Gracias Por Oaxaca

Gracias Madre restaurant. (Photo Credit: One Kings Lane)

   Looking for ways to cultivate a sense of gratitude in your life?  One way to foster this feeling is to give back to people who are in need of a little extra help.  This Thursday, perhaps you’ll consider joining legendary restaurants Gracias Madre and Guelaguetza as they combine forces to help the victims of the Oaxaca earthquake. These two amazing restaurants will be holding a vegan feast fundraiser on Thanksgiving at Gracias Madre.  

   Anyone can participate by paying the suggested $25 donation or by signing up to volunteer.  The proceeds will benefit Por Oaxaca, an organization dedicated to providing provisional housing to indigenous communities affected by the 8.2 earthquake that hit Oaxaca on September 17, 2017.  This recently created effort is the brainchild of the Lopez family, the Los Angeles based Oaxacan powerhouse behind the storied Guelaguetza restaurant. 

Participating in this act of giving will surely be tasty and leave you hungry to help again.  Be sure to get there early, if you want to find a seat, as this event will surely fill up quickly.

The Por Oaxaca relief efforts. (Photo credit: Por Oaxaca)

A temporary home created by Por Oaxaca. Close to thirty homes have been built to date. (Photo credit: Por Oaxaca)

Relaxing One Sound At A Time - A Sound Bath with Victoria Keen

Photo Credit: Victoria Keen

   The effervescent Victoria Keen, a sound artist and all around creative spirit, is bringing her magical sound baths to Culver City.  Wondering what’s a sound bath?  In simple terms, it’s an opportunity to lay down, listen to sounds and relax.  Behind the scenes, while you’re on the verge of falling asleep from the lullaby of beautiful sounds, Keen is actually tapping into the ancient healing modality of sound and vibration to promote rest and well being.

Photo Credit: Victoria Keen

   The sounds Keen produces are meant to calm the body enough so it enters into a deep state of relaxation.  Keen explains, “...people are in constant fight or flight mode from the frenetic pace of modern living…[and] sound works to calm the sympathetic nervous system so the parasympathetic nervous system can be activated, relaxing our human organism.”  As the body slows down, it is able to repair and come into greater balance.  In Keen’s sound tool box there are instruments to clear energy, induce a meditative state and everything in between - all aimed at helping the body unwind.  Inspired by her training as a pianist and visual artist, Keen “weaves a sonic tapestry that is also a prayer, meditation,...and a healing experience.”  Like a true artist, she selects her instruments for a session based on intuition and the energy of the gathering.

Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal

   Keen discovered sound healing after a transformative experience with Mitch Naur (one of the longest playing Gong masters in the United States).  After the encounter she felt compelled to learn more and in 2013 she completed Naur’s Gong training.  Now, she helps others enjoy the benefits of sound baths.  Keen begins every session with a group intention and offers “a prayer up for the larger collective.”  Participants are invited to set a personal intention, if they wish, as Keen believes intentions are magnified in group settings.  After about an hour of Keen’s beautiful sound symphony, the session gently ends and life resumes.

Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal

   We recently attended one of Keen’s sound baths at WMN Space in Culver City and were blown away by how relaxed and clear headed we felt afterward.  This auditory meditation experience had us floating for days.  While different people will inevitably have different feelings and sensations during the session, commonly cited results include clarity of mind and feeling calm.  Our universal recommendation?  In order to really enjoy the sound bath, bring an open mind (Keen also recommends toting along your favorite eye cover and blanket).

To find Keen, follow her on Instagram. Currently, Keen plays a monthly First Friday Sacred Sound Bath at WMN Space in Culver City.

Women Healing Women - WMN Space

Photo Credit: Mel Blanchard via Domino

   The recently opened WMN Space in Culver City, awash in light and the smell of palo santo, offers a sense of calm almost immediately upon entering its welcome area.  This wonderful oasis provides a community where women can gather to heal, grow and learn - all with a sense of consciousness.  Paula Mallis, a doula/mother/spiritual counselor turned entrepreneur, created the space to support women as they navigate the journey of life.  Mallis and her team provide assistance in spades by offering various healing modalities in a comforting and stylish setting.

Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal

   Women of all types come together to explore seemingly every topic under the sun at this gorgeous gathering center.  On any given day you might come across a full moon circle, tea ceremony, birth prep class or sound bath.  Whether you are trying to eat healthier, coping with an empty nest, or learning to meditate, there is a little something for everyone.  Group healing not your style?  No worries, private treatments and therapies are available upon request.

Photo Credit: Mel Blanchard via Domino

   In case we haven’t made it clear, this is not your run of the mill healing locale.  Oh, no ma’am. Decorated in a minimalist meets Cali chic way, WMN embodies beauty and serenity (with a healthy dose of sisterhood).  This healing hot spot also provides an opportunity to pick up expertly curated brands from ZenBunni to Savannah King’s Third Eye jewelry, so leave some time after your session to peruse.  Go ahead, try that class you’re curious about and experience how WMN beckons you to make tea (in their gorgeous handmade cups) and stay for a while.

WMN Space is located at 10764 Washington Blvd., Culver City, CA 90232.

Photo Credit: Hermosa Journal

Fun & Sun - Memorial Day

Photo Credit: Lust for Life

   May you have a relaxing holiday weekend!

Lipstick It To The Man - The Lipstick Lobby

Photo Credit: The Lipstick Lobby

   Are you angry with the current presidential plan to slash Planned Parenthood funding, but feeling too overwhelmed to hit the streets in protest?  Now you can make a big statement against the proposed defunding by applying lipstick.  Yes, you read that correctly.  The small act of applying lipstick has turned political in a major way.  

   The Lipstick Lobby, a newly launched initiative by Studio71 and the talented Davida Hall, has created a signature shade of pink lipstick to help combat the current state of affairs.  Sales of KISS MY PINK, the aptly named color, will help fund Planned Parenthood as 100% of net profits will go to the cause.  That’s right, 100%.  Planned Parenthood (ICYMI) is a 100 year old nonprofit that provides high quality, affordable healthcare to millions of people a year.  Imagine all that pink lipstick turning into green dollars and helping the storied organization.

   The decision to buy KISS MY PINK is a reminder that seemingly inconsequential choices can cause big ripple effects.  Now you can choose to support Planned Parenthood and fashionably pout about the situation.  Something tells us that we’ll be seeing an ocean of pink colored lips around town in the very near future.

Photo Credit: The Lipstick Lobby