Throughout August, I participated in the KRI Aquarian Trainer Academy program in Espanola, New Mexico. As a Trainer in Training, I participated in the Level I Immersion program. The Immersion program is a month-long training program where participants learn the fundamental understanding and experience of one's basic self. The course allows students to immerse in the fundamental principles and practices of Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. Completing Level I training a student becomes a certified Instructor of Kundalini Yoga.
As a Trainer in Training (TNT), I deeply experienced my own Self. The Immersion course is rigorous. It is a 27-day, full-day training program. It pushes on all levels. The day starts with the Aquarian sadhana at 3:45 am and completing the meditations around 5:55 am. After sadhana, I would come home to do my Level II meditation, that would take 35 to 40 minutes.
At 8 am, it was time to join everyone for small group check-in. The 55 or so participants were broken into groups of 6 to 8 people. My group had 6 students, along with me and the my co-partner Trainer in Training. We would spend about 15 minutes with the check-in and then it was time for the course meditation: 11 minutes of Narayan Kriya.
The daily class would end at 8 pm. Most evenings, I wanted to drop but there was usually something for me to work on for either the course or my own freelance work. Basic everyday chores became a challenge as I tried to find many creative ways to wash and dry clothes, meet friends that I hadn't seen for years, and keep my own physical stability. We had Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings free.
It was an amazing experience. Since my first Level I training was more than 10 years ago, having the opportunity to be refreshed with KY training was invaluable. Having an opportunity to teach upcoming Kundalini Yoga teachers was exhilarating. Working with experienced and dedicated Kundalini Yoga instructors provided me with even more depth and understanding of these ancient yogic teachings.
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