Spirituality and Wellness in Los Angeles
Los Angeles is a city of surprising contradictions. It’s known for loud traffic and screaming producers, but it’s also the land of swaying palm trees, perfect surf, and the low buzz of a café filled with focused writers. It’s criticized for being too superficial, but it’s also packed with creative people making art—busy people who need an outlet. For this reason, LA has become the de facto western yoga capital of the world. And it’s not just yoga: LA has become a mecca for all kinds of spiritual healing and rejuvenation. From healing crystals to sound baths, here are some of the best places in Los Angeles to find your little slice of zen. Namaste!
The Yoga Collective: Venice
The Yoga Collective is a friendly, inviting yoga studio—and a great place to work up a sweat. Although quite popular, it still feels like a local neighborhood studio. Classes are inspired by Ashtanga and Iyengar yoga but feature the unique expressions of the teachers here, who are all wise and accessible. The Yoga Collective sees a lot of travelers, and the staff is warm and welcoming to new students.
512 Rose Ave., 301/392-2000, http://venice.theyogacollective.com; daily, hours vary, see online schedule
Bhakti Yoga Shala: Santa Monica
Visit Bhakti Yoga Shala for a radical yoga experience. This special studio focuses on the bhakti (love and devotion) aspect of yoga and has become a cornerstone of the Santa Monica yoga community. Bhakti Yoga Shala welcomes beginners, so go ahead and check it out, even if it’s your first time. Music is an integral part of every class, and there are a number of classes each week that include live music or kirtan (call-and-response chanting). Look at the online schedule for details.
207 Arizona Ave., 310/804-9290, www.bhaktiyogashala.com; Mon.-Fri. 7am-10pm, Sat.-Sun. 8am-10pm
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The Den: Hollywood
Aptly named, The Den is a cozy meditation hideaway. It’s tastefully designed, and the teachers are true experts in their field. Even if you’ve never meditated, The Den will help you feel comfortable giving it a try. The Den offers about 10 meditation classes per day, with some really enticing focuses like “How to Get the Love You Really Want.” There are even private classes if you’re looking for one-on-one (or small group) guidance. They also offer the popular choice of sound healing, which uses gongs, chimes, bowls, etc. to inspire healing at a cellular level.
360 S. La Brea Ave., 323/424-3444, https://denmeditation.com; classes all day, check online schedule; $23/class
House of Intuition: West Hollywood
As this shop’s exterior will tell you, “Your intuition brought you here.” This new-agey paradise is replete with feathered dream catchers, crystals in all shapes and sizes, a wall of homemade incense, Tibetan singing bowls, and books about various topics related to spirituality. The best things to buy here are the goods that House of Intuition creates itself—bubble bath, candles, and incense blends. They also offer tarot card readings and reiki healing sessions. Born in Los Angeles, there are two other locations in the city (5108 York Blvd. in Highland Park and 2237 W. Sunset Blvd. in Silver Lake).
7449 Melrose Ave., 213/413-8300, www.houseofintuitionla.com; Mon.-Fri. noon-7pm, Sat. 10am-8pm, Sun. 10am-6pm
Mystic Journey Bookstore: Venice
With calming vibes and a wide selection of spiritually minded books, Mystic Journey lives up to its name. There are also vibrant crystals and gemstones for purchase, a nice jewelry selection, and the option to sign up for a private reading with one of the inhouse “intuitive readers.” Walk to the back of the store to relax on its big, sunny patio, which hosts multiple community events each week, such as “Open Mic of the Spirit,” and “Connecting and Clearing with the Angels.”
1624 Abbot Kinney Blvd., 301/399-7070, https://mysticjourneybookstore.com; Mon.-Fri. 10am-9pm, Sat.-Sun. 10am-11pm
Thunderbolt Spiritual Books: Santa Monica
Thunderbolt beckons with the smell of incense and an extensive collection of mystically minded literature. This two-story bookshop right in Santa Monica’s commercial corridor has been expanding the minds of the spiritually inclined since 1999. Its welcoming staff are helpful and give you space to peruse not just the books but also statues, jewelry, gemstones, tarot cards, mala beads, and more. Sift through the used book section, where there are usually some great finds.
512 Santa Monica Blvd., 310/899-9279; daily 10am-10pm
Bonus: Griffith Park Drum Circle
Last but not least, if you’re looking for an even more free-spirited method of healing, check out the Griffith Park drum circle, which has been ongoing for 35 years! It’s held every Sunday morning around 9am. The circle can get quite large, and the drumming lasts until late hours of the night sometimes.
4730 Crystal Springs Dr.; Sun. 9am
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