I've been attending a Kirtan/Satsang the last few months and it is invigorating! Ever since the Ashram, I have missed the energy and connection that comes from an authentic and lively chanting session. It is absolutely one of my favorite aspects of Yoga and I am so happy to be able to experience it again.
The leaders (a couple) are phenomenal. Musicians, poets, yogis - they know their stuff and have been doing this since the early 70s in San Francisco. She has spent a lot of time in India and her experience and life of Yoga weaves through the entire session.
The last time I attended, she said when her daughter was born, she loved the opportunity to "serve the Goddess" in that form. This hit me like a golden light beam piercing my heart. It all came into place. While I've struggled to "fit in" asana practice, I have felt deeply and strongly that my yoga practice has never been so aware and so in the moment as with taking care of my baby.
Rocking her to sleep, nursing her in the mornings and at night, I practice my pranayama with her against my chest. Our daily rituals, which may seem mundane to some, have become a zen practice that I enjoy. Washing her bottles and bowls, changing her diapers, washing and folding her clothes, tending to her every need, wish and want - it has all become a meditative practice, one I have surprised myself by thriving in. While I often get distracted during traditional sitting meditation, my working meditation of serving her allows my mind to focus on the task at hand, always with the ultimate goal of her in mind.
There will be plenty of time to teach her asana and fun animal poses and sounds in the future. Right now, I am going to take what my Kirtan teacher said to heart and serve this tiny, beautiful goddess that has brought such grace and joy into my life.
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