Waking Up to a New Beginning: My First Day and Sahaja Yoga

Today feels like the start of everything. It’s International Day of Yoga, a day of global peace. And it’s also the day I officially begin my internship with Together We Can Foundation (TWCF). But my journey started a little early, with an experience that has already opened my heart and mind. Just before my first day, I got the chance to attend a special gathering. It was my very first social activity connected to my new path, and it was about Sahaja Yoga. There, I met a wonderful guide who taught us things I will carry with me forever.

I used to think yoga was mostly about stretching. I was so wrong. I learned that yoga is about connecting with the universe inside you.

Our teacher explained the difference between our Aatma (our individual soul, like a single drop of water) and the Paramatma (the divine energy of the universe, like the vast ocean). The goal of yoga is to help the drop realise it is part of the ocean.

We stood before a chart, much like the one in the picture, and learned about the seven chakras, or energy centres, that are within all of us. But the most beautiful thing I learned about was the Mother Kundalini.

There is a motherly, protective energy within you, waiting to be awakened.

She explained that when we are born, this gentle, motherly energy is at the top of our head (the Sahasrara chakra). As we grow and face the world, it settles at the base of our spine, sleeping. Through the meditation of Sahaja Yoga, we can gently awaken this Kundalini energy. It then travels up through our three main energy channels (nadis), clearing our chakras along the way, and reconnecting us to that pure, divine energy.

Today, we did just that. Through meditation, we revived our Mother Kundalini. It was a feeling of deep, quiet peace.

The Most Important Lesson: “I Forgive”

But out of everything I learned, one line has been echoing in my mind. The main focus of Sahaja Yoga is to learn to say two simple but powerful words: “I forgive.”Not just forgiving others, but forgiving yourself. Forgiving situations. Letting go of all the anger, hurt, and heaviness.Forgiveness is not for others. It is a gift of peace you give to yourself.Connecting Inner Peace with TWCF’s Mission. As I sat there, feeling this new sense of calm, I thought about the work The We Can Foundation does. They work to “Empower Communities, Transform Lives.”And I realized, true empowerment starts from within.

1-How can we empower women if they carry the weight of past hurts? Sahaja Yoga teaches them forgiveness.

2-How can we build a healthy community without first building healthy, peaceful individuals?

This experience has shown me that the work TWCF does on the outside, and the work yoga helps us do on the inside, are two sides of the same coin. They are both about creating a better, more compassionate world.

My Promise on This New Path

Starting this internship now feels even more meaningful. I feel like I’m starting two journeys today: An outer journey to serve the community with TWCF, and an inner journey to help myself through meditation and follow a good path.I will make sure to carry the peace I felt today into my work. I will remember to forgive, to be patient, and to act from a place of love.

A Small Invitation for You. This Yoga Day, I invite you to try what I learned.Find a quiet corner. Sit comfortably.Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.Now, just put your hand on your heart and say silently, “I forgive everyone. And I forgive myself.”Feel the lightness that comes with it.

You are powerful. You are peace. You are connected to everything.

I am so excited for what lies ahead. Thank you for letting me share this very special moment with you.