Yoga and Meditation | Michele Hebert and Mehrad Nazari

Let this dynamic husband and wife team guide you through the Raja Yoga method as developed by Walt Baptiste. This well-grounded practice for the purposeful evolution of consciousness strengthens and purifies both body and mind. Pranayama breathing heightens energy levels, Chakra techniques promote balance, and meditation connects you with your sacred self.

Mehrad Nazari, Ph.D. has been a senior teacher of the Walt Baptiste method of Raja yoga for over15 years. He is a continuing education specialist in yoga for the American Council on Exercise, and has led yoga and health retreats internationally.

He was personally trained by yoga master Walt Baptiste, and studied with Zen master Kyozan Joshu Roshi and others, including Swami Veda and HH. Dalai Lama. Dr. Nazari is an adjunct professor of international business negotiation, which he taught for ten years at United States International University in San Diego. He advocates the application of yoga principles in our daily and corporate lives.

Michele Hebert, a regular Rancho La Puerta and Golden Door instructor since 1987, is a visionary in women's mind, body, health and spirituality. A yoga and meditation teacher, fitness expert and author, she pioneered the first meditation-based stress management program at the renowned Scripps Clinic in La Jolla, CA, and developed Introduction to Meditation at UC San Diego. She leads yoga and meditation programs at premier spas and retreat centers internationally. As a senior teacher in the Walt Baptiste method of Raja yoga, her work has been transformational in the lives of thousands, over a 30-year period. Michele's approach blends yoga, meditation, fitness and nutrition. Additional information: http://www.spaspirit.com.

Deborah Schneider (Visiting Cooking Teacher, La Cocina Que Canta)

Dubbed by Bon Appetit “The reigning queen of San Diego chefs,” Deborah Schneider, has a lot on her plate these days; her first cookbook, "Baja! Cooking on the Edge" (Rodale) was published in spring of 2006.

She also is teaching and touring around the country, introducing America to the food and wine of Baja California. She is currently executive chef of the Del Mar Fairgrounds and Race Track. Deborah has been the creative force behind some of San Diego’s best-known restaurants and hotels, including the acclaimed Jsix/Jbar, Hilton Torrey Pines, Dobson’s, Grant Grill and La Gran Tapa. Deborah received her CEC ranking (Certified Executive Chef) in 2001 from the American Culinary Federation, recognizing 19 years of professional cooking and other accomplishments.

Deborah offers two hands-on culinary experiences, 3.5 hours each, during which you will enjoy preparing your own meal along with fellow cooks. Also, learn from our visiting teacher during a demonstration class (tastings included). These activities take place at La Cocina Que Canta. You also will have the opportunity to harvest produce you use from our organic garden, Tres Estrellas. Transportation will be provided.

For more information and registration, please click here.

All Gershwin Concert | Tom Barabas

Experience the uplifting piano mastery of Tom Barabas and a stunning program! Born in Hungary, he began playing piano at the age of four. In his youth, his family moved to Venezuela where he continued his piano studies. He earned a Masters Degree from the Caracas Conservatory, then began his performance career. After moving to the United States, Tom's career expanded into jazz. His diverse background has led to the release of music that is heard all over the world -- 25 albums, three Billboard TOP 20 releases and a Grammy Award nomination.

Make Your Own Alebrije | Lauren Sherman

Lauren Sherman is a sociologist and a teacher. In 1992 she decided to travel around the world and settled in London for eight years. She had spent a lot of time in Mexico, so when it came time for her to leave London, she decided to settle in Oaxaca, Mexico. For the past six years she has lived in Oaxaca City. Lauren has always had an interest in handicrafts and textiles from all over the world, and living in Oaxaca has offered her the opportunity to be surrounded by people who produce many superb handicrafts and textiles in traditional ways. In Oaxaca she is on the Board of Directors of a grass roots charity, "Libros para Pueblos," which donates Spanish language books to libraries in pueblo schools, once the parents’ association has built a library. She also is training to be an English language guide at the Rufino Tamayo museum in Oaxaca. She now divides her time between Oaxaca and Mexico City.