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Upcoming Kundalini Weekend, Chicago (March 6-7, 2010)

Join us for this weekend study and practice of Kundalini Yoga.  It is a powerful yet practical system which is known for its superior ability to detoxify, purify and elevate ones body, energy and mind.  Yoga practice in general is used to aid one to attain a higher level of awareness and consciousness, ultimately to experience the individual self merging with the greater consciousness of all.

We will explore the use of breath, posture, sound and concentration and how they can bring health and radiance to the variety of physical and subtle systems we use on a daily basis.  Give yourself this experience to deepen your yoga practice.  It is a support to new and experienced students alike and will open many doors for your growth and evolution.

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What: Weekend Kundalini Yoga Intensive

When: March 6-7, 2010

Where: Ukrainian Village, Chicago IL

Cost: $200 (includes yogic meals)

Registration Info: ouvre.co@mac.com

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Kundalini Yoga Intensive, Chicago (Jan 19-24)

This first yoga program of the new year also marks the closing of an era with my work here in the US.  Nearly 12 years of being with students in Chicago, I am getting ready to pack my things and make the big move to Japan.  But until then, I am working with Chicago teacher trainees to support the completion of their certification.  This 6-day yoga intensive was held in Arnold's practice space in Ukrainian Village and was a chance for us all to dive deeper into the practices and philosophies of Kundalini Yoga.  It's a big step to have a dedicated practice space once again, which is what we began with the Rudra Yoga Studio 5 years ago.  We'll be holding one more course here in March, then Chicago will have three 200-hour certified teachers!

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Tokyo, Japan (December 8 – January 14)

It seems that every time I go to Japan, it's someone's birthday.  But this time it was extra special.  Not only did I get to finally celebrate with Kai, who is one of those lucky December 24th children, but we also got to recognize my official residency in Japan (kind of like a new birth).  I may not actually live there yet, but I did finally get my visa, alien registration card, and multiple entry permit (once again, on the last day of my visit).  So it's as official as can be.  Five years of labor, I almost cannot believe it!  And the great thing is that this all happened in gradual, baby steps, which in the end felt like being carried effortlessly to my destination.  I really do feel welcomed in Japan, and I'm looking forward to the next 3 years to experience the unfoldment of this next chapter of my life.

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Under The Light Yoga School, Tokyo (Dec 10 – Jan14)

During my 5-week stay in Tokyo, I was privileged to be able to teach at my favorite yoga studio (UTL/Under The Light) right away.  Literally!  The morning after I got off the plane, I was teaching bright and early in their new 2nd floor expansion.  And on the day of my departure, I brought my luggage to the studio, taught class, then left for the airport.  I was part of their temporary staff teaching Kundalini Yoga and GYROKINESIS® 3x a week.  It is a real blessing to have such helpful people to support my yoga endeavors.  And I'm also lucky to be associated with a studio that allows and presents such a variety of yoga styles.  It's a perfect fit for someone like me, and I'm looking forward to growing and evolving with them.

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GAJU, Tokyo (January 10, 2010)

It's nearing the end of my visit, and I feel like a party.  As I will soon be doing my share of throwing events in Tokyo, I thought a "going away (for now) party" would be a good initiation.  So I partnered up with Mamiko, who introduced me to GAJU, a small (and I mean small) bar right in the thick of Shibuya.  One thing lead to another, and I was recruiting Megumi (DJ MEGUMILK), Kanya (Le Dee Jay) and Mamiko (DJ Boogie) to supply their personal 80s/Disco for this celebratory occasion.  We decided it would be "no beat matching" and create a fun environment for anyone to be able to DJ.  Apparently there's not much 80s/Disco to be found in Tokyo.  Well, that is a void I'll be happy to personally fill.

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Ringing In The New Year, Tokyo (January 3, 2010)

Anyone who knows me knows I'm a big fan of mochi.  And low and behold, it's a tradition around the new year to make and eat it (mochi tsuki).  So thanks to Mamiko who found a taco bar (odd, yet not so) that once a year lets customers wield the wooden mallet and pummel specially cooked rice into mochi.  One person strikes while another skillfully folds the big ball of rice over without getting his hand smashed.  After 15 minutes or so, voila, hot sticky mochi with various toppings like soy bean powder, adzuki beans, and nato.  Don't choke, apparently many elderly people die each year from this gooey treat.  What does one do if this happens?  Have you seen the movie Tampopo?  Yes, do it just like they did…with a vaccuum cleaner tube.

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New Years Eve @ SOLID TOKYO, Japan (Dec 31 – Jan 1)

The biggest, bestest SOLID experience yet.  A packed house, full of friends, and a most fun time DJing!  I love sharing music when I travel, especially in Japan.  The kids know their stuff, so it's extra fun to experiment as well as dust off some classics.  Alongside fellow DJs Kai, MEGUMILK, Aron T and Marshall, and the rest of the SOLID crew, we set the stage for a wonderful 2010.  I'm looking forward to more celebrations and more collaborations.  You'll be hearing about all of them, just stay tuned!

And as a special treat, click below.  Enjoy!

SOLID TOKYO / 2010

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Ticket to Ride

It's official.  I'm going to Japan!  The slow, steady and persistent focus of getting my long-term resident visa has finally come to fruition.  It's been nearly 5 years, beginning with tedious research on government websites, meeting with immigration lawyers, flying to Okinawa to find long lost relatives, assembling the long list of official documents, and ending so anticlimactically with a quick trip to the Consulate of Japan here in Chicago (I got my actual visa within 24 hours!).  I'll be traveling in a few weeks to complete the process, with my actual move happening sometime early Spring next year.  As I bow to this chapter of living in the US, I rise to all the new experiences and opportunities that await on the other side of the Pacific.  Sayonara!

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Nashville, TN (October 31, 2009)

"The Athens of the South."  Who knew?  As many times as I've been to Nashville, I had never once seen the Parthenon.  Inside there is supposedly an enormous statue of Athena, the largest indoor statue in the Western world.  It was closed on this visit, but just standing outside this structure was awe inspiring.  I also took a stroll down Bicentennial Mall State Park, which according to some is a reinterpretation of the mythic Mount Meru.  Observing these references to the mysteries of antiquity could get very Da Vinci Code, but nonetheless it was fun to explore these landmarks of Nashville.  I even got to experience a speakeasy, complete with 1920s garbed bartenders.  Best Bourbon Manhattan in the South!

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Yoga Workshop, Milwaukee (October 24, 2009)

So far on this trip, the Autumn weather had not been very friendly being rainy, cold and quite grey.  But miraculously on the day of our workshop, high atop the Diamond Tower solarium, the sun shone brightly, the sky blue without a cloud in sight!  The energy in class was noticeably fresh and vibrant and included some new students along with our usual suspects.  The focus of the day was combining fundamental aspects of Hatha Yoga and Kundalini Yoga to bring new understanding and perspective to one's practice.  We looked at what is the overall goal of yoga and how to incorporate awareness of the channels, chakras, and locks in reaching that goal.  It was a very enjoyable class thanks to all the participants!

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