I’ve just returned home after spending 7 days at the Bhaktivedanta Manor for a ‘Be A Monk Challenge,’ and let me tell you — it was nothing short of beautiful.

I’m still finding the words to describe this transcendental experience. Each day, we woke up at 3:30 AM to worship the deities, learned how to wear sarees, and played traditional instruments like the harmonium, mrdanga, and kartals. We practiced karma yoga through acts of service, cooking in the kitchen, creating flower garlands for the deities, serving food to the homeless, and working with the cows in the Gau Shala. We also chanted through the streets of Soho and South Kensington, hearts full, minds clear.

And surprisingly, the early wake-ups weren’t the hard part. We were all so energised! What was challenging was the purge that came from the experience. Every day, we were absorbing divine knowledge about transcending this age of Kali Yuga (the dark age) and living a more conscious, heart-centred life. And naturally, with expansion comes release — a shedding of anything that no longer serves you. 

One of the most special moments for me was when I was invited to facilitate a Kundalini Activation for the group as part of our wellness session. It was deeply magical, and something even more powerful unfolded afterwards. Together, we started discussing the rise of the Divine Feminine and how we could feel it permeating through the talks, the service, and even the shifts happening in the world around us. It felt like a collective awakening.

There is something so profound about being in the association of others who are dedicated to the divine. It leaves you feeling lighter, clearer, and more deeply connected to the truth of life. Yes, it can bring up emotions, but it’s all part of the human experience. One that God ultimately wants us to live fully, with them at the centre, remembering the impermanence of life and releasing the illusion of material attachment (Maya).

I’ll be sharing more reflections from my time as a monk in the coming weeks, but in the meantime, if you’re feeling called to connect more deeply with yourself, your energy, and the divine, I’d love to invite you to my next Kundalini Activation session. Click here for upcoming dates.