Bhakti Flow Yoga, A Training Guide for Practice and Life
A guide to Bhakti Flow Yoga, a style of yoga that emphasizes a seamless connection between the breath and the movements of the body--by Rusty Wells
This is a comprehensive guide to the history and practice of Bhakti Flow Yoga, a synthesis of Bhakti yoga (the yoga of devotion) and Vinyasa Flow.
Everything you need for a comprehensive yoga practice
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The foundations of Bhakti Flow Yoga, with an historical overview and an explanation of the basics of practice
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The energetic side of this practice, including subtle body, meditation, sound (Nada Yoga), prana, pranayama, koshas (sheaths of the subtle body), chakras, nadis (energy pathways), and bandhas (energy locks), and more
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The Bhakti Flow Yoga lifestyle: An overview of Ayurveda, including the doshas (constitution), nutrition, taste, and digestion, along with recommended Ayurvedic diet guidelines for general health. The section on vegetarianism offers practical advice on making the diet work for you.
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The practice of Bhakti Flow Yoga: The section is divided into pose families, which include Basics, Standing Poses, Standing Balance Poses, Core, Arm Balances and Inversions, Backbends, Seated Poses and Twists, and Restorative Poses. The author unpacks each of the yoga poses, with details on both physical and spiritual considerations of each pose. There are also discussions on drishti (point of focus), how to start a home practice, and practical tips for pregnant students or those with high blood pressure.
A practical guide to the teaching and practice of Bhakti Flow
Rusty includes two sample sequences, along with recommendations on sequencing in general. The Beginner's Sequence is gentle, complete, and accessible for all body types. The Surya Flow 1 Sequence is an example of a strong one-hour vinyasa practice that can easily be a launching pad for more creativity. Wells also provides valuable insights on teaching yoga.
Critically acclaimed by practitioners and teachers
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Sharon Gannon, author of Jivamukti Yoga
You can tell an enlightened teacher by how much joy flows through their being. Without a doubt, Rusty Wells is a joy-filled, compassionate being whose
devotion for life, yoga, and his students is awe-inspiring and contagious. Bhakti Flow Yoga is his generous heartfelt gift to all of us who crave more joy and kindness in our own lives and in the world that we all share. -
Sianna Sherman, creator of Mythic Yoga Flow
This gorgeous book is an invitation to steep yourself in the essence of yoga and enter a most sublime journey. Rusty Wells is the celebrated visionary of Bhakti Flow Yoga and his words help to open the floodgates of devotion in all of us. Rusty is a luminous teacher who contributes to the great tradition of yoga through his devotional presence and empowering teachings. His teachings are joyful, revitalizing, and absolutely essential in today’s world. I look forward to seeing this book becoming an essential guide for yogis everywhere. Jai Ma!
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Wah!, musician, author of Dedicating Your Life to Spirit.
Rusty’s huge heart and love for yoga is conveyed in Bhakti Flow Yoga. Yoga postures, stories of mythological India, chants and teaching tips all come together in this comprehensive heart-centered guide to the ancient yogic sciences from India. It’s a great read whether you’re a yoga teacher in-training, just starting a yoga practice, or merely want to be inspired in your daily life.
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Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute
Bhakti Flow is simple and straightforward and serves as a stepping stone to a yoga and spirituality that has its roots in both Eastern and Western traditions. This book is practical, illuminating, and relevant for modern seekers.
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Elena Brower, author of Art of Attention and founder of VIRAYOGA
For Rusty, movements are prayers and teaching is a true service. His extensive knowledge along with his devotion are an inspiration to all of us.
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MC Yogi, hip hop musician and co-owner of Yoga Toes Studio
Bhakti Flow Yoga is an amazing guide on the yoga path. Rusty is an inspired teacher, and has done a wonderful job pouring his love and years of experience into this manual. A great resource for students and teachers alike.