From Alison Boons
My personal motto is that you should “Try Everything at Least Twice.” There are so many things that can alter your opinion of a new activity or a new person or a new experience. Nerves, anxiety, skepticism, humour can all be factors on your initial reaction to anything that you experience in your life. I therefore, whole-heartedly believe that you should experience these new activities and experiences at least twice, because you never know what you may think the second time after you have gotten over your “expectations.”
For those of you who have never experienced Kundalini Yoga, I highly recommend it. When I first began my yoga teacher training in the fall, I had never heard of Kundalini Yoga before, and I think for the rest of my life I will never forget that very first Kundalini class on a Monday night at Semperviva Yoga with Gloria Latham. It is simply unforgettable. I remember walking into that class, thinking it was just another typical yoga class. Well, happily I was mistaking. I have to admit, I did debate whether this Kundalini “thing” would be for me or not, and I’m happy to say that over the last 6 months, I have discovered it means so much more to me than I thought it would.
That first class, with the frogs and the squats, the waving the arms around and opening and closing your hands, I thought, okay, I guess this is okay. When Gloria had us dance, and then find a partner and “let go” and dance, I was completely unsure and confused as to why you would want me to dance in a yoga class. But the question really is why NOT? Moving past all the awkwardness and discomfort of a new experience, there is nothing that can take away that feeling and the energy that you share with the other people in class when everbody sings in unison “May the Long Time Sun Shine Upon You, All Love Surround You, and The Pure Light Within You, Guide Your Way On.” It literally blew my mind how you could be so connected to people that you have never spoken to. It still gets me at every single class. It’s like this group of people have been in choir practice together for months, amazing!
The feeling of safety and comfort in Gloria’s Kundalini class, and the opportunity to “Let Go”, with no judgment whatsoever is what inspired me and led me to sign up for the Kundalini Teacher Training at Semperviva. I am very pleased that I did, as the program was everything that I expected and so much more! Gloria’s spirit, light and commitment to the practice has made my heart shine.
Being engrossed in the Kundalini practice in teacher training, not only lets you experience its power completely, but allows you to connect and enjoy the experience with others. We looked at all sides of the practice, from exploring the traditional aspects and practicing a large variety of Kriyas, discussing yoga postures and sets, committing to a 40 day meditation, the mandatory cold showers in the morning, a two hour morning sadhana with the group, to a vegetarian diet for the course of the program, there is really no stone left unturned. What an unforgettable experience!
The only downfall about the Kundalini Teacher Training? It’s over.
Thank You Gloria & The Semperviva Family for an unforgettable experience, and for taking the time to share this incredible practice with us so we can begin to further spread the word. Sat Nam,
Alison Boons