Why do we practice yoga? Because we know it’s good for us? Because it calms the mind, and conditions the body? Those things may be true, but could those reasons alone keep us coming back to the mat? When it’s all said and done, let’s be real: most of us practice because it feels good. And sure, we all have our “off” days on the mat, but the sense of enjoyment we get from practicing yoga keeps us coming back. 

In spiritual circles, there can sometimes be a rejection of sensual, earthly pleasure. More often than not, that kind of austere attitude only amplifies our temptation to overindulge and overstimulate. What if, instead, we could honor our natural desires and do what feels good to us?

That’s where the concept of kama comes in. Kama, a Sanskrit word that translates to pleasure/desire/love, is one of the four Purusharthas (goals for human existence). This guiding principle teaches us to follow our desires, balancing them of course with our responsibilities and aim for spiritual liberation. The pursuit of pleasure is essential to a full and healthy life!

Some ways to pursue the nourishment of kama:

• Yoga practice (we’re a little biased on this one 😉 )
• Savoring delicious, nutritious food
• Spending time with loved ones
• Socializing - experiencing the belonging of community
• Pursuing creative passions
• Moving your body in ways that feel good
• Singing, dancing, laughing, expressing joy
• Appreciating beautiful art and music
• Enjoying and aligning with nature

Summer Satsang - An Immersive Opportunity for Kama Exploration

This Summer, we will be gathering in-person at River Forest Campground in White Lake, WI for Spacious Summer Satsang: Yoga Retreat Campout! Come experience the pleasure of connecting with nature, amazing humans, and yourSelf. We will cook together and eat good food. We’ll have opportunities to dance, sing, and laugh together. We will practice yoga and walking meditation in nature's perfect yoga studio - the great outdoors! Join us and get in touch with “forest wisdom”, a yogic concept from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, an ancient yogic text dating back to ~9th-6th century BCE. We’d love to celebrate the sensuous beauty of Summer with you!

June 23-25

Click here to learn more about Summer Satsang

Happy AAPI Heritage Month!

May is Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month - a time for Americans to celebrate AAPI cultural contributions and history. At Satsang Yoga Collective, we are blessed to practice the traditions of yoga and ayurveda, and honor these great gifts that come to us from South Asian lineages. We are personally thankful to all the teachers, especially those of AAPI heritage, who have carried these practices forward and shared them with the world. 

Helpful Links:

Weekly Class Schedule

On-demand Recorded Class Library

Memberships

Summer Satsang

Meet Us

Sweet love,

Anna + Ali