BOSS LADY: DURGA DEVI
Durga, I first met you at what was then Jivamukti on Kensal Road about 15 years ago. You are a truly inspiring teacher and I think it is the most incredible practice. Can you explain to our readers a little bit about what Jivamukti yoga is?
Yes it must be at least 15 years! Thank you and I’ve been very blessed to have had my teachers, Sharon Gannon and David Life, who created the Jivamukti yoga method, as amazing and passionate beings who inspired me for over 24 years. They are true artists who integrated the ancient teachings along with a dynamic physical asana practice which makes it so easy to get hooked on!
Your chanting is one of the things that is so special about your classes, something I know you miss and I certainly miss. Sadly we still can’t do it in the studio but tell us a simple chant or mantra, or your favourite one to help get into chanting.
We always begin with OM which really sets the tone/mood for the class. There are so many mantras which create a specific energy or vibe which is called upon. A good one is :
Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha invoking the elephant headed God, remover of obstacles, Lord of new beginnings. He keeps us grounded. Everyone loves chanting to Ganesha.
I fall a little in and out of my mediation practice. I love that you always try and include it in your classes as it is something we all need, yet we never seem to find the time to fit it in! Tell us about your practice and anything to help get back into the practice of meditation.
The hardest part is to start but I get massive benefits from a regular practice. I highly recommend meditating especially at this time. It’s a serious discipline and it works.
You recently wrote, “Life is music and music is life.” Can you explain about how music is such a big part of the Jivamukti yoga practice.
Music has always been a big part of my life from childhood and my family luckily had good taste in music. I started to take proper vocal lessons in 1989 in NYC so I could sing and write then I created my first band soon after which progressed into other rock bands until 2001. So when I discovered Jivamukti and chanting ancient mantras, that took it to another level.
Tell us more about Kirtan and Bhakti, uniting song and heart.
Bhakti comes from the Sanskrit root Bhav which means to create a divine state or mood. Bhakti Yoga is the most essential component of Jivamukti Yoga. To cultivate devotion and love to a higher source. It's heart practice. Without this, Yoga (union with the Divine Self) cannot be attained.
Kirtan is devotional singing in a call and response format. Singing sacred and ancient prayers to uplift and purify. It’s a yogic practice to connect to the heart. I’ve got a kirtan band called Durga Devi and the Mighty Power of Love.
You always have the most beautiful readings that seem to resonate perfectly. What are you currently reading and which book should we all have ?
The “Jivamukti Yoga” book is a must have written by my teachers Sharon and David. I would say a good one is “The Power of the Subconscious Mind” written by Dr. Joseph Murphy. One of my earliest “self help” books I had over 20 years ago and finally read and understood it under lockdown. (My original copy got destroyed in a fire)
Is there a daily ritual which you have cherished during lockdown?
Yes meditation and connecting with nature. I’m blessed to be living now in a house where we have a massive garden and a park nearby. We all need to connect to nature living in a city !
You studied Fashion Design, are there any small brands that you have been loving recently?
Yes I went to the Fashion Institute in NYC. I wear a lot of black, grey and sometimes white so while in London I discovered All Saints, Religion and Absence of Colour which use my favourite colours to wear with a very stylish, yet simple, very rock and roll look. I also love groovy jewellery that I discovered through Wolf and Badger from Wild Hearts and By Nouck. And it's always fun to find goodies at a random charity or vintage shop.
I know technology is not your most fave, but you have embraced teaching on zoom. What has been the most positive thing to come out of teaching online ?
I think I’ve connected deeper with my students in my Zoom classes and have created a wonderful satsang (gathering of like minded souls) which has been so healing and crucial for all of us.
I know music is a big part of your life and you were in several bands in NYC, what tunes have you been listening to lately ?
I love JazzFM! Funny as I was part of the NYC punk rock scene since 1984! I like upbeat and relaxing tunes, anything from Jazz to old school house and disco.
What is your current go-to potion or lotion ?
I've been using very often lately essential oils to be calm and centred. Neal's Yard and Balm Balm make nice ones of lavender, patchouli, and rose geranium. I've been using them especially now on facial tissues then I put it in my mask when I go out. It really works wonders!
We all love a bit of crystal power, which one have you got currently by your side ?
Selenite, black tourmaline and rose quartz. Sometimes I sleep with one under my pillow.
To find out more about Durga visit https://www.durgadeviyoga.com
On Instagram: @durgadyoga
Durga is also teaching at Tri Yoga in Camden, Shoreditch and Soho. Find out more here https://triyoga.co.uk