Bhakti Fest Returns + Nourished Our Souls In The Desert Oasis
Amidst the intense yet healing embrace of the desert heat, Bhakti Fest welcomed us back together after years of separation due to the challenges of the pandemic. It was a weekend full of yoga, insight, music and magic ~ and a homecoming of sorts, where we rekindled the joy of practicing, moving, and breathing together, a welcomed contrast to the solitude of online yoga classes from the comfort of our living rooms.
After three days of sacred connection, music, and yoga, our hearts were enriched with a wealth of wisdom and profound insights. Here are some of the key takeaways that deeply resonated with us:
Grounding as the Launchpad
Like a plane needing solid ground to take off, we realized that grounding is the foundation for any significant journey, whether on or off the mat. Kia Miller reminded us of this in one of her powerful classes during Bhakti Fest. Grounding, both in yoga practice and life, ensures that we have a secure footing from which to embark on new endeavors. It anchors us in the present moment, enhances our stability, and empowers us to move forward with confidence and purpose. Another nugget of wisdom she dropped that we loved: "When you're short on power, go to the navel, not outside of yourself."
The Wisdom of Ayurveda
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of balance in our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Nidhi Pandya shed new light on Ayurveda's fundamental principles, placing a strong emphasis on the pivotal role of balance where the interplay of warmth and moisture creates a harmonious state within us. She brilliantly illustrated this concept using a relatable example: In our interactions with others, we often describe individuals we find intense or fiery as "hot," while those who appear distant or reserved are labeled as "cold." However, our deepest connections are typically described as "warm." Similarly, in weather, the ideal comfort zone lies in neither extreme heat nor extreme cold, but rather in the gentle warmth infused with a touch of moisture. Ayurveda, as Nidhi emphasized, operates on this very principle, seeking to find that perfect equilibrium to nurture overall well-being.
"Warmth and moisture bring flow," she said. Ayurveda teaches us that health and harmony arise when there is a balance of qualities like warmth and moisture within us. By applying Ayurvedic principles to our lives, we can work towards achieving this balance and fostering holistic wellness.
Freedom in Flexibility
Rigidity creates knots and constriction in our lives, whereas flexibility and adaptability pave the way for freedom. Bhakti Fest illuminated the idea that flexibility, both in our bodies and minds, is a gateway to freedom. When we are rigid and resistant to change, we create knots and blockages that hinder our growth and happiness. Embracing flexibility, adaptability, and an open-minded approach enables us to flow with life's challenges and opportunities, fostering a sense of liberation and expansion.
Dharma's Transformative Role
Dharma practice doesn't eradicate life's hardships, but it equips us to face them with resilience and grace. In a workshop led by Jai Dev, he reminded us that life's hardships are an inevitable part of our journey. However, practicing our dharma, or life's purpose, equips us to face these challenges with resilience and grace. Dharma gives our struggles meaning and helps us grow spiritually. It invites us to embrace difficulties as opportunities for personal and spiritual evolution. The workshop concluded with an inspiring and energizing breath practice and meditation that was heating yet cooling at the same time. Perfect for finding balance in the desert heat.
The Magic of Words
Seane Corn's message about the power of prayer highlighted the idea that our words are potent tools that shape our reality. The way we communicate with ourselves and others has a profound impact on our experiences and relationships. Choosing words that uplift, inspire, and heal can transform our lives and the world around us, reinforcing the importance of mindful communication. Moreover, we learned that when we harness our bodies as sacred vessels for prayer, we create pure magic, weaving the intention into our very beings as we move and breathe.
And, of course, The Music That Opens Our Hearts
At Bhakti Fest, the power of devotional music was nothing short of magical. It served as a unifying force that transcended language, culture, and individual differences, bringing us all together in a harmonious symphony of the heart. Devotional music, whether through kirtan, Hanuman Chalisa, or other sacred sounds, became a conduit for spiritual exploration and transformation. It reminded us that, beyond the differences that may separate us in the outside world, we share a common humanity and a universal yearning for connection and contributing toward a mission that is greater than ourselves. In this sacred space, music became a bridge, connecting us not only to each other but also to the divine, reminding us that, in essence, we are all interconnected threads in the vast tapestry of existence.
Bhakti Fest was not just an event but a sacred gathering that enriched our minds, bodies, and souls. It was a reminder that, like the changing seasons, our journeys are cyclical, and coming back into balance is a continuous, beautiful process. As we move forward, may these lessons from the desert oasis guide us, nourish our spirits, and inspire us to find unity within ourselves and with the world around us. See you next year.
