LA+Yoga+-+September+2012

FIND BLISS LA Teen Talking
DAYTRIPPING Circles
DOWNTOWN LA
MII AMO Rockin’ Out
GRATITUDE with MC Yogi
ON THE ROCKS
RELATIONSHIP Ayurvedic
MINDFULNESS Daily Practices
THROUGH
CONNECTION

Samsara:
a visually
stunning film

SEPTEMBER 2012 RETREAT IN STYLE
OUR ANNUAL FASHION PAGES

who says white isn't fashionable
after labor day?

AGED ONLY 6 MONTHS AT HARVEST • SUSTAINABLY GROWN • 730MG OF POTASSIUM.
HALF THE CALORIES OF LEADING BRANDS • ALL NATURAL • NOT OWNED BY A SODA COMPANY



Photo by Rawtographer. AY U R V E D A A N D H E A LT H SEPTEMBER 2012

28 features
54 28

60 Fall Fashion

contents For this year’s foray into fashion, we packed
up a crew and headed out to Udaya Retreat
Community Ayurveda Center in Malibu to showcase the yoga lifestyle.

10 Get Up & Go 42 Daily Well-Being 54
12 Open Doors
Food & Home MC Yogi
Seen & Heard
44 Farmers' Corner: His music and message inspire people of all
16 Yoga Journal Conference Back to School ages to chant to Shiva, Hanuman, or Ganesh.
Here MC Yogi shares some of his inspirations
Seva In Every Issue on his own path of pilgrimage.

18 Talking Teens 46 Meditation 60
48 Media
Musician Profile 94 Astrology Samsara
96 Yantra
20 Lila Downs In one of this year’s most highly anticipated
feature documentaries, The filmmaking team
Don't Miss This also responsible for Baraka take us on an
epic and intoxicating journey around the world
26 Festival Highlights through expansive visuals and emotional music.

Check Out Find Bliss
Los Angeles! page 63

ON THE COVER:
Julie Docherty wearing
Purple Tank by Anue for
New Balance and shorts by
Pushpa. Photographed at
Udaya Retreat Center by
David Young-Wolff:
Davidyoung-wolff.com

2 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 3

editor's note

Photo of Felicia at Kathmandu Boutique by Jenny Lens. Life Force Bracelet by Energy Muse.

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

Felicia M. Tomasko, RN

4 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 5

BIKRAM'S YOGA AY U R V E D A A N D H E A LT H
COLLEGE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF PUBLISHER
OF INDIA Felicia M. Tomasko, RN Douglas R. Corbett

CALIFORNIA CREATIVE DIRECTOR: LA YOGA
AFFILIATED Justine Power
SCHOOLS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR: FIND BLISS
Los Angeles Corti Cooper
World Headquarters
Staff Writers Advertising Executives
San Diego Melissa Chua Westside
San Francisco Cheryl Depp Regional Manager
Columbus Ave Melissa Grace Hoon Assia Valova
Carrie Janell [email protected]
Petaluma (310) 435-6490
Mountain View Dale Nieli
Beth Prandini Eastside
Berkeley Elizabeth Ripps Regional Manager
Oakland Laurie Searle Brianna Welke
Lower Lake County [email protected]
Daly City Associate Editors (360) 303-8968
San Francisco Jazmine Green
Sea Cliff Karen Henry Midtown
San Francisco Joni Yung Regional Manager
Mission Emily Herakovich
Agoura Hills Editorial Coordinator [email protected]
Los Angeles Vanessa Harris (213) 482-0576
Downtown
Bonita Editorial Assistance Newsletter Production
Michael Blahut Joseph Parra
Irvine Arlene Casian
South Pasadena Spanish Editorial
Manhattan Beach Rachael Cleghorn Assistance
Jessica Malloy Jaime Carlo-Casellas, PhD
La Canada Tim Shulberg
Pasadena Managing Editor,
Costa Mesa Jessica Thomas Find Bliss
Huntington Beach Jordan Younger R. Samantha Silverman
Marina Del Rey
Stockton Contributors
Palm Desert
Suzanne Bryant Carrie Hutchinson Beth Shaw
Dr. John Casey
Kristina Clemens Joe Kara Rawtographer/Jeff Skeirik
Carla Cummings
Amy V. Dewhurst Tai Kerbs Alisa Spirit of the Wind
Brett Leigh Dicks
Red Jen Ford Jenny Lens Daisy Swan

Guy Gabriel Amy McDonald Sarah Tomlinson
Sam Geppi
Marla Leigh Goldstein Rachel Nahmias Leeza Villagomez
Cleveland Groove
Erik Oberholtzer Denise Waling

Daniel Overberger Ashley Walsh

Dr. Lorin Roche Colin Young-Wolff

McKenna Rowe David Young-Wolff

Robert & Melanie Sachs Pam Young-Wolff

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 Chandra Publishing
1234 26th Street Santa Monica, CA 90404
(310) 828-8218
www.layogaonline.com / layoga-digital.com

PRINTED IN LOS ANGELES



our contributors MELANIE SACHS
Writer
ROBERT SACHS Melanie Sachs is the author of Ayurvedic
Writer Beauty Care as well as the coauthor
Robert Sachs has spent his entire life (with her husband Robert) of Ayurvedic
studying Asian healing systems, includ- Spa. She is one of the West’s foremost
ing macrobiotics (at the Kushi Institute), authorities on Ayurvedic spa and beauty
Hatha Yoga, Tibetan medicine, shiatsu, treatments. She and Robert run a clinic
Eastern body therapies and Ayurveda. as well as numerous training programs
Along with his wife, Melanie Sachs, at their clinic in San Luis Obispo. They
Robert runs Diamond Way Ayurveda, a will be presenting at the Be Well Expo in
premiere promoter of Ayurveda in the September.
spa and beauty industries. Diamondwayayurveda.com
Diamondwayayurveda.com
CHERYL DEPP
MCKENNA ROWE Writer
Writer Moving between action and being, Cheryl
McKenna caught the yoga bug young is an impressionistic writer with a passion
watching Lilias Folan on PBS. A runner, for artistic expression. A forever yogini,
hiker, biker, and snowboarder, she once this mother of two believes inverted pos-
was a nationally ranked equestrian; also a tures clear the mind and a good cup of
successful composer, singer and DJ, McK- coffee steadies the ground beneath her
enna shares cutting-edge music during feet. A spirited entrepreneur with roots in
yoga, recruiting local musicians and DJs. the Midwestern town of Speedway, India-
She owned East Hollywood’s Chakra 5 napolis, she’s driving her next adventure
Yoga studio during 2011 and the commu- by repurposing discarded car tires into
nity continues to connect via social media eco-conscious yoga mats. OmsTread.com
and mobile yoga. Chakra5.la
WHERE I PICK UP MY LAYOGA
YOUR LETTERS
Michael Costa, L.Ac. picks up his copy of
Dear LAYoga, LA Yoga at Costa Acupuncture in Culver City.
I recently saw Passport to Prana in the magazine and love the fact that this offer Yoursourceforwellness.org
is available throughout Los Angeles. What a great way to explore so many of Do you want to be featured in an upcoming
the great studios in the area. It is wonderful to see that Passport to Prana is made issue? Send an email to:
up of all of the region’s stellar independent, truly grassroots community studios. [email protected] and tell us
This is a perfect way to explore these hidden treasures! where you pick up your copy of LA Yoga.
Namaste,
Ali Kamen

CORRECTION

In the seasonal spa story in the June, 2012, issue of Find Bliss Magazine, incor-
rect price and duration was given for the Rock Star Treatment at the Raven Spa.
The Rock Star Treatment is two hours long and the price of the treatment is
$185. The Raven Spa is located at 2910 Rowena Ave, Silverlake, 323-644-0240
or 208 Pier Avenue, Santa Monica, 310-399-4747. Theravenspa.com

INTERN OPENING

Are you interested in joining out team? We have an opening for a volunteer edi-
torial intern to help build a greater sense of community in LA. For more details,
or to apply, please email: [email protected] subject line: intern ap

8 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 9

> Kathmandu Boutique Open House, 15 Sept. > Yogmata, Himalayan Siddha Yoga, 6-7 Oct. > Yoga Gives Back, Thank You Mother India, 29 Sept.

GET UP & GO SEPTEMBER

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

10 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

> Yoga Aid World Challenge, 9 Sept. > Bhakti Fest, 6-9 Sept. > Andrea Adler Reading, 15 Sept.

Compiled by Carrie janell

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

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 11

community open doors

Photo by Colin Young-Wolff Established in Australia in 1990 to inspire women to live
their best life through active living, Lorna Jane makes
LORNA JANE high-quality, breathable workout gear designed for
LAUNCHING IN CA women by women.

Lorna Jane, a women’s activewear retailer, has recently “Women who wear Lorna Jane are meant to feel great
opened a collection of new California locations in Mali- in every piece of our clothing,” said representative Sarah
bu, Marina Del Rey, Santa Monica, Topanga and West- Rayner. “We understand that if you look good you are
lake, with Huntington Beach on the way. more likely to feel good and this will motivate you to get
active in style.”

Lorna Jane styles are known for being long-lasting, with
its specially-constructed LJExcel fabric that wicks mois-
ture and is anti-pilling, quick drying, and both shrink-
and fade-resistant. Lorna Jane claims to be perfect for
sweating it out at Yoga or the gym, providing confidence
to move in style.

“We design on-trend activewear with superior hi-tech
fabrication and construction to improve your perfor-
mance, motivate you and inspire you to move, nourish
and believe everyday in order to live your best life.”

By Melissa Grace Hoon, an Orange County-based writer and cultural studies
graduate who is training to become a Yoga instructor. Melissahoon.com

Lorna Jane, Malibu / Marina Del Rey / Santa Monica Place /
Topanga / Westlake Prominade. Lornajane.com

YOGA CENTER Yoga Center Palm Desert stays true to
PALM DESERT tradition while welcoming all students to slip
off their shoes and step onto a mat.
In a welcoming storefront with a hand-crafted rope wall,
Yoga Center Palm Desert features a space dedicated to teacher Roswitha Kima Smale, share common passions
the Ashtanga and Iyengar practices. Studio co-owners for the teachings of their respective traditions: Iyengar
Holly Hughins and Eileen Flaherty, along with Asthanga and Ashtanga Yoga.

They set up shop under the same roof because of the syn-
ergy of what they saw in their commitments to lineages
from Sri T. Krishnamacharya. For practical reasons, they
also found a benefit from a shared space; the Ashtanga
Mysore practice occupies the morning hours, while the
led classes fill the rest of the day.

To accommodate all types of students, they offer Mysore-
style led Ashtanga practices, introduction to Ashtanga,
adaptive yoga (including classes specifically geared for
people with multiple sclerosis or other conditions), Iyen-
gar levels one and two, rope wall classes (Yoga Kurunta),
and Restorative Yoga. Special workshops include those
led by senior teachers Dominic Corigliano and Cathy
Rogers Evans, among others.

By Felicia Tomasko RN

Yoga Center Palm Desert, 73875 Highway 111, Palm Desert.
Yogacenterpalmdesert.com

12 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 13

community open doors

“ Our focus is wellness through Yoga,
incorporating mind, body and spirit as
the traditional teachings encourage

HARMONY HB change ideas, and exist in harmony. Our focus is well-
HUNTINGTON BEACH ness through Yoga, incorporating mind, body and spirit
as the traditional teachings encourage,” says Jan.
Harmony HB conjures wellness through Yoga, dance,
art, and massage – all under one roof. Studio owner Jan The Huntington Beach wellness center welcomes all lev-
Palmer says, “I want Harmony HB to be a place where els, offering a variety of Yoga, dance and fitness classes
people can gather, make new friends, get in shape, ex- including Zumba and barre. Jan’s favorite class is Deep
Stretch/Yin Yoga. “It keeps my body aligned and flexible
and helps me balance stress and emotional well-being,”
she says. Also delightful is Harmony HB’s menu of relax-
ing massages.

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop, featuring hand-
made crafts, gemstones, fossils and artwork by local
artists. The overall mission of Harmony is to promote
love, balance, and unity and a sense of community in
Huntington Beach.

By Melissa Chua

Harmony HB, 16907 Algonquin Street, Huntington Beach.
714-840-2446. Harmony-hb.com

THE MOVING JOINT ing Joint. After complications post-pregnancy, “I realized
MAR VISTA how people felt when they didn’t spend their time mov-
ing, and I felt an even deeper desire to help people find
movement in their bodies during this age of computers
and commuters,” says Alyson.

As a dancer, Alyson always showed a passion for move-
ment and believed in its healing powers “There are very
few studios that have so many movement forms for so
many types of people,” says Alyson. The Moving Joint
offers Yoga, Pilates, Gyrotonics, prenatal and postnatal
classes, infant massage, and dance classes. There is an on-
site physical therapist and massage therapist as well for
restorative movement and healing.

You can easily engage and interact with your instructors
in the smaller class sizes designed for Yoga and Pilates
Reformer classes. For Yoga newcomers, Alyson recom-
mends Melissa’s Intro to Yoga class to learn the funda-
mentals of the ancient form of movement and discuss the
philosophies and traditions behind Yoga.

By Melissa Chua, an LA-based writer who enjoys inversions and playing
around with arm balancing poses. [email protected]

Living in the Mar Vista / Venice neighborhood, Alyson The Moving Joint, 12813 Venice Bl., Mar Vista.
Boell-Marchand saw the need to create a “hub for move- 424-228-5348. Themovingjoint.com
ment” in her community which she has called The Mov-

14 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 15

seen and heard

YOGA JOURNAL CONFERENCE
SAN DIEGO

IN THE VEDIC PERIOD, LEARNING WAS A
PART OF LIVING. TODAY, WE CARRY ON
THAT TRADITION AT PLACES LIKE THE YOGA
JOURNAL CONFERENCE SAN DIEGO WHICH
WE ATTEND TO GAIN PEARLS OF WISDOM.

BY GUY GABRIEL
PHOTOS BY CLEVELAND GROOVE

The first tool to throw into my yoga toolbox from Many of us spill out our energies through excessive
this weekend came from ParaYoga instructor Rod speaking and worrying. As we practice with atten-
Stryker. He reminded us that Tantra Yoga is fo- tion to the breath and bandhas, we think about
cused on converting the gross matter (the physical building this pranic energy up from the pelvic floor
body) into refined and sophisticated matter. When and allowing it to accumulate at the heart’s center.
we practice asana combined with pranayama, we
refine the muscular, glandular, and nervous sys- We moved through a well-thought-out series of
tems so that the latent powers contained in our asanas with attention to activating all three band-
bodies begin to manifest their potential. has (locks or seals) in downward-facing dog.
Stryker reminded us not to be overly aggressive,
“Energy is flowing,” Rod said, “it helps us remove especially with our breath, and challenged the
blocks so we can build a container for prana.” idea behind the loud ujjayi breath and its effect.

16 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

We practiced it loudly, which indeed elic-
ited a rajasic quality that was agitating
and quite unrewarding. Next, we practiced
with a gentle and easy sound that created
a calming, more gentle feeling within, and
I was sold!

One of the weekend’s many other gems
was the Tantra panel with Rod Stryker,
Gary Kraftsow, Sally Kempton, and Sianna
Sherman. Stryker reminded us that Tan-
tra “helps to awaken that which is sacred
within us.” Sianna Sherman reminded us
of the meaning of the word itself: “tan”
means “that which expands”, and “tra”
means “to protect.” “We must cultivate
and expand our awareness of who we are,”
Gary Kraftsow stated, “Tantra is a method
of moving you to another place, away from
what’s not serving you. That’s why we use
this science of asana, pranayama, mudra,
and mantra to help us shift and move our
intentions to overcoming our patterns.”
He reiterated, “Mastering our minds and
bodies and the forces of nature is Tantra.”

This panel was quite thought-provoking. A
comment Gary Kraftsow made about be-
coming a serious student affected me. In-
deed, the teachers will come, but ultimately
it’s the inner guru who has to grow to see
these sacred truths revealed. It’s a reminder
we need to heed every day.

Yoga Journal will be offering a three-day
Tantric Yoga immersion with Rod Stryker,
Shiva Rea, Gary Kraftsow, Sianna Sher-
man, Douglas Brooks, Sally Kempton, and
Manoj & Jyothi Chalam Sept. 30 - Oct. 3.
jyevents.com/ep

Guy Gabriel graduated from the California College of
Ayurveda and holds certifications in Yoga Therapy Rx and
Yoga and Ecology from Loyola Marymount University. He
teaches at Amgen, Disney, and Universal Studios as well
as Yoga at the Village and sees clients and students in
Agoura Hills.

To read more, visit: layogaonline

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 17

local heroes seva in action

TEEN TALKING
CIRCLES

A CIRCLE IN WHICH WE CAN SPEAK OUR TRUTH: WE ALL NEED
A PLACE LIKE THIS IN ORDER TO FEEL SAFE AND BE HEARD.
THIS IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT FOR TEENS, PARTICULARLY WITH
THE INCREASING PRESSURE IN THE WORLD TODAY.

BY CHERYL DEPP

Teen Talking Circles is a nonprofit organization tors a safe space to tell the truth, practice compas-
with a mission to, “Educate, inspire, and inpower sionate Listening, and take radical responsibility
young women and men; foster partnership be- for their feelings and perceptions, teens in circle
tween the genders, generations, and cultures; and feel freer to reveal their authenticity, and strength-
support youth actions for a just, compassionate, en their capacity to hold compassion for others.
and sustainable world.”
Teen Talking Circles trains facilitators to use
Linda Wolf has been living her dharma as TTC a variety of communication modalities, includ-
founder and Executive Director for nearly 20 ing Compassionate Listening (developed by the
years. Devoted to the cause, she, along with staff, Compassionate Listening Project and used in
and board members, offers programs that in- the Middle East), Nonviolent Communication
clude: girl circles, guy circles, mixed gendertalks, (founded by Marshall B. Rosenberg), sacred
TTC facilitator trainings, and women's sacred activism, art, and ritual. The organization’s up-
circle yoga retreats. coming Malibu benefit will augment TTC’s train-
ing scholarship fund for adults from diverse orga-
Through experience, Wolf has noticed that teens nizations, schools, and youth-serving programs in
often “don’t feel safe to speak their truth inside an the greater Los Angeles area who have an interest
institutional setting.” By co-creating with facilita-

18 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

in facilitating teen circles using Compas-
sionate Listening. And the benefit with
Deva Premal, Miten, and Manose will in-
troduce Angelenos to TTC.

Linda Wolf’s passionate commitment to
seva (selfless service) that wraps its arms
around the eight limbs of yoga became
apparent in conversation. This energy pro-
vides, as Wolf states, the nonjudgmental
and loving atmosphere of the TTC. As Wolf
shared her thoughts of a “living presence,”
she communicated that by allowing “teens
to be heard without judgment, they feel
safe and have the courage to go deeper into
their truth.” An internal guidance emerges
when, according to Wolf, teens “hear their
own answers and their own wisdom, in-
stead of being told how they should be or
what would fix their problems.”

Susi Costello, Yoga teacher and TTC
board member, adds, “It is only by putting
this love into practice that the world can
be transformed into a place where honesty,
compassion, and justice are a reality for all
people everywhere.”

The custom of ahimsa (nonviolence or
compassion) is honored when, Wolf says,
“we begin to recognize this other person
as not other at all but as a part of our-
selves.” A sense of community is revisited
when “this exercise of listening openly and
speaking with pure intentions becomes a
metta (loving-kindness) meditation.”

The gift of giving and receiving is clearly
evidenced within TTC. These circles help
teens understand and connect to their
voice. Strengthening their self-esteem, they
cultivate the potential for peace within
themselves and with the world.

Costello connects the experience in these
circles with the centuries-old tradition of
yoga, “When we are able to truly want the
best for everyone as well as for ourselves,
and when we are able to see the light that
we share with every living being, then we
can say we are truly practicing yoga.”

Join Deva Premal and Miten for a
fundraiser for Teen Talking Circles hosted
by Lindsay Wagner at the 747 Wing
House in Malibu on Sunday, Sept. 9th:
teentalkingcircles.org/deva

Cheryl Depp is an impressionistic writer, teacher, yogini,
and mother of two. Discovering her inner land rover, catch
her inspired unfolding at OmsTread.com

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 19

musician profile

Lila Downs:
Passion and
Practice

BY BRETT LEIGH DICKS

20 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

Being the daughter of a Mexican cabaret singer and a professor of art
from Minnesota, Lila Downs’s musical world isn’t as much of a cultural
collision as one might expect. Rather, it is a world that beautifully caresses
and embraces the traditions of two very different cultures into something
that far exceeds the sum of these two unique parts. Since her first record-
ing, a self-released cassette titled Ofrenda more than fifteen years ago,
Downs has taken both her music and its message to the world. And the
resonance with which each have been met reflects the passion from which
they were born.

In forging a sound where traditional American folk sensibilities blend
seamlessly with the boisterous wanderings of her Mexican heritage and
the aching lament of slowly crooned jazz, what actually comes to the fore
is a remarkable sense of identity and bearing. Born in Oaxaca, Mexico,
and raised in both California and Minnesota, when college beckoned, it
was a combination of voice and anthropology that captured her scholastic
curiosity. But rather than setting the stage for a future career, her studies
helped inform her need for an outlet focused on freedom.

“It was liberating to study voice,” offered Downs. “Especially since I
was an adolescent at the time and bound up with all the energy and confu-
sion that came with that stage of life. Singing has always been my guiding
center. But getting away from that formal structure and its serious nature
was something I had to do. I needed to be free and I have found that com-
posing my own songs can offer me that.” >>

Photo by Fernando Aceves
LAYOGAONLINE.COM 21

teacherteparocfhileer profile lila downs

“ I’m grateful for
my Yoga practice
because it makes

me a little bit lighter.

<< Prior to composing her own music, part of The earth and its soul frequently find voice in her
getting away from the formal structure included music, as do themes such as nostalgia and home,
heading out on the trail following the Grateful transformation and change. Connecting to peo-
Dead. The attraction wasn’t so much the music of ple’s concerns and keeping her finger on the social
the legendary free-thinkers, but the lifestyle that pulse is something that Lila Downs has consis-
revolved around their crusade. Downs toured the tently strived to maintain. Across the course of
country in van from which she sold her handmade her oeuvre, Downs' music has been characterized
jewelry at the shows. After a subsequent stint in by the dignity and respect with which she views
Mexico, she eventually returned to school to com- the world and the souls that inhabit it. She has ac-
plete her studies. cordingly been a strong advocate of human rights.

Once she graduated, the burgeoning musician Her 2001 album Border explored the delight and
was again spending time on both sides of the bor- regret that has instilled itself along our southern
der. She returned to Oaxaca where she worked border, while a 2004 follow-up One Blood was a
in her mother’s auto parts shop and sang in lo- personal examination of culture and class. On her
cal bars. There, she embraced a range of musi- 2008 release Shake Away, Downs wore her social
cal undertakings performing with several differ- consciousness proudly on her sleeve, and nowhere
ent ensembles that explored traditional Mixtec, is that more poignant then on “Minimum Wage.”
ranchero, boleros, and American music. While it While the song passionately addresses the depen-
might have seemed an eclectic offering, these vari- dency this country has on immigrant workers and
ous incarnations of traditional roots music were the discrepancy in remuneration, the overall sense
instrumental in informing Downs’ own musical of Shake Away is one of healing.
message.
No matter whether she is bringing to light the
During this period in Oaxaca, Downs met an plight of people fighting for social justice in the
expatriate American jazz musician by the name face of political adversity or simple instilling the
of Paul Cohen who has also played a role in shap- pleasure of a good chocolate sauce, her conviction
ing Down’s message. Since partnering with the is fuelled by a passion that very few other artists
singer-songwriter both personally and profession- can match. While the world that Downs encoun-
ally, across more than fifteen years they have pro- ters plays a major role in fueling her muse, so too
duced ten albums and undertaken countless tours does her internal world. And her spiritual inspira-
around the globe. When not taking Downs’ music tion also runs the emotive gamut.
to the world, the pair share their time between
New York and Oaxaca, Mexico. Given their no-
madic existence, the question arises as to how
place instills itself within her music?

“A lot of it depends on how I am currently feel-
ing about the other place at the time,” laughed
Downs. “My life has very much been about being
uprooted, so nostalgia tends to play a big part no
matter where I am. My soul is always searching
and I think that has an influence too. But I have to
say that being in Oaxaca is very liberating. There
is something about being close to the earth that is
not just good for the body but also for the mind.”

22 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

“It’s about the inner monsters that have
to come out,” explained Downs. “Some-
times those monsters are really scary, and
sometimes they’re more about enjoying the
pleasures of life. That is when I’m really ap-
preciative of having my Mexican genes. I
was raised in the Midwest and sometimes
that Puritan side comes out – but then the
Mexican side comes out and says, ‘Hold on
a minute here we have to enjoy life.’ I love
to have that. And I think we all have that
within us in some way. We just need to iden-
tify it. Sometimes it is in cultural terms, and
sometimes it’s in more poetic terms. But I
think that’s the key to balancing life.”

As emotive as her musical message always
is, its delivery in the live arena is equally as
impassioned. Vibrant and colorful, a Lila
Downs concert is a celebration of life on so
many levels. And with a touring schedule
as frantic as the one she maintains, it is no
surprise to learn that Yoga plays an instru-
mental role in balancing her days on the
road. She typically practices prior to vocal-
izing. As well as the Yoga practice offering
her a personal focus, it is also something
that aids in preparing her for the pulsating
and energetic stage performance for which
she is renowned.

“I’m grateful for my Yoga practice be-
cause it makes me a little bit lighter,” of-
fered Downs. “On stage and on the road,
it makes me a different person. It makes
me much more peaceful and patient, and
patience is definitely a beautiful thing.
We have to be disciplined about respect-
ing each other and keeping a positive atti-
tude. Some of the darker rock bands might
frown on me, but it helps all of us to keep
our mind in gear. It’s important to keep this
communal energy in a positive place. And
I feel that Yoga has taught me about life. ”

Lila Downs will be performing:

Grammy Museum – 17 Sept., 8pm

The Grove, Anaheim (with special guests
Las Cafeteras) – 21 Sept., 8pm

Luckman Fine Arts Complex at
Cal State LA (with special guests
Las Cafeteras) – 22 Sept., 8pm

For more information, visit: Liladowns.com

Brett Leigh Dicks is a writer, photographer, and yoga
student who is always looking for a reason to see live
music, take a photographs, or travel the world.

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 23

cross training

Dale is wearing Lorna Jane Activewear.

INDO-ROW: A NEW FORM
OF INDOOR ROWING

BY DALE NIELI PHOTOS BY RAWTOGRAPHER (JEFF SKEIRIK)

Everyone has flaws. I have an addictive person- “Shockwave and Indo-Row Summer Slam.”
ality; “Powerless-ness” is my middle name. When The buzz: Indo-Row requires no experience and
I walk into any 12-step program, people wink, classes burn up to 1,000 calories. Count me in!
nod, and smile because they’ve seen me so often.
Recently I found Indo-Row, my newest obsession, The event was held on the club’s upper outside
and I’m never letting go. sundeck. When I entered the area, there was as
much excitement, cheering, and screaming as if it
Indo-Row (short for indoor rowing) is a work- were the finish line of the LA Marathon or a gold
out done on a specialized rowing machine that medal contest at the Olympics.
uses water as a resistance mechanism.
It was there where I met Josh Crosby, an Iron-
I first became aware of this phenomenon when man triathlete and world-class rower, who, along
I attended the Equinox Sports Club in West LA’s with Jay Blahnik, created Indo-Row. On this

24 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

“ It’s a bit like a sequence of Saturday morning, he was hosting the competitions and encouraging ev-
upward facing dog alternating eryone to row their best. He had so much exuberance and passion that I
with downward facing dog— signed up for a race right then and there.
using apparatus for resistance.
Immediately, I noticed the participants were of different ages, shapes, and
sizes, proving that Indo-Row is a workout for anyone. Collegiate rowers,
triathletes, and newbies all shared the deck and traded time throughout
the day. The gentleman to my left introduced himself as Milt Oberman.
Celebrating his 68th birthday, he told me he had lost 30 pounds in seven
months from rowing. Catching my attention to the right was a woman
with the build of a professional athlete.

Matthew Murawski, an elite rowing coach and Indo-Row instructor,
placed my feet in the proper position, told me how to read the monitors
on the machine, and pointed out that rowing was 60% leg work. Not only
was I excited to be embarking upon a great cardio challenge, but I was
going to race!

My Yoga training kicked in as I slid my shoulder blades down, engaged
my core, and pushed evenly with both feet. ”Breathe, breathe, breathe,” I
repeated to myself.

Once the race started, time stood still. I listened to the swishing of the
water, and felt the resistance of the strokes. It became a meditative experi-
ence as I found my rhythm. My mind was so focused that I didn’t notice the
sweat dripping down my forehead. I was having so much fun that it did not
matter that my shirt was covered with mascara. And even though I was the
final person still rowing, I was so thrilled by the experience that I wouldn’t
allow myself to stop until I’d finished the 1,000 meters. Everyone had gath-
ered and cheered me on until I was done. Now that’s community spirit!

The next day, the benefits of this workout were obvious. Indo-Row rocks
the upper back, arms, legs, and core – all this without any impact on the
joints. And best of all, after the race, my spirits soared.

Relating the benefits of this type of cross-training, Josh shared with me
a story about his grandfather who rowed until he was 94, even after two
knee replacements at the age of 89. The rowing both allowed his body to
be strong enough for the surgery and was his best rehab.

According to Josh, Indo-Row is complimentary to Yoga, with the expan-
sion of the musculature of the upper body along with the contraction. It’s a
bit like a sequence of upward facing dog alternating with downward facing
dog – using apparatus for resistance.

One week post-race, I met Matt at Studio 1-On-1 in Venice for an actual
Indo-Row group fitness experience. Now that I was an accomplished race
rower, I was ready to take on a 50-minute class, with skills and drills as
well as interval and endurance training. Midway through the workout,
during the “Recoveries” portion, we practiced a core strengthening and
stretching series, which included leaning back into reverse plank. Although
the class was both intense and demanding, Matt’s music was kick-ass. Mr.
B.K.S. Iyengar would be proud as Matt continuously reminded us about
proper form.

Providing a powerful cross-training regimen in conjunction with Yoga,
Indo-Row combines a strong cardio workout with strength, flexibility,
mindful meditation, and a lot of fun.

To find out more about Indo-Row classes or how to purchase a sus-
tainable wood-framed Indo-Row machine, visit: Indo-row.com

Dale Nieli (MSW, hypnotherapist) is a certified yoga and fitness expert. She works primarily
with clients in the entertainment industry out of her private studio in Santa Monica. She can be
reached at [email protected]

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 25

don't miss this… BeWell Beauty and
Wellness Expo
Yoga Month 2012 September 29-30
September 1-30
BcwphtnsKZSerowroeeeeaWeenuaselymicmlestlisnsnnetexhpuioilehiepellvtOtmsirecahneeeEsEbneogrx2xldrasogdlpi0psogniapeusecio%ftd:,erga.ohuathLDnoiinLkensssdArfrseAnte.ifrYuowanrtdsN.yhguvYmtib.at.OeiciortechnIPiairGfbckdvttseeteeglAir’buheoatirpseuendairbpracweteoutermaoyahitadnDtcndiwrueadyseereen.c,rses-adsetianonsndnd. VC1L2eo0onns1uvSeeA:nontuLgiootehnlsesCFA,iengCnugteAeelrreo9s0a0S15t.
Bewell-expo.com

Bhakti Fest
September 6-9

September has been designated as btpnBnlisiieaprsooConihatnaoanvcneauycdtisvp,llnk.ihrteuudrtgmmeiboefidrdIrriaeefeeFocahinnddswtteoaditiotcisttoitnauaoshirategnotresdldbeci,ngsdooitranioinaphiemnnnpgnnaenn,e,irg.mdcztaYoBfdtaTtotegheaoeetfohgrnnsiavouoaaogvoidkdsme,iflntmtr,tmskioischfosoeinF.rooeedentnmtsedrmruaheasvetleyacnmairitnct,vanttaue-oal,-l Venue:
National Yoga Month by the Depart- Joshua Tree Retreat Center
ment of Health and Human Services
to promote the health benefits of 59700 29 Palms Highway
Yoga and to inspire a healthy life- Joshua Tree, CA 92252
style. Get the Yoga Month card to
get one week of free yoga at any Bhaktifest.com
of the over 1,600 participating yoga
studios nationwide.
Multiple Locations.
Yogamonth.org

26 LAYOGAONLINE.COM

LAYOGAONLINE.COM 27

HOODED CIRCLE SCARF BY TEEKI,
M E SH SPO R T S B R A B Y NUX, LEGGIN GS BY B E UP,
STYLIST'S OWN JEWELRY. DETAILS PG 58.

Udaya Retreat Sanctuary – The Retreat at Oak Canyon is a new eco-friendly center nestled in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains. Enjoy yoga, hiking, and delicious
farm-to-table meals prepared by onsite staff. Visit: Udayaretreat.com for upcoming programs or information about renting the space to run a retreat.

YOGA IS MORE THAN A PRACTICE; FOR MANY, IT IS A WAY OF LIFE THAT
INFLUENCES OUR MUSIC, FOOD, AND OUR CLOTHING — AS WELL AS OUR
CHOICE TO SPEND A PERFECT WEEKEND ESCAPING TO ECO-SANCTUARY

UDAYA RETREAT CENTER IN MALIBU.

PHOTOS BY DAVID YOUNG-WOLFF

ABOVE: TWO TONE DRESS BY GGO, JEWELRY BY SWEET EVIE. PURPLE DRESS BY NUX. PURPLE SANDALS BY JUIL, BRACELETS BY ATMA.
R E D DR E SS B Y DINO. RED SAN DALS BY UGG, SC ARF SUP P L I E D BY S T Y LIS T. D E TAILS PG 58.

FROM TOP: ORANGE TANK BY ELECTRIC YOGA, PANTS BY TEEKI, MALA BY
OJAI MALAS. MEN'S TANK BY SINNS ART, PANTS BY BE PRESENT, BRACELETS BY SATYA.
BLUE TANK & PINK PANTS BY BE UP, HEART MALA BY LADY FAITH.

P EACH TOP & G R E Y L EGGIN GS BY GLYDER , PU RPLE SAN D ALS BY J U IL. M E N 'S L ON G S L E E V E TE E BY B E PR E S E N T ,
BLACK SHORTS BY ZOBHA, SANDALS BY SANUK, JOURNAL BY ATMA. LAZER CUT SWEATSHIRT BY JALA, PINK LEGGINGS BY NUX,
GREY SHOES BY SANUK, MALA BY 108 MALA. PRINTED DRESS BY JALA, CLOGS BY JUIL, MALA BY ATMA. DETAILS PG 58.



B E L O W F R OM L EFT: WH ITE C IN C H SH IR T & WH ITE SKI R TE D PA N TS BY D IN O , P URP L E M AT BY Y O G A R AT.
WHITE BRA BY HARD TAIL FOREVER, WIDE LEG WHITE PANTS BY OM SHANTI, ORANGE MAT BY JADE, PINK TOWEL BY YOGAHITCH.
WHI T E TOP WIT H GREY STRAPS BY GLYDER , WH ITE PAN TS WI TH F L OWE RS BY Y O G AF IT , GRE Y M AT BY F U L. D E TAILS PG 58.

R I G HT ( TOP): L ISTED ABOVE. RIGH T (C EN TER): TWO LAY E R BRA BY B E U P, WH I TE PA N TS BY Y O G A F IT. RI GH T (BE L OW): L I S TED A BO V E .



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

ABOVE: PURPLE HOODED TOP BY VYANA YOGA, PINK SHORTS BY NUX, LAYERED UNDER GREY SHORTS BY YOGAFIT,
MAT BAG BY LADY FAITH, MALA BY OJAI MALAS. DETAILS PG 58.