Learning occurs with the mind, but teaching is a matter of the heart. This is one of the phrases I came to embrace thanks to Noelia Catalán, a teacher, translator, and, to top it all off, the creator and coordinator of the yoga training program at the SERAKI school. Together with AATM YOGSHALA, they have made it possible to share the wisdom of yoga imparted by Indian masters.
But how did I end up in India, specifically in Rishikesh, the global capital of yoga, and why yoga, you might wonder?
If someone had told me at the beginning of the year that I would make a journey to India, I truly wouldn’t have believed it, let alone for the purpose of a consciousness awakening. Life works in mysterious ways, just as the song by Ruben Blades says, “Life gives you surprises, surprises life gives you.”
¿What is yoga?
I’d like to start by explaining what yoga is because it goes far beyond mere exercise; it’s a traditional spiritual discipline originating in India. The word “yoga” means ‘union’ or ‘effort,’ stemming from the Sanskrit root “yuj.” In my interpretation and personal experience, it means uniting the body, mind, and soul.
The teachers explained to me that yoga is a practice that helps you balance your body and mind while strengthening your connection with the universe, thus allowing you to access a higher consciousness leading to “samadhi” or enlightenment. Of course, achieving this isn’t just about performing a series of postures called “asanas.” It requires a combination of exercises in breath control, known as pranayama, the repetition of mantras, and meditation. Truly, it’s an art, and I feel immensely grateful to have learned it at the school with Noe.
Listening to your intuition
Before my journey to India, I had my first surprise or revelation. How many times have we found ourselves in a daily routine, neglecting to listen to our inner selves? We become so absorbed by external influences that we completely disconnect from our true selves. However, the universe sometimes sends us signals, and all we need to do is pay attention to receive them. But how do you know when it’s happening?
There’s usually something inside you that makes you feel uncomfortable, restless, like you’re in search of something. It’s a sign that it’s time for a change, a shift out of your comfort zone, all with the ultimate goal of expanding your consciousness. It was then that one of my dearest friends recommended her astrologer to me. I must confess that I didn’t believe in such things. However, my unease in Mexico was so profound that, a month before traveling to India and consulting the astrologer, I had a dream where I told myself, “What are you doing here?” It might sound strange, I know, but this time, I paid attention. And this dream was not the only sign I received.
Days later, I dreamed that someone gave me a book with what appeared to be flight tickets inside. Furthermore, in that same week, I randomly picked one of my favorite books to reread, “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari.” It was about a journey to India, and the message couldn’t have been clearer. However, this was just the beginning. The day the astrologer read my natal birth chart, it confirmed what my intuition had been telling me. Amid explanations of planets, houses, and signs I didn’t fully understand, the message was crystal clear: “You must make changes, take responsibility for your emotions, discover your true talents, learn new activities, and nurture your creative side. Continue writing, free your thoughts, help yourself to help others, and share knowledge.” However, it sounded easier than it was, especially considering that traveling required money. In my previous job, my ex-boss owed me my severance pay.
Nevertheless, when the universe signals a direction, and you desire it and declare it, it opens up countless possibilities. Astonishingly, just two weeks before my trip to India, my ex-boss finally paid me. It felt like magic.I decided to search for a yoga training because a friend from Israel, who is an instructor and with whom I had taken some classes, told me she had studied in India. She recommended the courses in Rishikesh. At that time, I wasn’t even aware of the existence of Rishikesh. I only knew one thing—my intuition was pointing me toward India. So, I began searching for courses three weeks before my departure. I made one last decree: I asked the universe for a sign in the shape of an elephant, since I associated it with India, good luck and abundance. The next day, I found my mom’s pendant in the shape of an elephant. Tears of emotion flooded my eyes, because my mother passed away seven years ago so for me it was like a message from her too and I knew that in some way she would accompany me in spirit and this was just the beginning of a journey full of encounters with people and incredible places. A spot became available just three weeks after starting the course with Noelia, which gave me the opportunity to enroll. Even the visa process for India was quick, and the flights were cheap. All that was left was to pack and anxiously wait for the day of departure.
The Awakening of Consciousness
The Awakening of Consciousness
What does the awakening of consciousness mean? Where does one begin, and what is it all about? If you haven’t thought about it before, it’s okay. I admit to my ignorance. You may have a concept of what it means, but experiencing it in practice can be entirely different.
Although I knew that awakening consciousness meant becoming more aware, I found myself wondering: aware of what, exactly? At that point in my journey, while at the yoga school and immersed in classes on pranayama, philosophy, mantras, meditation, yoga practice, and bonding with my fellow students, I experienced my first “serendipity.” It’s that unexpected discovery that changes your life. It was through all these practices that I came to a better understanding of awakening consciousness.
In my opinion, it involves observing your surroundings, but I’d go a step further and say it’s also about introspection and wisdom—a journey toward self-discovery. It means being more aware of your thoughts and emotions, living in the present, and understanding your relationship with material things.
So, based on everything I’ve learned and experienced, here’s how you can begin your journey toward awakening consciousness:
- Dedicate time to morning or evening meditation, focusing on your breath.
- Take breaks to fully engage your senses—touch, smell, sight, hearing, and taste—by observing your surroundings. Never lose your sense of wonder.
- Live in and savor the moment, as happiness often resides in life’s simplest things.
In conclusion
In conclusion, I can now say that my journey to India was a delightful surprise gifted to me by life itself. I was guided by intuition and the universe’s signs. The most beautiful part of it all was meeting my fellow students, all of whom shared a magical connection. Each of us had received a sign or intuition that prompted us to embark on this journey toward spiritual enlightenment and yoga practice.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you: Caro, Leti, Ainhoa, Ale, Cris, Gis, Yanina, Antonela, Fer, Anushka, Ahitana, Susana, Trini, Rafa, Lola, Irene, Eli, Merce, Jorge (both father and son). It was a pleasure to meet you all.
I mustn’t forget our incredible teachers, who imparted their wisdom with wholehearted dedication: Ravi Ji, Amit Ji, Sidharta Ji, Rakesh Ji, Neeraj, and Noelia Catalán.
In the tradition of yoga, we say, “Namaste,” which means the divine in me acknowledges and honors the divine in you. Namaste to all.
