Upward Facing Dog

Watch this video below. Neuroanatomist, Jill Bolte Taylor, describes her experience of having a massive stroke and as a scientist was able to vividly describe the differences between the left and right brain. Her descriptions are hauntingly similar to two schools of yogic philosophy: dualism (a la Pantanjali philosophy) versus non-dualism (a la Tantra yoga philosophy). Pantanjali’s dualistic philosophy focuses on separating the pure awareness from this world, black versus white, while Tantric yoga philosophy views every single being and thing connected as one.  (If it takes too long to load, click here.)

Although Ms. Taylor makes no mention of any philosophy, her descriptions seem like they were written directly from some of our greatest philosophers. It makes you wonder if either dualism or non-dualism philosophies are not independently right or wrong, but perhaps, each exists as true and not necessarily as an either/or approach to living.

Join Budokon Founder and Creator: Cameron Shayne for 3-days of practice and play learning the Budokon Yogic, Martial and Living Arts System.

You will explore in depth the Budokon original techniques, including the Rolling Wave series, Cobra Hood, the primal movement Animal Series, and Zazen meditation. Your body will rediscover its original patterns of movement while your mind remembers its natural power of presence. You will learn physical skills that will keep you happy and healthy, and explore and uncover belief systems that are keeping you from your greatest potential.

We will also play and learn to communicate in ways that create successful and abundant relationships. Using this fun and easy communication method, we have found that our students have an incredible rate of success in the areas of health, wellness, relationship, stress and finance.

Learn More about the Budokon Warrior Series.

For several years now, I’ve wanted to take part in the 200-hour teacher training program offered by YogaSource Los Gatos, but for reasons until now, could not. Although I have not had the experience of having other yoga teacher training programs, I cannot imagine a more thorough, well-rounded introduction to teaching than this program. Year after year, I’d witness the new teachers coming out of this training and would be amazed me at their well-rounded experience and confidence to lead a challenging and fun class. I was excited to enroll this year beginning in January.

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This class combines songs, stories, and games with yoga poses, an entertaining & educational experience for all students. Designed especially for families with young children (ages 2 to 15). Family Yoga promotes physical fitness, mental focus, and emotional development.

Start teaching your kids the benefits of relaxation and exercise early!

Location: YogaSource Los Gatos

Our Yoga & Chocolate workshop will begin with a tasting of chocolatier Katrina Markoff’s Red Fire Truffle consisting of Mexican Ancho & Chipotle Chile Peppers, Ceylon Cinnamon, and dark chocolate. This will set the tone for David’s flowing vinyasa yoga class. We will focus on HOW — when one learns — to build a critical mass of present moment awareness, their life is enhanced as a professional, as a parent and as a lover. By the end of class, you will be in a deeply relaxed, totally present state of mind as you are guided through a tasting of Katrina’s Black Pearl Truffle made with Japanese Ginger, Wasabi and Black Sesame Seeds . You’ll finish realizing that a scattered mind diminishes your sense of taste, hearing and smell, and you’ll remember that being present adds amazing flavor to every moment. This will be the ultimate sensory experience… great music, flowing yoga, inspiring spiritual message, and last but not least, a chocolate sensation not to be forgotten.

Learn more about Yoga, Chocolate & Wine!

This class combines songs, stories, and games with yoga poses, an entertaining & educational experience for all students. Designed especially for families with young children (ages 2 to 15). Family Yoga promotes physical fitness, mental focus, and emotional development.

Start teaching your kids the benefits of relaxation and exercise early!

Location: YogaSource Los Gatos

This site is dedicated to inspiring wellness through a yoga practice both on and off the mat. We’ll explore all that the Bay Area yoga community offers, with reviews of studios, instructors, workshops and more! If you’ve tried yoga and didn’t like it, perhaps there’s something here you can find that will suit your needs. Did you know there are as many styles of yoga that there are brands of running shoes? So there’s likely a style to suit you! Whether you’re an athlete, a working mom with no time for exercise or a nature enthusiast who enjoys quieter forms of movement, the yoga community will have something to meet your needs!

Over the next few months, Upward Facing Dog will be exploring and reporting about all types of yoga that the Bay Area has to offer.  Take a look inside for new articles and stay tuned!

How can I start to write about my home away from home? That’s what YogaSource Los Gatos has been to me, so naturally, it is my first studio review. And there is so much to this that goes beyond the walls and and beautiful facade that make this studio such a resounding success, that it will be hard to sum up in this short review.

I’ve been practicing at YogaSource Los Gatos since 2002 when studio owner Linda McGrath brought Bikram yoga to Los Gatos. I had been intrigued by the “hot” style and decided to try it. The environment was friendly and inviting and not at all dogmatic. Linda’s philosophy was all inclusive; her voice as an instructor was soothing and offered small words of inspiration throughout the practice to help the student move within his or her own body. I really enjoyed this non-dogmatic approach to yoga and because of that became a faithful member of the studio.

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Zeitgeist is a German word which translates as “spirit of the times.” “Zeit” translates to “time or era” and “geist” to “spirit.” Zeitgest has come to mean the trends, fads or cultural intellect of the era. Read the rest of this entry »

Saturday, May 3 , 2-5pm
Cost: $45
Location: YogaSource Los Gatos
How do you know when to push harder or let up in your practice? How are effort and ease best balanced in exploring different poses? How can the breath be a more effective tool for deepening your practice?

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