(Picture of David Romanelli)

This is the name of a song by Krishna Das, one of the greatest Kirtan singers in the world. (And, also the music which is on the True Yoga DVD, which he so graciously allowed me to use:) )The vibrational resonance of his voice, has a potent power of awakening and melting the Heart Chakra. During some of my most difficult times, I have chanted in my car to his music, or chanted along as I've been practicing poses. Many times I've emotionally melted into a release of tears feeling the Benevolent Presence of the loving, peaceful Presence which is ever-present, everywhere. His music, and the chanting, has a way of absorbing me in some of the most soothing joy I have ever known. It is possible to realize Divine Ecstasy/Union, which Yoga calls Samadhi, or Bliss through the practice of Bhakti Yoga, or the Yoga of Devotion. Krishna Das is a Bhakti Yogi, as far as I know, he doesn't practice the poses. His spiritual journey has been through music, and in particular, chanting to God. Through this, he has realized his oneness with this Presence, otherwise known as God or Love. As Shiva would say, if we think God doesn't make love, then how did we all get here?

So, I went to this amazing Yoga class with David Romanelli on Friday night here in Dallas. He offered three other classes over the weekend, but this was the only one I could attend. I'm so glad I listened to the Spanda on this one and spontaneously decided to go at the last moment on Friday night. David travels the country presenting Yoga + Chocolate, Yoga + Wine, Yoga Chocolate Chakra Tour, and Beautiful+Funny+Delicious workshops, teaching how everyday passions (chocolate, wine, music) are accessible gateways to the present moment. The class I attended was the Yoga + Wine class and it was awesome. It was an hour and a half Yoga practice set to fun, uplifting, inspiring and emotionally-moving music, followed by a wine and hors d’oeuvres party after. The theme of the class was freeing oneself from fear and anxiety, quite a poignant topic for the times we are experiencing. When we came out of Savasana, there was a glass of wine waiting at our feet. If it sounds too wonderful to be true, it's not. And he's absolutely right, a glass of wine indulged consciously, is a gateway into the aliveness of the present moment. It was so much fun...I cried and laughed during the class (before the wine) and afterwards I experienced the awesomeness of community as I enjoyed a glass of wine with fellow Yogis... It was definitely a bonding experience, it made me wonder why it's the first time I've ever allowed myself to enjoy a glass of wine after a Yoga practice with the company of friends. Everyday would be a little excessive. But, once-in-a-while, that's the kind of Yoga class I'd be sure to attend. He played the song God Is Real by Krishna Das while we were in Savasana. This was the first time I had ever heard this song, although I've been aware of it being on one of his albums, Door of Faith, for a while. He also read this quote to us during class, which I thought was awesome.

"Anxiety is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind. If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained." - Arthur Somers Roche

David has a book coming out called Yeah Dave’s Guide To Living the Moment, which will be released by Broadway Books/Random House in March 2009. I wasn't sure about it at first, but I'm definitely picking up a copy after attending this class with him. I also have been receiving his newsletter for quite some time now, and I definitely recommend subscribing to it...it's hilarious. I hope you have a great start to your week, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon... Read more