This Ancient Energy Practice Blew Me Wide Open - Gareth Duignam

Hello and welcome back! In this episode, I dive into one of the most transformative experiences of my spiritual journey: The Ancient Energy Practice that Blew Me Wide Open and first Shaktipat intensive with Danish teacher Jan Esmann in Dublin back in 2018.

Finding the Shakti Path

After an awakening at the gym, I began exploring the concept of Shaktipat—an initiation where a teacher transmits energy to another person. This idea intrigued me, leading me to Jan Esman's three-day intensive. A couple of days before it began, I received a clear message during meditation: *"This is going to be a game changer."* I felt ready, though unsure of what to expect.

 The Intensive Experience

The intensive started on a Friday, and I eagerly took a front-row seat. Most of our time was spent meditating, with Jan guiding us as he placed his hands on our knees. Initially, I experienced a soft, fuzzy sensation, but doubts lingered: *Would this energy fade after I left?*

As the weekend progressed, especially on Sunday, the energy in the room became palpable. Walking in felt like opening an oven door—a wave of force washed over me. At one point, it became overwhelming, and I had to retreat to the basement to ground myself. It was intense; my brain felt like it was frying, but it was also exhilarating.

The Aftermath

Returning home, I noticed strange yet pleasurable sensations—bubbles of bliss releasing throughout my body. This state of bliss persisted for weeks, transforming my daily life. Sometimes it was so overwhelming that I struggled to focus at work. I sought out Jan's Zoom meditations each Monday, which reignited that blissful energy, feeling like a chemical release in my system.

Deep Reflections on Shaktipat

Through this experience, I learned that Shaktipat is the transmission of spiritual energy from a higher state, designed to awaken or enhance Kundalini energy. Each person's response varies; some embrace it easily, while others may need time to integrate.

A key takeaway for me was the distinction between two types of bliss: the bliss of awareness and that of physicality. My initial awakenings brought a sense of peace, while Shaktipat introduced a profound physical bliss that lingered in my body.

I realized that the capacity of our nervous systems matters significantly; my previous experiences prepared me for the intensity of this transmission. Timing and readiness are crucial in these spiritual journeys.

Invitation to Reflect

Have you ever felt a shift in energy during a transmission or with a teacher? I’d love to hear about your experiences with energy and the different flavors of bliss. Thank you for joining me on this reflective journey. Until next time, keep resting as the awareness that is already whole.

🌐 Connect with Gareth
https://linktr.ee/truespiritualawakening

00:00:03 — Opening and the Dublin intensive
00:00:24 — The weekend amplified everything
00:01:38 — Body bliss after the transmission
00:02:08 — What Shaktipat is
00:03:06 — Finding Jan Esman
00:03:35 — The intensive begins
00:04:29 — Sunday intensity builds
00:04:58 — Leaving the room to ground
00:05:27 — “Blasted me open”
00:05:54 — Physical bliss and “champagne” sensations
00:06:49 — Months of body bliss
00:07:37 — What Shaktipat means
00:08:18 — Why the intensity built over three days
00:09:00 — Body bliss vs being bliss
00:09:58 — Practical reflections
00:10:23 — Final takeaway and turning point