Finding Balance: The Transformative Journey of Yin and Kundalini Awakening with Madeline Diaz Meiners

The journey of self-discovery and healing through yoga is a deeply personal one, and for me, it has been a path filled with exploration, transformation, and profound insights. My name is Madeline Diaz Meiners, and I have dedicated the last 28 years to practicing various styles of yoga, each contributing to my understanding of the balance between yin and yang. This blog post will take you through my journey from the dynamic practices of yang into the subtle, restorative world of yin and sound healing, culminating in the transformative experience of Kundalini awakening.

The Beginning of My Yoga Journey

Madeline Diaz Meiners offering Kurtan

My journey with yoga began with Satyananda Yoga, inspired by the visionary teachings of Swami Satyananda Saraswati. It was through this practice that I first recognised the importance of breath, meditation, mantra, and the mind-body connection. My teacher training at the Mandala Yoga Ashram was a revelation, unveiling the profound philosophy of yoga and deepening my understanding and practice. At the time, I didn't fully appreciate the value of that training course, but later realised that such depth of philosophy and authenticity is rare in teacher trainings. This foundational experience opened my eyes to the vast world of yoga, eventually leading me to explore and train in more physically demanding practices like Ashtanga Vinyasa, Mandala, and Rocket yoga. Each style offered unique insights and challenges, but it was 18 years into my journey with yoga, during the COVID-19 pandemic, that I developed a strong yearning to explore the practice of yin yoga more deeply.

During the lockdown, as the world slowed down, so did I. It was during this time that I started to reflect on my life. Since I was 24, I had always dreamed of becoming a yoga teacher. However, as my studios thrived, I found myself in the role of a businesswoman, juggling numerous responsibilities in a fast-paced yoga environment, leaving little room for personal space. It wasn't until the lockdown took all of that away that I began to appreciate and long for stillness, which ignited my passion for yin yoga. I developed a deep interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine and the meridians. The more I read and studied, the more the practice unveiled aspects of myself that I had previously misunderstood. I dedicated myself three hours of practice each day throughout the initial 12 months of lockdown to explore the concept of the meridians and the TCM elements and it was the biggest gift I could ever of offered myself.

As the practice began to peel away layers of physical tension and trauma from my body, I discovered how to love myself for the first time. This journey brought me compassion, understanding, and acceptance for every aspect of my being. Although I was initially skeptical of religion, even after studying many, Yin Yoga connected me to something within that I now see as a tangible experience of God. It revealed a profound light within me, which I now recognise as my Divine light. I came to understand what people seek through religious devotion: a release from the ego and a connection to the inner light.

The Transition from Yang to Yin

Yin yoga extends beyond mere physical postures; it is a meditative practice that nurtures mindfulness and self-awareness. I developed a deep appreciation for the work of a Western Buddhist philosopher named Tara Brach and began integrating many of the meditation techniques she outlines in her books into my personal practice as my interest in yin grew. I also started exploring sound healing, which uses vibrational frequencies to promote healing and relaxation. My collection of instruments, such as bowls, drums, and gongs, expanded and adorned the walls of my yoga studio. The synergy of Yin, meditation, and sound was producing remarkable results for my private one-on-one clients, whom I was able to teach under COVID restrictions. When practiced correctly, Yin Yoga helps build endurance by allowing moderate discomfort to manifest beneath the skin in the deep subtle fascia layers of the body, while maintaining a parasympathetic state. The fascia is crucial to our overall well-being, acting as a network of connective tissue that supports and envelops our muscles, organs, and nerves. Under stress or trauma, the fascia can tighten and become restricted, leading to physical discomfort and emotional blockages. Through yin yoga, I discovered how to release these constraints, fostering not just physical recovery but also emotional and spiritual growth. The benefits I gained in my personal practice started to appear in my sessions with private clients, growing from 10 clients per week to often 10 clients per day. They were all more than happy to serve almost as case studies as I explored the effects of vibrational frequencies on the meridians and the subconscious mind, we were learning, growing and healing on the same journey together.

A peaceful yoga studio setting for yin and sound healing

The Awakening of Kundalini Energy

Yin Yoga had been the most influential practice I encountered since discovering yoga, serving as a compass that reignited my desire for the spiritual practices I experienced during my ashram training. Transitioning from a yogi who believed life's problems could be solved by mastering a one-handed handstand to someone focused solely on the inner world I had long avoided, I realised my addiction to the yang aspect of yoga had, for many years, become another form of suppression. It offered an immediate sense of 'bliss,' a quick fix that glossed over the surface of my suffering. However, as I became more honest with myself, I understood that the parts of me needing attention were much deeper than surface level. I continued exploring yin and sound healing and remember feeling better than I had ever imagined at that stage of my journey. Then came another calling: Kundalini yoga, the ancient practice of awakening the dormant energy at the base of the spine. The next phase of this incredible journey began.

Kundalini awakening is often described as a transformative experience that can lead to heightened awareness, emotional release, and spiritual growth. It is a journey that requires patience and dedication as the energy rises through the chakras, clearing blockages and facilitating healing. I found that the practices of yin yoga created the perfect canvas for what awaited me with Kundalini, providing a grounding and nurturing foundation for the intense energy shifts that were about to change me on many levels forever.

Four weeks into my Kundalini teacher training in New Mexico, I encountered a sequence taught by a teacher from Texas that profoundly transformed my life. In Kundalini, it's recommended to practice a specific Kriya (sequence of postures) for 40 days, 90 days, 120 days, or even 1000 days. After completing the final meditation, I realized I had discovered my Kriya. From that moment, I continued practicing beyond 40 days, beyond 90 days, beyond 120 days... and I am still practicing the same Kriya today.

Within six months, I began experiencing the Kundalini Awakening, something I had only read about in books. My experience was an overwhelmingly intense sensation of pure joy. The name 'Ananda,' which was given to me after completing my first Satyananda Teacher Training, which means 'Bliss,' described what I was experiencing—not as a temporary quick fix that I had experienced briefly after Vinyasa, but as a permanent state of being. The energy emitted by the Kundalini was as noticeable to others as it was to me internally. Initially, it was a practice to learn how to surrender to the intensity of that state; as unbelievable as it sounds, it was sometimes almost too overwhelming. Eventually, I discovered that the only way was to surrender to it, just as we surrender to suffering, resulting in an almost unshakable inner state of peace.

From this point forward, I realized that the sequence was a gift, and my Dharma was to share it with others. Through dedicated practice, I had acquired firsthand experience of its potential, which gave me the confidence to share the sequence and lead my students on a similar journey. This is precisely what has unfolded, both during in-person retreats and online, as the sequence continues to weave its magic.

The Importance of Balance: Yin and Yang

While my love for yin and Kundalini yoga has deepened, I also recognise the importance of maintaining balance in my practice. Yang styles, such as Ashtanga Vinyasa, offer dynamic movement and strength, which are essential for physical health and vitality. It is crucial to honour both the yin and yang aspects of yoga, as they work together to create harmony within the body and mind.

In my experience, the soul's true essence is revealed when both yin and yang are in balance. This harmony allows for a holistic approach to healing, where we can cultivate strength and flexibility, both physically and emotionally. My yoga retreats in Ibiza and the UK are designed to reflect this balance, drawing from the roots and traditions of authentic practices to guide participants on their own journeys of self-discovery and healing.

Sharing the Healing Journey

My mission is to share the practices that have healed me, enabling others to reach their full potential. I believe that everyone has the capacity for transformation and healing, and it is my joy to guide others on this path. Through my yoga retreats in Ibiza and the Lake District in the UK, I create a safe and nurturing environment where participants can explore their own journeys, connect with their inner selves, and experience the profound benefits of both Yin & Yang styles together.

As we gather in the beautiful landscapes of Ibiza, we immerse ourselves in the practices that have been passed down through generations. Each retreat is an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, share experiences, and support one another on our journeys. The combination of dynamic vinyasa and Kundalini, with the evening restorative practices of yin and sound healing, creates a powerful container for transformation, allowing participants to tap into their inner wisdom and potential.

July 2025 at Ananda Yoga Retreats in Ibiza

Conclusion

The journey from yang into yin has been a transformative experience for me, one that has deepened my understanding of yoga and the healing power it holds. Through the subtle practices of yin and sound healing, I have learned to connect with my subconscious and release emotional blockages, paving the way for a profound Kundalini awakening.

As I continue to explore the balance between yin and yang, I am reminded of the importance of honouring both aspects in our practice. It is through this balance that we can truly experience the fullness of our being and connect with our soul's essence. I invite you to join me on this journey, whether through my yoga retreats in Ibiza or your own personal practice, and discover the transformative power of yoga for yourself. Together, let us embrace the journey of healing, growth, and self-discovery, as we find balance in our lives and awaken to our true potential.

To find out more about our Yoga retreats in Ibiza, please head to the following link