January 2017: Best Holistic and Entertaining Events in San Francisco Bay Area and Around


Authentic Sexual Connection with Alex S. Morgan & Monique Darling

Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM PST

Iron Giant Loft
1080 23rd Ave
Oakland, CA 94606

How do you create new sexual connections without being fake, cheesy, or inauthentic?

How do you find your authentic sexual self—and invite it out to connect and play?

Sexual connections between people who are coming from their core are incredibly hot and truly magic, whether they're for a night or for a lifetime. But how do you reveal yourself and your desires—and how do you ask someone else to meet you there?

Sex and intimacy coach Alex S. Morgan and authenticity and vulnerability teacher Monique Darling will guide you through the process of finding and staying true to your most real self, clearly naming your in-the-moment desires, and taking the pressure out of flirtation so that it can be fun again—all while helping you create sexual play that lets two (or more!) people truly connect.

Tonight, you'll learn and get to practice:
ü  How to identify your authentic sexual self
ü  How to drop your mask—or paint a new one that can express more of who you truly are!
ü  Being courageously vulnerable without being "too much"
ü  Why nervous tension can be a good thing (and how to keep it an amusement park ride, not a scary movie)
ü  Flirting and connecting from your authentic sexual self to theirs
ü  Holding an open heart without strings or attachment to outcome
ü  How to have needs without being "needy"
ü  And most importantly... how to let go of the awkwardness and remember how to play!

You'll get to try out these skills and tips as you learn them through interactive exercises. All interactive touch is optional and fully negotiable. This workshop is also fully clothed, although you're welcome to join us for the all-gender, all-orientation Play Party Bliss following the workshop to practice your new skills in a safe, welcoming space with yummy people.

Cost: $20


(CCU) Astral Projection Meditation

Sunday, January 1, 2017 at 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST

Live Lotus
556 North 1st Street
#3
San Jose, CA 95112

“Close your eyes and let the mind expand. Let no fear of death or darkness arrest its course. Allow the mind to merge with Mind. Let it flow out upon the great curve of consciousness. Let it soar on the wings of the great bird of duration, up to the very Circle of Eternity."
— The Emerald Tablet Of Hermes & The Kybalion: Two Classic Books on Hermetic Philosophy

Astral Projection (OOBE) is an ancient gnosis of the immortality of one's consciousness through projection of the astral body. The spirit is eternal and boundless, the ability, once honed is a beacon of travel left only to the mind.

Below is an overview of the Astral Projection Meditation Workshop:
• Brainwave States
• 7 Planes of Consciousness
• Inhabitants of the Astral World
• The Akashic Records & how one obtains access
• Lucidity Awareness Methods
• Chakra Dictations & Blockages
• ACC 6 Step Astral Projection System

Cost: $78


All Gender Play Party Bliss w/ Monique Darling Alex S Morgan Peter Petersen

Sunday, January 1, 2017, 7:30 PM –12:00 AM PST

Iron Giant Loft
1080 23rd Ave
Oakland, CA 94606

This is an experiential play party for the sensually adventurous. This special evening welcomes ALL and is very gender friendly.

This is an invitation to dive deeply into yourself and each other in ways you may have been afraid to do in the past. This is the play party you want to come to even if you've never been to a play party before.

(Never been to one of these before? Come to our pre-party workshop and learn how to get your flirt on authentically!)

We create an expansive, feeling-full environment charged with electricity, yet warmly grounded and earthy. A safe and sacred container for exploring kisses and hugs in a relaxed, sex-positive space. This play party encourages your curiosity about taking your own sensual play space to the next level.

The evening is a celebration of imagination and curiosity, so you may experience as many flavors as you dare. Come dressed in something that makes you feel special, decadent, and sexy!

First, let Peter open you up through the movement practice called Qigong, getting you out of your minds and into your hearts.

Next, let us led you through a series of conscious connective touch interactive games as we begin to take a room full of strangers on an intimate exploration of themselves through one another.

Then, let Monique and Alex lead you through a welcome circle where a room of strangers slowly opens up and winds up on the same page, having the opportunity to be seen, heard, and understood in ways maybe you have never even imagined!

What is Play with a capital "P"?

Play with a capital "P" is whatever it means to you. You are invited to co-create whatever feeds your soul. Participation (also with a capital "P") can mean many things and voyeurs are as warmly welcomed as the most actively engaged. It's a sensual space where participants are encouraged to explore themselves and others in ways that are stimulating, nurturing, exciting, safe and FUN!

This is the Play party you want to come to if you've never been AND this is the Play party you want to come to if you want to experience how to take generating safe play space for you and your loved ones to the next level.

Cost: $35 - $45


New Year San Francisco Satsang

Monday, January 2, 2017 at 7 PM - 9 PM

San Francisco Friends Meeting
65 9th St,
San Francisco, California 94103

"When we gather together in satsang, we call forth that profound radiant grace that is the mystery of this life; that created and animates these apparent forms." -Jon Bernie

Regular Satsang workshops in San Francisco. Jon starts with a silent sitting period, followed by a short talk, after which there is ample opportunity to work with him one-on-one. Most of the free podcasts are recorded here.

Three blocks from BART Civic Center Station. Door is usually open from 6:40 until 7:10. It's the door to the far left on the Quaker building. Mark, the steadfast door host, will be there to greet you and let you in. Chair seating. No prior knowledge of meditation needed.

Meditation begins at 7pm. Please silence cell phones upon entering and, if you arrive after 7, come in quietly. After the silent sitting, Jon gives a talk, followed by time for attendees to go up and work with him one-on-one/ask a question. New people are welcome!

Cost: $10.


Connecting to Ecstasy and your Spirit Guides w/ Monique & Peter

Monday, January 2, 2017 at 7:30 PM – 10:30 PM PST

Emeryville, CA

Life is a dance of relationships. There is just no avoiding it. And no relationship is more important than the one to yourself and your higher-self.

Join Peter and Monique for an evening of making time for yourself, taking time to awaken, explore and inspire the sacred within, unlocking an unfathomable spirit that connects us to all that is.

Monique and Peter will guide you on a set of exercises that will help you to delve deeper internally that opens you to incredible connections we have to all that is.

First Peter brings his love of a moving meditation from China called Qigong. Qigong is a movement practice that helps move fresh energy and awareness into our body.

Next Peter leads us through the dance of the 5 elements. Taking you on an expedition, an adventure through movement and connection, both inward and outward as he takes us on a dance journey that has destination stops at each element. Music is selected to take you through each of the five elements that eventually leads you back to your center (Spirit) Allowing your True Self to be revealed!

this is one of my newest classes and a direction that I'm feeling called to share more of. It's a class all about opening up to your spirit guides, a place I have been intimately connected since I was little, but was shunned and called crazy by friends and family, so I tried to deny it for years. Its only been recently, I have been reestablishing the connection, and its so beautiful to connect so fully with another's soul through the way the universe sees, supports and loves them.

Thurs nights class will help you get in touch with all of the ways your guides are in contact with YOU, ways to feel ecstatic as the angel that you are in your Human body.

Have you ever been interested in connecting with your spirit guides, or wanting to know what and who they are?

What if I told you that you never have to be alone again and even if you feel that the whole world is against you, there will always be someone right beside you, often MANY someone, guiding you, being your own personal cheerleader?

Spirit guides are unique, powerful beings that freely walk the many universal planes, including the physical realm where we are. Can spirit guides help YOU? Here are a few questions to ask yourself...

Do you want to look at current challenges in your life, from a new perspective, gaining new options and solutions?

Do you have deep, personal questions that if you had answers to, would bring you greater clarity and a higher peace of mind?

Do you want a positive "unconditional" guiding force that doesn’t ask for anything in return?

Are you ready for even better relationships, a job that brings you even more happiness a genuinely delightful life?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, then you will most certainly benefit from having a personal relationship with your own spirit guide/s.

With Peter's amazing ability to help clear your mind and Monique’s unique ability, to communicate and commune with the spirit world, and if you are interested in connecting to this side of yourself, this is a class you DO NOT want to miss, why? Because now we want to share all of these lessons/gifts with YOU!

Cost: $30 prepaid ($40 at the door)


Tantric Massage Secrets (for couples)

Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Emeryville, CA

In the tantric tradition, the human body is regarded as a temple, worthy of worship, sacred admiration, and… intense pleasure beyond imagination.

The beneficial aspects of Tantra Massage are many. Its significance today as an instrument of healing is far-reaching.

This is not only a massage class, but also a spiritual course. Come learn to feel, use and channel energy in your body. Tantra massage involved spiritual learnings, mind opening transformations and life changing connection with people on the deepest level.

Tantra massage is also a gateway to reclaiming our bodies from shame. As we include the entire body in this loving experience of touch, we reconnect our entire self. As we receive this touch, we release layers of shame we carry around our body appearance and our true sexual nature.

Let's share a sensual connection and awaken one another with massage, energy and Tantric touch! This playshop includes advanced tantric touch techniques for couples including Yoni & Lingam Massage. This will be an opportunity to explore intimacy and erotic pleasure; deepen your connection through the power of conscious breath and touch, extend and intensify ecstatic pleasure and bliss. One of the great pleasures of an intimate sexual relationship is the capacity of the human body to enjoy extended orgasm. This event will include demonstrations and hands on experience of intimate and sensual touch techniques. There will be no rotation. You will work with your partner throughout the event.

Bring a partner you wish to explore this journey of intimacy with.

Cost: $69 - $99 / couple


Are we having fun yet? Dance Workshop (W27)

Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 7:30 PM - 9 PM

Li's Wushu Academy
10268 Bandley Dr, Ste 107-B,
Cupertino, CA 95014

Are we having fun yet? Sarcastic remark used to let somebody know that their promises of fun haven't materialized, and that if this is their idea of fun, then they have a very twisted concept of what "fun" is.
------ Urban Dictionary

When you start recognizing that you're having fun, life can be delightful.
------ Jane Birkin

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Dance therapy is offering numerous benefits for physical, mental, and emotional health. Music itself can be a very powerful tool. It can affect our moods and our state of well-being by triggering memories and other emotional experiences. When dance or any movement is set to music, it can create a stress relieving, joyful and sometimes healing moment for those involved, as well as increasing/releasing endorphins in the brain.

Please join us for the dance movement therapy workshop in Cupertino, where we will explore different attributes of the emotional and physical well-being through set of the creative and fun exercises, mixed with the episodes, filled with free-form dancing.

Main benefits you may expect:

- Getting a good ability to express suppressed emotions
- Establishing a positive and rejuvenating connection with your body
- Improving general physical fitness and gross motor skills development
- Processing internal negative beliefs, improving confidence and self-esteem
- Encourages creativity and imagination
- Connecting others people on emotional level
- Creating a positive life outlook, addressing stressful life events and depressive episodes

Every workshop is different, and the facilitator will follow the flow, adjusting the list of the exercises and free-form dance activities to the created team spirit and atmosphere.

Important notes:

- No partner or previous dancing experience necessary.
- All ages and physical capabilities are welcome. You choose you own level of participation and involvement.
- Please try to be on time, as it is easier to “catch a wave” if you are present from the class beginning.
- Clothing: anything that would let you move freely.
- Shoes: dancing bare-feet is the best, but you can also use soft flat shoes. Please no outdoor shoes on the floor.
- There is plenty of parking near the studio. Follow the GPS guidance, however as soon as you turn to the parking lot from Bandley Drive, you need to drive around the building to find the Li's Wushu Academy Entrance at the back. There are no entrances from the front or sides of the building.

Workshop Facilitators: Tanya Pekker, LMFT, Michael Pekker

Cost: Recommended donation $15 (cash, at the door).


Meditation for Beginners: A fun and simple introduction

Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 6:45 PM – 8:45 PM PST

Satori Yoga Studio
110 Sutter Street
Suite 100
San Francisco, CA 94104

Meditation has been scientifically linked to: improving brain function, balancing hormone levels reduce body age boost romantic relations Many find it challenging to continue a regular practice. This workshop, we will discuss the benefits of meditation, obstacles individual’s face beginning a regular practice, implement techniques) to work with individual’s challenges and then dive deep into a bliss filled meditation. Whether you have your own discipline that you wish to reboot, or are charmed to participate in melting stress away you are welcome. Some brief asanas will be incorporated during the workshop to prepare the body for a deeper meditation. Notebooks are encouraged, writing will be part of this session. Open to all levels.

Cost: $40


Energetic Play Party Bliss with Peter Petersen & Monique Darling

Thursday, January 5, 2017 at 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM PST

Emeryville, CA

Join Monique Darling and Peter Petersen for an explosive 4 hours of playing in the energetic field!!!!

We will begin the evening with one hour devoted to getting everyone on the same page about energy play resonance style......where we will cover many topics including.....

Would you like to expand the range of your ENERGETIC sexual experience?

Turn YOUR life into an orgasmic playground that doesn’t have to look anything like “sex”…

Learn to get in touch with your own energetic field, manipulate it, and turn it into a powerful source of connection and bliss.

Discover how and where to touch another to tune into, access, tease and play with their erotic energy, the energy of two people, or the energy of an entire group!

Tap into the energy of all 7 major chakra’s by yourself, with a partner, or in a group

Discover the differences in “taste” between energetic orgasms from chakra to chakra

Let me show you our tools, tips and tricks for unlocking your stuck sexual energy

AND of course be shown and get to play with Monique's Infamous creation... the "Heart Fuck!"

Bring a partner, find a partner there, switch partners, or experience the course on your own. Many options will be offered to support each individual experience.

Next up Let us lead you through a welcome circle where a room full of strangers slowly opens up and winds up on the same page, having the opportunity to be seen, heard, and understood in ways maybe you have never even imagined!!

Cost: $35/single, or $60/couple


Speed Flirting for Geeks

Friday, January 6, 2017 at 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST

Are you geeky at times (or all the time)... and have you ever found yourself wishing you felt more natural and comfortable at flirting... Or just wishing you had a clue how to do it without feeling like a fool?

Did you wish you could learn some skills and then PRACTICE them in safe environment, filled with laughter and connection?

Flirting can add playfulness to all kinds of engagements, from the grocery store to the bar. And it can add spice to new and established relationships. The problem is, many of us never learned how!

Whether you're single or in a relationship, playful or shy... Understanding the basics of flirting and your natural Flirtation Style can add panache and ease to interactions from the casual to the intense.
Join us for a delightful, playful night of self-exploration and discovery where you'll get a chance to build your flirting muscles and learn what feels authentic and powerful to YOU.

In this workshop, we'll guide you in discovering your natural flirtation style, and help you leverage that to build connection and playfulness... and the sexy (where appropriate), so that you feel grounded, authentic, and more fun and effective than you thought possible! And you get to PRACTICE and get some of the awkwardness out of the way so you can step up to your crush without being in your head.

Cost: $25


Cuddle Party with Cathy Vartuli and Monique Darling and Peter Petersen

Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM PST

San Jose, CA

Cuddle Party is a 3-hour workshop experience where participants engage in communication exercises, explore touch in a non-sexual space, experience personal exploration and intimacy, and have fun with like-minded friends from the community.

Nurturing and consensual loving touch is good for maintaining healthy blood pressure, a strong nervous system and a balanced emotional health. One’s ability to connect with and develop greater trust in others is emphasized during the group exchanges during Cuddle Party’s. Self-care is a cornerstone of Cuddle Party experience.

Cuddle Party is a formal, non-sexual event that offers participants an opportunity to explore intimacy with like-minded others. In a relaxed environment, that upholds personal boundaries and maintains a professional atmosphere, at all times, one is encouraged to engage in communication and touch, in a non-threatening, share-affirming environment.

Cuddle Party is a holistic, social environment, that attracts fascinating people from all walks of life. It provides a special and unique opportunity for connection, learning and growth. Come cuddle with us!
Cuddle Party experiences teach participants, they alone create their own safety container. How did it change my life? When I was growing up and received a NO, it felt like I was being rejected. The result was my emphasis on being nice, being lovable and being unconditionally available. The profound learning came when I realized my unyielding YES’s became a subconscious inability to trust another person’s YES, without their own personally vocalized NO!

I am very appreciative and honored by the courage shown by those who have clear boundaries, and an ability to voice their YES and NO decisions without guilt, shame or fear. It gives me the confidence to ask for what my own heart desires, instead of censoring myself, knowing the receiver of my request has the voice and courage to embrace or withdraw, based on their own perimeters. “Thank you for taking care of yourself”

Cost: $35 prepaid or $60 per pair, or $40 @ door or $70 per pair @ door


A Victorian 12th Night Ball (The Dickens Reunion Ball)

Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 6:30 PM – 12:00 AM

Alameda Elks Lodge #1015
2255 Santa Clara Ave,
Alameda, California 94501

Enjoy another jolly evening of dancing in Dickens' London. Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig invite you to A Victorian 12th Night Ball – with special guest Charles Dickens and a number of his favorite characters. After a Victorian dance lesson at 7pm, Bangers & Mash plays an evening of elegant Victorian ballroom dance music and lively English Country Dances (which will be briefly taught and called). No partners required! No host bar, light snack buffet (potluck contributions welcome), and performances by the Peerless Music Hall and Mr. Dickens himself. Victorian costume (circa 1837-1870) or modern evening dress is admired, but not required.

This year we have a new addition: Some of Mr. Dickens' colorful less respectable characters have discovered Mr. Fezziwig's wine cellar (in the Lodge's Rathskellar) and invite you to drop in and join the, if you will, for a drink and a chat at their no-host bar (That means you pays for yer own drinks, mates!).

Cost: $20 in advance (by December 28); $25 at the door.


Body and Soul Ritual New Year Party

Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM PST

The Center SF
548 Fillmore St
San Francisco, CA 94117

The lights are off; the candles are lit, and the music is loud...

Body Soul Ritual is an experience and a practice with music, meditation and movement, designed to amplify women's natural radiance and creative power.

What to expect:

We start by gathering for conversation and connection in the tea house. When the doors close, the ritual begins, with guided meditation, yoga, live performance art, storytelling, self-reflection or other experiences intentionally designed to bring you closer to yourself, other women and the divine.

Then we clear the floor, turn the music up and the lights down to make space for our epic dance parties. A diverse and modern playlist guides youto release stress, feel alive in your body and sense your soul. We end with a meditative soundscape and closing ritual to integrate the practice into the week ahead.

We hear things like, "I've never felt so liberated in my body," "I found a part of myself that I lost" and "this feels like home."

You will be sure to leave with more confidence, energy, inspiration and real connections.

6:30 - Gather for conversation
7:00 - Doors close for ritual + dancing
9-10 - Mix, mingle, drink tea, be merry

Cost: $25


All Gender Play Party Bliss w/ Monique Darling & Peter Petersen

Sunday, January 8, 2017, 7:30 PM – 12:00 AM

Emeryville, CA
United States

This is an experiential play party for the sensually adventurous. This special evening welcomes ALL and is very gender friendly. This is an invitation to dive deeply into yourself and each other in ways you may have been afraid to do in the past. This is the play party you want to come to even if you've never been to a play party before. We create an expansive, feeling-full environment charged with electricity, yet warmly grounded and earthy. A safe and sacred container for exploring kisses and hugs in a relaxed, sex-positive space. This play party encourages your curiosity about taking your own sensual play space to the next level. The evening is a celebration of imagination and curiosity, so you may experience as many flavors as you dare. Come dressed in something that makes you feel sacred and sexy!

First let Peter open you up through movement practice called qigong, getting you out of your minds and into your hearts.

Next let us led you through a series of conscious connective touch as we begin to take a room full of strangers on an intimate exploration of themselves through one another.

then let Monique lead you through a welcome circle where a room of strangers slowly opens up and winds up on the same page, having the opportunity to be seen, heard, and understood in ways maybe you have never even imagined!

What is Play with a capital "P"?

Play with a capital "P" is whatever it means to you. You are invited to co-create whatever feeds your soul. Participation (also with a capital "P") can mean many things and voyeurs are as warmly welcomed as the most actively engaged. It's a sensual space where participants are encouraged to explore themselves and others in ways that are stimulating, nurturing, exciting, safe and FUN!

This is the Play party you want to come to if you've never been AND this is the Play party you want to come to if you want to experience how to take generating safe play space for you and your loved ones to the next level

Cost: Men $45; Ladies $35; Couples $70


Tension/Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE) Intro Workshop

Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Yoga Center Santa Cruz
428 Front Street
Santa Cruz, California

This introductory workshop not only allows you to experience the tremoring response in a safe environment, but also gives you a foundation for understanding this natural neuro-physiological response. Learn about the history and origin of TRE and how it helps to release stress, tension and trauma patterns.

Most people describe the tremoring experience as pleasant and report many improvements in their physical and emotional state.

Facilitator:

Maria Alfaro has been designated as a TRE® and Neurogenic Yoga™ Certification Trainer by Dr. David Berceli, the creator of TRE.  Maria has a background in Yoga, Martial Arts and Esalen Massage. She has been training with Dr. Berceli since 2004 and teaching his work ever since. Over the past 12 years Maria taught TRE to thousands of people in the US, in Europe, in Canada and in the Middle East. She also assisted Dr. Berceli in numerous trainings in the United States and in South Africa.

Cost: $45 – pre-registration, or $50 at the door


Movement Med: "Shake Your Booty" Dance

Sunday, January 8, 2017 at 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

The Riekes Center
3455 Edison Way,
Menlo Park, California 94025

Come. Explore your moving body in a safe space (i.e. a drug/alcohol/groping/talking free zone). Just groovy tunes, barefoot boogie like you used to do anywhere as a kid...playing on the playground of life.

Welcome home - this is where you - all of you belong!

10:30-12:30 Shake Your Booty Dance
12:30-1pm Closing Circle
1-1:30 Clean up (if you wish to help)

Cost: $15-20


Men's Tantrik Practice

Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM PST

The Center SF
548 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94117

Tantra yoga is a path of discovering our own true nature. The approach is centered in direct experience through our bodies. And because our bodies are the teacher, we focus on raising our awareness through yoga, meditation, and sexual practice.

This workshop is an introduction to the aspects of Tantrik practice specific to men.

Part 1
The first step is in raising our awareness of how male bodies work. You will learn theory and techniques for:
* How male bodies function sexually and how to maximize that performance
* Ejaculatory control: how to last longer and make coming a conscious choice
* Sex drive: tune in to your desire and connect with your potent energy
* How to have multiple, full-body orgasms

Part 2
The second half of the workshop is focused on embodying the masculine:
* The qualities of Shiva, the divine masculine
* How the polarity of masculine and feminine creates lasting desire in relationships
* Anima - celebrating our inner feminine

Cost: $25


Your Relationship Renaissance; Connect with Yoga

January 13 - 15, 2017 (Friday – Sunday)

Pleasure Point Yoga
3707 Portola Dr,
Santa Cruz, California 95062

Are you yearning to recapture that early relationship energy, when time together felt charged and full of discovery? Passion comes from a sense of the new – joyful risk and exploration. A relationship renaissance can be created at any time in your relationship. These workshops will inspire with creative practices with gifted teachers, who will guide you in learning about movement, yourself, and your partner. Have fun together and deepen your connection.

Workshops open to ALL COUPLES. GLBT, Kink and Poly Friendly, although workshops are designed to work with and strengthen one duo in partnership.

Using Yoga as our catalyst, come explore and be in your bodies together. Learn about how you each give and receive, listen and express, push and surrender. Use mindfulness skills to expand your conversation in the present moment with a partner, here and at home. We will practice solo yoga, rituals for connection and shifting attention back to one another, and body-oriented communication. Relax and stretch yourselves.

Solo yoga with some partner yoga. Beginning to advanced yoginis welcome.

Cost: $600 per couple


Shoulder Neck Release Workshop

Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM PST

Willow Glen Yoga
1188 Lincoln Avenue
San Jose, CA 95125

* Throughout our lives we experience an accumulation of stress and pressure. Long hours at the job, feelings of overwhelm, family issues (just to name a few).
* These experiences stay locked away in our bodies at a cellular level, affecting the way we move, feel, and behave.
* The good news is that through the Feldenkrais method, we can now unravel and release all these unwanted habits and patterns of tension.
* Prepare to lay down on the floor as Shara Ogin, Occupational Therapist and Feldenkrais practitioner, guides you through gentle movement sequences to free up the area of the neck and shoulders and their integral connection to the rest of your body.
* The day will be relaxing, quiet and restorative, as we take a leisurely immersion into self-learning without the constraints of time and commitments.

WHO CAN BENEFIT:
* Anyone with a painful condition, such as back pain, neck and shoulder tension or headaches, jaw tightness.
* Sports people who want to perform better.
* Occupational & Physical therapists, yogis, or people in the health and wellness fields, who want more tools in their tool box and a novel perspective on – Feldenkrais is astonishingly innovative and a leader in brain plasticity approaches.
* Anyone interested in being more embodied, developing greater body awareness, mindfulness, focus, concentration and relaxation.

ALL LEVELS WELCOME

Cost: $45


Intro to Self-Empowerment with Energy Healing

Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM PST

Reiki Angel Intuitive Arts
259 Meridian Ave Ste 9
San Jose, CA 95126

Feel scattered and need to have a few tools to get grounded and centered?

Want to have more physical vitality and mental clarity?

Have you been wanting to explore meditation and don't know where to begin?

Aeriol Ascher, CMT is a Metaphysical Minister and Energy Healing Master Teacher with decades of experience assisting clients to live more comfortable lives by increasing their body awareness, helping them hone their own intuition and offering gentle guidance.

In today's class Aeriol will lead you in a guided meditation and introduce you to the chakra system. You will learn how to filter and shield your energy body from negative energies. You will come away with healing tools you can apply to your daily energy practice immediately whether you are a practitioner or lay person.

Cost: $15


Sound Off Yoga & Silent Disco @ Yoga Journal LIVE San Francisco

Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM PST

Hyatt Regency San Francisco
5 Embarcadero Center
San Francisco, CA 94111

Join us for a one-of-a-kind Saturday night yoga & silent disco event with Julianne Aiello and live DJ Kaeli Renae. Julianne and Kaeli work together to create unique classes that include meditation, all levels of yoga, and sweet beats — chill / love-filled / ambient / fun — that draw you in through Sound Off™ wireless headphones. The wireless LED headsets give you full range of movement, while allowing you to hear the music and instructor at the volume that’s best for you. Join us for an immersive experience of connectedness, then cap it off with a silent disco dance party with your new yogi friends.

Instructor: Julianne Aiello

Cost: $35


Guitarist Zoran Dukic to visit San Jose

Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm

Trianon Theatre
72 N Fifth Street
San Jose, CA 95112

If you have not heard Dukic perform, I do hope you will do all you can to hear him soon! He was simply incredible! So much control over the most difficult passages with power and tenderness, shifting from fortissimo to the sweetest of pianissimos with ease. His tone is impeccable, flawlessly producing everything necessary (and nothing more) to make music. (You’ll have to forgive all of the superlatives, but this was a freakin’ superb performance!)
– David Belcher

Mark this day on your entertainment calendars, you do not want to miss the date when the virtuoso guitarist Zoran Dukić will perform. Dukić not only commands technical virtuosity; he also plays with unmatched emotional subtlety. Not surprisingly, he has won a remarkable number of international competitions, including both "Andrés Segovia" competitions, in Granada and in Palma de Mallorca. He has also won competitions dedicated to "Fernando Sor," "Manuel Ponce," "Manuel de Falla," and "Francisco Tárrega." In the greatest Spanish guitar competition in Madrid, patronized by the Royal Family, he was awarded, in addition to the first prize, the special prize for the best interpretation of Spanish music, the first time this was awarded to a non-Spaniard.

Prelude performance 7:15pm by Francesca Boerio

There will be an introductory performance by the great young musician Francesca Boerio at 7:15pm. Please make sure to be seated by then, the doors will be closed during the recital.

Cost: $25


All You Can Dance for Just $5

Sun, January 15, 2017 at 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM PST

Alonzo King LINES Dance Center
26 Seventh Street at Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Join us for an afternoon of classes and styles for every interest – ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, global dance and much more! All You Can Dance features 30-minute sample classes with expert instruction by our world-renowned faculty, all for just $5. All levels are welcome, especially absolute beginners.

Cost: $5


Love Made Simple - an introductory evening

Friday, January 20, 2017 at 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM PST

Zazen
2219 Filbert St.
San Francisco, CA 94123

What does it take to go from OK to AMAZING in your relationship?

Do you want to learn how to bring more passion and intimacy to your love life?

Love is not enough! If you want a great relationship, learning the essential skills for intimacy and connection is a must. If you don't want to settle for "just OK" in your relationship, this is the talk for you.

Small changes can make a big difference.

By learning just a few key principles, you can improve your relationship and feel closer and more at ease with your partner. In this talk, Gal & Liron a married couple and founders of The Couples Center, will discuss the principles of creating great relationships and give you practical skills for lasting love. Once you hear these principles, you’ll ask yourself, “How did I not know about that before?

This talk will also introduce you to the Love Made Simple couples workshop and premarital workshop—you’ll get a chance to ask Gal & Liron your questions! Even better, if you decide to take this next step you'll get a discount and this evening talk will become free.

The talk will include:
·         The 7 dimensions of exceptional relationships
·         The two destructive patterns to watch for—and what you need to do to avoid them
·         Step 1: The secret ingredient for deepening your connection
·         Step 2: How to stop fighting over the small stuff—and discover what you really want or need
·         Step 3: Sensual touch – a simple yet powerful tip for more pleasure
·         Step 4: How to set powerful intention that will help your relationship grow
·         BONUS: Test your relationship! Get a free copy of our 7Dimensions quiz.

Cost: $15/single; $20/couple


Free 2-Day Meditation Training Course

January 21 - 22, 2017 (Saturday – Sunday)

Private Residence (Ardenwood)
Ardenwood Blvd & Commerce Dr
Fremont, CA 94555

Do you ponder over the meaning of life?
Are you interested in discovering your higher potential and the means for achieving it?
Are you keen on growth and transformation?
Do you aspire to serve for universal/cosmic good?

This 2-day course provides a comprehensive overview of the system of Pranahuti Aided Meditation (PAM) to prospective students. The system is also called the Natural Path. It is a comprehensive self-contained spiritual discipline that aims to assist a person to evolve into cosmic consciousness and obtain Self Realization. The system uses the process of Pranahuti (Yogic Transmission) by a competent trainer as the main aid to assist a person to grow and transform.

This practice is suitable for someone who is seriously interested in:

·         Reality and the greater good of all
·         Selfless service to humanity
·         Developing positive qualities and values in life, which give meaning, purpose, inner strength and freedom of mind
·         Transcending limited thought patterns and attitudes
·         Increasing harmony and happiness in all aspects of life
·         Practising vegetarianism and compassion towards all beings
·         Dedicating time towards the practice

Class agenda (Saturday and Sunday):

·         Introduction to Natural Path
·         Daily meditation practices - methods and techniques
·         Role of Pranahuti (yogic transmission technique) as an active and continuous support for practitioners to achieve higher level of consciousness
·         Holistic way of living to be in tune with universal consciousness
·         Control of mind and concentration
·         Stages of Progress - A complete map of spiritual journey up to the highest level of consciousness
·         Four experiential guided meditation sessions (30 minutes each) during the two-day course

Cost: Free


Energy Medicine with Donna Eden

Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at 7 - 10 p.m. Door open at 6:30pm

Unity Palo Alto
3391 Middlefield Road
Palo Alto CA 94306

Donna Eden is among the world's most sought, most joyous, and most authoritative spokespersons for Energy Medicine. Her abilities as a healer are legendary. She has taught more than 100,000 people worldwide, both laypeople and professionals, how to understand the body as an energy system.

Based on the understanding that the body is designed to heal itself and feel good, Donna's method of energy work taps into the rich storehouse of natural wisdom within our bodies.

In this evening seminar Donna will introduce you to some of the core techniques of Energy Medicine.

Learn how to:
• Boost your energy level using simple, fun techniques
• Reduce stress and alleviate pain
• Identify and remove energy blocks

Cost: $40 in advance, or $45 at the door


REVEAL - A Professional Woman's Path from Invisible to Invincible

Friday, January 27, 2017 at 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM PST

Cloudera
1001 Page Mill Road
Denali Room
Palo Alto, CA 94304

You’re an intelligent, motivated, competent woman, but… Behind closed doors, sometimes you feel like an invisible. You’re not alone. Many accomplished women, just like you, face the world with power. Yet, secretly they feel unseen or unsatisfied. There’s a reason for this paradox. And a way to resolve it.
The first step lies in understanding that if you feel invisible it means that somewhere along the way you agreed to hide.

The places you hide are exactly where your untapped power is waiting for you. For example, do you hide your emotions? Your tears, your anger, your fear or your passion? This is very common among women.
You often hide the truth of how you feel because you believe it is:
ü  unacceptable
ü  inappropriate
ü  unprofessional

Or, you fear rejection or ridicule.

Your power rides on the current of our emotions. When you learn to relate to your feelings with wisdom, you gain access to a power that was buried, yet always available.

This workshop is a special evening for women. My intention is to create a safe space for you to begin discovering where you’ve been hiding, and how to change your relationship to fear so that being seen becomes a liberating and joyful experience.

Many times we can’t see our hiding places because we have blind spots. Once you see what you couldn’t see, and come out of hiding, the path is revealed to the very dreams that have eluded you.
Join me to learn how coming out of hiding can help you realize your greatest aspirations:
ü  Become stronger in your capacity to be seen and stand in your worth with work and career
ü  Get to the root of what keeps you from having the relationships you most wish for - personally and professionally.
ü  Transform discontent with your body, low self-worth, loneliness and other inner-world struggles.
ü  Learn a life-changing tool to begin revealing your hidden power now.
ü  Discover what being invincible with yourself, your relationships, and your work looks and feels like.

Cost: $200; 2 for $250


Women's Empowerment Through Ritual & Ceremony: An Introduction

Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM PST

Innate Sense
1275 Lincoln Avenue
Suite 4B
San Jose, CA 95125

For thousands of years indigenous women have been connected to the powers of the earth mother and all her relations. They have walked in balance & understood their connectedness to their environment & everything around them. As we have adapted to modern society, women have forgotten their connection to the sacred feminine and all the magic she brings.

The Time for Our Remembering is Upon Us.

We are all being asked to answer the call and stand in our power as divine goddesses. Come join us as we remember our sacred connection to the earth mother and the divine within.

In this 4-hour workshop, you will be (re)-introduced to working with the sacred mother, her medicine ways and the ancient tools she offers her daughters.

Durning this experiential teaching, participants will be Introduce to:
·         Creating Sacred Space
·         Sacred Plants, Feathers, Stones and the Elements
·         Working with Seasons
·         Sacred Geometry: The Medicine Wheel
·         Power of Your Words and Prayer
·         Forgiveness
·         Working with Energy: The Heart Breath Meditation
·         Shamanic Journey Work

Cost: $98


Sound Healing Meditation - Connecting with the Bliss Resonance

Sunday, January 29, 2017 at 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM
3981 Paladin Dr,
San Jose, CA

If you want to take those "next steps" into the depths of meditation and to experience the ecstatic response in the spine and body, then this experiential presentation will help you do just that.

"The experience of Bliss is like liquid light flowing through the energetic field of the body. It is nectar-like and can be moved/pushed/pulled through the spine and the rest of the body." (From "The Alchemy of Bliss - Ecstatic Awakenings with Kundalini" - Bruce Manaka)
My primary approach is through the use of an ancient form of vocal resonance (throat singing). I will demonstrate how to use the voice to connect viscerally with the subtle bliss currents in the spine.

Dress comfortably.

Cost: $10