Blending study of primary source texts with skillful breath-work, meditation, mantra and functional patterns of movement.
What is bhakti flow?
I was taught the structure and spirit of Bhakti Flow under the instruction of Michael Johnson at Asheville Yoga Center. Bhakti Flow is an integrative all levels vinyasa flow class that includes exploration of yogic philosophy, guided meditation, pranayama, (breath work), asana, (postures), mantra and freedom to discover your own flow. Expect to work hard in this class with fun inspiring music, multiple ways to press against your edges, creative circular patterns of movement, ample humor and thought provoking ideas to help you live your yoga on and off the mat.
Bhakti
According to the Bhagavad Gita, Bhakti is one of the legitimate paths of yoga leading to liberation. The word itself Bhakti, means love or devotion and Bhakti practices are creative expressions of emotion including music, mantra, dance, poetry and painting. Bhakti practices appeal directly to the heart leading us to mind-body states of safety and connection.
Flow
Flow, according to the work of Positive Psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is an enjoyable state of absorption in a meaningful task. Flow states have been widely linked to happiness, wellbeing as they increase focus, clarity and sense of self efficacy.
Combined
Combined, Bhakti Flow is a vinyasa yoga practice that inclines towards Flow while evoking the essence of Bhakti, aka love, often with music, imagery and the written word. Harnessing the energy of emotion, Bhakti Flow is often described as Devotion In Motion, prompting students to offer up practice to that which they love. Throughout the practice, students are reminded that with every breath, every transition, every posture there is potential to act with awareness, intention and love.
LINEAGE
I first became a serious student of yoga while living in Winston Salem, NC and studying Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga under Andrea Dyer. From Andrea, I learned the importance of making the practice relevant, accessible and fun. Practicing with Andrea inspired me to pursue depth of knowledge and so I went to her teachers at Asheville Yoga Center for my 200-hour training studying Vinyasa Flow Yoga primarily with Michael Johnson, Joe Taft, Shala Worsley and Stephanie Keach.
The impact of my first training at AYC was profound. Upon completion I relocated to Asheville so that I could study under Michael Johnson completing his specialized 300 hour training The Classic of Yoga and soaking up his weekly class and workshop offerings. From Michael I learned to integrate the roots of yoga with the work of modern science. Under his direction I learned how the wisdom of primary source yoga texts applies directly today to modern life and how disciplines such as psychology, physics and neuroscience are every day validating what yogis have practiced for thousands of years. Interest in the intersection of yoga and psychology ultimately led me to purse a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling.
Michael also introduced me to the world of Bhakti Yoga and chanting. Having no experience playing an instrument, I took a leap of faith and purchased a harmonium and found myself welcome in Asheville’s thriving Kirtan scene. I am grateful for the patience, and generosity shown to me by my Bhakti Yoga guides Melanie “Mela” Leenhouts and Luna Ray.
Along the way injuries led me to study with alignment masters Lillah Schwartz and Joe Taft. From Lillah and Joe I learned that slowing down and paying attention is not only safer but reveals the world of the Subtle Body where endless possibilities for exploration and insight exist.
Upon moving to Richmond pregnant with my daughter I separated from my teachers and embarked on a period of intensive self-directed study. For four years I practiced alone, guided by my breath and interoceptive cues working within the new parameters for practice pregnancy and motherhood provided. During this time I learned compassionate listening and to expand my sense of self to include my daughter and her needs. Working in this way I learned to trust myself and how to make yoga safe for myself and for my students.
As my daughter grew more independent I felt again ready to take on formal teachers and partake in community leading me to join Buddhist Geeks online sangha and began studying with Emily and Vince Horn. With the Horns I am studying Concentration, Insight, Inquiry, Loving Kindness and Social meditation practices.
Having spent many constructive years grounding and self-regulating I found myself drawn to physical practices that emphasize deconstruction and transformation. Introduced to Shadow Yoga by a friend years earlier, a seed of longing was planted that would ripen into study with Andy Matinog in 2019.
From Andy I am learning to move from a place beyond the mind and to investigate the Shadow where stuckness and weakness and everything else we avoid gets relegated. As I dig deeply and surrender in this system I uncover infinite possibilities and that wonders never cease.
I have been fortunate to have connected with so many guides along the way. My teachers have been interested and open hearted. With their support and guidance my practice has flourished, nourishing and sustaining me along with my students. To my teachers and students I owe everything.
