The Call of the Heart - Discovering Bhakti & the Devotional Voice

The Call of the Heart:

Discovering Bhakti and the Devotional Voice

Saturday and Sundy, August 9th & 10th 3 - 7pm

In the Lotus Room at Yogalution Movement in Long Beach, CA

Includes a light ayurvedic meal kitcheree and chai

Led by Dharma Shakti and Lynda Arnold

A 2-Day immersive workshop designed to guide participants into the heart of Bhakti, the yoga of devotion. This sacred practice blends timeless traditions with the transformative power of devotional singing, offering a space for self-expression, connection, and spiritual awakening. Through chanting, mantras, and sacred melodies, participants will explore how sound can open the heart and elevate the spirit.

The workshop begins with an introduction to Bhakti Yoga, highlighting its role as a path of divine love, surrender and devotion, as well as the significance of the voice in spiritual practices across cultures. Explore the rich traditions of Hindu spirituality through the stories, symbols, and significance of various gods and goddesses. Learn how these divine figures inspire love, faith, and a deeper connection to the sacred. Perfect for beginners and spiritual seekers alike!

We will unpack the basic essence of the path of bhakti and this heart centered tradition many ways to approach this path through both the intellectual and philosophical understanding as well as the practical application of sound and mantra, Unveiling the vedic concepts of personalism and impersonalism, to help you identify the path that resonates the most with you so that you can dive deeper into your spiritual journey as you broaden your understanding of these ancient traditions. Dharma will introduce The Devas and The Devis (Gods and Goddess) and the art of iconography, as well as teach about how to cultivate your own personal sadhana (practice) with these deities and how to deepen your connection with Divinity.

Participants will learn about the power of sacred sound, including an overview of mantra and kirtan (call-and-response chanting), the importance of Sanskrit, and how vibrations affect the mind and body, in the second half of the afternoon with Lynda Arnold. Practical techniques for devotional singing will include guided warm-ups to free the voice and body, learning simple and accessible kirtan chants, and creating harmony within oneself and the group through sound. The workshop will emphasize cultivating presence and surrender in singing, allowing participants to connect deeply with their sense of devotion while exploring how to bring love, gratitude, and intention into their practice.

A key component of this experience is the sacred community that forms through group chanting, building a sense of shared energy and connection. The workshop provides a safe and inclusive space for participants to express their voices and reflect on the transformative power of collective singing.

Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing for sitting and light movement, bring a journal for notes and reflections, and arrive with an open heart and willingness to explore. By the end of the workshop, attendees will gain a foundational understanding of Bhakti and devotional singing, tools to incorporate chanting into their spiritual practices, and a deeper connection to their inner voice. No prior singing experience or knowledge is necessary—just your voice, a curious heart and an open spirit.