Transition Mar Vista / Venice

Slow Living

2012-01-27T12:00:00.000-08:00

EVENT: Sunday, February 12 from 2:00–5:00pm

A talk about mindful living in general, as well as possibilities for slow living in Los Angeles. Brian will share steps he's taken to incorporate slowness and restore balance in his own life as well. Connect to the Slow Movement!

Brian Treanor is Associate Professor of Philosophy and Director of Environmental Studies at Loyola Marymount University.

Co-hosted by Transition Mar Vista/Venice and Transition Culver City

$20 suggested donation

Venue:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642

2012 CAAM Ayurveda Talks

2012-01-27T11:46:00.000-08:00

Monday morning series, 9:30–11:30

February
Ayurvedic perspective on free radicals and antioxidants
Ala Sudol, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, M.A., L.M.T., www.ala-ayurveda.abmp.com

March
Ama - toxic build-up in the body
Ala Sudol, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, M.A., L.M.T., www.ala-ayurveda.abmp.com

Venue: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642

Eco-Movie Night: February 2012

2012-01-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

Trash, Inc.
The Secret Life of Garbage

EVENT: Saturday, February 11 at 7:00pm

Garbage. It's everywhere—even in the middle of the oceans—and it's pure gold for companies like Waste Management and Republic Services who dominate this $52 billion-a-year industry. From curbside collection by trucks costing $250,000 each, to per-ton tipping fees at landfills, there's money to be made at every point as more than half of the 250 million tons of trash created in the United States each year reaches its final resting place.

At a cost of $1 million per acre to construct, operate and ultimately close in an environmentally feasible method, modern landfills are technological marvels—a far cry from the town dump that still resonates in most people's perceptions. Not only do they make money for their owners, they add millions to the economic wellbeing of the towns that house them. Technologies, such as Landfill Natural Gas and Waste To Energy, are giving garbage a second life, turning trash into power sources and helping to solve mounting problems. It's particularly important in places like Hawaii, where disposal space is an issue, and in China, where land and energy are needed and trash is plentiful.

One sure thing about the garbage business: it's always picking up.

Screening will be followed by a community discussion

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642

Help Create a Rain Barrel Overflow Rain Garden

2012-01-03T09:17:00.000-08:00

EVENT: Saturday, January 28 from 9:00am–3:00pm

A TRANSITION WORK PARTY!

OK, you've done the right thing and installed your rainwater barrels—so now what?
Create an adjacent Rain Garden for the overflow!

Come join your local Transition chapters and friends for this barn-raising-style work party to help support residential lawn conversions. On this project, come learn "on-the-job" as you help install a simple passive, hidden "reservoir" for rain water collection to transform this 8'x15' patch of dirt into a garden of edible CA natives.

Depending on time & number of volunteers, we will :
1. Dig the pits & sculpt berms to create our reservoir,
2. Install subsurface pipes from the rainwater tanks to increase percolation,
3. Fill the reservoir with mulch,
4. Plant trellised currants & gooseberries (Ribes spp.)
(best CA native edible for this shady understory region next to the parkway trees)
5. Celebrate!

Landscape architect John Tikotsky will be on hand to lead the troops as well as give short teach-ins on how to calculate your roof's water catching capacity and other water catchment strategies.

Water gardens provide no-cost irrigation to the homeowner while helping replenish our local aquifer and protecting our seas by capturing on-site what would have become urban street runoff.

Bring your gardening gloves, wear sturdy shoes and be ready to get dirty! Some tools will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your favorite digging tools from home (Also seeking a wheelbarrow). The day includes lunch and other refreshments, some music and lots of good cheer from your local Transition groups. All volunteers of every level of expertise are welcome.

Co-hosted by Transition Mar Vista and Transition Culver City as part of their re-skilling workshop efforts and the TCC GrassUpRoots campaign.

LOCATION: 11375 Matteson Ave., LA 90066
(Includes lunch & other refreshments)

“If we want thriving landscapes, abundant food, strong communities, and sustainable economies, we can start by treasuring the rain.”
— Nate Downey, author of Harvest the Rain

Seize 2012 New Year’s Sunrise Hike to Mount Hollywood/Potluck Breakfast

2011-12-28T16:46:00.000-08:00

When: Sunday, January 1, 6:15–10:00 am

Join all the Transition Initiatives in the Greater Los Angeles area at the top of Mount Hollywood New Year's morning at 6:59 am. Take the Mount Hollywood trail from Griffith Observatory. We will gather at the top of Mount Hollywood and hike down together. Come as a group or on your own. A large contingent from Korean Town makes this pilgrimage, so you can't get lost nor will you be alone. Those not able to hike may meet us down at the Observatory for a potluck breakfast at 8:00. Come prepared with the following in your car: food, beach chairs, tablecloths, picnic blankets, eating utensils, and dishware. Come and seize 2012 in solidarity, self-empowerment, and joy. If you have any questions, please email pacpal.transition@yahoo.com.

Where: 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles 90027

Eco-Movie Night: January 2012

2011-12-27T13:19:00.000-08:00

A Sea Change
Imagine a World without Fish
EVENT: Saturday, January 14 from 7:00–9:00pm

It’s a frightening premise, and it’s happening right now. A Sea Change follows the journey of retired history teacher Sven Huseby on his quest to discover what is happening to the world’s oceans. After reading Elizabeth Kolbert’s “The Darkening Sea,” Sven becomes obsessed with the rising acidity of the oceans and what this “sea change” bodes for mankind. His quest takes him to Alaska, California, Washington, and Norway as he uncovers a worldwide crisis that most people are unaware of. Speaking with oceanographers, marine biologists, climatologists, and artists, Sven discovers that global warming is only half the story of the environmental catastrophe that awaits us. Excess carbon dioxide is dissolving in our oceans, changing sea water chemistry. The more acidic water makes it difficult for tiny creatures at the bottom of the food web to form their shells. The effects could work their way up to the fish 1 billion people depend upon for their source of protein.

A Sea Change is also a touching portrait of Sven’s relationship with his grandchild Elias. As Sven keeps a correspondence with the little boy, he mulls over the world that he is leaving for future generations. A disturbing and essential companion piece to An Inconvenient Truth, A Sea Change brings home the indisputable fact that our lifestyle is changing the earth, despite our rhetoric or wishful thinking.

A Sea Change is the first documentary about ocean acidification, directed by Barbara Ettinger and co-produced by Sven Huseby of Niijii Films. Chock full of scientific information, the feature-length film is also a beautiful paen to the ocean world and an intimate story of a Norwegian-American family whose heritage is bound up with the sea. (2009)

Followed by community discussion

VENUE:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642

Healthy Habits

2011-12-27T13:12:00.000-08:00

EVENT: Friday, January 13 from 7:15–8:45pm

In this free workshop we will 1) get in touch with our most treasured life goals and what we would like to accomplish in this new year, and 2) explore why we have negative habits and how they get in the way of attaining our goals. Then 3) we will learn about how to break or begin to reduce our bad habits and replace them with lasting good ones. And 4) we will leave with motivation and direction to bring positive changes into our lives for the new year.

Arati (Annette Pasternak) is a Sivananda yoga teacher, licensed Brain Gym® instructor, and certified holistic health coach.

VENUE:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Maarina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642

FREE EVENT

Simplify the Holidays

2011-12-01T12:45:00.000-08:00

EVENT: Sunday, December 4, from 1:00–4:30 pm

Have more fun with less stuff this holiday season.

A creative and experiential workshop. Explore ways to make the holidays more meaningful. Inspiring conversation combined with crafts galore! Learn to make simple gifts—fun to create, lovely to receive. Children welcome with supervising adult. Hosted by reDiscover Center, Transition Mar Vista/Venice and Transition Culver City.

WHERE: reDiscover Center, 12958 Washington Blvd, LA 90066
FREE, donations welcome
RSVP helpful: transitionculvercity@gmail.com

Check these links for more information about simplifying the holidays:
The Center for a New American Dream, www.newdream.org
Bill McKibbon's article, Are You Brave Enough to Say No to a High-Stress Holiday? http://www.alternet.org/environment/144223 /are_you_brave_enough_to_say_no_to_a_high-stress_holiday_/

The Magic of Co-Creation: Building Power in Groups

2011-12-01T11:35:00.000-08:00

with Starhawk

WORKSHOP: Saturday, December 17 from noon–3:00pm

From Cairo to Wall Street, all over the world people are coming together to create change, organizing without top-down leadership or hierarchies. In thousands of groups everywhere, people work together to create everything from community gardens to media to new ways of living. Such circles can be enormously creative and empowering, but they can also be cumbersome and frustrating. Yet when they work well, they liberate our imagination and change the world.

In her latest book, The Empowerment Manual, A Guide for Collaborative Groups, Starhawk draws on four decades of experience in circles and collectives to show us how to foster connection, clear communication and positive power in ourselves and our groups.

In this workshop, she will use the tools of magic, meditation, trance, and ritual to explore issues of personal and social power. She'll look at ways to create nurturing and healing group structures, to deal with difficult people and embrace constructive conflict. She'll raise and focus group energy to celebrate our connectedness and nurture resilient communities that can be joyful and effective agents of change.

Meal & Winter Solstice Ritual and Spiral Dance follow, ending at 6:30pm

Registration: http://starhawk.eventbrite.com/
Pricing varies depending on the sections you wish to attend.

Doors open at 11:45am
Location: Fais Do Do Ballroom, 5257 W. Adams Blvd., LA, CA 90016

Hosted by Project Butterfly and Reclaiming LA

Brain Gym® Balance

2011-12-01T11:00:00.000-08:00

Event: Monday, December 12 from 9:30–10:30am

Experience a Brain Gym® group balance using specific movements to establish new neural pathways, and thus new learning, at any age or ability level. With Instructor/Consultant Annette Pasternak.

Venue:

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA 90292

310-822-9642

Eco-Movie Night - December 2011

2011-11-30T17:31:00.000-08:00

The Beautiful Truth

EVENT: Saturday, December 10 from 7:00–9:00pm

Garrett is a 15-year old boy living in the Alaskan wilderness with a menagerie of orphaned animals. Growing up close with nature has given him a deep understanding of nutritional needs required by diet sensitive animals on the reserve. Unfortunately, the untimely and tragic death of his mother propelled him into a downward spiral and he risked flunking out of school. This led to his father’s decision to home-school Garrett. His first assignment was to study a controversial book written over 50 years ago by Dr. Max Gerson.

Dr. Gerson found that diet could, and did, cure cancer. Gerson's pioneering theories were controversial at the time (and even today), but Garrett took on the challenge of researching this amazing therapy, drawing the interest of his neighbors in the small Alaskan community. With the help of Dr. Gerson’s daughter, Charlotte Gerson, and grandson, Howard Straus, who gave him the ammunition needed to go in search for the truth – Garrett brought home a truth that would affect not only him, but his entire Alaskan village – all of whom wanted to know if these claims were true.

After a number of cancer patients, who were diagnosed as terminal, shared their stories and their medical records with Garrett, it became abundantly clear that, contrary to the disinformation campaign spear-headed by the multi-billion dollar medical and pharmaceutical industry, a cure for virtually all cancers and chronic diseases does exist – and has existed for over 80 years!

Garrett’s mission now is to tell the world. (2008, 93 minutes)

The screening will be followed by a community discussion.

Free event. Donations always welcome.

VENUE:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90232
310-822-9642

Preparing Peaceful Food for the Holidays

2011-11-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

EVENT: Sunday, December 18 from 2:00–6:00pm

Peaceful food is prepared in peaceful kitchens. From this comes peaceful people who create a peaceful world…

As we enter the Holiday season, we will celebrate traditional ways of eating by preparing meals that emphasize natural and whole foods such as grains, land and sea vegetables, legumes, beans and bean products, seasonal fruits, seeds, nuts and vegetable oils.

The menu will include such favorites as tofurkey with herbed stuffing, pumpkin pie, cranberry sauce, millet pancakes, tempeh rolls and cranberry, apple/pear crisp.

We will:
• serve nutritious whole foods cooked with local ingredients
• discuss the underlying philosophy and lifestyle
• share recipes and sources of ingredients
• give instruction on how to incorporate more whole foods into your current diet

Taught by Swami Omkarananda and Rev. Peter Rood (Pranava)

Donation: $15 to cover the cost of ingredients

REGISTRATION REQUIRED.
By e-mail: transitionmarvista@gmail.com
By phone: 310-822-9642

Venue:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642

Building Community: Dances of Universal Peace

2011-10-18T08:21:00.001-07:00

Event: Saturday, February 4 at 7:30pm

A meditative yet joyful celebration combining inter-faith mantras from around the world with movement, singing and simple circle dancing. No musical or dance experience required —everyone is welcome to join in! Led by Lakshmi Lambert, LAc.
FREE! (1st Saturday of each month)

Venue: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, 13325 Beach Avenue, Marina del Rey, CA 90292, 310-822-9642

Eco-Movie Night: November 2011

2011-10-15T18:37:00.000-07:00

Journey of the Universe
An Epic Story of Cosmic, Earth, and Human Transformation

Event: Saturday, November 19 at 7:00pm

One day on a Greek island, and your view of the universe will change forever...

Ask acclaimed author and evolutionary philosopher Brian Thomas Swimme about our role as humans in this awe-inspiring universe, and his insights will light up the night skies. He shares his infectious curiosity about life’s biggest questions in the epic Journey of the Universe.

Swimme connects such big picture issues as the birth of the cosmos 14 billion years ago – to the invisible frontiers of the human genome – as well as to our current impact on Earth’s evolutionary dynamics. Through his engaging and thoughtful observations audiences everywhere will discover the profound role we play in this intricate web of life.

From the Big Bang to the epic impact humans have on the planet today, this film is designed to inspire a new and closer relationship with Earth in a period of growing environmental and social crisis.

The story begins on the historically rich Greek island of Samos, birthplace of mathematician Pythagoras. Disembarking on the island at dawn, Swimme expertly guides us on an exhilarating trek through time and space, sharing a wondrous view of cosmic evolution as a process based on immense creativity, connection, and interdependence. After the toll of midnight, he sets sail into the star-lit waters of the Aegean Sea, leaving audiences with a sense of wonder at the mystery, complexity and connectivity that permeates the Earth and universe from the very beginning.

Big science, big history, big story, this one-of-a-kind film was written by Swimme and Yale University historian of religions Mary Evelyn Tucker. They weave a tapestry that draws together scientific discoveries in astronomy, geology, biology, ecology, and biodiversity with humanistic insights concerning the nature of the universe.

www.journeyoftheuniverse.org

Screening will be followed by community discussion.

Venue: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, 13325 Beach Avenue, Marina del Rey, CA 90292, 310-822-9642

Lawn Removal Work Party

2011-10-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Friday, January 13, 2012 from 1:30–4:30pm

Follow-up small-group WORK PARTY. The grass is out (and growing back!). Extra horsepower needed to accelerate the continuing dirt removal process. Tools and refreshments will be provided. Bring gloves. Hoping to be in good shape for the Mar Vista Green Garden showcase in April.

Don't miss Stephon Litwinczuk's 4-minute video of the first work day embedded at the bottom of the post!

EVENT: Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 9:00am–5:00pm

Many hands make light work. Join us as we convert a Mar Vista parkway into a drought-tolerant oasis, complete with water catchment and California native plants, working around an existing century-old palm tree. Come for a few hours or the whole day. Build community as we build the garden. How far we get through the following steps depends on how many hands are on deck!

1. Remove the top 3" of grass/soil with pick axe, shovel and hoe (avoiding the existing sprinkler system). Carry sod away.

2. Build up a berm at the northeast corner of the parkway. Place header-board edging around islands. (The shape of two undulating islands and a path are marked with stakes, protecting the flare of the palm tree.) Break up soil within islands. Amend with compost.

3. Tamp down and level a layer of sand; lay in square pavers (hopefully water-permeable) for the path.

4. Apply and tamp down the stabilized decomposed granite around the islands and path.

5. Plant islands and mulch.

6. Convert existing spray sprinkler circuit to a drip irrigation system with a drip emitter for each plant.

Site: 3875 Marcasel Avenue, Mar Vista 90066

Lunch and refreshments provided. Please bring work gloves, a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.

RSVP to transitionmarvista@gmail.com

THANK YOU SO MUCH for helping with this project!

Watch a VIDEO of the day!

Awakening the Dreamer

2011-10-10T13:15:00.000-07:00

HALF-DAY SYMPOSIUM: Saturday, October 22, 9:00am–1:00pm

Calling all citizens of Planet Earth!

Our world needs us to be awake and active now more than ever. With the old dream so entrenched, governments seemingly unable to move decisively to address the problems it creates, and business still mandated to put profit first, the world needs active citizens like all
of us. The good news is each of us is waking up, and millions of people are stepping into action together.

The Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium is an exploration of four questions:

* Where Are We? ... An examination of the state of environmental, social and personal well-being

* How did We Get Here? ... Tracing the root causes that lead to our current imbalance

* What’s Possible for the Future? ... Discovering new ways of relating with each other, with the Earth and looking at the emerging Movement for change

* Where Do We Go from Here? ... Considering the stand we want to be in the world and our personal and collective impact

Presented by volunteer facilitators trained by The Pachamama Alliance, the Symposium is a transformative educational experience that empowers participants to respond to humanity’s current situation with action and informed, grounded optimism about our future.

This half day of leading edge information combines inspiring multimedia presentations and group interaction. Participants can discover new opportunities to accelerate the emergence of an
environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet.

Don't miss this free opportunity to feel connected with other change makers in local and global community and be empowered to make a difference. See trailer at http://awakeningthedreamer.org/

FREE Admission

Site: Loyola Marymount University, Room 1859, University Hall
1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045

For more details or to register, please email swamiomkarananda@sivananda.org or call 310-306-0246.

Transition Training, LA Style

2011-10-10T09:30:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Saturday November 5, 2011 from 8:00am to 5:00pm

Curious about the Transition movement? Wish there was a Transition group in your local neighborhood? Seeking to build greater resilience in your part of L.A., better/faster/quicker? Here’s an event to get you started!

Join Transition Los Angeles for “Planting the Seeds for a New Community Consciousness.” Discover how to help transform your local neighborhood. It is our Los Angeles version of Transition leadership training.

The day will introduce The Problems, but will quickly dive into the Transition approach – how we do what we do, and how you can to. The many facets of the day include experiential and interactive sections, with an emphasis on guidance for prospective leaders. If you are wondering how to get started, here is your launching place.

The day will be rich with examples (and issues) from right here in L.A. You’ll learn about the action that is already unfolding, as well as our plans for Transition action in the immediate future. You’ll meet leaders who are already involved in the Transition Los Angeles City Hub and hear how we’re filtering these ideas into neighborhoods across the greater L.A. area. (You can help!)

Please plan your day so that you can attend the entire event because information is cumulative.

Cost: $40, includes a vegetarian salad buffet lunch
Advance registration required.

Site: Community Hall of Holy Nativity Church,
6700 W. 83rd, Westchester (LA 90045, near LAX airport)

There is prerequisite reading.
Full information about the day is at www.TransitionLA.org /events/LAO_info.htm

Eco-Movie Night: Forks over Knives

2011-09-24T15:02:00.002-07:00

Event: Saturday, October 15 from 7:00–9:00pm

Despite the most advanced medical technology in the world, we are sicker than ever by nearly every measure. Two out of every three of us are overweight. Cases of diabetes are exploding, especially amongst our younger population. About half of us are taking at least one prescription drug. Major medical operations have become routine, helping to drive health care costs to astronomical levels. Heart disease, cancer and stroke are the country’s three leading causes of death, even though billions are spent each year to "battle" these very conditions. Millions suffer from a host of other degenerative diseases.

Forks Over Knives examines the profound claim that most, if not all, of the degenerative diseases that afflict us can be controlled, or even reversed, by rejecting animal-based and processed foods. The major storyline in the film traces the personal journeys of a pair of pioneering researchers, Dr. T. Colin Campbell and Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn.

The idea of food as medicine is put to the test. Throughout the film, cameras follow "reality patients" who have chronic conditions from heart disease to diabetes. Doctors teach these patients how to adopt a whole foods plant-based diet as the primary approach to treat their ailments – while the challenges and triumphs of their journeys are revealed. www.forksoverknives.com

Screening followed by community discussion

Venue: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, 13325 Beach Avenue, Marina del Rey, CA

Free event, donations always welcome

Community Wellness Mondays - 4th Qtr 2011

2011-09-24T14:53:00.000-07:00

Free Talks and Discussions. All are welcome.

Please use street parking when visiting during the day.

First Monday of the month:

Meeting of CAAM (California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine)

Special talks from 9:30–11:30am

October 3

Guest speaker: Arun Deva

The Five Kleshas: An Ayurvedic Perspective; A Yogic Approach

Beginning as misperceptions and evolving into afflictions, the Pancha Klesha are the root cause of all suffering. In this workshop we will understand them Ayurvedically from an emotional, mental and physical perspective and address them through a yoga cikitsa flow that moves us into that quiet state where we can see what lies beyond suffering: a place of joyous contentment. Simple asana and pranayama practice is involved.

Arun Deva, DASc, AYT, E-RYT500 practices both yoga and Ayurveda in Los Angeles. He serves on both the National and State Ayurvedic Associations: NAMA and CAAM. As a well-known advocate of yoga and Ayurveda, he travels internationally to teach, lectures at conferences, writes articles for different publications, has been featured many times on both radio and television and has an Ayurvedic clinic for consultations and various treatments including panchakarma. Born in India, he has made his home in Los Angeles for the past 30 years. His work can be found at www.yogarasayana.wordpress.com and he can be reached at yogarasayana@gmail.com.

November 7

Guest speaker: TBD

December 5

Guest speaker: Rainbeau Mars

Food for Beauty

Second Monday of the month:

Experience a Brain Gym® group balance using specific movements to establish new neural pathways, and thus new learning, at any age or ability level. With Instructor/Consultant Annette Pasternak

9:30–10:30am

No session in October

November 14

No session in December

Third Monday of the month:

Sustainable Health Care talks

Format

9:30–10:30am - Presentation

10:30–11:00am - Question-and-Answer Session

11:00–11:30am - Council Sharing Circle, focused on healing

11:30am - You are welcome to share in a potluck vegetarian lunch.

October

Guest speaker: TBD

November

Guest speaker: TBD

December

Guest Speaker: TBD

Read about our launch event.

Read the report from the launch.

Read about the second meeting.

Every Monday:

YOGA

1:00–2:30pm Gentle Yoga for Active Seniors
Focus on keeping joints mobile, building bone strength, relaxed postures and breathing. Suitable for those recovering from surgery or injuries.
by donation

If you are a health care practitioner and would like to participate, please e-mail TransitionMarVista@gmail.com

Thank you to the Sivananda Yoga Center for letting us use their space for this worthwhile project!

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA

310-822-9642

Videos

2011-09-19T17:11:00.001-07:00

Watch what bicyclers in Copenhagen are doing and be inspired.

Finally a good use for a plastic bottle.

Lawn Removal Work Party 11/13/11

Articles

2011-09-19T17:10:00.001-07:00

9/2011
A year's waste in a quart-sized jar?
Try the sharing life
Less work, more living

8/2011
Raising compassionate children

Ordering Bulk Food is Fun!

2011-09-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

Monthly orders from Azure Standard

Transition Mar Vista/Venice, along with Our Time Bank, participate in a monthly bulk food order from Azure Standard in Oregon. The variety and reasonable price of the natural food selections is impressive—large sacks of various grains, organic spices at prices that are hard to beat, jams, juices, nut butters, pasta, gluten-free products, and teas to mention a few—even some non-food items like essential oils, homeopathics and Seventh Generation toilet paper. A handful of us shared a 25 lb bag of black beans several orders ago. You can browse their website by category or brand (www.azurestandard.com).

Once you create an account online, you can sign in and see the prices. Be sure to put a "TB" before your name to indicate that your pickup is part of the Time Bank. You can create a list of Favorites, which makes ordering a breeze. If you don't need enough for the minimum order of $50, add your items to a fellow Transitioner or Time Banker's order. When you check out, choose "Truck Route" as your shipping preference. Indicate drop point #551552. It is the K4 route, and Barbara Berg is our point person. As long as you place your order by the deadline, a semi truck delivers it a week later in Playa del Rey. The Time Bank coordinates a driver to pick it up from there and leave it for pick-up on a member's front porch near Mark Twain Middle School. If you are interested in refrigerated or frozen items, plan to pick up your order directly from the truck—which is a community-building experience in itself!

Yoga and Permaculture

2011-09-09T14:42:00.000-07:00

Schedule: Saturdays, September 17–October 5 from 10:00am–12:00pm

The goal of yoga is to reconnect ourselves with our divinity. Permaculture reminds us to reconnect with the natural world, of which we are an inseparable part. In this module, we will demystify what permaculture is: explain the three core values and the 12 principles of permaculture; review the Vedic teachings which remind us of the need for reverence for nature; explore how we can apply the teachings of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and express them through the practice of permaculture in our daily lives; and offer practical tools and strategies for living a more sustainable lifestyle.

http://www.lmu.edu/academics/extension/crs/certificates/yoga_green.htm

Instructor: Swami Omkarananda
Cost: $80 total for the five sessions
Location: Loyola Marymount University campus, 1 LMU Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90045
To register: email Michael.McNaught@lmu.edu

Shift Your Consciousness, Shift Your World

2011-09-02T13:38:00.000-07:00

Event: Sunday, September 25 from 2:00–5:00pm

Dr. Ling O'Connor, Professor of Environmental Science at Pasadena City College will give a slide presentation which weaves together irrefutable scientific evidence for the mind/body/spirit connection and showing how all life is connected. Quantum physics and such are now confirming that energy is present in everything in the universe.

She shows that a shift in consciousness is necessary to really have a sustainable earth, to alter the trajectory that our planet is on for destruction whether it is by depletion of resources, or nuclear devastation, or climate crisis. We will be urged to put "spiritual" aspects into everything we do, from cooking and gardening to the job that we do and also into our relationships ... a complete integration.

Venue:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642
www.sivananda.org/la

Suggested donation: $10–20

Pesto Day: Building Community in the Garden

2011-09-02T13:29:00.000-07:00

Event: Saturday, September 24 from 2:00–5:00pm

The Learning Garden at Venice High School’s 8th annual fundraiser celebrating PESTO! $10 a plate, plus jars of David King’s delicious handmade pesto for sale. Don’t miss it! Enter The Learning Garden from Walgrove.

Homeopathy

2011-08-31T13:02:00.000-07:00

Five-session course with Julie Mann CCH, RsHom (NA)

Homeopathy is a natural science using the energy of substances to stimulate your body to heal itself. Effective and safe, more and more households are using homeopathy with wonderful results. Over five sessions, Julie will explain the basics of homeopathy and teach the tools and remedies for treating yourself and your family at home.

Tuesdays from 7:15–8:45pm

September 6

Introduction to Homeopathy

September 13

First Aid Homeopathic Options

September 20

Cold and Flu Remedies

September 27

Stomach and Bowel Issues

October 4

Taking homeopathy on the Road—Your Travel Kit

Nationally board-certified as a classical homeopath by the Council of Homeopathic Certification, Julie Mann has practiced homeopathy in Venice, California for over twelve years. She has also taught homeopathy for the Los Angeles School of Homeopathy and has supervised the homeopathic clinic at the American University of Complimentary Medicine. She is the co-founder, grant-writer and chief financial officer of The Learning Garden, a non-profit organization that has created an organic medicinal herb garden project in Los Angeles, which has become the model for community garden projects nationwide. Currently, she sits on the board of the North American Society of Homeopaths and the NASH Foundation as Treasurer.

Course meets at:

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA

310-822-9642

losangeles@sivananda.org

Donation for five-session course:

$75 ($65 for members of the yoga center)

Pre-registration is appreciated, but not required.

Transition Tuesdays

2011-08-19T17:27:00.000-07:00

Join us on the second Tuesday of each month in an opportunity to socialize and connect with like-minded Mar Vista/Venice neighbors. We meet at 7:00 pm in a local home, 2214 Walnut Street in Venice, and we bring potluck items like an appetizer, dessert, or something to drink, and enjoy a free-range conversation, getting to know each other and sharing our concerns. There is no official agenda, but here are some Transition topics that might come up: localization (food, investing—you name it), gardening, alternative transportation or health care, the sharing economy, the bees, our fears of the future, permaculture practices, how to reduce and reuse, celebrating life!). A little familiarity with the Transition ideas or The Transition Handbook by Rob Hopkins, would be helpful, but it's not necessary.

Inner Transition: Heart and Soul

2011-08-12T15:09:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Thursday, August 18 at 7:00pm

We hear a lot about climate change/disruption from the climate scientists, environmental activists, futurologists, economists, and many other concerned groups and individuals. In our Heart and Soul groups, we discuss strategies for not allowing all this “bad” news to overwhelm us as we acknowledge that the “business as usual approach” is not an option.

But there may be some personal options that we haven't yet considered—from the world of yoga and spirituality!

Our presenter Swami Nityamuktananda is a scholar of many diverse disciplines: Theology, Education, Psychology, Philosophy and Art and Design. At the center of her studies as well as her teaching is always the subject of “Self-awareness.”

She has traveled extensively in Asia, where she became interested in Eastern Philosophy, meditation, and yoga. In 1997 she completed her Doctorate in Eco-Philosophy before becoming a swami in 2003.

In this workshop she will challenge us to reconsider our place and role as humans in Nature. Using the scenario of global warming, she will address several misconceptions:

• The need to accept that humans are not in charge; our ego must give up its aspiration of dominance;
• Fear and worry about a doomsday future cannot propel people into changing habits. On the contrary, it reinforces them and creates greed!

Nothing will change unless our minds change! What is this change needed? We need to see that we are not individual beings but that we are Nature itself.

She will introduce techniques and concepts from yoga and meditation that will help us to make these changes so that we are able to accept what is and live in such a way as not to harm self or others or indeed any facet of nature for “The Divine is in Everything.”

Community Hall of Holy Nativity Church, 6700 W. 83rd, Westchester 90045
Free event. You are encouraged to bring a can of food to donate to the LAX Food Pantry.

Macrobiotics Weekend September 2011

2011-08-12T14:50:00.000-07:00

Special Programs with David Briscoe regarding food and its direct relationship to your health

David Briscoe is one of the most experienced macrobiotic teachers and counselors in the world today. Immersed in macrobiotics since 1972, he has expertise in every facet, including personal practice, teaching, counseling and cooking. He has apprenticed with the late macrobiotic masters, Norboru Muramoto and Herman Ahaira and was one of the first to be certified by Michio Kushi. He is co-founder of education institutes, Macrobiotics America and Macrobiotics Global.

Free Talk
How to see your health: Techniques not found in books

After 35 years of macrobiotic counseling, David has developed many of his own unique techniques of health assessment. He'll be sharing some of the most useful and practical ones in this session. Learn to look at your hands, nose, and skin to see what your body is telling you.

Friday, September 16 from 7:15–8:45pm at the Sivananda Yoga Center

Cooking Class 1
Fabulous Fall Cooking

Adjusting our cooking for each season is an essential part of healthy macrobiotic cooking. In this class you’ll learn how this can be done for the fall. We’ll make a complete meal based on macrobiotic, vegan and gluten-free principles.

MENU:
Miso Soup with Succulent Daikon
Mellow Millet and Cauliflower
Red Beans with Creamy Kabocha
Fresh Salad with Herbed Tofu and Avocado
Apple-Apricot Compote
(Gluten-free alternatives will be available.)

At the end of the day, stay to eat the meal you have prepared or take it home with you.

$45 per workshop (includes cost of ingredients)

Saturday, September 17 from 1:00–5:00pm at Holy Nativity Church, 6700 West 83rd Street, Westchester

Cooking Class 2
Quick Meals on the Go

We’ll make a complete meal based on macrobiotic, vegan and gluten-free principles—this time with your busy lifestyle in mind.

MENU:
Cranberry-Apple Salad with Candied Pecans and Smoked Tofu
Deluxe Vegan Reuben Sandwich with Dill Pickles,
Herb Sauce and more!
Easy, Creamy and Energizing Barley-Vegetable Stew
(Gluten-free alternatives will be available.)

At the end of the day, stay to eat the meal you have prepared or take it home with you.

$45 per workshop (includes cost of ingredients)

Sunday, September 18 from 1:00–5:00pm at the Sivananda Yoga Center

Free Talk
The Five Transformations for Personal Healing

Learn how to apply to your own personal healing the "Water, Tree, Fire, Earth, Metal" view of natural change, commonly called The Five Elements or Five Transformations of Eastern energy medicine and philosophy. We'll discuss easy and practical methods of using this understanding in your daily life.

Sunday, September 18 from 7:15–8:15pm at the Sivananda Yoga Center

Private Dietary Consultations
With David Briscoe by arrangement. Contact the Yoga Center for details.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642
syvc-losangeles@sivananda.org

Yoga for Bone Health

2011-08-02T15:29:00.000-07:00

Sustainable Health Care

Event: August 13, 2:00–5:00pm

These days the benefits of Yoga are well recognized. Many are flocking to Yoga classes for stress relief, pain relief, flexibility, increased strength, weight management, better circulation, and deep relaxation. Yoga also helps build and maintain strong bones because Yoga asanas (positions) are weight bearing. Research has shown that strengthening the muscles that pull on bones increases bone mass as well. One of the features of a Yoga assanas practice is that all the muscles in the body are strengthened so bones throughout the body are addressed.

This workshop will feature movement strategies to promote bone strength and help prevent fractures while enjoying the benefits of yoga. Instruction will include information about: the bones most susceptible to fracture, contraindicated movements for people with low bone density, the importance of alignment, and how to achieve deep relaxation.

Instructor: Susan Nelson-Kluk (Sarada) began teaching Yoga soon after completing the Sivananda Teacher Training Course in Val Morin, Quebec in 1995. Her training also includes Advanced Yoga Teacher Training, Advanced Yoga Techniques, Yoga of the Heart, Classical Yogic Meditation Training, Vedanta Course, and Advanced Movement for Skeletal Heaalth. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from SUNY Brockport, New York in 1974 and a Masters of Science degree from UC Davis in 1992.

Susan taught Yoga for the University of California, Davis Health Awareness program for 12 years (1996–2008). She also taught Basic Yoga courses for Sacramento City College for over 5 years (2003–2008), private classes and classes in health clubs.

Susan retired from her position as a staff research associate at UC Davis in 2008 and moved with her husband to a rural property near Grass Valley.

Suggested Donation:
$20 members of Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, $30 non-members

Venue:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642

Spirit of the Beatles

2011-08-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Saturday, August 6 from 7:00–9:30pm

A community-building evening of stories, videos and songs from the Fab Four who brought eastern spirituality to the West for many. Featuring Phil Goldberg, author of American Veda, and musicians The Britles. We will also share a vegetarian potluck dinner.

Suggested donation: $10 and a food item for the potluck

Venue: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642

Eco-Movie Night - August 2011

2011-07-20T22:10:00.000-07:00

Gasland

EVENT: Saturday, August 13 from 7:00–9:00pm

The largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history has swept across the United States. The Halliburton-developed drilling technology of "fracking" or hydraulic fracturing has unlocked a "Saudia Arabia of natural gas" just beneath us. But is fracking safe? When filmmaker Josh Fox is asked to lease his land for drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies and contamination. A recently drilled nearby Pennsylvania town reports that residents are able to light their drinking water on fire. This is just one of the many absurd and astonishing revelations of a new country called GASLAND. (2010) www.gaslandthemovie.com

The screening will be followed by a community discussion.

VENUE:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90232
310-822-9642

Community Wellness Mondays - 3rd Qtr 2011

2011-06-30T10:01:00.001-07:00

Free Talks and Discussions. All are welcome.

Please use street parking when visiting during the day.

First Monday of the month:

Meeting of CAAM (California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine)

Special talks from 9:30–11:30am

July 11

Guest speaker: Acharya Ganga Puri

Ayurveda

September 5

Guest speakers: Geoffrey Earendil and Carla Cummings

Ayurvedic Strategies for Modern Urban Living

Learn simple but effective techniques for managing the physical stresses of modern urban life. Looking at common factors of daily living—including pollution, commuting, and electronics—and their influence upon the three doshas, learn practical methods for managing balanced health using diet, yoga and ritual.

Second Monday of the month:

Experience a Brain Gym® group balance using specific movements to establish new neural pathways, and thus new learning, at any age or ability level. With Instructor/Consultant Annette Pasternak

9:30–10:30am

No session in July

August 8

No session in September

Third Monday of the month:

Sustainable Health Care talks

Format

9:30–10:30am - Presentation

10:30–11:00am - Question-and-Answer Session

11:00–11:30am - Council Sharing Circle, focused on healing

11:30am - You are welcome to share in a potluck vegetarian lunch.

July 18

Guest speaker: Cairo Rocha

Tibetan Medicine: In the Footsteps of the Medicine Buddha

August

Guest speaker: cancelled

September

Guest Speaker: cancelled

TBD

Read about our launch event.

Read the report from the launch.

Read about the second meeting.

Every Monday:

YOGA

1:00–2:30pm All-Levels Yoga Class
by donation

3:00–4:15pm Gentle Yoga for Active Seniors
Focus on keeping joints mobile, building bone strength, relaxed postures and breathing. Suitable for those recovering from surgery or injuries.
by donation

KNITTING CIRCLE (not meeting over the summer)

3:00–5:00pm Beginners welcome. Instruction available.
free to the community

If you are a health care practitioner and would like to participate, please e-mail TransitionMarVista@gmail.com

Thank you to the Sivananda Yoga Center for letting us use their space for this worthwhile project!

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA

310-822-9642

Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream

2011-06-30T09:08:00.000-07:00

SYMPOSIUM: Saturday, July 30, 1:00–6:00pm

Calling all citizens of Planet Earth!

Our world needs us to be awake and active now more than ever. With the old dream so entrenched, governments seemingly unable to move decisively to address the problems it creates, and business still mandated to put profit first, the world needs active citizens like all
of us. The good news is each of us is waking up, and millions of people are stepping into action together.

The Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium is an exploration of four questions:

* Where Are We? ... An examination of the state of environmental, social and personal well-being

* How did We Get Here? ... Tracing the root causes that lead to our current imbalance

* What’s Possible for the Future? ... Discovering new ways of relating with each other, with the Earth and looking at the emerging Movement for change

* Where Do We Go from Here? ... Considering the stand we want to be in the world and our personal and collective impact

Presented by volunteer facilitators trained by The Pachamama Alliance, the Symposium is a transformative educational experience that empowers participants to respond to humanity’s current situation with action and informed, grounded optimism about our future.

This half day of leading edge information combines inspiring multimedia presentations and group interaction. Participants can discover new opportunities to accelerate the emergence of an
environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet.

Don't miss this free opportunity to feel connected with other change makers in local and global community and be empowered to make a difference. See trailer at http://awakeningthedreamer.org/

FREE
Please bring a vegetarian lunch dish to share after the symposium.
Site: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, 13325 Beach Avenue, Marina del Rey 90292

To RSVP, please send an e-mail to TransitionMarVista@gmail.com
0r fill out the online RSVP form at
at https://spreadsheets.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?formkey=dEliMmRrQnRRY0VGbFJ4Sk1uS1NGUWc6MA

Ice Cream Social

2011-06-22T14:40:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Monday, July 4 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm

Come sample ice cream made by hand from plants gathered at The Learning Garden! Mouth-watering flavors such as Meyer Lemon, Apricot, Rose Petal, and Lavendar Honey. If the weather is hot enough, we might even have FIG ice cream!

Suggested donation: $5 (we won't turn anyone away!)

Bring a pie or a crumble for a free plant!

Venue:

The Learning Garden at Venice High School

Venice Boulevard, enter on Walgrove

For more information: e-mail learninggardenmaster@yahoo.com or call 310-722-3656

The Economics of Happines

2011-05-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Saturday, June 25 at 7:00pm

“Going local” is a powerful strategy to help repair our fractured world – our ecosystems, our societies and our selves.

Economic globalization has led to a massive expansion in the scale and power of big business and banking. It has also worsened nearly every problem we face: fundamentalism and ethnic conflict; climate chaos and species extinction; financial instability and unemployment. There are personal costs too. For the majority of people on the planet life is becoming increasingly stressful. We have less time for friends and family and we face mounting pressures at work.

The Economics of Happiness describes a world moving simultaneously in two opposing directions. On the one hand, government and big business continue to promote globalization and the consolidation of corporate power. At the same time, all around the world people are resisting those policies, demanding a re-regulation of trade and finance—and, far from the old institutions of power, they’re starting to forge a very different future. Communities are coming together to re-build more human scale, ecological economies based on a new paradigm – an economics of localization.

We hear from a chorus of voices from six continents including Samdhong Rinpoche, the Prime Minister of Tibet's government in exile, Vandana Shiva, Bill McKibben, David Korten and Zac Goldsmith. They tell us that climate change and peak oil give us little choice: we need to localize, to bring the economy home. The good news is that as we move in this direction we will begin not only to heal the earth but also to restore our own sense of well-being. The Economics of Happiness restores our faith in humanity and challenges us to believe that it is possible to build a better world. www.theeconomicsofhappiness.org/

VENUE:
reDiscover Center
12958 W Washington Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066
310-393-3636

Hosted by Transition Culver City and Transition Mar Vista/Venice

A Century of Challenges

2011-05-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Friday, June 17 at 7:00pm

Housing values. Budget cuts. High gas prices. We’re bound to bounce back soon and then things will be “normal” again. Right?

Wrong, says internationally acclaimed energy and economic analyst Nicole Foss. “We will see a big shakeup of who has what. The people who do well are not necessarily going to be the people who are wealthy now.”

Foss views peak oil and the ongoing collapse of global finance as a “perfect storm,” which threatens to trigger wealth destruction, social discontent, and global conflict.

Writing under the pen name Stoneleigh, Foss is co-editor of the blog “The Automatic Earth.” She integrates finance, energy, environment, psychology, population, and real politik. She is touring the U.S. and will be appearing in the Los Angeles area on two select evenings.

Come discuss both our predicament and the ways we can create locally to face these challenges together.

VENUE:
Holy Nativity Church, 6700 W. 83rd, Westchester/LA 90045
$5 suggested donation

Nicole Foss will also be speaking on Thursday, June 16 at 7:00pm at Throop Church, 300 S. Los Robles Ave, Pasadena, $5 suggested donation

Hosted by Transition Los Angeles
guiding our local communities from oil dependence to local resilience
www.TransitionLA.org

Additional resources: "Economic Resilience," by Joanne Poyourow of
the Environmental Change-Makers and Transition Los Angeles -
http://transitionla.org/Publications.htm

Eco-Movie Night - June 2011

2011-05-24T12:49:00.000-07:00

Inside Job

EVENT: Saturday, June 11 at 7:00pm

Inside Job is the first film to expose the shocking truth behind the economic crisis of 2008. The global financial meltdown, at a cost of over $20 trillion, resulted in millions of people losing their homes and jobs. Through extensive research and interviews with major financial insiders, politicians and journalists, Inside Job traces the rise of a rogue industry and unveils the corrosive relationships which have corrupted politics, regulation and academia.

Inside Job was shot on location in the United States, Iceland, England, France, Singapore, and China. Produced, written and directed by Charles Ferguson

Followed by community discussion

Donations welcome.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Heart and Soul Council Circle

2011-05-05T21:34:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Sunday, May 15 from 2:00–5:00pm

Learn the practice of speaking and listening from the heart, using compassionate expression and non-judgmental listening with Kate Lipkis. The focus will be on what we have to give/share.

Kate shared these descriptions of council with us:

The practice of council is both ancient and modern, with roots in every civilization throughout the world as well as in contemporary organizational management disciplines. Each of us knows the joy of sharing stories around the campfire or at bedtime or with like-minded peers. By removing the social barriers that keep us separate, council allows for the kind of listening that brings instant recognition that we are all related. Sitting in council, in a circle, passing a talking piece, speaking and listening from the heart, rather than from the head, we remember what has been lost as we moved from villages to cities to technological bunkers.

AND

Council is a practice that cultivates heartfelt and meaningful communication, encourages mutual understanding and respect, and enhances community cohesion. Inspired and informed by the commonalities inherent in worldwide cultural and organizational dialogue practices, Council elements include the use of circular seating, defined intentions, focusing tools (such as a “talking piece”), clear beginnings and endings, and “witnessing,” a process of summarizing and acting upon what is shared in the session. Council engenders receptivity, authentic expression, and creative spontaneity as it builds positive relationships in any community.

Read more about council circles here.

Donations welcome.

Venue: Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Report from Cuba

2011-04-04T08:57:00.000-07:00

Event: Saturday, May 14 from 7:00–8:30pm

Connecting with the world’s people and transcending perceptions through permaculture, environmental sustainability and eco-villages.

Slideshow and firsthand report.

FREE EVENT. Donations always welcome.

Venue:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13324 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642

What Would an Urban Yoga Eco-Village Look Like?

2011-04-04T08:44:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Sunday, April 17 from 2:00 to 5:00pm

Building Community in Times of Transition

Join in a group discussion led by Vidya Chaitanya and Rev. Peter Rood exploring many aspects of building community while addressing the unique challenges of our situation here in Los Angeles. What are the functions of a sustainable eco-village and how does that transfer to an urban setting? What is the role of spirit in community? Let's manifest this vision of a bountiful future living in harmony with nature and each other while staying put where we are.

Be part of these playful and formative explorations!

FREE EVENT

Venue:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90232
310-822-9642

Community Wellness Mondays 2011 - 2nd Qtr

2011-03-21T19:25:00.000-07:00

Free Talks and Discussions. All are welcome.

Please park on the street.

First Monday of the month:

Meeting of CAAM (California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine)

Special talks from 9:30–11:30am

April 4

Guest speaker: Arun Deva

Daily and Seasonal Routines of Ayurveda

Nature provides us with different seasons to help guide us through our own life journeys. Of these, Ayurveda focuses on four seasons in particular: those of day and night; seasons of the year; of age and of digestion. Following their rhythms can lead to seamless harmony and a state of well being known as svasthavritta. In this workshop we will explore their significances and their interplay with our own biological forces known as doshas. By creating daily and seasonal routines that encourage us to become Nature's dance partners in life, we, too, become expressions of our highest potential.

May 2

Guest speaker: Krishna Darshan

Yoga/Jyotish/Ayurveda: Three sister sciences and their connection

Krishna is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnu-devananda and has been teaching at Sivananda ashrams and centers for more than 20 years. He has taught Yoga, meditation, Vedanta philosophy, Vedic scriptures, Hindu mythology, natural health, and Jyotish in many countries, including Uruguay, Argentina, USA, Chile, Canada, Spain, Austria, Bahamas, India, Brazil, and Bolivia.

June 6

Guest speaker: Felicia Tomasko RN

Beat the Heat: Set yourself up for a happy and healthy summer pitta/fire season

We'll review how to stay cool while keeping the flame of the digestive system well-lit. We'll explore remedies for chilling mind, body and spirit through asana, pranayama, kitchen remedies, foods and drinks.

Second Monday of the month:

Experience a Brain Gym® group balance using specific movements to establish new neural pathways, and thus new learning, at any age or ability level. With Instructor/Consultant Annette Pasternak

9:30–10:30am

April 11

May 9

No session in June

Third Monday of the month:

Sustainable Health Care talks

Format

9:30–10:30am - Presentation

10:30–11:00am - Question-and-Answer Session

11:00–11:30am - Council Sharing Circle, focused on healing

11:30am - You are welcome to share in a potluck vegetarian lunch.

April 18

Guest speaker: Baylen K. Slote

Dao-in energy guidance; how to revitalize and rejuvenate your body by working with your own energy circuitry

Dao-in is the Chinese word for physical energy conducting. As a set of rhythmic movements, it adjusts and attunes as it generates and strengthens one’s personal energy. It represents the base of the tree of knowledge out of which came qi gong and later tai ji movement arts. Using this technology can be very useful to rectify and attune one’s body.

Illness results from stagnation of energy in the body. Over the ages wise people have found practical ways to break up the stagnation of physical energy. Once they began doing physical energy conducting, they discovered that not only did it solve the problem of energy stagnation, but it also improved their general health and lengthened their lives. These simple practices have been collected and continue to be practiced as dao-in.

In this lecture, you will learn some simple movements and movement principles that you can easily use to attune your own body on a daily basis. You will also learn some of the basics that underpin the practice of tao, such as yin and yang and the 5 transformations. And, we will have the opportunity to discuss the similarities and differences between movement arts such martial arts, yoga, tai ji, tai chi and qi gong.

Baylen Slote is a California Licensed Acupuncturist and Chinese Herbalist. He initially began his study of Chinese Medicine sparked by an interest in the I Ching. He was led to pursue and complete his Masters degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine at the renowned Yo-San University in Los Angeles.

Through his graduate education Baylen spent time developing and growing Chinese Herbs. After graduation, he spent several years working and interning in the highest quality holistic, homeopathic, and herbal pharmacies in Los Angeles. There he gained experience in neutraceutical and vitamin supplements, as well as continued to work with the commercially available Chinese Herbal Products. This experience deepened his understanding of contemporary physiology and the modern practice of Chinese Herbal Medicine. Baylen continues to be an avid gardener.

Baylen received his undergraduate education at Bennington College in Vermont where he studied liberal arts from the perspective of personal and spiritual growth. This sparked his initial interest and practice of Tai Ji and movement arts including Qi Gong, Dao-In (Chinese yoga) and meditation. Additionally, Baylen has over three years of training and experience in the Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), which uses the Chinese Meridian Theory of acupuncture channels and neurobiology to retrain thought and emotional patterns. He also has eight years practice and experience in New Identity Process (NIP) processing emotional issues.

May 16

Guest speaker: Deanna Galkin-Doran (Parameshwari) E-RYT

Yoga Therapy: Stabilize Your Pelvis and Hips to Relieve Pain in the Lower Half of the Body

Yoga Therapy is a holistic healing method which adapts yogic techniques and practices for individuals facing health challenges to reduce symptoms and restore balance; creating, stimulating and maintaining an optimal state of physical, emotional and spiritual health and self-managed well-being. The technique employs any combination of movement, breath, imagery, and relaxation, in a manner that is not usually addressed in a group Yoga class.

In this session, Parameshwari will walk attendees through common asanas while stabilizing the hips, to take the pressure off the back, the hips, knees and ankles. All levels are welcome!

June 20

Guest Speaker: Marjoyrie Kunzle

Spiritual Energy Healing

Marjoyrie will present and demonstrate Spiritual Energy Healing, sometimes called “hands-on healing.” You will have the opportunity to practice this energy work that anyone can learn to do for their family and friends. Learn how to simply sit them, fully clothed, on a chair, tune yourself in, and let the energy flow to them.

Marjoyrie is on an inner journey now, reclaiming her Self. She's nearly 70 years old, empathic and sensitive, a mother, married, a vegetarian. In her former life in Britain, she was a Publicist, working freelance, looking after her family, and now, since 1993 she is a Sivananda Yoga teacher. She has taught a weekly community yoga class to her LA neighbors since 1987. She is extremely interested in LIFE, relationships, in yoga, in gardening, the spiritual, in energy work and the journey of self healing; knowing that, when we awaken ourselves, we do it for everyone.

Read about our launch event.

Read the report from the launch.

Read about the second meeting.

Every Monday:

YOGA

1:00–2:30pm All-Levels Yoga Class
free to the community

KNITTING CIRCLE (not meeting over the summer)

3:00–5:00pm Beginners welcome. Instruction available.
free to the community

If you are a health care practitioner and would like to participate, please e-mail TransitionMarVista@gmail.com

Thank you to the Sivananda Yoga Center for letting us use their space for this worthwhile project!

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA

310-822-9642

Brain Gym® 101

2011-03-16T14:51:00.000-07:00

Three Saturdays: March 26, April 2 and April 9 from 9:00am–6:00pm

In this experiential semi-private course, learn how to use all the basics of Brain Gym, including all 26 standard Brain Gym movements, the powerful five-step balance process and more. We will practice different types of balances to bring your system in line with your specific goals, and you will see firsthand how Brain Gym balancing brings you more ease and joy in learning and life. Teachers and other professionals will learn how to integrate Brain Gym into their line of work, and parents will gain all the tools to help children with their learning.

The 24-hour Brain Gym 101 course will take place on three consecutive Saturdays in Los Angeles, CA. Please reply if you plan to attend, or if you have any questions about it, feel free to call Annette Pasternak, Ph.D., Licensed Brain Gym Instructor/Consultant at 310-614-1106.

Tuition: $395
March 26, April 2, April 9 from 9:00am-6:00pm
at a private home in Mar Vista, CA 90066

Brain Gym® for Focus

2011-03-16T14:45:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Saturday, March 19 from 11:00am-12:30pm

In this fast-paced world of constant change, can you easily calm and focus your attention? Learn some fun movement tools to help! Focus problems, including those labeled as ADD/ADHD, stem from the brain simply needing more integration (communication between its separate parts). Brain Gym is effective at reducing or eliminating attention difficulties naturally through movement rather than drugs. In this workshop, learn simple movements that access the integrated learning-ready states of the brain and enhance the capacity for focused attention. While these movements are great for all ages, this workshop is for teens and adults. Parents of younger children will learn techniques they can use right away at home.

Taught by Annette Pasternak, Ph.D.
Licensed Brain Gym Instructor/Consultant

Tuition: $15

At Holy Nativity Episcopal Church
6700 West 83rd Street, Westchester, CA 90045
Street parking available

Macrobiotics Weekend - March 2011

2011-03-04T19:11:00.000-08:00

Special Programs with David Briscoe regarding food and its direct relationship to your health

David Briscoe is one of the most experienced macrobiotic teachers and counselors in the world today. Immersed in macrobiotics since 1972, he has expertise in every facet, including personal practice, teaching, counseling and cooking. He has apprenticed with the late macrobiotic masters, Norboru Muramoto and Herman Ahaira and was one of the first to be certified by Michio Kushi. He is co-founder of education institutes, Macrobiotics America and Macrobiotics Global.

Free Talk
Peace of Mind and Cellular Peace

When there is peace in your cells, it’s much easier to find peace of mind. When we are unstable at the cellular level, mental instability is more likely to occur. In this session we will explore how we create overall physiological peace for our cells, tissue and organs through selecting and preparing foods and drinks that bring stability to our blood sugar, hormones, and nervous system. This physiological stability lays the foundation for mental and emotional stability.

Friday, March 18 from 7:00–8:30pm at the Sivananda Yoga Center

Cooking Class 1
Spring Season Macrobiotic Cooking

Adjusting your cooking for the season is important for variety of flavor, color and texture as well as creating internal harmony with the external environment. In this session you’ll experience a complete vegan meal created with macrobiotic principles of balance. And you’ll learn the most important tips for seasonal adjustment of your meals.

MENU: White Bean Florentine Soup, Jasmine Rice Salad, Field Greens with Dandelion, Baked Vegetable Melange, Arame Saute, Vanilla Parfait

At the end of the day, stay to eat the meal you have prepared or take it home with you.

$45 per workshop (includes cost of ingredients)

Saturday, March 19 from 2:00–6:00pm at Holy Nativity Church, 6700 West 83rd Street, Westchester

Cooking Class 2
A Meal Your Liver Will Love!

Heavy foods are a burden to the liver, so let's lighten the load and create a meal that will make your liver smile!

MENU: White Miso Soup with Wakame & Greens, Butternut-Cherry Risoto, Crispy Bok Choy, Vegetable-Tempeh Kabobs with Lemon Sauce, Steamed Carrot Cake

At the end of the day, stay to eat the meal you have prepared or take it home with you.

$45 per workshop (includes cost of ingredients)

Sunday, March 20 from 1:00–5:00pm at the Sivananda Yoga Center

Free Community Wellness Lecture
50 Ways to Love Your Liver!

The springtime is considered and important time for the health of the liver. In this session we'll explore the Eastern and Western views of the liver, self-diagnosis of the liver, emotions related to the liver, and diet, exercise and "inner smile" practices that nourish the liver.

Monday, March 21 from 9:30–11:30am at the Sivananda Yoga Center

Private Dietary Consultations
With David Briscoe by arrangement. Contact the Yoga Center for details.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642
syvc-losangeles@sivananda.org

Westside Produce Exchange

2011-03-04T10:23:00.000-08:00

EVENT: Saturday, January 14 from 9:00am–noon

WHAT TO EXCHANGE:
1. Fresh organic produce: fruits, vegetables, or edible herbs (No non-edible herbs, such as burning sage.)
2. Fresh beautiful vase-ready flowers (No weeds or quick-wilters, please!)
3. Fresh baked goods, preserves, or other individual prepared food items. Items MUST be pre-packaged individually for easy and clean distribution. (No sheet trays of brownies or sacks of cookies.)

ON THE DAY OF THE EXCHANGE:

Participants may drop off bags of produce between 9:00am and noon on Saturday at The Learning Garden at Venice High School. (The Learning Garden is located at Venice Blvd and Walgrove Ave. Enter the garden from Walgrove, through the chain link gate located between Venice and Zanja. There is street parking on this block of Walgrove.) Each bag should be labeled with the participant's name, phone number, and address.

Bagging volunteers will be needed to count everything and redistribute it at noon. Delivery volunteers will be needed to deliver at 2:00pm. Each driver will only have two deliveries to make—all nearby—and every attempt will be made to pair drivers with drop-offs close to their homes.

DEADLINE:

To join this month's produce exchange, please e-mail westsideproduce@gmail.com by THURSDAY, January 12 at NOON with a list of what produce you'll have to contribute and if you'd like to volunteer to bag or deliver. Please also include your address for planning the delivery schedules. Final details will be e-mailed to all responding participants by Friday, January 13, including confirmations for bagging and delivery.

Growing Community in the Garden

2011-03-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

EVENT: Saturday, March 12 from 1:00 to 5:00pm

Let food be thy medicine; and medicine thy food. –Hippocrates

If food is good, then medicine is of no need, if food is not good, then medicine is of no use. –Charaka Samhita

In the teachings of ancient and indigenous forms of medicine throughout the world, including the art and science of Ayurveda, our foods and our medicines are combined. We know that food heals us, and this can be especially true when we receive food or medicine directly from the Earth, in our local regions, connected through our communities.

Now is the time to reclaim our ability to grow and utilize our own food and medicine and to come together in community to create and maintain vibrant green spaces. The Learning Garden is a nonprofit teaching garden located at Walgrove Avenue and Venice Boulevard in Venice, California. It was founded as a demonstration and teaching garden by Julie Mann and David Crow as part of an initiative to replant the global garden and give people the knowledge, inspiration and examples necessary to become gardeners of food and medicine.

Join the California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center of Los Angeles, LA YOGA Ayurveda and Health Magazine and The Learning Garden at Venice High School and volunteer for a day where we will be preparing the Ayurvedic teaching garden in the space.

This is a family-friendly event and an opportunity for all of us to share space and get our hands dirty together. The long-term goal is to have a place where people can plant, grow, watch, photograph, taste, smell, harvest, and enjoy Ayurvedic herbs growing in our local region.

Free event!

Date: Saturday, March 12, 2011

Time: 1:00–5:00 p.m.

Venue: The Learning Garden at Venice High School. On Venice Boulevard. Enter on Walgrove. Street parking available.

Bring: Gardening tools, layered clothing, sun protection, water, and a sense of fun

We’ll Provide: Supervision, equipment, music, food, and seeds for enjoying an afternoon in the garden

For more information, contact Felicia at 310-601-7914.

Eco-Movie Night - March 2011

2011-03-03T12:35:00.000-08:00

Visions of Utopia, Part 1
Experiments in Sustainable Culture

EVENT: Saturday, March 12 at 7:00pm

Visions of Utopia is a great way to experience a sampling of community life "up close." Intentional Community is an inclusive term for ecovillages, cohousing communities, residential land trusts, communes, student co-ops, urban housing cooperatives, intentional living, alternative communities, cooperative living, and other projects where people strive together with a common vision. You can see and hear community members tell their stories in their own words. Volume One was produced and edited by Geoph Kozeny, a veteran community networker, author, and former FIC board member. (94 minutes)

The screening will be followed by a community discussion.

For more information, visit www.ic.org

Venue:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, Ca 90292
310-822-9642

Sustainable Spiritual Practices from Indigenous Communities

2011-02-15T07:44:00.000-08:00

EVENT: Sunday, May 15 from 2:00–5:00pm

Before me peaceful
Behind me peaceful
Under me peaceful
Over me peaceful
All around me peaceful
– Excerpt from Navajo Horse Song

Sat Siri Kaur will lead us in a council circle, followed by an exploration of some of the spiritual teachings about sustainability which she learned from the local, maritime Chumash Nation.

Council is the practice of speaking and listening from the heart. Through compassionate, heartfelt expression and empathic, non-judgmental listening, Council inspires a non-hierarchical form of deep communication that reveals a group's vision and purpose.
Council offers effective means of resolving conflicts and for discovering the deeper, often unexpressed needs of individuals and organizations. Council provides a comprehensive means for co-visioning and making decisions in a group context. Council is about our personal and collaborative story.

Sat Siri was raised in a household visited by traditional indigenous healers who imbued in her the respect of these sacred traditions. Her experience dealing with international business people, world diplomats, heads of state, renowned artists, celebrities and politicians gives her a unique perspective on various cultures and customs.

She founded the Sacred Women's Circle and she leads groups in council circle in order to nurture their inner light and awareness for the greater good of their families, our communities, the planet and the universe. Sat Siri Kaur is the Blesser for the Blessing Ceremony at the 3HO Summer Solstice International Peace Prayer Day.

As part of Sat Siri's respect for Mother Earth, she is a certified Permaculture Designer and shares her wisdom of Ethno-Botany. She is actively involved in educating people about sustainable land use design based on these ecological and biological principles.

Sat Siri Kaur has been practicing yoga since 2000, and has been teaching the science and art of Kundalini yoga and meditation since 2005.

Suggested donation: $30 ($20 for members of Sivananda Yoga )

VENUE:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA

Eco-Movie Night - February 2011

2011-01-07T11:48:00.000-08:00

A Convenient Truth
Urban Solutions from Curitiba, Brazil

EVENT: Saturday, February 12 at 7:00pm

See how Curitiba, Brazil was transformed into a model green city through innovations in transportation, affordable housing, urban parks and recycling. Progressive mayors, city planners and designers determined that the city should revolve around people, not cars. From the cost-effective yet expansive bus system (with the notable bus station tubes) to the pedestrian-only walkways, the documentary highlights how effective, people-friendly and sustainable changes can be made with minimal or no cost. This is an informative, inspirational documentary aimed at sharing ideas to provoke environment-friendly and cost-effective changes in cities worldwide. (2007)

To view the trailer visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=swQTTG3NcYY

The documentary will be followed by community discussion.

Free event. Donations welcome.

Venue:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Essentials of Vegetable Seed Saving

2011-01-03T10:07:00.000-08:00

EVENT: Saturday, January 29 from 10:00am–3:00pm

The Learning Garden at Venice High School is offering an exciting new seminar (lunch included)!

Genetic diversity is evident in these ears of corn (pictured), all from the same batch of seed... this richness must be preserved!

Seed saving has become a “must-know” skill as people have recognized how utterly essential seeds are to our ability to survive.

Generations before us understood the importance of saving seeds. Saving seeds to plant in the coming year was essential and, long before science showed the why of it, humankind understood we could select the best plants and improve the varieties we depended upon. This vital connection was lost as we began to purchase our seeds from seed sellers making the need to save seed seem less relevant. In recent times, we are confronted with GMOs and monster corporations controlling the seeds they created and with that came the very real specter of seed corporations having control over the food supply.

Saving our vegetable biodiversity today provides us

those delicious open-pollinated varieties that were bred to taste good.
a wider range of vegetable varieties that aren't often available through catalogs.
a closer participation in the cycle of life.
a hedge against our own personal misfortune of losing a job or other financial setback.
a safeguard against food shortages caused by natural or man-made disasters.
with our own means to mitigate against global climate change and it's impact on agriculture.
the means to fight our shrinking biodiversity.

Seed saving enhances the gardening experience even more because good gardeners become better gardeners and some will go on to create unique open-pollinated vegetable varieties – adapted to our local area!

Attend this seminar if you are concerned about:

the presence of GMOs in our food.
the preservation of old 'heirloom' vegetable varieties.
equal access to good clean healthy food for everyone regardless of economic status.
our ability to produce vegetables acclimatized to our local (and very unique) Los Angeles climate.
the future of seeds and food!

You will learn

to plan for your seed saving – things to do to enable success.
how different plants are pollinated and what that means to saving seed.
to identify different plant families and how that affects the seed-saving process.
the best time to pick for the best seed viability.
to ensure your seed is kept pure from other varieties and unwanted characteristics.
to clean and dry different seeds and other processes for optimum storage.
the equipment and essential supplies you will have to have if you want to save some seeds and what you won't need for MOST seeds.

Taught by The Learning Garden's Gardenmaster, David King, this seminar will emphasize how to do it and practical examples will show everyone how to best save the more common vegetable seeds with information on saving all kinds of seeds included.

David King is an experienced lecturer, well-known for practical seminars that are accessible and informative. The lively lectures, full of quirky humor, move through the topic, getting to the heart of the matter without a lot of extra jargon, but with the data you need to get out and save some seeds!

Lunch will be served to enable participants to join in community over the break (noon to 1:00pm). Pamela Nears, an accomplished organic and 'fresh from the garden' chef, will treat all with a vegetarian stew and other menu items (price included in your registration) that will nourish and enhance the garden experience. Coffee, tea and water will abound. (If you have diet concerns—other than vegetarian—please make a note on your registration and we will work something out.)

Venue: The seminar will take place at The Learning Garden at Venice High School, at the corner of Venice Boulevard and Walgrove. Enter through the gate on Walgrove. Street parking available. Weather permitting, the seminar will be held outside. The Learning Garden is usually cooler than any other place in Los Angeles, thanks to the three large trees shading the patio, so please dress warmly. If it is too cold, we will meet indoors.

Registration:
$40.00 before 1/22/2011 (Early registration helps us plan.)
$45.00 after 1/22/2011
$50.00 at the door (as available)
Seating is limited and we expect to fill!

Members of Seed Library of Los Angeles (SLOLA) will receive a $5 discount. All other attendees will become members of the Seed Library of Los Angeles ($5 of your registration fee will automatically go to SLOLA for your membership).

To register or for more information, e-mail: learninggargenmaster@yahoo.com

Community Wellness Mondays 2011 - 1st Qtr

2010-12-29T14:27:00.000-08:00

Free Talks and Discussions. All are welcome.

First Monday of the month:

Meeting of CAAM (California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine)

Special talks from 9:30–11:30am

January 3

Guest speaker: Jason Adams

Using Mantras to Empower & Strengthen Your New Year’s Resolutions.

Drawing upon a practice that stretches back thousands of years, mantras are sacred words or sounds with the power to protect, purify and transform individuals. Join mantra expert Jason Adams, the Vedic Virtuoso, as he explores the realm of mantras to guide us into 2011 with renewed enthusiasm. We will be discussing a wide range of mantras able to support you in areas of abundance, love, relationships, health, prosperity, wealth, life purpose, and spiritual liberation. We’ll also take a closer look at planetary mantras and see how they can provide additional support with our New Year’s Resolutions.

January 3 is at the New Moon (1:00am PST Jan 4), so this morning should prove to be especially powerful to set your “New Year’s” intentions & resolutions and select a few mantras to work with during 2011. Join us to step deeper into the power of mantra japa!

Jason Adams is passionate about sharing the benefits of living a Vedic-inspired life. Known as the Vedic Virtuoso, Jason guides individuals towards leading meaningful lives by incorporating the ancient practices of yoga, meditation, ayurveda, vastu shastra, and Vedic astrology. Adams is a musician, yoga instructor, massage therapist, vastu consultant, and mantra expert. He is currently completing multiple mantra CD projects and has begun work on creating a pivotal text on The Art of Vedic Living, a guidebook to strengthen & nourish the body, mind, and spirit.a

February 7

Guest speaker: Dr. Mark L. Vinick

Quantum Healing and Ayurveda - how an exploration of the field of Quantum Physics may help us understand the basic premises of Ayurveda.

Dr Mark L. Vinick is both a Holistic Chiropractor and Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist in private practice in Redondo Beach, CA. He is Board Certified in the multi-disciplinary specialties of Pain Management, Anti-Aging Medicine, and Ayurvedic Medicine.

Dr Vinick is a life-long practitioner of yoga and meditation, and was a pioneer in teaching meditation in an educational setting long before it gained its recent popularity. He has also studied the alternative, nutritional, herbal, energetic, and spiritual approaches to health and healing for almost 40 years.

He currently serves as Director and Past President of The California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine, and is on the Editorial Board of the Light on Ayurveda Journal. He has had numerous articles published, has been interviewed extensively, and is also a speaker, workshop leader, and consultant to several nutritional and health related corporations.

March 7

Guest speaker: Dr. Parla Jayagopal

Prana in the Vedas, Yoga and Ayurveda

Dr. Jayagopal received his Bachelors degree in Ayurvedic medicine and surgery (BAMS) after completing five and a half years of training from Bangalore University. He also persued three years of education to receive Masters degree in Ayurvedic herbology from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences. Bangalore.

Dr. Jayagopal completed Yoga teacher’s training course from Atma Darshan, Bihar school of Yoga. In addition to his eight years of clinical experience, Dr. Jayagopal has traveled to Europe and Japan to propagate the science of Ayurveda. Currently he is teaching as associate Prof. in American university of complementary medicine, Beverly Hills, which offers Clinical Doctorate in Ayurveda (AyD)/PhD programs.

In addition to the above he is also offering Ayurvedic clinical services at AUCM community clinic.

Being proactive in propagating ayurveda to the community he has held seminars and educational demonstrations at various Yoga centers, senior facilities and health associations.

Dr Jayagopal has presented several papers in national and international conferences.

“Hailing from a family of traditional Ayurvedic practitioners in south India I have seen how simple herbs can bring amazing cures. Ayurveda is a way of being and living that embraces physical, mental and spiritual life forms. What astounded me is that how a medical science had become part of the culture. It is obvious that food habits of the people and regional diet variations, religious rituals and life routines were all structured based on the principles of Ayurveda. Collecting ethnobotanical information as a part of my post graduate studies I saw how tribal people are so connected to nature and derive health and happiness by harmonizing themselves with the forces of nature. We need to get back to nature, for our well being was the strongest thought that kept coming to me. Ayurveda - nature’s own medicine can bring us to vibrant health in a gentle way if its simple principles are adopted.

It gives every one of us the easy tools to decode the nature’s phenomenon and all the substances that are existing, knowing which, one can make healthy choices in food, life-style, habits, detoxing and rejuvenation for being healthy and prevent diseases.

Awareness comes by knowing. Making more people aware is what makes us ‘healthy’. CAAM can play pivotal role in this direction”

Second Monday of the month:

Join Brain Gym® Instructor/Consultant Annette Pasternak for a fun and powerful Brain Gym® balance process.

9:30–10:30am

January 10

Balance for Your New Year's Resolutions

Why are New Year’s resolutions so hard to keep? Our systems are not in balance for them! Come reset those tired old neural pathways and make new ones for the new year using fun, easy movements in a powerful balance process.

February 14

More Love in Your Life

Whether your intention is to be more loving or to be more loved, this month we balance our intentions around what this whole life thing is really about.

March 14

Spring Cleaning: Release the Old and Grow Something New
Spring is the season of renewal and the growth of new things. This month we do a balance for cleaning, organizing and/or sprouting something delightful. Balance for a new space, a new project or a new you!

Third Monday of the month:

Sustainable Health Care talks

Format

9:30–10:30am - Presentation

10:30–11:00am - Question-and-Answer Session

11:00–11:30am - Council Sharing Circle, focused on healing

11:30am - You are welcome to share in a potluck vegetarian lunch.

January 17

Guest speaker: Debra Gangale, MA, CCC, Chom

Reiki Master/Teacher

Reiki Simply Heals and Brings Joy. Come Experience and Learn.

Reiki is a form of energy awareness for overall well-being, emotional release, muscle relaxation and balancing. Debra Gangale has taught Reiki and given treatment sessions for the last 14 years. She has seen how a short experience of healing touch begins the balancing and healing. Debra brings a simple yet profoundly deep awareness to every student beginning the journey of energy awareness. Debra uses Reiki on her clients, pets, living space, hopes and dreams and for her own centering.Reiki can enhance every aspect of your life. Debra is also a Speech Language Pathologist, Homeopath and Fine Artist.

How Does It Work?

The Reiki focuses attention on the energy moving through your hands to the recipient (or for self healing), activating the body's natural ability to heal itself. Reiki energy goes to the deeper levels of a persons being. It works wherever the recipient needs it most, releasing blocked energies, cleansing the body of toxins, relieving stress, alleviating pain and working to recreate the natural state of balance.

Reiki reinforces the patient's ability to take responsibility for their life, and also helps them to make the necessary changes in attitude and lifestyle to promote a happier and healthier life.

February 21

Guest speaker: Baylen K. Slote

Dao-in energy guidance; how to revitalize and rejuvenate your body by working with your own energy circuitry

March 21

Guest speaker: David Briscoe

Macrobiotic Teacher and Counselor

The springtime is considered and important time for the health of the liver. In this session we'll explore the Eastern and Western views of the liver, self-diagnosis of the liver, emotions related to the liver, and diet, exercise and "inner smile" practices that nourish the liver.

Read about our launch event.

Read the report from the launch.

Read about the second meeting.

Every Monday:

YOGA

1:00–2:30pm All-Levels Yoga Class
free to the community

KNITTING CIRCLE

3:00–5:00pm Beginners welcome. Instruction available.
free to the community

If you are a health care practitioner and would like to participate, please e-mail TransitionMarVista@gmail.com

Thank you to the Sivananda Yoga Center for letting us use their space for this worthwhile project!

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA

310-822-9642

Eco-Movie Night - January 2011

2010-12-27T12:04:00.001-08:00

The Power of Community

How Cuba Survived Peak Oil

EVENT: Saturday, January 8 at 7:00pm

When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990, Cuba's economy went into a tailspin. With imports of oil cut by more than half – and food by 80 percent – people were desperate. This film tells of the hardships and struggles as well as the community and creativity of the Cuban people during this difficult time. Cubans share how they transitioned from a highly mechanized, industrial agricultural system to one using organic methods of farming and local, urban gardens. It is an unusual look into the Cuban culture during this economic crisis, which they call "The Special Period." The film opens with a short history of Peak Oil, a term for the time in our history when world oil production will reach its all-time peak and begin to decline forever. Cuba, the only country that has faced such a crisis – the massive reduction of fossil fuels – is an example of options and hope. More info: www.powerofcommunity.org

Followed by discussion. Donations welcome.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA

310-822-9642

Making Holiday Gifts from Repurposed Materials

2010-12-08T18:47:00.000-08:00

EVENT DATES: Saturday, November 27 and Sunday, December 19 from 2:00 to 5:00pm

Simplify the holidays by giving earth-friendly gifts this holiday season. We will share creative ideas for gifts made from repurposed materials. By either making or purchasing gifts made from repurposed materials we reduce our ecological footprint. Learn how to create bows from magazine pages and wrap presents in fabric. Don’t forget to bring last year’s holiday cards—learn how to make them into gift boxes. Or bring and share your own favorite gift idea.

Free events

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642

Introduction to Brain Gym®

2010-12-08T18:42:00.000-08:00

Event: Sunday, January 23 from 2:00–5:00pm

An introduction to simple movements that enhance brain function. Presented by Annette Pasternak, certified Brain Gym® Instructor/Consultant.

In this experiential workshop, learn how simple movements can dramatically enhance the functioning of your brain and body. Used often with children and especially those with learning difficulties, autism, and ADD/ADHD, Brain Gym can also be a life-changing tool for personal growth at any age.

In this workshop you will learn: 1) What Brain Gym is, where it comes from, and what are its many benefits; 2) how to release the tendon guard reflex to bring us out of a chronically stressed, fearful state; and 3) a simple four-minute routine to activate, integrate, and relax the brain for optimal learning.

For more information, contact the instructor at 310-614-1106.

Cost: $30 ($20 to members of Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center)

Course meets at:
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Ready, Set, Go!

2010-12-08T18:31:00.000-08:00

THREE-SESSION COURSE: Tuesdays from 7:00 to 8:30pm, Janaury 18, 25 and February 1

Tools for Positive Life Changes

Join homeopath Julie Mann and Brain Gym® Instructor/Consultant Annette Pasternak for a transformative, inspiring and practical three-session workshop, just in time for a new start in the new year! We will use a variety of techniques to release obstacles, connect with our passions, and create action plans to manifest our highest dreams.

Cost: $45 ($35 for members of Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center)

The course will meet at
Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

Eco-Movie Night - December

2010-11-22T14:30:00.000-08:00

No Impact Man

The Adventures of a Guilty Liberal Who Attempts to Save the Planet and the Discoveries He Makes About Himself and Our Way of Life in the Process

Event: Saturday, December 4 at 7:00pm

What does it really take to live eco-effectively? For one year, Colin Beavan swore off plastic and toxins, turned off his electricity, went organic, became a bicycle nut, and tried to save the planet from environmental catastrophe while dragging his young daughter and his Prada-wearing wife along for the ride. Together they attempted to make zero impact on the environment while living right in the heart of Manhattan, and this is the sensational, funny, and consciousness-raising story of how they did it. WithNo Impact Man, Beavan found that no-impact living is worthwhile--and richer, fuller, and more satisfying in the bargain. www.noimpactproject.org

Followed by discussion. Donations welcome.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA

310-822-9642

Transition Talk at Bioneers

2010-11-22T14:00:00.000-08:00

EVENT: Tuesday, November 30 at 7:00pm

Please join Barbara Bosson and Sara Nichols for a gathering of Los Angeles Bioneers, people dedicated to re-imagining the future of our planet. Bioneers are biological pioneers who are working with nature to heal nature and ourselves. Our guest speaker will be fellow Bioneer Anneke Campbell, writer and Transition Town activist, and Transition Town Leader Joanne Poyourow, and others.

A Transition Town begins by forming an initiating group, a small collection of motivated individuals within a community who come together with a shared concern: how can our community respond to the challenges, and opportunities of Peak Oil and Climate Change? The group then adopts the Transition Model with the intention of engaging a significant proportion of the people in their community to kick off a Transition Initiative.

Anneke will talk about the basic principles of Transition Towns and about the evolution of Transition Town LA. She will describe the activities of the local groups, including food growing, "reskilling classes" and time banking.

A Transition Initiative is a community working together to look Peak Oil and Climate Change squarely in the eye and address the BIG question: "for all those aspects of life that this community needs in order to sustain itself and thrive, how do we significantly increase resilience to mitigate the effects of Peak Oil and drastically reduce carbon emissions to mitigate the effects of Climate Change?"

The evening starts at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, November 30 at our wonderful new venue, G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Bl., Venice, where there is lots of street and behind-the-buildings parking. PLEASE don’t forget to bring a beverage or a potluck munchie contribution in a reusable container to share! We are aiming to be a ZERO waste event, so please be sure to bring your own eating utensils!!! Seriously! Unless you like eating with your fingers out of your hand! Try to arrive as close to 7:00pm as possible so we can get the eating part out of the way and the program underway!

RSVP to Sara at srnichols@mac.com if you are able to come.
* For more information about Bioneers, see www.bioneers.org.

Venue: G2 Gallery
1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA

Holiday Potluck and Transition LA Council

2010-11-03T21:19:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Thursday, December 2, 7:00–9:30 pm

We are inviting all who participate in the various LA transition groups to a special seasonal event, designed to bring us together as a group. Council is the practice of speaking and listening from the heart, inspiring a non-hierarchical form of deep communication that reveals a
group's vision and purpose. We will be guided by Kate Lipkis, a trained council leader.

Council will start at 7:00 pm and will be followed at 8:30 pm by a social event with drinks and we invite everyone to bring a sweet or treat.

Holy Nativity Church, 6700 West 83rd, Westchester, CA 90045
Donations are welcomed.
Please RSVP here https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGtYa1RZN0xaUWdIa3RyM1NPNDdZNHc6MQ

Interfaith Stories and Chants

2010-10-16T12:59:00.000-07:00

Event: Sunday, October 24 from 2:00–5:00pm

A community-building event which goes beyond faith, religion and boundaries

Celebrate unity in diversity and share chants, songs and stories from many faith traditions.

Storytelling and chanting are part of most world religions, with roots that stretch back centuries. They provide an accessible means of really appreciating the spiritual wisdom in each other’s traditions. When we tell stories or chant together, we “breathe together,” building a sense of community and communion deeper than words. Each of the participating groups will tell stories and/or lead us in chants of their tradition—Christian, Hindu, Buddhist, Jewish, Sufi and more.

Come be inspired! Lend your voice!

This FREE event will take place at:

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA

310-822-9642

100-Mile Community Meal

2010-09-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

Event: Sunday, October 10 from 12:30–2:30pm

Did you know that positive initiatives contributing to local solutions for climate change are happening right now? This is an opportunity to find out about—Sustainable Health Care, Slow Food, Our Time Bank, solar cookers, Transition Mar Vista/Venice—AND to let others know about what you’re up to!

Share a potluck community feast made from luscious local ingredients. Gather at The Learning Garden at Venice High School. Relax on the patio under the huge pepper tree. All are welcome.

This is a 10/10/10 event inspired by the work of 350.org

What is a 100-Mile Meal?

Not only does local produce taste better, it’s better for you! And it saves wear-and-tear on the planet. This long-distance, large-scale transportation of food consumes large quantities of fossil fuels. Did you know that the average American meal travels 1,500 miles from the farm to your table? A 100-Mile Meal gives us the opportunity to stop and ask where each ingredient that we take for granted comes from. We may then be inclined to make different choices. (As a guide for this event, 100 miles from Los Angeles takes us as far as Bakersfield in the north and almost gets us to San Diego.) Is there anything growing in your own garden you could add in?

What to Bring

potluck item to serve 8 (main dish, side dish, vegetable, salad, bread, drink, or dessert)
comprehensive label detailing the source of your ingredients
a copy of your recipe to share
your own dishes and cutlery (encouraged)
reusable water bottle
sunscreen

Getting There

The Learning Garden at Venice High School is located at Venice Blvd and Walgrove Ave. Enter the garden from Walgrove, through the chain link gate located between Venice and Zanja.

Please consider walking, biking, taking the 33 or 733 Metro bus on Venice Boulevard, or carpooling to the event. (If you do bring a car, there is street parking on Walgrove and Zanja).

Think global. Buy local.

Eco-Movie Night - October

2010-09-30T13:12:00.000-07:00

Vanishing of the Bees

Little Bee. Big Story.

Event: Saturday, October 16 at 7:00pm

Honeybees have been mysteriously disappearing across the planet, literally vanishing from their hives.

Known as Colony Collapse Disorder, this phenomenon has brought beekeepers to crisis in an industry responsible for producing apples, broccoli, watermelon, onions, cherries and a hundred other fruits and vegetables. Commercial honeybee operations pollinate crops that make up one out of every three bites of food on our tables.

Vanishing of the Bees follows commercial beekeepers David Hackenberg and Dave Mendes as they strive to keep their bees healthy and fulfill pollination contracts across the U.S. The film explores the struggles they face as the two friends plead their case on Capital Hill and travel across the Pacific Ocean in the quest to protect their honeybees.

Filming across the US, in Europe, Australia and Asia, this documentary examines the alarming disappearance of honeybees and the greater meaning it holds about the relationship between mankind and mother earth. As scientists puzzle over the cause, organic beekeepers indicate alternative reasons for this tragic loss. Conflicting options abound and after years of research, a definitive answer has not been found to this harrowing mystery. (2009)

www.vanishingbees.com

Followed by a discussion with the producer, Holly Mosher.

Donations welcome

Sivananda Yoga Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA 90292

310-822-9642

Repurpose Old Clothes - September

2010-09-21T11:03:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Sunday, September 26 from 2:00–5:00pm

A follow-up to our successful July event! Revive an old favorite shirt by adding a ruffle or pattern of beads or buttons. Transform a skirt into a sweet sundress for your daughter. Or simply make a yoga mat bag from the pant leg of a tired pair of jeans! Bring a sack of clean, old clothes to donate, then mix and match with other finds and let your creativity flow. There will be folks on hand to help with designing, cutting, pinning and sewing. We welcome donations of buttons, beads, ribbons, accent fabrics, elastic, etc.

No sewing experience necessary. Children welcome with a parent.

Free event. Donations encouraged. Hosted by Transition Culver City

Location:

11182 Rhoda Way

Culver City, CA 90230

(Lindberg Park neighborhood)

RSVP Michelle 310-390-3021 (s0 we can plan for enough work space)

See a report of the July 2010 event here:

http://www.transitionus.org/blog/old-clothes-new

Eco-Movie Night - November

2010-09-20T16:38:00.000-07:00

Houston, We Have a Problem

Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Cheap Energy

Event: Saturday, November 13 at 7:00pm

Step inside the energy capital of the world to hear the truth about oil, straight from the hearts of the Texas oilmen themselves. See decades of American presidents who have warned against the dependence on foreign oil, and how the U.S. Energy Policy has always been a strategy of defense, not offense.

Today, in the midst of Global Warming and Peak Oil, the world’s energy demand is skyrocketing. Aggressive strategies for securing crude oil now go to the highest bidder or the biggest bully. Hear the confessions of oilmen, who work in the trenches every day, scrambling to feed America’s ferocious appetite. Even they know that being addicted to cheap oil is the drug that will be the nation’s downfall.

The world is moving fast, and the country that is the most energy-independent will lead the 21st century. As America’s new administration faces the standard government gridlock on these issues, both Wall Street and Main Street are rallying to build a clean-energy economy. See new forms of Wildcatting in renewable energy and algae fuel production. Houston, We Have a Problem makes it crystal clear that we must embrace all forms of alternative energy in order to save the planet and ourselves. www.houstonwehaveaproblemfilm.com (2009, 85 minutes)

Followed by discussion. Donations welcome.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA

310-822-9642

Macrobiotics Weekend—September 2010!

2010-09-08T16:28:00.000-07:00

Special Programs with David Briscoe regarding food and its direct relationship to your health

David Briscoe is one of the most experienced macrobiotic teachers and counselors in the world today. Immersed in macrobiotics since 1972, he has expertise in every facet, including personal practice, teaching, counseling and cooking. He has apprenticed with the late macrobiotic masters, Norboru Muramoto and Herman Ahaira and was one of the first to be certified by Michio Kushi. He is co-founder of education institutes, Macrobiotics America and Macrobiotics Global.

Free Introduction

Self-Diagnosis "Unique Techniques" Not Found in Books

After 35 years of macrobiotic counseling, David has developed many of his own unique diagnosis techniques. He’ll be sharing some of the most useful ones in this session. Learn to look at your hands, skin, eyes and symptoms to read what the body is trying to tell you.

Friday, September 10 from 7:00–8:30pm at the Sivananda Yoga Center

Vegan Cooking Workshop

Seasonal Cooking: A Delicious Late Summer Meal

Adjusting your cooking for the season is important for variety of flavor, color and texture as well as creating internal harmony with the external environment. In this session you’ll experience a complete vegan meal created with macrobiotic principles of balance. And you’ll learn the most important tips for seasonal adjustment of your meals.

MENU: Chirashi Sushi Salad with Seasoned Sesame Seeds, Sweet n’ Creamy Soup, E-Z Nishime Vegetables, Crispy Vegetables with Arugula, Vanilla Custard Cups, Almond Cookies.At the end of the day, stay to eat the meal you have prepared or take it home with you.

$45 per workshop (includes cost of ingredients)

Saturday, September 11 from 2:00–6:00pm at Holy Nativity Church, 6700 West 83rd Street, Westchester

Vegan Cooking Workshop

Sweet without Sweets: Satisfying the Sweet Taste Through Daily Meals

Most of the time when we hear the word “sweet” we think of a dessert at the end of a meal. In this class, though, we’ll learn how to get the naturally sweet taste in our meals by how we use whole grains, vegetables, and other plant foods. Additionally, we’ll learn how to compliment the sweet flavor with other flavors to make a flavor-balanced meal. This is considered the healthiest way of using the sweet taste, and it’s also good for the spleen-pancreas organ system, therefore helpful to digestion in general and also for regulating the blood sugar for those with extreme sweet cravings or conditions like hypoglycemia and diabetes.

MENU: Golden Rose Rice, Sweet Rice and Corn, Pronto Pinto Soup, Sweet n’ Sour Vegetables, Crispy Bok Choy, Lemony Arame Saute, plus some extra surprises!

At the end of the day, stay to eat the meal you have prepared or take it home with you.

$45 per workshop (includes cost of ingredients)

Sunday, September 12 from 1:00–5:00pm at the Sivananda Yoga Center

Free Satsang Lecture

Fountain of Youth Practices: How to Avoid Premature Aging

Without knowing it, many people are making choices in diet and lifestyle that lead to premature aging. In this session we’ll learn how to recognize the signs of premature aging of the circulatory system, internal organs, bones and skin, and how to make adjustments in what you eat to restore natural youthful vitality. David will share tips about diet, exercise, lifestyle and internal energy that will point you to the Fountain of Youth.

Sunday, September 12 from 7:30–8:30pm at the Sivananda Yoga Center

Private Dietary Consultations

With David Briscoe on Friday afternoon, September 10, or Monday morning, September 13, by arrangement. Contact the Yoga Center for details.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292

310-822-9642

syvc-losangeles@sivananda.org

Community Wellness Project Mondays 3rd Qtr 2010

2010-09-01T17:08:00.000-07:00

Free Talks and Discussions. All are welcome.

First Monday of the month:

Meeting of CAAM (California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine)

Special talks from 9:30–11:30am

October 4

Guest speaker: Mary-Alice Quinn

Ayurveda for your home, creating a healing environment

November 8

Guest speaker: Dr. Parla Jayagopal

Prana in the Vedas, Yoga and Ayurveda

December 6

Guest speaker: Felicia Tomasko

Practices to strengthen the immune system with Yoga and Ayurveda

Second Monday of the month:

Join Brain Gym® Instructor/Consultant Annette Pasternak for a fun and powerful Brain Gym® balance process.

9:30–10:30am

January 11

Balance for Your New Year's Resolutions

February 14

More Love in Your Life

Whether your intention is to be more loving or to be more loved, this month we balance our intentions around what this whole life thing is really about.

March 14

One Monday per month:

Sustainable Health Care talks

Format

9:30–10:30am - Presentation

10:30–11:00am - Question-and-Answer Session

11:00–11:30am - Council Sharing Circle, focused on healing

11:30am - You are welcome to share in a potluck vegetarian lunch.

October 11

Guest speaker: Laura di Biago

Open Heart Therapy, including biofeedback

November 15

Guest speaker: Julie Mann, RsHOM (NA), CCH

Homeopathy for Emotional Balance

December 13

Guest speaker: Celio da Silveira

Alexander Technique: Back Pain is Only a Bad Habit

Research shows that 97% of back pain is caused by misuse.

Read about our launch event.

Read the report from the launch.

Read about the second meeting.

YOGA

1:00–2:30pm All-Levels Yoga Class
$14 non-members; $10 members

If you are a health care practitioner and would like to participate, please e-mail TransitionMarVista@gmail.com

Thank you to the Sivananda Yoga Center for letting us use their space for this worthwhile project!

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA

310-822-9642

Eco-Movie Night

2010-08-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Dirt!

A story with heart and soil

Event: Saturday, September 4 at 7:00pm

Dirt feeds us and gives us shelter. Dirt holds and cleans our water. Dirt heals us and makes us beautiful. Dirt regulates the earth's climate. Dirt is the ultimate natural resource for all life on earth.

Yet most humans ignore, abuse, and destroy our most precious living natural resource. Consider the results of such behavior: mass starvation, drought, floods, and global warming, and wars. If we continue on our current path, Dirt might find another use for humans, as compost for future life forms.

It doesn't have to be that way. Another world, in which we treat dirt with the respect it deserves, is possible. The film offers a vision of a sustainable relationship between Humans and Dirt through profiles of the global visionaries who are determined to repair the damage we've done before it's too late. There are many ways we can preserve the living skin of the earth for future generations—if we care about our food, water, air, health and happiness. (2009).

Donations welcome

Sivananda Yoga Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA 90292

310-822-9642

Economy, Energy, and the Environment

2010-08-08T14:36:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Sunday, August 15 from 2:00–5:00pm

We will show the first three chapters of "The Crash Course" with Chris Martenson, who thinks the next twenty years are going to look very different from the last twenty. This series of videos clearly explains how our economy, energy systems and environment face increasing challenges, and explores likely implications for the future. The information is very compelling and helpful for those of us who want to be prepared. We will follow the DVD with discussion and a question-and-answer session with Livio Sanchez, an avid student of Chris Martenson.

Donations welcome

Sivananda Yoga Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA 90292

310-822-9642

Eco-Movie Night

2010-07-26T09:42:00.000-07:00

Dive!

“Living Off America's Waste”

Event: Saturday, August 7 at 7:00pm

Every year in America we throw away 96 billion pounds of food. That's 263 million pounds a day...11 million pounds an hour...3,000 pounds a second. What kind of society creates this much trash?

Inspired by a curiosity about our country’s careless habit of sending food straight to landfills, the multi award-winning documentary DIVE! follows filmmaker Jeremy Seifert and friends as they dumpster dive in the back alleys and gated garbage receptacles of Los Angeles’ supermarkets. In the process, they salvage thousands of dollars worth of good, edible food – resulting in an inspiring documentary that is equal parts entertainment, guerilla journalism and call to action. (45 minutes)

Donations always appreciated.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA 90292

310-822-9642

Clothes Repurposing Workshop

2010-07-08T16:33:00.000-07:00

WORKSHOP: Sunday, February 19 from 1:00–5:00pm

Revive an old favorite shirt by adding a ruffle or pattern of beads or buttons. Transform a skirt into a sweet sundress for your daughter. Or simply make a yoga mat bag from the pant leg of a tired pair of jeans! Bring a sack of clean, old clothes to donate, then mix and match with other finds and let your creativity flow. There will be experts on hand to help with designing, cutting, pinning and sewing.

We appreciate your contributions of buttons, beads, ribbons, accent fabrics, etc.

Free event, donations welcome

See a report of our first event here:

http://www.transitionus.org/blog/old-clothes-new

Sivananda Yoga Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA 90292

310-822-9642

losangeles@sivananda.org

Eco-Movie Night

2010-07-05T16:00:00.001-07:00

Fuel

Change Your Fuel, Change Your World

Event: Saturday, July 10 from 7:00–9:00pm

This screening coincides with the two-month anniversary of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion that triggered the worst environmental disasterin American history.

A film by Josh Tickell, FUEL is the only film that investigates the oil industry’s influence on the New Orleans region, providing historical and political context for the current disaster. The film features an animation of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig that collapsed as well as a former Chevron/Texaco oil executive detailing the hazards of deep water drilling in the Gulf. (Running time: 111 min., 2008, Sundance Award-winning documentary)

Followed by discussion

Donations welcome

Sivananda Yoga Center

13325 Beach Avenue

Marina del Rey, CA 90292

310-822-9642

Positive Thinking for Times of Transition

2010-06-22T14:19:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Sunday, June 27 from 2:00 to 5:00pm

Transition and change provide great opportunities for growth and moving on. Learn how to “accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative” and reduce stress in your life! Everyone welcome. Taught by Vidya Chaitanya, Director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Los Angeles.

Suggested donation: $25

Venue:

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642
syvc-losangeles@sivananda.org
www.sivananda.org/la

Living the Hero's Journey

2010-06-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

Empowering Ourselves and Our Community

EVENT: Saturday, June 26 from 2:00 to 4:00pm

Interactive, Community-Building Workshop
for Our Time Bank, facilitated by Carlene Brown, MA. Ed.

As a participant in this inspiring workshop, you will:

• Share what you already know about “monsters” and the heroes who slew them

• Identify “monsters” within and outside yourself that you would like to slay

• Learn eight components of the Hero’s Journey spiral of growth, including

Breakdown and the Call: Innocence Lost

The Heroic Quest: The Search for the Grail

A New Call: The Journey Begins Again

• Identify components on your personal spiral of growth

• Receive inspiring print materials to help unleash your HEROIC IMPULSE

• Share stories and insights with other workshop participants; develop a sense of camaraderie

• Exit the workshop as a Hero/ Shero Collective empowered to “slay the monster of the status quo.”

Cost: $20 (FREE for Members of Our Time Bank)

For more information about workshop content, email carlene.7@juno.com

RSVP to Event Coordinator Nicky at 310-837-7332

Venue:

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642
syvc-losangeles@sivananda.org
www.sivananda.org/la

The Talking Stick

2010-06-20T12:49:00.000-07:00

Event: Sunday, July 25, 2010 from 2:00 to 4:00pm (or come at 1:00pm for a vegetarian potluck lunch)

A storytelling circle for all ages! Everybody has a story to tell and every story needs a listener! Bring your ears to hear, your heart to be inspired and a story to tell if you like. Stories are a way to move and inspire each other and to forge community. What we cannot imagine, cannot come to pass, so stories are the seeds with which to sow a positive future.

If you are coming early for lunch, please bring a vegetarian item for the potluck (main dish, side vegetable, snacks, bread, salad, juice, dessert...)

For more information, please e-mail TransitionMarVista@gmail.com

Donations always welcome.

Venue: Culver-Palms United Methodist Church

4464 Sepulveda Boulevard, Culver City 90230

Bill & Becky Wilson Salon

2010-06-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Thursday, June 10 from 7:00–9:00pm

Our special guests are Transition Trainers, plus otherwise multi-talented individuals—knowledgeable in Permaculture, Transition, community-building, intentional communities, and much more.

The event will be a "salon format" which means a warm and comfortable gathering where we can explore ideas in great depth. Bring your questions about Transition topics, leadership issues, community-building issues, or Permaculture concepts.

This is a chance to "cross pollinate" Transition ideas with another geographic area, to hear from thinkers who have a different regional viewpoint about The Great Turning, and to gain from the experience of long-time Permaculture veterans. We hope you can join us for this world-class conversation.

Light refreshments will be served.

Bill Wilson (permaculturist, communitarian and teacher) is the co-founder of Midwest Permaculture along with his wife Rebecca. They are 30-year residents of the sustainably oriented community of Stelle, IL which hosts its own garden, tool, chicken and dinner cooperatives. Bill combines his years of community experience with a broad based knowledge of permaculture. He shares his understanding of what it takes to create resilient communities by hosting many educational permaculture events and speaking regularly on the subject. Bill and Rebecca are creating a permaculture oasis surrounding their traditional suburban home while also supporting the recently birthed Transition Initiative in their own town. More information about Bill and Becky along with pictures of their permaculture-oriented home can be found on their website at www.MidwestPermaculture.com.

Becky Wilson is co-founder with her husband Bill of Midwest Permaculture and works from home creating educational courses and events. Becky served as community manager for 18 years (paid) and President of the homeowners association for 8 years (unpaid). She gained experience in all aspects of community living, from the nuts and bolts of water and sewer, to social events created on a shoestring, to the highs and lows of what it takes to encourage people to work together. Becky homeschooled her children and participated in learning co-ops. She was trained in a self-awareness and discovery program called Core Creatives and became a facilitator. In 2002, she and her husband, along with several friends, created a not-for-profit organization called Center for Sustainable Community (CSC) with the vision of creating transformation through education in all aspects of sustainability. She is certified as a Jin Shin Jyutsu practitioner, and holds a Permaculture Design Certificate.

Site: Holy Nativity Church (specific room to be determined)

6700 West 83rd, Westchester, CA 90045

Free event (Canned food donations for LAX Food Pantry are always welcome).

If you'd like to carpool from the Sivananda Yoga Center in Marina del Rey, please call 310-822-9642 to arrange.

NOTE: Bill Wilson will present a free workshop entitled Building Community, One Person at a Time at the Sivananda Yoga Center in Marina del Rey on Friday, June 5 from 7:00–9:00pm. Read more.

Building Community, One Person at a Time

2010-05-29T19:30:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Friday, June 11 from 7:00–9:00pm

Special Free Workshop

Unity in Diversity. One way to express this is through Community (common unity). Our neighborhoods, our Yoga Center have the potential to develop into a supportive and dynamic community.

In order for any group to be able to work effectively together (get useful things done) and where each individual feels a sense of belonging, appreciation and contribution, each member must pass through several challenges or fires of a more personal nature. If the individuals within the group will not or cannot meet these challenges then the group will stagnate.

Join Bill Wilson, Co-Founder of Midwest Permaculture and a 32-year resident of the unique Stelle Community (Illinois), to look at these challenges and explore some tools for meeting them. More bio info in this post.

Donations always welcome.

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642
syvc-losangeles@sivananda.org
www.sivananda.org/la

NOTE: Bill Wilson and his wife Becky will lead an informal discussion in "salon format" on Thursday, June 10 from 7:00–9:00pm at Holy Nativity in Westchester. Read more.

Everyone Can Compost Workshop

2010-05-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

EVENT: Sunday, June 27 from 10:00 to 11:00am

Composting is a fun and easy way for grown-ups and children alike to do something good for our environment. Composting reuses and recycles our resources and reduces waste. Come learn how to turn your organic waste like paper, food scraps and yard trimmings into rich organic nutrients for your garden. Children 0f all ages are encouraged to attend and learn how to help! Everyone is welcome, whether you are thinking about starting to compost or an old pro who can share your experiences with the community.

You will learn the following:

1. What is compost?

2. How do you set up and start your compost?

3. What can and cannot be composted?

4. How do you care for your compost?

5. What can you do with your compost?

CLASS FEE: $20, which includes a copy of the Kids Can Compost book, an illustrated how-to guide for composting.

Members of Our Time Bank can trade two hours of their time in exchange for the class and book.

PLACE: Venice Learning Garden, 13000 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90066-3589 www.thelearninggarden.org

Please RSVP by June 23 to Wen-Chia Parker by e-mail at wenchia@gmail.com or call 310-254-6858 www.kidscancompost.com

You're welcome to stay afterward and get your hands dirty working in the garden!

Energy Medicine with Dr. Cairo Rocha

2010-05-27T17:47:00.000-07:00

EVENTS: Friday to Sunday, June 4–6, 2010

Join Dr. Cairo Rocha and explore the foundations of energy medicine as taught by ancient healing systems. Discover the hidden link between the body, mind and emotions and learn simple yet powerful tools that can help you detect early signs of disease and vastly improve your health and overall sense of wellbeing.

Cairo Rocha OMD, PhD is a Brazilian-born researcher, and an internationally-acknowledged expert in the fields of acupuncture, natural therapies, and oriental medicine. He is author of the book, Anger Goes Up, Fear Goes Down: Emotions and the Hidden Link. He lectures on energy healing and oriental medicine around the world. www.cairorocha.com

Introduction

Friday, June 4 from 7:00-8:30pm FREE

Ripples of Energy Workshops
Learn in detail how our biological mechanisms deal with specific feelings, and how they affect one or more of our internal organs.

PART 1: Saturday, June 5 from 2:00-5:00pm

$30 ($20 Sivananda Yoga Center members)

PART 2: Sunday, June 6 from 2:00-5:00pm

$30 ($20 Sivananda Yoga Center members)

Mudras: Healing with Vibrant Hands

The Chinese believe that the hands are an extension of the Heart. For thousands of years, the yogis have used specific hand and finger positions as part of their yoga postures with the purpose of stimulating the brain, body-mind healing and expansion of consciousness.

Sunday, June 6 at 7:00pm FREE

Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center
13325 Beach Avenue
Marina del Rey, CA 90292
310-822-9642
syvc-losangeles@sivananda.org
www.sivananda.org/la

Community Wellness Project - Sessions

2010-05-17T12:18:00.000-07:00

Note that this program is on hold as of September 13, 2010 and has been replaced by a talk series. Learn more.

Join us every Monday at our Community Wellness Project and be empowered to reclaim your health.

Learn about a variety of modalities. Schedule a sliding-scale session ($15 –50). All ages welcome.

We offer: Community Acupuncture, Alexander Technique, Ayurvedic Consultations, Chair Massage, Homeopathy, Lifestyle Counseling, Neuro/Biofeedback, Reiki, Stress Management, and Yoga Therapy.

Appointments are available between 9:00am and 4:00pm every Monday. Please call 310-822-9642 to schedule in advance. Or schedule online. Drop-ins possible for acupuncture, neuro/biofeedback and chair massage. The Sivananda Yoga Center is located at 13325 Beach Avenue in Marina del Rey.

Yoga Classes: All-levels Sivananda class 1:00–2:30pm ($10 members, $14 nonmembers); Wellbeing Prenatal Yoga class 3:30–4:30pm (by donation, resumes August 23)

Payment is by cash or check (or credit card for the yoga class only)—or use Our Time Bank “dollars.” (Find out about Our Time Bank, serving Culver City, Mar Vista and Palms.)

Free Talks and Discussions

First Monday of the month: Meeting of CAAM (California Association of Ayurvedic Medicine)

June 7 from 9:30–11:30am: Guest speaker Felicia Tomasko, Editor of LA Yoga

Third Monday of the month: Sustainable Health Care

Discussion group over potluck vegetarian lunch at 11:30am–1:00pm

Get an idea of what we're talking about here.

All are welcome.

Read weekly reports of the Wellness Project here.

If you are a health care practitioner and would like to participate, please e-mail TransitionMarVista@gmail.com

Thank you to the Sivananda Yoga Center for letting us use their space for this worthwhile project!