Ventura County Fall Yoga Events for 2009

Some may consider Ventura County, to be a "small town" county, without many of the luxurious events and amenities of other cities, counties or states. As far as spiritual places to visit and experience, Ventura County has an abundance of places to get physical, or metaphysical. You need only pick up a local VCReporter (www.vcreporter.com), Ventura Breeze (www.venturabreeze.com), or fliers provided in many local businesses. If you are partial to Ojai, then you may want to visit the www.ojaivalleydirectory.com.

Camarillo:
In the sleepy little city of Camarillo, whom locals call a bedroom town, where most shops keeps close to bankers hours you can find The Camarillo Yoga Center. They offer classes for those who may be... "New to yoga?," "Starting at the beginning, and learning basics of physical alignment and breathing practice. Learn the reasoning behind the choices we make in yoga practice, "yoga etiquette" and basic postures and breathing." They are offering a variety of classes for people at several levels of skills. They offer kids yoga too, so that moms won't have to worry about baby sitters and can help children to start on a healthier path, at a younger age! They are also offering a discount to people who sign up before September 30, 2009. http://camarilloyoga.com/

Camarillo and Ventura:
The Ventura County Star reported, August 18, 2009, in their article, "Step into Fall with the Ventura and Camarillo Family YMCA America On the Move Week!," by Amy Bailey: "The Ventura Family YMCA and the Camarillo Family YMCA will open their doors for free during America on the Move Week (AOM), September 20th 27th, to allow members of the community to experience the YMCA and all that it has to offer." Where there will be, "...activities such as the "Step-tember" Challenge, seminars, swimming, strength training and a wide variety of dance and fitness classes such as Tai Chi, Yoga, Water Aerobics and much more."

Both YMCA facilities are going to concentrate on helping to educate people how to avoid the predictable 1-2 pounds a person gains per year. And their Step-tember Challenge starting on September 1, 2009, will offer prizes ranging from t-shirts, to a months' free membership and other certificates. If you are looking for a kick start in a walking program, this is the place to be. http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2009/aug/18/step-into-fall-with-the-ventura-and-camarillo-on/

Ojai:
On FaceBook.com, you will find a page about the, "Fall Renewal Yoga Retreat at the Stunning Eco Sanctuary in Ojai." The page also states the event is sold out for 2009! The FB page states: "Hatha Yoga is sacred movement designed to cleanse our bodies and energy to prepare us for deep meditation." With 23 Confirmed guests, it seems it will be a small and intimate group event, in one of the most spiritual towns in all of California. This yoga retreat will be run from September 25-27, 2009. http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=93486113807

Don't despair if you can not make it to the later September Retreat, you may still make arrangements with the FALLaway Fall Yoga Retreat, also at the Ojai Eco Sanctuary, September 4-7, 2009, Labor Day Weekend, led by Clay Kyle. This retreat promises you will be able to "FALLaway for three days and three nights of yoga, meditation, connecting to community, poetry, hiking, healthy gourmet eating, swimming, jacuzzi, massage, and relaxation." http://www.claykyleyoga.com/retreats/

You may be looking for an even more intimate experience, such a single, or couples events. In that case, you may want to check into any of the many "bed and breakfasts," in Ojai and request that they have resources and referrals ready for you, that would include the local spiritual hot spots, where you can cool down from the everyday hustle and bustle of modern life. You can depend on the Ojai Chamber of Commerce to have information about many local businesses, events, and the spiritual relaxation you are seeking. http://www.ojaichamber.org/

Ventura:
If this is your first time, and you are not sure of what to wear, or expect, you might want to make time to stop at Pategonia, Great Pacific Iron Works, 273 West Santa Clara Street. This local company carries many products for active lives, and spiritually inclined shoppers. They make, procure and provide top of the line products, coupled with great experienced staff, able to competently advise, the variety of customers who shop Pategonia. In addition to all the above perks, they contribute heavily to the local environment, which they are a part of. They may know a secret or two about what's happening locally. http://www.patagonia.com

I often drive by Yoga Jones, 105 S Oak St # 200, Ventura, CA 93001-2767, (805) 643-5669. I have had a couple of their specials put into my hands, but the timing was not right for me. One of my wishes would be, they would not put expiration dates on their invitations. But, they are the first local yoga company to offer the meaning or definition of Yoga, so prominently on their web site. When you visit their site, you will learn that: "YOGA means union. In recent years, millions have benefited from this ancient practice. "Yoga combines physical postures (asanas) to strengthen the body, breathing exercises (pranayama) to focus the mind, and the power of attention to free the spirit. You can benefit from yoga whatever your age, physical condition, or goals..." in addition to the many other facts which help to explain why yoga, is a good move, in general. http://www.yogajones.com/about.html

Find out more about the Ventura Yoga Studio and their teachers of by visiting: Ventura Yoga Studio, 110 N. Olive St., Ventura, CA 93001, Phone (805) 643-5979, where classes continue all year round and for all levels of students. http://www.venturayoga.com.

The City of Ventura, offers many health and fitness programs to local seniors, available at the local Adult Senior Centers. Check out the details at: http://www2.cityofventura.net/community_services/social_services/senior_services/health_fitness.asp

And last, but not least, Ventura Community College is sure to offer classes that are sure to fit your needs and budget! www.venturacollege.edu

May you live in interesting times, and get the chance to get away, and try a little yoga. Peace be with you.