Life Moves Through
Yoga & Meditation
Though there are many styles and brands, there is only one yoga. It is connection to the Self: Ātman आत्मन् (essence or soul)–and the understanding that this truth of who you are is no different than the whole of the universe. Yoga practice is a means of remembering this truth and participating in it. For each individual and at different times of life, the style and form of practice will be different, but the essence of yoga as connection to life remains.
My classes include movement, poses, pranayama, meditation and an exploration of archetypes. They root from three yoga philosophies: Tantra as the perspective that spirit is in everything and a dance through the elements and chakras, Hatha as the belief that meditation arises as your own natural state and through the honest engagement with whatever is present, and Bhakti, with the practice of seeking the sweetness of life and the understanding that the end point of all study is love. They are also deeply connected to my studies in depth and somatic psychology and the sacredness of the journey of body and soul.
Yoga is a means to guide you back to the direct experience of life. For generations, systems of power have created beliefs that that someone else holds the power and the truth and that goodness must be achieved. Yoga is the direct realization of the truth within each breath and the body's wisdom. There is nothing to earn and nowhere to get to, however there is much to feel and see. Through the practices of yoga, each individual comes to their own root to the infinite and respect for doing this particular life with consciousness and love.
““Nowadays, the practice of yoga stops with just asanas. Very few even attempt dharana and dhyana (deeper meditation) with seriousness. There is a need to search once more and reestablish the practice and value of yoga in modern times.””
““Behind every sick man there is a spiritual man. Behind a diabetic, there is a yogi. Behind a man suffering from depression there is an aspirant. When a patient comes for help, teach him yoga and make him better. Treat his sickness, but do not stop there. Take him further into the spiritual domains of life.”
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In-Person Classes
I have a weekly outdoor in-person class Sundays, 10 am in Santa Monica, email me at lifemovesthrough@gmail.com to join the update list to receive all the info.
Subbing at Power Yoga East in Santa Monica
522 Santa Monica Blvd. (upstairs), Santa Monica, CA,
Saturday, March 30th ~ 11am - 12:15 pm
Monday, April 1st ~ 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Wednesday, April 3rd ~ 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Saturday, April 6th ~ 11am - 12:15 pm
Monday, April 8th ~ 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Wednesday, April 10th ~ 6:30 - 7:45 pm
Online Classes
Join in from anywhere the time works. You are welcome to enroll for a series or drop in whenever it works for you. Please email Laura at lifemovesthrough@gmail.com to be added to the list to receive links to join and reminders. Classes are by donation. See the class descriptions below.
Mondays
• 5:45 - 6:55 pm Pacific All-Levels Gentle Yoga & Meditation
Enroll for the series as a supporter or drop in anytime.
Spring 2024: 7 Classes
April 15 - May 20th
Fridays
• 6:00 - 7:20 pm Gentle & Restorative Yoga
Enroll for the series or drop in anytime.
Spring 2024: 5 Classes
April 19th - May 17th
Payment: Enroll for the series to support these classes and to support your own commitment, OR drop-in for a class anytime you would like. Rates to enroll for the series are set low to give you a way to support these classes even if you can’t attend them all.
Click below to pay via credit card or PayPal (charges added). You can also pay via an app or mail a check. Email lifemovesthrough@gmail.com for details.
Please know that all are welcome and wanted regardless of your ability to pay - you are encouraged to be as consistent as you can - don’t let money stand in the way. What is important is the sincerity of your desire and generosity of spirit. For those who can pay, we are very grateful. You are welcome to donate based on suggested rates, or whatever you can give. You can also support the classes by sharing them around.
Suggested donation for drop-ins:
first class in a week: $14
second class in a week $10
You are always welcome and wanted regardless of your ability to pay. You are also welcome to donate at a low rate. Anything is appreciated.
Enroll for a series:
When you enroll for a series in advance, you are paying at a lower rate for all classes, regardless of how many you can make it to. This means you are supporting the class whether you are able to make it. You are welcome to come to any and all classes, and your enrollment supports the class. If you are only working through the recordings, you can also make a donation of $25 to support. Everyone is welcome in class and welcome to use the recordings, regardless of their ability to pay.
Spring 2024 Series:
Mondays (7 classes) • $70
Fridays (5 classes) • $50
Mondays + Fridays (12 classes) • $96
Support someone else • +$25
Click here to pay via credit card or PayPal (charges added). You can also pay via an app or mail a check. Email lifemovesthrough@gmail.com for details.
Continue reading below for descriptions of the classes.
5:45 - 6:55 pm Pacific ~ All Levels - Gentle Yoga & Meditation. A short, sweet practice to end your day. All levels are welcome and you are encouraged to navigate in your own way. I can help you find the right ways for you. Mat yoga, chair yoga, couch yoga, bed yoga — all are welcome. There will be practices to help you land and slow down, movement and poses, breath practices, meditation and relaxation. Overtime, you will build strength, mobility, and familiarity in navigating the physical body and the inner world.
Fridays 6:00 - 7:20 pm Pacific ~ All levels, Gentle & Restorative. Come as you are, and get what you need. This class will begin with gentle movement to help you shake off anything you don’t need from the week and gather up the gratitude. From the movement, we will transition into different restorative poses and practices, deep relaxation and meditation.
not currently happening:Mondays 5:45 - 6:45 pm Pacific ~ Gentle Practice Class. This is a short, sweet practice to end your day. We will start by talking and then do gentle poses, pranayama (breathing), meditation and relaxation. This class is nice for people who beginning yoga, those recovering from an injury, or adjusting to a different ability, and it is also nice for anyone who wants a short, easy practice to end the day. We will work at building strength–mind, body & soul–in a way that is accessible and personal.
• Mondays 7:00 - 8:20pm Pacific ~ Flow to Meditation. This class contains philosophy, flow, poses, pranayama, kriya, relaxation and meditation. This class is slightly longer, slightly stronger, giving movement to the body, breath and energy. And with lots of support to take it at your own pace and find your own way. We will play with strength and challenge and the rest deeply
Introduction to Yoga
(Next date TBD) This is for anyone who is considering beginning the practice of yoga or who would like to deepen their understanding of the practice. We will begin with talking and I will share some ideas and also invite any questions to be sure we get to what you are interested in. We will then have a short practice, then space for questions and shares. This will be enjoyable for people of any level of experience. For those just beginning, it will support you to find your way in. For those who have been at it for a while, it will help you find your next evolution.
Click here to read testimonials of those sharing their experiences in this class.
““If the preparation is perfect, there will be no need to learn meditation from anyone. One fine morning while practicing pranayama your mind will be lifted into a new realm of consciousness” ”
Aham Bramhāsmiti अहं ब्रह्म अस्मिति Self and Ultimate Reality are One.