Bhakti Flow Yoga: A Training Guide for Practice and Life

by Rusty Wells

Overview

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 a popular San Francisco-based yogi.

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.

This book describes
   • the foundations of Bhakti Flow Yoga, with an historical overview and an explanation of the basics of practice
   • 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
   • 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.
   • 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.

Rusty Wells 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781611802399
Publisher:	Shambhala
Publication date:	09/15/2015
Pages:	248
Product dimensions:	8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

RUSTY WELLS has been a yoga teacher since 1998. He is the founder and primary teacher at Urban Flow in San Francisco, a donation-based studio he founded in January 2010. Prior to that, he was a teacher, program director, and teacher mentor at Yoga Tree San Francisco. Rusty leads teacher trainings, retreats, and workshops all over the US and abroad, including in the UK, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Israel, Palestine, Mexico, Costa Rica, China, Indonesia, and Thailand. His teachers were A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, who taught him Bhakti Yoga, selfless service, Karma Yoga, and chanting (Japa and Kirtana). He started learning Hatha yoga in 1996 through the teachings of Masters Swami Sivananda and Swami Vishnu Devananda, who emphasized the synthesis of asanas (postures), pranayama, relaxation, and proper diet to develop the physical body and awaken the energies. They also taught him mantra chanting, the scriptures, and meditation. From there, he studied under many contemporary teachers, including Baron Baptiste and Sri Dharma Mittra. His current teacher is Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, the successor to Swami Rama and the head of the Himalayan Institute.

Editorial Reviews

"Rusty's teachings have an unpredictable force to awaken new devotion and a deeper connection to Self."—Baron Baptiste, author of Being of Power and Journey Into Power

"Bhakti Flow Yoga is a friendly, comprehensive manual on all things yoga, from history and purpose to philosophy and practice. Presented through the lens of Bhakti Yoga (yoga of devotion), the chapters unfold seamlessly, revealing a spiritual practice that reaches deep into the heart to cultivate love, compassion, and service. A welcome addition to any yoga library."—Beryl Bender Birch, spiritual teacher, yoga therapist, and author of Power Yoga, Beyond Power Yoga, and Boomer Yoga

"You can tell an enlightened teacher by how much joy flows through their being. Without a doubt, Rusty 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."—Sharon Gannon, author of Jivamukti Yoga

"Rusty Wells has become one of the significant modern voices of yoga because his profound personal practice has led him into a contemporary, passionate translation of many of the sacred threads of wisdom.”—Rodney Yee, author of Moving Toward Balance

"Bhakti Flow Yoga 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.”—Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute
                                                                                                                                                           "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!"—Sianna Sherman, creator of Mythic Yoga Flow
 
"Rusty Wells' long-awaited book is filled with wisdom, joy, and love—just like Rusty himself!"—Jai Uttal, musician
 
"Bhakti Flow Yoga is an amazing guide to 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."—MC Yogi, hip hop musician and co-owner of Yoga Toes Studio
 
"Rusty's huge heart and love for yoga is conveyed in Bhakti Flow Yoga. 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."—Wah!, musician, author of Dedicating Your Life to Spirit
 
"Rusty Wells’ humble yet profound insight will be tremendously helpful to anyone on the yoga path. Two thumbs up!"—Bryan Kest, founder of Santa Monica Power Yoga 
 
"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."—Elena Brower, author of Art of Attention and founder of VIRAYOGA

From the Publisher