Tapa Yog Karam Kriya: Following through on your Intentions

     This kriya fell into my lap this week as I noticed I was falling into my usual mental patterns of questioning how I was going to get through Traditional Chinese Medicine School. I was worrying if it was the right choice adding another year to school to complete the TCMP degree versus getting the standard acupuncture degree this August like most of my classmates. Now I am able to catch these thought waves without letting it overwhelm me or causing a spiral into feeding demoting habits. These habits prevent me from managing my time wisely which ultimately stress me out more. It's getting better but is a learning process. We all come across a similar thought process (flight, fight (resist) or freeze) while on any journey of fulfilling an intention or commitment, especially those particularly difficult ones that are worth while yet make us question, "Why in the world am I doing this?" 

      Once I completed the kriya I noticed my mind was clear and re-directed on the path I originally sought out. I've been doing the kriya every day. The meditation has shown me what I need to do and has made me ultra aware of the habits that keep me from getting the things I need to get done. With that said, I'm ending this post now as I have a lot to do! Hope you enjoy the video!

New Video! Exercising the Central Vagus Nerve Kriya

Sat Nam. Here is a new video! This was one of the first classes taught at Lotus Yoga Centre for the 40 day Fear Less Challenge. The Kriya is Exercising the Central Vagus nerve. The 40 day meditation was Aadays Tisai Aadays Aad Aneel Anaad Anaahat Jug Jug Ayko Vays. The class was streamed live. Due to how the recording was set up you can only hear instructions, not music. It is a great class that will invigorate you and help you break from your fear based patterns. Enjoy!

New Video: Sage Warrior Kriya

I'm very excited to share with you my newest video, Sage Warrior Kriya. My teacher training peer from Breitenbush introduced it to me in March. He received it from Guru Singh. After implementing this kriya in my daily practice for some time I couldn't help but share it with you.
I love this kriya because it is entirely standing up. It is a nice change from my usual seated practice. It is accessible for anyone of any lifestyle or fitness level, yet challenging enough for the more advanced yogi. With that in mind I taught it at the annual Sikh Heritage festival in Toronto and then also at the Ecology Retreat Center for our annual spring retreat.
Enjoy!

Feeling stuck? This quick meditation can help

We all have had that moment in our day(s) where everything is fine, then in a nanosecond suddenly everything seems to suddenly be not fine. An issue comes up, and we can sometimes get caught up in a reactive type state of mind. Maybe it's a long standing issue from the past that is bothering you? Try this quick meditation to let go of the past, allow your nervous system to respond effectively instead of react, ultimately bringing you into a more neutral state of mind. This video was made by my wonderful yoga therapy teacher, Guru Dharam Singh. Enjoy.

Interview about Spirituality and Kundalini Yoga

I recently got asked to write about my experience as a Sikh for an amazing blog and online yoga clothing business called FaithHaus.Check it out HERE or read the interview below.

" Kundalini Yoga is the root of spiritual experience."

Do you have to be a Sikh to practice Kundalini yoga? No, however many practitioners choose this way of life.

By definition, kundalini yoga is a system of meditation directed toward the release of a primal energy or shakti, located at the base of the spine.

Sikhism is the 5th largest religion in the world. It's monotheistic- meaning One God. It was founded in the 15th century as an independent religion and it worships Guru Granth Sahib. The places of worship are called a gurdwara which means "doorway to God".  According to Simran Jeet Singh "Sikhism is rooted in oneness and love, Sikh theology encourages a life of spirituality and service".

Bir Kaur Khalsa's life as a Sikh and Kundalini Yoga teacher have deepened her spiritual experience. She has a great website called Warrior Spirit Yoga that shares her healings and teachings of Kundalini Yoga through videos and articles that is a must read for anyone who's been wondering if they should check it out. We got the opportunity to hear from Bir on what her faith means to her and it's a blessing to share this with our readers.

-What is your definition of faith?

For me, faith is the courage that resides within the soul that enables us to transform darkness into light with the help of our spiritual teacher. To me, faith in action is commitment. It's commitment to your internal values. It's commitment to the evolution of your soul acting from a place of fulfilling your life's purpose in this human form through your destiny (dharma). For me, commitment and courage can be expressed in the form of religion.

-How would you define spirituality?

Spirituality is the remembrance of your connection with Universal Consciousness and therefore your soul. Spirituality is being in total balance with all aspects of your being and therefore reflected in everything that surrounds you. Development of your spirituality is supported by community. This group consciousness can be more powerful than individual consciousness. A sense of community that can be provided through religion, when utilized properly, can be a wonderful tool to developing a stronger relationship to God. However, “religion” and “spirituality” are often seen as two separate things in our society when they can actually complement each other.

-Would you consider yourself spiritual or faithful? Or is there a difference?

Some people associate spirituality with a more individual/personal journey and faithful to have a religious tone. Unfortunately, I think spiritual extremists find no value in religion and religious extremists find only one value in their particular religion to achieve liberation of their soul.
The words that are the foundation of the Sikh faith are “Ik Ong Kar”. This means “One Universal Consciousness/God.” No matter what your faith is, it is interconnected by all faiths, because it leads to the same One Universal God. I feel that I am spiritually committed to my soul through a steady daily spiritual practice/Sikh Faith values. I also feel that through the power of the One God, there are an infinite amount of religions/faiths that, when utilized properly, can also achieve this same potential. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to redefine spirituality and religion as being one in the same in other religions. Bringing spirituality into my faith allows me to embody the God given right to be a free, happy, and (liberated) spirit. One example of this is having a direct and focused conversation with God through prayer (faithful) or feeling the totality of the cosmos/interconnection of all life within me when I listen to kirtan (Shabad Guru) during a Sikh service (spiritual).
A simple way to bring spirituality into faith is to ask yourself “Why am I doing this?”. A simple way to bring faith into spirituality is asking “How can I do this with more authenticity and commitment”. In reality we all have the capacity to be spiritual and simultaneously faithful.

-Do you have specific rituals that you do in relation to your faith (meditation, prayer, celebrations, etc)?

Guru Nanak (the first of the Ten Gurus in the Sikh faith) was the first to embody the teachings of “Ik Ong Kar” and was the first initiator of the Sikh lifestyle. He didn't appreciate the blind rituals that his Hindu family practiced at the time. People were just participating in rituals without knowing why. They lost the spirituality and meaning of these rituals. As a Sikh, rituals aren't practiced. However, there is a daily service that occurs in a Sikh place of worship called a Gurdwara. In the Gurdwara the community gathers for daily prayers, kirtan, reading from the Siri Guru Granth Sahib, and sharing in a meal of equality called Langar afterwards.
As a student and teacher of Kundalini Yoga, I have a 2 to 2.5 hour daily meditation and yoga practice that I am dedicated to. I get up between 4am-5am everyday to complete this practice along with reciting Japji Sahib. This helps me to connect with my soul when the chaos of the world is quiet, like others do from many other different faiths. You don't have to be Sikh to do Kundalini Yoga.

-Do you think it’s important for youth to have faith? Why?

I think it's really important for youth to have faith for the reasons listed above. Youth have the challenge and blessing of navigating in perhaps the most chaotic times this world has experienced. I feel that youth are our key to reigniting the spirituality that was intended to thrive in religion/faith. The youth have the opportunity through faith and courage to bring peace to the world and protect the resources of our earth by connecting with their own truth.

-Do you share your faith with others or keep it private?

As a Sikh I share my faith with others. I try not to share my faith so much in word but in action. I feel that through my actions others will know what a Sikh is. This includes being of service in any way possible. Sikhs are known for being of service through offering food to those in need, among many other things. I also share my faith by the way I look. I wear a turban all the time when I am in public so I often stand out in a crowd. There aren't many 30 something women out there wearing turbans. The sole purpose of this is to be recognizable if anyone needs help. Most people are curious when they see me and ask what my “hat” is all about.

-What’s your favorite thing about faith?

As a Sikh, I believe this spiritual relationship between myself and God is completely interconnected and merged. Therefore, God is not an entity or energy that resides outside of me. God is within me. So the Creator that resides within automatically makes me a co-creator. This leads to the concept of how we can choose to create heaven (or hell) on earth based on how clear and still our mind is. When our mind is still then we are more readily able to listen to what our soul wants us to do instead of what others want us to do. Faith is having the dedication to commit to this relationship through my spiritual practice so this can be possible. Being human is the greatest gift as we are the physical (being upright/vertical creatures) and the energetic connection between God and Earth.

Another thing I love is the Sikh Gurus teach me that I don't need a guru to experience Universal Consciousness/God, because it is all right here in this present moment. This is one of the reasons I fell in love with Sikh faith, because a true Sikh will encourage a Muslim to be the best Muslim they can be, a Christian to be the best Christian they can be, a Jew to be the best Jew they can be, and so on. Sikhs aren't concerned about spreading the Word masked by the intention of converting someone to Sikhism. It's quite the contrary. Sikhs are dedicated to being of service for others so others can have the opportunity to connect with their soul and therefore God in their own unique way.

-Do you buy gifts, items for your house or items that you wear that are related to faith or spirituality?

My husband and I usually have pictures up of a few of the Sikh Gurus that we are deeply connected with, particularly Guru Gobind Singh and Guru Ram Das. We also have a picture of our teacher who brought Kundalini Yoga to the west, Yogi Bhajan. I like having different incense, stones and gems nearby. I like to have Kundalini Yoga mantras playing in the background all the time to elevate the energy of the room.

-Do you have any funny stories related to faith?

I worked in home health physical therapy and often treated people that were 70+ years old. Many of my patients had no idea what Sikhism was and were curious to know about it. As a Sikh, one of the symbols I wear is a small knife (kirpan) in my turban. Depending on the laws of where I am at, I usually wear a large kirpan at my side. It's a symbol that I am ready and able to protect those in need no matter what their faith, social class, or race is. I got a lot of funny comments, but the best one was when an older man asked why I was wearing a tire gauge in my hat. He could only see the tip of my kirpan through my turban.

-Do you have any places that remind you of your faith or feel spiritual to you?

The pivotal spiritual place for Sikhs is The Golden Temple in Amritsar, India. It has four doors which are open at all times. This place represents being open to all people from all different faiths. My dream is to go there someday.

Being in nature always helps me connect with my soul more. I lived in Portland, Oregon for 5 years. It is perhaps one of the most magical and scenic places I have lived in. A few places that made me feel most connected was The Grotto and Latourell Falls.

 

THE GROTTO, Portland, Oregon

LATOURELL FALLS, Oregon

THE GOLDEN TEMPLE, Amritsar, India

-Did your faith influence you in business and/or what you are creating?

Yes, Sikhism has helped me be a more compassionate in my work as a healthcare practitioner. It has also influenced me to create my own business, Warrior Spirit Yoga with Bir Kaur, to develop as a healer and Kundalini Yoga teacher. You can visit www.warriorspirityogabk.com for more information

Param Karam Dharam Kriya

Sat Nam! Param Karam Dharam Kriya is a wonderful tool to help break blocks in you life and promote prosperity. I recommend doing it for at least 11 minutes to get in the flow of it. If you'd like more prosperity in your life you can play the Aap Sahaee Hoa mantra (Jai- Jagdeesh has a great version). I also like playing the mantra, Chattra Chakkra Vartee to invoke fearlessness. (My favorite version is by Chardi Kala Jatha). Remember to tune in with 'Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo' 3x before starting the kriya. This is a great kriya to do as a warm-up when teaching a Kundalini Yoga class.    Guru Singh explains the aspects of the kriya exquisitely in this video.

The Power of Breath and Mantra in Kundalini Yoga

Why Do Kundalini Yoga? How it changed my life.

(video courtesy of Mandala Yoga, Portand OR)

New Video Blog! Why and How to Wear a Turban

Well this is it! I've come to a new place of exploring my voice.
 I'm officially announcing my first video blog!

Navigating Through Winter: Kidney Health

A few weeks ago I woke up during the Amrit Vela with excruciating right lower back pain accompanied by relentless vomiting. With every hour the pain got worse. One acupuncture appointment visit followed by urgent care, and then finally a visit to the hospital 72 hours later revealed that I had a small kidney stone ready to be released. Looking back, I give credit to my acupuncturist, who is also my Zero Balancing teacher, for guiding the movement of the stone in addition to my dear friends who took care of me. Now that the trauma and story associated with the event has cleared along with the kidney stone, I've been taking the time to reflect on how and why this healing opportunity presented itself to me.

Your Lifeline: The Kidneys

This healing crisis gave me an opportunity to do extensive research about the kidneys. What was interesting is that I didn't have to go far since I had all the information available through textbooks and lecture notes from my Kundalini Yoga therapy training module earlier this year.

The kidneys are more fundamentally important than one might think. With the winter season being in full swing, we are well into the water element which is associated directly with kidney energy. The kidneys are also associated with bone, teeth, and bone marrow. This could be one reason why kidney energy is very low with people who have osteoporosis. Low kidney energy is also directly related to back and knee pain. If you're not convinced yet about how important kidneys are by now then take a look at the lungs. The kidney meridian ends in the lungs. It grasps Qi by pulling and directing the energy down. This occurs when we take a deep breath. Here lies the fundamental importance of yoga, the breath. That's why pranyama techniques direct the breath.

Ever wonder why there are so many postures, kriyas, and meditations that focus on the kidney? Well this is why. The kidneys store the Will. Like all organs, the kidneys have both a yin and yang polarity. In the book, “The Web that Has No Weaver”, the author states the Yin Will is mysterious, subtle, and noticed in stillness. The book also states, “It is the recognition that the deepest force requires no effort.” (p. 86). I'll talk more about my own experience of this later in this blog entry.

The kidneys also store the “Jing”, the Essence of life, according to Chinese medicine. The Jing contains your genetic imprint of who you are. It is also manifests in the material world via the sexual organs. The sexual organs are located in the second chakra, which is guided by the water element. The Ojas is located within the cerebrospinal fluid and determines the caliber or level of Consciousness for an individual. As many of you know, the nadis (or energetic meridian centers) vibrate at the correct frequency/rhythm when sound is applied. Everything is moving at some kind of sound vibration. When there is a correct frequency of the nadis then the Ojas is changed.

From an emotional viewpoint the kidneys are associated with the positive aspects of motivation, creativity, and living our dreams (starting from thought to physical manifestation). The kidneys bring meaning to the cliché of “finding yourself”. On the opposite polarity, the kidneys are also associated with fear, timidity, and fearful/traumatic events like war or violence. That is why healing of the kidneys is imperative for a balanced life. A Course in Miracles states, “All healing is essentially the release of fear” (p. 23). Perhaps this is why that most spiritual practices have a commonality in that anything that is not love is fear.

Why My Kidneys Were Talking To Me

The body, mind, and soul are undeniably interconnected. Disease and injury is nothing but “dis-ease” in the body. It's a cry out from the soul or mind for healing causing a physical manifestation. My kidneys had some not-so subtle messages, though. It felt that this experience was an initiation of moving past many of the deepest aspects of fear and darkness I was still holding onto including fear of authority and the unknown. I've been clearing through these fears like a bulldozer.

The ego's need to effectively bulldoze my way through fear was the primary issue. I met up with Hari Nam Singh, a wonderful world traveling teacher and immediate soul brother about a month or so prior to the kidney stone experience. He was stopping through Portland before heading to another far off land, Florida. He said the ultimate yogi is simultaneously completely committed and also fully relaxed. His words stuck with me. Up until that point, I was wholeheartedly dedicated to an extensive Kundalini Yoga practice and meditating daily for the last 3 years. I took weekly classes and was very involved in the community. I know without a doubt I wouldn't be the woman I am today without these tools. The only problem was that I wasn't relaxed through most of it. Up until that point I thought it was the stoic warrior way to cut through all these blockages so courageously. Although I smiled at times through it, was I really enjoying the good and the bad while treating both indifferently? I still am continuing my 1000 day meditation and doing yoga as often as I can, but I am doing it with more ease, grace, and self love than ever before. Even now, my kidneys still give me signals if I do too much. I taught my students to start small and take baby steps, but I wasn't allowing myself the same opportunity even as an intermediate/advanced student. This goes back to always keeping a beginner's mind. I am finally starting to embody the teachings and realize that there are opportunities to push it and cut through blockages relentlessly, but there are also opportunities to rest. This concept of trying too hard not surprisingly leaked into other aspects of my life such as relationships and work.

I feel that there is an important aspect of readiness as well. I know now, without a doubt, I was ready for this initiation, although it may not have felt like it at the time. The Course of Miracles also addresses readiness. It states, “We have already attempted to correct the fundamental error that fear can be mastered, and have emphasized that the only real mastery is through love. Readiness is only the beginning of confidence. You may think this implies that an enormous amount of time is necessary between readiness and mastery, but let me remind you that time and space are under my control” (p. 33). Through this lesson a deeper sense of inner joy and playfulness has resulted. I feel like I am laughing more and enjoying the almost unnoticeable aspects of mundane day to day life more. I'm seeking out opportunities during my day to put in the balanced amount of effort instead of the usual overload. As a result my relationships have blossomed and deepened and work is more fulfilling.

I can't help shedding light on some other coincidences that happened these past few weeks. Just prior to the kidney stone experience I was gifted to hold a copy of the Guru in my home. Very subtle things in my Consciousness have shifted since reading from it daily. Then after the kidney stone passed my intuition guided me to get a copy of the Course in Miracles. Now that I am reading from both I am humbled and in awe at the changes occurring. It seems that every day there is a very specific message that is being transmitted to me every time I read. I feel very blessed to be living as a Sikh yet continuing to develop this strong relationship with Christ. The sense of purpose and clarity is so strong I feel it is beyond dogma or any religion, with this “it” being in the manifestation as Truth. At the same time this is a learning experience and in small steps. It is still quite new and I am continuing to process all these experiences. From what I've been hearing, it seems that many other beings are going through similar initiations and transformational experiences as 2014 comes to an end. I am ecstatic to not only see but experience the change from “I” to “We” as we venture further into the Aquarian Age.

References:

 The Web that Has No Weaver . Kaptchuk, T.J. (2000)

A Course In Miracles. (2007).

Personal lecture notes (May 2014) from Guru Dharam Singh. Kundalini Yoga Therapy Training. (www.i-sky.net)

Announcing new happenings in Salem, OR and much more!

I am so blessed to have been asked to be interviewed for a radio show in Salem, OR on September 27th.The radio show is called SoulTalk with Jahdaa. It airs every Saturday night from 9-11pm PDT on 88.5 FM KMUZ and on www.KMUZ.org. It is also available via the TuneIn Radio iphone app. I was asked to share about Kundalini Yoga and an upcoming class I am teaching in Salem on October 4th. Feel free to check out the flyer I've attached to this email.The theme of the show is to share who I've come here (planet Earth) to be. I will also be sharing Kundalini Yoga music and mantra throughout the show. I feel that it is important for me to share music of those who are local and/or have played here in Portland, so you will be hearing some familiar voices.

With school starting in addition to our transition into the fall season, I thought it would be a good opportunity to get back to the basics of Kundalini Yoga. I am now offering a beginner's series . This is a great reminder to know that no matter how long we have been practicing Kundalini Yoga (or any tool of transformation/self awareness), we are always beginners. Although this is a beginner's class, it doesn't mean it won't be challenging, so all students/teachers are welcome to attend. For the last four weeks the beginner's series has been well received by students. What a gift to see classes gradually picking up in attendance since April when I started teaching at the Hawthorne Movement Center on Thursdays from 7:00pm-8:30pm (3942 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214).

Please take a moment to 'like' my facebook page as I post continuous happenings on this page as well.

Thank you for your continuing support! I am humbled to be of service in this way.
May you be uplifted and elevated. May you find much laughter, compassion, and gratitude in every moment.

Announcing Upcoming Workshops in Salem, Oregon!

Engaging Kundalini Wisdom: Level 1

Kundalini Yoga and Wisdom Workshop

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2014

Kundalini Yoga Class 9:00am-10:30am

Workshop: 10:45am-3:00pm

Location: Sacred Space Spiritual Center

2111 Front St NE Building 3

Downstairs Suite

Salem, OR 97301

Do you know your life's purpose?

Are you living to be who you have come here to be?

Do you know who you are?

Are you ready to heal from emotional and physical addictions?

About the Event:

The Level 1 Kundalini Yoga class will focus on building a foundation for the workshop by clearing, engaging, and balancing your first three chakras. In the following workshop you will learn tools including Kundalini Reiki, shamanic journeying, meditation, and toning that will continue to expand your experience of your emerging Kundalini Vibration.

About the Teachers:

Bir Kaur is a licensed physical therapist assistant and KRI certified Kundalini Yoga Teacher. 

Upma Kaur (Desiree Rudder) is a LMT, Kundalini Reiki Master, and Intuitive Empath. Visit www.HappySpiritHealingArts.com for more information.

Come to any class in August and bring a friend for FREE!!