Devotion is defined by Websters as: “Ardent attachment or loyalty”. When we devote ourselves to something, we develop familiarity, become one with it, and eventually, we become it. We become one with it. Bhakti Yoga, as the path of devotion is called in India, is a popular and non-dogmatic form of connecting with the divine. “Ardent attachment” means that we enjoy being devoted, that it is passionate, even fun!
In tantra, devotional intent is very important. Through devotion, we open ourselves to become vessels for divine energy to flow through us. In particular, devotion to Shakti, or feminine essence, is central to tantric philosophy, a chance for us to experience deep feminine wisdom. This is real, not air-fairy! Her wisdom comes through in very physical ways, as sensations and feelings in our bodies, that give us valuable information about our lives.
Personally, my experience of devotion to the divine feminine has been incredibly rich and pleasurable. I express my devotion to Her through a weekly tantric dance practice. You may choose whatever you like for your object of devotion. What are you devoted to now? What do you practice on a regular basis, daily, weekly, monthly? Would you like to add something new to your life? Meditate on what you love & desire on a consistent basis and you will become it.
The following are some practical tips for developing devotion in your life:
1. Breathe it in.
Pick a quality that you would like more of in your life. Love? Prosperity? Peace? Sensitivity? Power? And then, sitting comfortably, breathe into your belly and feel this energy filling your core. You may find that images, sensations, or sounds come to you. Just notice them as you keep breathing.
2. Imagine.
Imagine that your desired quality is embodied by another person, place, or thing. What image comes to you? This thing, from your image-ination, can be a potent object of devotion. Inwardly, surrender to this thing and allow yourself to receive its wisdom and gifts.
3. Sacred space.
Create an altar, a special place where you can place images, symbols, or items from nature which represent your object of devotion. This can be as simple as a doily with a picture of your grandmother on it or as elaborate as a mantelpiece covered in images of the Virgin Mary. Be creative, have fun. Spend time at your altar on a regular basis, pray, meditate.
4. Sing & dance.
Singing is a worldwide way to worship. In India chanting is a favorite way to practice Bhakti Yoga. So sing to your object of devotion. Dance it in the depths of your being. Allow it to express itself dynamically through you. Notice how the act of active play helps you to learn more about devotion.
