Kundalini yoga

By Becky Taylor

Unemployment, food bills, petrol and debt. It seems that everything is on the rise at the moment except our bank balances and apparently, things are set to get a lot worse before they get any better. As a self-employed writer my job and financial security has always been a little on the precarious side but lately it's safe to say I've been feeling the pressure of the recession so, when I was invited along to have a one-to-one session with yoga guru, Guratej, I couldn't have been more pleased.

With clients including Drew Barrymore, Edward Norton, Paula Abdul and Marta Kauffman, Guratej is somewhat of a celebrity in the world of Kundalini yoga, a relatively unknown form of yoga which focuses on spiritual practice rather than the physical. Guratej has been teaching Kundalini for 40 years and although based in LA, she often jets in to treat the poor overworked souls in the UK to run workshops at Alchemy, a haven of relaxation in Camden's Stables Market ad the leading centre offering Kundalini.

Walking in to meet Guratej I couldn't help but feel a little bit sceptic, what could this woman know about my money and work issues? How could she expect a bit of chanting to undo years of frustrated commuting for two hours a day on the packed underground? If Guratej picked up on my negative feelings when we shook hands she certainly didn't show it, beaming with radiance showing skin in better condition than mine despite her having over twenty years on me. Leading me through to one of Alchemy's rooms we sat cross legged whilst I told her about issues which were making me anxious, stressed and resulting in long periods of insomnia.

After listening to me rattling on for ten minutes Guratej decided we should try different exercises and chants which would not only help me to relax but also strengthen and prepare me for difficult situations and challenges I would be facing in the future.

Guratej led the way by chanting whilst repeatedly bowing to the floor, an exercise which is believed to help clear the mind, great for situations when you feel you have so much going on in your head you haven't a clue where to start. As expected I felt like a maniac chanting to myself with my eyes closed but, after only a few minutes I began to relax and moved into a state of peaceful relaxation. I felt my clenched muscles ease and my mind felt more awake and switched on than it had done in months.  

The next hour passed in a flash and I was stunned at the difference in my mood and outlook after my session. Through simple, straight-talking advice, stretches and chants, Guratej put all my concerns into perspective, giving me the tools to tackle whatever life may throw at me whether it be cash flow problems, illness or a rocky relationship.

For more information about Alchemy visit www.alchemythecentre.co.uk or call 020 7267 6188