Many years ago I used to be into things to 'change the world'. There has always been some part of me determined to make things better. A few years ago I attended the Aquarian Kundalini Teacher Training Program at Yoga Yoga in Austin. I graduated from Level 1 and am enrolled in the third module (of five)for Level 2 Teacher Training this fall. One idea Yogi Bhajan focuses these teachings on is the coming of the Aquarian Age. We are currently moving from the Piscean Age into the Aquarian Age.
This change will be big for humanity - we maintain a sort of status quo with manifested reality. It takes A LOT to affect change - and this is the role of Kundalini (and all - really) teachers - to usher in the new age. To uplift, to raise awareness/vibrations so we can all move toward the transmutation of selfish desire into group love. That is really making a sweet and simple statement about this huge energetic shift humanity is going through - but you get the jist.
My point being - a large part of my contribution toward this energetic shift comes through teaching kids yoga. Offering them self awareness and love as we do yoga (and have lots of fun!)
Instead of protesting and putting energy toward the things that need to change ....I create a space for little souls to open up to their own inner beauty and connection to the sacred essence of life. Heart to heart - this is what creates change.

I walked into class the other day at The Olive Tree Learning Center (http://olivetlc.com/) and immediately one of the little boys stopped, looked at me, and toddled toward me until he could reach his arms around my legs. He gave me a big hug. Then when we set up our circle with the little carpet 'dots' he got his carpet dot and sat right in front of me instead of next to me. His eyes turned upward as he looked at me - and I recognized the Guru sitting before me. Allowing for the truth that I was there to learn as much as teach I proceeded through the class with an open heart.

Yoga and Autism

I have been teaching a class for kids on the autism spectrum for a few months now up in north Austin and have just recently added another couple of classes at Big Sky Pediatric Therapy Clinic. The manifestation of autism has a broad range. The kids in my north austin class (Sundara Yoga Therapy Fri's 6-6:30) come with their parents and we all do yoga together. It has been fascinating watching the kids (& their folks) benefit from the yoga. We meditate at the end of class and have been doing Sa-Ta-Na-Ma with the hands held at the level of the ears as we touch each finger tip in succession with a syllable of the mantra. None of them could do it when we started - three months ago.
At this point ALL of them can do part of it. This is a huge accomplishment for kids on the autism spectrum - following directions, fine muscle coordination, and body awareness. My heart overflows with happiness as I watch them all struggle with the mudra (hand movement/positions) and the mantra because I know as we struggle - we grow, we refine ourselves, we vibrate with bliss, joy, the universe, eventually attaining samadhi. It is beautiful.

So as we move through our lives and we ourselves struggle, or those around us struggle we can find the deeper meaning of these times. They are golden opportunities to know our eternal selves, the I that lives beyond the body, circumstances, and limitations of life on earth. Pure love, perfection....Wahe Guru!!!

Radiance

In class last Friday the sweetest little girl came with her momma. She loves to get her groove on when I put on the song Happy Jio (from Shakta Kaur Khalsa). Adorable! After the kids portion of our class all the mommas go back to their mats and we do a meditation. As I started the meditation, the kids start to settle down as our breathing slows and lengthens. I begin the meditation inhaling, exhaling, closing my eyes, focusing at the brow point. After 45 seconds or so I open my eyes to check in and see how everyone is doing...and there is that little groovin cutie pie RIGHT up in my face - like 2 inches away watching me meditate!
I think the kids are drawn to the radiance as we practice Kundalini yoga. It isn't the first time I have opened my eyes and there is a kiddo right there face to face with me. Once I open my eyes they slowly move away...finding something else more interesting.
Each class I find a sweet opening of the heart center with the grace and authenticity of the kids surrounding me. Mommas bringing their little ones the joy and beauty of yoga....well all I have to say is Sat Mom!

photo by Clarissa Peereboom