Yoga Nook: Bhakti Yoga

BY LISA GREENBAUM

While we mainly look at Yoga in the west as a source of exercise that additionally makes us feel calm and centered, there are many ways to practice Yoga off the mat that don’t involve movement at all.

Yoga is the 6,000 year-old science of the mind and is experienced as a stilling of our thoughts, or ending the ceaseless chatter in our minds. A revered Yoga sage and guru from 1450 BCE by the name of Patanjali explains that reaching this quiet space in the mind is done through nonattachment and practice. I find the concept of non-attachment powerful, that eons before the material possessions we covet today, the Yogis already recognized this obstacle standing in our way of finding peace within. Beyond our “stuff,” our attachments also show up in our way of thinking, our value system and our relationships. We’ve probably experienced many times the ways in which the above have caused rifts with others, created judgments that maybe don’t need to be there, or overtook our thoughts for days upon end of who is or isn’t right. There is another solution: we can just let it all go! There is a path of Yoga, a way of experiencing Yoga that involves total surrender, total devotion to simply love. The path of Bhakti Yoga represents love for the sake of love; with no agenda, without asking for anything in return. In each moment of the day, we have a choice. We have the ability to change our perception, to let go of the ties that bind, to let go of the stories from the past or our worries for the future. To celebrate life and love for no other reason than that alone.

We all deserve happiness. What is holding you back?

• Play music you love and sing along. Traditionally this would be the repetitive chanting of simple mantras.

• When spending time with those you love, pause and be totally and utterly present with them. • Keep a gratitude journal and write 3-5 things down every day that you are grateful for.

Lisa Greenbaum, E-RYT 500 and C-IAYT yoga therapist, has worked with many individuals by using yoga to release trauma, find ease from chronic pain and tension and develop a deeper connection to mind, body and spirit. She has over 750 hours of yoga education and logged 4,000+ teaching hours. She is also a certified fitness instructor and personal trainer with canfitpro, and a Women in Fitness Association (WIFA) Global Ambassador.

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