Yoga of Love & Devotion
This month we are infusing our daily life with joy & devotion! If you find yourself searching for more in life, throughout September in Jivamukti we explore the path of Bhakti Yoga.
Are You Feeling There Could Be More to Life?
Life often presents us with moments of introspection, where we find ourselves searching for deeper meaning and connection. If you’re sensing there could be more to life, you’re not alone. Many people embark on this journey of self-discovery, seeking fulfillment beyond the mundane.
What is Bhakti and How Can It Transform Your Life?
The word ‘Bhakti’ comes from the Sanskrit word ‘bhaja,’ which translates to love, serve, or adore. Bhakti Yoga is a path that awakens these qualities within us, guiding us to experience life through the lens of the heart. A person in a state of Bhakti is known as a ‘Bhakta,’ someone who expresses devotion through song, dance, poetry, or service. This vibrant form of Yoga encourages us to connect with our higher selves, inner teacher, or whatever we choose to call that divine presence.
Are You Engaging with Your Heart?
Bhakti Yoga is often described as the Yoga of the Heart. It’s not merely about being loving, compassionate, or non-judgmental; it’s about using the heart as an access point to deeper spheres of existence. Are you allowing your heart to guide your choices and interactions? Embracing this perspective can lead you to a profound understanding of your interconnectedness with all beings.
How Does Bhakti Shift Your Perspective?
When we immerse ourselves in the practice of Bhakti, we begin to view the world through a lens of awe and reverence. Do you notice a shift in your perspective when you appreciate the beauty around you? This shift helps us see the bigger picture, enhancing our ability to connect with others, nature, and the universe, ultimately leading us toward liberation or Nirvana.
Are You Cultivating a Sense of Wonder?
Bhakti invites us to look at the world as we would at a beloved, with deep devotion, joy, and love. Are you able to nurture this sense of wonder in your everyday life? By turning our thoughts, actions, and behaviors toward the service of love, we can infuse our daily routines with joy and devotion.
How Can You Infuse Your Daily Life with Bhakti?
Everyday life can become a practice of Bhakti. What small actions can you take to incorporate love and service into your routine? Whether it’s through simple acts of kindness, gratitude, or creative expression, embracing Bhakti allows us to transform ordinary moments into sacred experiences.
Embrace the Journey of Bhakti
If you find yourself searching for more in life, this month in Jivamukti we explore the path of Bhakti Yoga. By connecting with your heart, nurturing your sense of wonder, and engaging in acts of love and service, you can awaken a deeper sense of purpose. Remember, the journey of Bhakti is not just about reaching a destination but embracing the beauty and joy of the path itself.
Pose of the month
Pose – Pose of the Sage Vishvamitra
Sanskrit – vishvamitrasana विश्वामित्रासन
Pronounced – Vishwa-mit-RAHS-anah
Type – Balance
The name “Vishvamitra” translates to “Universal Friend,” reflecting the essence of this revered sage from ancient India. Celebrated for his wisdom and spiritual contributions, Vishvamitra is most notably recognised for composing the Gayatri Mantra, a powerful invocation that embodies the quest for knowledge and enlightenment.
Vishvamitra’s story is one of aspiration and transformation. He sought to dwell in heaven in his physical body, a testament to his deep commitment to spiritual practice and self-realisation. One of the pathways to achieving such a profound state of being is through the practice of asanas.
Asana practice serves as a vital tool to facilitate the flow of energy within our bodies. By engaging in specific poses, we can release physical and emotional blockages, allowing us to move closer to our innate energy and wisdom. Just as Vishvamitra pursued his spiritual goals, we too can cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves through mindful movement. So although this pose is very challenging in its totality. Class this month will very much be focused on the journey towards it without attachment, opening hips, hamstrings, adductors, shoulders & back, there’s lots to do, so therefore lots of fun to be had on the way.
In practicing the Pose of Sage Vishvamitra, we not only honour the legacy of this great sage but also align ourselves with the universal qualities of love, compassion, and interconnectedness. This pose encourages us to embrace our roles as friends to ourselves and others, fostering a sense of unity and harmony within our lives.
Don’t worry!!
In Jivamukti the class is structured so that the body is prepared; stretched, strengthened and opened by visiting the requisite shape and effort in preparatory postures so that our destination posture each month begins to feel more and more accessible over the 4/5 weeks of practice.
Book your first discounted class now! Use the code AUM
NEW VENUE FOR SEPTEMBER JIVAMUKTI CLASSES!
Throughout September our weekly Jivamukti Class will be at this fab new venue!
Great Gilbert’s Farm , Bluegate Lane, Capel St Mary, Suffolk, IP9 2JX
This is for September only and then we’ll be returning to Assembly Rooms in Dedham.
Mantra of the month
Gayatri Mantra
ॐ भूर्भुवः॒ स्वः ।
तत्स॑वितुर्वरे॑(तत्सवितुर्वरेण्यं) ।
भ॒र्गो॑ दे॒वस्य॑ धीमहि ।
धियो॒ यो नः॑ प्रचो॒दया॑त् ॥
Oṃ bhūr bhuvaḥ svaḥ
tát savitúr váreṇ(i)yaṃ
bhárgo devásya dhīmahi
dhíyo yó naḥ prachodáyāt
“O Almighty Goddess
our hearts are filled with darkness.
May your warm & loving Light
inspire and guide us, open our hearts & promote illumination within us.”
