Full Moon Kirtan
Last night was the first full moon of the new year. In honor of this spectacular occasion I attended Kirtan, or a form of Bhakti Yoga (devtional yoga) at Exhale Yoga Studio on Venice. The event was hosted by Shiva Rae and Jai Uttal and special guest David Stringer. Kirtan is a form of Bhakti Yoga that involves call and response with it being a group effort. There is Mantra, live music and lots of divine energy. The vibe last night was amazing with an invocation meditation led by Shiva Rae for the new year. I was beside myself with adulation. I have been listening to Jai’s music as well as playing his music in my yoga classes and in my car for a number of years. We began with easy mantra and then as the drum beat started the energy in the room was electric. I only lasted a little while sitting on the floor. Before I knew it the dance began. I found my friend and fellow yogini Kamala dancing in the back of the room and joined her. Before long Sammy, Marla and Simone were up and dancing. Pretty soon the entire room was full of celebration, dance and sweat. I like to call it “Nataranj” (The dancer). You just can’t help but move. Live music does something to you and you just can’t stop moving when the drum beat begins. After each mantra/dance there was a calm that washed over the room. Still with the energy, calm in the movement. I cannot think of a better way to begin the new year. Singing, dancing, playing…it’s good to be here.
