We’ll keep the yoga pep talk short and get to business.

Move your body.
Do something within your community.

It doesn’t matter if you’re getting your rage out in a FIT class or soothing your nervous system in YIN. It doesn’t matter if your social connection happens in the studio, at brunch, or at a protest.

Movement and connection both speak directly to your ventral vagal nervous system—the part responsible for feelings of safety, regulation, and calm. The version of you that feels calmer and more resourced (or as close to that as you can get) is the version of you that can actually take action.

That’s the version of you that gets things done.

We all have a role to play. Below are some ways to engage. Please share additional resources or ideas—we learn better together.

Use Your Voice With Elected Officials

Contact your Senators and Representatives.
Yes—even if you live in a Democrat-represented area.

There is currently a Senate vote that includes increased funding for ICE. This funding bill has already passed in the House. If the Senate changes the bill, it goes back to the House.

We’re big fans of the 5calls app – it gives you access to contact all of your reps and scripts to use to make things easier.

If you have a Republican Senator:
Appeal to constitutional values—freedom of speech, due process, and limits on federal overreach. This is not a partisan issue. It is a humanitarian and constitutional one.

If your Democratic Senator is voting in alignment with the values you elected them for:
Say thank you—and ask for more.

Suggestions include:

• Calling for impeachment of corrupt administration members

• Encourage they communicate with Republicans to encourage bipartisan resistance

• Showing up publicly—not just as an office with a vote, but as a person with a body and a microphone

• Writing legislation that protects people from ICE overreach and demands transparency around how tax dollars are being spent

Our representatives have power. It matters how fully they use it.

Show Up — In the Ways You Can

Show up physically.
This might mean protesting, striking, sitting in, legal observing, volunteering with larger organizations, or running errands for neighbors who are scared to be in public. Different comfort levels are valid. All of it matters.

Standwithminnesota.com is a great resource for finding ways to support.

LAtaco created a list of organizations to support that work with immigrants.

Here’s a list of Social Justice organizations in California. 

Show up emotionally.
Check in on people you know who are undocumented or have family members with various immigration status. A simple message can mean everything:

“I’ve been thinking about you and hope you and your loved ones are okay. I’m here if you need support.”

Check in on people doing nervous-system-shattering work—protestors, journalists, parents, organizers. Your regulated presence is not small. It’s a resource.

Your yoga practice gives you access to steadiness. That steadiness can be the calm someone else needs.

Manage Your Information Intake

This is a marathon, not a sprint. 

Be intentional about when and how you consume information. Give yourself windows to engage deeply—and then step back to nourish yourself so you can return tomorrow. 

We love what Jeff the Therapist has to say “Your body wasn’t made for this.” and provides us with tips to move stress THROUGH the body, get the energy out.

Look across perspectives so you can meet people where they are. Check facts and sources. Resist spreading misinformation, even when emotions are high. 

If you notice yourself spiraling on your phone:

• FaceTime a friend

• Move your body

• Play Tetris (yes, really—there’s evidence it helps regulate the nervous system after stress)

If your phone has a grip on you, it’s okay to transition within the phone to something more supportive.

Take the Next Available Action

Anxiety loves to convince us there’s nothing we can do. There is always one action available.

You are not failing by taking an hour on your mat.

Sometimes rest is the next action. When you pull farther back on the bow, the arrow flies farther. Be gentle with yourself. We love what Niki Saccareccia had to say here and the quote she shared.

Yoga teaches us a cycle for sustainable change:

• Svadhyaya — reflection

• Tamas (or tapas) — effort, heat, willful action

• Ishvara Pranidhana — be witness to the work

Then we repeat.

We dont want to burn out. We need you well, steady, and resilient.

We don’t practice yoga to create a pocket of peace so we can ignore the world.
We practice yoga to become more functional humans—so we can show up in the world.

Right now, we need you regulated, connected, and clear.
We need your presence, your voice, and your care

One Down Dog has always been dedicated to community care! Check out our impact page for years of ODD community impact reports and happenings.

Beyond events and fundraisers, we work daily on equity and inclusion: a staff from many walks of life, diverse students in-studio and online from all over the world, pricing options, and class type and time options to meet as many individual’s needs as possible In our shop we have 77% woman-owned, 26% BIPOC owned and 88% small businesses on our shelves. This is all part of dedicating to inclusion beyond fiscal donations and fundraiser classes. In addition, within our studios, we work hard to support small businesses and BIPOC-owned businesses when purchasing supplies.

2021 IMPACT REPORT:

Over 150 students received help with memberships with the ODDfund

Over $1000 raised for the ODDfund with our yearly raffle

Over 6 students in YTT received partial scholarships

Black History Month Fundraisers:

$120 – NATIONAL BAIL FUND FLOW fundraiser with Marietta

$200 – AUTISTIC PEOPLE OF COLOR fundraiser FLOW with Cerrissa

$225 – BLK Temple for a FLOW fundraiser with Essence

$398 – ODD’s BIPOC Student Scholarship FLOW fundraiser with Courtney

$100 – Loveland Foundation fundraiser meditation with Logan Browning

March and April’s Community Activations:

$255  raised for AAPI organizations via 2 affinity classes – one for students identifying as biracial or multicultural with Cindy and one exclusively for those who identify as Asian with Bianca

Added: FLOW EN ESPAÑOL with Sergio online

Launched: postnatal support group & fundraiser 

Spring and Summer’s Community Efforts:

$1,234 – Project Mumbai ( $673 raised, $500 ODD matched)

$25 – Body Neutrality for for About Face with Bobbi

$75 – Somos Familia Valle – 3 pride events at ODD.

Fall and Winter’s Fundraisers and Donations:

5 class packs donated to –

Nela Community

Camp Conrad Chinnock

Finish the Ride/Finish the Run

$200 – Thanksgiving Fundraiser FLOW to Protect Thacker Pass with The People Of Red Mountain

$25 – Miry’s List each month. A student’s non profit welcoming refugees into the United States.

There is so much this community does that is immeasurable. We do the work and stay out of the results. Should you have an idea for an event we can host, or a group that needs support, please let us know. One Down Dog loves to be a home to your personal activism.

So, it’s your first sound bath. Let’s cover some of the things you might want to know, what to bring, and what to expect!

WHAT TO KNOW:

You will not be getting wet. The bath part is truly sound-oriented. The best part of a sound bath is you don’t have to DO anything. It’s something you allow to wash over you. This is ok for pregnant people, people with injuries, and literally anyone.

However you feel in the moment of the sound bath – it’s all natural. Some people fall asleep and some people feel very stimulated. This can change each sound bath you attend and each day. It’s ok to adjust positions, lay down, sit, etc. Usually it’s requested you just do so quietly as to not become a part of the soundbath with your movements. If your neighbor falls asleep, that’s okay. If your neighbor starts to snore – gently wake them up!

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Whether you’re in Los Angeles or across the globe, you can expect anything on the spectrum of spiritual and healing. You might have seen those big singing bowls but there is also sound healing with tuning forks, gongs, rain sticks, symbols, and more. They even have electronic sound healing with electronic music!

With these sound healing experiences, there is less of a focus on a “note" vs a frequency. The different HZ, or frequency in a sound bath can create different sensations in the body. This is why sometimes a soundbath can be extremely calming and rest-inducing where others can create a sensation of tension where stress release is happening. Stress LEAVING the body can sometimes feel like experiencing stress. Exhale, center, and be witness to the work the sound is doing.

WHAT TO BRING:

Comforts. Something to lay on the ground on. You’re welcome to use pillows, blankets, eye masks, fuzzy socks, and anything else that will help you feel a sense of ease. Water is important to drink after, it’s like releasing any toxins – water helps move it out.

Want to check out a soundbath?

We have them at One Down Dog in Echo Park, Los Angeles about once a month! Each experience is unique, and we’re so excited for our next sound bath and crystal healing experience this weekend. Click below to read more and join us!

Coming Up at One Down Dog

Online 6 Week Postpartum Series – 10/5 – 11/9 – Tuesday’s 1-2pm – Meeting in Motherhood: Community, Yoga, and Postpartum Support with Shana Kale & Joana Allis (For financial assistance, please email hello@onedowndog.com)

In House Perinatal Fam

Many of our teachers are also doula’s! Check these classes out regardless if you are pregnant, postpartum, or neither! All classes are for everyBODY.

Joana Allis – Trained as a prenatal yoga instructor and postpartum doula. 
“As a postpartum doula, I offer postpartum prep during pregnancy; support groups for pregnant and postpartum people; education and workshops around birth and postpartum and in-person or virtual postpartum support (newborn care, resourcing, recovery support, emotional support, overall household and family well-being)."

Kim Ritley – Our perinatal program leader. Offering an upcoming training, virtual support, and consultations alongside her regular teaching schedule.

Bobbi Erwin –  Birth + Postpartum Doula available for in person near Los Angeles or virtually!

Samantha Jameson – Based in Michigan, the Detroit area. Birth + Postpartum Doula, as well as a Midwife Assistant. Pre and post natal yoga and Ayurvedic counseling. Available for in person and virtual support.

ONLINE CLASS SCHEDULE >>

Online Birth Resources

Here are some favorite instagram accounts educating us on birth!

We’ve had a lot of changes over this past year including making some new friends on our desk staff. These are the faces you can expect to see (from the eyes up) and which studios you’ll see them at!

Mariah

Echo Park Front Desk & Social Media Manager

ABOUT ME: “I grew up in Wisconsin and Georgia before my family moved to Los Angeles so that my two younger brothers and I could pursue our dreams of acting. Child stars we were not, but the acting bug had bit me hard, and I graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a BFA in Acting and a BA in Communication. It was during my BFA program that my mind was blown away by yoga. I was introduced to One Down Dog by one of my best friends, Grace Morrison (another member of the ODD fam), and I immediately felt welcomed and at home. When I’m not working the desk, I’m probably eating tacos with my boyfriend or cuddling with my two Rottweilers, Bella and Babs, while binge-watching the latest Netflix show."

ODD FACT: My favorite fun fact about myself is that my family owns an island on a lake in Wisconsin where I spend every summer vacation!

Follow Mariah on Insta for some juicy writing and to follow her acting career!

Carmen

Front Desk (all studios) & Retail Manager

ABOUT ME: “Do you have a moment to talk about Beyond Yoga Spacedye leggings?  I’m ODD’s retail raven handling all things to keep our studio and online stores running smoothly.  I’ve been inconsistently practicing yoga since my days at NYU when running and the gym just weren’t bringing the stress relief I needed.  I was kind of a lone wolf when it came to exercise but when I landed at ODD, I found community and belonging.  The studio is truly a second home and filled with the most wonderful humans.  I’m here to chat about all things running, hiking, yoga and athleisure.  “

ODD FACT: “I was volunteering backstage during NY Fashion Week for a new designer and ended up in the picture they took of him for Vogue!"

Follow Carmen for running & community inspo, especially if you love to #getoutside.

Delilah

Echo Park Studio Manager

ABOUT ME: “I am a born and bred New Yorker, with a BFA in Photography. I love taking pictures, martial arts, cooking, reading, and traveling. I discovered yoga in high school, and it has been the consistent grounding force in my life. I’m grateful for the ability to get out of my head, and into my body. I started spending time in LA and discovered One Down Dog through a friend. I love the community and ended up pursuing a 200-hour teaching certification. Come say hi!"

ODDfact: “My taekwondo teacher encouraged me to pursue sparring, but I’m a lover not a fighter “

Follow Delilah and check out her photography! 

Olivia

Eagle Rock Studio Manager

ABOUT ME: “I am a proud theatre kid, though I originally got into performing through ballet. I would do yoga very casually as a way to get my stretch in for the day if I didn’t already have dance class. I picked up yoga a bit more consistently in college where I would squeeze myself into poses in my tiny dorm room and call that relaxing. Even after college, it took me longer than it should have to realize that I didn’t have to limit myself to my teeny tiny living quarters, and could actually take class IRL. I came to my first class at One Down Dog and have been hooked ever since! I’m super stoked to be able to contribute to such an awesome community!"

ODD Fact: “I love putting together IKEA furniture. It’s like a puzzle that ends in home decor, two of my favorite things!!"

Marietta

Silverlake Studio Manager & Teacher

ABOUT ME: “ODD is my yoga home and where I completed my 200HR YT certification. I have been in love with exploring what the human body is capable of through movement my entire life. My background is in dance (modern, ballet, African) weight-lifting, basketball and track; but the way that yoga connects mindfulness to movement just hits different. There are so many systems at play that prefer we not know what it is to fully embody the unique depths and range of this human experience, and yoga is one of the many tools I use to work at dismantling them. I want to live expansively and create spaces where I feel safe and free and capable and wonderfully human and I want that for you too!!!"

ODD FACT: “Almost every single morning I wake up ready to sing and dance, similar to a Disney princess, if they were scripted to drop it low to afro-beats and belt SZA from the top of their lungs."

Tamara (Mars)

Front Desk at ODD Eagle Rock

ABOUT ME: “I work as the desk staff at ODD and you can usually see me at our Eagle Rock location. I will also make guest appearances at Echo park from time to time. I majored in Psychology and have a minor in creative writing (I dream of one day being published). I grew up in foster care and thank my experience everyday for helping me recognize when I can be more compassionate and understanding in my everyday life. I moved away when I was 17 to go to college in San Francisco. It was a challenging time but also the best thing I think I could have ever done for myself. My mother passed when I was young and I raised my two younger sisters pretty much on my own. They are everything to me. All that I am today, I have raising them to thank for.

I recently got married at the Madonna Inn to the most amazing human I have ever known and it was pure magic. I pride myself on living a life that forever strives to create the space for individuals to be seen, welcomed and respected. When I am not working I spend my time literally doing anything and everything with my spouse."

ODD FACT: “My grandfather is Iceberg Slim (he is pretty well known in Chicago, where he grew up) , he was a published writer and I believe my love for reading and writing comes from him."

Chynna

Moderator for Online Classes

ABOUT ME: “I’m an Oklahoma-born, but Texas-bred yoga, dog, Netflix, and Zelda lover. I started practicing yoga when I was in grad school at UC Irvine and fell in love pretty quickly. After graduating I moved to LA in the summer of 2018 and started working at the front desk here at ODD! I can’t tell you how thankful I am to be a part of this family. ODD has not only the best yoga classes in town with the best teachers, but it is a community of kind, generous people who love yoga and each other!"

ODD FACT: “Went to grad school with Grace Morrison (fellow ODD front desk staff)."

Grace

Front Desk Staff & Student Communications

ABOUT ME: “I have always loved exploring different modalities of movement and exercise, and still do, but there’s something real special about this yoga stuff… I discovered yoga in high school as a method of cross training for competitive volleyball and dance. I dabbled here and there throughout college, but my consistent practice really began in grad school (I have an MFA in Acting from UC Irvine). On the weekends I’d come up to LA to visit my boyfriend, who lived down the street from ODD and quickly I was hooked – it was clear I found my yoga home. I am forever grateful for everything yoga continues to teach me, and to be a part of this awesome community in LA. When I’m not working the desk, I’m probably hustling to an audition, or teaching Voice & Movement for actors at a performing arts high school in the area."

ODD FACT: “Huge Shakespeare nerd. And I’m also a dialect coach!"

Megan

Front Desk Staff & ODDApparel

ABOUT ME: “I try not to take myself too seriously because for the most part, being serious gets boring. I started working at One Down Dog in April 2014 when I moved to LA from my hometown of San Diego. I have a naturally sarcastic tone to my voice. I love my ODD family and the people I get to interact with during my time at the desk. In addition to working the desk I am work in the fashion industry in technical design and I make all of the ODD apparel you love <3"

ODD FACT: “Youngest (not including Max, or Patrick in dog years) and incredible belching skills." 

Shoshanna

Front Desk Staff

ABOUT ME: I am always learning, seeking to discover the secrets of the universe! I am forever a student of life and wish for nothing more than to live truthfully, surrounded by those I love. I am still figuring out where to apply my gifts and how to be of service to others, but yoga is leading me down a path of healing and balance. My journey has just begun <3

ODD FACT: I can’t wink and I love anime <3

We could all use a few more shoulder rubs, head massages, low back releases, and foot care. Just a few of the many things we can tend to with self-massage balls on a more regular basis from home! These $14 massage balls we sell in the shop are an incredible value for the care you’ll be getting for years to come.

Need more than photos to catch what is happening? Sign up for our online massage ball workshop with Niki and get the how-to first hand.

Knead a Deep Release Online Workshop July 15 @ 6:30pm (PT) SIGN UP >>

My neck, my back, my feet juuust like that.

We all know massages feel good and help to relax us emotionally but these TLC practices are an important part of caring for our fascia as well as our muscles! Fascia is the connective tissue that runs through our entire body.

Our bodies form “fascial adhesions" to protect us. Those knots in your shoulders are your body’s way of making sure your head doesn’t fall off! We spend so many hours hunching that our bodies create tight spots on the back to try to keep your head on top of your shoulders. The same with our glutes – so much sitting and stretching of our back creates tightness over time. It’s like an accidental yin pose and our body knows that much stretching can be problematic. These massage practices can help let your body know it doesn’t need to tighten up to keep your head on straight. Give it a hug and a rollout so it can relax.

Use massage balls to release neck and shoulder tension.

You don’t really want to roll on your neck. She’s tender. But you do want to roll out where your head connects, (your hairline) as well as your shoulders to let go of some of that tension.

Keeping the massage balls in their bag, but loosening the bag so they can separate just a little. As you lay on your back, hold the bag on the base of the scull. Keep your hands there and gently rock the head in a “no" massaging those big knobs where your skull starts.

Next, target back muscles with massage balls.

Move the massage balls out of the bag and place one on each side of your spine. For many of us – laying flat is a bit intense or just challenging to move – so try this at a wall! Either way – roll up and down the sides of the spine with the massage balls. Just like a bear scratching his back on a tree. Avoid bone, stay on the soft stuff! As long as there are no sharp pains or weird tingling, you’re doing it right.

Use massage balls to relax your glutes.

Move the massage balls to your glutes! One under each cheek. Dance around on the wall or floor staying on the soft tissue. Roll up and down, side to side, circles! If you have a bigger massage ball, that can be nice for these bigger muscles.

Lastly, a massage ball technique for your feet!

While standing place one massage ball under your foot. Roll the entirety of the arch up and down the foot, including the edges. Place your heel on the ground and catch the ball under your foot. Fanning your foot side to side rub the arch in a new direction!

If you feel anything that feels extra good to roll out, a knot, or an especially sticky spot – hang out there for a while and breath giving it some extra care.

See you in Niki’s workshop for a much more in-depth rollout experience!

GET REGISTERED >>

Socialization is back! Seeing our loved ones is good for our nervous system! Enjoying music, food, art, and each other is so healing to bring us out of that fight, flight, or freeze of this last year. As Los Angeles is reopening rapidly here are some affordable LA events to fill your cup and socialize on a budget!

Titty Committee: Comedy Show at El Cid >>

July 1, 2021 @ 7pm

Hosted by ODDfam Lucy Blehar and Cecily Breaux featuring Reggie Watts, Gabby Lamb, and Zach Noe Towers. There might be a musical number. GET TIX >>

Outdoor Comedy Show/Dinner in Frogtown >>

Second & Fourth Saturdays at Spoke Bicycle Cafe

This regular local comedy show at Spoke Bicycle Cafe is a great choice if you’re wanting to stick outside and see an affordable comedy show! FOLLOW FROGTOWNSHOWLA FOR ANNOUNCEMENTS >>

PRIDE HIKE + YOGA in Elysian Park >>

July 10th, 2021 @ 10am

We invite the LGBTQIA+ community and allies to join us for a hike in Elysian Park followed by yoga in the park. Wear tie dye and lots of color!

Proceeds will go to Somos Familia Valle, an organization that advances LGBTQ education, empowerment, and wellness in the San Fernando Valley.  SIGN UP & DONATE >>

All You Can Eat Ice Cream Festival in Venice Beach >>

July 17th, 2021 @ 7pm

Featuring over 60 different flavors from the finest ice cream companies in California, this two-day family-friendly (and pets) event will have live entertainment, food trucks, an ice cream eating contest, games, and much more! There will be non-dairy options. A portion of the proceeds will benefit LA Food Banks. GET TIX >>

Angel City Market: Dodgers Fan Fest >>

July 23rd, 2021 @ 5pm

Catch the Dodger game, eat great food, and shop with exclusive vendors selling Dodger inspired products. Hosting various TV’s outside for game viewing. Family & pet friendly. Dodgers themed drinks and food.

ARTWALK: Leimert Park Village Live Experience >>

July 25th, 2021 @ 12pm

This Artwalk offers a celebration centric to afro-futurism, youth, art and technology.

The Chakras are one of the many lenses from which we view the energetics of the world. Everything from yoga asana, meditation, colors, and how we interact – has a charge behind it. The subtle body, or energetics, are part of our experience of living just like our physical bodies. The Chakra colors are another tool to help you better feel the chakras and their individual vibration. To strengthen your connection to a particular chakra – include the color in your clothing and environment!

Here is a quick rundown of the Chakra system with a practice for each.

Take a FREE Root Chakra Meditation with One Down Dog On Demand

All photos are One Down Dog teachers that can be found on demand, online, or in studio!

1. Root Chakra: Muladhara – RED

Located at the base of the spine – this red chakra promotes a feeling of heat and a connectedness to the earth. This color and chakra is very primal and holds vibrations of survival and basic drives and like hunger and safety.

We want to experience feelings of love, manifestation, and expression but we have to start by taking care of our basic survival needs first! When looking at equity in our society we can’t simply look at results we want but rather what legs are those results standing on. A kid with basic needs met of shelter, food, and nurturing will have an easier time thriving than a kid who is missing one of these essential needs. 

Practice: Make a gratitude list of basic needs. Recognize the massive support you have here or where it’s lacking. Food, physical health, jobs, home life. These all factor in. 

2. Sacral Chakra: Svadhishthana – ORANGE

Located at the pelvis – this orange chakra promotes an energy and creativity. Those feelings of warmth and security radiates upwards allowing the freedom to explore creativity and sexuality. It’s deeply related to pregnancy too! Once we have stable roots to stand on we get to have a sense of discovery and passion. For so many of us – creativity is a major part of our lives. When we feel stuck creatively take a look at your root chakra – are there some major foundations that can be worked on so you feel safe and supported enough to be creative?

Practice: Turn some music on and just DANCE. No rules  – just move for one entire song and move those hips!

3. Solar Plexus Chakra: Manipura – YELLOW

Right in the center of the body is this sense of heat and “illustrious gem” for us to act from. A stable foundation (root) leads to creative exploration (sacral) and our solar plexus chakra has the “guts” to take it into action. A sense of will, drive, strength, desire, and optimism. Yellows like the golden sun are bright social colors that wake us up and get us moving in the mornings.

Practice: Create a list of things you can 100% get done today. Not a list full of tasks you’ve been meaning to do but rather – drink water, brush your teeth, get some work done. Give yourself a day of feeling how much you achieve all of the time by marking off those daily tasks like dishes. 

4. Heart Chakra: Anahata – GREEN

“Come back to heart center.“ A cue and some good advice whether it’s in class, in love, in exploration… This part of the chakra system is where your divine self and your human self meet right at the heart. We start to examine our energy in a more subtle, less physical way as we move up the chakras. Green represents health and growth. Budding into a new season of experiences and a way to view the world through a more esoteric lens.

Practice: Hands to heart center – We do this often ending class. The hands at the heart and the right and the left represent the divine self and human self-finding union. 

5. Throat Chakra: Vishuddha – BLUE

Expression is powerful. To be able to speak your truth, to have an honest and open line of communication within yourself and with how you express yourself to the world. Blue is a color of duty, trust, logic, and intelligence.

Practice: Fill in the blank & comment AND SAY IT OUT LOUD

I need ___________________________. ⠀

I feel ________________________.⠀

How does it make you feel to SAY that? Find a time to practice this – the car or shower are usually a wonderful space. ⠀

6. Third Eye: Ajna – INDIGO

The seat of intuition. This is the command center – seated between your eye brows is something beyond wisdom. As we’ve moved up the chakras from physical safety, bridged the gap between divine self and human self, we find ourself willing, or trying, to trust the answers we already have. Indigo has a feeling of peace, wisdom, and patience to it and a significant sense of spirituality. This deep color even has a bit of magic to it. Intuition is our greatest magical power if we have the support to listen to it’s vibration.

Practice: Close your eyes and look up at your third eye. Take ten slow breaths. Gently encourage your mind’s eye back to the space between your brows when your thoughts wander. Imagine the color indigo flowing from this spot.

7. Crown Chakra: Sahasrara – VIOLET

Above or on top of the head – our spirituality and connection to that which is outside of ourself. Universal consciousness and understanding and a sense of connection to a higher guidance or other vibrations. Generally associated with the colors of white and violet. These light white and violet colors have a distance from the physical world and spend more time up in the air. Where root chakra connects you to the earth – crown chakra connects you to the universe.

Practice: Acts of service or love – stepping outside of yourself in order to help another. 

Looking at these Chakras – where to you have room for expansion? Which energetics feel familiar? Start to examine the work people choose or the way they hold themselves and spend their time. Can you identify which chakras vibrate strongest within them?

Take a FREE Root Chakra Meditation with Courtney

The world is out there again! As we start seeing our loved ones, getting outside and going to events – be sure to seek community spaces, small businesses, and support your entertainment venues that have been hit hard in the pandemic. We’ve missed you.

What LA date ideas and places excite you? Let us know events we need on our radar and send this list of upcoming events in LA to a friend, loved one, or family member. Get out there in ways that make you feel good! Here are a few of our favorite in-person Los Angeles event suggestions for June 2021. Everything from yoga, art, adventures, music, Juneteenth events, and LA PRIDE events.

Art and LA Love – All Summer Long!

LA’s Westside Hammer Museum has a collection of 30 Los Angeles artists is open to the public through August 1st! They highly recommend reservations. Free!

HAMMER MUSEUM: MADE IN LA >>

Baseball And Pride – 6/11/21

Los Angeles Dodgers Stadium has a special night celebrating the LGBTQ+ community while playing the Texas Rangers! Please check out all the COVID regulations before attending. Pick up tickets HERE. This is also the return of the the firework show! (Maybe let your dogs know)

Tie Dye and Pride – 6/12/21

One Down Dog’s BUY AND DYE tie dye event for PRIDE. Come grab a white One Down Dog shirt or bring your own to make your rainbow dreams come true. Small groups, masked, and outside. We’ll meet back up later in July for a PRIDE hike in Griffith and a donation yoga class on the hill to raise money for LGBTQ+ org of the teacher’s choosing. 10% will be donated to an LGBTQ+ org, to be announced. Sign up here and stay tuned for that colorful hiking date in July!

1-5pm @ One Down Dog Echo Park

Music and Soul – 6/19/21

DTLA’s Comfort LA is home to amazing soul food and regular SoulfulofNoise events. Check their calendar all month for open mic, music, including this Juneteenth Concert. Feel some soul. “A celebration of everything of Black, our Past, Present, and Future." There is a virtual zoom link if you cant attend in person. Cant make the events? Pick up some soul food from their restaurant all week long!

2-6pm in DTLA

Juneteenth at Comfort LA with SoulfulofNoise >>

Movies and Community – 6/26/21

For the first time ever, LA Pride has partnered with the most popular outdoor film organization in Southern California, Cinespia, for their LGBTQ+ Pride Movie Night at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday, June 26th. Movie to be announced soon!

Adventure and Yoga – 6/27/21

About 2.5 hours south of Los Angeles in Riverside County, we’ll be in the lavender fields with One Down Dog! Meet at the FORK & PLOW LAVENDER FARM for an outdoor yoga class, picnic lunch, and guided time in the lavender field, where you can pick your own gorgeous bouquet of lavender! Plus all attendees will go home with a self-care gift bag including ways to use your new lavender. Snag your spot HERE – it’s a small group!

We regularly offer community actions around Los Angeles and reflect on what work we did in the month past. In yoga, this cycle of action and reflection is called Kriya Yoga – the third step is surrender. We do the work and stay out of the results. This is the yoga of action and change. We return to tapas, svadhyaya, and ishvara pranidhana again and again – the heat of action, the will to change, the self study, and witness to the work we’ve done – whether it’s time to return to work in the same way, a new way, or find the serenity to accept the things we cannot change. (sound familiar?)

Find A Friend!

Need somebody to volunteer with? Join our One Down Dog community Facebook Group and share which activities you’d like to have a friend to go with!

JUNE 2021 CALLS TO ACTION:

Tie Dye and Pride (Rainbow Hike in July)

WHEN: June 12th, 2021 1-5pm (Reserve your time slot)

WHERE: One Down Dog Echo Park

PROCEEDS: 10% of proceeds will be donated to an LGBTQ+ org, TBA

One Down Dog’s BUY AND DYE tie-dye event for PRIDE hosted by Megan. 10% will be donated to an LGBTQ+ org, to be announced. Come grab a white One Down Dog shirt or bring your own to make your rainbow dreams come true. Small groups, masked, and outside. We’ll meet back up later in July for a PRIDE hike led by Dylan and a donation yoga class outside to raise money for LGBTQ+ org of the teacher’s choosing. All proceeds donated for the community hike and class. Sign up and stay tuned for that colorful hiking date fundraiser in July! (Pride goes all summer!)

TIE DYE FOR PRIDE SIGN UP >>

LGBTQIA+ Affinity Class with Joana

WHEN: June 15th, 2021 @ 7:30pm (Pacific Time)

WHERE: Online with One Down Dog

PROCEEDS: $5 donations go to LGBTQIA+ org, TBA

This is an online donation FLOW class exclusively for the LGBTQIA+ community. We respectfully ask allies to sit out! No one will be turned away for lack of funds. Donations will be given to an org of the teacher’s choosing, to be announced soon.

AFFINITY CLASS SIGN UP >>

MAY’S COMMUNITY EFFORTS:

KICK COVID’S BUTT INDIA!

This fundraiser was a BUTT class with Nikita, a corporate client matched their class rate, and a $500 match from ODD! We raised $1175 for Project Mumbai – A local organization helping to fight COVID in India.

Body Neutrality Class with Bobbi

Toxic positivity has got to go. How about a little neutrality in order to appreciate our bodies for what they offer. This affinity class was open to those who wanted to explore a little more gratitude for what their bodies do rather than what they look like.

This donation affinity class raised $35 for About Face – Programs that helps teen girls and youth learn how social media and other media affect them… and what they can do about it!

Honoring Mother’s Day with Hallie

It’s not always a wonderful holiday. For some of us – we still haven’t seen our parents in a long time. For other’s it was a family reunion. However Mother’s Day showed up for you – Hallie held space.

Check back at the start of each month to see what is planned and what we have achieved with your help!

Want a recap of 2020’s fundraising efforts? – Check it out HERE >>

Stay tuned later this month for a full recap and report card of what you’ve achieved so far in 2021. Soon you’ll be able to source these regular social justice actions on our website so you can always keep active and keep in touch.