College and stress. Unfortunately, in traditional education, this pairing is the norm, and is accompanied by phenomena such as the Freshman 15, late night partying and the development of habits like smoking. We all know that college is stressful and seems to be a prerequisite to the stress-driven lifestyle that defines American culture.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, while a shocking “forty million U.S. adults suffer from an anxiety disorder, 75 percent of them experience their first episode of anxiety by age 22.”
As college students, we need a way out. Because personally, I want to exit college with no financial debt, and more importantly, no emotional debt. This desire for natural health led me to the practice of yoga and meditation, and on a campus that offers no free yoga, I found myself guided to a historic brownstone in the West Loop, home to Sat Nam Yoga, Chicago’s spiritual community and Kundalini yoga studio.
Sat Nam hosts classes daily ranging from Vinyasa flow and Kundalini Yoga, to more out-of-this-world experiences, like their Friday Cosmic Vinyasa, a sensory-based yoga experience that projects the universe throughout the room and ends with a gong-bath under the stars.
On a cool Friday evening, I entered the doors of Sat Nam for the 1st Friday Healing circle, where short sessions of healing modalities such as reiki massage and acupuncture are offered by healers from the community, providing a space to learn and try out every “New Agey” technique available. I walked inside and immediately felt as though I had stepped into my home away from home. I was greeted with a “Sat Nam!” by the shop’s owner, Karampal, famous for her astronomical dreadlocks and transformative Kundalini classes.
The space is a spiritual candy-shop, buzzing with crystals, candles, essential oils, spiritual books and meditative music. Most palpable, though, is the energy of the community, which is filled with genuinely open and kind spiritual seekers from all walks of life.
I sat down with Karampal in order to learn more about how Kundalini yoga and energy work can benefit students – especially female students – who are seeking a natural way to manage stress, as well as enhance natural beauty and emotional and physical health.
L: What distinguishes Kundalini from the typically more familiar Hatha style of yoga?
K: In a Kundalini Yoga class you will practice some traditional postures you will be familiar with, like downward dogs and sun salutations. The difference is that we add other components of yoga. Expect some dynamic breathing techniques and repetitive movement, physical and emotional detoxification, Mantra (chanting), Mudra (hand postures), Bhanda (energy locks) and Meditation. Kundalini Classes are taught in Kriya (yoga sets), where there is a systematic recipe of poses that offer specific results. For example, we have Kriyas designed to release stress. Another example is a Kriya to strengthen the immune system. There are hundreds of these sets. You learn something new and have a different experience in each class.
L: How would you say yoga and healing connect to women, beauty and health?
K: Yoga and the healing you get from yoga and energy work strengthens your relationship with yourself, your body and your divine truth. When you work on the inside you see results on the outside.
L: Are there any special connections between Kundalini and women’s health?
K: In Kundalini Yoga we work specifically with glandular and lymphatic health. Plenty of yoga sets and meditation for daily practice are geared towards women. The classes can go into yogic philosophy and lifestyle for people interested in studying more.
L: How can healing work benefit students?
K: Students will find increased concentration, clarity, focus, unconditional love, peace, deep rest and a community to grow with spiritually.
L: What is a good gateway modality for people who are new to the healing world?
K: All alternative healing modalities are non-invasive, so they are all safe and perfect for beginners. I would recommend to set a few intentions while considering alternative healing. What are you looking for? Reiki Energy Balancing is probably the most commonly practiced – the “most known” alternative healing modality. Reiki uses light touch and is a quiet practice, which is a great place to start, because it teaches you how to receive healing by simply BE-ing and accepting. It’s quite nice and peaceful.
L: How did the healing circle get started?
K: It was the next logical step. The practice of Yoga makes the mind pure. You begin to question standard forms of dealing with stress and pain and get curious of what else you can do to support yourself and your health. Many people were asking for alternative healing referrals and we decided to dedicate a night, Every 1st Friday, to bridge our network of healers to our curious community and anyone else who is interested. It has become a lovely friendly space to come and learn, blow off some steam or to just hang out with like minds.
So, if you are craving some self-care in a judgment-free zone, or are interested in beginning or continuing your yoga practice in a convenient location near UIC, enter the doors of Sat Nam and experience how taking care of your spiritual side can both improve your health and performance in school.
You can choose stress-outlets like junk food and partying, which add on pounds and drain your energy, or outlets that heal your body, keep you in great shape and boost your self-esteem. Choose wisely, my friends!
Present your UIC Student ID at the front desk and get a voucher for a free yoga class of your choice!
And, if your interest is super peaked, try out $20 for two weeks of unlimited yoga, where you can have free unlimited access to Kundalini, Vinyasa, gong-baths and the healing circle.
1st Friday Community Healing Circle
Sat Nam Yoga Chicago
West Loop: 1304 W. Washington Blvd.
www.satnamyogachicago.com/community-healing-circle
Entrance: $10, Mini Healing Sessions by donation