Kundalini Yoga and Me
Kundalini Yoga has been at the backbone of my whole journey, quietly supporting me and my body throughout the whole process.
Nearly three years ago, after having difficulty with meditation, I randomly went to have a look at perhaps giving yoga a try. I had done a bit of hot yoga at Yard Yoga, so I went and had a look at their website.
I scrolled down the list of classes available, and one just leapt out at me. Kundalini Yoga. I had never even heard the word before, but the description grabbed me. So I signed up and went along to my first class.
When I walked in, all I saw was this beautiful creature. Dressed from head to toe in pure white. She was sitting cross-legged, meditating on a large white, sheepskin rug. There was beautiful music gently playing in the background and she was surrounded by lit candles. This was Tej Sangeet Kaur. The whole studio was filled with such serenity and peace. It was really beautiful and not something I had ever experienced before.
I knew, from the description on the website, that there was chanting, postures, breath-work, and meditation all involved. Once the class had all assembled, Tej introduced herself and gave me a typed sheet with mantras written on it, so I could follow what was going on. Then the class started.
Tej started by setting the space. Getting us all to sit cross-legged with our eyes closed. She quietly and soothingly got us to focus on our breathing and to connect to our bodies. It was all very calming and beautiful. We then tuned in. All chanting the Adi Mantra, Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo. Ong Namo means, “I bow to the Divine wisdom of All That Is.” Guru Dev Namo means, “I bow to the Divine teacher within.” I later learnt that this mantra helps centre you for asana or meditation practice and reinforces the connection to the Divine within and universally.
Each practice is then broken up into four parts. The warm-up; is where we awaken the Kundalini Energy within and warm up the body (spine). A Kriya; is a sequence of vigorous postures or exercises, paired with breathing techniques. A relaxation; allows the body to integrate. A meditation is last. Then the class is closed by final blessings.
A lot of what I had just taken part in, was really quite alien to me. And I don’t think I knew what to think after that first class, but Tej invited me to keep coming for six classes before I made up my mind. There was no doubt that it had been a beautiful experience, so I did just that. I went back for six classes. But even before those classes were up, I knew I was experiencing something amazing. I now do it every morning.
The practise has given me so much. It is all-encompassing, physically, and emotionally. It gives you the opportunity to connect to your body. You actually feel the energy within yourself. It is a natural high. It also gives you the time to check in with yourself, it helps you to connect to your innerself. It has given me a deeper understanding of life. It also introduced me to a truly wonderful person, Tej, who I have learnt so much from in so many different ways. She is a true inspiration and has become a gorgeous gorgeous friend.
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