By ARIELLA MONTI
They were awaiting the arrival of Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, an icon of kundalini yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan. Gurmukh has traveled the world teaching this particular style of yoga for 37 years, and was making a stop in Rockville Centre as part of her world tour.
The gym echoed with chatter that was silenced when Gurmukh entered and took her place, sitting cross legged on the stage. She radiated a tranquil aura as she spoke to the group who hung on her every word. "All the answers are within," she said. She reminded them that with prayer, meditation and, above all, patience, they can have the answers which they seek. She urged the group to "connect with your soul and connect with your heart," and to appreciate everything that is often taken for granted.
She started the class with a series of exercises that, while unorthodox to any regular gym-goer, was met with enthusiasm by both new and seasoned students. Gurmukh encouraged the group to let go of their inhibitions and move their bodies, dispensing of any self-consciousness. The night brought the crowd of friends and strangers together with smiles and positive energy.
This was Gurmukh's first trip to Long Island and said she was blown away by the yoga community that Divine Yoga founder, Arlene Lucas, has helped create. She was amazed by the energy that the students brought that night. The outpouring was "more than I ever thought," she said. "I would definitely come back."
A Rockville Centre resident, Lucas, who also goes by the spiritual name Sarabjot Kaur, began practicing kundalini yoga 12 years ago when she was introduced to it by her family healer. When she became a teacher in 2000, she focused on hatha yoga because it is considered more mainstream.
Lucas said that she would randomly include kundalini yoga during her classes and it was not always received well, however she has noticed a significant shift in her students of late. "It seems people are more drawn to kundalini yoga," said Lucas. "People want the next level."
Those who practice with Lucas and her teachers said that yoga has had an enormous impact on their lives. Student Nancy Mindes noted that since she has no children, she found it difficult making friends when she moved to Rockville Centre. "Arlene saved my life in many ways," she said. "This put me into the community in a way I've never had before."
Lynn Gelman, a hatha yoga instructor, traveled four hours from her home in Clifton Park, N.Y. to join in the class with friend and loyal student, Christine Leder. "It brings me to tears," said Leder, of her yoga practice.
"The amount of growth that I see from yoga is so gratifying," said Lucas. She explained, "I've seen people that are in abusive marriages get out of those marriages, people who couldn't get pregnant, get pregnant and people who were sick be healed."
Both Gurmukh and Lucas encourage those who are interested to take classes in different styles with different instructors. While both women prefer kundalini yoga, Gurmukh stressed that there is no 'right' kind of yoga and it is always a matter of personal preference. Meditation is practiced in all forms of yoga and is the key to a happy and stress-free lifestyle. "Meditation is the recipe for success," said Lucas. "Meditate every day and you will find bliss."
The event helped St. Mark's raise funds for the building of the Peki Hospitality House in Ghana, West Africa. The building will be a community center used for worship, schooling and medical needs. Lucas wanted to give back to the church that has given the yoga community in Rockville Centre a sanctuary.
Divine Yoga classes are held in a small studio at St. Mark's, and various practices of yoga are offered. For more information on Divine Yoga, visit www.divineyogany.com or call Arlene Lucas at (516) 458-0004.
For more information regarding donations or volunteering for the Peki Hospitality House in Ghana, West Africa, contact Rev. Victoria Affram-Boyd at (516) 482-4016 or by email to victoriaafframboyd@gmail.com.
Photos By Andrew Vardakis/Herald
