Pranada Comtois is the author of three books. Her first two, “Wise-Love” and “Bhakti Shakti,” won multiple awards. Pranada guest-authored an article for my site when “Wise-Love” was released. Her third title, “Prema Kirtan," takes a deep dive into the hows and whys of kirtan. And in particular, the super-powered benefits of the “prema” part […]
Why visit Vrindavan? Again? Linguists say people need to hear a word repeatedly before it’s secured in the brain. That’s why I’m returning to one of the holiest historical cities in India: Vrindavan. Despite all the note-taking during my first visit, I need a refresher course. I don’t want to skim the surface. I want […]
Jahnavi on Tour I’ve always had a preference for female vocalists. Maybe because it’s easier for me to sing along. Or, because it’s easier to hear the subtle differences between my singing and that of my favorite chanteuses. When I listen to Jahnavi Harrison chant, as much as I may be right in tune with […]
As part of my gratitude practice, I repeatedly give thanks for my life during the 2020-2021 pandemic. While those closest to me stayed safe, I have numerous friends who lost a loved one to the Coronavirus. Living in the United States, I deposited stimulus and unemployment checks and lined up in April for my vaccines. […]
Heal Your Emotional Pain with Drums Drumming as therapy is an untapped drug, according to Erica Longdon in her book, “Vibrational Sound Healing." “Drum therapy has successfully been used with patients and others suffering from emotional traumas including post-traumatic stress disorder. Specifically, drumming promotes the production of endorphins, the body’s own morphine-like pain killers, and […]
Adam Bauer released his third album, "Return to the Sacred," last weekend. Bauer is a bhakti yoga practitioner, teacher, and healing artist. He routinely shares his voice and inspiration through both ancient and contemporary spiritual practices. About Adam Bauer He began this path when he was just 18 giving up sex, drugs, and rock and […]
Everyone is Important--Jai Uttal Month five of quarantine. Too many have lost a loved one. It’s no longer six degrees of separation. And yet, we retreat in our homes, and in our communities. We get in the car, or order pick-up or delivery, and tune in to Zoom sessions. Few of us are surrounded, daily, […]
This is the 18th year that Grammy-nominated recording artist, Jai Uttal, and his classical Indian dancer yogi wife, Nubia Teixeira, run a Kirtan Camp. This camp is all about play. Playing and singing devotional chants, that is. Kirtan is an ancient practice. As part of bhakti (devotion), it is a branch of yoga that helps […]
Covid 19 Breathwork Techniques for Physical and Emotional Wellbeing Beset with chronic pain, I discovered the benefits of pranayama (breathwork) as a teen. Today, pain-free, I practice six different breathwork techniques daily. Furthermore, as a yoga therapist, I routinely prescribe breath work tailored for my clients’ needs. Because of the current pandemic, most everyone should […]
Social distancing and quarantines are no fun. Fortunately, virtual sanghas are forming to keep us sane. For example, the other day, Gov. Cuomo mentioned an extremely heartfelt talk he had, virtually, with his daughter who was in self-isolation. Without a doubt, technology is providing us with a welcoming doorway. A bridge to keep us connected. […]
Bhakti is big for me. Devotion often expressed through group chanting, or kirtan, is my favorite of the yoga branches. So, my heart’s humming, knowing World Bhakti Festival is coming up. In Dallas. Feb. 28, 29, and March 1. World Bhakti Festival is a yoga and wellness festival. However, it features Bhakti leading lights Sean […]
There may be a thousand people crammed in a large temple hall. If this were the U.S., it would likely be against the fire code. But we are in Mumbai, India. With 26,000 people per square kilometer. This is an oasis of spirituality. A temple filled with love, gratitude, and flowers. A golden altar houses […]