Kundalini yoga is an ancient practice. Initially it was kept a secret from Westerners because it was believed that we did not have the ability to fully respect and follow the teachings. As well, Kundalini yoga was hidden because of its power of transformation and spiritual acceleration.

In 1969, Yogi Bhajan, a spiritual leader and Kundalini practitioner, came to North America from India. Witnessing the growing search for spirituality in North America, Yogi Bhajan made the momentous decision to begin teaching Kundalini yoga openly. This had never been done before in the West and created quite a stir in India. 

Kundalini energy is not something contrived or created; it lives in each of us. It is said that after our eighth year of life, our pineal gland does not secrete fully, thus compressing our energetic abilities on all levels. To counterbalance this process, we have the ability to access our reserve life force energy, which is stored in the belly button and lower vertebra area. It is said that this is "pure" energy, which is deeply attuned to your authentic spirit from the moment you were conceived. Kundalini yoga has the ability to gently support the body to open in a safe and integrative manner, therefore freeing up this energy to move more fluidly and creatively, while supporting cellular, somatic healing that is life-changing and sustainable.

All yogic practices work with this energy in different ways, including energizing and strengthening our bodies, boosting our immune system and harmonizing our parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous system. It is said that Kundalini yoga, when practiced correctly and with commitment, is an "accelerated" practice that heightens our awareness on all levels in a short period of time.

Many people often feel a deeper level of sensitivity and connectedness for the very first time when they allow themselves the opportunity to experience the wealth of this yogic practice. This deepening of self creates growth and raises ones consciousness.

Seva

North America is not what I would consider a place of natural Seva. We function within a capitalist framework that is dominance-based. This form of relationship creates a huge imbalance between people and the world around them. The idea of sharing and unconditional love is so foreign to us that we resist.

As an aspiring yoga practitioner, one is committed to a greater vision of the world - to the idea of compassion and loving-kindness. What do I mean by this term "loving-kindness”? Loving-kindness is the ability to look deeply into one's heart and soul and ask the difficult questions. Questions such as: is this truly honest? Am I doing what feels authentic? Am I acting with utmost integrity? Loving-kindness is about committing to the growth of "self," and growth of the other and to honor this commitment, whether or not it is convenient.

Loving-kindness may not look particularly loving at times; it may look like you saying “no.” It may look like intervention in situations that are heartless or damaging. It may mean holding your ground or it may mean sacrifice.

Loving-kindness is not a path of ease or convenience. Love is an action word, one that demands of us commitment and presence, internally and externally. I am always afraid when I stand up for myself, for others or for the planet. When I say “no,” when I raise my voice, I often tremble with fear. However, if I do not stand in defense of love, then I am denying love, and this will contribute to a deeper closing of my heart and a negating of my life-force energy.

Seva is giving - to give of yourself with your heart open and to expect nothing in return. There are moments when this is possible and effortless, and other times that I have to wrench Seva out of my body and I resist it all the way. Yet, ultimately, it is through the giving of myself that I am filled.

Your yoga practice will open your heart. That is the truest aspect and gift of a yoga practice: to bring a deepening of awareness and to take that awareness with you out into the world. It is our responsibility as students and teachers to take the practice off of the mat and into "the street." If I am unable to bring this compassionate heart out into the world, I will move away from the true gift of my practice. I may even abandon my practice, or stay stuck in the same routine day after day - moving thought the motions of yoga, but refusing to allow my heart to be broken open. Doing so would make it simply an exercise class, which is neither good nor bad - if this is your goal then you have achieved it. However, if you are committed to a rich life, full of heart, emotion, bravery, generosity, community and deep connectedness, and if you love this planet and her creatures, then Seva is "right action" in a world that is careening toward its’ breaking point – a breaking point caused by over-consumption and insensitivity.

There are many ways to bring the element of Seva into your life. It could be as simple as actually looking at people you pass on the street and smiling at them, and to allow others to see you and connect. You may want to consider something like giving up your cell phone or making an extra lunch in the morning and giving it away to someone on the street. These may not seem like profound acts of Seva; however, they are profound because they are born out of love and kindness.

What I ask of you, as my students and as humans who I care for and stand next to on this Earth, is it that you are willing to do for this beautiful planet? What is it that you are willing to give up for others and for a world that sustains our life?