This week holds extra meaning—it's my birthday week! I'm thrilled to be hosting Music Television this week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday, and I hope you'll join me for a special DJ'd Birthday Yoga class on Saturday at 10 AM. These past few weeks have been chaotic. There seems to be a lot happening, all at once. When I sat down to plan Sunday's class, which I teach all week, I kept getting up and walking away. It wasn't until Sunday morning, I woke up, reached for my journal, and started to brainstorm on what I could plan out. So I decided that this week, we would explore the magnificent story of Durga, the divine mother warrior whose very existence reminds us that true strength emerges from unity, courage, and unwavering purpose. Because when chaos threatens to overwhelm the natural order, the universe calls forth its greatest defender.
Mythology Time:
Picture this: the buffalo demon Mahīṣa had seized heaven itself, casting out all the gods, leaving them powerless and wandering the earth as mere mortals. In their desperation, the gods sought help from the great trinity—Viṣṇu, Brahmā, and finally Śhiva. Their outrage at such audacity was so fierce that beams of fiery light shot forth from each deity, merging into one radiant, feminine form: Durgā, the great mother and divine warrior.
Durgā's creation is a beautiful testament to collaborative strength. Each god offered part of themselves to form her. They also armed her with countless divine weapons. She was adorned in radiant garments as she mounted upon a fierce lion—ready for battle.
What followed shook both earth and sky. Durgā manifested her own army to meet Mahīṣa's demonic forces in combat. The shape-shifting demon fought ferociously, transforming into different fierce animals, but Durgā met each form with fearless determination and even laughter in the face of danger.
Finally, with divine grace and warrior precision, she leapt upon Mahīṣa, pinned him beneath her foot, and ended his reign of chaos with her sword. Heaven was restored, cosmic order returned, and after receiving the grateful praise of the gods, Durgā vanished—her sacred task complete.
This week in Vīrāsana (Hero Pose), we'll explore the themes of poise, power, and containment. Durgā teaches us that true feminine strength arises from collective cooperation and the courage to face chaos head-on.
Unlike a peacock who struts and shows off, the hero pose embodies quiet, contained power—like a lion sitting steady and assured of its strength.
Whether you're joining Music Television or Saturday's special Birthday Yoga, come ready to channel your inner Durgā—that part of you that emerges when you need to restore order, protect what matters, and stand in your full power with grace and determination.
See you on the mat, warriors.
With Love, Jess
