Day Three of Shakti Fest 2014

Day three has been the day of dynamic energy and education. It has been filled with informative practice from true masters and experiencing the power of aligned energy. Feeling slightly under the level of stamina that’s required for such a spiritual download, I looked to Tumeric Elixir of Life to save the day. With blends of the finest organic botanicals on the planet, each serving is packed with 16 grams of organic Turmeric from Hawaii. Turmeric is called the “Queen of all Medicinal Herbs” because of its anti-inflammatory, purifying and balancing properties.

Revived and ready for my education, I participated in the daily Hanuman Chalisa recitation led by Govind Das. This 40-verse devotional hymn embodies the principles of service, courage, and devotion. These three fundamentals were planted in the forefront of my mind as the intention for my day.

I spent three hours in Yoga Hall 1 starting with a Bhakti Yoga celebration with Govind Das and Radha, followed by Mark Whitwell offering the basic principles of Krishnamacharya, whom he studied with for more than 20 years.

Govind Das took us through a “Yinyasa”, where we flowed between yummy yin postures softly chanting along with Radha on the exhales. Govind Das encouraged us to look for the right spots, like a massage therapist, exploring the areas that need attention and release. This is true not only for the physical body, but for the emotional and mental bodies as well. Radha’s pure and delicate voice has so many layers placed together with light of consciousness streaming through, that I kept equating it to an image of a stained glass window when I closed by eyes to move inward. Class culminated in a group chant of “Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu” and I found my gratitude for the day; grateful for my freedom, happiness, and knowing that I hold the ability, even in the smallest way, to contribute to the happiness of all beings. Then, as only Govind Das and Radha can ignite, the ecstatic chanting began. The drums got faster and louder giving me goosebumps. As I danced and sang I directed my prayers to Rama, asking for this creative connection we cultivated during these three days to continue when I return home.

What can one say about Mark Whitwell that would do his teachings justice? He is to the point, giving us the key ingredients of a true yoga practice directly from the teacher of all teachers, Krishnamacharya. By being in his presence you can be in the energy of Krishnamacharya, who left his body many years ago, yet is carried in Mark’s heart. Mark reminds us that we all carry the energy of the cosmos in our own body and to access that understanding is simple: Do your yoga and you will know your truth. 

With a Reed’s Root Beer in hand (calorie free and made from Stevia), I was looking forward to resting my brain and treating myself with some shopping. Each vendor booth is like entering the home of the artist. The owners of the represented businesses were always hospitable, giving me a personal tour of their work and the stories behind it. I took home mementos from the unique collections Yoga Styles and Shanti Hastkala. Susan Lefkowitz-Nichols owner of Yoga Styles fell into her business quite unexpectedly. Unable to find a yoga mat bag to accommodate her large and sturdy Manduka mat, she made one herself and for her yoga teacher. The orders for yoga bags started to flood in and now Susan has expanded to clothes and jewelry and is a favorite in the yoga community.

I was happy to purchase a small handbag, made by a 13 year old girl in India, from the non-profit Shanti Hastkala. Shanti Hastkala is a voluntary development organization with an initiative to bring financial independence to the people of Magod and surrounding villages.

The end of the day crept in quickly, but the all-star kirtan jam did not disappoint when it comes to memorable grand finales. Thus far, we have experienced the artists as forces in their own right, now imagine them on stage sitting together side-by-side. It was powerful to witness them hold space not only for those at the festival, but also via live-streaming so anyone anywhere could join them in the flow of sacred rhythm.

Govind Das sat center and honored Shyamdas, a guiding force in the development of Bhakti Fest, who left his body unexpectedly last year. This remembrance turned in to a massive celebration for those who came before us and continue to light our path. All those who had a hand in the creation and success of Shakti Fest were led on stage to chant and dance, and I was honored to be included in that group. Sridhar Silberfein, founder of the festival, was at the apex and inviting all to share in the spotlight. We danced, sang, and embraced with wild unrestraint. Any obstacles that we endured throughout the weekend became trivial as we let loose in the joy of one spirit. As Govind Das observed once we took in the post-jubilant stillness, “Shyamdas was with us at Shakti Fest 2014”.

So, how do we come down after this high? For me, I plan on taking these teachings and experiences and apply them to daily life; do my yoga and continue to practice devotion. We evolved from friends, to family, and now have become a unified power of consciousness.

Let’s do it again next year. As my friend Shiva Baum says, “not goodbye. To be continued.....”

Olivia Kvitne is Assistant Editor at LA Yoga Magazine and official blogger for Bhakti Fest festivals 2014. She is also a yoga teacher specializing in trauma-sensitive yoga for veterans, military, and first responders.