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FAQs
more coming soon... YOGA: Q: What if I have never done yoga before? Do I have to be at a certain level
to do Kundalini yoga? A: This is the most frequent question
I get. The answer is that anyone can do this yoga and it is for all levels. It is said that whatever you cannot
do, you just don't do and you can absorb much of what goes on in class just by being there. I tell everyone there is no competition
here - the only real competition is between you and you! There are some more challenging moves in some classes, but
all classes are instructed in a way that anyone at any level can keep up. Q: What do I wear? A: This
tradition of yoga is a house-holders yoga, which means that we all have households to run and we are all busy people, so sometimes
I remind you of this because even though it is a tradition to wear all white with this yoga we don't always have that reality
due to other things going on. So, I say wear jeans if you are comfortable with that or if you couldn't get home in time
to change. Be real and be you! If you don't want to wear white, well that's fine too! Just be comfortable being
you! Q:
Why wear white? A: Because it makes you feel royal, flowing, clean,
humbled and majestic. White is all colors and it is said to help you vibrate at higher levels. I have to admit
that I was not sure what the purpose was when I started, but I figured I would respect the masters and fellow yogi's.
I realized later that it really did make a difference for me in so many ways. I can share more with you personally,
but I recommend trying to wear white and see what it does for you and how it makes you feel. We also traditionally cover
our heads with white. This does a few things for me personally - 1.) allows me to meditate better by putting me more
in touch with my personal space. 2.) Protects the sensitive areas in the crown of the head - they open a bit more as
you continue this work. The turban protects that. Q: What do I bring with me to a yoga class?A:
Realistically, just YOU! :-) As, I have blankets and mats, but if you want to bring your own gear then plan to have
a yoga sticky (or cotton) mat or sheepskin rug and a shawl or blanket to cover yourself with for the meditations. You
may also like to have a cushion or zafu to sit on. Q: Where can I buy my yoga gear? A:
Locally, TJ Maxx is nice for quality and inexpensive rugs, or you can find some nice things at www.yogaaccessories.com (use
code: MAYACENTER10 for a discount) or
www.yogadirect.com. These seem to be some of the better prices I have found on the internet. Q: How much does a yoga class cost? A: I am structuring the classes to be by donation only. I was told to put a 'suggested
donation' amount together so that people would have an idea what is typical. I would say $12-15 per class is typical
in this area, but it is really up to you what you can both afford and what you feel the session is valued at. If food
is offered you may want to donate a bit more to cover the time and ingredients, but (again) it is up to you. Q: How is the fee for each
class used? A: Nicole
felt it only appropriate to donate a portion of the class earnings back to the community or to be used for others to benefit themselves on their spiritual path.
She will donate a certain percentage of each class to the Kundalini Research Institute to preserve Yogi Bhajan's teachings
for future generations. There are many videos and writings to share and many dollars and man hours needed to help. You
can find out more or make a donation by going to their website: http://kriteachings.org/YBLibrary.htm or contact Sat Purkh Kaur Khalsa at 505-629-1048 or email: satpurkh@kriteachings.org with any questions.
Q:
I have done other types of yoga like Ashtanga. How is this different and why is each class an hour and a half long -
what do you do all that time? A: Well, Kundalini yoga is a science
and a lot happens during a class, but basically it is broken up into the following: Tune in with a mantra, then a warm-up,
then a kriya (or an exercise set), then a meditation, then a final deep meditation with a gong.
Many people have contacted me that do or have done Ashtanga Yoga and basically, in a nut shell... Kundalini
yoga has aspects of Ashtanga Yoga built into it. Kundalini is a science that involves 5 yoga types - Shakti, Bakti,
Raj, Hatha (this is where Ashtanga sits), and Laya yoga. Kundalini yoga is very focused on breathwork and mantra (typically),
but that doesn't mean that is all we do either. There are more opportunities for meditation built into the practice
too, so that is very different. It's not all about movement either. One thing I like to point out is that Yogi
Bhajan (brought this yoga to the west) said that Kundalini Yoga is like 12 years of Hatha Yoga, plus 6 years of Raj Yoga,
3 years of Mantra Yoga, and one year of Laya Yoga. He also points out that this is in the yoga scriptures and that he
didn't make it up. :-) Really the best way to figure out whether it's a fit for you is to come and participate
(or even come and watch if your like).
Q:
I have never done yoga before and I just had an "out-of-body" experience or saw colors or heard sounds... Is this
normal?
A: YES! This is all normal. You are doing
much healing work on yourself during a yoga session... even if you don't think you are! There is something beautiful
that happens in each class. I call it peeling the onion! You are taking off layers of "stuff" you don't
need and replacing it with all the beauty in the universe! You are likely going to see colors or green (healing or love)
and blue (Guru Ram Das) during many sessions. You may also see or feel loved ones around you or have many other beautiful
experiences that you just might not have noticed before. When you quiet your mind and body you will open to all kinds
of wonderful and beautiful things. SHAMAN HEALING: Q:
How does a Shaman healing session work? A: I will spend about 2 hours
with you on the first session to really make sure you understand the session and a bit about how I work, then the treatment
is done. In general it is performed in a massage room, but you will be clothed. You will lay on a massage table
and the room will be darkened and soft music will be played... candles burning. It is very relaxing and many clients
fall asleep. You will be instructed to do chose various objects from a healers medicine bag and they will be placed
in various locations in the room or on your body. You will hear rattling or drumming while the shaman either balances
your energy or journey's into altered states of consciousness for answers to your personal healing. Q: If the Massage Therapist is
a Shaman healer - when I get a massage do I get healed? A:
There is a likelihood that some energy will be shifted, felt, or shared, but unless the Shaman is told specifically that this
is your intent, then "No" the shamanic healing is not taking place. The Shaman must have your permission and
real healing occurs when you are active in the process, both physically and mentally. A massage with shamanic healing
elements incorporated could be arranged though, just note that you will not be physically massaged/touched for portions of
the session when energy work is being conducted.
SPRITUAL GUIDANCE: Q: What is this?
A:
Nicole has a certificate in Spiritual Counselling for the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology and will be conducting more
and more sessions in the future, but introductory sessions will be starting soon.
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