KY Journeys

From Zoom to Sangat

My Journey to Mackay Teacher Training – Not Doing, But Being!

When I stepped off the plane in Mackay, it was dark and small puddles of rain lay on the tarmac. I had purposely booked the last flight due to work commitments. The weather didn’t dampen my spirits, or those of Priya Angad, who was waiting patiently for me with a huge smile on her face. It was the first time I had met her in person; all our previous interactions had been over Zoom or in online classes.

This was our first retreat for KRI Level One Teacher Training, and it felt exciting and meaningful to finally be doing it. Earlier in the week, Harinaad, who I had also only known online, had arrived in Mackay. She was waiting for us at the accommodation and had kindly taken care of sourcing all the groceries we had listed a few weeks prior to our arrival.

The next morning, we made our way to the first day of class. It was overcast and drizzly. A bright rainbow arched beautifully over the cane fields as we drove. I rolled the window down to capture a short video of it as we passed.

When we arrived, the front door opened to Didar’s smiling face. She was shorter than I had imagined. I’d only ever have known her online as well. Yet her personality and aura far outshone her physical presence. Inside, Kamalroop was waiting too, another teacher who would be sharing the training alongside Didar.

Kundalini Yoga is referred to as the Yoga of Awareness. It’s a science that focuses on awakening energy at the base of the spine and moving it up through each chakra to expand consciousness. (Looking back at this statement I wrote a couple of weeks ago, I now am beginning to realise how far-reaching and multi-faceted that truth really is!).

During this retreat, Didar and Kamalroop taught us some basic breathwork, kriyas and meditations designed to help us tap into that creative energy.

Three sessions, I loved the most, took place during the Amrit Vela, the early hours before sunrise, when we practiced the Aquarian Sadhana. On Sunday morning, I experienced what it meant to simply ‘be’ with the Sadhana and the chants, rather than ‘doing’ them. It overwhelmed me. I cried, like really ugly cried! I released a lot of feelings, old patterns and expectations. I didn’t leave my mat; it was comforting to be there. I continued chanting and then the strength of my own Being felt like it mixed with the Divinity of the mantras, the Naad, and what each word really meant. I still can’t fully explain it. My ego gently stepped aside, and I felt lighter and more myself than ever before.

Another highlight of the retreat was practicing kriyas, specific sets of exercises and meditations designed to produce a particular effect on certain body structures and the mind. One day in particular, we focused on postures or asanas. Many of which were heart opening postures that encouraged openness, and as we moved through them, we felt into each one. Our teachers, Didar and Kamalroop, held space beautifully, encouraging our insights and perspectives. We learned how to modify these postures for all types of bodies.

Throughout the four days, Didar reminded us that in Kundalini Yoga, community or sangat, plays an essential role in our spiritual journey. She reinforced that we are not alone on this path, we are all connected and can support, inspire and encourage one another.

As our first retreat came to an end, it was hard to say goodbye. These friendships, though still young, feel like they are for life.

Now that I’m back home from Mackay, I’ve realised the magnitude of what I’ve stepped into. As a future KRI Kundalini Yoga teacher, we carry the profound responsibility to not only deepen our own practice but also to share this transformative path with others, just as it had been taught by Yogi Bhajan.

This is a lifelong process of learning and discovery, and I’m hooked. I’ve already started ensuring my daily life and practices are lining up with the training, and I’m looking forward to retreat two in July!

Much Love
Adi Nampreet xx