BULL-ieve in Love | Taurus Season at ODD

It's Taur-Us, not Taur-You.

Taurus might be one of the most misunderstood signs in the zodiac. When we hear “bull,” many of us immediately think stubborn or picture the reckless chaos of a bull in a china shop. But what’s often labeled as stubbornness is actually deep conviction and unwavering dedication. And that so-called carelessness? More like “chaotic good” — if you remember the internet-famous Dungeons & Dragons alignment chart. (Just us?)

Taureans are fiercely loyal and deeply grounded. That strength is usually what shows first, but just beneath the surface lies a gentle, loving heart. It’s a reminder that we’re often too quick to judge, dismissing signs for their more notorious stereotypes instead of appreciating the layers beneath — especially the qualities that bring beauty, love, and joy into our lives.

We fall into the trap of labeling when we forget what yoga teaches us: connection. The word yoga literally means “to yoke” or “to unite.” That kind of connection requires the steady, committed energy of the bull — dedication to our relationships, our community, the earth, and our practice.

According to yoga philosophy, clinging to stereotypes is a form of misapprehension — a misunderstanding rooted in clouded judgment and past experience. So take a page from Taurus: show up with steadiness, love, and unwavering enthusiasm. When we do, we make space for everyone — including ourselves — to be seen for who we truly are and what we bring to a more harmonious world.

BULL-ieve in Community (aka Taurus Season Workshops & Community Events)

• YOGA TALK: NEW COMMUNITY CLASS - Now in its 4th week, Yoga Talk is going strong and forging deeper connections between attendees seeking mindfulness practices and ancient wisdom as it applies to today's complicated world.  Emma Alley guides this open-hearted conversation every Wednesday in April, May, and June at 7pm in Echo Park. Stay tuned to learn more about next quarter's teacher and expert focus.
• EARTH DAY NATURE BATH: COMMUNITY HIKE - Join Nate Apuna for a scenic stroll from Fern Dell to Griffith Observatory that will help you slow down, activate your senses, and truly appreciate everything our planet has to offer. It's here to support you, and this hike, whether you silently soak in your surroundings or come ready to chat and connect with other nature lovers, will remind you to tune into your roots – and root chakras! Kindly pre-register for this free event, so you receive email communication the day prior with reminders, parking and meet-up details, and any other earthly delights that may surprise us between now and the start of the hike on Saturday, April 26th at 12pm.
• MIXED RACE FLOW: ANNUAL AFFINITY CLASS - The day after the hike, April 27th at 3pm in Echo Park, members of the multiracial community may join Cindy Godell in a safe space for reflection and healing, social justice, and the elevation of diverse voices through the powerful transformative tool of yoga.
• TAURUS SEASON SOUND BATH - A community-building Taurus himself, Dylan Wallace leads another monthly Sound Bath in East Hollywood on Sunday, May 4th at 7:30pm. Expect soothing sounds, chakra-aligning vibrations, and, if you missed the last one, a new instrument! We recommend registering early, as these popular sonic meditations fill up fast!
• RUN SALUTATIONS: YOGA FOR RUNNERS - No one understands the support our planet provides like the running community. From marathoners to low key joggers, Lani Engstrom's workshop aids in endurance recovery by focusing on leg stretches, guiding participants through a tension-releasing massage ball roll out, and leaving you with new ways to support your running body. The workshop is just as much for community connection as it is for muscle recovery, as you will find other runners to share with, build your confidence, and reignite your devotion to your passion. 
• CAT COW, COOKIES & COFFEE: A NEW COMMUNITY GATHERING IN EAGLE ROCK - To strengthen the bonds in each local studio, we're partnering with other neighborhood businesses – starting with Creature's Plants & Coffee and Milkfarm – to bring a little more joy and moments of connection between classes. Come for one of Sarah Helt's Sunday morning classes on May 18th in Eagle Rock and stay for complimentary coffee, cookies, and community vibes. P.S. if you're a 200-hour yoga teacher training graduate interested in Sarah's YIN training this August, this is a great chance to connect with her directly about this special continuing education opportunity.

Something to Look Forward To (aka ODD Adventures)

• Book an adventure and have something to look forward to: there are still a few spots left for Dylan Wallace's Summer-Solstice-inspired journey through the chakras at an idyllic Tuscan retreat, Step Into the Sun. If your vibes are more tropical than Tuscan, get first dibs on the rooms and activate your inner power in a Costa Rican paradise with Cindy Godell and Audrey Guedelekian. Email adventures@onedowndog.com to learn more about the teachers, itinerary, accommodations, payment plans, excursions, and more or join the next virtual info session on Thursday, May 8th at 7pm live on Zoom. Kindly pre-register for this free, immersive info session, so you receive email communication with the link 15 minutes prior to the start.

Playlist of the Season: Bull-ieve in Love

No offense to Cher, but we don't know much about life after love because we're very much into life and love existing as one. Use this playlist as a soundtrack to your most grounded, aware, and connected asana, pranayama, or meditation practice yet, and reignite your loyalty to the principles that bind our lives to love.

Take this playlist by the horns.

Asana of the Season: Baddha Konasana

Here's a Quick Guide to Getting into Baddha Konasana:

• Sit with the spine straight and legs wide apart.
• Begin to bend the legs, bringing the feet as close to the groin as you can, eventually pressing the soles of the feet together.
• Grasp your feet or toes or place them on the mat, below the feet, if you need more support. Continue to lift the chest to ensure your back remains straight.
• Slowly pull the feet closer to the groin and push the thighs and knees toward the mat, honoring the edge that balances effort and ease.
• Pull belly button to spine to engage the core, so you are able to hold the posture. Bring awareness to the stretch in the groin, inner thighs and back.
• Hold for a few slow, deep breaths and relax, becoming a butterfly in the pose.

And the benefits of this grounding posture:

Class of the Season: SOMATIC YOGA

Formerly focused on pranayama, we're introducing a new category for Taurus season to help expand awareness of formats that may round out and reignite your practice. So, what exactly is SOMATIC YOGA? So much more than just an internet wellness buzzword. Here's our definition:

Engage with your practice somatically in this healing-centered class. SOMATIC YOGA features slow movements, gentle flows, long holds, grounding practices, and meditation. While yoga is broadly a somatic practice, we’ll focus more on your internal experience in these sessions. In this class, you will learn to stay present during challenging sensations and cultivate a practice of self-care, kind awareness, and wise presence on the mat.

Sutra of the Season 

If you've chatted with anyone at the front desk, you'll know that we're not here to sell you yet another subscription you'll forget about and cancel in a month. We're here to share the benefits of a practice that, when consistency is established, will show up not just in your body, but in the way you move through the world, connect to others, and connect to your higher purpose. For us, all forms of growth must have roots, and finding this community, remaining committed to your sense of self, community, and inherent interconnectedness of life will help you plant them firmly, safely, and in a way that supports the entire garden.