Divine Feminine Signature Statement

Divine Feminine Signature Statement – how the feminine form healing shows up in Bhakti Rose

 The ‘divine feminine’ is a popular paradigm in yoga and personal development circles and my own work in the world is no exception. I think when we repeat something in our work and our businesses many times it’s really useful to define terms. What follows are my reflections about the divine feminine or ‘feminine form’ and what this term means to me personally and in the context of Bhakti Rose offerings.

Divine Feminine takes that which is complex and finds a simple application. Our society and culture is extremely complex. For us to live in a way that is simple and sattvic is profoundly counter-culture and it’s difficult. ‘Simple Living, High Thinking’ (Srila Prabhupada) is a hard principal to live by. Simplifying complex concepts requires a deep understanding of the subject matter, the ability to discern which elements are essential, and the creativity to convey these elements in an accessible manner. This is not about reduction but it is about distillation - preserving the essence while shedding the unnecessary. When we can grasp complex ideas in simpler terms, we're more likely to engage, apply what we've learned, and build upon that foundation. As yoga teachers and spiritual mentors one of our biggest goals must always be practical application. Application can only happen when we’re not overwhelmed by complexity or paralysed by too many choices.

Through repetition the magic is forced to arise. This teaching comes from my dear teacher Sharon Gannon (Jivamukti Yoga). We shouldn’t be afraid of repetition. If you are a teacher it’s important not to fear repeating yourself, people often need to hear something many times before it is really absorbed. We can do the same asana practice or meditation many, many times over many years and in the repetition find great insight. 

Magic is a shift in perception. Another wonderful teaching from Sharon Gannon.  I believe we don't need to look too far or change too much to improve our wellness, our connection to spirit or our relationships. Sometimes all that is required are small changes or tweaks in daily habits or routines. Some of those habits are on the outside (like what time do you eat breakfast or when do you exercise) and some are on the inside (like how negative is your self-talk or how anxious is your mind). Everything is fluid and can be switched if you know how. 

Food for one should be food for all. This teaching comes from my ayurveda teacher Maya Tiwari (Mother Maya) and refers to the idea that health and wellness on all levels should not be an elitist or privileged experience. We should all have access to good food, kind communities and support and care beyond our basic human rights. If we get too precious about our needs and preferences at the cost of other beings or the environment this needs evaluation and re-balancing.

We acknowledge and honour. Specifically our First Nations brothers and sisters and the land on which we live and meet, the lineage of yoga and ayurveda and our teachers, and the wisdom keepers from within our own culture and ancestry.

We believe that people can change and see all others as holy beings. In the heart of yoga philosophy lies the profound belief that transformation is possible for every individual. This perspective views all beings as inherently sacred, embodying the divine essence that connects us all. By recognising the holiness in others, we open ourselves to the infinite potential for change within us. Yoga teaches us that through dedicated practice, mindfulness, and compassion, we can shed layers of ego, fear, and negativity. The ‘dust’ over our eyelids. This journey of self-discovery and transformation allows us to see the world through a lens of love and unity. Embracing this belief empowers us to support and uplift ourselves and others on a spiritual path. 

We ask of the teachings, how does this apply to me? How is this relevant to my lived experience? Applying the teachings of yoga philosophy to our lives transcends the realm of theoretical knowledge, transforming it into a lived experience. This practice is essential because it bridges the gap between understanding concepts and embodying them. Through application, the profound principles of yoga—such as mindfulness, non-attachment, and compassion—become tools for navigating the complexities of daily life. They guide our interactions, shape our responses, and influence our decisions. This integration supports personal growth, inner peace, and a deeper connection with the world around us. It’s in the living application of yoga philosophy that its true power is realised, leading to a more harmonious and purposeful existence. 

Alignment of values and actions. This embodies the essence of yoga's holistic approach to living. Yoga teaches us the importance of harmony between body, mind, and spirit, and this harmony is achieved when our actions reflect our deepest values. Alignment means that we live authentically, making decisions that resonate with our core beliefs and principles. This congruence builds inner peace, there is no conflict between what we believe and how we act. We are able to trust ourselves because our integrity is intact both within ourselves and in the perception of others. 

We play the long game. Many natural healing processes, such as detoxification, rebuilding gut health, or improving mental health through practices like yoga and meditation, inherently take time. The body needs periods of rest and activity to heal and regenerate. A long-term approach respects the body's natural rhythms and timelines for healing.

The importance of apprenticeship. We are life-long learners, we’re always curious, we keep an open mind and we’re willing to change our minds. We seek out and commit to teachers, we create accountability in our lives and live and work in the context of community. 

We honour the Red Thread. The journey through puberty, giving birth, perimenopause, menopause, and into elderhood represents a profound series of rites of passage for women, each stage marked by unique joys, challenges and transformations that deeply intertwine with the principles of feminism, choice, and support. We can think of this journey as the ‘Red Thread’ of our lives. This Red Thread sets the rhythm of our lifelines and the tone of what is passed down through generations both energetically and genetically. ‘Red Thread’ is impacted by our own individual journeys as women but also by our heritage, our culture, our meta-genetics and our history, including the stories we have been told about who we are and our place in the world.

In our modern world there are some limitations in how ayurveda and yoga can be applied and I believe there is a need for a flexible approach. Finding balance between cultural norms and ayurvedic and yogic practices is essential, and the need to let go of strict rules and austere paradigms often arises. There is an importance in embracing paradox in spiritual practices and life.

Let’s see things from multiple perspectives and approach healing in a multifaceted manner. We could consider the possibility of holding contradictory ideas simultaneously, which I believe is a sign of maturity.

Katie Rose (founder Bhakti Rose)

Looking to dive deeper into Ayurveda and Yoga with KATIE ROSE? Here's a helpful list of my most popular resources...