Community Outreach Programs We offer a variety of programs and events throughout the year, both at the Center and out in the Community. Join our Mail List to be kept up-to-date on all Lotus Garden Meditation's upcoming events and programs. Our classes, programs, and retreats embrace the yoga lifestyle -- at prices everyone can afford. REGISTER EARLY! EVENTS FILL UP QUICKLY! | UPCOMING PROGRAMS |
Life on the Pacific Crest Trail
| July 17, 2010 7:00-9:00 PM
|  | After hiking 2,650 miles from Mexico to Canada, Diane will share her photographs and experiences of her life on the trail. Topics will include: practical aspects from food to equipment; social life, trail partners and trail “angels”; the elements of Nature; and the personal exploration of one’s self. Diane will have on display a daily journal of small paintings and reflections.
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| | | ONGOING PROGRAMS |
Weekly Meditation Class
| Wednesdays 7-8:30 pm
Thursdays 5:30-7 pm
Saturdays 3:30-5 pm
Sundays 11-12:30 pm 
| Research has shown meditation to be effective at reducing stress, tension headaches, high blood pressure, indigestion, ulcers, and insomnia. However, improving your health, important as it is, is not the primary benefit of practicing meditation. Ultimately, you can achieve self-realization: you can come to know who you are, what real peace is, and how to transcend the problems of this world. Through meditation you can experience your relationship with the Supreme—the Absolute Truth. Our beginning meditation classes teach three simple, enjoyable, and effective meditation processes to add to your daily life. Call for directions or to let us know you're coming. Or simply drop in. |
Bhagavad-gita Class | | Fridays 7-8:30 pm | Bhagavad-gita As It Is |  | A translation and commentary of the Bhagavad-gita by A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. Sanskrit for 'Song of God,' the Bhagavad-gita is the essence of Vedic knowledge, in which Lord Krishna instructs his disciple Arjuna on the nature the universe, God, and the supreme Self. Join us each Friday evening as we read aloud and discuss this ancient Vedic text. The evening begins with Kirtan, followed by readings from Bhagavad-gita - Ending the evening with light refreshments and good fellowship. |
Kirtan (Group Meditation) | Sundays 4:30-8 pm (Vegetarian dinner provided.)
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| Weekly Kirtan programs help to soothe the soul with the singing and chanting of ancient mantras. Each week, we hold a class in the timeless wisdom of Bhakti Yoga, followed by a vegetarian dinner. In line with tradition, all of our meditation classes and gatherings are free of charge. | | | |
Vegetarian Cooking | 
| Improve health & vitality through healthy vegetarian eating choices. The class includes a sampling plate, recipes to take home and loads of practical tips!
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One-Day Retreat | 
| Relax from the busy-ness of life Reflect upon a world of self discovery & Renew your sense of well-being
The day is filled with mantra meditation, kirtan, talks on yoga philosophy and self-realization, yoga asanas, a vegetarian cooking class, and delicious meals. The retreat begins at 8:00 am and ends at 8:00 pm.
(Offered free of charge with a suggested minimum donation of $10 per person to cover the cost of food.) |
Three-Day Retreat | 
| Pamper yourself with three days of yoga, meditation, gourmet vegetarian meals, nature walks, swimming and new friends! The weekend takes place at a beautiful retreat center in the foothills near Calistoga. Join us for fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of time to relax, reflect and renew.
This retreat is held annually each November. Spaces fill up quickly so be sure to call or email soon if you would like to attend. The cost for the whole weekend ranges from $60-$100 per person, depending upon your accommodations. | | | | | PAST PROGRAMS |
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Yoga Posture Clinic | | | June 5, 2010, 12-2:30 pm | |  | Learn to practice yoga in a way that is safe, effective, and injury free Receive complete, detailed instruction, explore universal alignment in common yoga postures, and personalize them for your own body. Learn the proper function of breath and how to weave it through your practice in a way that allows you to find freedom in the poses. |
Raw Food Cooking Class | | May 8, 2010, 1-3:00 pm | |  | Incorporating raw foods into each day can be an easy and fun way to help eliminate unwanted toxins in the body, while increasing energy and vitality.
Learn simple and easy recipes for fruit and vegetable juices, snacks, dips, an easy savory dish and even a layered fresh fruit parfait for dessert! | | | | | Detox Flow with Destiny | | April 2, 2010 12-2 pm | | 
| Improve your overall well-being by using breath, sweat, and yoga asanas to flush out toxic waste that gets trapped and stagnates within the body. Explore how to make conscious and responsible choices to help purify the body and mind. This is an energetic vinyasa class, open to all-levels, and a great entrance into spring cleansing. Since 2005, Destiny has completed Ana Forrest’s 200 hr. Foundational Training, 50 hr. CET, 70 hr. Advanced, and completed the first Forrest Yoga Mentorship Program. She has assisted Ana Forrest’s Continuing Education Course and The Yoga Journal Conference in San Francisco. With over 2000 hours of hands on training, Destiny is one of Northern California’s most sought after Yoga Teachers. Practicing since 1999 & teaching since 2001, she has completed trainings with Doug Swenson, Shannon Wells, Yoga Works, John Friend, and Ana Forrest. Destiny has also written for Living Life Magazine, created 200 hour Yoga Teacher Trainings for multiple yoga schools, and produced a Yoga Instructional DVD for Yoga Teachers.
| | Ayurveda Basics | | March 6, 2010 1-4:30 pm
March 7, 2010 12-3:30 pm | Ayurveda is a universal science that goes back thousands of years. Originating from India, the teachings cover lifestyle, diet, exercise, herbs, and other natural treatments. It is a complete life science that explains how we can use nature to heal ourselves. Written down approximately 5,000 years ago by advanced sages, Ayurveda became the most complete accounting of the inter-relationship between the laws of nature, human physiology, and the surrounding universe. It is a time-tested natural approach that reveals our fullest lives, provides natural energy, and works to prevent disease. | | Vegetarian Cooking | | | February 2010 | | 
| Improve health & vitality through healthy vegetarian eating choices. The class includes a sampling plate, recipes to take home and loads of practical tips! We will be preparing: - Tofu Vegetable Lasagna
- Home style Minestrone Soup with Veggie Cream Cheese
- Italian Leafy Green Salad
- Almond Biscotti
- and to drink, Hot Cinnamon Tea Surprise
| | One-Day Retreat | | | February 2010 | |
| Relax from the busy-ness of life Reflect upon a world of self discovery & Renew your sense of well-being
The day is filled with mantra meditation, kirtan, talks on yoga philosophy and self-realization, yoga asanas, a vegetarian cooking class, and delicious meals. The retreat begins at 8:00 am and ends at 8:00 pm.
(Offered free of charge with a suggested minimum donation of $10 per person to cover the cost of food.) | Ayurveda Follow-Up | | January 2010 
| "Practical and Modern Ayurveda Basics - Integrating the Basics Workshop"
This 3-hour follow-up guided discussion and hands-on workshop focuses on the integration of the material from the Ayurveda Basics class into our everyday lives. We discuss our Ayurvedic successes and obstacles, answer questions from participants, and further investigate our personal constitutions.
This workshop is designed to be a more personal experience, giving you more one-on-one advice. A simple, cleansing Ayurvedic Kichari and chutney is served as a snack. | Feng Shui Workshop
| | | January 2010 | | 
| Activate positive change in all areas of your life. - Learn basic Feng Shui principles of design, color, and furniture placement.
- Declutter and detoxify your home or office for optimal energy flow.
- Create a sacred healing space for your home or office.
Feng Shui for the New Year - facilitated by Sandra Ruggles, certified Feng Shui consultant and Life Coach. |
Three-Day Retreat
| | November 2009
| | | Pamper yourself with three days of yoga, meditation, gourmet vegetarian meals, nature walks, swimming and new friends! The weekend takes place at a beautiful retreat center in the foothills near Calistoga. Join us for fresh air, sunshine, and plenty of time to relax, reflect and renew.
Spaces fill up quickly so be sure to call or email soon if you would like to attend. The cost for the whole weekend ranges from $60-$100 per person, depending upon your accommodations.
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Ayurveda Workshop
| | | October 2009 | | | Director of New Leaf Ayurveda, Nicole Wilkerson teaches practical ways to heal oneself with natural remedies, using food as medicine, and by making changes in your diet and lifestyles. Nicole inspires participants to begin implementing healthier lifestyle practices immediately. Due to popular demand, Lotus Garden will continue to offer Ayurveda programs to the community. |
Wisdom of the Body
| | | August 2009 | | 
| Robert Nakashima, Ta'i Chi teacher at Lotus Garden for many years, invited his teacher, Allen Pittman, to Sacramento to do a workshop housed at Lotus Garden Meditation yoga studio. A master scholar, Pittsman's website describes The Wisdom of the Body as a revolutionary new system of exercise that realigns body and mind... It is the alliance of energy psychology with the most comprehensive physical training available. |
Vegetarian Cooking | | June 2009 | | | | Transition to a healthier lifestyle through our vegetarian cooking classes. Learn healthy eating habits for you and your family. Our classes will benefit the curious beginner looking for a healthier diet as well as the practiced vegetarian interested in adding to their collection of family pleasing, never-fail recipes. Learning how to cook delicious, easy-to-prepare and nutritionally balanced meals can be easier than you ever thought. It will truly make a difference in how you feel. Please join us in the joy of cooking and sampling! |
Reflexology Workshop | | | May 2009 | | 
| Learn the basics principles of hand and foot massage and how to apply them. Bring a friend with you to pair up. Handouts and light refreshments provided. No previous experience required. This workshop is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any health condition or substitute a qualified physician or holistic health practitioner. |
Little Lotus Yoga | | | Spring 2009 | | 
| A playful yoga class just for kids, to stretch bodies and imaginations. Move through fun animal yoga poses with music and games. You & your child will learn to love yoga and develop a lasting attraction to healthy and positive lifestyle choices. Coordinate body and mind, raise self awareness, and nurture creative expression. Improve focus and self esteem, release stressful energy, and learn how to breathe well. | | | |
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