YOGA FOR HIKERS FRESHEN UP YOUR yoga MAT!

CALMING ANXIETY THROUGH AYURVEDA FITNESS WITH IGGY AZALEA

PLUS MEDITATION ASTROLOGY yogi FOOD AND MORE

THERAPY FOR OSTEOPOROSIS

FINDING HAPPINESS
with Elisabeth Rohm

AY U R V E D A A N D H E A LT H

O CTOBER 2013

28

f e at u r e s

24 32
42

CL E AN MAT. CL E AN M I N D. The yoga mat is an essential tool for the modern yogi, and caring for it is an important part of the practice.

F i n di ng Happi n ess wi th E l i sabe t h Roh m Actress, activist, mom, and yogini, Elisabeth Rohm finds happiness in her diverse life by surrendering to her higher purpose

32

38

AYURVE DA - CAL MI NG AN X I E T Y In the Fall, we are susceptible to an increase in dry, spacey energy of the vata dosha. Dr. Siva Mohan shares practices that help us maintain a sense of calm.

MY C om munit y 10 Events Calendar 12 Open Doors 16 News CROS S TRAIN ING 22 Yoga for Hikers T E ACHER PROFILE 28 Nancy Norby YO GI FO OD 42 Healing Herbs YO GA THERAPY 46 Yoga for Osteoporosis RO CKSTAR FITN ES S 50 Izzy Azalea DON'T MISS THE MONTHLY LADY YOGA WORKOUT GUIDE ON PAGE 58! ON MY NIGHTSTAND 54 Chaka Khan IN EVE RY ISSUE 48 Meditation 56 Media Reviews 62 Astrology 64 Yantra

ON THE COVER:
Elisabeth Rohm Photography: Kimberly Metz (kimberlymetz.com) Retouching: Bee Patiri Hair & Makeup: Mouna Forde

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EDITOR'S NOTE

The practice of yoga that we have inherited contains a powerful legacy, a series of potent opportunities for transformation, and along with this, some meaningful responsibilities. I was reminded of this recently while attending an event for the nonprofit organization Yoga Gives Back. Founded with an understanding of these ideas, the organization focuses on microfinancing to cultivate women entrepreneurs in India the birthplace of the practice of yoga. The idea is that those of us who have benefitted from this practice have a duty to complete a circle and make an effort to do more than simply transform the world through our own practice, but to engage the world in a meaningful way to make an impact. Yoga Gives Back is not the only nonprofit organization or even group in the yoga space with this charter; there are a number of yoga studios, schools, and companies who adopt this attitude as their foundational belief system. We could fill the pages of this magazine with their names and initiatives, programs and progress. And beyond the organizations, our daily actions can also be part of this circular exchange. For example, in the obituary for Ayurvedic author, businessperson, and advocate, the late Daniel Rhoda, instructions were to aid that person or child who needs help but whom you may have otherwise passed by. This can be a dramatic effort, or something as subtle as a kind word or a phone call when a persons name enters the pathway of your mind. The responsibility we have as a result of the gift of the practice is to take to heart Krishnas instruction that yoga is skillfulness in action. Even if we manage to be skillful for merely one breath a day, which on some days is all I feel I am able to accomplish. Yoga also helps us to see the world a new way. The recently deceased prolific and revolutionary researcher, writer, speaker, and teacher Dr. Candace Pert is one of the those people who shook up our collective view of the world and demonstrated just how the information in the philosophy of yoga (the integration at our deepest cellular level of the communication in our physiology and the upending of the mainstream view of the
Heres to making a positive impact,

mind) actually demonstrates the mysterious reality of the mind-body connection. The work of this advocate of integrative approaches to medicine has influenced us all. Within the pages and stories of this issue, we dive into conversations of practice and transformation, including: chatting with juice bar owner and actress Elisabeth Rohm, entering the studio to find our core with Yoga Barre founder and teacher Nancy Norby, learning yoga poses that support suppleness on the hiking trail with Dale Nieli, uncovering the secret powers of our kitchen herbs with Red Jen Ford, and discovering hip hop artist Iggy Azaleas workout routine and the inspirational books music legend Chaka Khan is reading. Sharing inspiration with each other in meaningful ways that lift us up collectively -- this is also part of our charge, responsibility we carry engaging in the practice.

Felicia Tomasko
PHOTO OF FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT OF YOGA GIVES BACK, KAYOKO MITSUMATSU AND FELICIA TAKEN BY ORVILLE GRIFFITHS.

4 L AYOG A .CO M

AY U R V E D A A N D H E A LT H

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Felicia M. Tomasko, RN Creative Director Justine Power Senior Editor Joni Yung Associate Editors Jazmine Green Karen Henry Copy Editor Michele Fontaine Editorial Assistance Kaitlin Huwe Olivia Kvitne Rachael Cleghorn Selah Michelle Staff Writers Beth Prandini Carrie Janell Cheryl Depp Kiara Kinghorn Dale Nieli Jessica Malloy Laurie Searle/Lady Yoga Melissa Chua Melissa Grace Hoon

PUBLISHER Douglas R. Corbett Managing Editor Zo Kors Consulting Editor Marina Chetner Editorial Coordinator Vanessa Harris Advertising Executives Westside Regional Manager Assia Valova assia@layoga.com (310) 435-6490 Mid City Regional Manager Lilly Dunstheimer lilly@layoga.com (818) 983-2713 Eastside Regional Manager Emily Herakovich emily@layoga.com (213) 482-0576 National Accounts Manager Jane Abram jane@findbliss.com (323) 684-8632

Contributors
Dr. John Casey Isabella Cassini Lisa Falcone Dr. Loren Fishman Red Jen Ford Amy Gartenberg Sam Geppi Phil Goldberg Orville Griffiths Paul Heussenstamm Ira Israel Arlene Eve Johnson Joe Kara Leslie Kazadi Tai Kerbs Chaka Khan Katie Lapidus Patricia Marie Lopez Anita Marto Kimberly Metz Dr. Siva Mohan Daniel Overberger Joseph Parra Lori Rischer Dr. Lorin Roche McKenna Rowe Tim Shulberg Beth Shaw Jeff Skeirik/Rawtographer Nadine Truong David Young-Wolff Pam Young-Wolff Jordan Younger

Thank you to the entire Yoga community for participating in and supporting this effort to educate, inspire, and share wisdom. LA YOGA Magazine is published by Bliss Network LLC 1234 26th Street, Santa Monica, CA 90404 (310) 828-8218 layoga.com / layoga-digital.com
PRINTED IN LOS ANGELES

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CONTRIBUTORS

Leslie Kazadi Writer/Yoga Therapy

From ballet to boxing, Leslie has been exploring movement her entire life. She fell in love with yoga over 20 years ago, inspiring her to become a yoga therapist. She teaches group and private therapeutic, seniors, vinyasa, and restorative classes, teaches in teacher training programs and participates in yoga research studies. A nerd at heart, when she is not practicing, teaching, writing, or studying, she is wondering when she will ever read all her books.
lesliekazadi.com

Where I Pick Up MY LA YOGA

Nadine Truong Writer/Finding Happiness

An ethnic Vietnamese born and raised in Aachen, Germany, Nadine Truong is a writer, director, and photographer residing in Los Angeles. An avid Yogini and recent RYT-200 graduate from Yoga Vida in New York, she teaches Yoga to inner city high school students in Los Angeles. Nadine is a firm believer that Yoga should be accessible to everyone, and aims to bring its soothing benefits to more underrepresented populations in the future.
Yogainspirationtank.tumblr.com

Meghan McNamee picks up her copy of LA Yoga at the Life Center Chiropractic in West LA where Drs. Jeremy Brook and Mike Isseks serve the yoga community.
Thelifecenterchiropractic.com

WHERE DO YOU PICK UP YOUR LA YOGA?

Would you like to be featured in a future issue? Please send us a high resolution photo (300 dpi) of yourself with the magazine at your favorite location in Southern California to see yourself in print.
edit@layoga.com

Loren Fishman Yoga Therapy

Loren Fishman, M.D., is a physician who has been practicing yoga every day for 40 years and teaches yoga regularly to patients in his medical practice in New York City. He was Chief Resident in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The author of more than 70 academic articles and four books on medicine and yoga, Dr. Fishman has done pioneering and prize-winning research on osteoporosis, scoliosis, piriformis syndrome, and rotator cuff injury.
Sciatica.org / manhattanphysicalmedicine.com

Internship Opportunities
LA Yoga and the Bliss Network currently have openings for interns to join our dynamic team. Are you interested in making a greater contribution to the yoga community in Southern California? Write to us for more information at:
Edit@layoga.com

Kiara Kinghorn Writer/Teacher Profile Nancy Norby

Kiara lives in Santa Monica where she teaches dance and yoga and works in addiction recovery. She holds a BA in English and a BFA in Dance from UC Santa Barbara, and has performed professionally with local companies. Since joining the LAYoga team, she enjoyed taking a yin yoga class in the rain at Bhakti Fest as well as interviewing Nancy Norby and taking her Yoga Barre class that combines ballet basics with cardio, yoga, strength training, sweating, and laughter.
Twitter @kiarajustine

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Tell us what you think about what you read in LA Yoga. We love to hear from you. Email your letters and other correspondence to: Edit@layoga.com

SUBSCRIBE
Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter and our digital edition at:
layoga.com/subscribe

8 L AYOG A .CO M

> Siberian Shaman Ladamira, 11-13 OCT.

> THE SEVEN PILLARS JOURNEY, 19-23 OCT.

> SIANNA SHERMAN, EVERY TUESDAY AT EXHALE.

OCTOBER EVENTS
FILM
EcoSalon Film Series Not My Life depicts the cruel and dehumanizing practices of human trafficking and modern slavery on a global scale. With awareness and action, these victims can be set free and go on to live extraordinary lives. 27 October, 3-5:30pm. Free. Microsoft Store at the Westfield Century City Mall, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles.
Greenlifestyles.org

$25 per day/$45 per day at the door. Pasadena Convention Center, 300 E Green St., Pasadena.
Bewell-expo.com

FESTIVALS / CONFERENCES
RAJ13 Rhythm and Joy Festival 3 days, 3 stages. Entertainment for the whole family in the arts for transformation, music for the soul, and food for thought. 4-6 October, 8am-5pm. Hummingbird Nest Ranch, 2940 Kuehner Dr., Simi Valley.
RAJfestival.com

Beyond the Shore Join the first annual, nonprofit, Beyond the Shore festival and help set the Guinness World record for the largest SUP yoga class. This new festival offers fun for the whole family benefiting ocean conservation and awareness. 13 October, 9am-4pm. Seaside Lagoon, 200 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach.
Beyondtheshore.org

Meditation Workshop and Initiation with Yogmata Yogmata is the worlds only woman Siddha Master; her meditation workshops offer powerful experiences of life-changing initiation. 6 October, 10:30am-12 noon; 1:30-5pm. DoubleTree Suites, 1707 Fourth Street, Santa Monica.
yogmata.org

Alchemy Event Master Plan Celebrate the co-creation of a new humanity and listen to panels about new possibilities in science, technology, spiritual expansion, healing, and more. 4-6, October 8:30am-11:30pm. Radisson Hotel LAX, 6225 West Century Blvd., Los Angeles.
Alchemyevent.com

Reconnective Healing with Eric Pearl Level 1/2 and level 3 seminars will be offered in this powerful practice to recalibrate the bodys energetic system. 1-3, 4-5 November. $558 and $762. Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Rd., Newport Beach.
Thereconnection.com

Sustainable Works Green Living Workshop Join this FREE workshop and learn how information like this will help you save money and positively impact your family, community, and ultimately the planet. 8, 15, 22, 29 October; 5, 12 November, 7pm-8:30pm. Free. Santa Monica Main Library Community Room, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica.
Sustainableworks.org

WORKSHOPS / CLASSES
The Neuroscience of WellBeing, Mindfulness & Love Two-day training with Dan Siegel M.D. and Jack Kornfield Ph.D, on the skill, science, and art of well-being, mindfulness, and love. 5-6 October, 9am 5pm. $315. UCLA Ackerman Grand Ballroom, 308 Westwood Plaza, Los Angeles.
Lifespanlearn.info

Open Your Healing Abilities Retreat Rediscover the unity with Infinite Force in order to heal yourself and others with Siberian Shaman Ladamira. 11-13 October. Wright Organic Resource Center, 24680 Piuma Rd., Malibu.
Ladamira.com / 310 435 6490

BeWell Expo Indulge in the beauty and wellness industries' best-kept secrets. 12-13 October. 10am-5pm.

Kindred Spirit Workshop This powerful workshop offers the question: Are we going to use this relationship to awaken together? Terces and Matthew

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> KINDRED SPIRIT WORKSHOP, 12-13 OCT.

> SHEELA BRINGI, SACRED WORLD MUSIC, 5 OCT.

> SUSTAINABLE WORKS, VARIOUS DATES.

Compiled by Carrie Janell

Engelhart, co-founders of Caf Gratitude and Gracias Madre, offer the chance to be transparent and to ultimately generate unconditional love in all your relations. 12-13 October. 10am-5pm. Earthways Foundation, 20178 Rockport Way, Malibu.
Cafegratitude.com

Every Tuesday. 10:45am-12:45pm. $22. Exhale Venice, 245 S. Main St., Venice.
exhalespa.com

MUSIC / ARTS / CELEBRATIONS

Sacred World Music & Ecstatic Chant Sheela Bringi weaves together her angelic voice, rapturous bansuri, and melodic harp into ancient ragas, devotional love songs and timeless mantras. Sheela will be joined by soulful songwriter/guitarist/trumpeter Clinton Patterson and tabla maestro/composer Javad Butah. 5 October, 8pm-10pm. $20; $25 at the door. Exhale Venice, 245 S. Main St., Venice.
Exhalespa.com

Kirtan with Aykanna in Las Vegas Aykanna will provide live music for yoga practice followed by blissful kirtan. 18 October. Yoga at 7pm, Kirtan at 8:30pm. Just Breathe Las Vegas, 5333 S. Arville Street, Suite 206, Las Vegas.
Justbreathewellnesscenter.com

Singing Crystal Bowls with Richard Dubac These pure crystal quartz bowls echo the sounds of the earth and provide a deeply grounding experience. Your mind is swept clear and your subtle body is soothed into deep relaxation and healing. 13 October, 4pm-6pm. $25 early bird. Yoga Upstairs, 5308 Derry Ave. Suite K, Agoura Hills.
Yogaupstairs.com

The Seven Pillars Journey A Journey of Wisdom that will immerse you in live music, 360-degree visuals, transforming how you see yourself and the world. 19-21 October. $33-$48. Vortex Dome @ LA Center Studios, 1037 West 6th Street, Los Angeles.
Sevenpillarsjourney.org

Reconnective Yoga Workshop Reconnective Yoga amplifies the balance, harmony, and healing potential of a standard yoga practice. This creates a powerful new way to align your body, mind, and spirit. 31 October. 5:30pm. Free. Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, 1107 Jamboree Rd., Newport Beach.
Thereconnection.com

Church in Ocean Park's 15th Annual Communitas Awards The Church in Ocean Park Communitas Awards will honor Anne Hawthorne, Robbie Jones, and yoga teacher Jasmine Lieb. 5 October, 4pm-9pm. $65. Church in Ocean Park, 235 Hill St. Santa Monica.
info@churchop.org

Shirdi Sai Temple Grand Opening Dinner, kirtans/bhajans, a fire puja, and introduction to meditation are some of the events that are part of the temples grand opening celebration. 26 October, 5-10pm. 6020 Melvin Ave, Tarzana
shirdisaitempleusa.org

Legacy Yoga with Sianna Sherman Dive deep into the practice of yoga with this long session in the support of group energy. Live your life in a legendary way and inspire others to do the same.

Bill T. Jones/ Arnie Zane Dance Company This multi-cultural dance company performs Play and Play: An Evening of Movement and Music. 16 October, 8pm. $38- $48 The Granada Theatre,1214 State Street, Santa Barbara.
Artsandlectures.sa.ucsb.edu

Thriller Jam Dancer, and teacher Kim Blank teaches choreography from the pioneering Michael Jackson video, Thriller. Kim danced as one of the living dead in the 1983 video. 27 October. 3:45-5:45pm Swerve Studio, 8250 W. 3rd St #205, Los Angeles.
Swervestudio.com

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OUR COMMUNITY [ open doors]

Dharma Yoga LA LOS ANGELES

4569 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles. (323) 937-9642. dmyla.com
Three generations of yogis gathered on August 31st to dance, chant, and enjoy vegan cake to celebrate the five-year anniversary of Dharma Yoga LA (DYLA), the launch of their nonprofit organization, and the opening of their new studio space. Their quaint new home is a peaceful oasis within an urban environmentbathed in light provided by large windows, high ceilings with exposed beams, wood floors, and an upstairs loft reserved for wellness services. The grand re-opening party continued with impressive yoga demonstrations from studio instructors. Sonya Enchill Kendall, owner and principal instructor of Dharma Yoga, practiced next to her mother, Joan Sargent, who first introduced her daughter to yoga when Sonya was an adolescent. Sonyas one-year-old daughter, Jasmine, looked on as her mother and grandmother practiced side-by-side. All the studios instructors have studied with Sri Dharma Mittra and teach his practice known as Shiva Namaskar: salutations to the divine within. Dharma Yoga LA is essentially a donation-based studio, offering drop-in classes by donation and affordable class packages, making the wealth of these teachings available to all. From the studios inception, they have had a strong kids yoga program as Sonya is passionate about working with youth. Sonya says, The future can be brighter if more young people practice yoga.
By Olivia Kvitne, a local yoga instructor and editorial assistant for LA Yoga. She specializes in classes and workshops for veterans and military. Theyogaabbey.com / @Olivia Kvitne

HALE Pilates Method REDONDO

326 S. PCH, Suite 100, Redondo Beach. Halepilatesmethod.com
Hale, an Old English word, means strong and healthy. The owners of Hale Pilates Method, Jane and Kristen, chose the word to represent their studio because it is synchronized with the healthy lifestyle of the mind and body that they are trying to promote. The sleek, open studio boasts a Pilates room with six reformers as well as a TRX strength training roomwhere they are also planning on adding yoga classes. We wanted to keep the classes small so people can get the benefit of our instruction, explains Jane. Both owners have done a lot of training in the safe spine technique, so they incorporate those methods into the classes they teach. In addition to physical health, nutrition is an important factor at Hale. The studio has two registered dietitians who work with clients to change their eating habits, help them shop for groceries, and keep them motivated. We want to provide everything for people who want it from workouts to nutrition to a small community. Its great, because classes have gotten to be like a social hour around here, says Kristen. The communal aspect is really important to us.
By Jordan Younger, a yoga teacher and vegan blogger. You can find her at theblondevegan.com or on Instagram at @theblondevegan.

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OUR COMMUNITY [ open doors]

Rajashree Choudhury Yoga Studio LOS ANGELES

7120 Franklin Ave. Los Angeles. (323) 876-0550. Avivacenter.org
Born out of the need for a dedicated yoga studio on the Aviva Family and Childrens Services premises, Rajashree Choudhuryyoga teacher, motivational speaker, and advocate for youth and womens causescollaborated with the non-profit to create a peaceful practice space. Prior to meeting Rajashree, Aviva High School (part of Aviva Family and Childrens Services) had been teaching yoga to at-risk Angeleno teen girls in a makeshift space, making it difficult for students to relax and focus. With the help of Rajashrees daughter, Laju (also a yoga teacher), two former storage rooms were overhauled and converted into a serene setting. The color palette was chosen for its warmth and symbolism. As Laju explained, Reds and oranges represent energy and the sun, which hold a symbolic meaning when practicing yoga. Sun salutations are traditionally done at the beginning of the class to bless and energize ones practice until the very end. She chose specific mandala artwork for the wall dcor; they hang on acoustical panels that insulate the studio. Rajashree outfitted the space further with Flotex flooring, durable yoga mats, yoga blocks, and straps. Completed in June, the Rajashree Choudhury Yoga Studio has been embraced by students and will continue to empower them with yogas positive health benefits.
By Marina Chetner, Writer and Managing Editor of Find Bliss Los Angeles. Linkedin.com/in/marinachetner Twitter: @mchetner

Sender One YOGA SANTA ANA

1441 S. Village Way, Santa Ana. (714) 881-3456. Senderoneclimbing.com
In the corner of the new Sender One climbing gym, a Yoga studio exudes a feeling of tranquility and calm. You could hardly guess that just outside the doors there are people pulling hard on the rock walls, pushing themselves to their physical limits. Sender One is owned by Chris Sharma, one of the strongest and most widely recognized climbers in the world, and he knew from the beginning that including a yoga studio was essential. We wanted to offer a state-of-the-art facility of Yoga, Climbing, and Fitness. Chris grew up with yoga and knows the balance yoga brings to a gym and to a hectic life. You have all this commotion going on, but then its so peaceful in here. Nicola Strother, the Sender One Fitness Coordinator, understands the uniqueness of each persons practice. Every instructor will give you the most basic modification and a higher modification, depending on where you are. Before the studio opened, Nicola invited prAna cofounder and owner Pam Theodosakis to add the prAna touch, including props and products as well as a large and impressive photo of Shiva Rea. Sender One offers different types of all-levels power and flowbased classes. As a whole, the studios aesthetically pleasing environment is created by tall, colorful climbing walls with streaks of LED lights, adding a fun, modern vibe.
By Jessica Malloy, an Orange County-based Yoga teacher. During her time away from practicing and teaching, she often finds herself outdoors hiking or climbing. A book can almost always be found in her bag. Instagram: @itsjess_yoga or Website: Itsjessyoga.wordpress.com/about/

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OUR COMMUNITY [ news]

The nonprofit The Green Lifestyle Network will host an info session on the perils of the highly toxic secrets of the fashion and garment industry during the EcoWear Beauty & Fashion campaign kickoff. Healthier alternatives will be presented at the Sunday, October 13 EcoFashion Salon, featuring ecodesigner Victoria Tik of FROCK LA. With the support of activist actors (including Rachelle Carson-Begley), models, and designers, the six month campaign will raise awareness for sustainable, nontoxic, non-sweatshop, non-animal, and fair-trade solutions. The campaign will culminate with an Eco-Fashion & Beauty Show in Spring, 2014. Campaign supporter and actress Rachelle Carson-Begley is one of the mostrecognized names and faces in Hollywood's green movement. While she's well-known for her support of numerous nonprofits, Rachelle went the extra mile for three years by inviting millions into her home to demonstrate how a sustainable lifestyle can be achievedand she's about to do it again with On Begley Street. On Begley Street chronicles the latest adventure for the Begleys, one that began when Rachelle convinced Ed it was time to build a new home to accommodate the realities of life with a teenage daughter. Surprising even Ed, she quickly found the right property for the right price, one that would allow them to build their dream green home, from the bottom up.
Rachelle is on the board of the nonprofit Green Wish and a supporter of many charities, including Waterkeeper Alliance and groups focused on children and Alzheimer's disease. She's also an in-demand speaker, participating in events for Women of the Green Generation and other organizations including The Green Lifestyle Network.

PHOTO BY Orville Griffiths

EcoWear Beauty & Fashion Campaign

Bhakti in the West

Bhakti Fest West celebrated five years of devotional practice, chanting, and sharing the teachings of Yoga philosophy within the sacred grounds of the Joshua Tree Retreat Center. Thousands of people came together to celebrate throughout the four-day event. bhaktifest.com

greenlifestyles.org / RachelleCarson.com

10th Artivist Awards

The 10th Anniversary Artivist Awards will honor 10 successful artists who have given back to society with a passion. These celebrities will be honored in a televised program that will take place at The Nate Holden Performing Arts Center (NHPAC) in Los Angeles on October 17. The activists were selected based on their involvement in charity work and their ongoing contribution to the community. These artists embrace art and activism and use their celebrity status and voice to promote positive change in the community. Their charitable causes include: HIV/AIDS, supporting children through the arts, ending mass atrocities, UNESCO Goodwill Ambassadors, Autism, Lupus, Heart Disease, LGBT rights, literacy, animal rights, and internet neutrality. The two-hour TV special will be broadcast on the TV Guide Network. The 2013 Artivist Awards will honor: Alicia Keys, Carlos Santana, Don Cheadle, Toni Braxton, Herbie Hancock, Cyndi Lauper, Lisa Marie Presley, Moby, Eric Roberts, and Nigel Lythgoe. ARTIVIST.COM

The Argus Image.

Peace Circle
In celebration of International Peace Day on September 21 and as a kick-off to Heal the Bay's Coastal Cleanup Day, Naam Yoga LA brought over a hundred people together at the Santa Monica Pier to form a human peace circle of healing and sound meditation. The group was joined by the Agape International Choir led by Rickie Byars-Beckwith. Naam Yoga LA is a spiritual and physical wellness and research center and nonprofit organization located in the heart of Santa Monica. naamyoga.com

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OUR COMMUNITY [ news]

KUYAM ORGANIZER
PHOTO BY Orville Griffiths

Kuyam is a new app that allows people to reach a greater degree of organization in their lives. In one centralized location, you can make appointments for yourself or members of your family at spas, salons, wellness centers, at fitness and yoga studios, and even for tutoring, dance, or music lessons. If youre frustrated by trying to make calls during office hours only, Kuyams 24-hour-a-day online availability fits into any schedule. kuyam.com

Yoga Gives Back

Yoga Gives Back kicked off their global Thank You Mother India campaign with a fun, glamorous, and successful event at a private residence in Malibu. Guests dined on Indian and vegan food, were entertained by classical Indian dancers and musician Franklin Vanderbilt, bid on exclusive auction items, and took home gift bags sponsored by Organic India. To support the wonderful work YGB does with women and children in India, look out for a Thank You Mother India donation class at a studio near you or online. yogagivesback.org

LADY YOGA
SPOTTED AT COMIC-CON
While at the pop culture convergence of Comic-Con in San Diego, our resident superhero Lady Yoga found out that even Emmy award-winning comedy writers practice yoga. Lady Yoga interviewed Kevin Shinick, who won an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program Short-Format as a writer on Adult Swim's Robot Chicken. Shinick was the voice of Nickelodeon for years and served as host and for PBS' Emmy-winning series, Where in Time is Carmen Sandiego?

Kimpton Hotels Roll out the Yoga Mat

Across the boutique hotels properties, yoga mats are not only part of each rooms amenities, you can even request the Yoga Roll-Out Service which means someone will arrange your mat and towel and deliver a post-pose snack and carafe of water. TVs in the room are programmed with a free on-demand yoga channel if you need some inspiration. Check out the additional wellness initiatives at LAs Kimpton Hotels, The Hotel Wilshire and the Hotel Palomar, both on Wilshire Boulevard (in Miracle Mile and Westwood, respectively) which also include special fitness programs and farm-to-table cuisine at both locations. KIMPTONHOTELS.com

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OUR COMMUNITY [ festival round-up]

INSPIRING AND UPLIFTING EVENTS

A

RAJ13 Rhythm and Joy Festival

Oct 4-6, Simi Valley, CA. Rajfestival.com Prepare to feel inspired, uplifted and informed at The Rhythm and Joy Festival. This celebration of music, movement, and art features musicians Roy Ayers, Common, Meshell Ndegeocello, Jai Uttal, Masood Ali Khan, Deva Premal and Miten with Manose, Zap Mama, The Grandmothers, festival founder Rickie Byars Beckwith, and others. Transformational speakers include Michael Bernard Beckwith, Don Miguel Ruiz, Jr., and Hans Christian King. Also enjoy overnight camping, holistic health and wellness, earth-friendly living practices, sustainability vendors, a Childrens Village, Sages Salon for seniors, and a gourmet food court with raw, vegan and vegetarian choices.

Ojai Yoga Crib

Oct 24-27, Ojai. lulubandhas.com/yoga/crib For more than a decade, the Ojai Yoga Crib offers attendees the chance to take a guided yoga pilgrimage around Ojai, exploring meditation, yoga, and enlightening evening events. Participants begin their journey at The Crib Headquarters in the heart of town. After sipping chai and shopping in the bazaar, yogis head out to their daily sessions with teachers such as Jason Crandell, Laura Tyree, Dana Flynn, Ravi Ravindra, Michaela Boehm, Scott Blossom, and Kira Ryder. Morning and evening activities include meditation with Chandra Easton, dharma talk with Erich Schiffmann, and kirtan with Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band.

Day of Inner Peace

Oct 27, Eagle Rock, Los Angeles. Dayofinnerpeace.com Join host Josh Radnor in Los Angeles for discussion, teachings, music, art, and dance with the aim to explore inner peace and its connection to outer and world peace. This daylong program is centered around the teachings of Pneuma Yoga and Pneuma Breathwork with an inner peace panel discussion, sacred dance performances, and live music and kirtan. Speakers include the founder and director of Inkarri Multicultural Association and the Pneuma System, Juan Ruiz Naupari; New York Times bestselling author, Rory Freedman; kirtan and chant artists David Newman, Avasa and Matty Love, and more. Proceeds from this charity event will benefit the Gaden Shartse Monastery and the Qero Community of Peru.

A. THE DAY OF INNER PEACE. B. OJAI YOGA CRIB. C. RHYTHM AND JOY festival.

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L AYO G A . CO M 2 1

CROSS TRAINING

YOGA
FOR HIKERS
BY DAL E N IEL I PHOTOS BY DAVID YOUNG -WOLF F

A. Triangle Pose Stretches & opens the hips, groin,

hamstrings, KNEE muscles, calves, shoulders, chest & spine.

Walking is one of the best forms of low-impact cardiovascular exercise we can do on a regular basis. The hiking trails

Stand in mountain pose. Spread your legs about 4 feet apart. Turn right leg out about 90 degrees, and angle your left foot 45 degrees to the right. Inhale, lift arms out parallel to shoulders, palms down. Exhale, hinge at the hip and place the right hand, on the thigh, shin, or ankle. Lift your left arm towards the sky. Cast your gaze up or down, making sure to keep your neck comfortable. Hold pose for 30 seconds, slowly come up and switch sides.

found throughout Southern California offer numerous opportunities both scenic and challenging to stretch out our legs and take a hike. In order to keep your hiking legs limber for the next trip out on the trails, try incorporating these yoga poses on or off the mat.

B. Standing hamstring stretch Stretches haMstrings,

calves, & ankles.

Place one foot on a rock, chair, table, or fence in front of you with the heel pressing down and the foot straight up. Check that the hips are parallel. Inhale, lift up, and exhale forward as you engage your core. Place hands wherever they fall comfortably. Check that your shoulder blades are down. If you want to increase the stretch in your calves, flex your toes towards your face. Breathe fully, exhale deeply, and hold for 20 seconds. Repeat on other leg.

C. Pigeon/Squat Variation

(one legged chair variation) Helps release the piriformis & other gluteal muscles. Strengthens ankles.

Standing with both feet parallel, cross one of your ankles above the opposite knee and flex the foot. Bend your standing knee as much as desired to drop into the pose and balance. Use your arm to slowly press the bent leg back for a little extra stretch. Breathe deeply. If you want to go further in the pose, put your weight on the standing leg, as you slowly hinge the chest and torso forward. Put hands in prayer position. Check that your abs are engaged and that your shoulders are relaxed. Hold for 30 seconds, then slowly come up and switch sides.

D. Dancers Pose Full body stretch. Relieves tension

in ankle & feet, stretches hip flexors & strengthens knees, ankles, hips & spine. Opens & expands the chest and lungs.

Dale Nieli (MSW, hypnotherapist) is a certified yoga teacher and fitness expert whose decades of study provide continual inspiration in her practice of guiding people in full-body holistic fitness. For more information visit, Dalefit@roadrunner.com.

Bend left leg back, hold inside or outside of ankle with your left hand. Inhale, stretch your right hand out in front of you. Exhale. Extend through the left side of your body and bend forward from the hip. Press the left foot into the left hand, while extending the right hand forward. Check that your neck is in a comfortable position. Breathe into the stretch on inhale, and relax on the exhale. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat on the other side.

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PRACTICE PAGES

Clean Mat. Clean Mind.

Don't let your down dog get stinky.
BY Beth Prandini The yoga mat its the prized possession of the modern practitioner.

Dedicated yogis know from experience that as a deep commitment to the practice develops, the mat can begin to transform into a sacred space one where increasing amounts of quality time are spent. Lives can be greatly impacted by the learning that comes from new realms of awareness and perception within the practice. However, just as our devotion to yoga starts to grow, something else may be growing on the mat beneath our feet: bacteria, fungus, germs, and everyday odor. Fed by a dedicated (and frequently sweaty) asana practice, these creatures thrive in what might be considered the ultimate yogi petri dish: the yoga mat. With the variety and quality of yoga mats on the market today, buying a new mat can be a major investment. Protecting this investment by maintaining cleanliness without breaking down the mat can save both money and resources. However, many students who are new to yoga choose to borrow or rent their mats, unsure if they want to commit to a regular down dog, let alone invest in their own yoga mat. Understandably, these students may also be unaware of some basic studio courtesies such as using a towel to absorb their sweat or washing their feet if they have just come from a hike or from the beach. Overlooking these cleanliness practices is not a phenomenon limited to beginners. After sweating on a mat or yoga towel, one is more than likely to just roll it up and toss it into a dark, stuffy car trunk, creating the perfect environment for bacterial growth and odor build-up. This is something we may fail to notice until a teacher clues us in with a subtle hint. These are the moments, says Studio Surya Yoga owner Yonnus Becker, when I might lovingly spray my Schulzes Air Detox or use some essential oil to send the message. Beyond keeping your mat clean as a courtesy to those around you, concerns about bacteria, fungus, and germs on our mat are real, especially for those of us who may rent or borrow mats at studios and gyms. A 2006 New York Times article interviewed leading dermatologists who found a high correlation between ailments such as athletes foot, staph infection, and viral warts on the feet and skin of practitioners who borrowed mats rather than used their own. Although most yoga studios and gyms clean their mats after each use, there are a variety of methods for cleaning mats, which yield varying results. This begs the question: how should we best clean our mats to discourage fungal and bacterial growth while also preventing unwanted odor?

In general, experts recommend choosing products that are harsh on viral, fungal and bacterial elements, but gentle on both the mat material and your skin. Many natural products have been formulated with essential oils, such as tea tree oil, and natural surfactants in order to break down infectious agents without breaking down natural rubber or drying out your mat.

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MAKE YOUR OWN

White vinegar is an extremely effective cleanser that kills most mold, germs, and bacteria that can linger on yoga mats. Tea tree oil has been shown to kill the bacteria that cause staph infections and has powerful antiviral, antifungal, and antiseptic qualities. Together, they make an economical and eco-friendly mat cleaner. cup Water 1 cups Distilled White Vinegar 5 drops Desert Essence Organic Tea Tree Oil (We recommend it!) 3 drops additional essential oil as preferred. (Suggestions: eucalyptus, lemongrass, lavender, or peppermint.) Pour solution in a spray bottle and shake vigorously to blend. Spray entire mat thoroughly with solution. Let the solution sit on the mat for a few minutes, then wipe off with a wet sponge or towel. Use a dry cloth or sponge to soak up excess solution. Repeat on both sides of the mat. Then allow mat to air dry. Desert Essence Organic Tea Tree Oil (desertessence.com) is a leaf-derived essential oil that has inherent antiseptic qualities, making it suitable for cleansing everything from skin to household items, including your place of practice.

READY-TO-USE
Super Yoga Mat Wash (Gaiam.com) Spray clean your mat without sacrificing grip or original stickiness. Kulae Organic Yoga Mat Cleaner (Kulae.com) Created from organic vegetable oils and botanicals. Free from synthetics and fragrances. Yoga Sudz (Yogasudz.com) Made with organic castile soap and tea tree oil to kill fungus and bacteria without breaking down your mat. Wipe it Off (Joshawipes.com) Alcohol-free and available individually wrapped to toss in your mat bag. See the Light (Cleaneryogamat.com) A handheld UV-C light wand which removes almost all known bacterial, fungal and viral elements. Matsana (Matsana.net) This machine uses UV light to destroy 99% of all bacteria on a yoga mat. Available in several L.A. yoga studios. Clean Well (Cleanwelltoday.com) Free of alcohol and harsh chemicals, using naturally antibiotic thyme instead. EO (Eoproducts.com) Individually-wrapped wipes include various essential oils and are free of parabens, phthalates and endocrine disrupters. Giovanni (Giovannicosmetics.com) Individually-wrapped Sanitizing Towelettes made with organic lavender, aloe and jojoba. Yoga Paws (Yogapaws.com) Sticky gloves and foot pads to practice with added hygiene and ease. Gaiam (Gaiam.com)

Most of these products are sprayed or wiped on your mat, left to sit for a few minutes to sanitize, and then wiped off with a cloth or sponge and left out to dry. For a deep clean, most mats can be placed in a front-loading washing machine with a small amount of mat cleansing product. Before attempting this, however, make sure you check with your mat manufacturer to see if this could cause breakdown in your specific mat material. Some mats can also be dried on low in a standard dryer, but again, be sure to double-check with the manufacturer. New technologies are also coming to the forefront. Matsanaa new machine currently employed in several local L.A. studiosuses UV light to disinfect yoga mats. In independent laboratory tests, the UV light used in this technology destroyed 99.9% of all viral and bacterial elements, including staph and e-coli. Studios such as YogaWorks on Montana Avenue use this machine to keep their mats clean for students needing to borrow a mat; it is also available for those who wish to disinfect their own mats. As an added bonus, Matsana is an eco-friendly choice as it disinfects without the use of chemicals or water waste. As we care for the tools of our practice, such as our yoga mat, and practice courteous class etiquette, we ensure a healthy practice for ourselves and for our fellow yogis. Ally Hamilton, teacher at Yogis Anonymous in Santa Monica, calls this knowledge Sweat Etiquette or Sweatiquette. She reminds her students, The practice of saucha, or cleanliness, has as much to do with personal hygiene as with spiritual purity. We can utilize many tools in our practice-kit to help maintain mind-body-spirit health. Practicing saucha on our mat can provide us with a clean and clear understanding of ourselves and the way we affect our environment. With this knowledge, we can continue to tend steadily to our practice, blossoming up from the clean, fertile ground of our yoga mat toward the sunlight of our Higher Self.
Beth Prandini has found both youthful joy and radiant health through the practice of yoga. Diagnosed with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with a Rheumatoid Arthritis crossover at the age of 19, Beth used yoga to help regulate the effects of her diagnosis. More than a decade of remission has passed for Beth and she graduated with both a B.A. in English/Theater and an M.A. in Education from Pepperdine University. Beth is currently a writer and a YogaWorks Certified Yoga Teacher: bethprandiniyoga.com.

Yoga gloves, socks, and special mat towels to absorb sweat without losing traction.
Yogitoes (Yogitoes.com)

Skidless towels and socks made from recycled materials, including recycled plastic bottles.

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SEPTEMBER PICKS

Pura Botanicals Antibacterial Mat Spray

This all-natural mat spray is made with pure essential oils and contains no parabens, synthetics, petrochemicals, nor mineral oils. Mist it on your yoga mat after your practice. Purabotanicals.com; $14 / 100 ml

KharmaKhare Yoga Rejuvenated KharmaKhares yoga rejuvenated wipes are made from bamboo with organic and natural cleaners. Since bamboo is a grass that grows nearly a meter a day, the stalk from which your wipes came will have already regrown by your first use. Kharmakhare.com; $12.95 / 40 wipes

KEEPING IT CLEAN
Purity is encouraged in the Patanjali's Eight Limbs of Yoga. Start this practice from the ground up with your yoga mat.
COMPILED BY VANESSA HARRIS

Manduka Mat Renew & Restore Naturally disinfecting and bacteria-neutralizing, these sprays are biodegradable and phosphate and alcohol-free. Manduka.com; $10.00 / 8 oz

Nama Hand and Mat Sanitizer Leaving a light scent made with a hint of green tea and mint, Namas all-natural Hand and Mat Sanitizer eliminates germs and odors. Namaproducts.com; $7.95 / 5 oz

Vermont Soap Organics Yoga & Exercise Mat Cleaner Free of synthetic chemicals, preservatives, alcohol, and detergents and made from organic oils. Vermontsoap.com; $9.98 / 16 oz

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TEACHER PROFILE

NANCY NORBY
BY Kiar a Kinghor n PHOTO S BY DAVID YO UNG- WOLFF

STRENGTH AT THE CORE.

For Nancy Norby, a barre teacher for almost three decades, core strength goes

far beyond the physical. A solid centerwhether in class, at the barre, or in lifeis paramount for success in all things. This may be why Nancys creation, Yoga Barre, works on so many levels. On the surface, its a challenging workout that combines cardio, stretch, and strength training. When held in a heated room, where the temperatures can reach 95 degrees, its also a profound and cohesive muscle conditioning class that remains authentic to a variety of disciplines, including ballet, modern dance, cardio, and yoga. Yoga Barre demonstrates that all movement practices, regardless of distinction, share some common ground at their core with the mind-body connection, or the brains ability to speak to the muscles and create harmony. Peeling back the layers, while also celebrating the differences, is where Nancy thrives. I have a passion for getting to the origins. A history major in college, Nancy divided her time between academics and dance, and eventually landed an opportunity to study classical ballet in Russia. Following graduation, Nancy continued her classical ballet training with Ehrling Sunde at the United States International University in San Diego. Her director, Paul Hart, was the former director of The Royal Ballet, and entertained his class with stories of the great Russian dancers, including Rudolph Nureyev and Natalia Markova. Dance is very much taught through stories. The best teachers are always great storytellers. said Nancy, who often weaves snippets of history throughout her own classes. This background in ballet technique, along with its meticulous alignment, is integral to Nancys creation of Yoga Barre. Throughout the class, Nancy includes dance fundamentals and utilizes ballet terminology, such as pli when the legs are bent and port de bras when working the arms. After taking a ballet class, my body felt strong, but my mind felt at ease. I tried to duplicate this idea with Yoga Barre. >

Hair and Makeup: KatIE Lapidus. Students: Marlana Carter, Elsa Chahin, Briana DeFalco, Katherine Ryan and Leigh Wakeford. Location: Hot 8 Yoga, Santa Monica (hot8yoga.com) NANCY WEARS: Crunch and Punch Tank in Blueberry $69. STUDENT TO RIGHT OF NANCY WEARS: Namaste Seamless Bra $44, provided by: Athleta, Santa Monica.

TEACHER PROFILE [nancy norby]

Ballet led Nancy into her career as a barre teacher. While taking a ballet class in her twenties, Nancy noticed a classmate who looked particularly strong and centered. Intrigued, Nancy asked what she did differently, which was how she learned of the Lotte Berk method, a fitness regime that combined dance and conditioning to create long, sculpted muscles. Soon after, Nancy flew to New York City and trained with Lydia Bach to learn the Lotte Berk method. It was very different from today, Nancy recalls There was no formal certification process. I simply trained day and night at an old brownstone on the Upper East Side, where three floors of classes were held simultaneously. She smiled, Back then, we taught with giant red balls and music on record players.

Any time you breathe, move. or think, there is spirituality going on. You cant separate your spirit from your body.
The Lotte Berk technique contains its own interesting history, beginning with Lotte herself, a German modern dancer who studied with the legendary Mary Wigman in the 1930s. Lotte was an eccentric and flamboyant feminist who developed the technique solely for women in the spirit of liberation. Although svelte and muscular, Lotte faced physical challenges when a dance injury left her with eight fused vertebra. Her method was developed with the consultation of an osteopath. The Lotte Berk Method is orthopedically designed to keep the core strong and the back supple. Its ideal for dancers, but helpful for everyone. Nancy explains. After studying in New York, Nancy returned to Hollywood to manage the only Lotte Berk studio in Sunset Plaza, which she later went on to own. At the time, Nancy was the only licensed instructor of the method, and owned the only barre fitness studio outside of New York City. After decades of teaching the Lotte Berk method, Nancy was invited to create a sequence for Hot 8 Yoga, which granted her the unique opportunity to add Yoga to the blend of techniques. I have a very choreographic mind, says Nancy. I love designing sequences, and then constantly improving them. The use of asana in addition to cardio and stretching gives the class a meditative quality and yogic feel in the midst of fast-paced sequences. For example, Nancy uses downward dog to warm up the hamstrings, childs pose to rest, and plank for arm and core strength. The class helps increase joint flexibility and enhances recovery time for weight lifters, runners, and elite athletes.

The three components of stretch, strength, and balance develop an intelligent muscle. Nancy explains. The barre elements can be combined with any workout. Beginners are welcome as this class educates you and encourages you to go at your own pace. In keeping with traditional yoga practice, Nancy leads a savasana at the end of class, which offers a final moment for reflection and peace, something rare for any cardio or dance class. Any time you breathe, move or think, there is spirituality going on. You cant separate your spirit from your body. Spirituality and breathing continually keep Nancy centered through trying times. She has six children, five of which were delivered at home. Her youngest daughter, Grace, was born with Down's Syndrome, and underwent heart surgery at ten months. She teaches me how to be comfortable in my own skin, says Nancy. Motherhood has developed her perspective on her own practice and has given her new insights into her own body and capabilities. Giving birth allowed me to experience an inner wisdom. It allowed me to let go and trust my bodys inherent wisdom. That has changed my teaching, too. Today, Nancy stays busy with Yoga Barre, which she teaches at Hot 8 Yoga in Santa Monica, and also at Revolution Fitness. She practices hot yoga regularly and also enjoys traditional ballet class after she drops off her children for school in the mornings. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband, Felix, and her children, who are also involved with dance and yoga. She is currently holding Yoga Barre teacher training workshops at Hot 8 for anyone looking to learn this unique fusion of disciplines, and also to find strength at their core.

Learn more about Nancy and Yoga Barre at Nancynorby.com or check out the schedule at hot8yoga.com
Kiara Kinghorn is a writer and dancer who lives in Santa Monica. She holds a BA in English and a BFA in Dance from UC Santa Barbara, and is also a 200-hour Sphota Yoga Teacher Trainee.

F i nding Happiness
in Everyday Practice
From running a juicery to appearing in spiritual films and mainstream Hollywood fare, actress Elisabeth Rohm finds balance through yoga.
BY NATAL I E T RU ONG PHOTOS BY k i mBE RLY ME T Z

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Elisabeth Rohm is a modern-day Jane of all trades. The established actress

played Assistant District Attorney Serena Southerlyn on the acclaimed series Law & Order, and has featured on such TV shows as The Client List, Heroes, and Angel. Her burgeoning film career includes co-starring alongside Jennifer Lawrence, Christian Bale, and Robert DeNiro in director David O. Russells anticipated feature American Hustle (coming out this Fall), as well as starring as the lead in the docudrama Finding Happiness, in which she plays a skeptic who travels to Anandas Northern Californiabased residential spiritual community. Away from the big screen, Rohm is an avid blogger she writes regularly on fertility and motherhood for People.com and is the owner of ReJuice, an organic juicery and eatery with locations on Pico in Santa Monica, and Hot 8 Yoga in Beverly Hills. Added to that, she is a passionate activist, an involved mother of a five-year-old daughter, and a devoted Yogini. Witnessing Rohms ready smile and easy demeanor, it isnt immediately obvious that she is a woman who has experienced the extreme highs and lows of the human condition. As an actress, she delves into a wide range of human emotions but nothing could prepare her for the real life experience of losing her beloved mother to cancer or her struggles with infertility. In the midst of the turmoil that comes with motherhood and working in Hollywood, Rohm finds her center by tuning into yogathe practice of stilling the mind. She cites the importance of the breath in helping her tackle personal and artistic challenges. It is an embrace of the teachings of yoga that have allowed her find peace in the frenzy of modern-day LA. You began dabbling with Eastern thought and philosophy at an early age, and your mother was a dharmic person. Can you talk a little bit about the beginnings of your path? My mother was a devotee of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi and began teaching meditation when she was only 18. My father was also spiritual; in fact, they met through Maharishi. Despite having been baptized Christian and growing up in New York, our environment at home was very Buddhist. I was given my first mantra when I was only five years old. Chanting in our home became normal, and meditation felt natural to me. Around my sixteenth birthday, I became interested in Yoga; I wore saris that summer and began to immerse myself in my studies on my own account. That was a pivotal moment in my life. The stereotype is that the entertainment business is cutthroat, and as an actor, one must hustle to succeed. How has Yoga helped you tackle the challenges of this profession? My observation of anyone who is in this business and also spiritual is that they treasure stillness. They deliberately detach in order to have a sense of peace. For some people, its prayer or breathing, others meditate through knitting, needlepoint, or running a marathon. My ritual is similar, in that I take a deep breath before I approach anything. Returning to my breath to achieve stillness has helped me tremendously in the past. As actors, we tend to get very hot tempered, yet we need quiet cool bodies. Its not healthy to react hot. We need perspective and need to steady ourselves and yoga helps with that. Do you see any other parallels between acting and yoga? Acting itself can be very spiritual. My mother used to say, Don't lie to yourself. Just be honest with yourself. Yoga allows you to do exactly that: To be with myself and to detach, which is what also needs to happen in acting. Its not good to enter the profession just to become famous. You have to want to understand human behavior. The beauty of acting is that every character you play will reveal something about yourself. Each part you play helps you deal with demons or loss or insecurities. You work up until a certain point, and then you just have to let go. Its like yoga: you practice a certain pose, but at some point, you have to let go and not push yourself or youre going to fall out of the pose. The famous Italian director and writer Federico Fellini once said that he would step back and offer up his craft to a higher purpose; sometimes he wouldn't remember what he did all day, because he would just let go. I find that powerful. >

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In the new film, Finding Happiness, you play Juliet, a journalist who is assigned to a piece on Swami Kriyananda. This fictional narrative has a documentary quality since Swami Kriyananda is a real teacher and you visited the real location of the community depicted in the film. What was this experience like? I had been familiar with Kriyanandas writing from my childhood and had wanted to meet him in person. I didnt expect anything, but my intuition told me that it was going to be a wonderful experience. My perspective is a little different from Juliets because she is a cynic; she comes to Ananda thinking its all hocus pocus. Through the course of the film, as she spends time with the community, she sees the value of togetherness. Those concepts togetherness and community touched me at my core. Whether people suffer or not, people who live in communities are onto something. I probably didn't feel it necessary before, but after having worked on the film, I can see the benefits it has for the soul. Being there touched my heart. The experience on set was very dharmic. With the exception of a project I did in Cambodia, I had never been in an environment where everyone was this nice and genuine. I knew it wasn't just because they were putting their best foot forward; it came from the heart. Caring for one another in a group made me very reflective of my own life. I was especially touched by a young family whose father had died. The community came together to help keep the mourning family fed. My own mother passed away a few years ago, but I cant say that I had the same experience. We had maybe three or four good friends, but there in Ananda, the community became pearls that helped them deal with the loss. Communal living isnt for everyone, and Im not sure its the right thing for me and my family. However, I am able to learn and take these blueprints with me into my daily life and apply them as I see fit. How have you incorporated aspects of the yogic lifestyle into your home/family? My daughter Easton is growing up here in Venice, California, where life is very bohemian. She is enrolled at the Claire Fontaine school on Abbot Kinney, which is a very loving environment. They also teach yoga at her summer camp.

Morning Family Smoothie

My favorite way to start the morning with my daughter is with a healthy and hydrating smoothie. Its a great way to infuse us both with electrolytes, potassium, beta-carotene, and antioxidants. 2 cups coconut water + 1 cup mango + 1 cup pineapple + 2 cups spinach Combine ingredients in your blender or Vitamix and puree until smooth. Play with the balance of ingredients according to taste or what you have on hand. Substitute kale or collard greens for the spinach. Coconut water makes a great base that kids love. The sweetness of mango and the tartness of pineapple temper the greens; add a banana to sweeten and thicken it up.

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In a way, Easton is being exposed to the healthy lifestyle in the same way I was exposed to spirituality through my own parents. Eastons dad, Ron Anthony, and I are big juicers. Hes a vegan and Im a vegetarian, so our kitchen is a sort of garden that we can make into juices and use to feed our entire family. Juicing has been a big part of our family diet. We love it so much that last July we opened ReJuice, a juicery spot with a small and simple vegan menu. Its at the corner of 33rd and Pico (in Santa Monica); we are also available at select local hotels and Hot 8 Yoga in Beverly Hills. My personal favorite juice that I drink every day contains apple, ginger, celery, cucumber, and kale. How does your volunteer work connect you with your practice of yoga? My mom had a strong sense of giving and tried to pass that on to me. She would educate me on what issues were worth fighting for: trees, the ocean, Syria... Shed email me to point me in the direction of where justice might need to be served. Over the years, I just assumed that it's something everyone should do. And its not just a yogi mentality; its also a church mentality. I was exposed to many different causes, and when I grew older, I began to care most about disaster relief. When I was in college, my mothers house burned down. The Red Cross came and replaced her roof, which left a lasting impression on me. The Red Cross is always there hurricanes, earthquakes, you name it. You can count on their support and on them educating and properly preparing you for possible disasters. I recently filmed a Shake Out PSA video sponsored by the Red Cross since a big earthquake is imminent and the Red Cross is raising money for more shelters. You're also an active blogger and author. What other projects can we expect from you in the future? Ive been blogging for People Magazine for two years now; what started as a single column turned into a long-term commitment. I wanted to share more about my experience with in vitro fertilization. When youre not able to conceive, you feel a little bit broken. I wasnt being gentle with myself, and kept it a secret for a long time. At some point, I just had to be honest and be okay with the fact that Im not invincible and needed medical help. Its like in yoga class you can be disappointed with yourself; you just have to accept and forgive. So writing has been very therapeutic. Above all, Im glad to help remove some of the stigma attached to IVF, especially because my daughter Easton will be reading all of this some day. There was such a wonderful outpouring in response to the blog. I realized there are many people with fertility issues. We live in a much more toxic world, and women today also start families later in life. Eventually, I also released a book, Baby Steps: Having the Child I Always Wanted (Just Not as I Expected), with the purpose to create a higher consciousness and to allow women to talk about infertility and let them know theyre not alone. Elisabeths forays into the practice of yoga and the commitment to community in all forms through food, writing, on the mat, and on screen are both an inspiration and a demonstration of the power of persistence. ReJuice, 3238 Pico Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90405. Rejuice-california.com The Expanding Light, Anandas Spiritual Retreat for Meditation, Yoga, and Health. Expandinglight.org
Elisabeth is the author with Eve Adamson of Baby Steps: Having the Child I Always Wanted (Just Not as I Expected). For more information visit: Elisabeth-Rohm.com or follow updates at Twitter account @ElisabethRohm. Nadine Truong is a writer, photographer, and accomplished filmmaker. Her directional credits include Chopsticks, Eggbaby, and Shadow Man, among others. She recently directed her first feature film, Someone I Used to Know. An avid Yogini and recent RYT-200 graduate from Yoga Vida in New York, she teaches Yoga to inner city high school students in Los Angeles.

FINDING HAPPINESS the film

The 2013 film, Finding Happiness, tells the story of investigative journalist Juliet Palmer, portrayed by Elisabeth Rohm. Juliet, who specializes in exposing corruption, reluctantly travels to Ananda World Brotherhood Village in Northern California to interview its visionary founder. Through a series of interviews with many of the residents, she learns about the inner workings of the spiritual community, and begins to awaken to yogic philosophy and concepts. As she applies them to her own life, she receives guidance from the extraordinary (now deceased) Swami Kriyananda. His gentle wisdom leads her to the path of her own spiritual transformation. For Juliet, what begins as an investigation into idealism and alternative lifestyle becomes an unexpected awakening and discovery of the self. Finding Happiness is an elegant blend of fiction and non-fiction. The framework in which writer and director Ted Nicolaou sets up the film delivers factual and historical context and a deeply moving story. The interviews are authentic and inquisitive and provide a fertile landscape for both societal and personal transformation. Findinghappinessmovie.com
Hair & Makeup: Mouna Forde PHOTO RETOUCHING: BEE PATIRI CLOTHING: LOLE Yoga Consultant: Jocelyn Solomon Zabuton: MeditationBench.com

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AYURVEDA

Alleviating Anxiety WITH AYURVEDA

BY DR. SIVA MOHAN In Ayurveda, vata is one of the three doshas, or organizational constituents that main-

tain homeostasis in the body. Vata dosha embodies the energy represented by the element of air and space (think wind). If youve experienced inspiration and the feeling of being swept away by the creative process, youve felt vata dosha at its best. When imbalanced, an excess of vata dosha can result in chitta vritti (disturbance in the mind), or monkey mind. Unfortunately, in the US, vata imbalance is nearly ubiquitous. All you have to do is turn on the news, and youll be subjected to a mental cyclone of vata energy in the form of ideas provoking fear, overwhelming angst, and uncertainty. We hear stories of people expressing their imbalances in extremes of all kinds. Any extreme action, or reaction, at its core is an expression of vata excess, or imbalance, in the mind. While there are many ways to describe a vata state of mind, the common term for it in our culture seems to be anxiety. For anxiety-relief, ten powerful tools to reduce vata in the mind and nervous system (in no particular order) are: 1. Develop a baseline routine. Nobody experiences the same thing everyday, but we can have a baseline to our daily rhythm. Rising and going to bed at approximately the same time, and even having a simple ritual (drink triphala, go to restroom, read affirmations) in the morning and night can be an effective way to strengthen circadian rhythms. 2. Brahmari Pranayama. This is bumblebee breathwork. Look for video demos on YouTube or read about it in Iyengars Light on Yoga. Any exercise to deepen and slow

Most of us do not have enough time alone where we are engaging in fun, or quality-time with ourselves.

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the breath is going to activate the parasympathetic nervous system and reduce anxiety, and as such there are a few types of breathing exercises that can be vata-reducing. 3. Forehead-to-ground asana. Its incredible, but true. Literally placing your forehead to the ground and taking a few deep breaths while you visualize Mother Earth absorbing all of your excess stress also calms the stress response of which anxiety is a byproduct. You can be in childs pose, in any variation of a forward fold, or even just lay flat on your belly. All of these poses reduce vata. 4. Marma Point Therapy. This is akin to using acupressure on a certain point along an energetic pathway (nadis or meridians). For anxiety reduction, there is a poignant point on the left hand. More specifically, the marma point is on the left palm just below the middle finger bottom knuckle. For most of us, the bottom of the bottom knuckle is going to be about a quarter to a third of the way down from the top of the palm. Allow the left palm to collapse and relax as you press into the point with your right thumb. Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. 5. Get enough sleep. We have all been sleep-deprived at some point in our lives, and most of us can remember how that felt to be moving through the day floating, half-present, and feeling depleted. Sleep is when the body rejuvenates, so making sure we have enough time in slumber is a great way to allow the nervous system to restore itself, reducing anxiety by addressing and healing the root causes of imbalance through rest and assimilation. 6. Ingest vata-reducing nervines. This is a class of herbs that warms and rejuvenates the nervous system. Most of these herbs also have grounding effects on the subtle energetic body. My favorites are shankpushpi, jatamamsi (related to valerian), ashwagandha, brahmi, and tulsi. See your practitioner for appropriate combinations and dosing. 7. Spend quality time ALONE. By connecting to the experiences that bring you true joy, you can reduce vata and reclaim some of your usual energy expenditure to others. Most of us do not have enough time alone where we are engaging in fun, or quality-time with ourselves. We use our alone time to work or clean or get things done. When we enjoy our alone-time (and prioritize it), we end up grounding in our sense of self and purpose and reducing vata in a powerful way. >

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SIGNS OF EXCESS VATA ENERGY

M IND
> Trouble sleeping > Overwhelmed > Difficulty focusing > Anxiety > Restlessness > Impulsive speech or behavior > Indecision > Cycling of emotions > Difficulty completing tasks > Addictive tendencies > Interrupting your thoughts with tangential ones

BODY
> Dry (and itchy) skin > Dry hair > Brittle nails, dry cuticles > Dry lips > Coating on tongue > Dry, itchy eyes > Gas, belching and cramping > Constipation > Low appetite and bloating > Runny nose > Dry scratchy throat > Stiff joints > Dark circles under the eyes > Increased urinary frequency > Tremor, unsteadiness > Inability to sit still

SP IR I T
> Feeling like youve been doing a lot but still dont really have a sense of where you are headed in this life, what you are about, or where you feel at home

> A pervading feeling of restlessness, or being unsettled.

8. Consciously reduce multi-tasking. Focusing on one thing at a time, and completing the activity, is a great way to reduce vata in the mind. The more we try to do at once, the more scattered and anxious we feel, and the less likely we are to produce quality outcomes. 9. Shirodhara. This is a lovely Ayurvedic body therapy which involves dripping herbal oil over the third eye (6th chakra) and allowing the warm oil to coat the entire scalp. You can find this at any Ayurvedic healing center, and even many upper end spas. Warm oil scalp massage at home produces similar anxiety reduction, especially when done regularly. 10. Meditate. Most people I know begin meditation because they want to address their anxiety or stress. Everyone with a regular meditation practice will report diminished symptoms of vata in the mind, including anxiety. The most challenging aspect of balancing vata is consistent practice. Two weeks of a regular practice of any of the suggestions above is the minimum amount of time needed to assess its effects. The more consistent you are, the greater the vata reduction. You will likely fall off track, and thats okay. Just get back on. Every step counts.
Dr. Siva Mohan integrates Ayurveda with modern medicine in her Ayurvedic wellness practice and educational programs to define and achieve whole-being wellness. Dr. Mohan specializes in addressing the psychospiritual basis of healing: doctormohan.com. Read a question and answer with Dr. Siva Mohan about the ins and outs of vata imbalance online at layoga.com.

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YOGI FOOD [farmers' corner]

HERBS
F O R HE AL I NG
BY RED JEN FORD

While healing with herbs is an ancient art, (in lineages such as Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, and other traditional systems worldwide), more than a quarter of drugs used today contain active ingredients derived from plants used in ancient medicine; aspirin is one common example. Immune system boosters and common cures for inflammation, indigestion, and other ailments are sitting right on the shelves of your kitchen cabinets. Turn the page for some healing herb and spice suggestions >

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YOGI FOOD [farmers' corner]

Properites
The deep yellow spice commonly used in curries (providing their characteristic yellow hue) is an antioxidant and immune booster that fights inflammation and calms heat in the liver. Thus, its good for any itis condition like colitis, gastritis, arthritis, as well as ulcers, dementia, joint, and bone health, and even helps regulate high blood pressure and cholesterol.

REMEDIES & RECIPES

For sore throat, gums or canker sores: Add to salt water and gargle. For skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis: Make a thick paste of turmeric powder with water and apply topically. (Beware turmeric can stain!)

TUMERIC

Also great for digestion; due to its sulfur content, garlic is antimicrobial, detoxifying, and supportive of immune function. It also strengthens cardiovascular and circulatory health by helping to manage blood sugar, blood fats/cholesterol, and high blood pressure. In fact, its so good at improving blood flow that garlic is considered an aphrodisiac; it even helps stimulates semen production and vaginal lubrication.

For immune support at the start of a cold or for an ear or sinus infection: Make an infusion by simmering a few cloves in olive oil over medium heat; cool, strain, and then apply a few drops into ears using a dropper bottle.

GARLIC
Beloved in Ayurvedic medicine, ginger improves digestion, eases nausea, and enhances circulation and blood flow. It can even help prevent headache, ease the pain of osteoarthritis and strengthen joints and bones. Store fresh ginger in the freezer to extend its shelf life and easily grate on a box grater when ready to use. For cooking: Mix a couple tablespoons of fresh or frozen ginger with equal parts Bragg Amino Acids or soy sauce, olive or grapeseed oil, and honey, and use as a sauce for fish or pressed tofu. Or simply enjoy it as a tea or dried candy.

GINGER
Basil fights colds, cough, sinus congestion, headaches, arthritis, rheumatism, fevers and bloating. While there are numerous varieties of basil, holy basil or tulsi is revered as the most medicinally potent in Ayurveda for these uses. Due to its properties of purification and energy clearing, keep a live plant in the home and harvest leaves often to enjoy for their immune-strengthening properties. To enjoy in a pesto sauce: Place one cup fresh basil leaves in a blender with cup olive oil, cup walnuts or pine nuts, some garlic and sea salt and pepper to taste. Process until desired consistency, and then add some grated pecorino or parmesan cheese or vegan substitute.

BASIL
A sweet, warming spice, cinnamon is perfect when temperatures begin to drop and colds become common. It strengthens circulation, warms the kidneys, and promotes digestive fire; an expectorant, it helps ease congestion from colds, sinus conditions, and bronchitis. Recent studies indicate that cinnamon helps moderate blood sugar levels with as little as 1-6 grams per day, so can be useful for folks with diabetes or metabolic syndrome. For a warming breakfast porridge: Simmer a diced apple with cup rinsed quinoa, 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon and teaspoon of ginger for about 15 mins. Add a good splash of almond, soy or coconut milk and sprinkle with crushed walnuts or almond slivers.

CINNAMON
Its the seed of what we commonly call cilantro, Historically, its been used for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, to fight diabetes and improve digestion, especially of fatty foods. Recent studies suggest that it even helps lower cholesterol. Cilantro as a fresh juice is helpful for allergies, hay fever and skin rashes when taken internally. For itch and inflammation: Applied topically, cilantro juice helps with itch and inflammation. For cooking: Cilantro's bitter, cooling nature provides a great antidote for hot, pungent and/or spicy foods.

CILANTRO

Red Jen Ford is a Certified Holistic Health Coach, Yoga Instructor and Seasonal Eating Expert. Jen teaches her clients the benefits and simplicity of eating local, sustainably grown food. Enjoy more of her dishes in her seasonal recipe booklets or online course, Simply in Season Fall Recipes to Celebrate Healthy, Easy Seasonal Food. Redjenford.com
References:*Webcast event hosted by Floracopeia, The Top Ten Essential Herbs for Every Home and Family with Karta Purkh Khalsa, World-Renowned Herbalist,14 November 2012 **The Yoga of Herbs--An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine, 2nd Edition. Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad 2001

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YOGA THERAPY

YOG A FOR O ST EOP ORO S I S

Sit ting down with rehabilitative medicine specialist DR. Loren Fishman.
BY Leslie K azadi

Loren Fishman, M.D. has been a rehabilitative medicine specialist for over thirty years. As a pioneer in integrative medicine, from the start of his practice, he incorporated yoga into patient care. A prolific, published researcher, he is the author of eight books, including Yoga for Osteoporosis, Yoga for Osteoarthritis, and Yoga for Back Pain. His research into yoga for osteoporosis has provided valuable insight into adapting yoga practice to support building bone and maintaining health. Currently based in New York, Dr. Fishman will be visiting Los Angeles to share his research and experience at Exhales Center for Sacred Movement in November. What inspired you to begin practicing yoga? When I was about nine, I saw a TV show called Ram of the Jungle, where a kid rode on the neck of an elephant. He also did some yoga. And I said to myself: Thats for me! I just loved it. Then, in 1972, I knocked on Mr. Iyengars door, wanting to learn more, hoping I could take a class. I stayed for a year of daily classes!

people age at very different rates. Some 80-year-olds seem like theyre thirty, and vice versa.
You are 72 years old. Do you think there are any poses that are contraindicated strictly due to age? No, people age at very different rates. Some 80-year-olds seem like theyre thirty, and vice versa. Three factors are key in this process: genetics, epigenetics, and environment, and a lot of interplay between them. Various excellent studies have shown that yoga can change which parts of your DNA are upregulated and which are downregulated. Whether a person can or should do a particular pose is dependent not on calendar age but on the condition of the person who is practicing. Your workshop at Exhale is titled Yoga Therapeutics. How do you distinguish yoga from yoga therapeutics? Its a continuum. The yoga therapist takes a person who is below sea level who has something wrong and brings him up to sea

level, back up to normal. I call it medical yoga. But what the yoga teacher does is different. The yoga teacher does indeed take students to above normal, over the rainbow, as far as they want to go, along the way to liberation. Your integrative medical practice uses many modalities. When do you use yoga rather than other modalities? It depends on what the patient needs: Tai Chi is excellent for balance, Alexander technique helps with body awareness. Yoga is best for blood pressure, arrhythmias, rotator cuff syndrome, scoliosis, osteoporosis, back pain, and a host of other medical conditions. Just about every day, I get a new idea about how to use yoga for medical problems. In your integrative practice, do you prescribe yoga practices other than asana? Do you also teach meditation? Yes, I teach it one-on-one. I learned from Mr. Iyengars elegantly understated breathing and meditation sessions. Like a Japanese drawing, much of the meaning is in the space between the lines what is not said.

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Its difficult for most people to start and to maintain a meditation practice. How do you inspire people to create that home practice? I introduce it slowly. At first, we may do as little as three minutes. In your osteoporosis study, you have 12 evidence-based poses. Could you explain what that means? Its based on the pilot study I published in a peer-reviewed journal in 2011. After all the participants had bone density scans, half of them were taught the 12 poses and were encouraged to do them every day for two years, then we got another DEXA (bone density) scan on all of them. The non-yogis lost a little bone. But the yogis gained more than .6 on the T-scale for their lower backs and almost an entire point .94 with regard to their hips. This was so impressive I made a DVD for participants and now am now doing an international study. Do you see evidence that yoga can arrest or reverse osteoarthritis? Osteoarthritis is a process. Yoga can affect the process and reverse it. When you do yoga or any endurance-type exercise, you also free a molecule, PGC1 alpha, a powerful antiinflammatory that slows down arthritis. Yoga stretches will also improve your range of motion, raise your strength; yoga is excellent for balance and the use muscles appropriately so the joints dont suffer. It reduces anxiety, which can make you tight, therefore putting more pressure on your joints than you need. Certainly, yoga can reduce the ill effects of arthritis. One reason you became a doctor was to understand how yoga works. What is unique about how yoga works? To me, yoga is a self-improvement program that really worksit is a beautiful thing. The beauty starts on the outside with the pose, and with persistence, gets deeper and deeper into you.

Dr Loren Fishman is teaching a weekend workshop on Yoga for Osteoporosis and Osteoarthritis November 14-17 (open to the public) as part of Annie Carpenters teacher training program at Exhale, Venice. Exhalespa.com.
Leslie Kazadi, CYT, E-RYT500, is a yoga therapist, anatomy geek, and yoga researcher who is passionate about making yoga accessible to every body. Lesliekazadi.com

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MEDITATION

Blockheads and Barbarians

MEDITATION BY LORI N RO CH E

SURPRISE
M E DITATION WITH THE RADIANCE S U T RAS BY LORI N RO CH E

Unless you live in a cave, life is full of surprises. Even meditation is full of surprises. In the relaxation of meditation, we are often presented with mini-movies of whatever we are stressed about, including traumatic events from the past and whatever we are gearing up to deal with in the future. You get a few minutes of restfulness, then suddenly, you find yourself feeling agitated, excited, or jumpy as you relive a moment of fear or worry. Everyone hates this and is convinced they have failed at meditation: I just cant do it! The thoughts wont stop. I cant sit still. In the Radiance Sutras, a new translation of a classic yoga meditation text, the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, Sutra 95 points out that any difficult moment can be used as a gateway to awakening:

At the beginning of a sneeze, That weird tickling sensation, An uncontrollable explosion of breath And a stunned, tingling feeling afterwards. When afraid, alarm bells Ringing in your body, Hair standing on end. Or when lost and confused, Sighing in desperation. The gnawing, light-headed feeling As hunger comes on, turns ravenous, Then the deep satisfaction after eating. When transported with delight, Running away from a fight, Intensely curious or impatient. Intensity awakens, Wild attentiveness everywhere. Ride the shockwave inward To touch the Great Self, The power from which you arise.

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interest? Spiritual awakenings are not to be had only in the calmness of deep meditation. The combination of having a rich outer life open to the wonders of the world, plus having access to deep meditation, is the gateway, the door to ecstasy, pointed to in this sutra. And the Karaoke version: kshutaadiante bhaye shoke gahvare vaa ranaatdrute kutoohale kshudhaaaadiante brahmasattaamayee dashaa G LO SSARY Kshut - sneeze. Adi - beginning. Ante - end. Bhaya - fear, alarm, dread, apprehension, terror, dismay, danger, peril, distress. Soka - burning, hot, flame, sorrow, anguish, pain, trouble, grief. Gahvara - deep, impenetrable, confused in mind, a hiding place, thicket, wood, an impenetrable secret, riddle, a deep sigh. Rana - delight, joy, battle (as an object of delight), war, combat, fight, conflict, motion. Druta - speedy, run away, melted. Kutuhala - curiosity, interest in any extraordinary matter, eagerness, anything interesting, fun, surprising, wonderful, celebrated. Kshudh - hunger. Brahma - a priest, the one self-existent Spirit, the Absolute. Satta - existence, being, goodness. Maya - measuring, art, wisdom, supernatural power, creating illusions (said of Vishnu), one of the nine shaktis or energies of Vishnu, compassion, sympathy. Dasa - the fringe of a garment, loose ends of any piece of cloth, skirt or hem, a wick, period of life, circumstances, the fate of people as influenced by the position of the planets, aspect or position of the planets at birth, the mind. If you think of meditation as calming down, and slowing down, you will miss out on a lot of what life is offering you. Any time we are quiet and relaxed, the body-mind system, the intelligent life-force we can call pranashakti, will tend to review stressful events we have experienced. This will happen whether we are meditating, on vacation, falling asleep, in therapy, or on the massage table. You havent failed at meditation if you have a few minutes of relaxation and then are immersed in an intense movie made up of everything you are scared and excited about. It is the relaxation and ease that open the door to your inner life. Here is a little secret, which you can memorize right now: meditation is a perfect place to savor your life. All of it. Every color (raga), every feeling (bhava), and every fear (bhaya). When you feel serene and safe, the wisdom of your inner life automatically brings up whatever needs to be healed. When you relax, you let go of stress, and when you let go of stress, you re-live the stressful events. To the extent you feel safe in meditation, you will re-experience your traumas and victories as your inner wisdom tunes your body and soul to accept the sheer wildness of the universe in all its stunning diversity. This is what makes each meditation a surprising and unpredictable sequence of pleasure, pain, pleasure, pain, pleasure, as your practice massages the tension out of your body. If you dont know how to meditate, learn. When you find the style of meditation that suits your nature, it is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and those you love. You will know your style because you feel utterly at ease and at rest in yourself. This creates an inner serenity that lets you tolerate the surprises life tosses at you day by day.
Dr. Lorin Roche was lucky enough to begin practicing asana, pranayama, and meditation in 1968, and he still feels like a beginner. He was trained as a meditation teacher in 1969-1970 and has been sharing the delight ever since. Lorin is the author of Meditation Made Easy, Meditation Secrets for Women, and The Radiance Sutras. His PhD is in Social Science from the University of California, Irvine, where he researched the language of meditation. He lives in Marina del Rey with his yogini shaktini wife, Camille Maurine. The Radiance Sutras, a new version of the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra, is available from Lorins website: lorinroche.com. Email lorin@lorinroche.com or call (310) 5702803. Become a fan of The Radiance Sutras on Facebook. Dr. Roche will be presenting a workshop at Bhakti Fest West: bhaktifest.com.

The Sanskrit here points to all kinds of terrifying, burning, painful, confusing, delightful, joyous, surprising and wonderful adventures. Right here, in the midst of your most intense challenge or desperate situation, when your mind has melted in shock or vital interest, is an opportunity to wake up to the One Self-Existing Spirit. In terms of yoga practice, the suggestion is, Pay attention right at the beginning in the very first instant (adi) you notice something happening all the way through the development of the crisis to the end (anta), and you will sense something of Maya, the great art, the supernatural power, of the divine. Notice your cravings for intensity as well as serenity. When you go to the movies, sporting events, opera, theater, concerts, and performances, arent you going there to drink in every moment and be thrilled and surprised? The mantra-like sounds that arise from the audience, Ahhhh and Ooooooh, are astonishing in themselves. If you read novels, watch TV or YouTube, dont you follow what captures your

L AYO G A . CO M 4 9

I am very competitive, which is why I have had success in music; and if I play a sport, I want to kick but t.

Iggy A z a le a
BY LORI RIS CHE R

Rockstar Health and Fitness

When I first saw Iggy Azalea perform, I left the venue speechless! I was blown away by her talent and incredible performance. Her fashion style is dynamic, and her dancing abilities are beyond inspiring. I was excited to learn more about Iggy and her healthy secrets. Iggy Azalea has been blessed with incredible talent and has known exactly what she wanted to do with her gifts. At the young age of 16, she moved from Australia to the US to pursue her dream of music. She worked hard to make it in the US by saving the money she earned cleaning hotel rooms and networking among the hip hop community. She continued to work on her music and post viral content on the Internet, which quickly captured the attention of the power players in music and modeling. >

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ROCKSTAR FITNESS [ iggy azalea]

Fast forward a couple of years and she is signed to both Island Def Jam Music Group and the Wilhelmina modeling agency. Her single, Work (which is an autobiographical story about her journey from scrub girl to headliner), is currently playing on the radio, and the video has over 20 million views (and counting) on YouTube. She has been selected as the opening act for Beyonce in Iggy's homeland of Australia; which is a true honor. In the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, Iggy was both a presenter as well as nominated in the competitive Artist To Watch category. Her new single, Change Your Life featuring T.I., and her new EP which includes five songs plus a Change Your Life remix, will be available on iTunes October 8. I was interested to learn what her workout includes. According to Iggy, I am very competitive, which is why I have had success in music; and if I play a sport, I want to kick someone's butt. That's why I LOVE to play tennis which is my favorite sport--and it includes a lot of running. Iggy also does a lot of lunges and recently took on the squat challenge which is a 30-day routine that is increased daily. My friend, Beata, from KIIS-FM and I decided to try the squat challenge, and it's pretty intense. I am currently on day five and hope I can make it all 30 days since Iggy swears by it. If you take a look at any of her videos or see her live performance you also realize she is an incredible dancer and this helps keep her in amazing shape when she is on tour. Her favorite healthy recipe is a breakfast smoothie combining frozen organic fruit, banana, kale, almonds, gogi berries, and whatever supplements she has available. The power punch of superfoods and nutrients provides energy for the entire day. Iggy Azalea has what it takes to be a superstar. If you get a chance to see her perform....you too, will be blown away! Her ability to twerk will inspire you to take a hip hop dance class and her music will get you on your feet! You will want to add her songs to your workout playlist and get moving. Find out more information at: IggyAzalea.com.

Lori Rischer is a veteran music business executive, the KIIS-FM health and fitness spokesperson, and a yoga instructor. Rockstar Health & Fitness shares the healthy secrets of celebrities. Check out her weekly blog at: KIISFM.com, keyword Rockstar or: LoriRischer.com

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L AYO G A . CO M 5 3

CHAKA KHAN
Ten-time Grammy-winning songstress and well-respected Queen of Funk Chaka Khans megahits include, Tell Me Something Good, Aint Nobody, Im Every Woman, and I Feel For You. Her latest single, Its Not Over (featuring LaCrae), was released in February, 2013. This mother, grandmother, long-time vegan and one-time front woman of the legendary funksters, Rufus, is still going strong. Heres what inspires her before her head hits the pillow.

ON MY NIGHTSTAND

THE SECRET
by Rhon da Byrn e

mind me of who we really are, and of our existence beyond this plane. Its a powerful testament and a great read!

I keep this book nearby as a reminder of the dynamics of life on this planet. The Law of Attraction is a powerful tool for staying positive and using our thoughts to manifest good things in our lives. The practices of: Ask, Believe, and Receive have gone a long way in my life.

THE OLD FARMERS ALMANAC

FIRST EDITION EDITED AN D PUBLIS H ED by Robert B. Thomas

PROOF OF HEAVEN: A NEUROSURGEONS NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE AND JOURNEY INTO THE AFTERLIFE
by E b e n Ale x an de r

In his fascinating book, Dr. Alexander describes his own near-death experience as a result of a rare brain illness. This neuroscientist returned convinced that heaven exists and that we continue to exist after we leave our bodies. His miraculous recovery and life-changing story re-

I always keep a copy of the current almanac handy. Published continuously since 1818, its an easy read packed with all sorts of interesting facts, like long-range weather forecasts, full moon dates, sunrise and sunset times, weather history and folklore. In our fast-paced, over-stimulating world, this information keeps me in touch with the way it was when we were more connected to the Earth. Picking up The Old Farmers Almanac on a regular basis reminds me that we are guests of Mother Earth.
Chaka Khan will be performing at the Rhythm and Joy Festival (RAJ13) on October 4 at Hummingbird Ranch in Simi Valley, California. She was just presented with the Icon Award (September 22) at the 24th Annual Heroes and Legends Awards. Chaka continues to serve through The Chaka Khan Foundation, giving at-risk children the ability to achieve their dreams and give back to the community; Chakakhan.com. Buy tickets for the RAJ13 at: rajfestival.com.

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MEDIA [ reviews ]

The Unchanging /CD

By D onna De Lory
De Lory Mu s ic

Savasana #3: Natural Beauty / CD

By WAH !
WAH ! MUS IC

Threads of Yoga / B O OK
By Mat t h e w R e m s k i
CreateS pace

Spirit and devotion have always been prominent in Donna De Lory's music. Her new album The Unchanging continues on this path. Crafted in honor of her late father, Al De Lory, The Unchanging is heartfelt and touching, while also sharing an uplifting, joyful quality. On Gayatri Mantra, De Lory's unmistakable voice soars over trance-inducing beats, alternating the ancient Sanskrit mantra with heartfelt English verses. These upbeat grooves are woven throughout the album, on songs including The Offering, Be The Change, Amma, and a spirited take on George Harrison's My Sweet Lord the first chant she learned as a child. Another dimension of The Unchanging is a softer, more open, and more expansive one. Amazing Grace is a spacious rendition of the traditional melody, laid over a downtempo beat. The a cappella Kinder delivers angelic harmonies and lyrical beauty. Luciana and Life Without Boundaries are both touching songs that feature Donna playing her father's piano supported by a graceful string section. Working with longtime collaborator Mac Quayle, De Lory sings and plays several instruments on this 11 song album; she also assembled an impressive group of master musicians for support. The Unchanging is brimming with Donna De Lory's celebration of spirit, inspiring ecstatic movement, reflection, and emotion. It is a dynamic, full, and rich body of work.
Reviewed by Joe Kara, who leads a double life of teaching Yoga and working in the music business. Facebook / Twitter: JJKara

What can I say about Wah! that hasnt been said already? Wah! was at the vanguard of the new yoga music/kirtan movement before magazine covers, yoga festivals, and yoga music record labels. Wah! was there to draw the blueprint and show us the path. It is her pioneering history and unwavering devotion that will always send me out to the nearest record store (or digital download source) to pick up her latest release. Savasana #3 is laid back and ambient. Along with Wah!s soothing voice and the melodic, rumbling bottom end of her bass, this album also has a lot of Fender Rhodes electric piano played by Paul Hollman that gives it a Zero 7 or Pink Floyd sound. The long delays on the track Wind also put me in that space bordering on the psychedelic. The song Prayer is the only track whose title is not taken from the physical universe (e.g., Moon, Flower, Sunlight) which I found to be ironic since the music of devotion is by definition a prayer, and kirtan is a call to the gods that dont live in the physical universe, but guide us through it. The lineage of Wah!s work and her integrity are undeniable, and with this new album, she again delivers the message and the vibration of the universe, both physical and non-physical.
Reviewed by Daniel Overberger, a LA-based Yoga teacher, the author of Leaving Stress Behind, and the founder of alt-kirtan group, Dharma Gypsys. Leavingstressbehind.com

Threads of Yoga should be on the reading list of every yoga teacher training. Its rich, inspirational and to use Remskis own term, fleshy. This is a luscious, succulent, unpacking and updating of Patanjalis sutras. Remski uses several tools to dissect Patanjalis threads and poetically reassemble them into a coherent elucidation. First, he analyzes them through the lenses of Husserl, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, and Derrida. Then he employs the lens of Western psychology to study the primacy that we place on thinking rather than regarding the flesh (body and mind) as an independent yet interdependent mechanism. Finally, Remski adds an Eastern understanding of the nature of consciousness into the mix and describes how yoga functions as an antidote to all that afflicts us. His presentation of the purusa and prakriti Samkya is particularly relatable. Most importantly, Remskis final layer regards the sutras through a modern anthropological lens: Yoga tends to show up wherever the dominant paradigm is wearing thin and creating internal conflict, wherever the emperor is losing his clothes, wherever people begin to say: What I have been taught is not working: I need to find my own answers, together with those who speak to my heart. This passionate, poetic, self-reflective remix of The Yoga Sutras will inspire the next generation of yogis to expand their paradigms.
Reviewed by Ira Israel. Optimumintegralwellness.com

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Mysore Style Cooking: The Secret Yogic Recipes of Mysore, India /B O OK

By V. Sandhya
E lep han t P ubl i s hing

Youre 3,000 miles from home trying to find yourself. A stranger invites you to a family home in this strange land and somehow you feel like one of them. Together, we were a family at Sandhyas house. Sandhya has been cooking for western yogis in Mysore since 1998, but her connections to yoga, cooking, and Ayurveda go way back. After developing health problems at the age of 15, Sandhya began studying yoga with local teacher Pattabhi Jois. Her grandfather was a prominent Ayurvedic doctor. As a child, her mother tried to keep her out of the kitchen, but Sandhyas heart was always in cooking. This book is a culmination of all this history, with recipes that are family heirlooms. When I was in Mysore in 2006, I was invited to Sandhyas home one day for lunch. Her house was full of all the yogis I had run into at the local shalas. I ate at Sandhyas three times a week. The incredible food that came out of her kitchen is laid out in this book, including curries, her familys secret sambar recipe, and a chapatti how-to. You dont have to travel around the world for this Indian family experience. With authentic recipes and inspiring photography, this book is a beacon for soul searchers and lovers of Southern Indian cooking: http:// www.mysorestylecooking.com/
Reviewed by Daniel Overberger, a LA-based Yoga teacher, the author of Leaving Stress Behind, and the founder of alt-kirtan group, Dharma Gypsys. Leavingstressbehind.com

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LADY YOGA [ workout ]

LADY YOGA SUPERHERO

G - You're not helping the obesity epidemic. You have one more of those chips and you'll have to ride someone else's cape. Drop the dip'n gimme 20. Fortunately, six arms makes this easy.

YOGA WITH WEIGHTS

Yoga uses your own body weight as resistance to increase power and strength within. Add some light weights (3-5lbs), count to 15, repeat and you'll enhance your yoga practice with increased metabolism, stronger bones, reduction of injury and increased stamina and flexibility.
BY L AUR IE S EAR L E

Warrior 2 legs, use both weights in your hand and you can tell Justin Timberlake YOU brought sexy back.

Bicep curls while lunging work the upper and lower body.

Focus on pushing for a set and pulling on another set to work the back and chest. Keep Warrior One legs.

Tap into your inner god or goddess standing in a wide legged squat and work the shoulders.

Bend the knees hip width keep the elbows close, lengthen and bend for tricep dips.

Lady Yoga's mission is to make yoga and fitness accessible to all. Right here, she shares her stories of helping you tap into your inner superhero by finding yoga and fitness in everyday, in every thing so there are no excuses not to be strong, flexible and balanced.

Tone the tummy by lifting the hips and reaching for the toes.

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WHERE TO GO [ yoga, ayurveda & wellness centers ]

Laughing Yoga (Stress Buster) city - Downey

Guru Yogi Ramesh, a Himalayan Master and International celebrity with 45 years of experience, is available for workshops and certifications. Laughter Therapythe science of oxygenis 5000 years old. It is an ancient method of self-healing for depression, weight loss, heart disease, Cancer, and pain relief. 7810 Quill Drive,Downey. 562-716-9367. Laughingyogi.org

SANTA MONICA YOGA SANTA MONICA

Santa Monica Yoga has a welcoming atmosphere and a huge selection of classes. The studio just celebrated its 10 year anniversary and many of the teachers on the current schedule were also around 10 years ago helping create a sense of continuity and community that has grown over the years. New students are invited to join for their first 30 days of unlimited classes for $65. 1640 Ocean Park Blvd, Santa Monica. 310-396-4040. Santamonicayoga.com

GODA YOGA CULVER CITY

GODA Yoga is a conscious community of heart serving downtown Culver City for eleven years. Our intimate studio welcomes students at all levels. Gifted instructors teach with love, humor and expertise; bringing ancient yogic healing practices to modern day living. We look forward to sharing our love of yoga with you! 9711 Washington Blvd, Culver City. 310-287-1255. Godayoga.com

INYOGA CENTER VALLEY VILLAGE

Welcome to InYoga, the Valley's premier yoga center. Opened only 2 1/2 years ago, we recently added a new practice room and remodeled our retail store, SEEDS. InYoga offers more than 50 classes a week for students of all levels, ages and abilities. 200-HR Yoga Alliance-certified teacher training begins in Spring 2013. At InYoga, you will find a calm, comfortable, safe place where you can explore your mind, body and breath. Join us at InYoga. 5142 Laurel Canyon Blvd. 818-508-8040. Inyogacenter.com

KUNDALINI LIFESTYLE WOODLAND HILLS

Yoga is not about twisting yourself into a pretzel or standing on your head, but about nurturing your spirit, and freeing your heart. Your body will follow. Yoga is about the journey home. Peace and Comfort unite in one single place. This place is the Kundalini Yoga Studio and it is now open! Anyone is welcome to join our Yoga Sessions and can feel free to gather with us as we chant the night away. 818-515-3948. Kundalinilifestyle.com

Sattva Yoga Los Angeles West Los Angeles / Brentwood

New student: $20 unlimited week/$40 unlimited month. Yogi special: first time $10 class w/ code LAYOGA. Located conveniently on Wilshire near the border of Santa Monica and Los Angeles, Sattva Yoga LA offers yoga classes, FREE meditation, workshops, and special music events. Sattva (sattwa) means true, complete. Each class is a journey into the Self through asana, meditation, pranayama, and kriya. "Authentic. Transformative, Energizing. Yoga Beyond Posture." 12227 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. 424-272-7230. Sattvayogala.com

YOGA BLEND BURBANK

Yoga Blend is a studio about community and joy! With over 70 classes & workshops every week in a supportive environment, yoga is fun, nourishing and accessible for everyone. Classes draw inspiration from the various schools of yoga. Yoga Alliance-approved Teacher Training programs are also offered each year, both at the 200-hour and 500-hour levels. Special: New students get 2 weeks of unlimited classes for $40! 1921 W. Magnolia Blvd, Burbank. 818-954-YOGA. YogaBlend.com

yoga upstairs AGOURA HILLS

Ourteachersfine tune your yoga experience with individualized instruction. We specialize in Hatha and Iyengar yoga. Beginners and seniors have a wide variety of classes to choose. The studio has an outdoor view and is equipped with bamboo floors, yoga rope walls and an ample amount of props. $30 for 30 days of unlimited yoga, Introductory Offer. 5308 Derry Avenue, Suite K, 2nd floor, Agoura Hills. 818-889-8018. Yogaupstairs.com

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AGOURA HILLS BIKRAM YOGA 5027 Kanan Rd. 310-962-4247 bikramyogaagourahills.com YOGA EVERYONE 28914 Roadside Dr. Ste 204. 818-889-9642 yogaeveryone.com

Echo Park YOGALA 1840 Echo Park Ave yogalaechopark.com

MARINA DEL REY BIKRAM YOGA 2903 Washington Blvd. 310-821-3638 bikramyogamarina.com

SANTA BARBARA YOGA CENTER 32 East Micheltorena St. 805-965-6045 santabarbarayogacenter.com YASA YOGA 22 W Mission St. Suite B. 805-845-4626 yasyoga.com

VALLEY VILLAGE INYOGA CENTER 5142 Laurel Canyon Blvd. 818-508-8040 inyogacenter.com

ENCINO FORWARD FOLD 17071 Ventura Blvd, Suite 104. 818-817-7750 forwardfold.com MID-CITY WEST SWERVE FITNESS DANCE YOGA 8250 W 3rd St. Ste 205. 323-782-0741 swervestudio.com

VENICE THE MOVING JOINT 12813 Venice Blvd. 424-228-5348 themovingjoint.com

BEVERLY HILLS HOT 8 YOGA 8383 Wilshire Blvd. 310-986-6420 hot8yoga.com YOGA WEST 1535 Sth. Robertson Blvd. 310-552-4647 yogawestla.com GLENDALE YOGA AT THE VILLAGE 1306 Sonora Ave Glendale, 818-265-9833. yogaatthevillage.com

SANTA MONICA HOT 8 YOGA 1422 2nd St. 310-866-5280 hot8yoga.com YOGAWORKS 2215 Main St 310 664 6470 yogaworks.com YOGAWORKS 1426 Montana Ave 310 393 5150 yogaworks.com EXHALE 101 Wilshire Boulevard 310 319 3193 exhalespa.com

MONTECITO MONTECITO YOGA 1187 Coast Village Rd, #10. 805-845-1301 montecitoyoga.com

VENTURA JAI RHYTHM YOGA 175 S. Ventura ave. Ste 103B 805-652-7490

HIGHLAND PARK NAMASTE HIGHLAND PARK 5118 York Blvd. 323-212-5118 namastehighlandpark.com MONTROSE THERAYOGA 4105 Oceanview Blvd. 818-541-1554 therayogastudio.com YOGA ROCKS STUDIO 3600 Ocean View Blvd. 818-736-7138. yogarockstudios.com

WESTCHESTER/LAX YOGA VISTA 13020 Pacific Promenade, Ste 3. Playa Vista. 310-862-0444 yogavistastudio.com

BRENTWOOD MINI YOGIS YOGA FOR KIDS Throughout LA. 310-471-9644 miniyogis.com

LA QUINTA YOGA CENTRAL 78370 Hwy 111 & Washington, Suite 185 760-861-8574 yogacentrallaquinta.com

CORONA JUST YOGA 163 W. Ontario Ave., #102. 951-736-9642 justyogaonline.com

WOODLAND HILLS SHERMAN OAKS INNER POWER YOGA 21928 Ventura Blvd. 818-591-2639 innerpoweryoga.net THE YOGA LOFT 21228 Ventura Blvd. 818-710-9057 yogaloftla@gmail.com THE ABSOLUTE YOGA & PILATES STUDIO 20855 Ventura Blvd. Suite #8. 818-226-0695 theabsoluteyoga.com

LOS ALAMITOS ANYA FLOW 11138 Los Alamitos Blvd. 562-296-5580 anyaflow.com

NORTH HOLLYWOOD JADE APPLE YOGA 10502 Magnolia Blvd. 818-508-9434 jadeappleyoga.com

BLACK DOG YOGA 4454 Van Nuys Blvd #206 818-380-0331 Blackdogyoga.net RISING LOTUS YOGA 13557 Ventura Blvd. 818-990-0282 risinglotusyoga.com

CULVER CITY OMKAR108 YOGA 11154 Washington Blvd. 310-853-3214 omkar108.com GODA YOGA 9711 Washington Blvd. 310-287-1255. godayoga.com

LOS ANGELES MAHA YOGA 13050 San Vicente Blvd. 310-899-0047 mahayoga.com MOKSHA YOGA LA 340 S La Brea Ave. 323-938-5000 la.mokshayoga.ca

PASADENA YOGA KINGDOM SANCTUARY 553 South Lake Ave. 626-792-7871 yogakingdom.com SILVERLAKE ONE DOWN DOG 2815 West Sunset Blvd. 323-989-DOWN onedowndog.com YOGA AT THE RAVEN 2910 Rowena Ave. 323-644-0828 yogaattheraven.com

DOWNTOWN YOGA CIRCLE DOWNTOWN 400 S Main St #S05. 213-620-1040 yogacircledowntown.com THE YOGA PLACE 110 E 9th Street 3rd Floor, A-355. 213-290-1897 theyogaplacela.com LOS FELIZ SIMONA YOGA 4446 Ambrose Ave. 323-663-0245 simonayoga.com YOGA VIBE 1717 Hillhurst Ave. 323-953-8449 yogavibela.com

REDONDO BEACH THE HOT YOGA CENTER 1820 S PCH. 310-540-2023 thehotyogacenter.com

YORBA LINDA SHALA SANTOSHA ASHTANGA VINYASA YOGA 19815 Esperanza Road Yorba Linda. 714-488-0623 shalasantoshayoga.com

Studio City SANTA BARBARA EVOLATION 591 Rosa Linda Way. 805-364-0208 evolationyoga.com UPFLYING YOGA 11101 Ventura Blvd Studio 6. 310-893-0941 upflyingyoga.com

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astrology oct/13
VEDIC AST ROLO GY BY SAM GE PPI

This months lunar eclipse in Aries underscores large themes of self-reliance, confidence, and discipline.
October 2
We should expect several weeks of romantic intensity and passion as Venus enters Scorpio and remains there until October 29. This is also a place for creative intensity. The things you find beautiful may take on a dark, mysterious, and even taboo quality until then.

October 16
Our physical, personal vitality may feel low for the next 30 days as the Sun enters Libra. A greater humility is possible as personal confidence turns to compromise, especially considering the Sun will be joined by Saturn and the North Node. The give-and-take of compromise and self-will is an important theme now.

October 4
A new cycle of organization and precision begins with the New Moon in Virgo. Virgo is the sign in which we organize our internal world and then emulate that externally. This is a good time for housecleaning and general purification. However, be careful of excessive fussiness and nitpicking. This New Moon happens in the Nakshatra of Hasta, symbolized by an open hand, denoting simultaneous attachment and detachment. Put attention toward what you want to manifest, but then accept the results of those actions.

October 18
Asserting and letting go of our personal will is a big theme with the Full Moon in Aries joined Ketu. This Full Moon is also a lunar eclipse, which shows that themes of self-interest and selfmotivation will be pervasive for months. Expect some confusing, childhood frustrations to rear their heads now. This Full Moon/ eclipse happens in the Nakshatra of Ashwini, a Nakshatra related to metaphysical healing and swift action. There is enormous courage and mental innocence flowing now. These can be a catalyst for positive change and spiritual self-reliance.

October 5
We will feel a surge of confidence and aggression until the end of November as Mars enters Leo. Now is a time to fight the good fight and defend your principles. This renewed discipline is a welcome change, as Mars has been debilitated in Cancer since August - and we may have slid on our principles.

October 21-22
Connection to loved ones and family are important when the Moon occupies Taurus. The Moon is aspected by Venus at this time, bringing creativity and connection. The Moon is exalted here, but you may feel a lot of attachment to your personal pleasures, values, and concepts.

October 6-7
We should expect to feel some emotional heaviness and relationship intensity as the Moon joins Saturn and Rahu in Libra. There will also be an aspect from Jupiter, bringing grace and wisdom. But you may feel like being alone or have that feeling of loneliness even with your partner. This feeling is your soul crying for wholeness. Sit with it, rather than projecting it onto others.

October 24-25
Testing your beliefs will be important when the Moon joins Jupiter and Gemini. Closing the gap between what you truly comprehend (based on your experience) and what you believe (based on what inspires you) will be important. This process is important if our beliefs are going to truly transform our lives.

October 29-30
Expect a lot of emotional passion and enthusiasm when the Moon occupies Leo and joins Mars. This is a time of emotional courage and self-expression, but it can also bring about aggression and arguing. Emotional courage, not emotional neediness, is the key.

October 10-11
Optimism, hope, and a higher purpose will be important themes as the Moon passes through Sagittarius and is aspected by Jupiter and Saturn. You may notice the places where your actions are not congruent with your principles and philosophies. Now is the time to walk the talk.

October 14-15
Your social duties and obligations will become important as the Moon passes through Aquarius. The Moon is aspected by Jupiter and also opposed by Mars at this time. Be careful arguing over your principles; instead, try to rally your adversaries around a common, uplifting theme.

Sam Geppi is an internationally-respected Vedic astrology teacher. For free Vedic astrology DVDs and courses for students at all levels, visit: Samgeppi.com

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Sri Yantra
ART BY Paul H eu ssenstamm TE X T AND DEVANAGARI BY DR. J OH N CASEY

Yantras are geometric designs or mystic diagrams representing cosmic principles, developed as contemplative tools to help focus awareness on higher ideals and the divine archetypes that represent them. Of all the traditional Hindu yantras, perhaps the most revered is the Sri Yantra, also known as the Sri Chakra or Glorious Circle. Closely associated with the ten Mah-Vidyas or ten Wisdom Goddesses of the Vidya tantric tradition, a full accounting of the symbolism would be quite extensive. As a starting point it may be observed that the central figure is

composed of five downward-pointing triangles, representing Shakti or the divine feminine, intersecting with four upward-pointing triangles, representing Shiva or the divine masculine or primordial consciousness. Together they represent the eternal dissolution and recreation of the universe. The Sri Yantra shown here is set within the mandala style developed by the esoteric Buddhist tradition. Gazing at the central design with a halfclosed eyelids may lead quickly to a deep state of yogic concentration.

This mandala series features artwork created by Southern California-based artist Paul Heussenstamm. More information about Paul and his work is available at mandalas.com. This mandala was featured in the film, The Last Mimzy. Dr John Casey teaches classes in Sanskrit and Yoga philosophy and Buddhism at Loyola Marymount University, Chapman University, and Yoga studios around the world. For LMU, visit: Bellarmine.lmu.edu/yoga/

pronunciation guide: ai as in aisle i as in police au as in German haus frau . m like the n in French word bon h markes an aspiration followed with a subtle echo of an u sound.

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