by SS Shabad Kaur Khalsa, Evanston, Illinois
2025 (Second Quarter)
“He never listens to me. He constantly interrupts me!”
“And I feel like she doesn’t respect what I have to say.”
While sitting in my intake session with Ann and Paul*, I take a slow, measured breath and request that they do the same. I remember to ground myself, plan my next action carefully, and not become caught in their swirl of emotions.
In the tough moments of life, it often helps me to connect more consciously with my spiritual name. The ‘shabad’ (divine vibration) invites the person to move past the obstacles that our ego presents. In its root form, ‘Sha’ means expression of the ego’s attachments and ‘Bad’ means to cut off or eradicate. It’s a humbling process, but so vital for our relationships in life, and available to all through the Shabad Guru!
“Egotism and mental calculations are relieved through the Word of the Guru’s Shabad.”
Guru Amar Das, Siri Guru Granth Sahib, Page 1065, Line 8
On this path, we aspire to experience the state of Shuniya—a neutral point, a state of concentrated awareness. The ego’s attachments would create obstacles to this state.
Whether I am in a professional role working with clients or yoga students, or in conversation with friends and loved ones, I work on acting (not reacting), suspending judgment, and creating a neutral space within myself and in the moment. This is supported through my regular meditation practice, playing Gurbani recordings around the house, attending gurdwara, and being in the vibration of the Shabad kirtan. All of this then strengthens the ‘muscles’ toward establishing a state of Shuniya.
Am I in Shuniya all the time? Absolutely not! But when I’m tested, I can call upon that neutral state and stay as steady as possible. It’s not easy, but we are all a work in progress!
“Following the Guru’s teachings, one becomes perfectly stable, and never wavers.
Following the Guru’s Teachings, one intuitively chants the Name of the True Lord.
Drinking in the Ambrosial Nectar, and churning it, the essential reality is discerned.”
~ Guru Nanak, SGGS, p. 227
* Names and details changed for confidentiality
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SS Shabad Kaur Khalsa is an ordained Sikh Dharma Minister and co-founder of Gurdwara Sahib of Chicago. She is an LCPC, LMFT, E-RYT 500, C-IAYT, a KRI Lead Teacher Trainer and co-founder of Spirit Rising Foundation, a 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to spread the teachings of Kundalini Yoga to all. She has taught Kundalini Yoga for over 30 years, and as a yoga therapist and psychotherapist, she integrates the teachings into treatment plans. Shabad Kaur is passionate about bringing forth yogic teachings for the empowerment of women. She has transcribed, edited and illustrated several 3HO books, including Flow of Eternal Power and The Mind. Shabad Kaur also organizes and leads the Annual Midwest Women’s Yoga Retreat.
