Bhakti Fest West 2013 Day 1

Morning Asanas surrounded by Joshua Trees
Image by Mitchell Manz Photography

Cotton white clouds billowed through blue skies over our home on the first day of Bhakti Fest 2013. Excitement blew in the soft breeze gracing our festival family as the lined up for morning classes. After warm sips of revitalizing tea from Organic India and big yummy bites of gluten-free Larabars, we were all ready to take on what wonders would come for Thursday.

David Watts opened the festival on Main Stage with a shamanic ceremony invoking the great spirits to bless our beloved Bhakti Fest. Calling on the four directions of the medicine wheel, we honored the Universe and all of its bounty. All held a space in deep gratitude for the wisdom and transformation which they were to receive.

With rich coat of Desert Essence sun care products, we were set to take on the beaming sun and dry heat. Zach Leary kicked off the festivities on the Hanuman Stage with mantras praising Ganesha, while and LA YOGA Magazine's Felicia Tomasko energized yogis with vigorous vinyasa. Beth Shaw of YogaFit, offered her expert instruction through sun salutations toward early the rising sun.

Kristin Olson mixing yoga with mantras
Image by Mitchell Manz Photography

Urban Yoga's Kristin Olson

In the Sanctuary, Dawn Cartwright offered a delicious Tantra workshop. Participants paired together to explore different levels love and sexuality. Sitting face to face, each pair was guided into each other’s inner universe though focused eye contact. Every curve of each smile was navigated. The unique scape of each person’s beautiful body was blessed by their partner. Even through individuals completely engaged their undivided attention, Dawn explained moving through the exercises was an opportunity to just “let everything go”, and “welcome the pure love from each other without judgement or fear.”

In the Breathwork Hall, divine lovers Moses and Zenia lead a class through chanting simple yet powerful mantras that broke open the hearts of all who came. Paired with the soft, low sounds of the harmonium, they helped people heal deeply by simply singing the words, “I love you, I’m sorry, please forgive me, thank you.” Afterward, they invited the class to visit their booth where they sell beautiful yoga clothes and handcrafted jewelry from a which portion of profit is dedicated the Amma Foundation.

Sirgun Kaur serves out kirtan on the Hanuman Stage
Image by Bernadette Lynn Ignacio

KIND Healthy Snacks and ZICO Coconut Water kept us nourished and hydrated as morning morphed into afternoon. Our beloved Bhakti sister Sirgun Kaur kept lovely melodies rolling as she offered her sweet heavenly praises to gods and goddesses found within each and every yogi who sat and chanted with her.

Nearby in the food court, Bliss Café filled happy bellies, while Giggle Juice quenched desert thirst. Instead of getting down on organic grub, some spent their mid day shopping around the vendor village at beautiful booths such Gypsy Jenny and Kala Imports who brought one-of-a-kind designs.
The afternoon heat began to drop, as evening approached and classes continued. Michael Brian Baker conducted his world renown mystic magic through breath work during the first of many sessions he would hold here at the fest. Participants took a journey through themselves as the panted heavy breaths that transformed into explosions of laughter for some, and tears for others. He closed the sessions explaining the work we are doing is not only for the benefit of ourselves, but for the future generations of tomorrow who will live in a world that we are creating today.

Dave Stringer kicks off the Opening Evening
Image by Mitchell Manz Photography

After a technicolor sun set into the distant hills, the moving groove of Jaya Lakshmi and Ananda carried us into dusk. The evenings explosive line-up of Donna De Lory, Dave Stringer, and GuruGanesha Band resounded through the night as the stars twinkled above our heads.

With a full first day behind us. We all drifted into exhausted anticipation for the days ahead.

By Bernadette Lynn Ignacio