Guru Ram Das Healing Centre

(L) Lunch prepared from organic farm produce. (R) Mangal Jot Kaur owner and operator, Guru Ram Das Healing Centre.

One of my favourite places to re-focus and re-energize is the Guru Ram Das centre in the Commodore hills of Portland. Owned and lovingly operated by Mangal Jot Kaur, the centre experience figures highly on my list of things to do in Portland. Have a peek at my conversation with Mangal Jot to see what you may be missing. 

Prêt-à-Portie: Where are you from originally?

Mangal Jot: I was born in Paris, France. My mum is French and my dad is from Benin, on the West Coast of Africa.  A few weeks short of my 18th birthday, I moved to London where I lived for 17 years until I came to Portland.

Prêt-à-Portie: Why did you choose Portland and what do you love most about living here?

Mangal Jot: Years ago while still living in London, I read a newspaper article about Portland and thought that if I was to go back to Jamaica, I would have to visit Portland.  When I was first thinking of relocating on the island, I gave myself four days holiday in Portland during which I just fell in love, and it was clear this is where I wanted to be. 

There are so many things I love about living here, the fact that we are surrounded by so much natural beauty makes me feel in awe every moment of the day. 
 

Prêt-à-Portie:  What was your inspiration for starting the Guru Ram Das Healing Centre?

Mangal Jot: Ultimately, it has to be my love for the One in all.  And my eternal gratitude for those teachings which have not only changed my life but also saved my life and allowed me to serve others along the way.  I wanted to create a beautiful and peaceful space where people can come to learn to relax, renew, understand, transform, heal and empower themselves.

 

View from Guru Ram Das centre
Prêt-à-Portie: What are some of the services you offer at the centre?

Mangal Jot: Private consultations, healing conversations, counselling for couples and children, conflict resolution & mediation are also offered.  I have a business background and offer Business Strategy Coaching and Mentoring also. Private Yoga Classes are also done by appointment, meditation and deep relaxation for all levels and beginners are always welcome.  You can stay on to share a delicious Ital lunch made with products from the farm. In coming months, we are planning to offer more classes, workshops & retreats geared towards the healing and empowerment of women and their families.

Prêt-à-Portie: What has been your proudest moment/biggest accomplishment at Guru Ram Das Healing Centre? 

Mangal Jot: Looking back, I guess it was keeping up when I could have given up, and with "Keep up, you'll be kept up!" imprinted in my mind, a favourite Kundalini Yoga mantra, this was never an option, and for that I am infinitely grateful. 

Prêt-à-Portie:  How long have you been a yoga teacher and how did you discover yoga?

Mangal Jot: I have been a Kundalini Yoga teacher since 2001, so this year marks my 10-year anniversary. I discovered yoga in 2000 after a challenging time when I lost my job, an illness, another failed relationship and feeling depressed for as long as I could remember. I hoped and prayed for something to take away that feeling of emptiness, pain and aloneness. I took my first class at my local gym in Brixton London and it was love on the spot. I loved the way it made me feel, in my body, my mind and my whole being. I felt different, like that heavy feeling was lifted, relaxed yet energised and I just wanted more of that. I decided to do the teacher training, and the more I learned and practised, the more I felt, "This is great, it works, and I just have to go and share it with the world."

Prêt-à-Portie: What are the benefits of the practice? 

Mangal Jot: The benefits are many and put simply, it helps you self-adjust in every sense of the term, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. But ultimately, there is nothing more true and real than personal experience because it goes straight to your heart and this is where healing and change take place. With an open heart and mind, come and try it for yourself, and you will understand why so many people from all ages and walks of life are making yoga and meditation part of their lives. 

For more information or to make appointments call 876-585-7994. 

Mangal Jot prepares for a Kundalini Yoga session