I came to my first Kundalini yoga class with Siri Amrita weakened by the physical and emotional toll of chronic illnesses and deep grief. I had tried other yoga classes and came away feeling discouraged because of my limitations. In this class I immediately felt welcomed and supported not only by the teacher, but by the other students in class. With each class, I gained physical, emotional and spiritual strength. I’m more flexible. My balance got better and I stopped having falls. My constant infections resolved and I could eat again. Eventually, I was able to stop one of my potent drugs and significantly reduce the dose of another. Because I had less pain and a much calmer mind, I started sleeping better. These are just the highlights! My many improvements are a true testament to Siri Amrita’s skills as a teacher. She will challenge you, but with encouragement and humor. Her classes are always fun, informative and individualized. Each position, breath or mantra includes an explanation of the physiology behind them. I always come away feeling nurtured, energized and altered in some positive way. This experience changed my life. I’m a better, stronger, more spiritual person with the tools to cope with my daily challenges. I can tell you that a retreat with Siri Amrita will not only be fun, but it will be life changing for your mind, body and spirit. It will enhance your life in wonderful ways!
-Marie Rublee
For some time I had been searching to be connected to something larger than myself and my daily activities. I felt led to discover my spiritual core. I was drawn to Kundalini Yoga and fortunately for me, it was taught by Siri Amrita. Siri Amrita is a true guide who meets you where you are and leads you to deeper meaning and discovery. Her Kundalini Yoga classes are infused with transcendent lessons, which have led me on a journey to discover my essential purpose here. Every time I take a Kundalini Yoga class from Siri Amrita—even if I begin it tired and stressed after a long day of work and parental complications—I feel something shift. Through time and through this practice led by her, I feel more certain that I am on the right path. I am finding my voice and conviction to make a difference. She has led me to fan the inner light within that lay dormant for so long. There is no better teacher.
-Kathy Holm (Puran Gian Kaur)
I had no idea what to expect from this retreat and it simply blew my heart wide open. I’m leaving feeling much lighter than when I came. I thank you for that. Its been so beautiful and amazing meeting and getting to know the group. I’m also leaving with fantastic new friends.
- Lora (completely new to KY when she came on retreat)
This trip has been life changing. In just 8 days, I have felt a shift in my mindset and way of understanding life’s experiences. One of my biggest take aways was learning that it’s okay to slow down and not be so hard on myself. I’ve also learned that I’m stronger in my “soul” that what my mind is saying. I will never forget this journey and all the meaningful connections I’ve made and the sincere love I’ve felt. It’s okay to laugh.
-Anonymous Participant Feedback
I loved your commitment to your practice and for sharing your gift and your love with me. I am honored to be part of your journey. I learned lots about who I am and where I am going in the world. I felt safe in all of our experiences together. Thank you and John. You are BOTH an inspiration to me. Welcome to our Olivier family! I adore you both. Much love.
-Shauna (completely new to KY when she came on retreat)
Siri Amrita is a professional woman of Kundalini Yoga knowledge and she is a devoted follower of increasing the light in the world and succeeds one person, one group at a time. I loved the way she paid attention to the small details and to me in particular. I noticed people coming in so depressed at the beginning and leaving with bright faces and dreaming of huge bunches of flowers sent from their inner selves and promising future love both inner and outer.
-Rose
Siri Amrita is a skilled and dedicated practitioner. Her heart knows no bounds. Her classes are challenging, insightful and fun!
-Kristina
A powerful retreat that was well planned and led. The beautiful surroundings offered additional opportunities. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone seeking to know themselves as the beautiful beings we are. Blessings.
- Dr. Anna K
Siri Amrita created a safe space for me and the others on retreat (amazing, every one) to confront and heal deep wounds with the benefit of spiritual guidance and support- in a luscious setting alive with energy and beauty. I will never be the same.
- LadyHawk
I am so full now. This was instrumental in helping me grieve my mother, process my childhood and understand somewhat how I entered into a destructive and damaging marriage. Much of it was a complete surprise to me. Siri Amrita’s teaching is of the highest caliber and comes from her heart and soul. The combination of challenge and loving care created the experience I needed.
- Anne/ Dora
This retreat was a safe place, non-judgmental and full of support and love.
- Anonymous Participant Feedback
My inner knowing, capacity to love myself and others and willingness to stretch myself, all grow and blossom in the sphere of Siri Amrita's influence. There is a vibe of total acceptance, blended with a fierce, undying commitment to remind me of the truth of what I am. I am forever grateful to her.
- Melanie
Felt well overall and benefited from vegetarian diet and all the disciplines including early morning sadhana. The retreat takes me out of my life and gives me a chance to focus on the Inner Work, which brings me back to my life renewed. Love being with fellow seekers.
- Anonymous Participant Feedback
An interesting way to learn about KY and yourself.
- Anonymous Participant Feedback
This experience was eye opening and joyful. Not knowing what to expect or other participants well, I found the travel and experiences full of joy, honesty and love. We melded well as a group, but showed/revealed our individual strengths, experiences and love to bond with each other.
- Kathy (mostly new to KY when she came on retreat)
Combination of self exploration in a safe, loving, caring environment, allowing for personal growth while also exploring beauty and life of the world.
-Anonymous Participant Feedback
'I Am Bliss' Morocco 2018 was a truly blissful experience. The location was beautiful and the joy bountiful. Siri Amrita's teaching opened my heart to new realizations that furthered my healing and growth. The experiences we had as a group were unforgettable and I'll cherish the connections made. I feel like I am part of a tribe and surrounded by love and support. I will return home with a fresh perspective and renewed hope, full of bliss.
- Pearl
This was a response from Deb, to a little message Siri Amrita sent a few days ago to say she'd been thinking of her while drinking tea out of a Morocco mug:
"Great minds think alike. Thought about you this morning as I drank my coffee in my camel cup. Have had so much wonderful conversation over the camel ride and the pictures we posted on Facebook. I can honestly say I think or speak about our adventure daily. My son is still putting the girls bunk beds together. Once done you can be sure I will be posting to our clan pictures of Pom Pom blankets and little granddaughters. In all I am better for sure than I was before our adventure. Small steps but so giant in the big picture. I don’t know how to describe it but I don’t have that gut wrenching ache all the time now, I actually smile in my heart, and I have an awareness alertness .... I haven’t had for very long long time. I love thinking about “where’s Rose” and our little talks we shared. Waiting for baby book about Canada to come in and will send off package to baby that arrived after we left. I am grateful for my cousins in my life and the adventures we have started on. I love the spirits I have met through our journeys and will continue to relish thinking about them until our next meeting. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving. I have much to give thanks for.
- Deb (from Canada, with her permission to share)
This is a Facebook post from one of our group who has been with us on all three KY retreats, copied here with her permission.
I just completed my third international Kundalini Yoga retreat with my teacher, Purnima Joan Shahani (Siri Amrita). We spent the yoga portion of the retreat in a lovely riad in Marrakech. We had several early morning sadhanas on the rooftop of our riad and afternoon practices in the lush garden area surrounding the small pool at the center of the riad. As always, Siri Amrita challenged us to take our practice to a higher level as she encouraged us to open our hearts to love ourselves and all others.
After the yoga portion of the retreat, many of us stayed on to explore Morocco with Siri Amrita. We rode camels into the Sahara desert and spent the night in nomadic tents. We enjoyed a delicious Berber meal followed by traditional drumming, singing, and dancing around the fire. The next morning we opted for a thrilling ride out of the desert in 4-wheel vehicles driven by exceptionally skillful and slightly crazy Berber drivers. We explored Fes and Chefchaouen (the Blue City) before heading back to Marrakech for one final night together.
I am filled with gratitude for my teacher and friend, Siri Amrita, for planning and organizing another unforgettable international retreat. As with our earlier retreats to India, Nepal,and Guatemala, I left Morocco with a better understanding of and appreciation for the people who live there. I will never be the same.
"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”
- Cathy
I knew a small amount about Siri Amrita’s organizational skills by attending her kundalini yoga class and becoming a patient at her dental practice, but I was completely taken by surprise as the yoga retreat to Morocco unfolded. Siri Amrita had set out to provide a safe, luxurious, and challenging retreat in a foreign country, and in my eyes, she exceeded beyond what I could imagine. A major theme for me on this retreat was to be repetitively prodded to look into the many areas of my beliefs where I still wanted to maintain complete control of my schedule and my experience. I tried to maintain all control even up until the day we left, until I could finally allow myself to take a step back and see how I had been operating most of my life. For this opportunity, I am most grateful. Our entire group couldn’t have been more purposefully assembled, for each one had multiple unique contributions to my experience. The venues, food choices and tour group guides Siri Amrita investigated and chose were top-notch and superb! What a wonderful way to explore more of what kundalini yoga has to offer and to explore a mystical, foreign land. Our ‘tour guides’ in this life time are many, and Siri Amrita’s offerings of yoga retreats will be one I will have immense gratitude for quite a while!
- Bart
-Marie Rublee
For some time I had been searching to be connected to something larger than myself and my daily activities. I felt led to discover my spiritual core. I was drawn to Kundalini Yoga and fortunately for me, it was taught by Siri Amrita. Siri Amrita is a true guide who meets you where you are and leads you to deeper meaning and discovery. Her Kundalini Yoga classes are infused with transcendent lessons, which have led me on a journey to discover my essential purpose here. Every time I take a Kundalini Yoga class from Siri Amrita—even if I begin it tired and stressed after a long day of work and parental complications—I feel something shift. Through time and through this practice led by her, I feel more certain that I am on the right path. I am finding my voice and conviction to make a difference. She has led me to fan the inner light within that lay dormant for so long. There is no better teacher.
-Kathy Holm (Puran Gian Kaur)
I had no idea what to expect from this retreat and it simply blew my heart wide open. I’m leaving feeling much lighter than when I came. I thank you for that. Its been so beautiful and amazing meeting and getting to know the group. I’m also leaving with fantastic new friends.
- Lora (completely new to KY when she came on retreat)
This trip has been life changing. In just 8 days, I have felt a shift in my mindset and way of understanding life’s experiences. One of my biggest take aways was learning that it’s okay to slow down and not be so hard on myself. I’ve also learned that I’m stronger in my “soul” that what my mind is saying. I will never forget this journey and all the meaningful connections I’ve made and the sincere love I’ve felt. It’s okay to laugh.
-Anonymous Participant Feedback
I loved your commitment to your practice and for sharing your gift and your love with me. I am honored to be part of your journey. I learned lots about who I am and where I am going in the world. I felt safe in all of our experiences together. Thank you and John. You are BOTH an inspiration to me. Welcome to our Olivier family! I adore you both. Much love.
-Shauna (completely new to KY when she came on retreat)
Siri Amrita is a professional woman of Kundalini Yoga knowledge and she is a devoted follower of increasing the light in the world and succeeds one person, one group at a time. I loved the way she paid attention to the small details and to me in particular. I noticed people coming in so depressed at the beginning and leaving with bright faces and dreaming of huge bunches of flowers sent from their inner selves and promising future love both inner and outer.
-Rose
Siri Amrita is a skilled and dedicated practitioner. Her heart knows no bounds. Her classes are challenging, insightful and fun!
-Kristina
A powerful retreat that was well planned and led. The beautiful surroundings offered additional opportunities. I highly recommend this retreat to anyone seeking to know themselves as the beautiful beings we are. Blessings.
- Dr. Anna K
Siri Amrita created a safe space for me and the others on retreat (amazing, every one) to confront and heal deep wounds with the benefit of spiritual guidance and support- in a luscious setting alive with energy and beauty. I will never be the same.
- LadyHawk
I am so full now. This was instrumental in helping me grieve my mother, process my childhood and understand somewhat how I entered into a destructive and damaging marriage. Much of it was a complete surprise to me. Siri Amrita’s teaching is of the highest caliber and comes from her heart and soul. The combination of challenge and loving care created the experience I needed.
- Anne/ Dora
This retreat was a safe place, non-judgmental and full of support and love.
- Anonymous Participant Feedback
My inner knowing, capacity to love myself and others and willingness to stretch myself, all grow and blossom in the sphere of Siri Amrita's influence. There is a vibe of total acceptance, blended with a fierce, undying commitment to remind me of the truth of what I am. I am forever grateful to her.
- Melanie
Felt well overall and benefited from vegetarian diet and all the disciplines including early morning sadhana. The retreat takes me out of my life and gives me a chance to focus on the Inner Work, which brings me back to my life renewed. Love being with fellow seekers.
- Anonymous Participant Feedback
An interesting way to learn about KY and yourself.
- Anonymous Participant Feedback
This experience was eye opening and joyful. Not knowing what to expect or other participants well, I found the travel and experiences full of joy, honesty and love. We melded well as a group, but showed/revealed our individual strengths, experiences and love to bond with each other.
- Kathy (mostly new to KY when she came on retreat)
Combination of self exploration in a safe, loving, caring environment, allowing for personal growth while also exploring beauty and life of the world.
-Anonymous Participant Feedback
'I Am Bliss' Morocco 2018 was a truly blissful experience. The location was beautiful and the joy bountiful. Siri Amrita's teaching opened my heart to new realizations that furthered my healing and growth. The experiences we had as a group were unforgettable and I'll cherish the connections made. I feel like I am part of a tribe and surrounded by love and support. I will return home with a fresh perspective and renewed hope, full of bliss.
- Pearl
This was a response from Deb, to a little message Siri Amrita sent a few days ago to say she'd been thinking of her while drinking tea out of a Morocco mug:
"Great minds think alike. Thought about you this morning as I drank my coffee in my camel cup. Have had so much wonderful conversation over the camel ride and the pictures we posted on Facebook. I can honestly say I think or speak about our adventure daily. My son is still putting the girls bunk beds together. Once done you can be sure I will be posting to our clan pictures of Pom Pom blankets and little granddaughters. In all I am better for sure than I was before our adventure. Small steps but so giant in the big picture. I don’t know how to describe it but I don’t have that gut wrenching ache all the time now, I actually smile in my heart, and I have an awareness alertness .... I haven’t had for very long long time. I love thinking about “where’s Rose” and our little talks we shared. Waiting for baby book about Canada to come in and will send off package to baby that arrived after we left. I am grateful for my cousins in my life and the adventures we have started on. I love the spirits I have met through our journeys and will continue to relish thinking about them until our next meeting. Happy Canadian Thanksgiving. I have much to give thanks for.
- Deb (from Canada, with her permission to share)
This is a Facebook post from one of our group who has been with us on all three KY retreats, copied here with her permission.
I just completed my third international Kundalini Yoga retreat with my teacher, Purnima Joan Shahani (Siri Amrita). We spent the yoga portion of the retreat in a lovely riad in Marrakech. We had several early morning sadhanas on the rooftop of our riad and afternoon practices in the lush garden area surrounding the small pool at the center of the riad. As always, Siri Amrita challenged us to take our practice to a higher level as she encouraged us to open our hearts to love ourselves and all others.
After the yoga portion of the retreat, many of us stayed on to explore Morocco with Siri Amrita. We rode camels into the Sahara desert and spent the night in nomadic tents. We enjoyed a delicious Berber meal followed by traditional drumming, singing, and dancing around the fire. The next morning we opted for a thrilling ride out of the desert in 4-wheel vehicles driven by exceptionally skillful and slightly crazy Berber drivers. We explored Fes and Chefchaouen (the Blue City) before heading back to Marrakech for one final night together.
I am filled with gratitude for my teacher and friend, Siri Amrita, for planning and organizing another unforgettable international retreat. As with our earlier retreats to India, Nepal,and Guatemala, I left Morocco with a better understanding of and appreciation for the people who live there. I will never be the same.
"Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer”
- Cathy
I knew a small amount about Siri Amrita’s organizational skills by attending her kundalini yoga class and becoming a patient at her dental practice, but I was completely taken by surprise as the yoga retreat to Morocco unfolded. Siri Amrita had set out to provide a safe, luxurious, and challenging retreat in a foreign country, and in my eyes, she exceeded beyond what I could imagine. A major theme for me on this retreat was to be repetitively prodded to look into the many areas of my beliefs where I still wanted to maintain complete control of my schedule and my experience. I tried to maintain all control even up until the day we left, until I could finally allow myself to take a step back and see how I had been operating most of my life. For this opportunity, I am most grateful. Our entire group couldn’t have been more purposefully assembled, for each one had multiple unique contributions to my experience. The venues, food choices and tour group guides Siri Amrita investigated and chose were top-notch and superb! What a wonderful way to explore more of what kundalini yoga has to offer and to explore a mystical, foreign land. Our ‘tour guides’ in this life time are many, and Siri Amrita’s offerings of yoga retreats will be one I will have immense gratitude for quite a while!
- Bart