Hello and Happy (almost) Winter Solstice everyone! Today the ODD blog is bringing you our third and final installment of YTT alumni features. If you, for some CRAZY reason, missed the first two installments, definitely go check those out!

Joscelyne Castaneda

Nickname: Don’t have one!

Hometown: L.A.

What’s your ODD love story?

Before I joined One Down Dog, I practiced yoga at my local gym or at the Bikram studio down the street from my house. Taking classes at ODD— mostly Flow, Sweat and Sculpt at the time— broadened my scope of what yoga could be. I then ventured into teacher training—not only was it life altering but it was also soul enriching. The beautiful people I met and get to call my friends is the cherry on top!

How do you define yoga?

I have found yoga to be the connection to my inner self. I have a tendency to make things complicated for myself, I’m a worrier and an overthinker. Yoga— in its my facets— allows me to ground down and stop floating in the clouds even for a moment. I’ve also found that I have gained a stronger connection, greater acceptance and respect for my body. Yoga allows me to come back home to myself.

What is one small fact that most wouldn’t know about you?

I was raised in 3 countries and learned Spanish early on. I was born to a Malaysian-Chinese mother and Salvadoran father. But also Pie over Cake any day.

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

Even though I’m afraid of heights, I’d probably love to fly. I’ve missed out on a lot of adventurous things because of my fear of falling. So, if I could fly, that’d be great.

What’s the biggest thing you’ve gained from doing teacher training at ODD?

Learning to listen to my heart and trust what I truly wanted for myself. I took a leap last year to make a career shift and I couldn’t have done it without teacher training. It also served as a jumping off point to deepen my understanding of Ayurveda, meditation and tarot. I’m also super grateful for the encouraging, supportive and loving friendships I have today because of teacher training. Couldn’t just narrow it down to one—sorry! Lol.

What is your favorite asana pose and/or sequence and why?

There’s too many to choose from. But wild thing is probably one of my favorites. I used to be so afraid of flipping over, but over the years, it’s become so freeing and fun.

Shelly Price

Nickname: Shells, Shell Bell, Belles

Hometown: West Covina, Ca – about 25 miles east of LA.  I’m a SoCal native!

What’s your ODD love story?

I avoided yoga for the first ~30 years of my life because I had created stories in my head that it wasn’t for me.  Up until then I was used to doing very intense workouts such as kickboxing and CrossFit because I wasn’t comfortable in my own skin and felt the need to mold it into what I saw in society’s beauty standards.  My boyfriend at the time (now husband :)) dragged me to my first few yoga classes and eventually I started to see a shift in my body and mind.  Eventually through ClassPass I found One Down Dog and fell in love with the energy of the studio, and it has since propelled me so deeply into the practice of yoga.  Bonus points that the silhouette of Patrick, ODD’s mascot, looks like my dog Milo!   I was working in a very stressful corporate environment at the time and found myself at ODD any chance I could get for sanctuary.  Molly’s class was my church and making yoga a regular practice was the start of a journey that has transformed my life.  I can’t believe I’m now a yoga teacher, sharing these valuable tools high schoolers and students of all ages.

How do you define yoga? 

Yoga is connection – between the body, mind, spirit and emotion.  Cultivating my awareness better connects these to one another.  Yoga is our connection to one another.

What is one small fact that most wouldn’t know about you? 

My parents put me in school early so everyone in my graduating classes were older than me- I graduated high school at 16 and college at 20.  I survived college without a fake ID!

If you could have one superpower, what would it be?

To be able to fly and soar above the clouds and see the world from an aerial view!  It would be so cool to be able to travel anywhere you want with your own wings (which metaphorically we can do now as humans!)

What’s the biggest thing you’ve gained from doing teacher training at ODD?

Self love. It has been eye opening to have the awareness to notice when my thoughts/negative self dialogue are spiraling, and bring myself back to the present moment.  It’s a practice and a constant learning experience, but I’m so grateful to be able to say I love myself (light and shadows).  In this love space is where I can give back to my community.   Speaking of –  the biggest thing I’ve been blessed with after YTT is gaining a group of friends that have become family.  I love my ODDYTTDAWGS <3

What is your favorite asana pose and/or sequence and why?

Forward folds – whenever I need to move my body I do a few of these and some halfway lifts and my energy shifts.  I also gain a different perspective when upside down 🙂

Haikaz Vardavarian

Each month we feature a member of the #ODDfam. Caitlin is OG ODD – The first work trade person, part of the second teacher training ever, and has been on the mat, at the desk, and teaching classes for 5 years of O.D.D.  She’s responsible for every caption you read and every post you like as our Social Media Manager.

Name: Caitlin Randolph

Nick Name: Red is about the most common one. Ducky calls me Ging’

Hometown: Reno Nevada – well, technically Sparks if you know the area.

Favorite Place: Outside.

Favorite color: I think its changing! It was purple for years. Now I’m thinking green!

What’s your sign? Taurus. (My birthday is May 18th!)

Most embarrassing moment? 

This happened this year and I thought “now I have an embarrassing moment to share”. I was at a big show for First Aid Kit. They always do an acapella part, they were excited to try it in a bigger amphitheater. I decided to record part of it, I did it in instagram stories. The feature automatically replays what was shot… AND I COULDNT GET IT TO STOP! I turned off the volume, I closed the app, and it still played!!! It was probably only 10 seconds of breaking the quiet acapella to hear me replay the acapella, but it was enough time for faces to look at me and SHHHHH me. I never record anything in app now (come to my social media workshop). My date for the show doesnt even remember this happening. Telling how we view embarassing moments.

Oh also, one time in high school a bagel came flying down the hallway and bounced off of my forehead onto my friends head. Not sure if it was aimed at me, but I remember it!

Fun Fact most wouldn’t know about you?

I went to burning man for the first time when I was 17, my dad came too. I went for 12 years in a row after that. I’ve been acting since pre-school, my grandpa was a local stage actor.

Im in the purple.

Share a story or anecdote with us – something magical, changing, funny, or adventurous. Something that you love to tell. 

I manifested my dog. I wanted a corgi with a little bit longer legs and a tail. BAM. I found Arrow on a facebook group called “pembrokes with tails”. I was obsessed with finding an undocked corgi. I saw some dude post pictures of baby tailed corgis. I messaged him what turned out to be an hour before the adoption papers were due. Out of 100+ people across the USA applying for this litter of puppies, I was picked to get my first dog. These were all people who helped donate to this corgi dude who rescued a pregnant corgi. So if you look up #WillasAngels, Arrow is kind of a big deal in the corgi facebook community. Part of the adoption agreement was to update in a facebook group.

When you aren’t at the studio where can you be found (favorite past time)? Probably cuddling or walking Arrow. Camping? Camping is my favorite and it also includes cuddling and walking Arrow.

How do you define yoga? A metaphor. The metaphor changes as you change. Lately it’s been “Flowing through it” sometimes its literal “to yolk, to bring together”.

Why do you teach? To be more connected. Friends and people are actually pretty challenging for me. I only managed to stick with yoga once it became a community and lifestyle rather than a class I have to get to.

What brought you to become an instructor? I kept finding myself in class wanting to make suggestions to other students – not in their alignment, but in how they can be kinder to themselves. Grabbing blocks even if I didnt need them, so somebody near me would get the kinesthetic response to do the same. To remind the tiny girl and the big dude that she may be able to fold in half but chaturangas may be hard for her yet his arms are burning holding those big arms up, they both have strengths in the diverse practice. I felt like I could reach those who didnt think yoga was the most accessible. When I was super broke and before I found ODD I started making playlists to measure how long to do yoga for. 20 minute playslists for a home practice. I realized other people might want to hear my playlists and do my flow’s too.

What is your favorite song to play in class? Balance by Future Islands

What is your favorite pose or flow? Why? Dragon/Lizard – Utthan Pristhasana. It feels both strong and flexible.

Memorable yoga moment? MY FIRST YOGA CLASS WAS A BLESSING! My aunt was a teacher back home. I went to her class in highschool and at the end of the first class ever a man with a long white pony tail took the slowest roll down from shoulder stand…. farting loudly and proudly the entire time. Couldn’t have asked for a better intro.

How did you first hear about One Down Dog? Jessica was the Liza (manager) of a studio in Studio City. I did work trade there – cleaned for classes. When Jessica left there I kept in touch, went to one of her pop up classes in a cafe, I was the only one who came that day. When she opened ODD at the first location I got in touch to see if she did work trade. It was so new the system was “here are fliers, please tell people and come to class.”

What is your favorite yogi prop or piece to wear or use? (favorite mala etc) I’ve been really enjoying stones and malas for every day all day – it keeps me feeling grounded and the reminder of where to keep my head.  I love 2 blocks, but I didnt learn yoga using them!

If you could have any super power what would it be? to create clean water.

What was the last book you read? The Goddess Pose about Indra Devi – currently. Last finished: Slaughterhouse Five.

What special causes or non-profits do you hold dear to your heart? Queens Best Stumpy Dog Rescue. I’ve been following this one woman build this place up over the past 4 years. She can tell you first hand, corgi’s are assholes. – http://www.queensbeststumpydogrescue.org/ 

Are there any links, @names, and #hashtags you would you like us to use in promoting you and your happenings?

Find me as @caitran (cait ran is simply caitlin randolph shortened)  Twitter, instagram, facebook.

AND NOW I HAVE A ‘YOGA ACCOUNT’ – Follow @DoshaDiets for the Ayurvedic Perspective.

Come to my Sattvic Social Media Workshop! We’ll flip the perspective and conversation to a positive sustainable one about internet use, get some tips for branding, and make some photos! Saturday May 5th – 2-4pm

Name: Jeff Van Ness

Nick Name: Jeff Van Ness

Hometown: Miami

Favorite Place: I can acclimate to most places so I have too many favorites ~ really, any place where I can sit and think without boundaries. I can be near an ocean, someplace exotic, near my family, anywhere ~ if there is space for my thoughts to move around I’m a happy guy.

Favorite color: Lets say gray. and if thats not good, how about blue? And why not a third? Green!

What’s your sign? Sagittarius

Most embarrassing moment? GEEZ! I’ll try to be brief, this took place when instant messaging was a thing. There was a girl from high school that I’d been after for a while and one night after some outing I took her home where we sat in my car listening to music ~ it was the kind of scene where If i’d had more courageous I would’ve tried to kiss her. I didn’t though, but I did notice that one of the buttons on her blouse was undone and I, foolishly, took it to be some strategy on her part to alert me that she was into me! It’s really stupid logic, but it seemed spot on at the time. Seeking encouragement from my friends when I got home, I wrote a long message retelling what happened in the car with the blouse, the whole thing. When I finished I quickly hit enter and it quickly appeared in the IM box. The conversation with my pals was pretty active so when I didn’t get a response I knew something was wrong and a second later I realized what had happened and proceeded to deal with that sinking feeling you feel when you’re embarrassed and stuck. I had sent HER the message with our story. Everything worked out alright, no real harm done ~ and the real plus is that THIS is my most embarrassing moment.

Most empowering moment? First thing that comes to mind: I used to give tours of the Universal backlot in spanish. It was a performers sort of job. Though I can do it fine, the performers hat isn’t a comfortable one for me ~ my first week giving tours was rough and on one tour I messed up a lot, but I realized that people got a kick out of it, and not in a “laughing at me” sort of way. People were supportive and they wanted me to do well they wanted me to be myself. A lot of the people on that tram were experiencing the attraction for the 100th time so when I’d lose the scripted stuff I’d get their attention. When I was up there just being me, thats what they wanted to see. That and Jaws and King Kong and the other stuff.

Fun Fact most wouldn’t know about you? I used to be a fat kid. For real, a pretty heavy kid, 220 lbs. And I had a diet that supported that sort of weight. Cheeses, pizzas, mayonnaise, ranch, french fries, fast food ~ I wasn’t shy about enjoying all that stuff ~

Jeff, this is what happens when you dont send us photos… we turn to facebook.

Fun Fact most wouldn’t know about you? I know a lot about cars. But not cool cars. I can’t tell you too much about an awesome BMW or a Tesla, but if you want to know the horsepower, or how many lbs of torque you’d get out of a sensible Honda Accord I’m your guy

Fun Fact most wouldn’t know about you? I think about music a lot, I’m constantly humming in my head or whistling or I’ll sing to my son (and he’ll sing back)

Share a story or anecdote with us – something magical, changing, funny, or adventurous. Something that you love to tell.

This anecdote is a fresh one that no one, but me, really cares about. My family is Cuban, I am of Cuban descent, first generation American. Growing up, I distinctly remember a black and white image of the home that my grandparents left behind in 1962, it was a two story kind of L shaped home that stood by itself on what appeared to be a hill. I could describe it perfectly. For the past couple of years. Since relations with Cuba have improved several of my friends and family have gone to Cuba, I am jealous every time I learn of someones trip. Not because I am into seeing the sights, I don’t care about that, I want to find this house. My cousin recently went, he tried to find the house but couldn’t. 

A few weeks ago a buddy of mine came back, I had known of his trip and encouraged him to look up a few AirBnB properties that I knew were well kept. Sometime between then and now I thought, why wouldn’t my families house be an AirBnB? I started my search, but couldn’t find anything ~ I searched google images of the town (an unincorporated area of east Havana), as many as I could find, but nothing. I scanned 3,000 hash tagged images, but couldn’t find anything that resembled the house. No two homes look alike. I was on Youtube watching videos from the town but couldn’t find it. A few days later I asked my Mom to send me a scanned image of the house; and I don’t know what it was about that image but my first search led me to the house immediately, which is in fact an AirBnB. 

So expect me to request a few sub dates as I will be staying there soon. 

When you aren’t at the studio where can you be found (favorite past time)?

Oh, Im really into my family, I love love love my wife, my kid, my brother who lives nearby ~ so day trips with one or all of those mentioned; we’ve got memberships at every museum in town, maybe there. I’ve lately been doing hikes from a book called Secret Stairs. Its cool enough, a USC professor mapped out hikes connecting stairs all over the city. Finding new stuff to eat. New stuff to cook. Lots of stuff with the baby. There’s NOTHING more inspiring/enlightening than experiencing the world with an infant. It brings out the best in people, in strangers, and in me. 

How do you define yoga? referring to a physical practice, its a tool that should help you develop awareness, encouragement, and compassion (in that order).

Why do you teach? Because its hard and because I can. I get anxious before I teach so its an obstacle that I enjoy overcoming. It doesn’t really get easier so I enjoy the spontaneity that comes from each group of students. Its also a great thing to share with people; I don’t actively give to charity and I don’t want to compare the two, they’re different. But I do hope that sharing things that I think are interesting or unique or hard will be valuable to people.

What brought you to become an instructor?

An ashtanga teacher who’s class I took a few times approached me and told me that I’d be a teacher. So a few years later I became a teacher. 

What is your favorite song to play in class?

At the moment theres a live version of Sam Cooke’s “Bring it on home to me” thats got the best intro, the best a lot of stuff that I can think of right now. I love playing that. 

What is your favorite pose or flow? Why?

1/2 moon. Its the sort of pose that feels stretchy and long even when all of your muscles are turned on. 

Memorable yoga moment?

Too many. I always get a kick out of being able to do stuff that I didn’t think possible ~ with the right instruction so much is possible. 

How did you first hear about One Down Dog?

I got a message on FB just before the SL location opened asking to connect. I wasn’t able to at the time but was excited to now 4 years later!

What is your favorite yogi prop or piece to wear or use? (favorite mala etc)

Nah, I haven’t got stuff like that. I do love a good foam roller and would love to lead a class wherein we use foam rollers before and or after strenuous sequences. hint hint. 

What special causes or non-profits do you hold dear to your heart?

Nothing specific. There are occasionally causes I send some money to, Standing Sioux for instance during the standing rock stand off ~ besides being vehemently opposed to inequality ~ I really want people to be informed. I spend a lot of time watching, what I think is, great reporting ~ there is a really great information out there, and not far either. The more you know the more informed your choices will be and the better those choices will be.

July is a month of yoga teacher training continuing education at One Down Dog. Open to any yoga teachers or teachers in training we have a range of opportunities for you to remain a student. Learn and work alongside fellow teachers to grow your practice and what you have to offer your students.

Hands On Assisting and Seeing w/ Janine Glass

This workshop will cover theory, demonstration, and training of safe and effective hands-on yoga assists
What you get:

• “Seeing” skills training: “seeing” blockages and brightness in bodies.
• Hands-on assisting theory and injury Q&A
• Guidance and coaching in assisting with partners
• Working with injuries and clearing pain

 

 

 

 

 

only 20 spaces available onedowndog.com/workshops

 

Restorative Yoga Teacher Training – Level 1

This is Sam’s second visit with this training. Take level 1 now, she will be back for level 2 again within the next year! Check out the first group of ODDfam that attended.

She will also be offering  a 2 hour Restorative class open to the public and the students who attended the workshop. It will be delicious!

Join the relaxation revolution!

Restorative Yoga is a healing practice that brings the body, mind, and nervous system into balance. Learn to teach Restorative Yoga, guided by Samantha Akers (formerly Joseph) (E-RYT 500) (C-IAYT), creator of the TheraYoga Method. Sam is passionate about the immensely powerful practice of Restorative Yoga, since it has been a major part of her own journey to health. These trainings are for teachers & students who are looking to deepen their knowledge of Restorative Yoga!Teachers receive a certificate of completion once all homework and assisting is completed.Level 1 of this training covers the main poses of Restorative Yoga, how to adapt them for a variety of students, how to use props, how to design a satisfying class, and more. Special attention is given to therapeutic applications of Restorative Yoga, and how the practice can benefit people with special needs, or simply relieve stress. The training also includes discussion of the three Ayurvedic Doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and how to build a Restorative and breath practice to best suit the needs of all three. You will also learn the basics of a mindful awareness practice to aid those with anxiety and trauma disorders, helping to keep students feeling more grounded, clear and balanced during their experience of Restorative Yoga and beyond. Students will receive a manual and a reading list.

These trainings are designed to prepare current yoga teachers to teach Restorative classes in studios and other environments. These weekends are also open to students simply wanting to deepen their knowledge, and for those in allied professions (massage therapists, those in the mental health care field, etc.) as a vital part of their practice with clients.

The goal is ‘happy kitty face’ here.

COST:
$400 prior to July 1st
$450 after

DATES & TIME:
Friday July 14th 5-8pm
Saturday July 15th 9-5pm 
Sunday July 16th 10-5:30pm 

Samantha is currently under the private direction of her teacher George Haas as well as being a student in his 11 month program, A Meaningful Life. She completed Community Trauma Resiliency training, through the Trauma Resource Institute, in August of 2014. Her Restorative practice has been influenced by her teachers Judith Lasater and Leeann Carey. – Learn more about Sam in her bio under the workshop.

 

Hands-On Savasana Adjustments

7/25 + 2-3:30pm

Did you know we had a massage therapist at One Down Dog? Did you know she’s a yoga teacher!?

Want to give your students that little extra love in Savasana? Need a refresher course or brand new on feeling comfortable palpating and moving areas of the body? Then this workshop is for you! We will…+ Review basic structural anatomy

Where to apply pressure, where not to…+ Simple massage therapy techniques
Help ease muscle tension after an intense practice 

+ Carefree joint mobilizations

Traction and movement to areas of the body without
assistance from student

+ Savasana Sequence
Learn a quick sequence outline that allows you to add your own flavor throughout

COST: $40

 

 

Name: Adam Joseph Gericke

Nick Name: Never really had one that stuck…

Hometown: Hebron, Indiana – there’s literally only 1 stoplight in the town.

Favorite Place: My house – I love being home in my own space with my small family

Favorite color: Blue everything

What’s your sign? Virgo

Most embarrassing moment?

Most empowering moment? Realizing that I am not my thoughts, but I am a witness to thinking. All of a sudden there is a choice in which thoughts to follow – I ask myself which will lead me ahead in a positive path? It’s a choice, and I now choose to feed the light instead of the dark.

Fun Fact most wouldn’t know about you? I grew up dancing, and that was my first career- a professional dancer. It was my ticket out of small town Indiana, and I never looked back. You can see me in the dance hit – STEP UP. And I’ve also been a working electronic music producer and if you look you can even find a few of my tracks for sale…- Dance music for life! utz utz utz utz

When you aren’t at the studio where can you be found (favorite past time)? If you don’t find me practicing yoga or teaching, I’m probably hiking somewhere, hanging with my dog Frances and husband Blake, or making music in Ableton Live.

How do you define yoga? Yoga to me has been about changing my relationship with my small self, my higher Self, and the entire outside world.

Why do you teach? In teaching yoga, I hope to help share the shift that I have experienced in my life with as many people as possible. Through yoga I have learned to treat myself with the same compassion and kindness I shared with other people.

What brought you to become an instructor? Same as previous answer….

What is your favorite song to play in class? That’s impossible to answer – it literally changes daily. You will always get a mix of current tunes and my kirtan jams!  ( CHECK OUT HIS SOUNDCLOUD – DJ’ing MAY 19th at ODD  – https://soundcloud.com/user-987305689 )

What is your favorite pose or flow? Why? My favorite yoga pose is my meditation seat. It’s what this practice is all about. As physical as the asana practice might show up on your mat, yoga is the stilling of the mind. And each of these physical postures strengthens or opens the body to sit for prolonged periods of meditation. If you haven’t found your meditation pose yet, meet me at 6:15 on Mondays in SL – let’s meditate together!

Memorable yoga moment? – This might sound cheesy, but a few months into practicing yoga I had a moment in savasana where I think I truly surrendered for the first time in my life. My physical body relaxed completey and in that surrender, the exact opposite of what I thought would happen, happened when I let go. I felt completely supported in that moment, and I still carry that inner support with me now.

Where did you first hear about One Down Dog? Where didn’t I hear about One Down Dog. I met Brianna, Ellina, and Bobbi all independently of each other. It was so sychronistic – One Down Dog is where I was meant to be! My husband works in television, and worked with Brianna’s husband – Brianna’s where the connection was first made. To make a long story short, I met Ellina and she asked me to DJ her store opening of Mairtri in Culver City. Bobbi was there helping with Ellinas party and we became friends. It was a natural progression that kept leading me back to ODD. It’s my LA yoga home and it’s where I was allowed to find my voice as a teacher. I have so much gratitude for Jess’ open arms.

What is your favorite yogi prop or piece to wear or use? (favorite mala etc) I always have my mala close – but you’ll only see me wear it, if I haven’t meditated yet that day. It’ll be my reminder, but I don’t like to wear it as fashion.

What special causes or non-profits do you hold dear to your heart?  Anything to do with no-kill shelters….We used to support North Shore Animal League in NY, but haven’t sought out anything here in LA.

BABY FRAN!

Are there any links, @names, and #hashtags you would you like us to use in promoting you and your happenings? My website – adamgericke.com Insta – @wakeupmeditate