Yoga and Environment Mini-Conference
 October 18-19, 2008

Hosted by the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center and the Venice High School Learning Garden
 

WELCOME TO THE CONFERENCE

As yogis we are all looking to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle – one that creates harmony in us and in the environment. This weekend mini-conference is about making lifestyle changes that will lead to a sustainable future. Come and experience the deep centering of a Sivananda asana class, enjoy an eco-yoga class on the patio under the trees at The Learning Garden, learn about how the yoga scriptures guide us in caring for the environment and hear about some exciting new eco-initiatives happening here in Los Angeles. Visiting speakers and asana teachers are supporting this unique event and we hope you will take part in helping us to strengthen our local eco-yoga community.

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center has been in LA for over 35 years. It was founded by Swami Vishnu-devananda. We teach authentic Classical Yoga. The teachings are based on the five points for perfect health: proper exercise, proper breathing, proper relaxation, proper diet, and positive thinking and meditation. In addition to the five points, the teachings of the Center are based upon the four paths of Yoga: Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Jnana Yoga and Raja Yoga.

The Learning Garden was launched in March of 2001. Since then it has quickly become one of the country’s largest and most successful school gardens. It is a model of how school gardens can transform the lives of students and teachers and the environment of their community.  Today, the agricultural plots are filled with organic food grown by the high school students. Health-related classes such as tai chi, qigong, yoga and natural food cooking offered on its large stone patio. The Learning Garden is much more than a garden—it is a remarkable and unique place that touches something deep in the heart and soul.

Location of Classes All Sivananda classes and workshops will be held at the Sivananda Yoga Center. Eco-yoga classes will be held at The Learning Garden, Venice High School—a short walk from the center, entrance and parking on Walgrove. (see below for directions to the center)

*Please note - space in asana classes is limited. pre-registration is essential.
Some mats are provided but please bring your own if you prefer. Asana mats can be purchased at the Yoga Center.
 
Schedule of Events
Saturday, October 18

Time

SYVC
Main Studio

The Learning Garden

SYVC
Small Studio
6:00am

 
Meditation - Puja
9:00am

 
Welcome - Introduction to Program
9:30 - 11:00am Asana Class - Sivananda
Teacher: Bhavani		 Asana Class -
Visiting Teacher:
  Ameeta Nanji		 Workshop:
Foundations of Yoga and Ecology
Presenter: Chris Chapple
11:15am - 12:45pm Asana Class - Sivananda
Teacher: Parameshwari		 Asana Class -
Visiting Teacher:
  Tracee Stanley		 Workshop: Yoga and Permaculture
Presenter: Vidya Chaitanya
12:45 - 2:00pm


Lunch Break
2:00 - 3:30pm


Workshop: What We Can Do To Honor The Environment...Part 1
Presented by: Joanne Poyourow - Environmental Changemakers
4:00 - 6:00pm Advanced Asana Class - Sivananda
Teacher: Rajeshwari		 Asana Class -
Visiting Teacher:
  Jasmine Lieb		 Workshop:
What We Can Do To Honor The Environment...Part 2
Presented by: Joanne Poyourow
6:00 - 7:15pm


Hosted Dinner
7:30 - 9:00pm


Movie: Power of Community -How Cuba Survived Peak Oil
Sunday, October 19

Time

SYVC
Main Studio

The Learning Garden

SYVC
Small Studio
9:00 - 10:30am Pranayama Class - Sivananda
Teacher: Kailasa		 Asana Class -
Visiting Teacher:
 Charlotte Holtzermann		 Workshop: What is a Green Yoga Studio?
Presenters: Gary and Melissa Margolin
10:45am -12:15pm Asana Class - Sivananda
Teacher: Chandra		 Asana Class -
Visiting Teacher:
 Lona Alexander		 Workshop:
Yamas-Niyamas and the Environment
Presenter: Vidya Chaitanya
12:30 - 1:30pm


Lunch Break
1:30 - 3:00pm


Workshop: The Significance of the Animal Postures in Yoga
Presented by: Chris Chapple
3:15 - 5:15pm Advanced Asana Class - Sivananda
Teacher: Kailasa		 Asana Class -
Visiting Teacher:
  Chris Chapple		 Workshop: Garden Karma Yoga
Presenter: Vidya Chaitanya
6:00 - 8:00pm


Eco-Yoga Practice at The Church in Ocean Park & Conference Wrap-up

Featured Presenter Information
Vidya Chaitanya - Spiritual Director of the Sivananda Vedanta Yoga Center Los Angeles - Originally from Australia, Vidya moved to the UK as a newly-qualified doctor 36 years ago where she worked as a psychiatrist. Eighteen years later, she became involved in yoga, gave up paid work and moved to an ashram, taking the Sivananda Teacher’s Training Course in Kerala, India in March 2004. She is passionate about community, networking, Vedanta, Vedic astrology, permaculture and helping people to develop spiritually. More About Vidya and the Center...
Chris Chapple - Founding member of the Green Yoga Association and Navin and Pratima Doshi Professor of Indic and Comparative Theology at Loyola Marymount University. - Chris has a personal interest inthe connections between yoga philosophy and ecology, especially exploring the resources within the Yoga tradition for living life in accord with ecological values. He also runs the Yoga and Ecology program at LMU and the Green Yoga Sadhana at Hill Street Center, Santa Monica. More about Chris...

Gary and Melissa Margolin - Founders of Home Simply Yoga the first green yoga studio in Los Angeles, with ecologically sustainable principles in mind. The studio employs reclaimed mahogany flooring with high-efficiency radiant heating and all of the materials used in construction are non-toxic. Only biodegradable cleaning products, recycled papers, and organic cotton hand towels (no paper towels!) are used in the daily operation of the studio. Learn from them, why they think this concern for the environment is important, not only for individuals, but for studios and businesses also.
Joanne Poyourow - author of Legacy: A Story of Hope for a Time of Environmental Crisis and the founder and leader of the  Environmental Changemakers. Environmental Change-Makers community group is a network for positive action which meets monthly in Westchester (www.envirochangemakers. org). She is currently pioneering the Transition Towns concept in Los Angeles—a positive, forward-thinking, community-based response to peak oil and global warming. In Spring 2008, she initiated a Community Garden at Holy Nativity Church in Westchester. More about Joanne...

Directions to the SYVC Center

Prices:
Weekend Ticket: $70 Sivananda Members/$110 Non-Members
One-Day Ticket: $40 Sivananda Members/$60 Non-Members
Double Class/Workshop: $20 Sivananda Members/$30 Non-Members
Single Class/Workshop: $10 Sivananda Members/$15 Non-Members

The Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center Los Angeles reserves the right to substitute speakers or rearrange events if necessary. All of the listed speakers are confirmed at this time, bu should any be unable to attend, for any reason, the Center  will provide substitute speakers and/or topics. The views of each speaker are personal, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers.

Copyright © 2008 Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center - Los Angeles