What does the term “God” evoke for you?
The word God is loaded with thousands of years of human ideas and conditioning. To avoid any resistance can we instead begin our enquiry at Universal Consciousness, the energy that pervades the entire universe?
It’s interesting how this word often stirs discomfort in people. The topic of God can be delicate, which is why I tread carefully when discussing it in my classes.
The term carries centuries of accumulated beliefs and conditioning, often obscuring its fundamental essence. But when we think of “God” as the constant pulse and presence of change within the universe; when we think of “God” as the embodiment of creation, transformation, destruction, renewal… It is clear to me that God and Universal Consciousness are one and the same.
This is why I encourage people to honour the root of God, which I believe is simply Love.
My personal journey with universal consciousness
I would say that my understanding has crystallised over the past six years, but looking back, I see that a strong yearning for connection has been present since my teenage years. My journey since then has been about coming to a deeper understanding.
In my youth, I spent significant time with my ex-husband’s family, where gatherings would often involve friends singing together with a guitar. I remember feeling quite uneasy during those moments. Why? Simply put, I was afraid of what I didn’t understand.
Now, it’s amusing to realise that I find myself engaged in similar practices through devotional singing. Though my perspective has shifted, I recognise that the essence remains the same. I chant the names of Hindu deities to awaken to the truth that divinity resides within and all around me, if only I can lower my defenses enough to perceive it.
These small wonders, which yoga encourages us to observe, become illuminated, revealing a deep sense of awe at the divine energy flowing through everything.”
I’ve always felt a profound longing for love
Those close to me understand that I am highly emotional, moved to tears by a sunrise, a painter’s brush, a musician’s notes, or even the simple sight of my dogs frolicking in the sunlight. These small wonders, which yoga encourages us to observe, become illuminated, revealing a deep sense of awe at the divine energy flowing through everything. I recall watching a group of male performers in Bali known as the Kecak, feeling an electrifying energy that made me feel alive.
Similarly, during Ludovico Einaudi’s concerts, I’ve often found myself in tears, wondering if anyone else was feeling the same flood of emotion. While they may have admired the musicianship, I saw the divine radiating through them—pure beauty. We all channel this energy; it’s about our belief, trust (vairagya), and willingness to receive grace, as well as our efforts to express it (abhyasa).
Truth is a bittersweet beauty
Interestingly, witnessing the beauty of Love in its manifest form often brings a bittersweet sensation. In those moments, I am reminded of life’s impermanence; the beauty we experience is fleeting.
Whether it’s holding hands with a loved one, feeling sunlight on your skin, or hearing birds sing, these reminders highlight our interconnectedness and the illusion of separation. The challenges we face can guide us home, helping us let go of the ego and recognise that divinity permeates everything, including ourselves. If we can shed the layers of conditioning, we can allow love to flow from within.
So, when we feel a discomfort with the term God, perhaps it’s worth exploring our relationship with the love that surrounds us and resides within us. Maybe one day I will maintain a constant awareness of this non-duality, but until then, I will continue practicing Yoga, this beautiful game of hide and seek with Love.
Pose of the month
Pose – Dancer Pose
Sanskrit – Naṭarājāsana नटराजासन
Pronounced – nut-ah-raj-AHS-uh-nah
Type – Balance
Natarajasana, also known as King Dancer Pose, symbolises King Nataraja, an image of Shiva, the deity associated with destruction. Shiva embodies transformation, indicating that with every birth, there is an eventual death, and with destruction, there is a process of renewal. Nataraja illustrates Shiva as the constant pulse & presence of change within the universe.
Don’t worry!!
In Jivamukti the class is structured so that the body is prepared; stretched, strengthened and opened by visiting the requisite shape and effort in preparatory postures so that our destination posture each month begins to feel more and more accessible over the 4/5 weeks of practice.
Book your first discounted class now! Use the code AUM
Mantra of the month
नटराज् नटराज जय् शिव शंकर नटराज ||
शिवराज् शिवराज शम्भो शंकर शिवराज ||
Nataraja, Nataraja, Jai Shiva Shankara Nataraja
Shivaraja, Shivaraja, Shambho Shankara Shivaraja
Lord of the dance, Lord of the dance, glory to Shiva, glory to the annihilator.
Lord Shiva please perform your Tandava dance of annihilation upon the demons of ignorance and ego within me! Please grant me liberation.
