May 2016: Best Holistic and Entertaining Events in San Francisco Bay Area and Around


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How Weird 2016 - "The Cosmic Stew"

Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 8:00 PM (PDT)

How Weird Street Faire
Howard and 2nd Street
San Francisco, CA 94105

Start the festival season off with a healthy portion of art, music, dancing, shopping, eating, drinking, and a whole lot more at the 17th annual How Weird Street Faire!

Enjoy 10 stages of cutting-edge electronic dance music, an expaned Art Alley, aerial artists above the center intersection, and live bands along the new walkway on 1st Street. Located in the emerging heart of downtown San Francisco.

You are invited to participate in the fun! Come in colorful costume as your true self.

MUSIC STAGES + DANCING

Dance music stages by...
Symbiosis
Opel and Opulent Temple
Muti Music and Enchanted Forest and Northern Nights
Underground Nomads and Hookahdome
Pulse SF
Party Babas
Mountain Lion Hi-Fi
Think You Can DJ
and more!

How Weird features some of the best electronic music played on some of the world’s most advanced sound technology. Local artists from across the Bay Area will provide the ideal soundtrack for your dancing pleasure. This year, there will be 10 stages of dance music, representing the full spectrum of electronic music, as well as world beat and reggae music. Each stage represents different styles and communities. Together they form one of the most diverse and talented music festivals in the world.

The How Weird Street Faire will again participate in National Dance Week. Join people from across the country in a special dance, and watch performances of many different styles on the Dance Stage next to the center intersection. Celebrate the wonders of dancing, and all the many forms dance takes.

Cost: $13 - $20


Flower Essences: The Sacred Art of Plant Spirit Healing

Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 10 to 4pm

Marin County (Directions provided upon registration)

Flower essences are vibrational herbal remedies that promote energetic shifts on mental, emotional and spiritual levels. They promote balance, mind, body and spirit and are subtle yet powerful adjuncts to any wellness program. Join our medicine circle as Catherine Abby shares her wisdom and healing tales of flower essences with you. We will meet in a beautiful sanctuary in Marin County and learn of the healing virtues of the plants in flower in the garden. A flower essence will be made collectively and each participant will take their individual essence home along with an instructional handout.

Catherine Abby Rich has been an herbalist and educator for over 40 years. She trained as a folk medicine maker in the Bavarian Alps, Mexico, the U.S. and in India, where she apprenticed with the well-known Ayurvedic physician, Dr. Vasant Lad. Catherine Abby was a founding member of the Marin County Farmers Market and for 23 years was their resident herbalist. Her "Combining Forces” products are wildcrafted, organic and enhanced with flower essences she personally creates. In addition, teaching local plant medicine to all ages is one of her most cherished talents, her lifetime assignment and delight.

Cost: $75 (includes your individual flower essence and instructional handouts)


Sensuali-TEA: It is Not Your Grandma's Tea Party

Sunday, May 1, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 5:30 PM (PDT)

SF Alchemy
1060 Folsom Street,
San Francisco, CA 94103

This is so much more than just your average tea party. Sensuali-TEA combines two of my favorite things Tea and Sex.

In the Mystic Tea Lounge, you will find aphrodisiac herbal tea infusions to arouse your senses. This is a perfect space to relax and be your incredible divine self. Sip your tea while you gaze into the cuddle space or relax in the lounge. In one of our lounges you will be greeted by tarot card readers giving insight to your erotic past, present, and future.

But remember this isn't just any tea party, it's a tea party at a dungeon. Bring someone to play with or meet someone while you are enjoying your tea. Do not miss the opportunity to play in the exquisite dungeon play space. This is the perfect time to enjoy some sexy sensual play. This space is great for everything from flogging and spanking to light fingertip touch and kisses on the entire body. Our parties have often included some really hot massage scenes. To keep this tradition going we will provide everything you need for a sexy massage scene.

Back by popular demand: the cuddle space. People enjoyed a non-sexual space to cuddle and get to know each other, so we decided to bring it back again. We will provide guided exercises from 2-3 that will help you connect and receive touch from new friends. The rest of the time, it is an open quiet safe space to relax, meditate, and CUDDLE!

We ENCOURAGE all genders, orientations, and body shapes/sizes to join our events. We are delighted to hear that people find our events to have some of the most sexually diverse crowds around.

Cost: $38/single; $70/couple


UnSCruz 2016 – Burning Man Santa Cruz Regional Event

May 6, 2016 at 12 PM to May 8, 2016 at 3 PM

Santa Cruz Fair
2601 E Lake Ave,
Watsonville, California 95076

A 3-day, 2-night camp out and cultural festival of dance, music, art and free expression, on the beautiful lawn of the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds! There are theme camps, music camps, art cars, fire art, fire dancers, costumes, lounges, EL wire and lots of glowy things at night. Who puts on UnSCruz? YOU DO! UnSCruz is a completely not-for-profit, participant-driven event! This event IS what YOU bring to it (volunteering, performing, theme camps, etc.). UnSCruz is an official Burning Man Regional Event.

Cost: $60 - $90 (“Sunday only” ticket will be available at the gate if the event has not already sold out)


6-th Annual Women's Healing Conference 2016

Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Hidden Villa (DANA CENTER)
26870 Moody Road
Los Altos Hills, California 94022

Connect with an amazing community of women healers, educators, farmers, ceremonialists, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians and dancers, to share, learn, explore, expand, and rejuvenate. Celebrate what it is to be a woman!

Together we awaken our innate wisdom and inspire each other to heal and blossom in safe and nurturing ways. We will gather for spiritual and physical rejuvenation,  learning, sharing and community building.

Included in the cost of ticket is the following:
-Choice of 11 Transformative Workshops.
-Healing Connections, Wisdom and Inspiration.
-All-Organic Delicious & Nourishing Food and Teas provided all day.
-Pampering Oasis, Rest Areas and possibility of receiving free 15-min healing sessions.
-Miles of pristine nature preserve to explore on contemplative walks.

Our intention is to enjoy and expand our community of talented resources, educate and empower each other and delight in our shared gifts. We hope to inspire and stir your interest to continue raising the quality of your health to the next level through a variety of alternative practices.

Cost: $135 - $185


Dance Your Bliss: Creativity, Mindfulness & Motion

Saturday, May 07, 2016 @ 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Yoga Garden SF
286 Divisadero St.
San Francisco, CA 94117

Dance Your Bliss: Creativity, Mindfulness & Motion, is a powerful, psychotherapeutic system that combines leading neuroscience, ancient wisdom and embodiment to help you rewire and restore.
Through carefully constructed movements, somatic exercises and the sacred breath, you come home to your body, and find the confidence that is your birthright.

Take home precious secrets in your personal Body Wisdom, and find a path to living an authentic, embodied, wholehearted existence.

Drawing on more than two decades of study, psychotherapist and movement expert, Rachel Fleischman, will assist you in developing a simple yet effective embodiment "recipe" that you can use to achieve more balance, energy, creativity and success.

No dance experience necessary. Please bring a journal so you can take home her magical and magnificent movement recipes.

Cost: $45 or $40 by April 21st.


The Mother of Us All : : Soul Motion by the Sea

Sunday, May 8, 2016 at 2 PM - 6 PM

Slide Ranch
2025 Shoreline Hwy,
Muir Beach, California 94965

A Soul Motion Adventure, in and out of the yurt at Slide Ranch. We'll dance and walk the land, giving and receiving what she has to offer. Workshop: 2-6pm; hang and love and be loved by the land and sea 'til sundown.

Cost: $50, until April 15; $60 thereafter, space willing.


Intimacy Magic Tantra Night

Friday, May 13, 2016 at 6:30 PM - 10 PM

The Heart Temple,
Mountain View, CA

Join us for an evening of sweet mindful connection in presence and ritual to experience the juiciness of your being and the tingly aliveness of togetherness. We will be dropping deeper into ourselves with embodied partner meditation, movement and chanting.

You will learn how to create Sacred Space with a partner, a beautiful practice from Margo Anand's SkyDancing Tantra. And, you'll play with a few different partners practicing gentle and powerful Tantric rituals of connection.

For desert, we will integrate by cuddling and resting together.

Cost: $30/person; $55/couple


Conscious Relating Retreat: A Focus on Intimacy, Sexuality & Healing

May 13 - 15, 2016 (Friday – Sunday)

Awareness Institute
722 Alhambra Blvd.,
Sacramento, CA 95816

Are you ready for a more fulfilling relationship experience?

If you’re ready to create new levels of openness and authenticity with the people you love, this is the perfect time to attend the “Conscious Relating” Retreat! Get to know yourself – and your partner – in an entirely new way with this weekend intensive that re-awakens the joy and passion of relating.

The “Conscious Relating” retreats are designed to help us remember that surrender, trust and the willingness to be present are essential to any truly intimate experience. You’ll learn that conscious connecting is about growing through experience and courageously embracing change.

Cost: $595


California Contact Improv Jam 2016

May 13-15, 2016 (Friday – Sunday)

Salamander Camp,
19315 Bear Creek Rd.,
Los Gatos, CA 95033

Dancers of all levels attend the jam. Basic contact improv skills and familiarity with jam etiquette are a plus, but not required. Beginners to the form are welcome for the way they can be teachers for more seasoned dancers. Your intention to practice contact improv together as a group is what makes for a great jam.

If you love to dance, have an open mind, and enjoy having fun – it is all you need to attend the jam, no hard skills required. At the same time, those with lots of skills will not be bored!

The registration includes organic vegetarian meals, modest sleeping accommodations, and workshop activities. Salamander Camp offers a large yurt for sleeping, a beautiful kitchen with a large table for sharing meals, and a small hot tub for delicious soaking under the stars.

The organizing team: Sergey Berezin, Karin Moriarty and Vitali Kononov.

Cost: $325 - $410


Sex as Meditation: Devotion to the Teacher Within

Saturday, May 14, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM (PDT)

2269 Market Street,
San Francisco, CA 94114

Our inner teacher is our best guide to life - although it can be difficult to connect with our inner voice when we are fighting so much of who we are due to social norms, fear and our relationsips with our bodies. We start to look outside for answers and turn away from our most trustworthy guide... ourselves.

We invite you to join us for this 4 hour Sex as Meditation workshop where we will deeply listen to the knowledge and desires that live within us. We will bring mindful awareness to our desires and pleasure, building a practice of self-love, grounded in devotion, which will strengthen the relationship with our inner teacher. This process will empower us to claim our sexuality and self-expression in a way that fits us best and follows the path of our hearts' desires.

This workshop does not include any nudity or explicit sexuality. All genders and sexual orientations welcome.

Workshop duration: 4 hours

Cost: $135


Candlelight Yoga for Anxiety & Insomnia

Saturday, May 14, 2016 @ 6:00 PM – 8 PM

Yoga Mayu
2051 Harrison St,
San Francisco, CA

It is estimated that 1 in 4 people suffer from insomnia and that many more experience anxiety on a regular basis. In our society; full of deadlines, constant external stimulation and an incessant pressure to succeed, it is no wonder that so many of us struggle to quiet our minds & our bodies. Our adrenal systems are stressed to their max and our nervous systems are working overtime to keep us going.

It's like a yoga date night with yourself. Lights low, candles lit. We will begin with a light vinyasa (flow), once you are warm and ready, we lather up some yin (deep stretching) and wind down into some long held supportive restorative postures. Focus on relaxing into the deepest layers of the body to return yourself to a place of release, surrender and calm.

Through calming breath-work, deep and relaxing poses, and gentle massage offered by Margo Imbert, you will learn to unwind in a natural and effective way.

We will end the practice with Yoga Nidra, a yogic technique, is guided meditation usually practiced while reclining. This meditative technique focuses on effortless receptivity and deep ease for profound relaxation and healing. Expect to leave this workshop with the ability to create a routine that will assist you in your nightly wind down.

Cost: $40


The Art of Fearless Intimacy Workshop

A full-day deep-dive in to the art of loving fearlessly

Sunday, May 15, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (PDT)

Heart Source
1600 Shattuck Avenue #125,
Berkeley, CA 94709

Are you longing to love with fearless abandon?
Do you crave deeper intimacy & sexual connection?

Would you love to know:
*How to create attraction in any moment?
*How to open your heart & stay connected with your lover, even when they are angry with you?
*How to turn your lover’s (or your own!) jealousy into an opportunity for deeper love?
*How to share your darkest fantasies in a way not only feels good to your lover, but creates more trust & passion in your relationship?

Then you are in the right place!

What if I told you that every single one of these is a skill that you can learn, and (through practice) master?

That you can absolutely create deep, satisfying, sexy relationships - that last.

In this full day workshop we will be practicing the art of offering your heart in any moment, in a way that not only feels deeply authentic, but also creates more passion & intimacy between you & your lover{s}.

We know: these are confusing times to be in romantic/sexual relationships!

We hear both men & women asking these questions:

-Why is it so hard to understand each other?
-How do I maintain the passion in my long-term relationship?
-Is it actually possible to be both authentic AND attractive?!?!
-How do I learn to forge a deep, sexy connection in any moment?

And the quintessential question:
-How do I make my lover happy?!?!?!?

Cost: $155/person; $258/couple


Hakone Matsuri Festival

Sunday, May 15, 2016 @ 11AM - 4PM

Hakone Estate and Gardens
21000 Big Basin Way,
Saratoga, CA 95070

The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco is proud to endorse the Hakone Matsuri Festival.

We have booked some really good performers and reserved great food vendors.  Some of them will appear at the festival for the first time.  Besides the performers and food vendors, we have many other things including kimono sale, kids' corner, Japanese tea ceremony, and osteoporosis check.

Cost:


Yoga Retreat with Melissa Martinez | Creating A Life in Balance

Friday, May 20, 2016 at 3:00 PM - Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 11:00 AM

Sierra Hot Springs
521 Campbell Hot Springs Road
Sierraville, CA 96126

We're dreaming of warmer weather and finding balance in our crazy lives. Recharge your soul on a weekend getaway to Sierra Hot Springs with Melissa Martinez-Chauvin and Liz Robinson. We've created a weekend of grounding, clearing what doesn't serve you, and giving you the tools to live a life rooted in your true intentions.

Tickets include: lodging, daily yoga, healthy organic meals, hiking, dry sauna, unlimited use of mediation pools, and multiple hot springs.

What to bring: yoga mat, tent and camping gear, rain coat (ya know- just in case), hiking boots, water bottle, sunscreen, snacks, towel, layers! clothes for yoga, hiking, & morning meditation.

Fee: $465 - $765


The Hungers: Connection Dance Workshop

Saturday, May 21, 2016 @ 12-6 pm

Marin Masonic Hall
888 4th Street
94901 San Rafael , CA
United States

Relationship is not something we do – it is something we are.

We are always in relationship whether sleeping, driving, hiking or working with another. The San People of the Kalahari knew that every human houses healthy hungers for relationship.

We’re designed for:
* Solitude, time for ourselves
* Intimacy and connection with others
* Belonging to a family or community
* Resting in something larger than ourselves; communion with spirit

Our hungers change over the course of our life. We may feel satisfied with our solitude yet yearn for intimate partnership. Other times we have endless close connections with barely enough time alone. Each time we move, change jobs, step onto a new dance floor, we can question our sense of belonging. All the while, we remember, forget and remember again to rest in the lap of something much larger than ourselves; something that is basically good.

Through dance, sitting meditation, and the riches of this one-day community, we’ll mine the gold that only relationship can illuminate.

Fee: $95


Developing a Focused Mind

May 27 – 30, 2016 (Friday – Monday)

Santa Cruz Mountains, CA

A focused mind is indispensable in order to do anything well, and the spiritual path is no exception. In this retreat, we will learn the basics of how to cultivate shiné (shamatha or calm abiding) using various objects of meditation within the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. This retreat will also explore how to integrate this practice with other practices along the path to enlightenment (Lamrim).  Emily Hsu is one of the few teachers within the FPMT selected by Lama Zopa Rinpoche as being qualified to lead this type of retreat.

Shiné or calm abiding meditation creates a stable foundation in the mind where realizations on the path can take root and we can discover the depths of our human consciousness.  The FPMT shiné program was developed in conjunction with the FPMT Education department as a result of our spiritual director, Lama Zopa Rinpoche's expressed wish for FPMT students to actualize the Lam-Rim, especially attain shiné (calm abiding) and bodhichitta.   This retreat will introduce the first level in the development towards these realizations.

Cost: $264 - $660


Eastlake Music Festival 2016

Saturday, May 28, 2016 from 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM (PDT)

Oakland, CA

The Eastlake Music Festival (EMF) is a FREE nonprofit music and arts festival for ALL AGES on Lake Merritt in Oakland, California. EMF presents the best local, independent musicians, artists and performers in and around Oakland, California. Two large stages, a brand new music maker lounge, microbrews, food trucks, and free fun for the whole family...there's something for everyone at EMF 2016!

Cost: Free


Workshop for Men: Approaching Women - Raw & Heart Centered Truths

Saturday, May 28, 2016 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PDT)

2680 Fayette Dr.,
Mountain View, CA 94040

A workshop ideal for men starting over.  Re-connect with yourself, your real desires, and open your heart once again for connection. Get back in the game and learn the formula for starting and keeping conversations hot and re-booting your confidence.

This workshop is about relating to women in a way that inspires your life by getting your needs met, fulfilled, and celebrated.  This workshop is a mix of discussions and exercises revealing fears, beliefs, and excuses cock blocking you from your true desires. Included are writing exercises, group exercises, an amazing live opportunity to practice approaching women, and most favorably reviewed part of the workshop; the women's panel discussion where we invite real authentic questions and conversation with our woman advocates.

If you want different results, take different actions.

Entering a safe sacred space with two of the bay area's hottest heart centered intimacy coaches is the most pleasurable way to try something new in your approach to meeting women.

Did you know simply clearing a few misbeliefs blocking your success will make the difference for you.
How do I know if I am walking around with beliefs blocking my success in meeting women?
v  If you are not getting the results, you want.
v  If you keep experiencing the same feelings of defeat, rejection, or anxiety over and over again.
v  If your so confused about where and how to meet women.
v  The good news is......
v  Clearing the heart clutter, myths, and fears around approaching women is important so you can feel to begin a new paradigm of having amazing success with women.
v  Imagine you being totally welcomed, loved, and adored just for being you....
v  If you've always wanted a safe sacred space to invite in and learn a new way of meeting women so you can feel your needs are getting met, this workshop is for you.
v  If you've always wanted relief from the feeling of having to perform and jump through hoops with women this workshop is for you.
v  If you'd just love to be yourself and let that be enough, this workshop is for you.

Cost: $85 - $115


Santa Cruz American Music Festival

Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 10:00 AM - Sunday, May 29, 2016 at 7:30 PM (PDT)

Aptos, CA

Get ready for some house rockin’ Blues, Americana, and Country Music as we kick the summer into high gear at the 2nd Annual Santa Cruz American Music Festival on Memorial Day weekend, May 28th & 29th, 2016. 

Memorial Day weekend traditionally marks the beginning of summer vacations, family fun, and great musical experiences shared with both old and new friends. For more than 23 years Aptos Village Park has been the host to a rich and storied history of great music that brings us all together. 2015 brought Bonnie Raitt, Big & Rich, Kellie Pickler, Los Lonely Boys, JJ Grey & Mofro, Coco Montoya, Chris Cain, Ryan Bingham and more to Aptos Village Park! This festival will continue to honor the diverse nature of Traditional American Music by bringing world-class artists together for two fun-filled days of LIVE music in this exceptionally beautiful park, featuring a state-of-the-art sound system for your enjoyment. We hope you will join us as we pay tribute to some of the finest musical talents around!

Details:
* Two full days of top talent in a variety of Traditional American Music genres at Aptos Village Park, a natural amphitheater of oaks and redwoods surrounding a beautiful sunny grass meadow near the Monterey Bay.
* Featuring a state-of-the-art sound system and open-air staging.
* Merchandise booths for all the new Santa Cruz American Music Festival gear.
* Easy access to the artist’s booth where you can meet some of the artists, purchase their merchandise and get autographs.
* Food & drink booths with BBQ, Asian, Mexican, wraps, pizza, organic fare, New Orleans style, gourmet hot dogs, kettle korn, frozen fruit bars, smoothies, desserts, water, non-alcoholic beverages, beer & wine. Use your Festival Dollars here!
* Children’s area with face painting and balloon twisting.

Cost: $55 - $100 / person a day

Unleashing and Celebrating Sex: Break Free from Shame

Tuesday, May 31, 2016 from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (PDT)

Center for Sex and Culture
1349 Mission Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

We all want to enhance sexual intimacy and increase pleasure. However, there are many barriers that prevent us from exploring sensuality and sex.

These barriers include judgments about sex, negative feelings like shame, guilt, and jealousy, and difficulty in communicating our deepest desires.

Experts Dr. Beth Gadomski and Eileen Chao, CSB will help you break through the emotional, psychological, and physical barriers that preventing us all from cultivating and celebrating sex.

This dynamic presentation will integrate Beth and Eileen’s wealth of experience in psychology, embodied experiential learning, and sex/intimacy coaching to unleash and enhance your authentic sexual expression. By offering accessible strategies to improve communication to partners about sexual preferences, interests, and inclinations, you will open to boundless sexual possibilities.

Cost: $22 - $28