Upcoming Practices and Experiences
Smile at Your Fear: A Yoga Workshop Inspired by the Teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh
Fear has a way of tightening the body, shortening the breath, and distorting our sense of what's possible. Thich Nhat Hanh taught that we don't have to fight our fear or run from it — we can turn toward it, breathe with it, and even smile at it. As he wrote, "Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." His smile practices — paired with the simple phrase "Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile" — is a small, radical act of non-fear that meets suffering not with resistance, but with compassion and presence.
Our asana practice will explore the places where fear likes to live — on the tip of balance, the openness of a backbend, the disorientation of an inversion. It's in these shapes that fear tends to reveal itself, in a held breath or physical sensation in the body. Rather than avoiding these edges, we'll practice meeting them with steadiness, curiosity, and — yes — a smile.
Working with pranayama practice and drawing directly from Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings on conscious breathing, we'll build practical tools you can carry beyond the workshop. Breath becomes an anchor: something to return to when fear tightens the chest or invites panic into the mind. You'll leave with breathing techniques designed specifically to help regulate the nervous system in moments of anxiety, uncertainty, or fear.
Thich Nhat Hanh reminded us that peace isn't found by fighting our fear, but by breathing with it — gently, and with a smile. This workshop is an invitation to practice just that, and move a little closer to the peace that resides within us all.
What to bring: a long sleeve layer, socks, and eye pillow or scarf to cover eyes are recommended for pranayama.
Omkāra: Mantra, Yoga and Sound Bath Journey
A collective evening of mantra, movement, and vibration to generate peace and clarity in the body and mind.
Join us for a deeply transformative Mantra Meditation, where we will chant the sacred syllable "OM"—the primordial sound of the universe, embodying the divine energy that unites all beings.
Teas with Bees
Teas with Bees tea ceremony, meditation and connecting with nature in a sanctuary for rescued bees.
Teas with Bees
Teas with Bees tea ceremony, meditation and connecting with nature in a sanctuary for rescued bees.
Wild Tea Tasting at Solarc Brewing
Wild tea tasting with every moment aware at Solarc Brewing
PoeTEA
Join us under the trees for a gathering of soulful poetry, rare wild tea and sweet community. This month's theme is "The Space Between."
Embodied Tea
Embodied Tea: Deepen your awareness, Refine conscious connection, Through the somatic practice of tea
Wild Tea Tasting at Solarc Brewing
Wild tea tasting with every moment aware at Solarc Brewing
Every Moment Aware: Tea Ceremony and Guided Meditation in a Serene Garden
Wild tea. Tranquil garden. Guided meditation. A peaceful ceremony to awaken your senses and soothe your spirit.
PoeTEA Picnic
Join us under the trees for a gathering of soulful poetry, rare wild tea and sweet community. This month's theme is "The Space Between."
Tea Ceremony and Soundbath Meditation
Tea Ceremony and Soundbath Meditation March 16, 4-5:30pm at the Awareness Center in Pasadena, CA.
Mantra Meditation with the Sacred Syllable OM
Join us for a deeply transformative session of Mantra Meditation, where we will chant the sacred syllable "OM"—the primordial sound of the universe, embodying the divine energy that unites all beings.
We’ll begin with restorative yoga, allowing the body to open and the mind to settle into stillness. Then, we’ll dive into the Mantra Meditation, followed by a period of silent contemplation.
Mantra Meditation offers a unique opportunity to quiet the mind and align with your inner vibration, guiding you on a journey inward to discover your true self.
When: April 2nd, 7-8:30pm
Where: Awareness Center Yoga, 2801 E. Foothill Blvd Pasadena, CA, 91107
Your personal investment: $24 (sliding scale available, no one turned away due to lack of funds. If you would like to attend and are facing financial hardship, please email me to RSVP)
Tea Ceremony and Soundbath Meditation
Tea Ceremony and Soundbath Meditation March 16, 4-5:30pm at the Awareness Center in Pasadena, CA.
Mantra Meditation with the Sacred Syllable OM
Mantra Meditation with the Sacred Syllable OMGuided by Courtnay Robbins
Join us for a special exploration of mantra meditation with the sacred syllable "OM." OM is considered the primordial sound of the universe, representing the divine energy that connects all beings. Together, we will experience how this powerful frequency can help bring stillness and peace to the mind while bringing us closer to the essence of yoga.
In this practice, you'll first learn the significance of OM and a technique for chanting it. We will begin with some gentle restorative yoga asana to prepare the body for a comfortable seated meditation. Then, we will chant OM together 108 times, followed by a period of silent meditation. The mantra meditation serves as an opportunity to quiet the mind and attune you to your inner vibration. It’s an inward journey to discover the true self.
When: March 5th, 7-8:30pm
Where: Awareness Center Yoga, 2801 E. Foothill Blvd Pasadena, CA, 91107
Your personal investment: $18 (sliding scale available, no one turned away due to lack of funds)
New Moon Cacao & Tea Ceremony
Join me and my co-host Cyndi Flagg for a new moon ceremony of heart-opening and connection at our sanctuary in Glendale. We will gather in sacred community with cacao and tea medicine as our guides.
Lotus Tea Ceremony and Soundbath Meditation
Lotus Tea Ceremony and Soundbath Meditation November 16, 4-5:30pm at the Awareness Center in Pasadena, CA.
Tea Ceremony and Soundbath Meditation
Tea ceremony is a meditative ritual that invites us into the present moment through our sensory experience.
As we gather in community, I will share rare, wild dragon tea from ancient tea trees, followed by a sound bath with antique Tibetan singing bowls. We will conclude with a guided compassion meditation to promote heart-opening and healing for all beings.
New Moon Cacao & Tea Ceremony
Join me and my co-host Cyndi Flagg for a new moon ceremony of heart-opening and connection at our sanctuary in Glendale. We will gather in sacred community with cacao and tea medicine as our guides.
Mercadita Magica
Join us for “Mercadita Mágica” our upcoming gathering and magic market! Inspired by the model of local community markets all throughout the Americas, Mercadita Mágica is an eclectic gathering of local artists, musicians, makers, creators, artisans and local businesses that uplifts and celebrates the magic and interconnectedness of our community.
We will gather with the intention of breaking the massive cycle of consumerism, inviting the community to a more mindful approach to shopping on Grateful Friday. There will be Live Music, Sound Healing, Cacao Ceremony, a Tea Lounge, Magical Vendors and Loving Community… there will be something for everyone! I will be sharing a cozy and mindful tea lounge, serving rare wild teas!
Location: 695 E. Colorado Blvd, Pasadena 91101
(Find us in the courtyard behind Vroman's)