A few years ago I made the journey to Maha India (Maha means “great” in Hindi). This trip was one of the most challenging and enlightening experiences of my life.
Inspired by the sights, people and infinite displays of devotion, I wanted to share my personal experience exploring this great country. Out of this inspiration I produced a DVD called FreeYourSoulTV India.
This week’s Free Your Soul moment is an episode from the DVD entitled “The Conch Shell”, exploring the ancient use of a conch shell for worship, devotion and even health. It’s a sound that fascinated me every time I heard it in India and sent positive vibrations throughout my entire body.
If you’re curious about India and want to hear a conch shell for yourself watch the video above and remember to find your own Free Your Soul experiences.
Until next week…Namaste.
]]>Los Angeles is a diverse, dynamic and unique city. Nothing captures this diversity in a single area as much as Downtown Los Angeles.
From China town to Japan town to Skid Row (the worst poverty one could imagine in North America), downtown is also home to theater, incredible discount shopping and the countries largest flower district.
Established in 1913, the Southern California Flower Market is located at 7th & Wall Street in Downtown Los Angeles. Twice a month, I take a forty minute drive to buy flowers here. This excursion is so uniquely L.A., I decided to share it for this week’s Free Your Soul experience.
Curious to see what a Sexy Pink Heliconia is? Watch the video above and plan your own visit to the market for your Free Your Soul experience. For more information go to http://www.laflowerdistrict.com
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There are several rock formations that jet out into the Pacific Ocean. Along one of my recent bike rides, I pulled over to enjoy the view from one of these formations, which I never thought much of until my recent discovery of...Starfish.
Starfish are exclusive to the salt water oceans of the world. They seem magically prehistoric, with six rays radiating out of a central disc, resourcefully clinging to rocks as the waves forcefully brush over their prickly bodies.
Large families of starfish can be found in the crevices of several rock formations along the bike path. I was so blown away by their beauty I made them this week’s Free Your Soul magical moment.
Watch the video above to revel in their beauty and learn where you can go to see them with your own eyes! Keep in mind; it’s best to visit them when the tide is low.
Enjoy the video and remember to find your own Free Your Soul magical moment!
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Two weeks ago I attended a twelve hour spiritual celebration called Hanuman Jayanti largely observed by Hindus to commemorate the birth of Hanuman, the Vanara god who is the symbol of strength, energy and infinite devotion.
The celebration took place at the magical Vedanta Center located in Hollywood. On my first visit to the center, I was blown away by the tranquility of the grounds and majestic temple. An oasis to monks, spiritual seekers and friendly squirrels, the center is perched literally and figuratively above the craziness of Hollywood and the busy 101 freeway.
The Vedanta Society of Southern California was created by Swami Vivekanada, a direct disciple of Ramakrishna. What draws me to the Vedanta center is the practice of Vedanta which explores the search for self-knowledge and God.
Vedanta is one of the worlds most ancient religious philosophies based on the Vedas (sacred scriptures of India). The center encompasses all religions, hosts workshops, lectures and puja ceremonies year round. It's a magical place complete with squirrels that eat right out of your hand! For more information go to http://www.vedanta.org/
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Fast food that’s good for you? It’s hard to imagine but it’s a reality and may be coming to your city sooner than you think.
I recently met with Kevin Boylan, one of the founders of The Veggie Grill, a new(ish) chain of vegan fast food restaurants in Southern California that are quickly expanding across North America.
The Veggie Grill specializes in American comfort food with a twist, their menu items are made from plant based protein and the entire menu is 100% vegan. The food is good…really good and everything is priced under $10 (which is pretty amazing). Check out the video to see some of the yummy dishes I ate with Kevin.
They recently rolled out some amazing new menu items. I’m in love with their Buffalo “Chicken” wings and the All Hail Kale salad. What would life be like without dessert? Try their carrot cake or new chocolate parfait. Meat eaters & vegans alike dine comfortably and leave with a happy, healthy belly!
For more information go to http://www.veggiegrill.com/
]]>Summer is just around the corner in Southern California and that means fun outdoor festivals, ocean swimming, frolicking on the beach and for myself…plenty of “jacketless” bike riding excursions!
Bike riding lovers round the world aren’t held back from inclement weather, I should know having been spotted riding my bike in full winter gear complete with ear muffs and gloves, all for that never ending thrill of excitement and freedom I experience every time I get on my bike.
This week’s video is dedicated to the awesome 22mile Strand Bike Path located in Los Angeles County running through great beach cities like Santa Monica, Venice & Manhattan Beach.
When I shot this video, I featured Swami G, an iconic vendor located along the bike path in Venice. Unfortunately, at the time of posting this video the city of Venice formed new policies about their vendors and Swami G can no longer be found on the strand selling his wares, however the bike path remains in tact and is enjoyed by bike riders from all over the world.
For more information go to http://www.labikepaths.com/bike-paths/santa-monica-venice/
]]>Angelenos are graced with a plethora of Vegan restaurants to indulge their culinary delights. On a recent VegNewsTV assignment, I had the pleasure to meet Chef Eric Lechasseur and dine at his stylish restaurant “Seed Bistro” located in West Los Angeles.
Chef Lechasseur and his wife Sanae Suzuki offer artisanal, organic Vegan food and include sustainable wines on the menu. Their passion for food and health comes across with the beautiful presentation of their food.
One of my favorite dishes is the butternut squash risotto (reviewed in the video above). The texture is incredibly creamy and the dish is filling, garnished with fried sage - it’s obvious why this is a top seller.
Sanae offers workshops and cooking classes for those interested in more than just eating! For more information go to http://seedbistro.com/index.html and enjoy!
]]>This week’s post is dedicated to Bhakti Yoga Shala; a yogic sanctuary located in the heart of Santa Monica where people from all over Los Angeles come to practice yoga and sing Kirtan. More than just a yoga studio, Bhakti Yoga Shala is the only Bhakti yoga studio in Los Angeles.
The path of Bhakti yoga is a unique branch of yoga. It is considered the path of love, devotion, service and gratitude. The yoga classes are generally structured to include chanting; a beautiful practice that allows one to connect to source and in my humble opinion shed layers of ego and feel “good” almost instantaneously!
There is a sense of community, peace and joy found here. Unlike other yoga studios in town, every single weekend Bhakti Yoga Shala hosts a line up of amazing Kirtan Singers, Musicians and workshops.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt yoga class or a new Friday night activity where you can meet like minded, spiritual folk then be sure to check out this week’s Free Your Soul experience at Bhakti Yoga Shala (open 7days a week)! For more information go to http://www.bhaktiyogashala.com/
]]>The famous quote by French lawyer & politician Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin, “Show me what you eat and I’ll tell you who you are” is a perfect opening for my next series of blog posts.
I love food. I love cooking good food, eating good food and even shopping at my local farmer’s markets for food. What we eat is a big part of our lives and nothing is better than eating food that is both yummy and good for you – not to mention good for the planet.
I recently started working with the magazine VegNews as their online correspondent covering the Vegan food scene in Los Angeles. http://vegnews.com/
What is Vegan food you may be asking? Well, the term "Vegan" was coined in England in 1944 by Donald Watson, the cofounder of the British Vegan Society to mean "non-dairy vegetarian"; the society also opposed the use of eggs as food.
In 1951, the society clarified the definition of "veganism" to mean "the doctrine that man should live without exploiting animals," and in 1960 the American Vegan Society was created, linking veganism to the concept of Ahimsa, the avoidance of violence against all living things.
So it’s not just a new age, California way of eating! And guess what, you don’t have to sacrifice taste if you follow this doctrine! If you’re skeptical, check out this week’s video featuring Native Foods in Culver City and maybe you’ll have your own Free Your Soul gastronomic moment!
]]>Tourists from all over the world come to enjoy the 100 year old Santa Monica Pier. Riding the ferries wheel, merry-go-round or watching the sun set are great things to do on the Pier but many of you may not know about today’s Free Your Soul moment featuring the Bird Man.
Howard Kaminsky (a.k.a the Bird Man) can be found daily on the Santa Monica Pier accompanied with a collection of his gorgeous, friendly parrots and cockatoos. They are so friendly that you can cradle them in your arms, pet them or have them sit on your head all for a small donation.
If you value the opportunity to connect with animals and take a moment out of the linear than this Free Your Soul experience is for you. Go visit the Bird Man and have your own Free Your Soul moment!
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