Latest news with #KundaliniYoga
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Soul Star Chakra: Think you have only 7 chakras in your body? The 8th one is the most powerful
Most of us have heard of the seven main chakras in the body. But did you know there is an eighth chakra? It is called the Soul Star Chakra or the Aura Chakra, and it is believed to be one of the most powerful energy centers human beings have. The Soul Star Chakra connects you to your higher self, your divine purpose, and even the universe as a whole. While the seven main chakras are located within the physical body, the 8th chakra is part of your energetic body. According to Master Energy Healer Patricia Bonnard, this chakra acts as a bridge between your earthly life and the spiritual realm. It is like a gateway to your soul's wisdom and your true essence. Keep reading to know all about the soul star chakra in detail. ALSO READ: Do you know that blowing the Shankh activates your Vishuddha (throat) Chakra? Unlike the other chakras, the Soul Star Chakra sits outside your body. It is about 6 to 12 inches above the top of your head, just above your crown chakra. Some say it is closer; others believe it could be as far as three feet away. Either way, it is in your energy field, not your physical form. And because of its position above the crown chakra, it is often referred to as the eighth chakra. This chakra is all about spiritual awareness, intuition, and tapping into higher states of consciousness. It is believed to give us access to other realms, like the ones explored in past-life healing, shamanic journeys, or psychic experiences. In Sanskrit, it is called Vyapini, which means "omnipresent." It represents the idea that we are all part of something limitless and universal and helps dissolve the illusion that we are separate individuals. Instead, the Soul Star Chakra reminds us that we are all connected through one universal energy. Think of your higher self as the version of you that sees things clearly, without the filters of fear, ego, or past experiences. The 8th chakra is how we connect to that version of ourselves. It holds clarity beyond the everyday worries, emotions, and beliefs that can cloud our judgment. It is like having a direct line to your soul's wisdom. ALSO READ: An expert explains how to heal your Throat Chakra in 5 easy steps Somatic and Kundalini teacher Brett Larkin explains that in Kundalini Yoga, the eighth chakra is what gives you the ability to uplift others, inspire, and even protect. It is the energy people feel when you walk into a room, even before you say a word. A post shared by Brett Larkin 🧘♂️Uplifted Yoga (@larkinyogatv) So, while the traditional seven chakras focus on your physical and emotional well-being, the 8th chakra is about remembering that you are more than just a body; you are a soul with deep cosmic roots. Choose sun sign to read horoscope
Associated Press
26-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Rising Star from Canada, Danielle Lee-Hogervorst, Taking on America
A new star is born; Danielle Lee-Hogervorst, born and raised in Canada and from British Columbia has her sights on the biggest new show to come out of America. Danielle has been a world class dancer since she was a kid and also a singer and actress. She is now in intensive training to become the lead in the first ever musical to open in a stadium, Undead Valley. Danielle has trained in the performing arts since she was five year old, including competitive dance, violin, musical theatre, and voice. Over her adolescent years, she won a multitude of awards, including Regional Outstanding Dancer 5x with New York City Dance Alliance and placing for high score in her age division for both musical theatre and dance in Canadian competitions. Danielle was invited to travel and perform in Zurich with Yarilo Music Festival and a few years later, performed for Nicole Beutler Collection at the top theatre in Amsterdam: International Theatre Amsterdam and Frascati. Danielle received prestigious dance and embodiment training from both Marymount Manhattan College in NYC, as well as Arts Umbrella Graduate Program, where she worked closely with top dance & theatre choreographers and visionaries like Crystal Pite, Ishan Rustem, Emily Molnar, Rafael Sady, and Aszure Barton. She attended Springboard danse, a prestigious and very selective summer program for professional dancers ready to get hired. She was invited and flown back to Montreal later the summer that she attended and made it to the final three of the Compaigne Marie Chouinard audition (3 were flown out for 2 spots). She also performed in RUBBERBANDance Group, a globally known company and training method based in Montreal with Vanessa Goodman, a rising Canadian choreographer. When the pandemic forced her to discontinue her dance endeavours for a while, she was guided to a powerful healing technology called Kundalini Yoga. She became a respected and sought after teacher both in person and virtually, with her students primarily in the performing arts world tuning in from around the globe (Germany, France, Portugal, NYC, Miami, LA, Vancouver, Montreal) to receive her teachings. She then went on to intensively and personally mentor clients who desired to elevate their relationship with themselves and create more impact in the world. These clients have gone on to make profound art after being in deep depression, have toured on cruise ships as a part of the dance and theatre crew, and performed with global pop stars like Yandel. Now, she is weaving her worlds of performing arts, healing, mentorship and mind-body-spirit work to really support performing artists with burning desires to create major ripples and impact through the world step into their confidence, voice, unique expression and power. So how did she land this huge part in the United States? She came to Orange County, California to learn from her ongoing friend who she met in college, Jordan Lang. She was curious how he directs, guides, prompts, mentors and teaches his students at Westside Dance Project. A major part of what Danielle envisions for the world is supporting budding artists moving from 'impeccably technical dancers' into 'impactful, deep artists.' Danielle Lee-Hogervorst has said, 'I desire to support incoming talent and help them prepare for being onstage with energetic cross-training (including belief-work, nervous system strengthening, smoothing out insecurities, visualizations, etc.) and in-studio prompts and direction to also help them touch their audiences in deeper and lasting ways.' The setup at Westside Dance Project, with Jordan Land as a sought-after dancer and director, as well as the extremely high caliber of training of the students, would give her an insight and understanding of what these 'young talents' need in order to make this leap into more conscious artistry, and how she could support others like them in the future. It was meant to be a few week trip, but then she met Justin Nicola at one of her landlords' sound healing sessions. Justin Nicola is the writer and creator of the new musical Undead Valley, the musical that will soon have the largest sitting orchestra ever assembled. Justin Nicola had auditioned nearly 5,000 girls for the leading role and could not find the girl born to play the part. Danielle's landlord, Steve Velez, who also happens to be one of the music contractors and the cellist for Undead Valley told told Justin she was a violinist, and from there Justin and Danielle hit it off and started a conversation about Danielle's history as a dancer, singer, performing artist and her deep spiritual journey. Nicola was super impressed with her metaphysical path as he claimed Undead Valley was the musical of the Age of Aquarius. Danielle and Justin spoke the same language, bringing art to the world, not for just entertainment but for healing and creating a better planet for the future. That was the beginning, but after Nicola saw her sing and dance, as Nicola says, 'The search was finally over.' Justin immediately started training her to audition for the lead role in his musical, and the training has led to working with one of the top vocal coaches in the country Ric Poulin. Danielle is visiting Boston for the first time on February 28 to work intensively with Poulin for four to six hours per day in preparation for singing on the Undead Valley cast album, slated for an Apple Music release on June 1, which also happens to be by coincidence, Danielle's birthday. Danielle will be playing the lead role in Undead Valley, Sgt. Alicia Winters. Undead Valley is a love story between a soldier and an infected military nurse during the zombie apocalypse. The epic show has spared no expense making a cast album more expensive than any cast recording in history for a musical, already over two million dollars. For the record Nicola hired the best musician in the world or one of top two or three on every instrument and features huge stars such as 2025 Grammy nominee Aaron Lazar and lead singer of the famous 90s rock band Mike & the Mechanics, Tim Howar. Norm Lewis, famous for the 25th Anniversary of Les Miserables as Inspector Javert, is also singing on the Undead Valley record. Nicola has players from John Williams' Boston Pops, the Canadian Brass and more of the best orchestras in the world. Nicola says he is beyond excited to have discovered the 'greatest talent' he has ever witnessed be a part of his show. According to Justin, now that he's found her, the show can begin. Undead Valley Inc. 617-459-6909
Jordan Times
16-02-2025
- Health
- Jordan Times
Health & Vitality
By Shama Kaur, Kundalini Yoga Teacher & Wellness Mentor With my studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) deepening, I find myself increasingly fascinated by the human body, the prevention of illness and how to cultivate a happy, healthy life. Reflecting on the world today compared to 100 years ago, it's clear that while we've made incredible strides in eradicating certain illnesses, new and complex health issues have emerged. Many of these are linked to modern lifestyle factors: A fast-paced existence, processed foods, GMOs and yearround imported produce that disregards seasonal and local eating patterns. In harmony with the environment Our ancestors ate in harmony with the seasons and their environment. In contrast, today's industrialised food systems often promote convenience over nutrition, introducing pesticides, preservatives and fast-food options that our bodies are not evolutionarily equipped to handle. Could this shift be connected to the rise in chronic health problems? Absolutely. But what can we do? This month I explore TCM-inspired strategies for prevention and health maintenance to help you begin the year with renewed vitality and a holistic approach to wellness. Lifestyle practices In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of Yin and Yang represents the dualistic nature of life — opposites that complement and balance each other. Yin is associated with rest, nourishment and stillness, while Yang represents activity, energy and outward expression. A healthy lifestyle, according to TCM, is one that nurtures a harmonious balance between these two forces. Modern life, with its sedentary habits and overstimulation, tends to skew this balance. We often find ourselves overactive during the day, with excessive screen time and work pressures (Yang), but insufficient time for rest and rejuvenation (Yin). This imbalance can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, anxiety, joint pain, muscle weakness and poor sleep — issues that are commonly seen in today's fastpaced world. TCM teaches that our internal rhythm should align with the natural cycles of day and night. When we are out of sync with these cycles, our Yin (rest) and Yang (activity) become imbalanced. For instance, too much Yang (constant activity, long hours in front of screens, overexertion) can lead to exhaustion and depletion of Yin (energy reserves), causing burnout, anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns. On the other hand, too much Yin (lack of movement, over-resting, poor circulation) can lead to stagnation, weight gain and muscle weakness. A holistic lifestyle that integrates both Yin and Yang is essential to restore balance. Here's how: Exercise: In TCM, movement stimulates the flow of Qi (energy) through the body, which is necessary for both Yin and Yang to thrive. Mindfulness and Breathwork: Practices like meditation and breath regulation help calm the mind (Yin) and harmonise it with the body's natural rhythm (Yang). Diet: In TCM, food is considered an essential part of balancing Yin and Yang. For example, warm, nourishing foods such as soups, stews and herbal teas provide Yin, while lighter, cooling foods balance excessive Yang energy. Addressing modern health challenges As a result of modern lifestyle changes, chronic conditions such as infertility, diabetes, migraines, PCOS, endometriosis, cancer, IBS and fatigue have become increasingly prevalent. These conditions are often rooted in imbalances like deficiency, excess, and stagnation. While Western medicine tends to focus on treating disease symptoms, TCM complements these treatments by addressing the underlying causes of illness, aiming to restore balance and support the body's natural healing process. Did you know that cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often face side effects like nausea, fatigue, and poor appetite? TCM can help manage these symptoms by improving digestion, boosting immunity, and enhancing overall quality of life. By addressing underlying imbalances, such as energy deficiency or stagnation, TCM complements conventional treatments and supports the body's natural healing processes. Health maintenance TCM views health as a balance of yin and yang, with a focus on addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. 1. Acupuncture: Regular treatments harmonise the body by balancing yin and yang, improving energy flow along meridian lines, and addressing imbalances such as: Excess (heat, dampness). Deficiency (cold, blood stagnation). Phlegm Accumulation 2. Additional Therapies: Moxibustion (Moxa): Warmth to stimulate Qi flow. Cupping: Relieves stagnation and promotes circulation. Herbal Medicine: Tailored formulas to address specific conditions. Gua Sha: Releases toxins and improves circulation. Electro-Acupuncture: Enhances traditional acupuncture technique. Strengthening the Immune System A well-functioning immune system is essential for overall health and wellness. Acupuncture supports the immune system by improving circulation, reducing stress and balancing energy throughout the body. By targeting key points, acupuncture helps to increase the production of immune cells and reduce inflammation, making the body more resistant to illness. What to Avoid Certain foods, particularly greasy, fried, overly spicy, or excessively sweet ones, create imbalances in the body. Combined with mindful dietary choices, such as avoiding foods that cause imbalances, acupuncture empowers the body to resist illness and recover more effectively. Prioritising these practices can lead to improved overall health, allowing you to feel your best and thrive in your daily life. Reprinted with permission from Family Flavours magazine
