The Sky is limitless. That is what I found out from my chat with Ms. Karan Lee, Vice President and lifetime board member of the Art of Living Singapore.
Karan has been practicing the Sudarshan Kriya for the last 27 Years. From the corporate world, Karan’s journey towards Art of Living was through an accidental conversation at a most unlikely place. Read on to learn more.
- Tell us also what exactly is Sudarshan Kriya also referred to as “sky” by the Art of Living?
Karan: Sudarshan Kriya or Sky as we endearingly call it is a patented rhythmic breathing. Breathing is the first act of life. Within the breath is the unexplored secret of life. Sudarshan Kriya is a powerful yet simple rhythmic breathing technique that incorporates specific natural rhythms of the breath, harmonizing the body, mind and emotions.
- Karan do tell us why and how did you start with the Sudarshan Kriya?
Karan: I was an ambitious lady in the corporate world chasing what everyone does at that prime stage in life. I used to suffer from PMS blues and would go into depression during this period. This resulted in me resorting to drinking and smoking. It was during this phase of my life while conversing with my friend Shirley, that I conveyed to her my need to learn meditation. Shirley then introduced me to an upcoming course of the Art of Living being conducted in Singapore by a Taiwanese teacher. It was from then, in the year 1993, that my journey began. Miraculously after completing the session I no longer experienced the pain and depression. I got more curious on the technique and I soon became a propagator of this lifestyle and started teaching the technique from the year 1995.
- What is a typical day in your life?
Karan: In a nutshell I start with the practice, 1st thing in the morning before my breakfast. Just half an hour of practice can keep me going for the next 8 hours. I feel fresh and rejuvenated for the rest of the day to take on all the chores that life throws my way with a big smile and a can-do attitude.
- At what age do you think one must start their Sky/ Sudarshan Kriya?
Karan: There is no specific age, as we have programs for children aged seven and above. We even run special programs for teenagers and young adults. These programs will help the children to reduce the stress and keep their immune system high, hence they have a better constitution with a less chance of falling sick. For adults we have various courses catering to health, breath and wellness.
- How does it help in balancing work and family stress?
Karan: SKY helps us to be more focused in our daily work with higher productivity, reducing stress. When the stress level is down, we are happy in life and that will then better interpersonal relationship with friends and family. Sudarshan Kriya elevates the prana (life force) by flushing out toxins hence reducing accumulated stress. Daily dose of Sudarshan Kriya can considerably reduce your visits to the doctor, keeping you on a healthy, happy note, lifelong!
- In times like the Covid19 how important is it to have these breathing practices as a part of our life?
Karan: More than ever in times like Covid-19 virus we have the upper hand on those who have not taken the workshop. Simply because our immune system is strong, and we will have a chance at fighting the virus. This program helps us to reduce stress, Fear and as a result, peace and joy is always in our system and becomes our countenance. I would advise people to prepare their system for the future and give themselves the best gift. The gift of breath and Joy.
