inbetween explorations

Photo credit Eva Gian Daspriti Kaur

In Mallorca, at the end of January, the light of a winter day reflects off the deep blue sea, blending with the dense mediterranean forest of the island. There’s something magnetic about it, a sense of unexpected within.

I am here for a Yatra, a retreat of meditation and kundalini practice, held in the medieval Valldemossa, perched on the mountains of the Serra De Tramuntana.
My teacher, Nam Satya Kaur, lives in the village with her family , and here I meet my companions: Eva, Regina, Mette, Holly, Elena and Seraphine.

We are invited in a timeless place, whereby there is no urgency to do, in search of a spaciousness.
In the language of emotions, we recognize ourselves, find inspiration.

I approached Kundalini yoga a few years ago, thanks to my friend Beatrice and under the guidance of Nam Satya.
In her own words: “Kundalini is a term for energy and is the type of energy from within. It is said that the kundalini energy is generated at the navel point, but can lie dormant at the base of the spine, until it is awakened, in what is referred to as a ‘kundalini rising.’ A somatic and holistic practice that works on the body, mind, and soul. It uses many different disciplines: mental focus, Pranayam(breathing), chanting of Mantras, thousands of Kriyas (yoga sets and yogic practices) and Sadhana meditations (a meditative practice before sunrise).”

During the Yatra we will visit the Randa Monastery, hike towards a precious Hermitage facing the sea, whereby a small community of hermit monks still resides. Then, we will visit the Basilica of Sant Francesc in Palma, which houses the tomb of the mystic Ramón Llull and then La Seu Cathedral, for the Festival of Light. On our last day a brief stop at the Monastir de Santa Clara and the Gurudwara Temple.

La Seu is located in the oldest part of the city, facing the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the port. In Majorcan Gothic style, it is dedicated to Palma’s patron, Saint Sebastian. It was built starting in 1230 on the ruins of the main mosque, but was only completed in 1601. Inside it the tombs of Kings James II and James III. The impressive central vault and the grand rose window, one of the largest in the world at 12 meters in diameter. During the Festival of Light, the rose window reflects on the opposite side of the church and floods the building with beams of light.

On the island’s paths, a boundless spirituality intertwines, somehow guiding us to the goodness within us, listening to the mystery that surrounds us.

The wind of Mallorca feels like a free song that blows the clouds and the soul.

Till soon,