Ourve Corporation was passed down to me many years ago as a vehicle for my Dharmic work, merging the ancient technologies of yoga and meditation with the modern creative tools of our world.  As a DJ, I've been able to take this work all over the globe and meet amazing people who were looking for this kind of dynamic themselves.  And whether they got it on a subtle level through my music or performances, or directly through classes, training programs or mentoring, it was because of Ouvre that I was able to make deep and long-lasting relationships and gratefully pass along what I  myself have received.

Now that I am moving on to a life in Japan, the time has come to pass Ouvre along to my present and former students.  As much as it has helped me to mature and grow, it will now provide those rewarding opportunities for each of them.  And though I am letting the outer form of Ouvre go, my work will continue rooted firmly in the spiritual teachings and creative inspirations that have been guiding me all these years.  I am grateful to have received so much and even more so for the opportunities to have shared with others.  Now I embark upon the next leg of my journey to shine this light with a new nation of friends, family and students.

The best of luck to the new caretakers of Ouvre.  Continue learning, building and sharing your amazing adventures with us all.

May the sky be your inspiration
The earth, your ground
Let fire be your passion
And water reflect the depth of your being
Above all, abide in the space that is between
For it is your true nature

In love and service,

MASA/MILES

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Our Kundalini Weekend was a short and intimate program, following up on the 6-day course material that was presented in January.  Present were Sandra, Arnold and Tyrel, with a chance for them all to exercise their burgeoning teaching skills.  In July, I'll be back in the states to present another 6-day course.  This time touching on newer material from the 500-hour training material.  This program will still be open to the public, and will introduce even more of the plethora of yoga practices from this rich tradition.  So if you feel like taking a week off this summer, come join us in July!

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I couldn't think of a better time to head to Miami than the day after a Chicago snow storm.  And thank god I made it out!  As much as Miami calls forth the images of spring break hedonism and winter music conference shenanigans, I am there for more educational reasons: another wonderful GYROTONIC® fitness certification course!  But this time I was there for my GYROKINESIS® certification, which is the system that does not use the Gyrotonic equipment; just the stool, the floor, and you.  And much to my surprise (though I heard through the grape vine it was soon coming), for the first time Juliu is not doing the certifications.  Our group was lead by Erika Hassan along with other master trainers preparing to be certified certifying master trainers.  It was a short but fun trip, and Erika was a perfect teacher and example of this deeply refined yet beautifully expressive practice.  And being around 40-something other Gyrokinesis students/teachers from all over the world was incredibly stimulating and inspiring.  If you don't get to experience it through me, then I highly recommend seeking out a class in your neck of the woods.  If you like yoga, Pilates, tai chi, dance, gymnastics… this is the work-out for you!

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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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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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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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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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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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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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