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PAST NEWS
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NEWS
When Sun and Moon Yoga opened in Tokyo over a decade ago, we put Community classes on the schedule, where all the profit would be donated to charity. People said it would never fly in status-conscious Japan. Of course, we didn’t listen….Sun and Moon Yoga’s COMMUNITY Class funds helped to open this library in Oshika, a town that was devastated by the tsunami on 3-11-11, thanks to Caroline Pover’s efforts and the efforts and contributions of many. Now many young kids and all members of that community can have books to read and a quiet, clean, warm, homey place to enjoy them–and a garden! Thanks, Tokyo Yoga Community and Em Bettinger, who teaches the popular Community classes. Let’s keep walking the talk!
For the details about Caroline’s activity: here
NEWS
Tokyo Yoga Interview Leza: Yoga Brings People Together
Tokyo-based writer and teacher shares how yoga can bridge cultural divides and help provide relief in the wake of natural disasters.
NEWS
SAVE THE DATE! Yogafest Yokohama 2018 is coming!The biggest yoga event in Asia YOGAFEST YOKOHAMA!
Leza and ACO will teach in it. The ticket registration is open now!
Come join us and ride on the sea breeze!
NEWS
Real Yoga Studio Tshirt features Sun and Moon Yoga!
Have you ever imagined having a t-shirt with our beautiful Sun and Moon logo designed by the admired Yoga teacher and artist, Amanda Giacomini? Now it’s available at Real Yoga Studio Tshirt!
Visit Real Yoga Studio Tshirt
NEWS
Organic Life Tokyo 2018 registration OPEN!
April 20-22, 2018 at 3331 Arts Chiyoda
Let’s have fun in the center of Tokyo! Organic Life Tokyo offer a lot of interesting and fun Yoga classes and program for well-being!
Leza will offer Lady Niguma Yoga class with Kitty and Hisaka. For Lady Niguma Yoga, please read more here, Lady Niguma’s Rocking Asana, Get Your Peace On.
ACO will offer Tensegrity Vinyasa Yoga class!
Visit the site for details (Japanese).
NEWS
Daphne Tse Japan Tour 2017
DAPHNE IS COMING BACK TO JAPAN
11/18 Osaka, 11/23 Kanazawa, 12/2 Tokyo—3 days only!
Come join Daphne and friends in Tokyo at a beautiful spacious location where the energy of the sangha will shower everyone in love.
Venue location: Osaka Nanko Sunset Hall, Kanazawa CHiL, Wa-Terrace Common Tokyo
Event Part 1: Sprit Dance SoulSong
Event Part 2: Satsang with Daphne Tse and Oneness Meditation
Event Part 3: Kirtan Live
For details: Daphne Tse Japan Tour in English or FB Event (in Japanese)
NEWS
A Meditation & Yoga workshop and Book Discussion with Leza Lowitz at Hitotsubashi University
Leza will teach a yoga class and speak on Diversity in the Family at Hitotsubashi University on October 8. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Sunday October 8, 3pm-5:30pm
(3pm-4pm Yoga & Meditation, 4pm-5:30pm Diversity and Book Discussion
Venue: Hitotsubashi University, International House (Map)
For details: FB event page
NEWS
SAVE THE DATE!Yogafest Yokohama 2017!
The biggest yoga event in Asia YOGAFEST YOKOHAMA!
The ticket registration is open!
Leza’s class: September 17, 3:30pm-4:30pm Restorative Yoga
ACO’s class: September 16, 5:00pm-6:00pm
Come join us and ride on the sea breeze!
NEWS
MySOUL8 Prezents:Restorative Yoga 20-Hour Teacher Training Course in Nagoya!
September 8-10, 2017
The first Restorative Yoga TTC with Leza Lowitz in Nagoya!
Leza leads Restorative Yoga Teacher Trainings and has trained over 1000 teachers throughout Japan and Asia.
The course will be in English with Japanese translation by Hiromi Kitty Thompson.
For details and registration (MySOUL8 website, in Japanese)
NEWS
Poco Yoga Azumino Presents:Restorative Yoga TTC & Yoga for Restful Sleep WS in Azumino!
July 21 - 23, 2017
The first Restorative Yoga TTC with Leza Lowitz in Nagano!
Leza also offers her Yoga for Restful Sleep WS on the second day.
All program is taught in English with Japanese translation by Haruka Takahashi.
Leave your stress behind as you nourish your spirit and body with yoga, meditation and community in a beautiful mountain setting in Azumino!
Restorative Yoga TTC: Here (Japanese)
Yoga for Restful Sleep WS: Here (Japanese)
Workshop Information
Lotus8 Presents:
Yoga for Restful Life, Restful Sleep, a Workshop with Leza Lowitz
Sunday May 28, 2017 16:30-18:30
Japanese translation by Hiromi Kitty Thompson
Sleep is one of the most important aspects of health and well-being, yet it remains elusive for so many people! Yoga can help.
Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you wake up in the middle of the night and find yourself unable to go back to bed?
In this workshop, you will learn simple yoga poses, restorative and rolling restorative and meditation techniques to enhance restful sleep and maintain an harmonious lifestyle.
Workshop Information
Workshop with Leza in Nagoya
Yoga de MySOUL8 and Yoga Life Nagoya 2017
Join Leza in Nagoya for a Restorative Yoga Workshop at MySoul8 and the largest Yoga event in Tokai area, Yoga Life Nagoya!
Restorative Yoga WS at Yoga de MySoul8
Saturday May 13, 14:00-16:30
For details: here (in Japanese)
Lady Niguma Yoga Workshop with Leza Lowitz at Yoga Life Nagoya 2017
Sunday May 14, 14:30-16:00
For details: here (in Japanese)
Retreat NEWS
Leza Lowitz Retreat in New Zealand April, 2017
I am very excited to be visiting New Zealand next spring for the first time to lead a yoga and abundance retreat on April 22-23 in beautiful, lush Marlborough.
Lowitz flows with a positive energy, and the weekend of the 22nd and 23rd April should leave everyone feeling energised and inspired.
Emily Hope from Hope Nutrition will compliment this retreat by sharing her nutrition philosophy, a holistic approach to food and health. She will encourage students to focus on choosing whole, fresh and natural foods as often as they can to provide a range of nutrients that nourish the mind and body. Please see the link for further details.
If you wish to confirm a place, please e-mail Anne Brooker.
BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION HERE:
The venue is Marlborough Vintners Hotel, accommodation is available on site info@mvh.co.nz
Other accommodation is available close by.
Spread the word to your Kiwi Friends!
NEWS
Narita Yoga PresentsYoga for Restful Life, Restful Sleep
Workshop with Leza Lowitz
～ Restorative and Rolling Restorative so it is about Relaxing ～
【Date】 26th Feburary (Sun) 11:00am - 1:00pm
【Place】 Raddison Hotel Narita (Accessible by the Direct Bus from Tokyo station)
【Cost】 4500yen
*Please bring 2 tennis balls
Japanese translation by Yoriko Matsumoto
Sleep is one of the most important aspects of health and well-being, yet it remains elusive for so many people! Yoga can help.
Do you have trouble falling asleep? Do you wake up in the middle of the night and find yourself unable to go back to bed?
In this workshop, you will learn simple yoga poses, restorative and rolling restorative and meditation techniques to enhance restful sleep and maintain an harmonious lifestyle.
SAVE THE DATE!
Yogafest Yokohama 2016!
The biggest yoga event in Asia YOGAFEST YOKOHAMA!
The ticket registration is open!
Leza, Aco and Shivani are teaching in Yoga Fest. For the event details, click here and change the language to English (on the top right next to the search icon.
Lesson with Leza Lowitz
09/18 16:30-18:30 GET HAPPY with THE SIX PERFECTIONS
09/18 13:00-14:30 Restorative Yoga
Restorative Yoga will feature Crystal Bowl/Chanting with Momoyo Yamaguchi this year.
Lesson with Aco Yoshikawa
09/17 17:00-18:30 Tensegrity Vinyasa
Lesson with Shivani Sara-Shivani
09/17 15:00-16:30 Venus Yoga
Come join us and ride on the sea breeze!
NEWS
Save the date! True Nature TOKYO “Life in Peace”@ The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
August 15 & 16, 2016
Come join this mid-Summer Special Event in Tokyo! Look up the sky and find peace and love within yourself!
From Sun and Moon, Leza, Hatsumi, Tomo and Hiromi will teach on August 15.
10:00 – 11:30 味わい愛でるアシュタンガヨガ / 石川 初美 (Ashtanga Yoga with Hatsumi)
12:00 – 13:00 Slow, Deep Vinyasa Flow / Leza Lowitz
13:30 – 15:00 Summer Sequence / Hiromi Thompson
15:30 – 17:00 Chakra Yoga & Yoga Nidra w/Crystal Bowl / Tomo
For the details: visit True Nature Tokyo Official Website or True Nature Tokyo FB page.
NEW CLASS!
Saturday 12:45-2:00pm WEEKEND TREAT with SATOMI (J)
In this relaxing and restful class we will use yoga balls and other props to roll out tension in stiff muscles and release myofascial knots. By flexing and revitalising the body tissue, you can release tension mentally, emotionally and physically. This practice is recommended for everyone–especially those recovering from injuries or pain, and those who want to develop deeper flexibility or mobility. Saturday afternoon, experience deep relaxation through revitalising Restorative Yoga to regain balance, health and equilibrium in mind and body.
Class Type: Restorative Yoga. 75 minutes. All levels of students welcome. Class card OK. Class is in Japanese.
About the instructor: here
SPECIAL CLASS!
PRENATAL YOGA with ANNAA Six-Week Course
Sundays 4:30-6:00pm
October 4 - November 8
Now is the time to start building healthy habits that support your body, spirit and growing family! Together, we’ll focus on gentle stretching, strengthening, and relaxation with an emphasis on self-care. Additionally, we’ll use yoga to prepare the body and mind for birth.
This six-week session is open to pregnant women or anyone interested in prenatal care, regardless of past yoga experience. We recommend that women practice yoga only after 14 weeks of pregnancy, and that they consult their health care providers of they have questions about whether prenatal yoga is right for them.
Course may be joined any time. Registration not required. Drop-ins welcome. Class is in English.
About the instructor: here
NEWS - RTTC and a WS for teachers in KANAZAWA, OCTOBER 2015
Great news in West Japan!
Leza will visit Kanazawa again and offer 20-Hour Restorative Yoga Teacher Training Certification Course and a WS for teachers in West Japan organized by M Yoga Kanazawa & Kaga!
The Magic of A Good Teacher, a Workshop with Leza Lowitz
October 9 2015
20-Hour Restorative Yoga Teacher Training Certification Course with Leza Lowitz
October 10-12 2015
Japanese translation by Haruka Takahashi
See the details here, M Yoga Kanazawa & Kaga.
Yogafest Yokohama 2015
September 21-23, 2015@Pacifico Yokohama
The biggest yoga event in Asia YOGAFEST YOKOHAMA!
The ticket registration is open!
Leza and Aco are teaching in Yoga Fest. For the event details, click here and change the language to English (on the top right next to the search icon.
Lesson with Leza
09/22 11:00-12:30 The Magic for a Good Teacher (for teachers)
09/22 17:00-18:30 Restorative yoga
Lesson with Aco
09/21 13:00-14:30 Tensegrity Vinyasa
Come join us and ride on the sea breeze!
Enjoy Yoga with Sun & Moon wonderful teachers at DUSK powered by True Nature @Park Tower Tokyo!!
August 15 & 16, 11:00-17:00
Park Tower Tokyo (In Shiba Park, near the Tokyo Tower)
Very Cool Yoga & Music event, DUSK powered True Nature
Sun & Moon teachers offer FREE lessons in their Studio Program.
Don’t miss this special opportunity to have lessons with our SUPERB teachers!!
The program and lesson are all FREE.
〈Sun & Moon Schedule〉
Saturday, August 15
11:00-13:00 Ashtanga Primary with Hatsumi
13:30-15:00 Feel the essence of Hatha Yoga with Satomi
15:30-17:00 Deep Hip Love with Em (Japanese translation by Haruka)
Sunday, August 16
11:00-12:30 Hatha Yoga Basics with Kumiko
13:00-14:30 Open Heart Flow with Hisaka
15:00-16:30 Slow Flow - Sivananda Inspired with Tomo
For details: DUSK powered by True Nature
Or ask our teachers at the studio!
The International Yoga Day! Let’s celebrate together!
Next Sunday 6/21. Special charity yoga/martial arts/food event in Hiroo to celebrate International Yoga Day presented by Deportare Yoga and Yoga Journal Japan.
A part of proceeds from this event is donated to charity to help to build an elementary school building in Bihar state in India. Do your yoga for others!
“Yoga is an invaluable gift of India’s ancient tradition . It embodies unity of mind and body; thought and action; restraint and fulfillment; harmony between man and nature; a holistic approach to health and well-being. It is not about exercise but to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature. ” In Suggesting June 21, which is the Summer Solstice, as the International Day of Yoga, Mr. Narendra Modi had said that, “the date is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and has special significance in many parts of the world. ”
Sunday June 21, 9:30am-9:00pm @Deportare Yoga in Hiroo
Leza Lowitz will be sharing Restorative Yoga (2:15-3:45). Including Leza’s class, the participants can join 5 classes with the global teachers and a special celebration party with Chef Nagashima of Restaurant 81!
For the details: Deportare Yoga
NEWS - Workshops with Leza at Poco-Yoga Studio in Azumino!
Please join Leza in the beautiful nature of Azumino. She will teach a Lady Niguma workshop and Restorative Yoga Workshop. Hope to see you there!
May 4, 2015 (Monday, National holiday)
3pm - 4:40pm Lady Niguma Yoga Workshop
5pm - 6:40pm Restorative Yoga Workshop
Place: Poco Yoga Studio (Azumino, Nagano)
For details and registration: Poco Yoga Studio (Japanese)
NEWS
Community Support Report
Sun and Moon supported Michelle’s efforts with Community class funds. We would like to share an excerpt of the report by Michelle. Thank you, everyone, for your contributions!
Post Haiti Clinic Report
Dear Friends of Haiti,
Thanks to all your support, donations and prayers the Naturopathic Relief Clinic was able to treat hundreds of people a day, over the course of our 2 week stay. The mobile clinic reached schools, churches, orphanages and the poorest of neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
I would like to say that conditions are improving there, and maybe they are a bit…but with overhead piles of smoking garbage everywhere next to ladies selling fruit and vegetables on the ground…how is it possible to control disease!?
Yet, the Haitians respond immediately to the care and natural remedies that we administer to them. A dose of chamomilla and babies stop crying, a shot of Rescue Remedy and spirits are uplifted after a shock, a sniff of essential oil and headaches are relieved. Acupuncture proved to be very effective for pain relief in many cases, people were dancing and moving their bodies around in ways they had not done in years and telling their neighbors about it after.
We were happy to see that the health of the children at the orphanage is greatly improved. Their vitalities are stronger. All the coughs, colds, fevers and skin diseases that we were seeing in past years were greatly reduced. The teachers and caregivers tell us they had been giving the children all the medicines throughout the year we left for them.
We had such a good crew this trip. From left to right - Neila (bodyworker), Bernard (project manager), Whitney (social worker/clinic assistant), Peirrot (essential oil prep), Oliver (translator), Eddy (medicine prep), Michelle (healer), Venerable Jinpa (healer), Marilisia (medicine prep), Papa Guiteau (the boss and gave us shelter).
The love and laughter of all involved helped make this intense mission a beautiful healing journey. I am so grateful for this opportunity, many thanks for making it possible…
Michelle
Cerebrate the new year with Yoga Workshops “Diwali” at Ohana Smile
In January 2015, Ohana Smile Yoga Studio (Tokyo) will host 32 yoga workshops by 26 popular teachers!
For the details here (Japanese)
Leza, Aco and Tomoko will teach:
Workshop with Leza: Monday January 26 1pm-3pm (Ohana Smile Yutenji Branch)
Restorative Yoga
Workshop with Aco: Wednesday January 7 4pm-6pm (Ohana Smile Yutenji Branch)
Tensegrity Yoga
Workshop with Tomoko: Wednesday January 14 1pm-3pm (Ohana Smile Yutenji Branch)
Heart of Yoga
NEWS
We are featured!!
Sun and Moon is featured in Savvy Tokyo.
Please visit the page.
Leza is featured in Japan Times.
Please visit here.
Yogafest Yokohama 2014
September 13, 14 & 15, 2014@Pacifico Yokohama
The biggest yoga event in Asia YOGAFEST YOKOHAMA!
The ticket registration is open and the lesson registrations starts from July 14.
Leza teaches 2 classes (Japanese translation: Tomoko Kawahara)
Sunday September 14 1pm-2:30pm “Heart Vinyasa Yoga”
Sunday September 14 3pm-4:30pm ”Restorative Yoga Workshop」
Come join us and ride on the sea breeze!
True Nature Japan in Karuizawa
May 31 - June 1
Place: Karuizawa Prince Hotel
Join Leza Lowitz, Tomoko Kawahara and a variety of teachers at True Nature Japan in Karuizawa for yoga and music in nature. Come for a class, stay overnight, or come for the day. Bring kids, family, friends. Classes in English and Japanese. Join us to refresh and enjoy yoga in community -remember your true nature at TRUE NATURE.
Leza will teach Vinyasa Yoga and meditation. For more details and to register, see www.truenature.jp
NEWS - Workshops with Leza at Poco-Yoga Studio in Azumino!
Please join Leza in the beautiful nature of Azumino. She will teach a Meditation workshop and Restorative Yoga Workshop. Hope to see you there!
May 5, 2014 (Monday, National holiday)
3pm - 4:40pm Quiet Mind, Introduction to Meditation
5pm - 6:40pm Restorative Yoga
Place: Poco Yoga Studio (Azumino, Nagano)
Meditation Workshop:
This introduction to meditation and self-inquiry gives you a look at how the stories you tell yourself are not your true identity. Meditation helps you to quiet the mind while self-inquiry assists in questioning and releasing your false self. When the mind is quiet, the mind slows down–then you can inquire into the truth of the stories you tell yourself.
Restorative Yoga? Why Now?
Daily life is incredibly stressful, especially in an urban environment. We spend a great deal of energy just trying to survive, often running on adrenaline (the “fight or flight response”) until we burn out. Now more than ever, we need a slower, deeper yoga practice that helps us regain our equilibrium and combat the stresses of modern life. Restorative yoga is one such practice that invites the body’s “relaxation response,” calms the nervous system, and quiets the mind. Restorative Yoga is a deeply relaxing, “passive” practice of Hatha Yoga in which we let go of physical, mental and emotional tension by practicing yoga poses in a fully supported environment, holding the poses for longer durations of time, and focusing on the breath.
For details and registration: Poco Yoga Studio (Japanese)
NEWS - 20-Hour Restorative Yoga Teacher Training Certification Course with Leza Lowitz in Kanazawa, March 2014, organized by M Yoga Kanazawa & Kaga
Come join us for this popular, comprehensive and life-changing teacher training by Leza!
This will be the first RTTC in west Japan!
Waiting List only.
Friday March 21 13:00-18:00pm (5 hours) (National holiday)
Saturday March 22 9:00-18:00 (8 hours w/1 hour lunch break)
Sunday March 23 9:00-17:00 (7 hours w/1 hour lunch break)
Place: M Yoga Kanazawa & Kaga
(The venue has been changed on Jan 22)
See the details here, M Yoga Kanazawa & Kaga.
WE HAVE MOVED TO GOTANDA
We are happy to welcome you in our new home, and thank you for making our first ten years so spectacular.
The new address is the following
Gotanda Yamakatsu Building 201
3-16-44 Higashigotanda
Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 141-0022
Tel: (03) 3280-6383
It is around a 5 minute walk from Gotanda Station.
DIRECTIONS:
From JR Gotanda/Tokyu-line Gotanda
Take East Exit of Gotanda Station and head out. Cross the overpass, heading towards BIG ECHO and walk straight on the left side of the street (opposite of REMY building). Walk two long blocks and one short block.
Before you see Origin Bento on the corner and Maruetsu Petit in front of you there is a small street before MARUETSU. Take a left and walk on that street for two blocks. You will hit a corner, and see Cafe Urbano on the first floor. We are on the 2nd floor.
From Toei-Chikatetsu (Metro) Gotanda station
Take A6 Exit of Metro Gotanda station. You see Nippon Rent-A-Car on the corner diagonally in front of you and there is a small street before Nippon Rent-A-Car. Take a right and walk on that street and you pass Lawson and Familymart. Walk straight until you see Cafe Urbano on the first floor on your left. We are on the 2nd floor.
Hit 201 followed by the BELL signal to be buzzed in.
Make sure to close the door completely after entering the building. But please close it quietly.
Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to class start time so as not to be late and disturb others.
EVENT NEWS - TRUE NATURE HAKONE in September
Come relax in community RETREAT with fellow yogis and yoginis in a beautiful setting in nature away from our busy lives. Save the date!
Date ：Sep 27th - 29th, 2013
Place ：The Prince HAKONE
Leza’s class
Saturday September 28, 13:00-14:30 Partner yoga and Eight limbs of yoga
Sunday September 29, 6:00-7:30 Stillness in Motion–Walking Meditation
For more detail
True Nature Website
EVENT NEWS - Yoga Fest 2013 in YOKOHAMA in September
It’s almost time again for the annual Yogafest Yokohama.
As always, it’s a fun weekend packed full of classes and workshops and a great chance to network with fellow yogis and try a variety of classes and teachers. There’s also a great yoga market. Save the dates!
Leza’s Classes:
Sep 21(Sat) [21D4] 15:00-16:30 Restorative Yoga For teachers
Sep 21(Sat) [21C5] 17:00-18:30 Heart-Opening Yoga For Beginners
To register: Yoga Festa Website
EVENT NEWS - DUSK FLOW YOGA & MUSIC, August 30 & 31
The Yoga of the Infinite with Leza Lowitz at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Saturday Aug 31st 8:30am-9:45am
Expand your horizons with this energising class, perfect for all levels. Open your heart to infinite happiness, compassion and kindness through guided meditations as we enjoy a flowing
vinyasa yoga practice together.
All Levels Welcome
Translation by Tomoko Kawahara
NEW Class! MOMMY & ME YOGA
MOMMY & ME YOGA
Wednesdays 12:30-13:45 with Clara Chare (in English)
Bring your child to yoga class! Parents and kids yoga offers moms (and dads) a rare chance to take a yoga class with their child close at hand. No need to worry about childcare! Just bring your baby or toddler (up to age 6) to play and have fun while you practice yoga! The teacher is a certified yoga teacher and yogini mom herself. She will focus on areas that need stretching from all the lifting and carrying of your little one. We’ll also build core strength and make space to free tension. This will be a sacred time to breathe and relax, to have fun and enjoy the beautiful energy your children bring to the room. Children are welcome to join in or simply play around us with their favorite toys (please bring your kid’s own toys!), read books, or just be with each other. Parents can leave their mats at any time to attend to their child and join in again.
(Photo by dragonflywellness)
Note: Moms should not practice in the immediate weeks after C-section surgery.
Registration: No need to sign up to register. Just show up for class. Regular 4-card, 10-card and 20-card studio class cards can be used. Drop-ins are 3,000 yen.
About Clara Chare:
A long-time resident in Tokyo, Clara is from Vancouver, Canada and started practicing yoga in 2000. She completed Bikram’s Hot Yoga TTC, 200-Hour Hatha Yoga TTC, and Restorative Yoga TTC with Leza Lowitz at Sun and Moon. She has two young sons and loves doing yoga with them.
For the New Year, Leza writes on the inner/outer methods of yoga in her newest Huffington Post article on “Failing Forward.” She also quotes Ted Lafferty.
Read it here.
Leza’s interview on Blog Talk radio
Listen to Leza interviewed about poetry, yoga, transformation and world peace on Blog Talk radio by Kim McMillon on June 21, 2011:click here
J-Boys, Kazuo’s World Tokyo 1965 by Shogo Oketani Published to Critical Acclaim
This is a great book for adults and kids from jr. high up to learn about Japanese life, customs and culture.
Translated into English by Avery Fischer Udagawa
To Order: click here
Yoga Heart: LInes on the Six Perfections by Leza Lowitz with illustrations by Akiko Tanimoto published!
ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE OF THIS BOOK GO TO EARTHQUAKE RELIEF IN JAPAN.
To Order: click here
Also available soon at Sun and Moon.
I-phone book “YOGA WITH YOU”
For Japan Aid, a Charity book for the i-phone called “YOGA WITH YOU” featuring Leza and many other teachers from Japan and internationally has been released.
You can buy it at the APP store here
Read Leza’s article on the anti-nuke demo in Tokyo in The Huffington Post:
Message from Leza
In the aftermath of the trifold disasters of the devastating March 11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear catastrophe, now more than ever we can practice our yoga off the mat. As a community or sangha, we have the opportunity to come together and use our collective power and compassion in action, which is the true meaning of Karma Yoga. We are all truly connected, and in times like this, we feel the power of that connection–to the earth, to each other, to the humanity in all of us.
Thanks to everyone who came out in the days following the earthquake to raise money for Red Cross Japan and the afflicted areas. We raised over $15,000 and came together to support those in need and strengthen our community. This is the true spirit and meaning of yoga–to put into action the wish for all beings everywhere to be happy and free of suffering. Thank you for living your yoga. Stay posted on our website for more fundraising and supply drives by Em, Paul and others for those in need.
Special thanks to Em Bettinger, Phil Bettinger, Paul Burke, Tomoko Kawahara, Masaaki Nakajima, and all the wonderful yogis and yoginis who have devoted their time and energy to collecting money, goods and services for those in need during this time. Thanks to the teachers for holding classes and holding the space at Sun and Moon, and to those of you who have come out in full force when it would be easy to stay inside!! Thanks to you all for proving that yoga really does work.
If you would like to donate time, money or resources, please visit the home pages of some of the organizations we’ve been working with during this time.
2HJ Second Harvest Japan: http://www.2hj.org/
Kifu-yoga: http://ameblo.jp/kifuyoga
Chabad House of Tokyo:
http://chabadjapan.org/blog_e/chabad-japan-earthquake-relief-activities/chabad-japan-earthquake-relief-fund/
With deep gratitude and love, Leza
Student Tickets
Sun and Moon is pleased to offer a Student Discount for High School, College and Technical School Students with proof of current registration.
2,000 yen for a drop-in (anytime)
8,000 yen for a 4-class card
15,000 yen for a 10-class card
18,000 yen for a 20-class card
Please inform your teacher and show proof of ID/attendance if you wish to purchase one.
Sun and Moon in the News: Leza talks about her journey from rebellious teenager to yoga student to teacher to studio owner in the ”Lohas Way” column of Bravo Music Japan, October 2009: http://www.yogamusic.jp/lohas_way/17.html
Please see PRESS page for this article and more articles over the years.
YogaFest Osaka April 10-23
Yogafest Osaka will have its premier this year. Please join Leza and
many other teachers.
Leza will teach Tibetan Heart Yoga: Dwelling in the Compassionate Heart,
on Saturday April 20 from 14:30-16:00 at Yoga Fest. Hope to see you then!
To register, go here:
http://hankyu.yogafest.jp/?page_id=4295#0420
Leza @ Spirit Yoga, Osaka April 21
Leza will also be teaching “Tibetan Heart Yoga: Dwelling in the
Compassionate Heart” with Japanese translation at Spirit Yoga in Osaka
on Sunday, April 21 from 10:00-12:30. All are welcome.
English registration:
http://spirityogastudio.com/en/event/workshop/tibetan-heart-yoga.html
Japanese page: http://spirityogastudio.com/event/workshop/leza.html
Sept 9 Yoga Aid Challenge
Yogis around the world will unite in the Yoga Aid Challenge in one single expression of intention on September 9th, 2012.
The “Yoga Relay” will begin in Sydney, travel around the globe through 20+ countries at 200+ events, and end at sundown in Los Angeles. Our goal to raise over $1 Million dollars for charities around the world.
The Yoga Aid World Challenge is calling YOU: Passionate yogis around the world. Join the thousands of others who will participate in this global fundraising mission by taking part in a Yoga Aid Challenge near you.
Participation in these charity yoga classes is free, all we ask is that you help us fundraise for local charity partners through your very own Yoga Aid Fundraising page.
100% of donations go directly to charity. Now is the perfect time to register - simply hover over the bar in the top right corner and find the location near you.
The following Sun and Moon Sunday September 9 classes will be part of the Yoga Aid Charity event
Sunday September 9, 8:00am-9:30 Backbending Vinyasa w/Em
Sunday September 9, 12:30pm-2:00 Taoist Yoga w/Miles
Sunday September 9, 4:30pm-6:30 Funky Continual Flow w/Em
All classes will be mixed level Hatha Yoga or Vinyasa. Beginners are welcome.
Join us and be part of the year’s global practice: thousands of yogis coming together around the globe to make the world a better place.
For more information, please see http://www.yogaaid.com
News
The 5th Annual Bali Spirit Festival 2012 was another amazing adventure. Read about some of Leza’s offerings
in the Bali Spirit Blog by Alexis Arvidson here:
http://blog.balispiritfestival.com/2012/lady-nigumas-rocking-asana-get-your-peace-on/
http://blog.balispiritfestival.com/2012/tibetan-heart-yoga-and-the-six-perfections/
http://blog.balispiritfestival.com/2012/let-your-story-unfold/
Yoga Aid Challenge Sunday April 29 & Park Yoga w/Leza Thursday May 3.
The Yoga Aid Japan Challenge was a huge success. It was a beautiful sunny day, over 777 people came, and we raised over 1,000,000 yen for charity. Thanks to all of those who donated to the cause, and to those who attended. Special thanks to Tomoko Kawahara whose interpreting captured the feeling and mood perfectly, and to Em Bettinger, who
single-handedly raised the bar on fundraising efforts, as she does every year.
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Join Leza and 12 others for the Yoga Aid Challenge on Sunday, April 29 for charity. Please see http://www.yogaaid.com/japan to register, and for more details.
Leza will also be teaching at Midtown Park Yoga (free, open to all) on 5/3 Thurs 9:30-11:00am.
Leza will be accompanied by the fantastic band Wah Qi Neh who will be improvising with their wonderful sound–http://www.myspace.com/wahqineh. Join us for this modern update on an ancient practice on the lawn
on this beautiful spring morning.
Bring your mats and smiles!
www.tokyo-midtown.com/jp/news/openthepark2012.pdf
(WILL BE CANCELLED IN CASE OF RAIN)
Bali Spirit 2012
Leza will teach Tibetan Heart Yoga, and Yoga & Poetry workshops.
Come join us in Bali for a fantastic yogic time March 28-April 2.
The Annual BaliSpirit Festival was created to inspire individuals to create positive change in the world with a focus on giving back to Bali. The BaliSpirit Festival champions the collaborative power of yoga, dance and music to strengthen the ecological health & vitality of the island while maintaining the vibrancy of the Balinese people and their unique culture. Over the past four years, international yoga teachers have offered Karma Yoga programs throughout Indonesia, helping to raise over $55,000 for orphanages, clinics such as Bumi Sehat, and the Festival’s own HIV/AIDS awareness program “Ayo Kits Bicara HIV/AIDS” and more. Some of this year’s confirmed teachers include: Leza Lowitz, Danny Paradise, Mark Whitwell, Vinn Marti, Twee Merrigan, & Les Leventhal with more to come!
To register, please go to: http://www.balispirit.com
Also special “Yoga Heart” Charity THY 1 Event for Japan with Leza Lowitz on April 3 at the Yoga Barn.
Join Leza in Bali for a Bali Spirit Post-Festival Yoga Heart workshop on Compassion and Creativity. Open up all channels with this heart-opening practice to inspire you on and off the mat!
Tsunami Relief Charity Classes, March 11 and March 14, 2012
Yoga Day & Week — March 11, 2012 to commemorate the 1-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Join us for charity classes.
March 11 marks the 1-year anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami. Many people are still suffering from the effects of these disasters. Please join Sun and Moon and Yoga Day on March 11 and March 14 for the following Charity classes. All funds will be donated to charities supporting those recovering from the twin disasters.
March 11th Sunday
10:30-12:00 Vinyasa Flow w/Em Bettinger
All levels vinyasa flow with Em in English, funky flow with great music & meditation. All money to charity.
12:30-2:00 Vinyasa Yoga w/Minako
Vinyasa Yoga for city dwellers. Open your heart, expand your breath, and stimulate your blood circulation.
Gentle vinyasa, core toning, and simple Thai massage synchronize mind, body, and spirit.
The self and partner massage with golf balls will leave you feeling great for a long time!
With Minako’s sunny, upbeat, and optimistic style, you can be a bit playful and enjoy both the energizing and soothing sides of the practice to get rid of stress.
2:30-4:00 Beginning Yoga w/Em Bettinger
Beginning Vinyasa Flow Yoga with Em, fun and energetic. All money to charity. English.
4:30-6:00 Ashtanga Basics w/Em Bettinger
Ashtanga Vinyasa Basics class, love and power. All money to charity. English.
6:30-8:00 Tibetan Heart Yoga w/Leza Lowitz
Tibetan Heart Yoga-ancient yoga with compassion meditation and heart-opening flow. All money to charity. Bilingual.
March 14th Wednesday
10:30-12:00 Vinyasa Flow w/Em Bettinger
All levels vinyasa flow with Em in English, funky flow with great music & meditation. All money to charity.
Come as a drop-in, with your class card or with a “Yoga Day Yoga Week” ticket.
Sun and Moon Yoga/Second Harvest Japan
2nd Charity Drive for Tohoku
May 29, 2011 at Sun and Moon Yoga, Meguro
12:30pm-5:00pm
Sun and Moon Yoga is pleased to team up with Second Harvest Japan again to gather supplies for those in shelters in Tohoku. Our first drive was the largest ever non-corporate donation received in Japan.
People in the shelters need our help more than ever before, let’s show them we are with them. Please bring the following items to Sun and Moon Studio.
Food and Drink
Rice (that doesn’t need washing) NO genmai, please (NO brown rice)
Water in PET bottles
Canned food (meat, fish, beans, vegetables, fruit, etc.)
Food in pouches (beans, vegetables, soup, dried fruit, etc.)
COOKIES, SNACK BARS and CEREAL BARS
Powdered milk
Baby food
Cutlery/Serving utensils, etc, for the soup kitchen.
Paper plates, plastic spoons and forks, disposable chopsticks, Saran wrap, etc.
Strong brown sticky-tape (the kind used for parcels, boxes)
And of course, money will always be gratefully accepted (yen).
Everything must be “in-date,” unopened and edible! A wide variety of foodstuffs is desirable, as is non-allergenic food, especially for babies.
Collection Dates/Times:
Sat, May 28th 10:30am-12:00pm/12:30-2:00pm –> Leza’s classes
Sat, May 28th 4:30-6:30pm –> Charity meditation/singing group w/Tomoko
Sun, May 29th 8:00-9:30am/10:30am -12:00pm –> Em’s morning classes
Sunday May 29th 12:30-5:00pm LATEST.
NOTE: Sunday May 29th 12:30-2:00pm, 2:30-4:00pm and 4:30-6:00pm
classes will be cancelled.
PLEASE DO NOT BRING ITEMS TO THE STUDIO AT ANY OTHER TIME. PLEASE
BRING ONLY THE ABOVE ITEMS. NO CLOTHING, BLANKETS, ETC., CAN BE
ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME. THANK YOU FOR YOUR UNDERSTANDING.
DRIVERS/CARS NEEDED:
We are looking for at least 10 drivers to take supplies from Meguro to
Second Harvest near Akihabara on May 29th. Please let us know if you
are available to help transport goods onthat day.
For more information, see Second Harvest Japan Website
http://www.2hj.org/index.php/news_j/disasterrelieffooddonations/
If you have questions, please email Em Bettinger at:
breathe@em-yoga.com in English or info@sunandmoon.jp in Japanese.
MANY THANKS TO ALL FOR YOUR SUPPORT DURING THIS TIME OF NEED. IT’S
WHEN OUR YOGA MOST SERVES THE WORLD!
April 30 Yoga Aid Challenge 8:30am-11:00am
Thanks to your generosity, team Sun and Moon raised over one million yen (over $10,000) at Yoga Aid for Japan Platform, to go directly to those affected by the quake and tsunami. Thank you all for living your yoga! Special thanks to Em Bettinger for her tireless fundraising efforts and teaching, and to Tomoko Kawahara for her interpreting and support. Over two million yen was raised in total for Japan.
Thanks to the fantastic Sun and Moon Yoga Aid team for helping to make a beautiful bamboo forest to open the event:
Tomoko Kawahara, Em Bettinger, Phil Bettinger, Goma Ramasubramanian, Yuri Kurita, Mari Hashimoto, Yukiko Ohta, Erico Watanabe, Etsuko (Eko) Smith, Akiko Tanimoto, Akiko Ando, Miles Maeda, Eric Korpiel, Nozomi Hasegawa, Shizuko Kobayashi, Mia Walker, Shannon Walker, Ikuhiro Nakamura, Kaori Suzuki, Kate Kamoshita, Mikiko Okada and Shoko and Koji Washida.
Sun and Moon in the News
Tomoko Kawahara’s article on YCIP (Yoga Classics Input Project)/GFP =Global Family Project) Japan appears on Yoga Generation; one of the most popular yoga portal sites in Japan. It’s bilingual, so for English, please scroll down to end of Japanese.
http://www.yoga-gene.com/0908/instructor/yogaoffthemat.html#content
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We are grateful to YogaYomu for introducing YCIP/GFP in their September newsletter, which will be distributed at YogaFest. Check out this special issue, out soon. Thanks to YogaYomu for their great article sharing this important work! Namaste.
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Leza, ACO, Masa and Shivani were interviewed about Women and Yoga in this month’s Yogini magazine. Check it out at your newsstands today!
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Leza talks about her journey from rebellious teenager to yoga student to teacher to studio owner in the Lohas Way Column of Bravo Music Japan, coming at the end of September:
http://www.yogamusic.jp/lohas_way/
YogaFest Japan 2009–3 Sun and Moon Teachers to Choose From!
Please join Leza for Tibetan Heart Yoga Series Four at YogaFest in Yokohama on Sunday, September 20th from 1:30-3:00pm.
Join Masaaki for Tibetan Heart Series 1 on Tuesday, September 22nd from 8:30-10:00am.
Join Sara-Shivani for Mantra and Moving Meditation on Sunday, September 20th from 1:30-3:00pm. For more information and to register, see: www.yogafest.jp
Yoga Aid Challenge Japan chooses YCIP as Charity Partner
YCIP/GFP has been chosen as one of three charity partners for Yoga Aid Japan Challenge this year. The purpose of the Yoga Aid Challenge is to raise awareness for the benefits of Yoga and to raise money for various charity projects. It’s really fun and great event and perfect opportunity to practice yoga both on and “off” the mat.
http://yogaaid.jp/?PK_CATEGORY_ID=636
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Tickets for this year’s Yoga Aid Japan Challenge are now on sale. The website is in Japanese, so if you need any help with registration, please let us know. We’ll be happy to help! Even if you can’t attend the event, you can still contribute to the cause. Namaste.
http://www.yogatown.jp/html/ya09.html
New Press
Sun and Moon appeared in “Metropolis” in June, “Yogini” in July, and “GLAMOROUS” in August, 2009. See Press page for articles.
Transform your life with “The Book”
THE BOOK is based on teachings by Geshe Michael Roach. It has now been translated into Japanese by Tomoko Kawahara and Masaaki Nakajima. Keeping the book will bring drastic changes to your life by reflecting your words and actions six times a day. Integrating asana practice (outer approach) with this introspective practice (inner approach), you will be able to gain a deeper understanding of yoga and yourself, and the world around you will transform. Yoga is so much more than what we do on the mat!
To download THE BOOK in Enlgish:
NEWS
We would like to send a deep bow of gratitude to Sri Pattabhi Jois, who passed away this summer. His entire life was dedicated to sharing Ashtanga Yoga, which he did, day in and day out for most of his almost 100 years. The great master brought this ancient tradition into the modern world with unwavering dedication and commitment. His teachings reached far beyond Ashtanga Yoga and helped to shape modern Yoga including Vinyasa Flow, as we know it. He has shattered the mirror and returned to Source. We are grateful to him for shining the light we all carry forward.
Namaste Guruji. You will never die.
COMMUNITY POTLUCK to LAUNCH YOGA CLASSICS INPUT PROJECT JAPAN AND GLOBAL FAMILY PROJECT JAPAN BRANCH
Sun and Moon invites you all to the first event in aid of YCIP and the Global Family Project Japan to aid Tibetan Refugees and save sacred ancient yogic texts.
Read all about the new Japan branch of The Global
Family Project in June 4th Metropolis:
http://metropolis.co.jp/tokyo/recent/globalvillage.asp
Saturday July 25th
6.30pm-8.30pm
Sun and Moon Studio, Meguro
Bring vegetarian or vegan meal to share and utensils.
See Workshop page for more information and to RSVP!
Also, see YCIP video.
New Press
Our wonderful teacher Em appeared in “Yoga Journal Japan” Spring, 2009. See Press page.
Read the January 23, 2009 INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE/ASAHI EVENING NEWS INTERVIEW on Expatriate Fiction in Japan with Leza Lowitz, Pico Iyer and Tracy Slater, founder of Four Stories, here:
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200901230040.html
FRIENDS OF SUN AND MOON NEWS AND EVENTS:
Leza Lowitz reading at Foreign Correspendent’s Club of Japan: May 16th for new critically acclaimed anthology, “Call me Okaasan: Adventures in Multicultural Motherhood” edited by Suzanne Kamata.
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Temple University Japan Poetry/Fiction Reading with Leza Lowitz, Jane Joritz-Nakagawa and Alan Botsford Saitoh: Friday, May 22nd
See Workshop page for more information!
Foreign Correspendent’s Club of Japan Leza Lowitz and others
On Saturday May 16, SWET–The Society for Writers, Editors and Translators–will host Suzanne Kamata, editor of the new anthology “Call Me Okaasan: Adventures in Multicultural Mothering,” along with contributors Leza Lowitz and Holly Thompson at the Foreign Correspondent’s Club in Yurakucho in the evening. Join these writers for readings and a discussion of raising children and writing across cultures. The presentation will be followed by dinner. Copies of the book will be on sale at the event.
Time: Saturday, May 16, 2009, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Place: Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan
Fee: Panel Discussion and Dinner: 5,000 yen (includes makunouchi bento meal). Panel Discussion only, 2,000 yen. Reservations for meal required by May 12; email SWET Events or SCBWI Events , or fax 03-3430-1740.
http://www.swet.jp
Association for Women in Finance
Presents its Entrepreuners Lecture Series
Featuring Leza Lowitz, Owner of Sun and Moon Yoga, Tokyo
“Embracing Uncertainty: Finding Financial and Emotional Stability in Unstable Times”
The current financial crisis is giving many people an opportunity to reassess their lives, perhaps dusting off an old dream and pulling it down from the shelf again to reexamine it When we face a crisis, many of the structures we’ve come to depend on collapse, and we’re forced to turn within to find our own inner strength to carry us through.
By now it’s a cliche that the kanji for crisis also means opportunity, but how do we turn one into another? Find out from someone who turned her dream of sharing a love of yoga into a successful yoga studio with over 25 classes a week, 10 instructors, and hundreds of dedicated students.
Five years ago, freelance writer and university lecturer Leza Lowitz opened Sun and Moon Yoga with little more than a vision and a few yoga props. How has the studio become so successful and continued to grow in a saturated and competitive market? What makes Sun and Moon unique, and how does Leza balance a successful career as a small business owner with her “other life” as a writer (with over 17 books published), wife, and mother?
Come hear Leza’s personal story and receive powerful tips to help you survive–even thrive– in a time of uncertainty, perhaps even inspiring you to turn your own dreams into reality without fear or compromise.
ABOUT THE INSTRUCTOR: Leza Lowitz M.A., is a former editor at a Japanese semi-governmental think tank, university lecturer (Tokyo University) and freelance editor (Tokyo University Press, etc). An award-winning author/editor of 17 books, including the best-selling “Yoga Poems: Lines to Unfold By” and “Green Tea to Go: Stories from Tokyo,” Lowitz opened Sun and Moon Yoga in 2003 and has not looked back since. In addition to teaching yoga, she leads popular courses on Creating Abundance and Manifesting Your Dreams.
Date: Thur Feb 19th
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Doors open 7pm, Speaker from 7:30pm
Place: Morgan Stanley, Ebisu Garden Place, 11F Meeting Room
Cost: 5,000 non-members, 3,000 Members
please check website to register and for venue/details.
Advanced Registration through AWF required.
Read the January 23, 2009 INTERNATIONAL HERALD TRIBUNE/ASAHI EVENING NEWS INTERVIEW with Leza and Tracy Slater, founder of Four Stories, and more here:
http://www.asahi.com/english/Herald-asahi/TKY200901230040.html
JAPAN’S FIRST YOGAAID CHALLENGE A BIG SUCCESS!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the first Japan YogaAid
challenge. We reached our goal of 300 participants and had a fantastic
time doing 108 salutations for charity. Please see Yoga Generation;
http://www.yoga-gene.com/contents/member_blog/2008/11/yoga-aid-challenges-2008.html#more
YOGINI FRIENDS BLOG
Check out the new Yogini Friend’s blog in Japanese and read Leza and
Aco’s blogs, amidst other wonderful yoga teachers. Thanks to Dominica
for the recommendation– we’re all one community! And thanks to Tomoko
Kawahara for her translation.
http://www.yogini.jp/friends/item_122.html
YOGA AID CHALLENGE FOR CHARITY
The two-hour event will be held on November 9th in Yokohama at Pacifico
Yokohama. The concept is very simple-each participant
pays a 3,000 registration fee and then performs 108 sun salutations at
the event. All the registration fees are donated to charity.
Leza will be be one of the 12 teachers leading the salutations
and practicing them along with everyone else. I’ve pledged the support
of Sun and Moon, so let’s all rise to this challenge to plant seeds of
hope and love for these children and their families! Even if you can’t
attend or do the entire 108 salutations, you can contribute or come and
support and do what you can. There is room for 300 people, so come and
bring a friend and let the sun shine.
See Workshop page for more information!
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YOGA POEMS made a surprise appearance in Lululemon Aoyama’s Shop Window in downtown Tokyo. Thanks Lululemon for all the support! We will miss you!
New Press
Sun and Moon was featured in the magazine “An-An”. See Press page.