Bhagwant Khalsa studied Kundalini Yoga for 30 years in ashrams inBoston andWashingtonD.C. He built a thriving landscape gardening business and studied hands-on healing in several modalities, group dynamics, and Native American ceremony.

Dharma Kaur is a certified teacher trainer and long-time practitioner of Kundalini Yoga and Shakti Dance. Her background includes theatre, hatha yoga, classical Indian Dance, and oriental study. Her teachings highlight the integration of spirituality and creativity through the practice of devotion. She offers workshops, trainings and retreats internationally.

DukhNiwaran Kaur has been an inspiring Kundalini Yoga teacher inChicago since 1997. She engages deeply with her own soul to share her love of Kundalini Yoga. As a professional teacher trainer, massage therapist, and community leader she strives to live authentically in the teachings of Yogi Bhajan.

Gurudhan Singh teaches at Yoga West in Los Angeles. He has been teaching Kundalini Yoga classes since 1971. He is a KRI teacher trainer and has been doing a steady sadhana since August 1971.

Guru Simran Singh has been a fixture at solstice since 1986, where he has been manager of the set-up/grounds crew. In 2001 he completed Master’s Touch with Yogi Bhajan and he has been actively teaching Kundalini Yoga and Teacher Trainings. He feels blessed to teach Kundalini Yoga at Summer and Winter Solstices.

Harbhajan Kaur is a Kundalini Yoga Trainer and Kirtan teacher who loves to share the women’s teachings as taught by Yogi Bhajan during decades of Women’s Camp. She shares the Master’s view that “The base of society is a woman,” and trusts his technology for “securing” that base.

Hari Kirin Kaur Khalsa is the author of Art & Yoga: Kundalini awakening in Everyday Life. An artist and teacher dedicated to healing through yoga and art, she teaches at Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, the Antrim Girls Shelter, and Omega Institute. www.artandyoga.com 

Hari Bhajan Kaur, meaning God’s Song, is an inspiring and heart-centered singer, songwriter, musician, teacher and healer. She currently has 7 CDs, ranging from meditative mantra music, to spiritual songs in both English and Sanskrit.

Hari Charn Khalsa is a KRI Teacher Trainer and the KRI Director of Reach Out Teach Out. She has been a student of Yogi Bhajan for over 35 years. She travels and develops teachers around the world.

Haridass Kaur/Thi Kim Hoang, PhD, is classically trained in Shiatsu-Anma. She combines her knowledge of Kundalini Yoga, gentle movements, and diaphragmatic breathing to alleviate Chronic Pain and other painful conditions. She teaches from a place of deep compassion for humanity, reverence for the Teachings, and joy of living.

Harijiwan has been teaching Kundalini Yoga since 1975. Known for his unique Gong playing, his classes are funny, profound, and poetic, and offer students the opportunity to receive rarified instruction and enjoy vast change. He lives in Santa Monica, California. More information at www.harijiwan.com

Harnam Singh is a sacred chant artist with a dedicated 31-minute Bound Lotus practice. His CDs include “A Fearless Heart” and “Love Infinite Divine.”

Jai Dev Singh is a yogi, teacher, and practitioner of Ayurvedic Medicine. His innovative Ayurveda and Yoga courses have been attended and studied by hundreds of people throughout the world. He is a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist and formerly served as the Clinical Director at the California College of Ayurveda.

Jai Gopal Khalsa is from Los Angeles where he teaches a 40-day Kundalini Yoga Bootcamp workshop for lasting change. An army veteran, he explored yoga as a form of alternative fitness, but was immediately drawn to the power of the practice and is honored to be a Kundalini Yoga teacher.

Jot Singh Khalsa is a world class, award-winning artisan. For over 35 years he has practiced and taught Kundalini Yoga and offers related workshops regularly throughout theUSA, Europe andCanada. He has overseen the Solstice Kitchens for 30+ years, which are great blessings of service in his life.

Kartar Singh lives and teaches inHerndon,Virginia. He regularly teaches at Summer and Winter Solstices and the Asian Yoga Festival. His passion is teaching Level One Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training.

Kirpal S. Khalsa, Ph.D. has been a student/teacher of Yogi Bhajan for forty-two years. He founded Guru Ram Das Ashram,Boulder,Colorado in 1971. From 1992 – 2003, he was Academic Director ofMiriPiriAcademy inAmritsar,India. He and his wife, Kirpal Kaur, live and teach inEspanola,New Mexico.

Nam Kaur worked closely with Yogi Bhajan for 11 years while serving as Executive Director of IKYTA and producing The Aquarian Teacher manual. The wealth of knowledge she acquired serves her well in teaching and creating Kundalini Yoga products.

Nirmal Kaur began studying the body with extensive training in dance. She began Kundalini Yoga in high school and immediately fell in love. Nirmal has been teaching for 10 years, is Level-2 certified and an Associate Trainer. She also holds a BFA in Dance and is a practicing Massage Therapist.

Ramdesh Kaur is the author of Yoga and Mantras for a Whole Heart. She hosts the Spirit Voyage 40 Day Global Sadhanas and a live radio show.

Sat Santokh Kaur is an IKYTA/KRI Kundalini Yoga Instructor; SatNamRasayan® III & MahBoundLotus® Instructor/Healer. She met Yogi Bhajan throughGoldenBridge, two weeks after a session with Guru Dev Singh, Master of Sat Nam Rasayan®. She continues to study and serve Guru Dev. Encouraged by Mahan Kirn, she teaches MahBoundLotus® 

Satkirin Kaur Khalsa is a beloved singer and kirtan teacher trained directly by Yogi Bhajan. Her music touches and guides thousands. Her deep understanding and experience of spiritual sound current has produced 17 Kirtan CD’s. Her specialty is manifesting a deep experience of Naad and rhythm to celibrate joyful, quintessential human experience.

Sat Siri Dougherty, a former Ballerina with the Australian Ballet, completed her teacher training under the guidance of Yogi Bhajan in 2003. Afterwards she openedAustralia’s first Kundalini Yoga studio inSydney, and has been teaching internationally ever since. She is a professional teacher trainer in theKRIAcademy.

Shabad Atma Kaur (Alyson Simms) started yoga in 2001. She has her 200 RYT certification and is currently studying for her 500-hour level. In the last 10 years, her practice has taken her around the world to do, study, and teach yoga. She is currently living inAustin,Texas.

Shakta Kaur Kezios owns Kundalini Yoga in the Loop (KYL) in Chicago, IL, USA (www.shaktakaur.com; 312-922-4699). She is a Teacher Trainer, Breathwalk Instructor Trainer, leads yatras to India and has produced two DVDs: Lunar Woman and Invincible Woman. She represented KRI on the Yoga Alliance (YA) Board of Directors from 2004-2008

Dr. Sham Rang Singh Khalsa is a physician who has practiced Kundalini Yoga and meditation as a student of Yogi Bhajan for over 30 years. He has trained in Ayurveda and Japanese acupuncture. He is a Sikh Dharma minister and practices marriage with his delightful wife, Arjan.

Simran Kaur is a second generation Yogi (daughter of the SatJivan’s NYC), wife, and teaching partner of Posture Master, Guru Prem Singh. She studied inIndia for 10 years, Mastered Bound Lotus Kriya, teaches in Teacher Training all over the world, is a devotional singer, and the mother of two beautiful children.

Siri Atma Singh Khalsa, M.D. is an engaging speaker in the field of yoga, healing, and medicine. He has a unique ability to tune into what people need to heal at a very deep level. Author of Waves of Healing, Dr. Siri Atma teaches and offers personal Yogic Consultations worldwide

Siri Sevak Kaur Khalsa began studying Gurmukhi and Japji in the early 70’s as part of the first group of Yogi Bhajan’s students to do so and now she teaches on-line classes. She has a love for working with people who want to know more about the Gurdwara and the Shabd Guru.

Sunder Khalsa serves as the KRI Coordinator for Teacher Training inAsia. He is on the KRI Board of Directors and is a KRI honoree for 2009. By the grace of the Master he is touching hearts of all those he meets on this journey of life.

Swaran Kaur Khalsa is the ashram secretary at Hacienda de Guru Ram Das in Espanola. She is a Kundalini Yoga teacher, plays Gurbani Kirtan, and co-ordinates the Espanola White Tantric Yoga courses. She manages the Gurdwara team at Winter Solstice and has taught several classes at Winter Solstices about Gurdwara.

Updesh Kaur’s approach is to teaching Kundalini Yoga is to get out of the way of the teachings—to teach from a place of Shuniya (zero)—so that each student can go deep within themselves to experience his/her connection to Infinity.

Upma Kaur Khalsa currently serves as the Manager of IKYTA. She has an extensive background in the healing arts including cranio-sacral therapy and aesthetics. Her passion for self-transformation through Kundalini Yoga serves as inspiration to share the teachings with others. She is known for her dynamic and accessible approach to teaching.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18^TH, 2011

 6:30pm – 8:00pm EVENING PROGRAM

Welcome Ceremony with Kirtan, Air Tent

 8:15pm – 9:45pm EVENING PROGRAM

Dance Party, Air Tent

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19^TH, 2011

7:00am – 8:15am EARLY MORNING WORKSHOPS

Living with a Whole Heart in the Aquarian Age ~ Ramdesh Kaur and Harnam Singh,NJ (AA) Air Tent

Strengthen your heart chakra and open yourself to love in the Aquarian Age. Heal yourself from past trauma and step into a higher vibration and a new you! Challenging kriya, profound meditations and uplifting mantras will inspire and elevate you to live with a whole heart! We’ll also take a healing astral journey. Come ready to chant, to dance, and to move! Chant along with Harnam’s sweet live music with band!

Opening the Heart through Experience ~ Harsimran Singh, GA (AA) Water Tent

The upcoming Age will rely on the strength of individuals and their capacity to give. Giving can occur when strength and intention is present. Through experience, we work through the blocks, strengthen our cores, and open our hearts. Exercises for theHeartCenterand Pranic Meditation for theHeartCenterwill aid us in this class to propel ourselves closer to the Aquarian Experiences to come.

Navigating through Troubled Times using Peace ~ Satsang Singh Khalsa, NM (KY) Fire Tent

We will focus on the breath, yoga, and singing for and about peace. We will work on the Heart Chakra allowing ourselves to open through compassion and kindness. Non-judgment of self and others will be considered as we see each other as ourselves. “Let There Be peace” by Matamandir Singh and “Peace” by Awtar Singh will be sung to uplift ourselves and the planet, like a homeopathic remedy! Come and Uplift!

MahBoundLotus®—Align with your Destiny ~ SatSantokh K Khalsa, FL (KY) Earth Tent

Open your heart through a silenced mind (Shuniya), bind the body into Infinity, connect the consciousness, and live in Awareness in this Age of Aquarius. “The yogis who practiced this thousands of years ago lived to be over 120 years old without any illness or disease….Let them know it (MahBoundLotus®) will help them with their future.”—Yogi Bhajan. Please bring posture props such as socks, straps, 3-5 pillows, small blanket, shawl, etc.

Roles & Responsibilities of a Teacher In and Outside the Classroom ~ Updesh Kaur, CA (AT) Ether Tent

Yogi Bhajan said, “The teacher is a vehicle of divinity, without duality. That’s why you can uplift.” Come together as Teachers and Trainers as we connect to the Golden Chain and practice together. We will examine and assess the many roles and responsibilities of being a Kundalini Yoga Teacher in the Aquarian Age, both inside and outside the classroom.

All About Gurdwara ~ Siri Sevak Kaur Khalsa, MA (SG) Gurdwara

When you bow in Gurdwara, you give your head and open your heart. Open your heart to Gurdwara by learning more about it—the history, the do’s and don’ts, and what everything means. The intention of this class is to help people feel relaxed and participative in Gurdwara.

10:30am – 12:30pm MORNING WORKSHOPS

Experience and Crystallize the Self ~DukhNiwaran Kaur,IL and Har Darshan Kaur, NC andLivtar Singh,GA (AT) Air Tent

As teachers, we are a conduit to the soul. A cloudy glass cannot show the way. We must become crystal clear to light the path so the soul can be seen. We will go to the depth of the heart center using the sensory self to open to the healing sound current Humee Hum Brahm Hum. Open to the vastness of that Oneness with humility, joy, contentment, and consciousness. Become crystal clear.

Authentic Relationships: The Dance of our Polarities ~ SatSiri Dougherty,VA (AT) Water Tent

As Kundalini yogis we are constantly evaluating the patterns and programs we have learned through the lens of our awakened consciousness. In this workshop we will honor and balance both the masculine and feminine within us, the elements of the Father and Mother, harmonizing them, thus bringing us to grace. Our caliber and character will then lead us, so our relationships—first with ourselves and then with others—are authentic and powerful and true.

Re-Vitalize with Breathwalk® ~ Shakta Kaur, IL (AT) Fire Tent

Many spiritual traditions use walking as a meditation to calm the mind, to connect to nature and for healing. Breathwalk® is a simple, natural and effective walking practice derived from the Kundalini Yoga tradition. More powerful than ‘just walking,’ Breathwalk incorporates the meditative mind with specific breath patterns synchronized with your steps. In this session you’ll learn to use your prana to regulate the modes and moods of the mind. All levels welcome.

Prosperity through Grace ~ Dr. Sham Rang Khalsa, MA (AA) Earth Tent

If your goals are joy and serving others, and you believe that prosperity would fully support these goals, then come learn this Aquarian science and fulfill your destiny. Clarify your intentions and firmly attract and establish prosperity. Look deeply to find and release any resistance to this powerful flow, allowing Grace to breathe easily through you. Learn how to use Time, Emotions and Contrast to help navigate the journey of fulfillment.

Kundalini Yoga and Creative Arts for All Levels ~ Hari Kirin Kaur Khalsa, NH with live music by Ajeet Kaur Khalsa, TN (AA) Ether Tent

Hari Kirin, the author of Art & Yoga: Kundalini Awakening in the Everyday Life, will lead us in Kundalini Yoga to free our hearts from past disappointments and open the flow of the fourth chakra. Then we will engage in creative arts to experience our connection and restore our ability to give and receive love freely. Join us for this experiential class combining Kundalini Yoga, art and simple movement.

Gateway to the Guru ~ Swaran Kaur Khalsa, NM (SG) Gurdwara

The Gurdwara is the sacred space that holds and nurtures each Winter Solstice gathering. In a course for people of all walks of life, we will experience the sacred energy of the Gurdwara together, and open the space for heart-centered exploration and discovery.

3:00pm – 5:00pm AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

Raj Yoga – The Path of Self Illumination & Service ~ Upma Kaur, NM and Hari Charn Kaur, NM with Jai Jagdeesh, CA on music (AT) Air Tent

Kundalini Yoga as the Raj Yoga is the throne of the neutral mind, bestowed by Guru Ram Das. This class will focus on experiencing the blessings and miracle of Guru Ram Das through yoga, meditation, and naad. Come to recognize, experience, and claim that essence which makes you royal and allows your presence to work. We will have an altar especially for this class; you are welcome to bring an offering.  

Spiritual Maturity and the Self Sensory Human ~ Sunder Khalsa,VA (KY) Water Tent

Spiritual Maturity is not a thing, intense experience, or meditative state. It is a refinement of the self while at the same time being beyond it. It is the ability to own your own patterns and step back from them when they are active. Let’s explore the art of Spiritual Maturity and the techniques of how to see the faults of others and upon seeing them, unsee them.

Concentrating Prana: Ayurveda & Kundalini Yoga ~ Jai Dev Singh, CA (AA) Earth Tent

Prana and Vata are both created from the air element. Vata is erratic, quick, a-rhythmic and dilutes life-force. It is responsible for anxiety, doubt, insecurity and overwhelm. Prana is slow and rhythmic, centers itself in the body/mind and generates immense energy when concentrated in the central nervous system. It is the life-force intelligence that awakens Kundalini. In this class, Ayurveda becomes a yogic science to transform the body into the optimal vehicle for heightened sadhana.

Yogi Bhajan Living Legacy Lecture: Overcoming the Complexes of Life ~Kirpal Singh, NM (YB) Ether Tent      

The Master tells in powerful language how to overcome tragedies, unhappiness, pain and suffering. Meditation: Brighten your Radiance, Ashtang Agni Kriya

6:30pm – 8:00pm EVENING PROGRAM

Yogi Bhajan Video: “Projecting as a Teacher” Meditation on the Self as a Yogi ~ Presented by KRI, Air Tent

In this class Yogi Bhajan calls us to be known by our spirit and asks us to meditate on our Self as a yogi. “How are you going to come out of your shell? How are you going to come out of your cocoon? How are you going to deal with everybody with openness of self? How can you open so much that you can embrace everything?” –Yogi Bhajan July 31, 1996

8:15pm – 9:45pm EVENING PROGRAM

Sacred Gong ~ Hari Bhajan Kaur, TN, Air Tent

Yogi Tea Café ~ Cozy Music and Yummy Tea

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20^TH, 2011

7:00am – 8:15am EARLY MORNING WORSHOPS

Shakti Dance™ ~ Dharma Kaur, Italy (AA) Air Tent

Shakti Dance™ by Avtar Kaur is inspired by Kundalini Yoga, and it was blessed by Yogi Bhajan in 2001. It is structured in 8 phases including Shakti Stretching, dance steps, free dance and Celestial Communication. The Air Element activates the energy of compassion and love. Following the flow of sound through circular movements such as sufi grind and spirals, we will evoke the Air Element to strengthen the aura and manifest our courage, prosperity and freedom.

Women’s Circle of Powerful Prayer, Meditation, and Chanting ~ Harbhajan K Khalsa, MA (WT) Water Tent

“Woman is a Living Prayer; therefore Woman is a Living Power.” – Yogi Bhajan. Prayer and Power; Bhakti and Shakti. We will gather as a circle of women to understand, experience and share stories about the important balance of bhakti and shakti within our “inner crystal” as women. Making the liberating connection between the navel center and the heart center, we will magnify and project the clarified beam of our personal prayers and power.

Men’s Wisdom Council ~ Bhagwant Khalsa, MD (AA) Fire Tent

Contained in confidentiality, this sacred, men-only circle will open the heart, enlighten the mind, and reveal the soul.

Getting Started with Japji Sahib ~ Siri Sevak Kaur Khalsa, MA (SG) Earth

Imagine what it would be like to recite Japji easily and well, to recognize and respond to key words and phrases, to understand Guru Nanak’s answers to the basic questions of life, and to talk about them with other people. Take this class and you will be on your way to what you just imagined.

A Morning Practice for Creativity and Awareness ~ Hari KirinKaur Khalsa, NH (AA) Ether Tent

This Kundalini Yoga & Art session will awaken, calm, heal, and bring insight. It is especially helpful for cultivating awareness. This is a very simple practice, and anyone can do it. But as simple as it is, it develops your ability to perceive and helps you access your intuition. This is a helpful series for teachers who work with populations who have trouble focusing or sitting still.

10:30am – 12:30pm MORNING WORKSHOPS

Intra-Dimensional Time Shift ~Harijiwan, CA (AT) Air Tent

Energetically position yourself for the first Winter Solstice of the Aquarian Age. Wandering in the seemingly endless maze of ego-dramatized subconscious thought forms has ended. The transmission energy of the chakras has changed allowing for new experiences of spiritual radiance, mental sharpness and physical harmony. Use the zenith Solstice energy to explore the internal Aquarian mind space of heightened sensory consciousness now that the ‘ring pass not’ boundaries have dissolved into the Piscean past. 

The Wisdom to Serve ~ Siri Atma Singh Khalsa, M.D., CA (AA) Water Tent

Knowing yourself, you act on the voice of the soul and naturally serve others, becoming Godlike in nature, as God is the ultimate Giver. “Service creates a permanent love and friendship. Self-discipline creates grace. And a neutral mind creates wisdom. These are the rules of life.” - Yogi Bhajan

Sleep: The Art & Life of Sweet Surrender ~ Simran Khalsa, CA (AA) Fire Tent

Learn the art of letting go, deeply relaxing, and having Shivasan at your will. Yogic, scientific, and dharmic techniques to have deep, restful, and peaceful sleep. Habits, yoga, meditations and songs for your evening routine. Sleep is a reflection of what you do when awake! Are you conscious of how you sit, stand, walk, and speak? If you do these correctly, you can relax. Learn to turn off the unnecessary! Bring mat & blanket.

All Heart – The Gateway to Human Power ~ Jai Gopal Khalsa, CA (KY) Earth Tent

The heart is the gateway to all human power and with each breath we can connect to the source of this power, the Infinite. But first, the heart must be open. What are the keys that open this universal doorway and how can we keep it open so that its compassionate flow can inform our every action? Here we will experience through Kriya, what it means to live in the miraculous space of the heart.

Inspiration (Breath) as it Relates to Devotional Invocation ~ Harbhajan K Khalsa, MA (SG) Ether Tent

“Inspiration” is most literally “breath, inhalation.” “Invocation” involves using “inspiration” to “call,” invite, or devotionally express yourself to Guru, Spirit, Self. We will open our breath/spirit, creativity, and voices to “invoke” our individual and group relationship as the “pray-er.” This will be a guided merger into a process of opening yourself to the Self. (You may even unleash your poetic nature as we integrate our psyches with limitless Being.)

3:00pm – 5:00pm AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

11-11-11, the Aquarian Age and Sadhana ~Gurudhan Khalsa, CA (KY) Air Tent

Our identity is our Spiritual Identity! The time is now critical where we must remember this. The portal to the Age of Aquarius has just occured – November 11, 2011. It is now time to be alert and disciplined, and to command our mind. This workshop will provide techniques on how to do that as well as go into the practical aspects of sadhana.

The Lunar Woman, the Solar Man, and Relationships ~ Shakta Kaur, IL and Hari Charn Kaur, NM (AT) Water Tent

Woman’s basic nature is like the moon which waxes and wanes, while man’s basic nature is like the sun which is continuous and constant. The moon reflects the sun. Come learn about woman as the ‘moon’ and man as the ‘sun.’ With this knowledge re-examine your present attitude toward relationships and receive practical tips from Shakta Kaur and Hari Charn Kaur on harmonizing the natural polarity between the masculine and the feminine.

Sikh Dharma Minister Gathering: “The Magic of Asking for Nothing and Receiving Everything: The Experience of 33rd Pauri of Japji” ~ Sardarni Sahiba Siri Sevak Kaur Khalsa, MA and Singh Sahib Sham Rang Singh Khalsa, MA (SG) Fire Tent

Tantric Preparation Class ~Kartar Singh,VA (AA) Earth Tent

What is White Tantric Yoga and why do we practice it? Tantric guidelines, questions, and answers, what to expect, what to bring with you, what to wear, keeping the lines straight, and how to leave the tantric lines and come back, if necessary. Tips and tools on how to sit straight and still and keep up through the White Tantric Yoga experience.

Yogi Bhajan Living Legacy Lecture: Rebirthing II – Fearlessness: Experience Your Vastness ~ Kirpal Singh Khalsa, NM (YB) Ether Tent

This is a wonderful and powerful class that takes you beyond yourself. Meditation: Housecleaning II

Kirtan: Your Voice as an Aquarian Gift of Alignment ~ Satkirin Khalsa, NY (SG) Gurdwara

The human voice can be a gift or a curse. Not many people develop their singing voice to serve harmony and alignment. Yet the gift of this age is that the “Word” is the guiding force. In Sikh Dharma the 11th Guru is the Shabd Guru, or bani, the Word. The Word is the guiding force to serve us to divine alignment with all. We will explore and discover vocal techniques to joyfully move the world

8:15pm – 9:45pm EVENING PROGRAM

Sacred Gong ~ Harijiwan, CA Air Tent

Yogi Tea Café ~ Cozy Music and Yummy Tea

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21^TH, 2011

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ~ White Tantric Yoga^®  

6:30pm – 8:00pm EVENING PROGRAM

Stories of the Master ~ Legacy Teachers (YB) Ether Tent

The Legacy Teachers are the early students of Yogi Bhajan who lived with the master, who were personally chiseled by him and who continue to deliver the teachings today. They have some wonderful stories. Through them we get little glimpses into the amazing and beautiful teacher who gave his all to give to us. These stories are inspiring, funny, insightful and always show the way to God.

8:15pm – 9:45pm EVENING PROGRAM

Sacred Gong  ~ Hari Bhajan Kaur, TN Air Tent

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22^TH, 2011

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ~ White Tantric Yoga^®  

Amrit Candidates Meeting during lunch ~ Gurdwara

6:30pm – 8:00pm EVENING PROGRAM

Stories of the Master ~ Legacy Teachers (YB) Ether Tent

The Legacy Teachers are the early students of Yogi Bhajan who lived with the master, who were personally chiseled by him and who continue to deliver the teachings today. They have some wonderful stories. Through them we get little glimpses into the amazing and beautiful teacher who gave his all to give to us. The stories are inspiring, funny, insightful and always show the way to God.

8:15pm – 9:45pm EVENING PROGRAM

Sacred Gong ~ Sunder Singh, VA Air Tent

Miri Piri Academy Informational Meeting (MPA) Earth Tent

Yogi Tea Café ~ Cozy Music and Yummy Tea

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23^TH, 2011

8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ~ White Tantric Yoga^®  

6:30pm – 8:00pm EVENING PROGRAM

Children’s Program ~ Children of Winter Solstice in the Air Tent

Stories of the Master ~ Legacy Teachers (YB) Ether Tent

The Legacy Teachers are the early students of Yogi Bhajan who lived with the master, who were personally chiseled by him and who continue to deliver the teachings today. They have some wonderful stories. Through them we get little glimpses into the amazing and beautiful teacher who gave his all to give to us. The stories are inspiring, funny, insightful and always show the way to God.

8:15pm – 9:45pm EVENING PROGRAM

Sacred Gong ~ Harijiwan, CA Air Tent

Yogi Tea Café ~ Cozy Music and Yummy Tea

10:00pm – 3:00am

Rensabhai All Night Kirtan ~ Gurdwara and also heard in the Air Tent

The Rensabhai is our sacred sound sleepover. Relax and be enchanted by the sweet strains of devotional music in the sacred space of the Gurdwara. It’s the icing on the Solstice cake! Bring your sleeping bag or blanket and join the whole camp for this cozy and divine night as we put the camp to bed to dream and project for the next time we are all together.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24^TH, 2011

7:00am – 8:15am EARLY MORNING WORSHOPS

Taking Solstice Home ~ Solstice Teaching Staff, Fire Tent

This class is designed to support the process of integrating the powerful Solstice experience into our lives. We’ll learn how to sustain and support our Solstice journey through yoga, meditation, and discussion to help us continue the process of spiritual unfoldment and upliftment throughout the coming year.

Unlocking the Heart Center to Become your Infinite Fearless Self ~ Haridass Kaur, CA (WT) Earth Tent

Yogi Bhajan said, “Through Pavan Guru, the Pranic Vidya—the knowledge of prana, of creation and creativity and of all incarnations, will dawn on you. You will start winning your self.” Increase your prana by unlocking the chest. When the ribcage becomes locked, it affects the diaphragm’s function and decreases the prana intake. You could be losing 1/3 of your power and not know it. Reclaim the loss by simply unlocking the chest.

10:30am – 12:30pm MORNING WORKSHOPS

Nagar Kirtan (Guru Parade) starts from the Gurdwara at 9:30am

Gurdwara ~ starts at 10:00am in the Gurdwara

The Gurdwara doors are opened for those who wish to participate in the Gurdwara service. The service is a joyous mixture of Kirtan—devotional music and singing in praise of God—and traditional Sikh prayers. Everyone is welcome to join in, sing and meditate together.

The Power of Purity ~NamKaur Khalsa,CA (WT) Air Tent

When we serve with pure intentions we exhibit our highest spiritual nature, because sacrifice is anti-ego. Strengthen your neutral mind so you can serve with purity from the heart. “Just by being pure you can transform another person. You don’t have to utter a word, just be pure, pure at heart.” – Yogi Bhajan

Becoming Strong as Steel ~ Guru Simran Khalsa, NM (KY) Water Tent

This yoga set is physically demanding. Every exercise is to be done with maximum strength and speed. This is an intermediate level Kundalini Yoga set. It is challenging, but the level of accomplishment achieved by doing this kriya is easily worth all of the effort.

Healthy, Happy, Holy Heart! Workshop for Women ~ Shabad Atma Kaur, TX (WT) Fire Tent

When we have a healthy Heart Chakra, we are able to connect with our Soul, know our destiny, and experience authentic relationships. Using Kundalini Yoga techniques for women, we will strengthen and open our heart center to experience true joy. We will reset our compass to heal ourselves and the world around us, allowing us to excel, soar, and live in our grace. Come sweat, chant, and deeply meditate with other women in this uplifting workshop!

Enlightened Body ©: Lessons from the Heart ~ Nirmal Kaur Lumpkin, MN (AT) Ether Tent

We’ve been given the human body to experience the self. An amazing wealth of wisdom, we will explore the heart in all its forms: physical organ, metaphorical teacher, and energetic center of compassion and love. Gain a deeper understanding of how the heart embodies service, self-care and balance. Practice yoga to feel the heart pumping, and meditation to heal the heart chakra. Experience the love of self so you can love, serve and bless others.

3:00pm – 5:00pm AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS

Embody Radiant Health, Embrace your Destiny and Prosper! ~ Jot Singh, MA (KY) Water Tent

We’re just entering the Aquarian Age and a tremendous global energy shift is occurring. If you’re feeling unable to tolerate being trapped, confined, or suffocated in a job, relationship, or anything else which affects your heart, this can help. We’ll utilize Kundalini Yoga kriyas and meditations to help you access your creativity, better prioritize all things in your life, and offer insights into your unique realties. Small group discussion will also be part of our process.

Men’s Council 2 ~Bhagwant Singh,VA (AA) Fire Tent

Contained in confidentiality, this sacred, men-only circle will open the heart, enlighten the mind, and reveal the soul.

Diversity in the Aquarian Age ~ Awtar Kaur Khalsa, CA (AA) Earth Tent

Can our Kundalini Yoga Community be more inclusive of diversity? We will let the air tattva open our hearts and invoke the neutral mind. We will take an hour to suspend/explore judgments and biases that affect us and fellow yogis. We’ll do some meditation and kriyas as well as games and dialog.

White Tantric Yoga©: After the Experience ~ Kirpal Singh Khalsa and Solstice Teaching Staff, Air Tent

Do you have any questions about White Tantric Yoga–your experiences, the ongoing process of transformation, WTY history and legacy?  This class provides a welcoming space for your questions and answers, facilitated by senior teachers, with discussion about the Tantric experience.

Yogi Bhajan Living Legacy Lecture: Rebirthing IV – Live like a Saint, Act like a Soldier ~ Kirpal Singh Khalsa, NM (YB) Ether Tent

The Master gives us the technology to live as a soldier/saint—the highest ideal of spiritual life. Meditation: Housecleaning IV

8:15pm – 9:45pm EVENING PROGRAM

Sacred Gong ~ Hari Bhajan Kaur, TN Air Tent

Yogi Tea Café ~ Cozy Music and Yummy Tea

The festival’s program includes yoga practice in water, meditation, a mantra concert, walking meditation and a Kundalini yoga session at the procedure of Yogi Bhajan.

The price for all four events is ISK 2,500 (USD 22, EUR 16). A dinner (vegetable soup, salad bar and bread) on November 11 can be ordered for the same price. Those interested are asked to register by November 9 by calling (+354) 862-3700 or (+354) 851-5215.

All are welcome, both beginners and advanced yoga practitioners.

For further information, go to alkemia.is and jogaivatni.is.d by Kundalini yoga instructors Harpa Barkardóttir and Arnbjörg Kristín Konrádsdóttir.

The cool thing about the experience is that it lasts and builds on the year before.  There is so much beautiful music, yoga practice, great classes and workshops, and people from all over come to experience the beautiful and powerful energy that they get so much from. Basically, it is a well of gold, and we can keep going and drinking from that well.  It is such an honor, really, to be able to experience that Infinite Energy at such a powerful time of year with such a beautiful family of people!  

Winter Solstice is a cozy and fun gathering as there are about 400-600 people that go every year, and the weather in Lake Wales is usually really pleasant.  There is a sweet Lake at the site and a nice beach.  There is a wonderful kids camp for the young ones, and there are sweet gatherings at dinner with music and other art.

One of the most beautiful parts, to me, about winter solstice is early morning meditation with the whole camp.  It is so mystical and sweet, and it is one of the things that really inspires me to come back year after year. And of course, every year there is a beautiful BAZAR full of gifts from all over the world, and the shopping is a nice treat!  

To me, spending 7 days at winter solstice in Lake Wales, Florida with over 400 beautiful people is an awesome way to kick off the new year, and it is highly motivating and inspiring!  I love you all, and I am really looking forward to seeing you soon!

xoxo, 

Simrit

Re-posted from Simrit Kaur’s blog http://www.simritkaurmusic.com/blog/89-my-winter-solstice

The manager will work with the Registration Director prior to the event via Skype, phone and email for several hours to set up the processes for On-site registration and to keep in contact with the registration team. 

The manager must arrive on-site on the 16^th and be available to serve for 8 hrs/day from the morning of the 17^th through the 20^th; and for 2 hrs or less per day on the 21^st, 22^nd, and 23^rd (White Tantric Days). On the 24^th the Registration team will break down the area in the morning and this will end the responsibilities for manager and team.

Registration Manager Responsibilities:

• setting up schedules for the team
• making sure that the counts are entered at the end of each day
•  be available to guide the team through computer issues that might arise

This position requires clear, accurate thinking, so it’s important to get enough rest to be able to be fully engaged up until 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. in the evenings through the 20^th. 

The manager will be supported by 3HO’s Registration Director in all areas of management especially computer and customer service issues.

The ideal candidate:

• An individual whose solstice experience revolves around service and Tantric
• Previous experience serving on the Registration Team at least once, preferably twice 
• Must have strong computer skills including registration software or an aptitude for learning this type of software quickly

Please contact Prabhu Prakash Kaur, Registration Director at 3HO if you are interested in pursuing this position.

By Hari Bhajan Kaur Khalsa, January 14, 2007

Winter Solstice has just passed so I thought I’d share with you what I remember of the one time in our thirty-five years of being in 3HO that my husband and I journeyed to Florida for the Solstice Celebration. It was 1974.

The Times

I am 23, married for two years and seven months pregnant. Hari Bhajan Singh has been working on a Forest Service contract during the day planting pine seedlings to reforest a burned area in the Cascade Mountains. I work at the Adi Shakti Conscious Cookery, our 20 x 20 restaurant on Wall Street in downtown Bend ladling soup, making sandwiches like the Alligator Pear, Cashews & Cream Cheese, or Peanut Butter, Bananas & Honey, for the lunch time crowd. Two or three evenings a week we load a vacuum, mop and bucket into the station wagon and head out to the Bank of Oregon, Cascade Realty and China Ranch restaurant to empty garbage cans and ashtrays, wipe down counters, wash out toilet bowls and vacuum stained and smelly carpets.

With all of this work we still struggle to meet our $240 a month house payment, heating oil bill and put food on our table (the only furniture we have besides our bed is a giant wooden spool covered with a cheap Indian cotton tapestry for a dining table). We live on five-acres of land in a three bedroom house with one other couple and their daughter. We board two horses and have a cat, Siri, and my dog, Raz. (Later we will add two goats, Shiva & Shakti, and be adopted by a rooster we call “Chicken”.) We have only had the house for a few months and we love living in the country – having a large garden, the quiet and a seasonal stream flowing through our back yard.

We decide to take this trip to Winter Solstice for the sake of our unborn child and to connect with our Khalsa family across the country. We live in Bend, Oregon, a small town, and rarely even get to Eugene or Portland to visit with the sangat there. It is December and very cold and we have to travel over the mountain passes to join the Ji’s from the Eugene ashram who we will be journeying with to Florida.

The Crew

We are going to Orlando in two white vans used for the Golden Temple Bakery. There are eight of us to a van. Dr. Sat Kirpal Singh and Sat Kirpal Kaur, Gurupreet Singh and Kaur, from Seattle (she is also seven months pregnant), Viriam Singh, Sat Mander Kaur, Simran Singh, Gurmukh Singh, Sumpuran Kaur, 8 years old), my husband Hari Bhajan Singh and I (can’t recall the others). We pile all of our camping equipment, bedding, tents, food and clothing into the back of the vans then split up, keeping in communication with walkie talkies as we head south, then east across the U.S.

The Trip

We leave Eugene on Interstate 5, stopping first in San Rafael to stay the night at Banana Ananda ashram run by Vikram Singh and Sat Santokh Singh. The next day we cruise further south to Los Angeles and stay at the Brentwood ashram headed by Bhai Livtar Singh and Livtar Kaur. It is my first time in Southern California since I was 16 and came on a family trip to Disneyland in 1967. I can’t believe that roses bloom in January and that the same diminutive jade plants I struggle to keep alive in pots at home are used for hedges here.

We pull out of Los Angeles, now heading east to Tucson, then Dallas, then across Texas, driving into the night, the men shifting off drivers and stopping to drink coffee at truck stops, while the rest of us crash in the back. In New Orleans we stay the night with Guru Darshan Singh in a large Victorian house. He is a concert violinist and wears a tuxedo and full black turban for performances. I love the homes with their ornate iron work and old-world feel. Our last stop is Alabama, where we stay with Gurupreet Kaur’s parents, in the bayou country. The air is thick, moss swings from ghostly looking trees and the canal out their back door is home to alligators.

The Solstice Experience

It is a mild winter but still cold enough for warm jackets in the evening. The lake is enchanting and the mist that covers it in the early morning creates a mystical aura. Hari Bhajan Singh spends his days in children’s camp while I do White Tantric Yoga. I sit across from Gurupreet Kaur in a chair, our two bellies practically meeting. I am aware of the child growing inside me and the soul’s delight at being in such a gathering of holy ones.

The Way Home

We return home with fewer folks than we arrived with; some deciding to stay on for a few more days, others going north to visit family. We take a different route and really power, not stopping along the way. We reach Espanola and stay at the newly purchased Ranch. The weather is sub-zero and all the pipes freeze so there are no bathroom facilities. Sat Kirpal Singh wants to get a look at the Peruvian Paso horses that Wha Guru Singh is raising, with the idea that we might do the same in Bend. We also stop at a stable north of San Francisco to visit a horse breeder there.

The Moments

One van getting lost when we’re in Texas and almost going over the border into Mexico.

Lying flat on my back in the van, wedged between two other Ji’s, needing to go to the bathroom and unable to move – feeling totally helpless and terrified.

Cleaning out the van before we leave New Orleans and finding a scorpion under one of the mattresses.

Driving through the Deep South at night, over a bridge, fully taken in by the mystery.

Stopping along the Gulf of Mexico and dipping our feet in the warm, salty water.

Coming home and finding the pipes frozen and my cat gone because the person left to take care of things let the heating oil run out.

The following are photos from that trip.

 [Editor’s Note: Thanks to www.ourtruetales.com for permission to re-post this great article about Winter Solstice, 1974. http://www.ourtruetales.com/2007/01/14/winter-solstice-1974/]

Hari Bhajan Kaur Khalsa found her way to Kundalini Yoga and her path at age 21 and never looked back. She loves horses, dogs, cats, writing poetry, meditation, pine trees, her immediate, spiritual and global families and always those “light bulb” moments that makes being human an adventure, an ever evolving journey. She’s a Business Administrator, Life Coach, Poet and is now Mint Momma and C.E.O. (Chief Enlightenment Officer) of Yogamint. She is grateful every day for all blessings, in whatever size or shape, that flutter, barrel and glide into her life.

I had been vacillating between not wanting to go and really not wanting to go to Winter Solstice. So why spend $641 (plus $108 to sleep in a 10 person cabin on bunk beds!) to do something I didn’t want to do? Going meant flying from Chicago to Florida the week before Christmas. Hello?

In one of my strong moments, I registered for a Sadhana cabin figuring if I’m going to do this, why not immerse myself in the discipline? Sadhana cabin number eight is for the hard core yogis who aspire to get up every morning at 3:00 a.m. to attend Sadhana from 3:45-7:00 a.m. Sadhana starts with reading Japji, followed by a Kundalini Yoga set and finishes with seven meditations that total 62 minutes. After that comes breakfast and, trust me, you are ready for any breakfast including the special diet intended for yogis to help prepare their bodies for meditation. But I am getting ahead of myself and aren’t I supposed to be slowing down?

Settling In

When I get to cabin number eight, and it’s dark and cold, I start wondering how far away the nearest hotel is. The only problem is, I was dropped off, so going AWOL isn’t an option. I use my cell phone to find the light switch inside the cabin and when I flick on the light, I see that all the lower bunks are taken. Surprise. I knew this was going to happen to me. I tell my “negative mind” to snap out of it. How the hell am I going to climb up to the top bunk like a 13-year-old with my knee? Did I mention my bum knee? I select the upper bunk in the middle where the ceiling is highest, but once on the top bunk I wonder if I’m going to hit the beam when I wake up in the middle of the night to pee. Yoga has many benefits, but not having to pee in the middle of the night isn’t one of them! I make my bed with the twin sheet, but in the process realize that I’ve managed to forget my towel and spoon!

I have two cotton blankets that, hopefully, will be warm enough. I’m trying to keep a neutral mind, but I’m dubious. There were frost warnings all over the news. I have a premonition that I’m going to sleep in my winter coat. It’s getting colder by the minute and I’m alone. I want to go home. I want my warm bed and my dishwasher. I want some white sugar. I want to bake Christmas cookies with my kids!

Why the hell am I doing this again?

How do I fit into this world of men and women wearing all white clothing and turbans? From the outside, it definitely looks like I’ve joined a cult. I should make it back home alive since I also forgot a cup for the Kool-Aid! And my kids already think I’m strange…if they only knew.

Time for dinner, which is being served in the main tent. The 500 or so yogis in attendance are mostly in the main tent setting up their yoga mats in long, neat lines when I enter with my blanket (aka yoga mat). Food is being served out of some Home Depot looking buckets. I look for a place to set up camp, and I see a single woman in a red hat and I ask her if I can join her.

We are served by a group of volunteers doing their seva (service). They walk up and down the rows dishing out some sort of veggie, green, yogi stuff that tastes a whole lot better than it looks. What the heck is a mung bean anyway?

When a post-dinner meet-and-greet is over, I hobble back to cabin number 8. I don’t want to break my leg climbing into my bed in the dark! I get back to the cabin and the lights are already off and it’s not even 10:00 p.m.! I do my best to brush my teeth and decide it’s too cold to change into my pj’s. I sleep with my winter coat on, yet still I freeze during the night. I swear I’ve just fallen asleep when someone’s alarm goes off. I decide I need another five minutes. I don’t hear a thing after that until it’s time for breakfast at 8:15. Sadhana can wait.

Since I’ve slept in my clothes getting ready for breakfast takes about one minute.

The question is, what is for breakfast? There is no caffeine or sugar anywhere, only “yogi tea.” I’m trying like hell to be a good yogi and doing my best to forget about the cherry scone that I’m lusting after. Instead I’m served some type of soup broth with two floating carrots, along with some bananas.

The First Class

Today is a day of yoga workshops. I want to go to all of them, but decide to take “Fire into Light, a Spiritual Approach to Illness and Life’s other Challenges” with Dr. Sham Rang Singh Khalsa. Sham Rang tells us he is a recovering “jerk” and his wife divorced him, which he doesn’t blame her for. I instantly like this man’s honesty.

Sham Rang talks about how pain blocks the flow of energy. A lot of things can block energy, like food and insomnia, but emotions block energy the most. How do we unblock these blockages? We chant for others who can’t chant, and we chant for ourselves. We become the divine sound current to allow the divine energy to flow through us.

He talks about the six levels of disease and I scramble to write it all down. Disease first shows up in our energetic bodies and takes some time to physically manifest. Even if we get to the final phase of disease, however, healing can still take place, if not always on the physical plane. “Don’t waste a good illness,” he urges. Everything delivered your way is servicing your higher consciousness.

But how do we know when the lesson is done, I wonder. “It’s not your job to say it’s over.” It’s God’s business to say when we are done; it’s only your job to be authentic. When the workshop ends, I want to talk with him. I don’t remember what spills out of my mouth after my “planned” comments don’t happen. He asks me what would happen if, instead of feeling like I couldn’t handle life’s challenges, I started to believe I really could? What would happen if I really believed in my own divinity!

My brain starts hyper-ventilating over this paradox: if I’m a “healer” how is that different from my old hyper- responsibility where I falsely thought I was running the show? If I’m divine, then I must save everybody: all the starving children in Africa, all the oil-soaked ducks in the Gulf, all the people who are contemplating taking their own lives, etc. Who can handle that?

Maybe it’s more like being a teacher where all I am is the conduit. I simply hold the space and let the healing flow through me. Yeah, what if I really believed I could do that? What if instead of trying to control things, I simply trusted the Divine Intelligence and stepped aside? As a teacher, my job is to teach, but I am not responsible for the outcome. That is what has gotten mixed up in my head. I’m where I don’t belong. I need to butt out of God’s business!

I leave the tent and walk out into the sunlight and let go and begin sobbing, and I don’t know why. Do I feel a burden lifted or maybe I’m getting closer to my divinity? Maybe it was simply because this man saw me, really saw me, and knew me, after talking for only three minutes! Wow.

The Bunk Challenge

When I arrive back at the cabin I notice my blankets have been thrown on the lower bunk. My sheet, however, is still on the top bunk, but someone has put their blanket and belongings all over my bed.

I ask the two women in the cabin if they know whose stuff it is, but they don’t know. This is an opportunity for me to use my neutral mind. But the truth is I’m pissed. I start to think if this kind of stuff happens here, then no place is safe. I can see my negative mind putting on her dancing shoes and getting ready to party! Why me? Is God “testing” me to see if I can remain in this place of love even though someone has “stolen” my bed?

I start obsessing about what to do. Should I leave her a note? As the day wears on, however, I start to understand that this isn’t really all that important. I decide to simply remove my sheet off her bed and set up camp on another top bunk without even calling a therapist!

The next morning I manage to get up for Sadhana. Snatam Kaur is chanting. She is worth getting up at 3:00 in the morning for. Trust me on this. However, the kriya was kick-ass tough and I kept wondering, “Why does it have to be so hard?” On my way to breakfast I get in the porta-john line and ask a young woman standing in front of me this question. She looks at me, smiling, and says that I just “perceive” it to be hard. This makes me want to slap her in the face and tell her that she is just perceiving the sting on her now red cheek. I ask a cute guy who is chopping vegetables the same question and he has a totally different answer. He tells me it gives us something to reach for. It’s not about perfection or perception, it’s simply being in the moment and striving for something more: what’s, real, authentic, and transcendent. Okay, I’m grooving on this guy.

White Tantric Yoga and Me

Today is White Tantric Yoga! Typically yoga is a solitary activity done in a group, but White Tantric is an entirely different experience. White Tantric is partnered yoga. After anticipating who I will be paired with, I ended up partnered with Michael, an Irishman who lives in NY. We set up our space and wait. A woman on the platform in the front of the tent signals us it’s time to begin. She explains each meditation and then we view a recording with Yogi Bhajan.

In the first meditation the mudra (hand position) is with three of our fingers straight and held up, with arms bending at the elbows, while our thumb and index finger pads touch in Gyan mudra. We breathe in through our nose and out through our mouth. Of course, it’s not difficult at first, but try holding up your arms and breathing that way for 62 minutes, people! There is no music and I found myself totally bored and distracted. I don’t want to do this at all. My mental mantra was “I hate this, I hate this, I hate this.”

The second meditation is also a pranayam (breath meditation) and I don’t like it much better, so I am surprised when feelings started to come up. Although Michael and I aren’t touching each other, we gaze into each other eyes for 62 minutes. When we complete the 62 minute meditation, Michael hugs me tightly and tells me he sees my divinity.

By the third meditation I knew it was time to have the chat with myself. It went something like this: enjoy this deep and profound intimacy, but don’t get attached to it…don’t get attached to Michael. You’ve had this happen before… just be fully present in the moment, but then let it go.

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The afternoon consists of three more meditations. One meditation is designed to bring the “Devil” out. At first I think that’s funny, until the Devil starts to come out. I was shocked at the ugly feelings/thoughts that ordinarily I would never even allow myself to think: deep, dark, violent thoughts that any sane person would repress. But they were there and I was gazing into Michael’s eyes the whole time thinking all these terrible thoughts and he just gazed back at me….a steady loving gaze… regardless of what abomination my mind spewed out. I allowed all the ugly thoughts to surface and no one died or went insane. My bad thoughts, even the ones about death and destruction, weren’t all that powerful.

Day two and three began to blur together except that Michael remains my partner. The key is the flow and not getting attached to whatever comes up… and everything comes up, from stifling boredom, to anguish, to joy. It is like living a lifetime in 62 minutes. Having a partner is proof that we are not alone, and our roles are fluid—moving from receiver to giver, back and worth, all happening on one breath. It peels away the layers and I find myself getting closer to my naked divine self. Then in a blink of an eye I was yawning, or stretching out my leg trying to comfort my aching knee. But all I could do was flow. And in that flow I was happily (sometimes) aware that I was definitely not in charge (except for my reactions).

The funny thing is that on the last day, the last meditation was almost the exact meditation of the day before: holding hands except with eyes open instead of closed. What had been amazing the day before was now nearly unbearable. I just couldn’t wait for it to be over. Sixty-two minutes can be pure torture or it can be sublime.

Everything happened in those 31 or 62 minute meditations. My entire life happened. From shear boredom and frustration, to extremely violent and disturbing thoughts, to the greatest and most tender feelings of love, compassion, and sweet forgiveness, to feelings of utter joy and pure surrender. Everything was found in those moments of releasing pain and bliss.

And then it was over.

Going Home

There was a moment of elated disorientation as I sat there, and then someone turned on Michael Jackson’s “Thriller!” Oh my God! Suddenly I had to stand up and move. I could feel my body start to shake and tingle and rejoice. I was alive! Imagine sitting perfectly still for hours and hours and days and then suddenly giving way to some sort of climactic wild, ecstatic frenzy. It was the dance of liberation and bliss and I ate up every movement.

After that was a blur. I had a flight out at 7:00 am the next morning–Christmas Eve day. It was the compromise I made to leave a day early so I could be home in time for Christmas. That meant getting up at 3:00 again, but this time to catch a shuttle instead of going to Sadhana. The really funny thing is I wanted to go to Sadhana. I didn’t want to leave!

I went back to the tent where Michael was sleeping and gave him a hug and then hopped on the shuttle. Christmas was a whirlwind, not at all what I expected. As the days continued to pass by, my memories started to soften and open. I wanted to reconnect with Michael and talk with someone who had been through it. It was a roller-coaster ride and I was surprised to find myself feeling depressed and endlessly tired despite napping whenever I could.

I had to let go of my lost white head covering, Michael, the experience, and my youthful body that once upon a time could have sat easily in easy pose. My knee still hurt. I was home doing my best to digest everything, trying to accept everything exactly how it was.

I know better than to “want.” But I do want (in no particular order!). I want my old knee back. I want more massages, hot baths, naps, and sunny beaches. I want more intimacy and more lovemaking and a partner through thick and thin. I want more time to read all my books and time to laugh with my kids. I want a clean house and organized closets and a perfectly healthy body without any effort (and all the sugar I want!). I want to be a famous author and make a difference in the world. I want to play the drums and dance wild and uninhibited and lose myself in bliss. I want so much—a world full of love and peace where every creature is treated with reverence and compassion. But wanting, the Buddhist and Yogis say, creates suffering. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I want a “happy ending,” but I understand there are just more and more beginnings, more and more lessons.

And I want to go back. I’m sure I will go through the same dance about not wanting to go, but I will go anyway. Knowing that “God is my beloved,” I have to make time for God. This intense longing I’ve felt is not just my need to connect with others, but the need to be fed through this deep and powerful (and difficult) spiritual practice. This intense longing is for none other than my own Divinity and the Divine Intelligence that reassures me it’s okay to surrender and to remain in the flow with every breath.

Sat Nam. 

Hari Atma Kaur aka Jennifer Miller teaches at Five Phases Wellness Center in Evanston, IL.  She can be reached at millerjennifer@comcast.net.

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DAY TWO

GURU RAM DAS LULLABY

Close your eyes, it’s the end of another busy day.

I wouldn’t be surprised if a lot of other children slept this way…

With Guru Ram Das to protect them, keep them safe all through the night.

Oh, Dhana Dhana Guru Ram Das Rakho Sarnai.

Meditate on Guru Nanak, may you love God with his clarity.

Meditate on Guru Angad, may devotion fill your heart and set you free.

CHORUS: Guru Ram Das will protect you, keep you safe all through the night. Oh, Dhana Dhana Guru Ram Das Rakho Sarnai.

Meditate on Guru Amar Das, may none leave your house unfulfilled.

Meditate on Guru Ram Das, your prayers will heal the weak and the ill.

CHORUS

Meditate on Guru Arjun, His poem is a jewel beyond all worth.

Meditate on Guru Hargobind, you’ll find God in Heaven and on Earth.

CHORUS:

Meditate on Guru Har Rai, God and you will never be apart.

Meditate on Guru Harkrishan, His sacrifice brings compassion to your heart.

CHORUS:

Meditate on Guru Teg Bahadur, no enemy shall disturb your inner peace.

Meditate on Guru Gobind Singh, defend truth ‘til your soul is released.

CHORUS:

Siri Guru Granth Sahib, may Gurbani be the love of this child’s life.

May it fill their heart with wisdom and courage to bear the tests of the time.

And Guru Ram Das please protect them, keep them safe all through this life, 

Oh Dhana Dhana Guru Ram Das Rakho Sarnai.

DAY THREE

SAT NAM SAT NAM SAT NAM JI
Sat Nam Sat Nam Sat Nam Ji
Wahe Guru Wahe Guru Wahe Guru Ji