Once in a while, life presents you an experience that is so meaningful, you’re not the same person afterwards. A couple of weeks ago I experienced such a transformation, as I spent the weekend studying yoga with the founder of Anusara yoga, John Friend.
John Friend founded Anusara yoga in 1997. Anusara is a modern school of hatha yoga that emphasizes biomechanical and spiritual alignment, which opens up the flow of energy in the body. The word “Anusara” means, “flowing with Grace”.
I’ve been hooked on Anusara yoga for just over a year. From my first class with my Anusara inspired teacher Mindy Willis, I knew I had found something special. I was amazed at how Anusara created a feeling of bliss in my mind and body, and I was in total agreement with the Anusara philosophy that life is a celebration.
So when I heard that John Friend would be stopping in the nearby city of Detroit on his “Dancing with the Divine” world tour, I had a lot to celebrate! I put on my party hat and piled into a car with 9 other yogi friends to check it out.
As John entered the room on Saturday morning, I instantly knew what all the fuss was about. John is warm and caring, but also incredibly funny and even a little goofy. I could sense the feelings of reverence and gratitude that everyone in the room held for him. John Friend radiates charisma and humility.
John began our class by emphasizing how important it is to look for the good. In any situation, what is the highest perspective? We have the freedom to decide what to do the energy that moves through us. John reminded us to make decisions that enhance our lives as well as the lives around us. Even when things are difficult we can choose to open our hearts and align with the flow of life.
It was an auspicious time to be practicing yoga, since this weekend unveiled a full moon as well as the Spring equinox. John exclaimed “springtime is a big YES!” and as we opened our bodies to this “yes” energy, our yoga poses became a triumphant expression of life. We embraced the fact that life moves in cycles, and that every cycle is auspicious. We were reminded that only by releasing the old can something new grow. By letting go of the past, we are able to welcome new experiences.
The theme of Sunday’s class was dharma. Dharma is a Sanskrit term that refers to our personal obligation, purpose, or calling. John reminded us that a yogi’s dharma revolves around serving the greater energy. By stepping into the flow, we can make things better for the whole. But we can only do this by staying true to our own heart’s path and not conforming.
At the end of the workshop, we were each given a special gift from Anusara – a seed ball. The seed ball contained an assortment of flower seeds surrounded by a ball of soil. We were encouraged to scatter the seed balls around Detroit to create more beauty in the community. I noticed that my seed ball was already beginning to sprout.
By the time I got home on Sunday evening I was happily exhausted and very emotional. Yoga has a way of dislodging stored emotions from the body, so I knew from past experience this was a normal reaction. I took a bath in Epsom salts to wash away the stale energy.
On Monday morning, my transformation continued. I had a spontaneous urge to clean out my closet, which was followed by a cleaning frenzy. I also juice fasted for most of the day since I had absolutely no appetite. My body was cleaning out some clutter of its own.
I am so thankful for John Friend and for the practice of Anusara yoga. My wish is that my alignment with Grace serves the highest good of all.
How do you “align with the divine”?
~KB
KB is a blogger, intuitive counselor, and Anusara yoga addict. Her passion is helping people find and follow their bliss. Remember your innate awesomeness by visiting her website at ktotheb.com or follow her on twitter at twitter.com/ktotheb.
