Cape Breton woman teaching yoga after Eat Pray Love journey

A woman in Cape Breton says a specialized form of yoga she found in Bali changed her life — and now she's teaching it to others back home. 

Bev Bryson traveled to Bali just a year ago on her own Eat Pray Love journey. Like the character in the famed book by Liz Gilbert, Bryson was also newly divorced — and ready for a change — when she tried her first kundalini yoga class.

"I found it very transforming and since I took it, my whole life has turned around," said Bryson.

Bryson returned to Bali several months later to take a two month intensive training program. She then quit her job in Baddeck and opened Potentials Yoga Studio in Sydney. 

Repetitive movements, different breathing techniques    

Bryson says kundalini yoga uses a combination of repetitive movements with different breathing techniques — and various hand positions which direct the flow of energy, along with mantra and meditation.

"And when all of that is combined you really feel the effects of it very, very quickly."

Elaine Evely has been coming to Potentials since December and says she's able to use what she learns in the Kundalini class elsewhere.

"If I find I'm feeling tense or I'm feeling stressed there's a technique called "The Breath of Fire" that I can do even when I'm driving my car," said Evely.

A senior citizen, Evely stressed it's a type of yoga that anyone can do. She says it also helps her spiritually.

"It generates some very positive feelings inside and that helps my day on the outside."

'It's pretty addictive'

Robyn Cathcart started a month ago, and hasn't missed a Monday class since.

"It's pretty addictive," said Cathcart.

"It's a great natural high, it energizes you. This is a great way on Monday morning to strengthen yourself for the week."

Bryson says kundalini is known as the yoga of awareness. She says people taking her class often share stories with her about its impact on their lives.

"How they have finally found the courage to change careers or start something new, begin an exercise program, quit smoking, whatever it is; changes are happening," said Bryson.

"It really re-affirms for me that I am doing the right thing."