Although I've been to several of the Yoga locations listed in the Directory, a goal I have is to visit as many as I can, paying respect to and delighting in the studios that make up our Yogic community here in this area of Washington. Join me, as I pop in for a class or workshop at each and share my journey there.

ASK AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE. I was ready. I felt the itch. A long-time lover of Vinyasa, and especially Power Yoga, I had been filling my cup of these things for quite some time. But, sometimes, even the most die-hard coffee drinker may decide at some point that it's time for a cup of tea.

​

What could I try that would be different; that I couldn't just slip into my beloved Ujayii breath and flow though almost intuitively? What would force me to concentrate, stay engaged, and to ultimately expand? That's when I placed my finger on the map and chose to go to a Kundalini Yoga class at Natural Mystic Wellness Center in Port Orchard.

​

I had been to the studio a couple times before to practice Hatha Yoga with the owner, Shontel, so the studio itself was no surprise. Although it had been quite awhile since I last ventured onto the premises, it offered the same vibe I remembered there. Tucked in, safe and intentional. With the water across the street, salt air tickling my nose, the landscape offered a pink sunset before darkness set in.

​

Naturally, I had prepped by reading online what to generally expect in the class, and as Heidi O'Claire aka Narayan Jot Kaur welcomed me, she gave me a similar briefing. I have to say, the all white clothing (I usually wear all black) and head covers I had seen throughout the years in reference to Kundalini had, admittedly, seemed to me a bit intimidating and possibly inflated in the past, but Heidi was neither of these. Far from it. Yes, she was adorned in the classical wear, but down to earth and exuding a 'come as you' are mentality. I was immediately comfortable in her presence. (P.S. I have since been educated on the purpose of the white and head-wear, and now understand without unnecessary judgement).

​

The following 90 minutes, which FLEW BY (an experience I tend to have in Yoga & one of my favorite aspects of it) was animated with chanting and adhered to a colon cleansing kriya sequence that combined mudra, movement and pranayama (simultaneously, I might add). Although there were times that the movement was somewhat awkward, and we might smirk at its oddity - it was undoubtedly effective.

 

It is deserved to be said, that Kundalini is an ancient practice in which the kriyas were carefully crafted and meant to be followed...... not like Vinyasa where (as a teacher of such myself) we can create any sequence that suits our fancy while following general guidelines. No. Kundalini is different. However, what may sound questionable slaps you in the face with its energetic charm...... a surprising and welcomed experience.

​

I loved the energetic shift and even loved one of the chants so much, I found myself mentally repeating it that night in bed as I fell into a deep slumber. I awoke in the morning refreshed & immediately looked it up online and have added it to my morning routine as I make my bed and tidy up. Granted, each day may be a bit different, I have found something new that speaks to my soul, and have no doubt found a lovely complement to my typically amped-up practice. It just goes to show, there's so much out there to be experienced and no reason not to. There may be a practice out there that is somehow like coming home. Kundalini could be yours.

​

Kundalini Yoga is offered by Heidi O'Claire aka Narayan Jot Kaur  each Thursday evening from 6-7:30pm at Natural Mystic Wellness Center in Port Orchard, Kitsap County. Cost is currently $11. For a complete list of classes and services head to www.naturalmysticwellness.com or https://www.facebook.com/naturalmysticwellness/  .

​

Namaste, Yogis! Or 'Sat nam', I should say.