps us remove especially with our breath, and challenged the blocks so we can build a container for prana.” idea behind the loud ujjayi breath and its effect. 16 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 16 26/08/12 10:03 PM

We practiced it loudly, which indeed elic- ited a rajasic quality that was agitating and quite unrewarding. Next, we practiced with a gentle and easy sound that created a calming, more gentle feeling within, and I was sold! One of the weekend’s many other gems was the Tantra panel with Rod Stryker, Gary Kraftsow, Sally Kempton, and Sianna Sherman. Stryker reminded us that Tan- tra “helps to awaken that which is sacred within us.” Sianna Sherman reminded us of the meaning of the word itself: “tan” means “that which expands”, and “tra” means “to protect.” “We must cultivate and expand our awareness of who we are,” Gary Kraftsow stated, “Tantra is a method of moving you to another place, away from what’s not serving you. That’s why we use this science of asana, pranayama, mudra, and mantra to help us shift and move our intentions to overcoming our patterns.” He reiterated, “Mastering our minds and bodies and the forces of nature is Tantra.” This panel was quite thought-provoking. A comment Gary Kraftsow made about be- coming a serious student affected me. In- deed, the teachers will come, but ultimately it’s the inner guru who has to grow to see these sacred truths revealed. It’s a reminder we need to heed every day. Yoga Journal will be offering a three-day Tantric Yoga immersion with Rod Stryker, Shiva Rea, Gary Kraftsow, Sianna Sher- man, Douglas Brooks, Sally Kempton, and Manoj & Jyothi Chalam Sept. 30 - Oct. 3. jyevents.com/ep Guy Gabriel graduated from the California College of Ayurveda and holds certifcations in Yoga Therapy Rx and Yoga and Ecology from Loyola Marymount University. He teaches at Amgen, Disney, and Universal Studios as well as Yoga at the Village and sees clients and students in Agoura Hills. To read more, visit: layogaonline LAYOGAONLINE.COM 17 layoga_sept2012_text.indd 17 26/08/12 10:03 PM

local heroes seva in action TEEN TALKING CIRCLES A CIRCLE IN WHICH WE CAN SPEAK OUR TRUTH: WE ALL NEED A PLACE LIKE THIS IN ORDER TO FEEL SAFE AND BE HEARD. THIS IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT FOR TEENS, PARTICULARLY WITH THE INCREASING PRESSURE IN THE WORLD TODAY. BY CHERYL DEPP Teen Talking Circles is a nonproft organization tors a safe space to tell the truth, practice compas- with a mission to, “Educate, inspire, and inpower sionate Listening, and take radical responsibility young women and men; foster partnership be- for their feelings and perceptions, teens in circle tween the genders, generations, and cultures; and feel freer to reveal their authenticity, and strength- support youth actions for a just, compassionate, en their capacity to hold compassion for others. and sustainable world.” Teen Talking Circles trains facilitators to use Linda Wolf has been living her dharma as TTC a variety of communication modalities, includ- founder and Executive Director for nearly 20 ing Compassionate Listening (developed by the years. Devoted to the cause, she, along with staff, Compassionate Listening Project and used in and board members, offers programs that in- the Middle East), Nonviolent Communication clude: girl circles, guy circles, mixed gendertalks, (founded by Marshall B. Rosenberg), sacred TTC facilitator trainings, and women's sacred activism, art, and ritual. The organization’s up- circle yoga retreats. coming Malibu beneft will augment TTC’s train- Through experience, Wolf has noticed that teens ing scholarship fund for adults from diverse orga- often “don’t feel safe to speak their truth inside an nizations, schools, and youth-serving programs in institutional setting.” By co-creating with facilita- the greater Los Angeles area who have an interest 18 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 18 26/08/12 10:03 PM

in facilitating teen circles using Compas- sionate Listening. And the beneft with Deva Premal, Miten, and Manose will in- troduce Angelenos to TTC. Linda Wolf’s passionate commitment to seva (selfess service) that wraps its arms around the eight limbs of yoga became apparent in conversation. This energy pro- vides, as Wolf states, the nonjudgmental and loving atmosphere of the TTC. As Wolf shared her thoughts of a “living presence,” she communicated that by allowing “teens to be heard without judgment, they feel safe and have the courage to go deeper into their truth.” An internal guidance emerges when, according to Wolf, teens “hear their own answers and their own wisdom, in- stead of being told how they should be or what would fx their problems.” Susi Costello, Yoga teacher and TTC board member, adds, “It is only by putting this love into practice that the world can be transformed into a place where honesty, compassion, and justice are a reality for all people everywhere.” The custom of ahimsa (nonviolence or compassion) is honored when, Wolf says, “we begin to recognize this other person as not other at all but as a part of our- selves.” A sense of community is revisited when “this exercise of listening openly and speaking with pure intentions becomes a metta (loving-kindness) meditation.” The gift of giving and receiving is clearly evidenced within TTC. These circles help teens understand and connect to their voice. Strengthening their self-esteem, they cultivate the potential for peace within themselves and with the world. Costello connects the experience in these circles with the centuries-old tradition of yoga, “When we are able to truly want the best for everyone as well as for ourselves, and when we are able to see the light that we share with every living being, then we can say we are truly practicing yoga.” Join Deva Premal and Miten for a fundraiser for Teen Talking Circles hosted by Lindsay Wagner at the 747 Wing House in Malibu on Sunday, Sept. 9th: teentalkingcircles.org/deva Cheryl Depp is an impressionistic writer, teacher, yogini, and mother of two. Discovering her inner land rover, catch her inspired unfolding at OmsTread.com LAYOGAONLINE.COM 19 layoga_sept2012_text.indd 19 26/08/12 10:03 PM

musician profle Lila Downs: Passion and Practice BY BRETT LEIGH DICKS 20 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 20 26/08/12 10:03 PM

Lila Downs: from Minnesota, Lila Downs’s musical world isn’t as much of a cultural Being the daughter of a Mexican cabaret singer and a professor of art collision as one might expect. Rather, it is a world that beautifully caresses and embraces the traditions of two very different cultures into something that far exceeds the sum of these two unique parts. Since her frst record- ing, a self-released cassette titled Ofrenda more than ffteen years ago, Downs has taken both her music and its message to the world. And the resonance with which each have been met refects the passion from which they were born. In forging a sound where traditional American folk sensibilities blend seamlessly with the boisterous wanderings of her Mexican heritage and the aching lament of slowly crooned jazz, what actually comes to the fore is a remarkable sense of identity and bearing. Born in Oaxaca, Mexico, and raised in both California and Minnesota, when college beckoned, it was a combination of voice and anthropology that captured her scholastic curiosity. But rather than setting the stage for a future career, her studies helped inform her need for an outlet focused on freedom. “It was liberating to study voice,” offered Downs. “Especially since I was an adolescent at the time and bound up with all the energy and confu- sion that came with that stage of life. Singing has always been my guiding center. But getting away from that formal structure and its serious nature was something I had to do. I needed to be free and I have found that com- posing my own songs can offer me that.” >> Photo by Fernando Aceves LAYOGAONLINE.COM 21 layoga_sept2012_text.indd 21 26/08/12 10:03 PM

teacher profle lila downs teacher profle “ I’m grateful for my Yoga practice because it makes me a little bit lighter. << Prior to composing her own music, part of getting away from the formal structure included heading out on the trail following the Grateful Dead. The attraction wasn’t so much the music of the legendary free-thinkers, but the lifestyle that revolved around their crusade. Downs toured the country in van from which she sold her handmade jewelry at the shows. After a subsequent stint in Mexico, she eventually returned to school to com- plete her studies. Once she graduated, the burgeoning musician was again spending time on both sides of the bor- der. She returned to Oaxaca where she worked in her mother’s auto parts shop and sang in lo- The earth and its soul frequently fnd voice in her cal bars. There, she embraced a range of musi- music, as do themes such as nostalgia and home, cal undertakings performing with several differ- transformation and change. Connecting to peo- ent ensembles that explored traditional Mixtec, ple’s concerns and keeping her fnger on the social ranchero, boleros, and American music. While it pulse is something that Lila Downs has consis- might have seemed an eclectic offering, these vari- tently strived to maintain. Across the course of ous incarnations of traditional roots music were her oeuvre, Downs' music has been characterized instrumental in informing Downs’ own musical by the dignity and respect with which she views message. the world and the souls that inhabit it. She has ac- During this period in Oaxaca, Downs met an cordingly been a strong advocate of human rights. expatriate American jazz musician by the name Her 2001 album Border explored the delight and of Paul Cohen who has also played a role in shap- regret that has instilled itself along our southern ing Down’s message. Since partnering with the border, while a 2004 follow-up One Blood was a singer-songwriter both personally and profession- personal examination of culture and class. On her ally, across more than ffteen years they have pro- 2008 release Shake Away, Downs wore her social duced ten albums and undertaken countless tours consciousness proudly on her sleeve, and nowhere around the globe. When not taking Downs’ music is that more poignant then on “Minimum Wage.” to the world, the pair share their time between While the song passionately addresses the depen- New York and Oaxaca, Mexico. Given their no- dency this country has on immigrant workers and madic existence, the question arises as to how the discrepancy in remuneration, the overall sense place instills itself within her music? of Shake Away is one of healing. “A lot of it depends on how I am currently feel- No matter whether she is bringing to light the ing about the other place at the time,” laughed plight of people fghting for social justice in the Downs. “My life has very much been about being face of political adversity or simple instilling the uprooted, so nostalgia tends to play a big part no pleasure of a good chocolate sauce, her conviction matter where I am. My soul is always searching is fuelled by a passion that very few other artists and I think that has an infuence too. But I have to can match. While the world that Downs encoun- say that being in Oaxaca is very liberating. There ters plays a major role in fueling her muse, so too is something about being close to the earth that is does her internal world. And her spiritual inspira- not just good for the body but also for the mind.” tion also runs the emotive gamut. 22 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 22 26/08/12 10:03 PM

“It’s about the inner monsters that have to come out,” explained Downs. “Some- times those monsters are really scary, and sometimes they’re more about enjoying the pleasures of life. That is when I’m really ap- preciative of having my Mexican genes. I was raised in the Midwest and sometimes that Puritan side comes out – but then the Mexican side comes out and says, ‘Hold on a minute here we have to enjoy life.’ I love to have that. And I think we all have that within us in some way. We just need to iden- tify it. Sometimes it is in cultural terms, and sometimes it’s in more poetic terms. But I think that’s the key to balancing life.” As emotive as her musical message always is, its delivery in the live arena is equally as impassioned. Vibrant and colorful, a Lila Downs concert is a celebration of life on so many levels. And with a touring schedule as frantic as the one she maintains, it is no surprise to learn that Yoga plays an instru- mental role in balancing her days on the road. She typically practices prior to vocal- izing. As well as the Yoga practice offering her a personal focus, it is also something that aids in preparing her for the pulsating and energetic stage performance for which she is renowned. “I’m grateful for my Yoga practice be- cause it makes me a little bit lighter,” of- fered Downs. “On stage and on the road, it makes me a different person. It makes me much more peaceful and patient, and patience is defnitely a beautiful thing. We have to be disciplined about respect- ing each other and keeping a positive atti- tude. Some of the darker rock bands might frown on me, but it helps all of us to keep our mind in gear. It’s important to keep this communal energy in a positive place. And I feel that Yoga has taught me about life. ” Lila Downs will be performing: Grammy Museum – 17 Sept., 8pm The Grove, Anaheim (with special guests Las Cafeteras) – 21 Sept., 8pm Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal State LA (with special guests Las Cafeteras) – 22 Sept., 8pm For more information, visit: Liladowns.com Brett Leigh Dicks is a writer, photographer, and yoga student who is always looking for a reason to see live music, take a photographs, or travel the world. LAYOGAONLINE.COM 23 layoga_sept2012_text.indd 23 26/08/12 10:03 PM

cross training Dale is wearing Lorna Jane Activewear. INDO-ROW: A NEW FORM OF INDOOR ROWING BY DALE NIELI PHOTOS BY RAWTOGRAPHER (JEFF SKEIRIK) Everyone has faws. I have an addictive person- “Shockwave and Indo-Row Summer Slam.” ality; “Powerless-ness” is my middle name. When The buzz: Indo-Row requires no experience and I walk into any 12-step program, people wink, classes burn up to 1,000 calories. Count me in! nod, and smile because they’ve seen me so often. The event was held on the club’s upper outside Recently I found Indo-Row, my newest obsession, sundeck. When I entered the area, there was as and I’m never letting go. much excitement, cheering, and screaming as if it Indo-Row (short for indoor rowing) is a work- were the fnish line of the LA Marathon or a gold out done on a specialized rowing machine that medal contest at the Olympics. uses water as a resistance mechanism. It was there where I met Josh Crosby, an Iron- I frst became aware of this phenomenon when man triathlete and world-class rower, who, along I attended the Equinox Sports Club in West LA’s with Jay Blahnik, created Indo-Row. On this 24 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 24 26/08/12 10:03 PM

Saturday morning, he was hosting the competitions and encouraging ev- eryone to row their best. He had so much exuberance and passion that I signed up for a race right then and there. Immediately, I noticed the participants were of different ages, shapes, and sizes, proving that Indo-Row is a workout for anyone. Collegiate rowers, triathletes, and newbies all shared the deck and traded time throughout the day. The gentleman to my left introduced himself as Milt Oberman. Celebrating his 68th birthday, he told me he had lost 30 pounds in seven months from rowing. Catching my attention to the right was a woman with the build of a professional athlete. Matthew Murawski, an elite rowing coach and Indo-Row instructor, placed my feet in the proper position, told me how to read the monitors on the machine, and pointed out that rowing was 60% leg work. Not only was I excited to be embarking upon a great cardio challenge, but I was going to race! My Yoga training kicked in as I slid my shoulder blades down, engaged my core, and pushed evenly with both feet. ”Breathe, breathe, breathe,” I repeated to myself. Once the race started, time stood still. I listened to the swishing of the water, and felt the resistance of the strokes. It became a meditative experi- ence as I found my rhythm. My mind was so focused that I didn’t notice the sweat dripping down my forehead. I was having so much fun that it did not matter that my shirt was covered with mascara. And even though I was the fnal person still rowing, I was so thrilled by the experience that I wouldn’t allow myself to stop until I’d fnished the 1,000 meters. Everyone had gath- ered and cheered me on until I was done. Now that’s community spirit! The next day, the benefts of this workout were obvious. Indo-Row rocks the upper back, arms, legs, and core – all this without any impact on the joints. And best of all, after the race, my spirits soared. Relating the benefts of this type of cross-training, Josh shared with me a story about his grandfather who rowed until he was 94, even after two knee replacements at the age of 89. The rowing both allowed his body to be strong enough for the surgery and was his best rehab. According to Josh, Indo-Row is complimentary to Yoga, with the expan- sion of the musculature of the upper body along with the contraction. It’s a bit like a sequence of upward facing dog alternating with downward facing dog – using apparatus for resistance. One week post-race, I met Matt at Studio 1-On-1 in Venice for an actual Indo-Row group ftness experience. Now that I was an accomplished race rower, I was ready to take on a 50-minute class, with skills and drills as well as interval and endurance training. Midway through the workout, during the “Recoveries” portion, we practiced a core strengthening and stretching series, which included leaning back into reverse plank. Although “ It’s a bit like a sequence of the class was both intense and demanding, Matt’s music was kick-ass. Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar would be proud as Matt continuously reminded us about upward facing dog alternating with downward facing dog— using apparatus for resistance. proper form. Providing a powerful cross-training regimen in conjunction with Yoga, Indo-Row combines a strong cardio workout with strength, fexibility, mindful meditation, and a lot of fun. To fnd out more about Indo-Row classes or how to purchase a sus- tainable wood-framed Indo-Row machine, visit: Indo-row.com Dale Nieli (MSW, hypnotherapist) is a certifed yoga and ftness expert. She works primarily with clients in the entertainment industry out of her private studio in Santa Monica. She can be reached at [email protected] LAYOGAONLINE.COM 25 layoga_sept2012_text.indd 25 26/08/12 10:03 PM

don't miss this… BeWell Beauty and Wellness Expo September 29-30 BeWell Expo is a bridge between consumers and the beauty and wellness industry. It is the premiere gathering of beauty and Venue: Los Angeles health experts with the mission Convention Center to expand consumers’ aware- 1201 South Figueroa St. ness through education and sampling of innovative products. Los Angeles, CA 90015 Keynote speakers include Dr. Bewell-expo.com Zein Obagi, Dr. N. Perricone, and Yoga Month 2012 Susie Ellis. LA YOGA readers receive 20% off ticket prices September 1-30 with code: LAY. Bhakti Fest September 6-9 September has been designated as National Yoga Month by the Depart- ment of Health and Human Services to promote the health benefts of Celebrating the devotional Yoga and to inspire a healthy life- path rooted in Yoga, kirtan, style. Get the Yoga Month card to and meditation, Bhakti Fest get one week of free yoga at any includes ancient and modern sacred wisdom. This festival of the over 1,600 participating yoga is sure to bring together a Venue: studios nationwide. loving and respectful commu- Joshua Tree Retreat Center nity. In the name of service, 59700 29 Palms Highway Multiple Locations. Bhakti Fest donates money to nonproft organizations that Joshua Tree, CA 92252 Yogamonth.org provide housing, food, educa- Bhaktifest.com tion, medical, and environmental beautifcation programs. 26 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 26 26/08/12 10:03 PM

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HOODED CIRCLE SCARF BY TEEKI, MESH SPORTS BRA BY NUX, LEGGINGS BY BE UP, STYLIST'S OWN JEWELRY. DETAILS PG 58. Udaya Retreat Sanctuary – The Retreat at Oak Canyon is a new eco-friendly center nestled in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains. Enjoy yoga, hiking, and delicious farm-to-table meals prepared by onsite staff. Visit: Udayaretreat.com for upcoming programs or information about renting the space to run a retreat. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 28 26/08/12 10:03 PM

YOGA IS MORE THAN A PRACTICE; FOR MANY, IT IS A WAY OF LIFE THAT INFLUENCES OUR MUSIC, FOOD, AND OUR CLOTHING — AS WELL AS OUR CHOICE TO SPEND A PERFECT WEEKEND ESCAPING TO ECO-SANCTUARY UDAYA RETREAT CENTER IN MALIBU. PHOTOS BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF layoga_sept2012_text.indd 29 26/08/12 10:03 PM

ABOVE: TWO TONE DRESS BY GGO, JEWELRY BY SWEET EVIE. PURPLE DRESS BY NUX. PURPLE SANDALS BY JUIL, BRACELETS BY ATMA. RED DRESS BY DINO. RED SANDALS BY UGG, SCARF SUPPLIED BY STYLIST. DETAILS PG 58. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 30 26/08/12 10:03 PM

FROM TOP: ORANGE TANK BY ELECTRIC YOGA, PANTS BY TEEKI, MALA BY OJAI MALAS. MEN'S TANK BY SINNS ART, PANTS BY BE PRESENT, BRACELETS BY SATYA. BLUE TANK & PINK PANTS BY BE UP, HEART MALA BY LADY FAITH. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 31 26/08/12 10:03 PM

PEACH TOP & GREY LEGGINGS BY GLYDER, PURPLE SANDALS BY JUIL. MEN'S LONG SLEEVE TEE BY BE PRESENT, BLACK SHORTS BY ZOBHA, SANDALS BY SANUK, JOURNAL BY ATMA. LAZER CUT SWEATSHIRT BY JALA, PINK LEGGINGS BY NUX, GREY SHOES BY SANUK, MALA BY 108 MALA. PRINTED DRESS BY JALA, CLOGS BY JUIL, MALA BY ATMA. DETAILS PG 58. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 32 26/08/12 10:04 PM

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BELOW FROM LEFT: WHITE CINCH SHIRT & WHITE SKIRTED PANTS BY DINO, PURPLE MAT BY YOGA RAT. WHITE BRA BY HARD TAIL FOREVER, WIDE LEG WHITE PANTS BY OM SHANTI, ORANGE MAT BY JADE, PINK TOWEL BY YOGAHITCH. WHITE TOP WITH GREY STRAPS BY GLYDER, WHITE PANTS WITH FLOWERS BY YOGAFIT, GREY MAT BY FUL. DETAILS PG 58. RIGHT (TOP): LISTED ABOVE. RIGHT (CENTER): TWO LAYER BRA BY BE UP, WHITE PANTS BY YOGA FIT. RIGHT (BELOW): LISTED ABOVE. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 34 26/08/12 10:04 PM

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FROM TOP: MEN'S TEE BY KRIYA, PANTS BY BE PRESENT. TUBE TOP BY PUSHPA, TIE DYE PANTS BY HARD TAIL FOREVER. RED TOP BY OM SHANTI, SHORTS BY JALA, MALA BY OJAI MALAS. COWL NECK DRESS BY GGO. PINK TOP BY ELECTRIC YOGA, LEGGINGS BY LULULEMON, JEWELRY BY RENEE SHEPPARD. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 36 26/08/12 10:04 PM

ABOVE: PURPLE HOODED TOP BY VYANA YOGA, PINK SHORTS BY NUX, LAYERED UNDER GREY SHORTS BY YOGAFIT, MAT BAG BY LADY FAITH, MALA BY OJAI MALAS. DETAILS PG 58. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 37 26/08/12 10:04 PM

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PURPLE TEE BY GREEN APPLE ACTIVE, ORANGE TEE BY COTTON CITIZEN, BLUE PANTS BY TANTRIS, SANDALS BY OKA B. TIE DYE TOP BY JALA, GRAY LEGGINGS BY LORNA JANE, SANDALS BY PLANET FLOPS. MEN'S TEE BY COTTON CITIZEN, MEN'S PANTS BY BE PRESENT, SANDALS BY SANUK. CREAM TEE BY COTTON CITIZEN, JEWELRY BY LOU ZELDIS. DETAILS PG 58. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 39 26/08/12 10:04 PM

ABOVE: RED HOODIE & ARM WARMER BY ELECTRIC YOGA. PURPLE WINDBREAKER BY ELECTRIC YOGA, PINK BRA BY LORNA JANE, GREY LEGGINGS BY LULULEMON. NEON WINDBREAKER BY ELECTRIC YOGA, WHITE TOP BY NUX, GREY & PURPLE SPLIT PANTS BY GGO. MEN'S HOODIE BY COTTON CITIZEN, MEN'S SHORTS BY BE PRESENT, SANDALS BY SANUK. DETAILS PG 58. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 40 26/08/12 10:04 PM

FROM TOP: SLEEVELESS BLUE HOODIE BY NUX, GREY SHORTS BY BE UP. PURPLE TANK BY ANUE BY NEW BALANCE, TEAL TANK BY HARDTAIL FOREVER. TRIBAL TANK BY ANUE BY NEW BALANCE, NAVY CROPPED PANTS BY MESHEEKY, NECKLACE BY SWEET EVIE, YELLOW BRACELETS BY SATYA. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 41 26/08/12 10:04 PM

ayurveda Secrets for daily well-being BY ROBERT & MELANIE SACHS Being well is a daily practice that requires regu- bleached my teeth. In less than half an hour, lar maintenance to our body, mind, heart, and the pain built up until it became excruciating. spirit. Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medi- After leaving the dentist, I asked the driver to cine are best known for their use of herbal rem- take me to a Whole Foods store where I bought edies and body therapies based on a thorough a small bottle of sesame oil. When I returned to understanding of the chakra grid, acupuncture the hotel, I put two tablespoons into my mouth meridian systems, and subtle, but dynamic, en- and swished the oil back and forth in my mouth ergy felds. without gargling. After 20 minutes, my pain In Tibetan Ayurveda, there are four levels of level went from an 8.5 (out of 10) to less than 2. intervention with increasing levels of invasive- The oil I spat out was cream colored. After this ness. According to this system, herbal medicine practice, you are supposed to drink a glass of is considered to be a second level approach and water, which I did; I’ve continued this practice body therapies fall within both the second and on an ongoing basis and never looked back. third levels. The most familiar of the therapeutic In general, do this in the morning before you interventions also fall into level two or three. brush your teeth or eat. Follow the simple direc- This begs the question: What are contained in tions as I explained above and follow with a glass levels one and four? As I want to address level of water. Beyond pain relief, I have personally one exclusively, I shall only say that level four seen a dramatic reduction in plaque buildup. has to do with spiritual medicine, the deepest medicine of all. Level one is the least invasive, but in fact, the most fundamental to our daily health and well-being. Level one interventions are about lifestyle. At the Be Well Expo on September 29 and 30 in Los Angeles, Melanie and I shall be presenting participants with an array of frst level health practices which are quite simple but effective in both preventative and curative ways. We'd like to go over four of these techniques specifcally from the tradition of Ayurveda. They all involve the skillful use of oil, and most specifcally, or- ganic cold-pressed sesame oil. Gandusha Also known as oil pulling, when it comes to oral hygiene, I cannot speak enough about its ben- efts. Of course, sources have talked about de- toxifcation and I don’t know how many people really experience this or only wish they did. Before appearing on the Dr. Phil Show (that’s another story), I was told that my teeth were too dark for TV. I was ushered by limo to a Brentwood dentist who not only cleaned, but 42 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 42 26/08/12 10:04 PM

Karna Purana This practice involves oil in the ears. It is great for tinnitus (ringing in the ears), for most earaches, and is quite calming to the mind. Take a warm washcloth and rest it on your right jaw. When the jaw is nice and pink from the heat, lie down and use an eye dropper to pour warm sesame oil into the right ear. Relax on a comfy pillow for 15 to 20 minutes. Place a tissue near your ear and then turn your head to drain the oil. Do not use a Q-tip or anything in the ear afterwards, just a cotton ball to allow the oil to drain slowly. Repeat on the left side. Banishing Jetlag This is a great practice for air travel and was taught to us by Vaidya Doctor Vas- ant Lad. It both reduces jetlag and helps to keep you much calmer on the journey. Just before you leave the house, place some cold-pressed sesame oil on the crown of your head, in your ears, in the corners of your eyes near your nose, in both nostrils, at the corners of your mouth, in your na- vel, at the tip of the penis if you are a man or on the lips of the vagina if you are a woman, and fnally around your anus. Self-Abhyanga In Ayurveda, it is said that as we grow older we become more affected by the cold and dry vata dosha; we dry up and cool off. The remedy is oil – more of it in our diet and on our body. Abhyanga is oil mas- sage where we feed and nurture our body through the skin. For this type of self-mas- sage, you do not have to know special mas- sage strokes. Just go from head to toe and spread the oil over your entire body with a high quality organic vegetable oil. Let the oil stay on the skin for at least 20 minutes. There are special powders called ubtans that can be used to remove the oil. But, short of that, you can lie in a tub and allow the oil to gradually be absorbed and then remove the rest with a gentle, natural soap. This practice is recommended as a daily practice for anyone over 50. It is also an- other great practice to do when you arrive at your destination after traveling. Melanie and Robert Sachs run Diamond Way Ayurveda. They have decades of study and experience in incorporat- ing the traditions of Ayurveda and Tibetan Medicine in the modern world and frequently teach and consult in the spa industry. They are the authors of a long list of books including Tibetan Ayurveda: Health Secrets from the Roof of the World. Diamondwayayurveda.com LAYOGAONLINE.COM 43 layoga_sept2012_text.indd 43 26/08/12 10:04 PM

food farmers' corner BACK TO SCHOOL Keep the family healthy with three time-saving tips BY RED JEN FORD As the dog days of summer slip away in our ed at peak of season and are full of nutri- rearview mirror, we head down the road ents and favor. Plus they provide the added back to school, returning to the crowded beneft of keeping your power pack cool rhythm of our work (and workout) rou- until lunch time. By noon, they will have tines, and leave behind vacation to nego- defrosted and everything will be marinated tiate packed schedules. This time of year, to perfection. I longingly refect on the luxury enjoyed throughout the summer to celebrate the Break out the Box Grater harvest with homemade salsas, tarts, and No, it isn’t just for cheese anymore! Your produce-flled barbecues and outdoor par- box grater is a handy tool for quickly shred- ties. With so many other demands, there ding carrots, zucchini and summer squash, seems little time left to wield a knife over still plentiful in the fall. Toss a handful of the cutting board; fresh fruit and vegetables one or more into an omelet or quesadilla, often become the most convenient ingredi- top on salads, stuff into sandwiches or ents we discard in an effort to save time. wraps for added color and crunch, or stir Many people ask me, “Who has the time into pre-made soups or pasta sauces for to do all that chopping?” especially when it added vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and comes to breakfast and lunch. Here I share fber. Be sure to be mindful and watch your my personal answer to the question: How thumb as you grate down to the vegetable can you continue to enjoy the nutritious and nub. delicious benefts of the season’s bounty? Stuff the PB&J Leverage Leftovers When all else fails, we tend to resort to the For healthy lunches, we often default to a good ol’ peanut butter and jelly sandwich – green leafy salad, but that can become bor- it packs well and requires no refrigeration. ing (and wilted). For a complete, balanced But we can upgrade it by choosing whole meal on the go, leverage your leftovers in or sprouted grain breads, using almond, ca- these produce “power packs.” shew, or sesame butter, then stuffng it with fresh raspberries or blueberries. Just be sure Fill a one-quart container halfway with leftover grilled, sautéed, or steamed veg- to spread a very thin layer of your chosen gies, and then fll the rest with a matching butter on the second side to avoid sogginess. protein of your choice like salmon, grilled Of course, sliced peaches or nectarines are chicken, black beans, or tofu, and a co- delicious here, too, but they would require ordinating condiment like salsa or salad a knife (and some chopping). An upgraded dressing (think peppers and zucchini with sandwich like this is a simple option for a black beans and salsa or stir-fried veggies school lunch or to take to work. with canned salmon and sesame ginger In only a few minutes, we can have a healthy, vinaigrette). fresh meal with seasonal bounty. Do you need a few more complex carbohy- Red Jen Ford is a Certifed Holistic Health Coach and drates to sustain your energy levels? Line Yoga Instructor in Huntington Beach. She teaches the the base of your container with 1 cup of benefts and simplicity of eating local, sustainably grown a whole grain of your choice, such as qui- food. Get more ideas and recipes in her seasonal recipe noa, millet or brown rice. booklet, Simply Summer Recipes - A Yogic Approach to Preparing Simple, Healthy & Delicious Meals So You Look No leftover veggies on hand? Substitute & Feel Your Sexy Best On & Off the Mat! To get your own frozen vegetables instead: they’re harvest- copy, contact her at [email protected] 44 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 44 26/08/12 10:04 PM

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The Soul of Mantra MEDITATION BY DR. LORIN ROCHE A meditation on Yes from The Radiance Sutras, a new translation of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. Ask people, “What sounds do you make when HELL YEAH! OM is a sound we can say, chant, you are feeling YES to life – when you taste or and meditate on. If you’ve lost that OMMing smell something utterly delicious, receive a per- feeling, return to your Yes. What creates in you fect touch, or listen to music you love?” You’ll the spontaneous rising of pranava, your shout of hear a chorus of sounds like “Mmmmmm,” exuberance? “Aaaahhhh,” “Ooh,” and “Uuuuhh.” These are The deeper OM – the real OM – is the sound of the sounds of yes – Oh and MM and AHH rising existence itself, joyously shouting and reverber- spontaneously in your heart. ating everywhere across the universe. The Chandogya Upanishad, which dates to per- In the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, Shiva sings to haps 500 B.C., talks about OM as the sound of the Goddess: Yes. The Monier-Williams Sanskrit-English dic- When you enter into the Great Self tionary describes OM as indicating affrmation You realize all prayers are going on inside you and assent, sometimes translated as “Yes, ver- Spontaneously without cessation. ily, so be it.” OM consists of a, u, and m and is usually called pranava: pra = before, forward, In reality all songs of exuberance + nava = sound, shout, exult*. Exult, in turn, And ecstatic lovemaking are resonating in is “to feel or show great happiness, lively and Every particle of creation at every moment. triumphant joy.” Modern equivalents to “Yes, When you are established in this recitation, verily,” would be OH YEAH!, YAY, and even You are listening, and you hear them. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 46 26/08/12 10:04 PM

bhūyo bhūyaḥ pare bhāve bhāvanā ever heard a word of Sanskrit. Beatles fans listened to their records over and over with rapt attention, rel- bhāvyate hi yā ishing every word and chord change, and so appar- japaḥ so'tra svayaṁ nādo mantrātmā ently, millions of people received a kind of Shaktipat, a transmission of spiritual energy, through the song. japya īdṛśaḥ I started teaching meditation around this time, and many people came for instruction because of having For some reason I love the sound of bhooyo bhooyah heard Across the Universe. It was clear they had al- (boohoo bhooyah.) This whole verse is gorgeous. ready meditated, deeply, many times, while listening bhuyo-bhuyah - again and again; bhuyas - becoming, to the song. It was an honor to sit in their presence, becoming in a greater degree, mightier, abounding in, and it was as if they had been initiated by the song abundantly furnished with, more, once more, again, and I was just giving them some coaching on how to anew. meditate. Since then, I’ve met many people all over para - in the transcendence, transcendental, beyond. the world who started meditating because of Across the Universe and are still at it. What amazing impact bhavana - feeling, creative contemplation, meditation. that song created. bhavyate - contemplate. The Beatles learned to meditate in 1967 and went to japa - recitation of the divine sounds. India for a retreat, so they were writing from intimate svayam - one’s self, of or by one’s self spontaneously. experience with the practice. The backstory for the song was that Lennon was lying in bed with his wife, svayam nado - about this phrase, Swami Lakshman- joo comments, “the mantra emanating from the heart who was “going on and on” about something that center with each inhalation and exhalation, which is really irritated him. He got up and went downstairs, the soul or source of all mantras.” ** and the words she had been saying kept resonating in his head, like lyrics, and over time “it turned into sort mantratma - the soul of mantra; mantra - instrument of a cosmic song rather than an irritated song.” Len- of thought, speech, sacred text or speech, a prayer or non said that the four words of Sanskrit, Jai guru deva song of praise; atman - to breathe, to move, to blow; OM, just dropped into his mind as the bridge to the the breath, the soul, principle of life and sensation, the chorus, and he felt that Across the Universe contained individual soul, self, essence, nature, character, pecu- perhaps the best lyrics he had ever written. The sound liarity; the person or whole body considered as one. of the human voice, even a complaining human voice, japa - recitation (of the divine sounds). merged in John’s awareness into the eternal song of In the verse just before this one, Bhairava was talk- OM. This is one of the secrets of mantra and medita- ing about external rituals and practices that focus tion – the gift of peace and delight right here in the the mind on the outer world. Outer practices, such midst of it all. If you dive deeply into any sound, ex- as chanting the names of God, tune us and train us ternal or within, it will take you into the hum of the to notice the sacred. Here he is inviting us into inter- universe. nal practices – follow the inward current, the inward Dr. Lorin Roche began practicing with the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra in 1968 motion of attention into a continual contemplation and it has been a love affair ever since. He is the author of The Radiance of the divine. “The soul of all mantras is right here, Sutras, Meditation Made Easy (Harper 1998), and Meditation Secrets for Beloved, within you. Your heartbeat is a continuous, Women (Harper 2001) (written with his wild Shakti wife Camille Maurine). pulsating japa; your every breath, a chant and prayer He has a Ph.D. from the University of California at Irvine in Social Science, of gratitude to eternity. The sacred is already here, where he studied the language yogis and meditators develop to describe their inner experiences. Lorin does one-to-one coaching and trains medita- always. Learn to dive into the vibrating silence after tion teachers. Visit lorinroche.com to order copies of The Radiance Sutras. the mantras fade away.” Come rock The Radiance Sutras with Lorin and Camille and guest musi- Initiation through hearing Sanskrit in song seems to be cians at Bhakti Fest on Friday, September 7th from 9:30 am to 11 am. Join powerful and lasting. The Beatles included the phrase them at Esalen on December 14-16 for a joyous weekend of immersion. “Jai guru deva OM” in their song Across the Uni- Reservations: (831) 667-3005, or visit Esalen.org verse, released in 1969. The Beatles were one of the most successful acts in the history of popular music and the song was broadcast on radio stations all over the world. For many, it was the frst time they had *This etymology of pranava is from Christopher Chapple, Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymount University, and can be found in his Yoga and the Luminous: Patañjali's Spiritual Path to Freedom, State University of New York Press (2008). ** Vijnana Bhairava: The Manual for Self-Realization, revealed by Swami Lakshmanjoo, edited by John Hughes, Universal Shaiva Fellowship. layoga_sept2012_text.indd 47 26/08/12 10:04 PM

media reviews A FEARLESS HEART /CD YATRA /CD BY HARNAM SINGH BY DAVE STRINGER & SPRING GROOVE Spirit Voyage Records Mantrology/Equal Vision Records As a yogi, artist, and musician, Harnam In Sanskrit, Yatra means pilgrimage or Singh has been a well-known presence journey. On their new album Yatra, Dave on the devotional music scene for many Stringer and Spring Groove have record- years. On his new CD, A Fearless Heart, ed their take on Sanskrit mantras that he performs with fellow Kundalini teach- highlight the many aspects of a seeker’s er Ramdesh Kaur. The two have been journey. promoting the album on their Whole For example, the meaning of the mantra / Heart Tour across the country. song Shivaya Namah Om is “Every end- One of the frst things apparent about ing is a new beginning.” This concept is this album is the superior production supported by Stringer and Groove’s deli- value. As a fellow musician and pro- cate male and female harmonies and mul- ducer, I know that a great amount of tiple key modulations that build tension skill must go into the many layers of and release – all honoring the constant vocal tracks. Ringing out power and dance of masculine and feminine energies confdence, Singh's rich 12-string guitar – fnally landing softly in one fnal release. is featured up front as well as on all the Like Shivaya, the eight mantras chosen tracks. His mastery of vocal accomplish- for this album contain pearls of ancient ment is particularly clear on the chant, wisdom that hold great meaning today. Guru Ram Das. Take Ganapati Om / Ganesh Gayatri. It Many will enjoy Singh's capable rendi- states, \"The way through the obstacle is tion of the Kundalini anthem Long Time hidden in the obstacle;\" or Jay Jay Ma / Sun, but I prefer the beautiful slide guitar Jayanti: “Bring up that within you… it solo in the progressive Ong Namo. will set you free. If you do not bring that up, it will destroy you.” The exploration If only it were possible to conjure up a of freedom and happiness is illustrated duet with Eddie Vedder, Singh's earthy in Stringer and Groove’s unique folk- guitar and lower register vocals are often like take on Lokah Samastah / Universal reminiscent of Eddie Vedder. Prayer. This latest release will be a wonderful and Lyrical and vibrational messages on the inspiring addition to your library of medi- album are accented by the aforementioned tation and devotional music. lovely male / female vocal interactions: call Reviewed by McKenna Rowe, a DJ, yoga teacher, and and response, alternating verses, and soar- founder of Chakra 5 Yoga which provides mobile yoga ing harmonies all held up by a soothing classes on location and by appointment to students all collection of instruments - tabla, strings, over Los Angeles. Chakra5.la acoustic guitar, trumpet, harmonium, and hammered dulcimer. Reviewed by Joe Kara, who loves his double life work- ing in music and teaching Yoga in Hollywood and the Valley. And he plays bass. Facebook/ Twitter. JJKara 48 LAYOGAONLINE.COM layoga_sept2012_text.indd 48 26/08/12 10:04 PM