About

I came to Yoga in 1998 when I lived in NYC working a 9-5 job in a photo agency. My first Yoga class was nothing less than transformational. The experience of moving through postures in order to facilitate the flow of energy inside, rather than performing movement for a spectator, created a huge shift of consciousness in me.

My journey of self-discovery began, exploring the power of breath combined with mindful movement. I dove into the practice because I could feel the benefits of providing more ease and clarity in my mind, while strengthening my physical body in previously unfelt ways. I understood then that body and mind are truly inextricably connected, and that we have the power to create our own environment within by directing prana (life force) through the channels in our body.

Stilling the mind in meditation became a necessity to cope with the stress around me. A whole new world opened up for me and I couldn’t believe there were people out there that hadn’t yet discovered the power of this practice!

After witnessing 9/11 I moved into the mountains north of Los Angeles. My practice grew and evolved under the guidance of many great teachers in LA. I completed my 200 hour teacher training in 2002 with the original founders of Yogaworks, Maty Ezraty and Chuck Miller, and went on apprenticing with Annie Carpenter for 6 months. I have been teaching ever since.

After the birth of my 3 daughters I became a certified Children’s Yoga Instructor through mini yogis, and created a pilot program at Topanga Elementary School, teaching Yoga to kids from Kindergarten - 3rd grade. 

My continuing studies have led me to Yoga’s sister science Ayurveda and in 2015 I completed my Ayurveda Wellness Counseling training through James Bailey.

“In my public classes you are guided through a soulful, nourishing flow that is both heating and invigorating, and at the same time calming and self-reflective. I encourage you to inquire within as our bodies move through various postures to allow energy to move through us and to remove blockages through conscious breathing, alignment and the cultivation of awareness.

I invite you to practice at your own pace and to always stay true to your own breath, so that the postures unfold as a result of an inner opening and expansion. My sequences aim to gradually and progressively open the body in order to meet our true Self, confront our limits and transcend them. Yoga is about cultivating Self-awareness and being present in each moment. It is about using the opportunities that reveal themselves to us through mindful practice, allowing emotional healing to take place while we strengthen our physical bodies.”

I currently live in Woodland Hills, CA with my 3 daughters, who continue to remind me that I am a better person when I spend time on my mat and meditation cushion.

Vivica Schwartz, E-RYT 500 Yoga Instructor, Teacher Trainer, Mentor & Ayurveda Wellness Counselor