I came to Sahaja Yoga at a time in my life when I was experiencing many difficult life events. My very dear grandmother had just died, my work life was extremely demanding, and my personal life was not very satisfying. I had been a “seeker” for many years, and believed strongly that I was on some sort of spiritual path. However, I had not been able to find a philosophical or spiritual framework with which I felt comfortable.

I had been living in a provincial city for about two years, and shortly after I moved to that city, I had seen a picture of an Indian lady called Shri Mataji. It was on a poster advertising yoga classes. I did not attend the classes at that time, but I always remembered the photograph. At the time that my life was descending into chaos, I saw the poster again, outside a different venue. I decided I would go along to see what this type of yoga was all about.

When I went to the class, I found that there were about fifteen other people there. One beautiful lady introduced Sahaja Yoga, talking about its founder, Shri Mataji, the Subtle System, Kundalini and Self-realisation. I had practised yoga for many years and was very familiar with the chakras and the Subtle System, and I knew about Self-realisation. From the knowledge I had gained previously, I believed that it was very difficult to attain Self-realisation. People had to work very hard, clearing out the chakras one by one, so as to make the chakras clear enough for the Kundalini to pass through. If all the chakras were clear, the Kundalini was able to pass through the fontanelle area at the top of the head, resulting in Self-realisation. Often, this process took many lifetimes, as  only a few chakras would be cleared out in one lifetime. Imagine my surprise when the lady taking the program said that we would experience Self-realisation that night! I must admit I was rather disbelieving.

After a simple process of working on our chakras and making affirmations, we all went into a very deep meditation. At the end of it, I left, thinking to myself, “Well, that was a bit weird!” However, that night I had the best sleep that I had had for a long, long time. Each night and morning during the following week, I meditated, using the affirmations we were given on the first night.

By the end of the week, I couldn’t wait to go back to the next program. Despite not having any intense experiences, I just knew that this yoga was right for me. The benefits in terms of  being able to stop the “chatter” in my brain, feeling comfortable with myself for the first time in years and experiencing a new, deep peace within, were almost immediate. The benefits in terms of sorting out the problems in my life and relationships took longer to become manifest, but have sustained me over the years, no matter what challenges life has presented. Now, as a Sahaja Yoga practitioner for fourteen years, I am aware of the deep sense of peace and contentment I have, and know that if problems arise, I am able to use simple techniques to keep myself in balance and to help others around me. Sahaja Yoga has indeed been a great blessing!

 GW