Sat Nam

Truth is your identity

YOU

Who is Self? How do we (re)connect with our Self? We are not made to rush through our lives with to-do schedules, racing through the day. Personally, I find the reconnection through Kundalini Yoga. It offers the all-in-one package of physical exercise, connection with the higher spirit one may call God, challenge, being knocked outside of my comfort zone, the magic of mantra and chanting, breath work, community, teachings on Womanhood, and teaching on all facets of life. I am so grateful for this practice and for the teachers that came before me and to me. When I was 20 years old Kundalini Yoga entered my life. I remember there were candles lit in class and that we chanted the mantra Pavan Guru. From that moment on, I told myself never to quit. I kept up in bursts, but my spirit was called to dive in with more discipline and devotion the day Guru Jagat passed. A daily practice taught me that discipline is a virtue, it’s the biggest gift I could have ever given to myself. Often I wonder, what others do to keep up their practice, and how people even live without a yoga or meditation practice. Post your answers in the comments, I would love to hear what ignites your devotion.

What is Kundalini Yoga?

From my teacher Harmanjot Kaur:

Kundalini Yoga is an ancient practice developed over several millennia in Tibet and Northern India.  Brought to the west in 1969 by a master of the practice, Yogi Bhajan, Kundalini Yoga uses physical techniques of posture, breath, meditation, mantra and mudra in precise method for powerful results.  Kundalini yoga works on the nervous system, glandular system and energetic aspects of the body to trigger incredible health, deeply positive brain chemistry, crystal clarity of the mind and an indelible understanding of infinity.  It is an effective technology for longevity, radiance and a life powerfully lived.

Try it!

Daily Sat Kriya: my plug-in to the Divine above and the Divine in me

Teachings for Women

Did you know…

that women should sweat for 31 minutes per day, and dance for 11 minutes? Try and see how you feel.

that the ovaries secrete hormones?

that you can balance your hormones by dancing, shopping, holding babies, gardening, cooking in a peaceful environment, singing, kissing, hugging?

eating leafy greens is SO good for you? (everyone knows this, but here’s your reminder. It’s good for hormones, detoxing, and basically anything).

This mantra is for Women and my absolute favorite version: “Recitation of this Shabad can bring a God shield around her to stop indignity and bestow the dignity. Sing your own glory in the words of Nanak. It can bring her grace and heal both men and women from Mother-Father phobia.” (SikhDharma)

Venus Kriyas

Kundalini Yoga also offers beautiful meditations you can practice with your partner, called Venus Kriyas (A kriya is a yoga set). My husband and I were apart for almost three weeks, and these meditations are a way to reconnect with each others’ heart. You can practice these when you have a bit of experience with Kundalini Yoga and you can do them with anyone, not just with your beloved.

One Unit Venus Kriya

The Practice

Standing back to back with your partner, clasp hands and touch the back of the heads in a relaxed manner.

Breathe normally for 2 minutes. and meditate on being one unit in Infinite con­ciousness.

Then separate and drop the hands, bend forward. Keep the buttocks touching, with the legs straight. Touch the ground with the hands for 1 minute.

3 minutes total. To end, inhale, exhale, and relax.

© 3HO. This kriya is courtesy of YB Teachings, LLC.

Travel Tips from the field

I’ve been super happy with the app Airalo while traveling in Europe. Through the app you can purchase an eSim of the country you are staying at, while keeping your own phone number. All roaming is then through your local line which is so much cheaper and handier than moving from wifi to wifi. A real game changer for me and it works internationally. If you’d like to try get $3 off with my code BENTHE4552. I’m not sponsored by them but just think they’re great.

In the last weeks I travelled with a camper van through Belgium, France and The Netherlands. Visiting friends I am so grateful for. Aren’t friends amazing? They all have dogs, who also make amazing friends. The cherries, strawberries, eggs and honey are all from my friends’ farms. Such bounty! My heart is very grateful.

Raw organic milk can be sold legally in Holland when you fill your own bottle.