As we all start counting down the days to Gloria’s homecoming, (September 9th to be exact – meet her off the plane at the Yoga Aid World Challenge!) a lucky few are jetting off to Greece for the last teacher training of the summer. Laura Struve, manager of Semperviva’s Kits Beach studio, shares why she loves Kundalini yoga so much and how it makes even Enrique Iglesias sound good!
What is your most memorable Semperviva experience?
My very first Kundalini class took place on Galiano Island as part of Semperviva’s Fall retreat. Gloria was teaching and I remember looking around the room in the beautiful cabin we practice in at all of the happy, carefree faces and not being able to wipe the enormous smile from my face. Enrique Iglesias never sounded so good!
What has been the most challenging aspect of yoga for you?
Commitment…I guess you can say I have a fear of it. Yoga has this way of bringing up the uncomfortable. It makes you ask yourself tough questions and really look deep inside. When I’m going through a tough time or when I’m stressed out I sometimes find myself neglecting my practice to avoid what’s coming up.
How do you take your yoga practice off the mat and into your life?
It’s all about the focus on the breath. I’m so much more connected to my breath and try to observe it in my everyday breathing. I love noticing the subtle changes such as the how it quickens when you’re nervous or how it slows just before you go to sleep. I often ask myself if I’m breathing…if the answer is no then I take a few deep ones right then and there!
How would you describe the practice of Kundalini for people who haven’t taken a class before? What is your favourite thing about it?
I describe it as a dynamic class very different from Hatha and Vinyasa. It’s high energy and so much fun! I remind people to keep an open mind and go into it without expectations. I love leaving class feeling light and uplifted. You shake off all of that “stuff” you carry around from day to day.
What are you most looking forward to about the Kundalini teacher training in Greece? What are you least looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to a week of 2 Kundalini classes per day and a chance to immerse myself in the practice. I can’t wait to learn more about Kundalini as well as explore how the training will inspire my teaching.
I’m slightly nervous that Gloria’s going to make us hold certain postures for ridiculously long lengths of time and I’m going to pass out in the Greek heat! I’ve been avoiding asking previous grads of the program because I’d rather not know!
What are you passionate about outside of yoga that strikes a balance for you in your life?
Nature and the outdoors is how I stay inspired and in balance. When things are feeling off there are usually 2 culprits and if I’m practicing regularly then I know I must not be getting enough time in nature. I love to hike, camp and bike ride away from the city as often as I can.