A PERMANENT STATE OF WANDERLUST!

Wanderlust,
What can I say...
a fantastic weekend
away from LA.


A long road trip
brought us to Squaw
for music and mountains
and mostly yoga.


We took great pleasure
to document this
a video diary
of yogitoes bliss...

part 1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwZqiGHY1PM

 part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S6Meh55Q7j0

BIG Om Love to you...

Greenpeace Tips to Reduce Personal Oil Consumption

In the wake of the ongoing catastrophe of the GULF OIL SPILL, lots of people have been asking how they can reduce their oil consumption in their daily lives.

We took a look at what GREENPEACE had to say and decided to post their list of
the top ten personal habits we can change:

1. Carpool, cycle or use public transport to go to work.
2. Choose when possible products packaged without plastic and recycle or re-use containers.
3. Buy organic fruits and vegetables (fertilizers and pesticides are based on oil more often than not).
4. Buy beauty products (shampoo, soap, make-up) based on natural ingredients, not oil.
5. Choose when possible locally produced products (less transport involved).
6. Buy clothes made out of organic cotton or hemp - not from oil derivatives.
7. Use non-disposable items in picnics and summer festivals.
8. Quit bottled water.
9. Fly less.
10. Demand that your government encourage renewable energy instead of subsidizing oil.

Want to know more ways you can help the planet? Sign up here for the Greenpeace newsletter.

(Click here to see original Greenpeace post.)

Inspired to Leap

hello everyone!

this is my first time blogging!  VERY exciting!!  my team has been VERY patient with me encouraging gently to extend my energy into the social matrix of the new paradigm.  as an Aquarian, you would have thought that I would have leaped into cyberspace long ago, however I had resistance to it pondering how I would be able to maintain a balance of sacredness.

when I would inquire, "what would I blog about?" my team would respond, "whatever you are up to!  people want to hear about your life!"  REALLY?  I would then smile and say, "I trust a divine moment will appear, and I will then be inspired to blog!"  they would all roll their eyes and give me THAT grin of...YEP!

WELL... THAT divine moment appeared, inspired by... a GRASSHOPPER!

this morning I was dressing... and found myself gravitating to a new combination that I have not worn before. I went to see how it looked in the mirror, and SPOTTED a beautiful grasshopper looking up at me from my belt buckle!!!

"WELL, HELLO grasshopper, where did you come from?" I said as I reached for my iPHONE to document this EXTRA-ordinary moment.

"the garden"  it answered.




I walked outside and as I placed my hand next to it, it immediately hopped into my palm.  "HERE, you can hang with GANESHA" and I moved my hand towards the statue...

instead of taking my lead, it started walking up my arm.  "IS there something you want to tell me grasshopper?" 
it then HOPPED onto my shoulder, and onto my head next to my ear!
"WOW"... I thought.


"WELL, I'm going to go meditate now, do you care to join me?" I offered. 
"yes, please!"

as I made my way into the room, and got comfy on my mSEAT, I reached for the book that I currently have sitting on the alter... SPIRITUAL WARRIOR: The Art of Spiritual Living by John Roger.

 I asked the book" WHAT would grasshopper like to tell me?" and I opened to the first page of chapter 10...

OBSERVING LIFE ON EARTH
Tips For Travelers

The only thing you can do to the planet is the best you can.
The people on the earth do it the best they can, and then they say it wasn't the best they could.
And then they worry about that.
Because they could have done better.
And if they are given another chance they will do it the same way the second time too. 
And a third, and a forth, and a fifth, and sixth.
What you might say to them is, "if you could have done better, you would have done better and you did the best you could."

I said, "AW grasshopper - very wise."  at that moment I was transported back in time when I lived in a convent in my early twenties (my aunt is a nun).  She would always say that same mantra to me.  A wise compassionate woman she is.

after meditation, I had this incredible sense of peace and infiniteness... a beautiful exchange of energy with the grasshopper.

in that openness I had my divine moment and said "GRASSHOPPER thank you for showing up - you have inspired me to blog about our time together!" 

SO I got my laptop and made a cup of green tea ... and off to the garden I went with the grasshopper STILL on my head!

I was thinking about the symbolisms and what the grasshopper totem meant aside from the 'Disney version'... so I Googled it:

The grasshopper chooses those of us who are innovators, forward-thinkers, and those who progress in life by unorthodox methods. This is because grasshopper symbolism recognizes tremendous leaps of faith, impressive jumps in progress and consistent forward momentum. Those with this totem are likely to aim high, and achieve amazing feats – they take great leaps where others fear to tread (or jump, in this case).

I acknowledged the grasshopper saying "thank you, you have helped me take a leap of faith adventuring into my first blog!"

I put my hand out and the grasshopper leaped into my hand and then onto a nearby fern. 

HAPPY LEAPING everyone!

Blogged by yogitoes founder Susan Nichols

Shot Out Of The Bottle - Full Speed Into Summer!

I am just back from Lightning In A Bottle, at it’s new home in Oak Canyon Ranch, CA... and feel like I have been shot out of a cannon (or should I say bottle) into summer! 

What a weekend put on by The Do Lab - a radical art collective that has made a name for themselves over the past few years at events like Burning Man, Coachella and their collaboration with The Lucent Dossier Experience.  This was the ninth and biggest year of this festival that brings together artists, musicians, yogis and conscious-minded individuals in celebration of creativity and consciousness.

Sensory impact was at a high as we enjoyed the sights and sounds... my favs had to be... dancing under the sun to an awesome house music set while the crowd was happily sprayed with water by a seven year old boy, watching the aerial silks duet at The Lucent Dossier Experience, and meeting my number one favorite person Grandma Bluefeather - an eighty-something year-old woman wearing red stockings over her Victoria Secrets and sporting a new tatoo on her right shoulder... her vitality and free spirit was incredibly inspiring!

What was also exciting is that Lightning In a Bottle is inspiring and bringing consciousness-in-action to the masses, in the form of incorporating sustainable resources, implementing sorted recycling and composting, donating proceeds of festival initiatives to charities and non-profit organizations, and leaving a positive impact on and even improving the land used and it's surrounding community.  This was even a vegetarian event with top of the line food vendors (that didn't take advantage of their captive customers by overpricing their food).

Other festival highlights included… on the conscious-tip; speaker Rev. Michael Beckwith of the Agape International Spiritual Center, author Daniel Pinchbeck and yoginis Shiva Rea and Ashley Turner… and on the FUN side; The Lucent Dossier Experience, Beats Antique, March Fourth Marching Band, Booka Shade and so much more!

THE PARABLE OF TWO WOLVES

One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson
about a battle that goes on inside all people.


He said, “My son, the battle is between two
wolves that dwell inside each and everyone of us.


“One is Evil.
It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed,
arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority,
lies, false pride, superiority and ego.


The other is Good.
It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility,
kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity,
truth, compassion and faith.”


The grandson thought about it for
a minute, and then asked his grandfather:


“Which wolf will win ?”


The old Cherokee simply replied:
“The one you feed.”

Taken from Philip Arnold at http://pja64x.com/

A WEEKEND FULL OF AMAZING EVENTS...

Friday, November 13th...

9:00pm Kirtan with Joey Lugassy at Bhakti Yoga Shala. If you haven't experienced Joey's gorgeous voice calling the names of the deities... don't miss this evening!
http://www.bhaktiyogashala.com/bios/joey_lugassy.html

Saturday, November 14th...

10:00am Outdoors benefit yoga with Jay Co on the grassy knoll under the trellises where Bay St. (just south of Pico) meets the beach. All money goes toward clean water filtration for little Nicaraguan whippersnappers and their families.
Perfect Saturday weather... awesome teacher, benefiting children... need I say more?
http://www.savasana.info/Clipart/Nicaragua-Retreat-Flyer.jpg

1 - 3pm Intro to Yoga Tantra Flow with Isabel Du Soleil
An amazing Energetic Vinyasa flow TM & Meditation Workshop to awaken, ignite and balance your 7 chakras or energy centers. Cost is only $25... this is a valuable giveaway!
http://www.yogaglo.com/blog/2009/11/intro-to-yoga-tantra-flow-with-isabelle-du-soleil-1114-1-3pm/

6 - 10pm Fiesta de Milagros at YogaGlo
Raising Awareness + Support for Mama Kia's medical expenses, her 31 adopted children and 2 soup kitchens. Mama Kia was recently diagnosed with cancer... we now come together to support her. KCRW DJ's... Lucent Dossier Experience... these alone are reasons to drop any other plans and join in! $50 Suggested Donation, (no one turned away).
http://www.yogaglo.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Picture-25.jpg

7 - 10pm Survivor: Yogabear Island at YogaCo with Jennifer Pastiloff and Lululemon
Support Yogabear, an non-profit that provides free yoga to cancer survivors! A candlelit class with live cello and Tibetan bowls followed by a party with live music, wine and chocolate and other "anti oxidants", many, many REALLY amazing raffle prizes, chair massages and much more.
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=137875174513&ref=share

7:30pm Deva Primal and Miten in Concert
Deva and Miten’s music is an expression of spiritual devotion, through song and chant. Join this ethereal duo for an evening of music at Barnum Hall Theater at Santa Monica High School for an evening of melodic, devotional bliss!
http://www.yogaworks.com/our_programs/find_a_workshop.aspx?wid=1541

8:30pm A Magical Kirtan Love Weekend with David Newman (Durga Das)
Kirtan at Bhakti Yoga Shala with the inimitable David Newman with special guests Mira and Phillipo Franchini; a bliss-filled, inspirational experience of sacred yoga teachings and practices. Kirtan magic in this Bhakti infused studio! Donation $20.
http://www.bhaktiyogashala.com/special_event.html#david

Sunday, November 15th...

1:30- 3:45pm Workshop: Bhakti Yoga: The Yoga of Love with David Newman
The Love Weekend with David Newman continues with this kirtan/Bhakti workshop designed to deepen your spiritual practice of yoga and improve the quality of your experiences through the application of Love as a way of life. This is an amazing opportunity not to be missed! Suggested donation $30
http://www.bhaktiyogashala.com/special_event.html#david

8pm Holotropic Breathing at Maha Yoga with Steve Ross
Treat yourself to a mind expanding experience. Let Steve help you access non-ordinary deep states of consciousness and breathe yourself into ecstasy. Let's just say breath has NEVER taken you so deep... $20 per person
http://www.mahayoga.com/events.php

Whew! Hope to run into you somewhere out there...

Light and Om Laughter!

November 21st at YOGIS ANONYMOUS

KARMA KIRTAN
with
DANIEL STEWART
and FRIENDS

100% of proceeds to benefit
local services and shelters for those in need.
Please click on the flyer to enlarge.

FEELIN' GROOVY!

featuring the GROOVIEST yogis...

ASHLEY ALBRAND

DICE IIDA-KLEINand
KATHRYN BUDIG

check out the youtube video featuring more shots of these three yogi rockstars on their GROOVY SKIDLESS!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOMW62pRtYg

BHAKTI FEST IS COMING

Bhakti Fest is...

a 3-day music festival celebrating devotion through chanting, yoga, meditation and community in beautiful Joshua Tree, California

Friday, Sept 11 - Sunday, Sept 13

come "be in the bhav" with us!

www.bhaktifest.com

OPENING CEREMONY & CONSTANT KIRTAN

opening fire ceremony begins at NOON on Friday, Sept 11th...at 1pm Kirtan begins and continues as "constant kirtan" until Sunday night, 10pm. this is the first time such a gathering has scheduled constant Kirtan by so many great artists!

SANCTUARY

in the sanctuary building, discourses, seminars, trainings and dance opportuinties continue throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday.

on Sunday, Sept 13th from 12:30-2:00pm... meet yogitoes founder Susan Nichols at our NEWHIPPIE lecture on Bhakti Yoga - a dialogue on devotion and divinity

we hope to see you at there!

tell your friends and spread the word about this revolutionary spiritual event!!!

OM shanti, peace

the yogitoes family

NEWHIPPIE is our new yoga philosophy division, whose intention is to bring messages of compassion, awareness and unity consciousness to the planet. check it out at www.newhippie.com

there's no such thing as a free yoga class!*

Recently a friend approached me at a party, excited to share the news that he has recently discovered yoga!

I could see in his eyes and feel in his energy that he had opened that cosmic Christmas present that held inside this tool for total transformation... He was coming to join me on this yogic path! woo hoo!

"Awesome!" I yelped! "Where are you practicing!? I want to take a class with you ASAP!"

"At the free yoga studio!" He replied excitedly.... "ya know... the donation one in Santa Monica where you don't have to pay."

My excitement plopped on the floor about as quickly and loudly as my butt had earlier that morning in titthibasana (firefly pose)...

<--- you know... THAT one where your butt smacks your SKIDLESS on the regular

well... needless to say, I pulled myself up and I had a little chat with my friend, explaining that "donation" does not mean "free!"


In my neighborhood there are a plethora of DONATION-BASED yoga studios, and more on the way!

...to name a few...

BHAKTI YOGA SHALA
www.bhaktiyogashala.com

BRYAN KEST POWER YOGA
www.poweryoga.com

YOGA CO

www.yogaco.com

HOME SIMPLY YOGA

www.homesimplyyoga.com

...and coming soon

YOGIS ANONYMOUS
www.yogisanonymous.com



Sooooo... you get the picture.

There are a LOT of donation based studios cropping up everywhere! Which make me think that we all need to have a little crash course on what "donation yoga" means...

Donation yoga was started as a way to allow practitioners to choose what they feel the class was worth to them. I seriously doubt that ANYONE can walk out of a yoga class and not feel as though it was worth something to them.

Generally, your teacher will be paying rent on the studio for that time slot and does not get "paid" to teach that class. All the money they make, is the money that you put in the box at the end of the class. That is their livelyhood.

Sometimes there will be a sign, letting you know what the "suggested donation" is, but if you really can't figure out how much is right, think about the following:

1. MAKE IT COMPARABLE - a drop-in class at non-donation studios is usually somewhere between $15-$20

2. SHOW SOME LOVE - can you REALLY put a price on the inner peace you just attained, let alone the workout you just got!? If you leave class euphoric, let the teacher know by showing some love in the donation box! If you were expecting to put in $15, leave a $20 instead!

3. DONATE FOR THE WEEK/MONTH - if you are like me, you never carry cash. this USED to be a turn off to donation studios for me, until i realized that i could just write a check for the classes i was planning to take that month and keep a little mental tally of how many classes I think i should have gotten for that sum! PLUS.. it feels really good to shove a three figure check into the box with the ones and fives!

4. FEEL LUCKY WHEN IT'S ONLY YOU! - If you happen to show up for a class and you are the only one there, consider this.... you are getting a PRIVATE class that your teacher probably charges upwards of $100 for when scheduled. I definitely understand that you may not have wanted a private in the first place, but hey... enjoy the individualized attention and if you CAN, show your thanks with your donation...

5. COME TO CLASS NO MATTER WHAT! - If you are having financial hardship, don't let that be a reason for you NOT to practice.

Bryan Kest shared a story once about a guy who took his class every day for years and one day left an envelope in the box with a check for $7,000 and a note that said (something like) "Bryan, I've been in a really dark time for a while, and the only that got me through was being able to take class from you. But I've never been able to even drop a dollar in the box. And now finally I am in a comfortable financial situation, thanks to this practice. So here is a little backpayment." Bryan was so touched and said, " ya know... this is why i do it!"

Ally Hamilton (who's new studio 'yogis anonymous' will be opening Sept 1st) says "We do not want financial limitations to prevent you from developing and maintaining a strong and healthy yoga practice. We've chosen to be true to our yogic principles of love, trust, and generosity of spirit by using the honor system and asking that you donate what you can afford and what you feel these offerings are worth to you."

So, i guess the best rule of thumb is, give from the heart! and... it's not free.
_______________________
* amendment to the title
"there's no such thing as a free yoga class, except for lululemon's free yoga classes they offer weekly in their stores!" :)
(they bring in great teachers from your community and its a fun way to try new styles and teachers you have been wondering about... for free!)
www.lululemon.com/santamonica/santamonicablvd/events
- this is the link to the santa monica store... search for your local store for events in your area!-

WANDERLUST in pictures...

The backdrop to our Wanderlust weekend at Squaw Valley, Lake Tahoe...

2000 feet up at the top of this mountain was High Camp, an outdoor venue where teachers like John Friend and Duncan Wong held class.

Looking (way) back at The Alpine Village and beautiful Squaw Valley...

Susan Nichols, founder of yogitoes and New Hippie which hosted the discussion Human Evolution: From Duality to Unity Consciousness facilitated by Leanne Whitney (at the Alpenglow Room).

Q & A afterwards with Leanne Whitney.

Lululemon sporting their SKIDLESS... a big seller as the temps were HIGH!

...And here being put to good use!

Susan, Jai Uttal and Daniel Paul.

Sianna Sherman/MC Yogi yoga class finale! The energy was as high as the altitude!

'DANCEFLOOR' - a new use for SKIDLESS!

MC Yogi, DJ Drez, vocalist Nikko and the amazing AcroYogis (as John Friend looks on)!

The one and only Annie Carpenter!

The Yo Yo Yogis - Alex and Terri Cole

(check out their 100 Studios in 100 days adventure http://yoyoyogi.com/wordpress/)

High Camp meadow off season is GLORIOUS!

Gold Coast stage at High Camp with Andrew Bird performing... breathtaking!

Michael Franti came down with appendicitis... a few of us sent him a little get well card...

The first year of Wanderlust was beautiful, melodic, inspirational and just plain fun!
I can't wait to see what creators Jeff Krasno and Schuyler Grant have planned for next year...
Om Shanti!

Back

YOGIS TO SAVE DOPHINS!!

HELP SPREAD THE AWARENESS!

Please join Yogis to Save Dolphins at YogaGlo... a VERY IMPORTANT EVENT!
Saturday, July 25th @ 7pm
$35 suggested donation... no one will be turned away!

"passionate, exciting, and frightening ... the footage is staggering."

Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine

"I'd be surprised if it doesn't wind up being nominated in next year's best documentary feature Oscar race"

Martin Grove, Hollywood Reporter

“Incredibly moving, scary, riveting. a terrific film. one of the best documentaries I’ve seen in years.”

Chris Columbus, Director of Harry Potter

“One of the most talked-about documentaries at this year’s Sundance Film Festival”

Bilge Ebiri, New York Magazine

“This film is going to make headlines.”

Laurie David, Huffington Post

" documentaries don't get much more compelling than The Cove”

Justin Chang, Variety

Sally Kempton... The Art of Tantric Meditation

I was privileged to recently attend a meditation workshop, “Art of Tantric Meditation” led by Sally Kempton at Yogaglo. I wasn’t quite sure what Tantric Meditation was but I have been reading articles of Sally’s for years and have always been impressed with her ability to clearly and insightfully integrate yogic philosophy into everyday life… this was enough to get me there!

Sally described Tantra as a tapestry of divine energy and Tantric meditation as a “highly functional approach to meditation” by which we learn to harness this energy. I could follow that, but it seemed like it was something one must experience to really 'get'.

I gained more insight when she interpreted the expression “that by which we fall is that by which we rise”, providing the visual of the Universe portrayed as a pulsating ocean consisting of waves and whirlpools and the like. These force-filled elements can either drown us or uplift us; they can toss us around or we can learn to surf them. We can learn to ride the Universal Ocean’s natural energy to an awakened state through finding the still point within chaos, and… here within lies the entry point to the divine. This chaos takes the various forms in our lives: a fight with our beloved, the loss of a job, the many things that make up what we call 'having a bad day', but each can be used to go deeper as we practice through meditation.

Of the several meditations we experimented with, the “Armpit” meditation was my favorite. Breaking from the routine of using breath to go within, (something the restless mind may be bored with), I found the unusual focal point of the “void of the armpit” surprisingly effective. I was quickly drawn into a space deep within – quite a feat as I was definitely struggling with ‘monkey-mind’ that day. Maybe the nearness to the heart chakra had something to do with it, as I felt content and without want in my meditation. I was in a place beyond thought, a place of dark, safe warmth beyond the realm of the worldly concerns. It was a tough one to come out of as I felt like I was too quickly drawn out of a deep sleep.

Maybe this is Tantra's tradition of radical interiority that she spoke of.

Sally teaches meditation as part of a process of inner exploration, in which one learns to integrate heart, mind and body in order to experience our natural state of wisdom and love. Her classes create an atmosphere of support and joy that allows deep exploration. It is appropriately summed up by a student of hers… "She can take a whole room into a state of oneness. When you meditate with her, meditation seems natural and easy."

Here Comes The Sun...

...and it's alright!

The summer kick off festival was a grand success!

yogitoes joined the many other conscious vendors for this fun filled evening of art, food, music and exploration.

There were many familiar faces there be it from yoga class, kirtan or other events in our yoga community... many stopped to say hello. It was great connecting (or reconnecting) with you all!

Many thanks to Derik at YogaGlo for putting this event together!

Amma...

For quite a few years now I have heard stories about the one known simply as Amma. I had heard that Amma is the hugging saint and that receiving a hug from her can send one into a semi-ecstatic state of love bliss. I have also heard that in order to receive this love infusion, one must endure a day or nightlong wait amongst a thousand devotees in the tight quarters of a cramped hotel floor.

I always thought that when the Universe wanted me to receive ‘my hug’ the opportunity would clearly present itself, the traffic would part and I would be transported over to a hotel near LAX to await my turn amongst the devotees. Well, it turns out this was my time as I got an early morning email from my boss suggesting that instead of coming in to the office I should go and visit Amma. (I know that at this news the yogitoes email inbox will be overflowing with resumes by the end of the day).

Traffic didn’t exactly part for my workmate Zan and I as we made our way south, but we knew we were getting closer as we began to recognize Amma devotees, not your usual LAX-area pedestrians, as they stood out in their flowing garments and mala beads with essential oils wafting after them in the breeze.

Upon arriving at the second level of the Radison Hotel, the event was obviously in full swing. There was a lovely energy swirling through the event with people mingling about, pausing at vendor stands that offered all things Amma, eating vegetarian fare or just sitting and watching Amma on the large video screens. Though the room was large, the atmosphere was intimate and it wasn’t at all the picture I had in my mind of long lines of attendees weary from the countless hours of waiting.

Once meditation was over in the main room, we received our tokens indicating when it would be our turn to receive darshan. So, for clarity, what does it mean to receive darshan…the Sanskrit translation is “auspicious viewing”; it is the beholding of a deity or a revered person such as a spiritual teacher where the experience is reciprocal and results in the beholder receiving a blessing in return (Encyclopedia Britannica). The blessing here is in the form of Amma’s hugs in which she is said to transfer the essence of unconditional love to the receiver.

Our four hours flew by and when it was our turn we were ushered up towards the stage. My advance toward Amma was surreal as the kirtan ensemble sang out in angelic chorus behind her, live video of the hugging played on either side of us while the volunteers continuously urged us forward. I was swiftly prepped; relieved of my carried belongings, given a tissue to wipe off any facial oil then instructed to quickly kneel, as I would be next. The previous person was barely released as I was pushed in, Amma reached out and I was drawn in to her embrace.

She smelled wonderfully of roses! I instinctively put my arm around her but attendants immediately removed my hand as I guess Amma was the only one to be doing any hugging. She whispered loving words in my ear as she hugged then she released me only to pull me back in for a second embrace. The hug seemed to last forever and was the only thing still in the chaotic shuffling going on around me. Once released, Amma handed me prasad (an appropriate hersey’s kiss) and as quickly as I was ushered in, I was ushered out.

Spinning in a rose scented fog, I tried to orient myself and waited for Zan. She soon emerged in what appeared to be an equally dazed state. She described feeling a pulsating energy that radiated out from Amma and moved through her on its way out into the room yet… the Universe. I listened as she described a powerful pulsation, a stirring experience of pure unadulterated Love that jolted her consciousness. Her words echoed those of others that have told of similar moments of transcendence and awakening. As for myself, I was still trying to figure out my experience. Where Zan had an immediate hit, I believe I walked away with something akin to a force field of subtle energy working on me.

What was clear that there was a strong sense of Love radiating throughout the rooms, permeating the air, woven through all shared words, opening hearts wider than before. Maybe that is what it is all about; Amma reminds us of the unconditional, all-encompasing Love we are born with, and through this reminder, we can re-embody it and share it with all those we cross paths. Whether it hits you head-on or swirls in a vortex around you, is there a more powerful message than Love?