In order to move forward in life, sometimes we have to retreat.

Earlier this month I attended the 3^rd annual Bhakti Fest, a yoga and kirtan music festival in the high desert of Joshua Tree, CA. Bhakti yoga is the yoga of love and devotion to the Divine. Kirtan is the equivalent yogic equivalent of a sing-along: the leader sings out a line of mantra, and the audience sings it back in response. This year the organizers had kirtan going 24/7 for four days straight, with many different yoga classes and workshops from which to choose. What an amazing environment for a retreat!

Every now and then it's important that we get out of our daily routine and usual surroundings. Just reconnecting with my yoga tribe was special. Then to do it in a place that has sacredness to it is even better. To be able to experience the depth of yoga's teaching and joy of chanting the Divine name did wonders for rejuvenating my soul.

While at Bhakti Fest I really got the impact of the contribution I make to the world, both as a yoga teacher and a student of yoga. It starts, and ends, with my personal practices. How I show up to the mat each day matters.

In order to deepen my practice, I'm challenging myself to do the following:

1. One of my favorite teachers, Mark Whitwell (www.heartofyoga.com), invited us to commit to a seven minute daily asana (the poses of yoga) practice for 40 days. A "40 day free trial" he called it. I then add a three minute prosperity meditation (email me if you'd like to learn more), and in just 10 minutes, I've set the tone for the entire day.
2. Learn the 40 Sanskrit verses of the Hanuman Chalise. I figure if I can learn that chant, I can learn ANY chant! Bonus: Learning a new language keeps our brain young. And it's fun! Right now I'm in "fake it 'till you make it" mode!
3. Reconnect more often with yoga community more often.  Now is not the time to go it alone. We need the support of our community to help us through these challenging times. Connecting with our tribe helps us remember who we are and why we are here.

What about you?  How and where can you retreat from your daily routine? Maybe it's a drive out to the desert, mountains, or to a nearby lake. Maybe a visit to a friend in a distant city for some down time. Plus there are plenty of yoga retreat centers to choose from if that's what calls to you.

How can you deepen your commitment to yourself and the contribution you make? What new habits can you practice for the next 40 days that will get you closer to your ideal way of being in the world?

Retreat in order to advance. You'll be glad you did!

Namaste, 

Debbie