The Power of Sadhana: A Daily Discipline for Transformation
The Power of Sadhana: A Daily Discipline for Transformation
Beloved One,
In the yogic tradition, Sadhana is a sacred commitment—a daily discipline that brings us into alignment with our highest self. Rooted in devotion, consistency, and self-discovery, Sadhana is not just a practice; it is a way of life. Whether practiced for 40, 90, 120, or even 1,000 days, it is a journey of deep transformation, rewiring old patterns, and elevating consciousness.
In Kundalini Yoga, Sadhana is considered the foundation of self-mastery. Practicing in the early morning hours, known as Amrit Vela (3:30-6:30 AM), allows us to work with the stillness of the universe before the collective energy of the day begins to rise. This powerful practice strengthens the aura, clears subconscious blocks, and prepares us to move through life with grace.
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In a broader yogic context, Sadhana means “a means of accomplishing something.” It is any disciplined spiritual practice—whether asana (postures), meditation, chanting, or self-inquiry—performed consistently with devotion. It is a commitment to transcend personal limitations and evolve beyond habitual patterns.
The length of time we commit to Sadhana is significant, as the mind and body require consistent effort to rewire patterns and shift energy. In Kundalini Yoga, the power of repetition follows these cycles of transformation:
• 40 Days – Breaks old habits and cleanses subconscious patterns.
• 90 Days – Installs a new habit into the subconscious.
• 120 Days – Deeply integrates the new habit so it becomes part of your being.
• 1,000 Days – Mastery. The practice is no longer something you do—it becomes who you are.
Each milestone in Sadhana strengthens discipline and rewires the nervous system to sustain higher vibrational frequencies.
The length of time spent in meditation also impacts its effects on the subconscious and energetic body:
• 3 Minutes – Affects the electromagnetic field and blood circulation.
• 11 Minutes – Begins to change the nervous and glandular systems.
• 22 Minutes – Balances the three minds: negative, positive, and neutral.
• 31 Minutes – Affects all cells and rhythms of the body, recalibrating the aura.
• 62 Minutes – Deeply re-patterns the subconscious and attunes the mind to the universal field.
• 2.5 Hours – Changes the psyche at the core level, creating a profound transformation in the self.
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A Typical Kundalini Yoga Sadhana Practice
While Sadhana can be adapted to personal needs, a traditional Kundalini Yoga Sadhana includes the following elements:
1. Japji Sahib (7-15 minutes)
A sacred Sikh prayer that purifies the soul and attunes the practitioner to divine wisdom.
2. Pranayama (3-11 minutes)
Breathwork to balance energy, clear the mind, and activate the life force (prana).
3. Kundalini Yoga Kriya (30-45 minutes)
A set of specific movements, postures, and breath patterns designed to awaken energy, strengthen the nervous system, and bring mental clarity.
4. Deep Relaxation (5-10 minutes)
Savasana allows the body to integrate the effects of the practice, bringing deep restoration.
5. Aquarian Sadhana Mantras (62 minutes total)
A sequence of 7 powerful mantras, chanted for specific lengths of time to shift consciousness and elevate planetary frequency:
• Adi Shakti Mantra (7 min) – Connects to divine feminine energy.
• Wah Yantee (7 min) – Expands intuition.
• Mul Mantra (7 min) – Aligns with the infinite.
• Sat Siri Siri Akal (7 min) – Clears fear of death and karma.
• Rakhe Rakhanhar (7 min) – Calls in divine protection.
• Wahe Guru Wahe Jio (22 min) – Elevates consciousness.
• Guru Ram Das Chant (5 min) – Calls upon the healing energy of Guru Ram Das.
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Sadhana is not always easy, but that is where the magic lies. Some days you may feel resistance, fatigue, or distraction, but showing up despite these challenges is where true transformation occurs. As you commit to your practice—whether for 40, 90, or 1,000 days—you will witness a profound shift in your energy, intuition, and ability to navigate life with clarity. Discipline is the practice that is cultivated through commitment. Each day we return to the same intention for the same period of time, devoting our thoughts and energy to the mindsets and behaviors we either want to change or cultivate. Sadhana is not about perfection; it is about presence. If we ever fall out of our commitment, our discipline will always help us return to the practice. This is an offering to the soul, a ritual of self-love, and a journey back to wholeness.
Good luck on your journey and may your commitment to progress always begin with a compassionate heart.
With love,
Mystic
From Black Rock City to Emergence: The Spirit of Burning Man Lives in Charleston
From Black Rock City to Emergence: The Spirit of Burning Man Lives in Charleston
Dear Beloved,
Each year, deep in the Nevada desert, Black Rock City rises from the dust—a shimmering, ephemeral metropolis built on radical creativity, connection, and participation. Burning Man is more than an event—it is a living, breathing manifestation of human creativity, connection, and radical self-expression. For one week, the barren playa transforms into a realm of infinite possibility, where art towers over the landscape, strangers become family, and life unfolds in its rawest, most unfiltered form. Then, just as quickly as it appears, it vanishes, leaving no trace behind.
This portal also acts like a kaleidoscope bringing light to so many different facets of our way of living and being. Its ethos is woven into The 10 Principles, guiding participants to live with radical self-expression, communal effort, and an unwavering commitment to presence. These principles don’t just shape the experience on the playa—they ripple out into the world, inspiring regional burns and communities that embody the same spirit.
And here in Charleston, we are blessed to have one of the most pure, intentional, and deeply connected burn communities I have ever known: Emergence.
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For the past 14 years, I have wandered through the subculture festival and gathering scene, finding pieces of home in sacred spaces across the country. But nothing quite compares to the warmth, authenticity, and full embodiment of the 10 Principles that I have found within Emergence.
This is more than just a regional burn—it is a living, breathing example of what it means to create a world rooted in radical acceptance, generosity, and shared responsibility.
At Emergence, there is no pretense, no hierarchy, no separation between artist and observer. Every voice matters. Every offering is sacred. Whether through dance, fire performance, music, workshops, or simply deep conversations under the stars, everyone contributes to the shared reality we are weaving together.
And what makes this community truly special is that these principles aren’t just something we practice at the event—they are the foundation of how we live, speak, and move through the world.
The 10 Principles in Action: A Reflection on Emergence
🔥 Radical Inclusion – From the moment you arrive, you feel it—you belong. You are welcomed exactly as you are, without prerequisites or judgment. In a world that often thrives on division, Radical Inclusion reminds us that belonging is our birthright.
🎁 Gifting – The act of giving is the heartbeat of the burn. Whether it’s a handmade piece of art, a nourishing meal, or a heartfelt conversation, the culture of unconditional generosity is alive in every interaction. In this economy of generosity, we learn that abundance flows through the act of offering whether something tangible or a simple smile, a hug, a song, a story. The true gift is your presence and your willingness to express fully.
🚫 Decommodification – Stripped of advertisements and commercial influence, the playa becomes a sanctuary where creativity flourishes untainted by consumerism. Without the noise of brands and transactions, we return to the purity of human connection. There is no vending, no sponsorship, no transactions—only an economy of love, creativity, and care. Here, we remember that true value is found not in things, but in shared experiences.
💪 Radical Self-Reliance – While the community holds you, you are also responsible for yourself. You bring what you need, knowing that self-sufficiency is an act of empowerment. From water to shelter, everything must be brought in and taken out. This principle challenges us to recognize our own power—we are capable, resilient, and enough.
🎨 Radical Self-Expression – Your truest self is not just welcomed—it is celebrated. The playa is a blank canvas, and you are the masterpiece. Whether through art, movement, costume, or voice, there is no limit to how you can express your essence. What does your soul long to create? Here, there is no fear—only freedom. You have full permission to show up comfortably exactly as you are!
🤝 Communal Effort – From elaborate art installations to shared meals, it is a testament to what is possible when people come together with a common vision. In collaboration, we find magic. We build together. We break bread together. We create together. There is no passive participation—only co-creation.
🌎 Civic Responsibility – Respect is at the core of everything. Participants contribute to a culture of consent, safety, and mutual care, understanding that a thriving community depends on shared responsibility.
♻️ Leaving No Trace – We don’t just clean up after ourselves; we leave the land better than we found it. This commitment extends beyond the event, influencing how we care for the Earth in our daily lives.
💃 Participation – Emergence is not a spectator experience. Whether through art, workshops, fire spinning, or simply showing up fully in the moment, you are an active part of this dream. You are the art, the experience, the energy. This principle invites us to step fully into life, to be active creators rather than passive observers.
⚡ Immediacy – The playa is a space of now. There is no past, no future—only the present moment, raw and unfiltered. The here and now! In a world consumed by distraction, immediacy calls us back to the simple, profound magic of being alive. Time melts away. In this sacred container, we are reminded of life’s fleeting beauty, and we surrender fully to it.
I have felt at home in many places over the years, but nothing compares to the way Emergence holds me. It is not just a burn—it is a mirror, reflecting back the best parts of what it means to be human: to give, to create, to connect, to be free.
I always like to share with my students that
every time we chant a mantra or practice a meditation in Kundalini yoga, we connect to the golden thread of all the students and teachers who have come before us. Their pure intentions resonate in the sound current, creating a time capsule of devotion that we tap into again and again.
As I reflected on this past weekend’s Burn, I realized this same golden thread exists within our gatherings. Each year feels like an extension of the last, a continuation of the love, energy, and transformation we share. And the best part? We don’t have to wait a whole year to unlock the magic—it lives within us, woven into our hearts and our connections.
My heart is overflowing. I thought that I arrived feeling high-vibe, I didn’t realize that I would feel so restored leaving—aligned in heart, mind, body, and spirit. You are my family, my true tribe. Genuine, kind, generous, and inspiring, you are part of the revolution of love.
This weekend held so many highlights and I have a journal full of memories to look back on. I already can’t wait for next year and honestly, think we should extend the Burn to a week!
Thank you for the beautiful reminder of what life is truly about: love in full force.
This community is proof that we don’t need to wait for the playa to live out these principles. They are already alive within us, within our friendships, within our creative collaborations, within the way we show up for one another.
So, whether you are stepping onto the playa for the first time or dancing in the sacred fires of Emergence, know this:
🔥 The burn is not a place. It is a way of life. And we are so lucky to be living it.
The Burn is not just a place. It is a state of being. A remembering. A revolution. Whether or not you have set foot on the playa, you carry its spirit within you. The 10 Principles are not confined to the desert or any regional Burn—they are an invitation to live boldly, love deeply, and co-create a world where magic is real.
So, will you answer the call? The burn is inside you. Now, go set the world on fire.
Stay wild. Stay free. Burn brightly.
Welcome home.
All of my love,
Mystic
Journey to Self Discovery with The 8 Limbs of Yoga
Journey to Self Discovery with The 8 Limbs of Yoga
Dear Beloved One,
Every single person is working towards summitting the great mountain we call life, we’re all just taking our own unique path of evolution to obtain our soul’s greatest understanding thus fulfilling our mission of self discovery. Every person embarks on their unique journey toward the summit of life, navigating their own path of self-discovery and evolution. This acceptance of diverse routes to enlightenment is beautifully encapsulated in Patanjali’s Eight Limbs of Yoga, a comprehensive framework that guides us through a transformative journey toward self-realization and unity with the universe. No limb is greater than the others, and any one of them can serve as an entry point into this profound practice. The most beautiful aspect of this journey is that we show up where we feel most called, expanding and evolving as we are ready.
The Yamas and the Niyamas provide us with principles to live by that honor the well-being and equality of all, allowing us to live in harmony with others. Yama consists of five ethical principles that guide our interactions with others. They include: Ahimsa (Non-violence): This principle advocates for compassion and kindness towards all living beings. Satya (Truthfulness): Encourages honesty and integrity in our thoughts, words, and actions. Asteya (Non-stealing): Focuses on not taking what is not freely given. Brahmacharya (Moderation): Encourages self-restraint and balance, particularly regarding sensual pleasures. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Promotes letting go of greed and attachment to material possessions. Niyama involves five personal practices that support spiritual and personal growth, Saucha(Purity): Emphasizes cleanliness of the body and mind.Santosha (Contentment): Encourages satisfaction and acceptance of what one has. Tapas (Discipline): Involves self-discipline and the pursuit of personal growth through effort.Svadhyaya (Self-study): Focuses on self-reflection and study of spiritual texts. Ishvara Pranidhana (Surrender to a higher power): Involves devotion and surrender to a higher consciousness or universal spirit.
While Asana is the most commonly practiced in the West, it is just one aspect of the Eight Limbs. The physical postures help to prepare the body for meditation by promoting physical health, flexibility, and mental focus. Asanas also teach us discipline and self-awareness, which are crucial for advancing through the other limbs. As we move through each posture, we are also taught breathwork, also known as Pranayama. Pranayama refers to the regulation of breath to enhance physical and mental well-being. Through specific breathing techniques, practitioners can influence their nervous system, brain waves, and overall energy levels. Techniques like LDB (Long Deep Breathing) can reduce stress and lower cortisol levels, while BOF (Breath of Fire) can stimulate and energize the body. Mastering Pranayama helps cultivate inner calm and control over the mind.
Pratyahara involves turning inward and detaching from external sensory stimuli. This introspective practice helps us gain control over our responses and reactions to the world around us. By withdrawing our senses, we can better focus on our internal experiences and cultivate deeper self-awareness. Dharana is the practice of concentration or single-pointed focus. It involves directing the mind toward a single object, thought, or mantra, thereby training it to stay focused and resist distractions. This concentrated attention prepares the mind for deeper meditation. Dhyana represents a state of uninterrupted meditation. Unlike Dharana, which is about focus, Dhyana is characterized by a flow of awareness and a profound sense of connection with the object of meditation. It is a state of deep contemplation where the boundaries between the self and the object of meditation begin to dissolve.
Samadhi is the ultimate goal of the Eight Limbs, representing transcendence and enlightenment. In this state, practitioners experience oneness with the universe and profound inner peace. Samadhi is achieved through the gradual development of the previous seven limbs, culminating in a realization of the self and unity with all that exists. This chapter is often experienced as the soul prepares to transcend beyond the human experience.
The journey through the Eight Limbs of Yoga is transformative, shaping our daily lives and interactions. The principles of Yama and Niyama guide ethical behavior and personal growth, while Asana, Pranayama, and Pratyahara prepare the body and mind for deeper states of consciousness. Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi represent the culmination of this practice, leading to enlightenment and a profound connection with both the self and the universe.
Integrating the Eight Limbs of Yoga into our lives is akin to painting a masterpiece of personal and spiritual growth. Each limb contributes to a holistic understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. As you delve deeper into yoga, you will discover that these limbs extend beyond the mat, encouraging self-inquiry, mindfulness, and a deeper understanding of your true nature—reminding us of our interconnectedness with everything around us.
Warmest regards,
Mystic
Charleston, A New Thriving Wellness Haven
Charleston, A New Thriving Wellness Haven
Beloved One,
It feels good to return back home to charming Charleston with fresh eyes. When I first moved here back in 2010, I remember the city being more known as the mecca for partying and, of course, our beautiful beaches. With that said, the evolution of Charleston’s wellness community over the past seven years has been nothing short of remarkable. Before I left for Oregon, it felt like this town was just barely scratching the surface of what it meant to attend women’s or men’s circles, peruse a metaphysical shop, discuss the properties of crystals, lay down for a sound bath and chant kirtan but now there are more conscious events popping up each week. No longer does it feel like only a small pocket of folks are diving deeper into permaculture, herbalism, holistic living, energy work, meditation, diet and nutrition. This area of thought is now spreading to every island. In tandem with the shift towards holistic wellness, there’s been a noticeable difference in people’s priorities when it comes consuming alocohol to socialize. People are now starting to wake up and realize that drinking is not the most sustainable way to connect with others when it comes to our health. In search of more supportive and enriching activities, Charleston’s residents are increasingly opting for sober nights out, exploring dry bars, herbal shops, fishing, kayaking, foraging and participating in more wellness-focused events that promote personal growth, environmental awareness, spiritual expansion and connection.
Coming back to the roots of sustainable living and diving deeper into personal growth are the forefront of people’s conversations around town. It is so wonderful listening to everyone discuss the importance of embracing practices that nourish not just the body and mind, but also the spirit. But what exactly is driving this shift?
From underground yoga teachings like Kundalini Yoga now surfacing to the rise of local cannabis companies, alternative therapies, and holistic practitioners, Charleston now boasts a diverse array of healing modalities for their community. Shops like Peachy Keen, The Sanctuary, and Herbal Passion are thriving, offering everything from herbal remedies to meditation classes. And let’s not forget about The Wonderer, IVY Chiropractic, Selah’s Sanctuary, Platform, Charleston TM Center, High Rise, The Charleston Hemp Collective, Levity, and so many others who are leading the charge towards providing access to these conscious opportunities. These trailblazers are embracing practices like meditation, reiki, sound baths and clean ingredients, recognizing their profound impact on overall well-being.
In conclusion, Charleston’s wellness community stands as a shining example of the power of transformation and collective growth. As individuals prioritize their well-being and seek out holistic healing modalities, the city’s vibrant landscape continues to evolve, offering endless opportunities for exploration, discovery, and personal evolution. As our city continues to flourish, it celebrates diversity and inclusivity, welcoming individuals from all walks of life on their journey to optimal health and happiness.
Your healing journey starts now. Whether you’re seeking emotional release, physical balance, or spiritual growth, I’m here to guide you with personalized yoga therapy, Ayurvedic coaching, and creative healing practices. Don’t wait to experience the transformation you deserve. Book your session today and begin your path to deeper wellness and inner peace.
With Love,
Mystic