Yesterday was a funny day. I woke up extra early in oder to get over to Glendale where I had an appointment to fit my car with a new set of shoes. For some reason I decided to have an espresso at the local Starbucks (something I don't normally do after dropping coffee for tea over a year ago.) And I regretted doing so just as I felt the bitter black stain on my tongue and teeth. I won't blame the coffee, however, after that I found myself in a cloudy funk for the better part of the day...
I remember a friend of mine telling me that I just had to check out this Yoga venue in downtown LA called Peace Yoga. She told me all about a special candlelit class they hold on Thursday nights accompanied by a "very talented harpist." If there was ever a day to head downtown and check it out, this was it.
As soon as I walked into Peace Yoga my funk was lifted... the energy was real, authentic and home-made. "This place is the real deal," I thought.
And then I met Cheri Rae Russell who according their website www.peaceyogagallery.com, "knows exactly ‘who she is’, and her passion in life has been to share her joy of the healing powers of yoga."[Oh yeah, she knows who she is alright, what a trip!]
Instantly, I recognized the passion for life in Cheri Rae's voice. She must have recognized my excitement because she said, "Just wait until you see downstairs." Just before the class started, I walked downstairs and was blown away. I could tell that someone put a lot of heart, time and resources into the place - the word that first came to my mind was "Sacred." Giddy with excitement, I ran back up the stairs to tell Cheri (who was prepping the raw meal to be served after class) how fired up I was! She was delighted to hear it...
I headed back downstairs to set up my mat when I noticed the beautiful harp and flute set up in the corner. It belonged to the angelic Sheela Bringi who along with Clinton Patterson led the class on the magical journey inward. I promise you that you have never worked out your body and mind to live music that touches your Spirit like what they're playing in this LA basement.
Now, regarding the yoga class itself, you're going to have to experience it for yourself. Words cannot describe the experience, knowledge, wisdom and passion flowing through Cheri. Yes, she'a a yoga guru, but there is something else channeling through her - for as expressive and energetic Cheri is, there is a simple, sweet and powerful teacher of life working through her. That is all I will tell you. Oh yes, you can count on me being their next Thursday.
