COMMUNITY // open doors
The DEN Meditation
Studio City
12323 Ventura Boulevard
818-856-8033; denmeditation.com
Sometimes we all just need to #CTFO (Chill The F*&@ Out) at
any time of the day. Fortunately, the options for where we can do
just that in LA are increasing. The DEN Meditation has added a
Studio City location (they began with a La Brea flagship) to provide
a fitting home for the meditation newcomer, the long-time mindful-
ness devotee, and everyone in between.
People who have sipped tea, read books, or attended classes or
workshops at The DEN on La Brea will feel a sense of familiarity with
the brick and wood elements, accents of live plants, wool rugs, and
colorful matching cushions made by the fair-trade artisans at Chattra.
The DEN features a large class space and smaller room for private
meditation or mini workshops (complete with hammock). Even with
the similarities, this DEN maintains a unique and carefully curated feel.
The 2,000 square foot studio is right on the busy Ventura Boulevard,
yet it provides a serene safe haven in which to chill out.
Owner Tal Rabinowitz chose Studio City based on meditators’
requests. Many people live or work in the area and were zipping
across town to La Brea in order to sit still. Now, a full variety of
classes is available with enticing names like Intention, Joy, Lunch-
time Detox, Happiness, Mantra, Focus, Self-Compassion, Reiki,
Energy, Qigong, Psychic, Restorative, Kundalini, Sound, Chakra,
and of course, #CTFO. Workshops are also held regularly.
Come early; once the class starts, latecomers are not seated. Be
prepared to check in your cell phone. You’ll be glad you did.By Felicia Tomasko, the President of Bliss Network and Editor in Chief of
LA YOGA Magazine.Kundalini Yoga by the Sea
Santa Monica
605 Colorado Avenue
310-963-9811; kundaliniyogabythesea.com
Kundalini Yoga by the Sea is a welcoming studio in all senses of
the word. Owners Dharam Dev Kaur Khalsa, Kia Ancilotto (Kia
Dharam Atma), Lisa Arshawsky, and Nicholas Petricca share a
commitment to the practice. They’ve created a light, airy space that
offers traditional Kundalini Yoga, as taught by Yogi Bhajan. The
studio serves all ages and levels. The weekly schedule hosts more
than 43 classes with a roster of more than 40 teachers.
Classes include Kundalini Yoga and Meditation, Prenatal Yoga,
Partnered Prenatal Yoga, Mommy and Me, Sunday Family Yoga,
First 40-Days Postpartum Circles, Vinyasa Flow, Yoga for Recovery
Stress, Trauma and Addiction, and Mantras in the Kundalini Tradi-
tion. In addition, morning sadhana is also available.
The variety of weekend offerings includes workshops, panels on
birthing, sound baths, kirtan, Conscious Spiritual Art Shows and
Women’s Circle Gatherings. Look for the 2018 teacher trainings:
Level One KRI Aquarian Teacher Training Program featuring 10 legacy
Kundalini teachers, and a Mommy and Me Yoga Teacher Training.
The single-room space is brightened by a custom, ocean-themed
mural (which makes a beautiful backdrop for social media photos).
Located just six blocks from Santa Monica Pier, Kundalini Yoga
by the Sea is across from a Metro stop and the neighborhood
has plenty of three-hour street parking. The studio also boasts its
own original boutique clothing line called ‘Gusoo’ and sells lovely
globally-sourced fashion.By Karen Henry, a producer and Associate Editor at the Bliss Network who has
added Kundalini Yoga to her practice.