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Dedication & Devotion
a yogic path+special offerings
Des Mathews
March 03, 2026
Hello, hydrators!
That’s a gentle reminder to hydrate. Maybe have a few sips or gulps of water, or tea, or another hydrating beverage of choice before diving into this. (If you are having issues reading this, please click on the “read online” link at the top right-thanks!)
I recently returned from Nassau, The Bahamas where I had the pleasure of co-facilitating a retreat. Before I left, I was considering the difference between dedication and devotion. Y’know, shower thoughts, or in my case - dog walking thoughts. Let’s take a look at Dictionary.com definitions.
Dedicate (verb):
to devote (oneself, one's time, etc) wholly to a special purpose or cause; commit wholeheartedly or unreservedly
to address or inscribe (a book, artistic performance, etc) to a person, cause, etc as a token of affection or respect
to address or inscribe (a book, artistic performance, etc) to a person, cause, etc as a token of affection or respect
to assign or allocate to a particular project, function, etc
to set apart for a deity or for sacred uses; consecrate
Devote (verb):
to apply or dedicate (oneself, time, money, etc) to some pursuit, cause, etc
Based on these definitions, we may say that to devote oneself to something is to take that extra step in dedication. After more research and chats with community, many folks also believe that devotion includes love. To be devoted is a sacred act of dedication.
As is the case of many things in my existence, once I start to consider something deeper, it shows up everywhere. I began to not only view the ways I might be devoted, but also how the people in my community, the people I love, and also strangers are practicing acts of devotion. It’s a good time for it.
A path of yoga that many are called to is Bhakti Yoga. The Sanskrit word bhakti comes from the root bhaj which means, “to adore,” “to love,” “to have recourse to,” “to have attachment to.” Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion. It’s the path of unconditional love.
OK.
May we take a pause to reflect on how rad yoga is?! Big inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth if you feel called to join me.
In my path to unlearn and learn with yoga as a resource, I am able to relate yoga to everything. I’m feeling very blessed for that and to also share what I learn with you.
Alright, thanks for indulging me - let’s get back on track.
The roots of Bhakti Yoga are found in yogic scriptures, such as the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. According to The Yoga Institute:
“Between the 7th and 17th centuries, India witnessed a great spiritual wave known as the Bhakti Movement. It was not confined to one region or language but spread across the country - from Tamil Nadu and Karnataka in the South to Maharashtra, Bengal, and North India. Saints and poets brought the essence of bhakti yoga into the hearts of ordinary people through song, poetry, and simple living.”
The Bhakti saints taught that God is not distant, nor bound by ritual or caste. They emphasized equality, inclusiveness, and a direct personal connection to the Divine. In their vision, devotion was not a privilege of priests or scholars. It was the birthright of every soul. This broke barriers of caste, gender, and rigid ritualism.
Devotion as birthright. Devotion as disruption. Historically, devotion in certain places and spaces was viewed as a privilege, but Bhakti Yoga disrupted that notion and allowed devotion to be practiced by everyone.
There is still so much to learn on my yogic path and I will forever will be a scholar. I have definitely resonated deeply with this particular path of yoga and will continue to practice and share what I am able.
What are you dedicating yourself to these days? Is there a form of love in that dedication that shifts it toward devotion? I would love to hear from you!
I have a few offerings coming up and hope to connect with you deeper soon. ‘Til then, take good care, stay hydrated, and maybe put on your favourite tune and sway a lil’.
Offerings
March 10, 7:00-8:30 p.m. EST: I was invited by Queer Community Deathcare to facilitate Yoga for Grief. We’ll practice gentle and restorative asana/physical movement, pranayama/breathing exercises and finish with yoga nidra/yogic sleep. This is a sliding scale virtual practice and closed space for Queer folks.
March 3 & April 7, 6:00-7:00 p.m. EST: Freedom Lounge Yoga. I’ll be in the Freedom Lounge at Trent University, guiding a trauma-informed practice. This is a closed space for racialized students.
March 4+25, April 1+29, 5:00-6:00 p.m. EST: Free Yoga at Sadleir House. Y’all know I love Sad Haus and it’ll be warm enough soon for us to practice outdoors, but for now, you’ll find us in The John. Please tell a friend to tell a friend that drop-in is welcome! If you would like to register, head to the link below. You could always respond to this email to check in and give me a heads up if you will be there. Every body is welcome!
Super-duper-exciting-jump-in-the-air-whoop-and-holler news….
I COMPLETED THE COURSEWORK FOR YOGA THERAPY AND AM SHIFTING INTO MY PRACTICUM
I’m still figuring out my schedule. You may check out the Canmore Counselling website for my profile, along with other folks in my amazing cohort. Maybe you’ll find someone else who resonates with you