Yoga West

Today I decided to switch it up and check out a Kundalini class. I've been to Kundalini before at Semperviva, but never to an actual Kundalini studio based on the Sikh religion. Kundalini yoga consists of yoga exercises (kriyas) and meditations which are designed to awaken one's consciousness to the universal nature of the soul and ones spirituality. It is very different from other physical forms and one might consider it to be a bit more "new age-y" than the common styles.

What: Yoga West

Where: 2662 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver, BC

When: May 20, 2010, 9:30am-11:45am

Class: Kundalini Yoga

Teacher: Nambir Kaur

Drop-In price per class: $15

Comments:

Space:

A nice big open space for the reception area with chai tea and arrowroot cookies in the lounge. There were lots of books on Kundalini yoga and music for sale. The space also had a seperate gurdwara room for private meditation. The actual yoga space sorta felt like I was in someone's living room, complete with a fireplace in the corner and carpet floors. There was a stage set up that looked like a shrine paying homage to some of the master teachers. There were adequate washrooms and even a little kitchen area next to the cubby holes. It had a cool vibe - definitely different from most yoga studios.

Atmosphere:

Yoga West had a very welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. With the gurdwara and many people dressed in white from head to toe with traditional head coverings, I felt like this was a place where serious kundalini practioners went. Some people sat on real animal pelts! I was one of two people with a yoga mat! I didn't feel excluded though. Everyone was very friendly and there was a cool vibe.

Teacher/Class:

The teacher sat on the stage and used a microphone on a stand. At first, I felt that this was a little unnecessary seeing as there were only about 7 people in the class and the room was not big. However, it did help when it came to chanting and singing. The teacher had a beautiful energy and approached the class with a mixture of eastern philosophy and physical posture cues. The class was quite difficult too! The active meditations went on for about 3-7 minutes each, and I found myself trying to breathe through the strain of keeping my arms in the air for a (seemingly) long time. We also did 108 frog squat and let me tell you - my legs burned so much at the end! The mediations were great as well. I didn't think I would enjoy it, but after all the pranayama work and mental challenges of the kriyas, I had this feeling of elation at the end. Lots of cool sensations!

Rating: 7/10. If you don't mind trying a more spiritual-based yoga discipline and you want to try kundalini yoga, I would definitely come to this place for the authentic experience.