The Solstice of Truth: Illuminating the Shadows
The Shadow as the Doorway to the Soul
Carl Jung reminds us that “the most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.” Yet, this act of radical self-acceptance is essential for uncovering the seed of light hidden within the depths of our darkness. Much like the Winter Solstice—the longest night of the year that heralds the return of light—the psychic shadow holds the potential for profound transformation. In Kundalini yoga, the mantra Sat Nam reminds us of our true essence, inviting us to explore the suppressed truths and hidden potentials that lie in our shadow. As Jung so wisely observed, “In the shadow is the gold.” The path is not easy, but it is the only route to authenticity, growth, and inner freedom.
Making Darkness Conscious
“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious,” writes Jung. The shadow—those disowned parts of ourselves that were often suppressed in childhood—holds not only our fears and destructive tendencies but also our latent creativity, power, and talents. By courageously confronting our shadows, we unearth these hidden treasures and reclaim parts of our authentic selves. Kundalini yoga provides tools such as meditation, chanting, and breathwork to support this work, helping us make the unconscious conscious and step into a fuller version of who we are meant to be.
The Seed of Light in the Darkness
The Taoist symbol of the yin-yang reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is a spark of light, and within the light, a seed of darkness. Similarly, the shadow contains within it the promise of renewal and growth. The Winter Solstice, when darkness is most pervasive, also marks the turning point toward the light. In this Kundalini yoga series, we honor this universal truth: that in our most challenging times, there is potential for transformation. The practice of Sat Nam—truth is my identity—guides us to recognize and nurture this seed of light, both in ourselves and in the collective.
Facing the Collective Shadow
In these turbulent times, many are experiencing what could be called the “dark night of the American soul.” Pervasive fears, disillusionment with leaders, and societal polarization reflect the collective shadow at play. As Jung teaches, “Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” By acknowledging and working with our personal and collective shadows, we contribute to healing not just ourselves but the world around us. Through Kundalini yoga practices, we cultivate the strength and clarity needed to align with our truth and light, offering hope and integrity to the collective.
Stepping into the Light of Authenticity
Transformation requires courage. To reclaim the gold in the shadow means leaving behind old patterns and stepping into the unknown, a process Jung likened to “a painful constriction.” Yet the rewards are immense: a life lived in alignment with one’s true self. As we progress through this series, we move from meeting our shadow to nurturing the seed of light within and finally stepping into authenticity. This is not just personal work; it is a gift to the collective. By embracing our wholeness, we inspire others to do the same, helping to illuminate the path forward.
December Kundalini Yoga Series
Join The Solstice of Truth: Illuminating the Shadows, a five-week Kundalini yoga series designed to guide you through personal shadow work and renewal. Each class combines breathwork, meditation, chanting, and movement to help you explore your shadow, reclaim hidden gifts, and align with your authentic self.
Week 1: Meeting the Shadow – Embracing Darkness as Part of the Self and Society
Focus: This session introduces the Jungian concept of the shadow, emphasizing its role as a vital part of the psyche that holds suppressed truths and hidden gifts. Participants will begin the process of exploring their shadows, recognizing that personal shadow work contributes to collective healing.
Themes:
- Understanding the shadow as a gateway to self-awareness and wholeness
- Acknowledging how personal shadows reflect and influence collective dynamics
- Using Sat Nam to anchor the exploration of inner truth, including suppressed aspects
Activities:
- Reflection Exercise: Journaling to identify traits or behaviors participants feel they must hide or suppress
- Guided Meditation: Visualizing the shadow as a wise guide, meeting it with curiosity and compassion
- Breath Practice: 2-Stroke Breath to Connect the Subconscious and Intuition, aiding in accessing hidden layers of the self
- Mantra Practice: Sat Nam chanting, focusing on calling forth inner truth from both light and shadow
Week 2: Facing Self-Deception – Seeing Through the Lies We Tell Ourselves and Society
Focus: Participants will delve into the subtle and pervasive lies we tell ourselves and examine how these illusions block access to our inner truth. This session explores the interplay between personal and societal deceptions and how unmasking them leads to clarity and growth.
Themes:
- Recognizing personal self-deceptions and collective illusions as barriers to authenticity
- Uncovering fears and denials that obscure inner and outer clarity
- Deepening the use of Sat Nam to dismantle illusions and affirm one’s true essence
Activities:
- Journaling: Reflect on personal self-deceptions and identify parallels in societal behaviors
- Guided Meditation: Compassionately observe hidden fears and untruths, creating space for clarity
- Mantra Practice: Sat Nam chanting meditation, dissolving personal illusions and aligning with inner clarity
- Discussion Prompt: Sharing realizations about personal and societal illusions in small groups
Week 3: The Imperfect Light – Learning from Flaws in Ourselves and Society
Focus: This session reflects on the value of imperfection, both in ourselves and in the world. Participants will explore how disillusionment—whether with personal flaws or societal failures—can be a powerful teacher, guiding us toward authenticity and resilience.
Themes:
- Embracing imperfection as a pathway to growth and self-truth
- Acknowledging flaws in leaders and systems as reflections of collective dynamics
- Using Sat Nam to affirm inner integrity and release attachment to external models
Activities:
- Reflection Exercise: Journaling on moments of disillusionment and the lessons they offered
- Group Discussion: Sharing experiences of learning from personal or external imperfections
- Breath Practice: Long Deep Breathing to promote acceptance and resilience
- Mantra Practice: Sat Nam meditation, anchoring in personal truth and strength beyond external influences
Week 4: The Seed of Light – Honoring the Winter Solstice and the Birth of Inner Illumination
Focus: Aligned with the Winter Solstice, this session celebrates the rebirth of light amidst darkness. Participants will explore the concept of a “seed of light” within themselves, recognizing that even in the deepest shadows lies the potential for transformation and renewal.
Themes:
- The Winter Solstice as a symbol of rebirth, hope, and resilience in dark times
- Nurturing the seed of light within personal and collective shadows
- Using Sat Nam to affirm and support the emergence of one’s inner light
Activities:
- Meditation: Visualizing a seed of light growing within, symbolizing inner truth and renewal
- Guided Visualization: Aligning personal growth with the solstice’s return of light
- Mantra Practice: Extended Sat Nam chanting, nurturing the light within
- Breath Practice: Breath of Fire to energize and prepare for renewal
Week 5: Stepping into the Light – Authenticity as a Gift to the Collective
Focus: The series concludes with a commitment to living from one’s deepest truth and light. Participants will reflect on their journey through shadow and light, recognizing how their personal authenticity can inspire collective healing and growth.
Themes:
- Recognizing shadow work as preparation for embodying truth and authenticity
- Embracing personal authenticity as a service to the collective, inspiring others to seek truth
- Using Sat Nam as a continuous guide to resilience and alignment with inner truth
Activities:
- Reflection Exercise: Journaling insights gained through shadow work and their application to daily life
- Guided Visualization: Imagining oneself as a beacon of light and truth for others
- Mantra Practice: Closing Sat Nam meditation to seal the commitment to authentic living
- Group Sharing: Celebrating the journey and envisioning ways to carry the light forward
Classes are held every Sunday in December. Let the transformative power of Kundalini yoga support you in uncovering the gold within your shadow and stepping into the light of your true self.
1. Waiver of Responsibility
By participating in these Kundalini Yoga classes, you acknowledge that you are responsible for your own health, safety, and wellbeing. Please listen to your body and take breaks as needed. Kundalini Yoga can be a physically, mentally, and emotionally intense practice, and it’s important to honor your own limits. By continuing with these sessions, you agree to assume full responsibility for any risks, injuries, or damages known or unknown that you might incur. If you have any health concerns or pre-existing conditions, please consult with a medical professional before participating. Remember, this practice is here to support you, so take it at your own pace.
2. Statement on Yogi Bhajan
It is important to acknowledge the complex history surrounding Kundalini Yoga as it was introduced to the West. Sexual assault allegations against Yogi Bhajan, originally named Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji, are likely true, according to a report released on August 13, 2020, by An Olive Branch, an organization dedicated to addressing ethical misconduct in spiritual communities. I do not condone or approve of his behavior and am deeply committed to teaching Kundalini Yoga in a way that respects integrity and inclusivity.
While Yogi Bhajan introduced Kundalini Yoga to the West, the roots of this practice go back much further, drawing from ancient wisdom traditions including the Yoga Sutras, Upanishads, and other sacred texts. In my classes, I incorporate insights from these sources and other scholarly works to honor the depth and authenticity of yoga beyond any one individual. My aim is to provide a safe, supportive environment that honors the true spirit of Kundalini Yoga, as it has been practiced for centuries.