Yogaville, Richmond and New Berlin

Catching up on the tour now...

Had a really beautiful time at YOGAVILLE, where we joined in a Puja (offering) with some new chants we wrote en route that turned out really great. The folks at Yogaville were really generous and the Kirtan went well. It was also wonderful to spend time at the ashram, meditating at the LOTUS temple (ecumenical chapels), walking through the woods and eating amazing and nutritional meals. It was also good to see a familiar face or two, including Swami Bhaktananda, who I met while I was in teacher training at IYI New York. She was a delight as always and I think she and Christian got on really well. We also really enjoyed our time with the events coordinator and very kind Swami Joytimananda and the very dear Reverend Saraswati, who was very happy that we offer two chants featuring her namesake, Saraswati.

Next, we headed to Richmond, Virginia and the lovely home of Kamala Coleman, a very devoted Integral Yogini (and mother of Gavin and Shanti). We sang poolside (yes!) under the stars on a beautiful Virginia night and even made a little video that we'll post on YouTube once we're back home again. It was a wonderful stay.

Last night, we traveled off the beaten path to Integral Yoga of Pennsylvania in New Berlin with a great night of Kirtan with the young Sangha there. The founder, Sudarman, is a loving and delightful light who hosted us with gratitude and joy. They hadn't had Kirtan in a long time and everyone was happy to dance and sing, taking instruments and making noise and trying something very new. I was SO impressed with the community that he's gathered together. After the Kirtan, Christian and I sat with him on the floor of this remarkable facility (a converted brick church) and talked about yoga and the teachings. We talked a lot about the idea that we are always seeking the path TO enlightenment as opposed to spending time BEING ON the path OF enlightenment. That was a great contemplation and I'm looking forward to heading to New York tonight to lead Kirtan at my yogic alma mater, IYI-NYC.

Until next time,

Dharmashakti