When we hear the word "yoga", we think of peace, centering, stretching, inner challenges..... When we hear "Kundalini yoga", well, if you practice this, your response may be ahhhhh, or " not for me", but if you do not practice it, the word in itself may evoke some feelings of resistance.{ Ooh what's that. Oh no I am not interested in that kind of thing , whatever it is.}

So, I am not going to talk about Kundalini Yoga.  I am going to ask questions.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed?
Are you going through, or have been through some difficult challenges, traumas?
Would you like to erase the word " stress" from your personal dictionary?
Are you in recovery from illness or working on some issue of maintaining health and wellness and balance?
Are community, peaceful living, sense of inner wellbeing important to you?


If you have answered yes to one of these questions, please do continue.
If you answered no to all of them, please, please, continue reading.


I have been taking classes with Francie Mcdougall at Masjah Studio. Francie is a warm, caring person, with a huge heart, and her expertise in many fields is vast. In every class, she imparts some piece of wisdom , anecdote, or suggestion for any ailment or concern. And she listens. She takes time to talk about whatever it is that concerns you. This is all while she is sharing her wonderful Yogi tea with you.
Each class she teaches is different, because each day ; each group is different. She intuitively creates a class that is more often than not, spot on with what each and everyone in the class needed.

As far as the class, the music is some of the most beautiful music I have ever heard. We breathe. All kinds of breathing techniques. We close our eyes and move through gentle warm ups: stretching our necks and shoulders and spine while sitting in easy pose.
In Francie's class, easy pose is what is easy for you. If you are not comfortable, then she welcomes you to find comfort.
We listen to music. We chant together we eyes closed, which promotes a sense of inner knowing and community.
When we do a pose, it is often gentle movement, accompanied by a mantra or breathing. Her gentle yet strong voice guides you just when you were beginning to falter. And just when you think you have had it, you hear her say " just 30 more seconds. you are doing great."
And then we rest. Listening to melodies float around the room and through our bodies.
We meditate.
We sing "Long Time Sun" together, spreading open our hearts , with love for ourselves, one another and the world.

We practice Kundalini Yoga.

Now, all that being said, there are some tough classes out there, that the poses and movement are challenging. and we have had some definite challenges! But you are always always guided to listen to you body, and do what is appropriate for you. Even if you just lay there. That is okay, you are still gaining great benefit, says Francie.

I am blogging this, because this practice has been life altering for me in many ways, and with the simplest methods, methods I can use at any time at home or anywhere.
So, I invite you to try Francie's class. You do not have to like it, of course, but you will never know if you dont try!

She teaches Tuesday nights at Masjah Studio at 630pm. We often are there until 830 just because we do not want to leave!
Also, Thursday mornings at 8am, she teaches an abbreviated version- a great morning start to your day. As this class gets going, we will be offering fresh fruit and organic muffins or bars with her yogi tea.

Much gratitude to Francie and Yogi Bhajan!

Sat Nam,
Tracey