Shakti; the subtle force behind spiritual awakening

Have you ever found yourself in a yoga class where your movements begin to flow effortlessly, as if guided by an unseen rhythm? Or perhaps you notice yourself transitioning seamlessly into the next posture before the teacher has even cued the change. It may be that you arrive at class weighed down by a problem, only to find it has nearly vanished by the end of the first sequence or set of poses. What you may not realise is that these experiences are not mere coincidences—they are signs that your asana practice is fulfilling one of its deepest purposes: awakening your innate, felt sense of Shakti. Here lies a powerful truth: true yogic transformation relies on your ability to discover, embody, and nurture this subtle inner force. When you kindle Shakti through your practice, its vitality can overflow, infusing and enlivening every aspect of your life.

Shakti, the divine cosmic energy that pervades all existence, is also the wellspring of our personal empowerment. Across Yoga and Ayurvedic traditions, sages have extolled the cultivation of this sacred force, recognising its vital role in attaining well-being and spiritual liberation. Mythologically, Shakti is often depicted as feminine, most commonly as Devi, the goddess, the radiant feminine consort of the masculine Lord Shiva. Yet, at its deepest essence, Shakti transcends all gender. In the metaphysical view of Indian spirituality—and similarly in Taoism, where she is known as ‘chi’ or ‘qi’—Shakti is the fundamental creative force from which universes arise. She is revered as the source of both matter and physical energy, as well as the origin of all that exists. Her eternal dance is the very pulse of the cosmos.

Modern perspectives also conflate Shakti solely with feminine or sexual energy, but her true nature is universal, accessible to all regardless of gender. Both men and women who cultivate Shakti may notice qualities such as inner vitality, flow, and heightened awareness manifesting in body and mind; one sign of her awakening is a greater sense of energetic movement through the chakras, including the root and sexual centres Muladhara and Svadisthana. However, Shakti also arises as deep quietude, bestowing the ability to witness within. She can awaken through practices like pranayama, mantra chanting, yoga asana, devotional awareness, meditation, through contact with someone whose Shakti is already awake, or even spontaneously, as a natural part of inner development.

The unfolding of Shakti follows its own rhythm, akin to the way a child matures with time, nourishment, and environment. Similarly, spiritual evolution relies on subtle nourishment: awareness, contemplation, meditation, self-inquiry, a supportive community, and a willingness to engage in inner work. Just as physical muscles need exercise, the spiritual process requires intentional effort, cultivating the presence, strength, and insight that allow us to embody higher states of consciousness.

While the Yogic, Ayurvedic, and Tantric traditions overflow with wisdom regarding Shakti’s cultivation, many seekers find the promise of transformation elusive. The heart of this journey, however, is simple: it lies in establishing a genuine, felt connection with the sacred energy residing in our bodies and breath, both each day and, ultimately, in every moment. This intimate union with prana, the animating force, is the very foundation of spiritual growth and awakening.

Above all, pranayama stands as the most essential daily practice. This conscious engagement with breath is not merely a technique, but a doorway: it teaches us to guide, expand, and harmonise our own life force. In doing so, we access a power both subtle and immense, bestowing upon us the ability to heal, to focus the mind with clarity, and to balance the energies that sustain body and spirit. As this skill matures, your presence itself becomes medicine, transmitting Shakti’s healing through a touch, a glance, or a word, in what is known as Shaktipat, and it’s possible within you.

Embarking on the path to cultivate Shakti and awaken Kundalini is to embrace a sacred, transformative journey. When approached with (bhakti) heartfelt devotion, discipline, and true surrender, this spiritual process can lead to sagacious shifts in perception, ultimately dissolving the boundaries between self and universal consciousness. Through this deep yielding to the divine current within, the wisdom and transformative energy of Shakti become our guide, leading us ever closer to self-realisation and inner freedom.