Bhakti Flow Yoga

A Training Guide for Practice and Life

by Rusty Wells

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Pub Date Sep 15 2015 | Archive Date Sep 15 2015

Shambhala Publications, Inc. | Shambhala

Health, Mind & Body | Self-Help

Description

A guide to Bhakti Flow Yoga, a style of yoga that emphasizes a seamless connection between the breath and the movements of the body--by a popular San Francisco-based yogi.

This is a comprehensive guide to the history and practice of Bhakti Flow Yoga, a synthesis of Bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion) and Vinyasa Flow.

This book describes
   • the foundations of Bhakti Flow Yoga, with an historical overview and an explanation of the basics of practice
   • the energetic side of this practice, including subtle body, meditation, sound (Nada Yoga), prana, pranayama, koshas (sheaths of the subtle body), chakras, nadis (energy pathways), and bandhas (energy locks), and more
   • the Bhakti Flow Yoga lifestyle: An overview of Ayurveda, including the doshas (constitution), nutrition, taste, and digestion, along with recommended Ayurvedic diet guidelines for general health. The section on vegetarianism offers practical advice on making the diet work for you.
   • the practice of Bhakti Flow Yoga: The section is divided into pose families, which include Basics, Standing Poses, Standing Balance Poses, Core, Arm Balances and Inversions, Backbends, Seated Poses and Twists, and Restorative Poses. The author unpacks each of the yoga poses, with details on both physical and spiritual considerations of each pose. There are also discussions on drishti (point of focus), how to start a home practice, and practical tips for pregnant students or those with high blood pressure.

Rusty Wells includes two sample sequences, along with recommendations on sequencing in general. The Beginner's Sequence is gentle, complete, and accessible for all body types. The Surya Flow 1 Sequence is an example of a strong one-hour vinyasa practice that can easily be a launching pad for more creativity. Wells also provides valuable insights on teaching yoga.

Advance Praise

"Rusty has become one of the significant modern voices of yoga because his profound personal practice has led him into a contemporary passionate translation of many of the sacred threads of wisdom. To stand with innocence and courage in the face of the great unknown and to encourage others to do the same is truly a great service."—Rodney Yee

"Rusty's teachings have an unpredictable force to awaken new devotion and a deeper connection to Self."—Baron Baptiste, author of Being of Power and Journey Into Power

"Bhakti Flow Yoga is a friendly, comprehensive manual on all things yoga, from history and purpose to philosophy and practice. Presented through the lens of Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotion), the chapters unfold seamlessly, revealing a spiritual practice that reaches deep into the heart to cultivate love, compassion, and service. A welcome addition to any yoga library."—Beryl Bender Birch, spiritual teacher, yoga therapist, and author of Power Yoga, Beyond Power Yoga, and Boomer Yoga

"You can tell an enlightened teacher by how much joy flows throughtheir being. Without a doubt, Rusty is a joy-filled, compassionate being whose devotion for life, yoga and his students is awe-inspiring and contagious. Bhakti Flow Yoga is his generous heartfelt gift to all of us who crave more joy and kindness in our own lives and in theworld that we all share."—Sharon Gannon, author of Jivamukti Yoga

"Rusty has become one of the significant modern voices of yoga because his profound personal practice has led him into a contemporary passionate translation of many of the sacred threads of wisdom...