15 years ago there were less then 10 Yoga studios in the Atlanta Metro area.  Now it seems that a new Yoga Studio opens every few weeks.  The issue no longer is: “where can I find a yoga class,” but rather “should I attend a Hot Power Yoga class or a Yin Vin class”. For many the essential question remains: “Is it not all Yoga?”
 
The short answer: Everything is Yoga. Yoga comes from yug which means to Yoke or bring together. The union of mindfulness, movement, breath, concentration and action is Yoga.  The movement part, Asana, is one of 8 limbs of the Tree of Yoga.  As Americans we tend to get caught up in the movement, concerning ourselves with the physical results rather than the process.
 
My first forays into Yoga consisted of traveling around to multiple Studios, marveling opened mouthed at what other people could do, cursing my body and my seemingly fading athleticism for not being able to copy what I saw with immediate ease. I wondered, about the calming & centering aspect of Yoga I had heard about so often. I wondered how the balance of effort & ease would make itself known to me. At the beginning of my Journey, it seemed that every Yogi I laid eyes on in class was able to find a graceful hang-time between their edge & relaxation, regardless of how challenging the posture.  It seemed impossible to me that there would ever be a time or place where I would feel truly “calm & centered” while standing on one leg, bound like a pretzel. However, I did not let that deter me from continuing to explore what Yoga had to offer me.
 
Almost 2 years later, I am able to achieve the same graceful hang-time I once coveted in Gauradasana, Eagle Pose (standing on leg bound like a pretzel) . How did I get here, was it a miracle?  No. Is my body special? NO.  Am I some kind of a Unicorn? No.  In fact, as a native New Yorker, born to Puerto Rican parents in poverty, my environment made me predisposed to dislike Yoga. As a teenager, I considered it a luxury for the privileged who simply did not care for real exercise or real sports. I know now that Yoga is a lifestyle, and the Asana are like a medicine that can help keep you healthy & happy.
 
Ancient Yoga texts are clear that the use of Asana, the physical postures of yoga,  is intended to be prescriptive.  The Asana should be used to give the body what it needs physically, energetically, and spiritually.  We are all different. As our needs vary from day to day the way we experience Yoga can be effected. Therefore, when one begins to explore a Yoga Asana practice you should go to many studios & try many different styles of Yoga. Once you find a style, studio or teacher that can fill your personal prescription then the other aspects of Yoga begin to reveal themselves in unison with the movement. Even if you have been practicing a certain style for a longtime it is always good to vary your practice occasionally so that you can nourish the different aspects of you body, energy & spirit
 
Many of you reading this may already meditate, chant, engage in mindful movement or practice Asana. The truth is that those are all still just limbs of the Tree of Yoga.  Yoga is: how you live; what you do; how you treat others; why you do things; & how you keep yourself operating at the highest vibration possible. Yoga is not about how many sun salutations you can do, or if you can do a handstand.
 
Yoga simply asks:  what are you willing to do with what you have been given that will improve the quality of your environment?
 
Yoga is the gift of the Universe to the world. This Ancient system is a non-religious way of living that offers infinite prescriptions for what ales you. Yoga exists to improve our lives, if you are willing to dive in and look beyond postures. Dare to cultivate your prescription of the right postures through exploring different studios and styles. Are you ready to dive in?
 
Namaste, Awilda

On Bahkti Yoga - The Yoga of Devotion

For the last 12 months, we have explored questions around the practice, purpose and benefits of Yoga Asana. We have taken time to explore some of the philosophical underpinnings of this historically rich tradition; and we have also discussed how to identify & begin a physical yoga practice that resonates with your soul.  Yet, we have only begun to scatch the surface.  All we have discussed relate primarily to the physical practice of Yoga Asana and all that comes with it.
 
The question remains: Can Yoga exist off the Mat, with out Asana being involved?
Yes! There are several types of Yoga that exist. As westerners we are most commonly acquainted with  Hatha & Raja Yoga[1].  Hatha & Raja Yoga contain an essential element of physicality that is very attractive to busy people in the west who are looking to exercise their body in an intentional. It is through this intentional exercise that they hope to achieve balance, increased self-awareness, and ideally inner peace – also know as enlightenment.
 
Bahkti Yoga exists devoid of required physicality. It is known as: The Yoga of Love, The Yoga of Devotion, The Yoga of Devotion To God.  Ultimately, this is the Yoga of Surrender to the Divine.  There is neither a Diety in particular to whom you must devote yourself, nor one idea; however, in order to surrender completely you must devote yourself to something greater than yourself.  The devotion to something greater need not take a shape or personage, but it can be simply embracing the Divine Love and connection we all share OR  the Beauty of Nature all around us in every living thing.
 
In a modern western world, it is understandable that we modify the application of the ancient principles of Bahkti Yoga to fit our realistic needs. Therefore you many not feel called to sing Kirtan,  chant mantras every morning, or set an altar with deities to whom you pray directly… and that’s OK!  There are may ways you can tap into the spirit of Bahkti Yoga such as: volunteering, giving food to the homeless, dedicating the energy your physical Yoga practice to someone who is in need, interacting with all around you from a place of unconditional love & non-judgment, or immersing yourself in nature so that you can appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
 
Bahkti Yoga is not a RELIGION. It is just another avenue available to those who are looking to connect with the Divine through a unity with the world around them. While I would certainly encourage you all to experience a Kirtan performance and research mantras, I understand that for some of you that will not resonate. The great news is that in this brave new world, we have the opportunity to take the powerful ideas of Bahkti Yoga: Love – Devotion – Connection with the Divine, and find ways in our everyday lives to organically engage in this fulfilling and empowering practice. How will you bring a little Bhakti Yoga into your life?
Until next time…. Namaste!! 


[1] You may be unfamiliar with Raja Yoga, however it is the Original Form of classical Yoga from which 90% of yoga lineages found in west were derived. It is also known as the ‘8 limbed path’ of Yoga.  Hatha Yoga is more commonly known as ‘Sun Moon’ Yoga as is focused on using the body as a vehicle to transform the conscious of an individual. 
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