Just like the universe, we all are affected by cycles. This cyclical nature is apparent in numerous aspects of human life on Earth.
THE CYCLIC NATURE
The universe operates through cycles, embodying constant change. As the earth circles the sun in one year, the ebb and tide determine the rhythm of the sea, so does the flow of our nostrils change every 2.5 hours. By embracing this cyclical nature, we build resilience and empower ourselves to flow with life's rhythm rather than against it. According to Yogic philosophy, every seven years we enter a new life cycle, every eleven years our intelligence changes, and every eighteen years our energy shifts.
CYCLES AND FEMININITY
Cycles are associated with the feminine polarity. While masculinity is rather linear and pointed in direction, the feminine polarity is inherently cyclic and therefore endlessly flowing. This cyclic and flowing nature is most obviously manifested by women experiencing their moon cycles. Biologically given a woman has the immaculate power to perceive life every single month. By acknowledging the feminine polarity and its cyclical nature, we can cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves, fostering a sense of harmony and balance in a society that often prioritizes linearity and progression.
SA TA NA MA - SAT NAM
In addition, this cyclicity can also be observed in other aspects of nature, all of which reflect a similar rhythm of renewal and transformation. A cycle can be a profound metaphor for the ebb and flow of life itself, encompassing themes of birth, death, and rebirth.
The Mantra SA (birth) TA (life) NA (death) MA is one of the root mantras in Kundalini Yoga Technology. It contains the wisdom to align ourselves with our "true" self, the soul, and with the cycle of reincarnation as such.
SA - birth
TA - life
NA - death
MA - reincarnation
The root mantra SAT NAM is the short form of SA TA NA MA. Both of these mantras' frequencies hold the capacity to connect with our higher SELF - our true SELF as SAT translates as truth! If you'd like to connect with these Kundalini root mantras, here are two of my favorite versions:
CYCLES IN KUNDALINI YOGA
In Kundalini Yoga we use cycles in order to work on specific issues, raise awareness, and replace unwanted patterns with more fostering habits. Engaging in a Kundalini Yoga cycle can be a transformative experience of self-exploration, comprehension, and healing.
REWIRE YOUR MIND
Due to its habitual nature, rewiring the mind to make it adapt more fostering habits, requires persistent effort for at least 40 days. The mind resists change and prefers to run on autopilot. During this period, kriyas can help to break old patterns and establish new ones. Changing habits demands consistent self-awareness, patience, and a commitment to embrace change for healing to happen.
It is important to understand that the untrained mind mainly obeys the habits and strategies of past life experiences, including the toxic and traumatic ones, around which we all have built strategies and stories in order to survive. These patterns will repeat themselves until we are able to acknowledge, digest, and therefore resolve them.
BE CONSISTENT BUT GENTLE WITH YOURSELF
Engaging in a Kundalini Yoga Sadhana cycle can be a transformative experience. The 40-day cycle harnesses the power of the number 40, aligns with life's rhythms, and reconditions the subconscious mind. It is the biggest act of self-cultivation, self-care, and self-love you can do for yourself, the world, and your kids. The more aware you become, the less karma you accumulate.
(...) A man of awareness knows that life is constantly changing. Life is change. There is only one thing permanent, and that is change. Except change, everything else changes. To accept this nature of life, to accept this changing existence with all its seasons and moods, this constant flow that never stops for a single moment, is to be blissful. Then nobody can disturb your bliss. It is your hankering for permanency that creates troubles for you. If you want to live in a life with no change – you are asking the impossible. (...)
Osho, No Man Is an Island, Talk #31
WHY 40 DAYS?
The human body experiences a notable change every 40 days, which aligns with the moon's cycle of about 30 days. Similar to how the moon's energy impacts the tide, it also affects the body's fluids. Breaking a habit doesn't just mean ending something; it is about planting a new seed (bija) of intention in the subconscious. Committing to a daily sadhana for 40 days allows you to reprogram your habitual mind in order to establish fostering changes in your life.
40 is indeed a special number, not only for Yogic understanding. It is hard to miss the biblical references popping up when you think of it. The significance of 40 is one of testing, purification, and transformation.
Here are some examples:
THE ARK OF NOAH: Noah and his family stayed on the ark for 40 days and 40 nights during the great flood, symbolizing a widespread purification and a new beginning for humanity.
THE ISRAELITES IN THE DESERT: After being liberated from generations of slavery in Egypt, the Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years before being blessed in the promised land.
MOSES AND THE TEN COMMANDMENTS: Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights on Mount Sinai, receiving the Ten Commandments from God.
ESTABLISHING A DAILY ROUTINE
Meditate daily at the same time if possible, but don't stress if you can't. The benefits will still manifest. Be gentle with yourself and consider keeping a journal to track your progress and transformation.
THE RULES
If you miss a day, the cycle breaks, and you start from day one. If it happens to you, it might be for a reason. From my experience, whenever one of my cycles gets broken, it usually indicates an issue needing longer attention, more than 40 days. Practicing beyond one full moon cycle offers a more intense experience of cleansing and realignment - helping the release of old patterns and therefore creating space to establish new ones. A 90 or 120-day sadhana leads to deeper transformation. A 120-day cycle corresponds with the lifespan of red blood cells, allowing complete renewal - physically manifested and stored in your stream of blood.
If you'd feel you would like to tap into the magic of your true potential by committing to a 40-day cycle, I'd be delighted to accompany you on your journey. Check out my offerings here.
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