‘The universe wants you to win and it is in my experience that the world brings you the experiences that you are ready for…’
Where and how did your yoga practice begin?
I guess at some level I have always been a yogi, it’s just that I did not know it at the time. I associated my youthful and determined exploration of the mystical as me just being a bit different. For me yoga is the science of resolving our ‘longing to belong’; that sense of separation that calls on us to find the truth of ourselves.
My ‘yogic tipping point’ happened many years ago now, while I was on an intensive Buddhist retreat. I had been practising Buddhist style meditation for many years. I was entering into deeper and deeper meditative states when I heard a very clear inner voice say ” you need to do yoga”. Now, when this kind of thing happens you question yourself, “did that just happen?”; and as I had that doubt, I heard it again “you need to do yoga”. Now this was not following the script, the Buddha was getting the marketing wrong; why was he pushing yoga in the middle of a Buddhist retreat. But that’s the beauty of truth it just is.
When I left the retreat a series of synchronicities quickly unfolded that resulted with me sitting on a yoga mat! After the class I was blown away – I was left wondering what had just happened and I wanted more; it was my first Kundalini yoga class, the rest his history.
What styles of yoga do you prefer and why?
Kundalini yoga is my foundation; for me it is a masterful synthesis of yogic techniques that is more than the “sum of its parts”. Kundalini yoga kriyas are a powerful catalyst for transformation. There are 1000s of Kriyas that can be practised that relate to all aspects of life – from developing intuition to helping you sleep at night.
Yogi Bhajan (the founder of kundalini yoga) was a master, his teachings were a channelled wisdom that required the student to initiate themselves; it did not matter whether you were experienced, spiritual or religious the invitation was open to all to become a leader of their own life – through yogic wisdom.
That said, I love all forms of yoga – but I do think Ashtanga and Scaravelli yoga offer very good angles. Ashtanga is dynamic and disciplined; the repetition of sequence is a pathway to mastery; its dynamic nature powerfully opens the body. Scaravelli for me offers awakening and self-confrontation in a very different way, it is about tuning into your body, accepting it and allowing it to guide you – I have learned much through this practice.
Define your style of teaching in 3 words.
Intuitive, confronting and awakening.
What’s your favourite place to practice and why?
My favourite place to practice is my home; it’s the same spot everyday and nothing fancy. When you practice in one place over a period of time that location develops a remembrance of your intention and builds in energy; as a result by just sitting there you benefit from the hours, days, years of practice that have preceded it.
Tell us about your journey as a yoga teacher – what have been the highlights so far?
A moment of such overwhelming love that you cannot hold on to it; it ‘fills the cup’ and there is no choice but for it to overflow! In that moment I realised what true service or giving came from, it was an outpouring inspired by true self experience something that cannot be taught or learned; only discovered. It is from this moment that I decided to teach.
Morning Sadhana is the most consistent source of strength and inspiration in my life. Life throws you so many challenges; on some days you may not know how you will get through it. In those moments the supportive habit I cultivated over many years of yoga practice serves me. I have my cold shower, I get on my mat and I start. It has never failed to lift me – I remain in awe of the consistency of the divine coming through for me; just by offering my commitment and intention to the highest aspect of me.
What advice would you give to someone who is feeling tentative about attending their first yoga class?
We have a saying in kundalini yoga – when the time is upon you start and the pressure will be off. I think we have a habit of feeling we are not ready, but when it comes to a question of serving our soul or spirit you are ready. How can you not be ready to take a step that will enrich your life? The universe wants you to win and it is in my experience that the world brings you the experiences that you are ready for. Yes you are going into the unknown and that is what life is about, it is about learning and growing. If you bring your innocence and your intention to do your best you somehow are covered in very beautiful ways. People often realise gifts they have in areas of their life that they have never thought possible. When I started yoga – I was not very flexible at all; sitting cross legged was not comfortable – but for me it was never about getting more bendy (that happened as a side effect) it was always about exploring the truth of things – my advice is to just go for it, keep your sense of humour and feel you deserve to be there – yoga is not about being perfect.
How can we encourage more men onto the yoga mat?
For every Man there is a quest that needs to be realised – a journey of discovery that every man longs for, be it in a conscious or unconscious way. Yoga is an amazing way to fulfil this inner yearning to understand our place and purpose in life. Yoga is not just about flexibility or posture, we need to consider shifting the marketing of yoga from people in amazing postures to people living effective fulfilling lives, I feel this practical aspect of yoga is resonant for men. Whether you are a city worker, tradesman, father etc. yoga offers so much for men in how to deal with life. At their core men seek to be successful; of value and creative. Yogic lifestyle offers wisdom in the field of our intimate relationships, mental and physical health, life purpose and much more.
Living and working in London can be full on – how do you stay grounded?
I go to churches during the day on my lunch breaks. The city is full of so many amazing churches that are open to all and mostly they are empty (I have no idea why). They are great places to meditate. Just 3 minutes of long deep breathing in a peaceful sacred space transforms me.
Recommend us a book on yoga that you love, and tell us why you like it.
‘The Mind – its projections and facets’ by Yogi Bhajan and Gurucharan Singh. You have to read it to believe it. It’s a brilliant way to understand how our minds work and how different meditations impact us. The book is highly informative while being wonderfully practical.
What do you love doing when you’re not teaching or practising?
I love dancing and wish I could do it more. Food, food and food (sorry did I say that 3 times?). Cinema and film (plus the odd Netflix addiction).
Sivaroshan looks to bring the essence of everyday life into his classes, sharing Kundalini yoga kriyas and meditations that are relevant to the challenges we face in the world. His knowledge of the esoteric such as numerology & astrology, his experience as an energy healer and his background in the corporate world, enables him to build a bridge of understanding for a wide range of people. He directs his classes to inspire students to catch a glimpse of their own true self. Sivaroshan has trained in numerous modalities of healing including Reiki, Ascended Master, Angelic Metatronic and Kundalini Yoga Therapy. He has taught several Courses in healing and runs Kundalini yoga & healing retreats. Today he has developed his own style of energy work and is passionate about helping people transform through the disciplines of Kundalini yoga & Energy Healing. Sivaroshan is a KRI level 1 & 2 Kundalini Yoga teacher.
Sivaroshan teaches at triyoga Camden. For his schedule and to book a class, please click here.
