Testimonials
- Trainings
- Workshops
- CD's
Kim Genkinger
I have been practicing Yoga Nidra for some time and, wanting to know more about it for myself and also for my students, I found the TT with Chitra in Brussels. But I found so much more than that... I found Chitra. And I am so very grateful for that. She is an extraordinary teacher and guide who grounded the group in a warm energy that felt open and safe. She shared the complexities of the practice in a way that was completely accessible and, even better, easy to absorb and then to apply practically. She made things light when she needed to. And her to-the-point feedback was given with the loving intention of having us leave the training the best teachers we can be for our own students. Chitra's knowledge is as deep as the ocean and I have made a commitment to myself to learn as much as I can from her. She shines.
Katia Giammusso
I have attended a Yoga Nidra TT workshop with Chitra Sukhu last weekend. Beyond the graceful presence of her being and the true joy of finding myself in her space, I mostly enjoyed this training because I made an authentic experience of what Yoga Nidra is and feels like. Like Chitra said, we can only teach what comes from our personal experience and after we have embraced it fully. Layer by layer, observing my own drop off the ego, coming to a place of expansion for the inner self, "traveling" the Koshas and surrendering to whom I naturally am, in a safe and sacred space of self growth and truthfulness. This is what I found and felt like thanks to Chitra's teachings. Blessed to have received and now happy to humbly share the amazing practice of Yoga Nidra.
Chiara Chitra
I highly recommend Chitra's trainings. I attended the yoga nidra teacher training and I could enrich and deepen my practice beyond expectations, thanks to her loving and inspiring guidance.
Lucia Vimercati
Taking the Yoga Nidra training with Chitra was a very transformative experience for me. I loved the way she took us through the practice explaining it in deep details, with a lot of philosophical background and also with some humor and how she empowered us to give our own sessions providing feedback and support. She is very knowledgeable and also such a blissful and joyful soul that being in her presence makes you feel happy, loved and healed. The practice of Yoga Nidra during the training and Chitra’s generous teachings have allowed me in this very short time to let go of some self-limiting beliefs and to learn much more about myself. Thank you Chitra, I hope to attend other courses with you soon and to be able to transmit what I learned from you to my students.
Caroline Angelou
I just attended a Yoga Nidra TTC with Chitra and I was really touched by the deep teachings she shared while giving the course. I'm really grateful I've met her.
Blessings
Camille Stehlé
Chitra Sukhu is a wonderful teacher who brings with love and heart deep knowledge, with her humour, shining smile, radiating presence, inspiring words. It is the second year I follow a workshop with Chitra Sukhu, that time with Yoga Nidra. A wonderful three days teaching. Deep gratitude.
Sinziana San
Surrender into joy and feel the bliss! 💫✨💫 Chitra does it and shows you how simple it can be, she makes you laugh and wonder, she cuts right through the blurry unnecessary stuff and encourages you to trust and enjoy life. A course with her leaves you in awe, but grounded and trusting. Thank you for sharing your gift 🙏🏼
Irene Ibba
I've just attended Yoga Nidra training in Brussels with Chitra Sukhu. She is one of the best teachers I've met so far in my yogic path. Her teaching is so inspiring and fluid. She taught us to teach from our heart, that's what she does.
Madeleine Skogstad
Thank you Chitra, for spreading your wisdom around the world, you are such an inspiration.
I attended a three day course in Yoga Nidra, I would highly recommend anyone to sign up for a class or a course with Chitra.
It is pure joy, light and wisdom.
Nisa Dada
I did a 3 days yoga nidra course with her in Conscious Life Center, Stockholm. She is a teacher that doesn't only know the path but experienced the path. This makes her teachings very grounded and direct. I would highly recommend any of her courses for someone that wants to learn about deeper aspects of yoga. Thank you.
Anette Follinger
3 days with Chitra and Yoga Nidra teacher course was amazing. I’m so grateful. Chitra is a person you want to be around and listen and learn from her great knowledge. She spread so much joy. She is so natural and obvious when she talk and answer the question.
I really want to recommend Chitra to everyone. We would have a better world if people learn from her.
Thank you Chitra from the deepest of my heart ❤️ 🙏
Miryam Gomez
The Yoga Nidra course I attended with Chitra in May 2019 was beyond all expectations. Chitra is an authentic and profound spiritual teacher with a warm loving personality. She delivers her classes with clarity and simplicity encouraging you to ask questions and go deep in your learning. I truly enjoyed every moment of her classes. Thank you, thank you Chitra!. Meeting you, receiving your teachings and energy was a wonderful experience. Om Shanti!
Silke Dökel
I had the blessing to study with Chitra in November 2018. She taught us about Yoga Nidra in a very joyful loving way and made this deep knowledge accessible for us. This course was beyond everything I could ever expect. I had no idea that we would dive in these deep layers of our being. Wonderful! I love it and I can‘t get enough of it ;) Chitra is a such graceful radiant teacher, so sensitive, caring and loving, bringing light and joy to everyone in her surrounding. The treasurable knowledge and wisdom she brings to us is unpayable. Thank you Chitra, for your being and your enriching service to humanity. Om Shantih, Sita 🙏🕉🙏💞
Mindfulness Yoga
I have taken Chitra Sukhu Yoga Nidra and it has created a much needed change in me. I incorporate her teachings into my Yoga Nidra practice. I am grateful and honored I was a student of Chitra. Take her class and you to will reap the benefits of Yoga Nidra and her warm personality. Om Shanthi 🧡✝️🕉🙏
Michael Ionesco
I had the pleasure of attending a 4-day Yoga Nidra course with Chitra recently in Florida. I loved it! In fact, I gave my first Yoga Nidra event recently, a few days after the course, and it went very well. I felt very well prepared and confident to give it, as I had been very well taught :) Chitra is a wonderful teacher and human being. She delivered deep content in a very accessible way for us all. I learned a lot with her and was impressed and inspired by her poise, wisdom, lightheartedness and graceful demeanor. If you have a chance and the desire to study with her, do it! I'm very confident you'll feel deeply enriched by the experience and will have learned a lot. Om Shanti

Erica Eva Powaful Freckleton
I had the pleasure of studying Yoga Nidra with Chitra Sukhu and I enjoyed every moment of her class. Her teaching style is straight forward, and thorough. She is a warm and caring person and a knowledgeable teacher. She encouraged us to ask questions and probe deeper into any areas we were unclear on or inquisitive about. I left her class feeling excited about Yoga Nidra and inquisitive to know more. I hope this helps someone.

Liana Davletberdina
I had an honour to have a yoga nidra course with Chitra last year. There are no words to express how happy I am with the course: her divine voice, wise and inspiring teaching, the charming and awakening smile, the special energy... When I met Chitra first time at the hotel's lobby I felt that I knew her for ages, she is such a warm and friendly, deep and amazing person. I did not expect to get so much from this course, it was not only about yoga nidra, but it was the Essence of Vedanta, that she gave us such an easy to understand way using a lot of humour and joy! Thanks a lot, Chitraji, I am so happy and blessed to meet you in this life!
Dave De Graeve- Yoga Studio Owner
For my 1st spiritual trip to India I wanted to be sure to be in good hands to avoid disillusion.
Chitra is an excellent host who knows a lot about India’s hidden treasures. Thanks to her years of traveling experience she knows all the right places to visit and to stay.
Besides being a great host, she’s also a very inspiring travel companion with a lot of (spiritual) wisdom to share during the long travel times.
I can highly recommend her services and next time I’m back in India, I’ll rely again on Chitra.

Pamela Reiss-Depth Psychologist
I have travelled to a lot of corners of the world but never to India; not because of lack of interest. That interest was more deeply awoken when I met Chitra in Ojai, our daughters were at the same High School. Our friendship grew over regular lovely chats at a local coffee shop. We were both getting prepared to launch into our empty nester ‘reimagining of self’ season of our beautiful lives.
Rev. Jess Herriott, M.A.-Professor and Spirituality Teacher
I don’t have the words to describe my experience with Chitra-bc I’m still working on trying to put to words the impact she’s had on my life and ministry already, in just the short time the Spirit told me to find her. What I can say is her energy will transform you. Chitra doesn’t force or coerce or try to market her way into anyone’s life. When you are ready you will find her—and sitting in her presence you can feel the presence of someone real-who has lived, loved, & who is grounded in the space that we call timelessness. She deserves the title of Teacher & Guru, & I am lucky to have been blessed by her wisdom. Take any class she offers while she is accessible—there may come a time where her gift blesses so many people that she may not be as easily accessible. She is a rare gift to the world.
Jai Singh-Holistic Center Owner
I recently took a yoga nidra teacher training lead by Chitra Sukhu. It was absolutely wonderful and very special. Chitra is a sacred woman who transmits her teachings in a lovely way. I really enjoyed learning from her. She is powerful teacher that offers so much.
Hillary Rose-Graphic Designer
I recently attended a ten hour workshop in Atlanta with Chitra. I knew the verrrry basics of Ayurveda at the time and walked away floating on clouds with everything we learned! Chitra has lived the lifestyle and philosophy for her entire life and I think our entire group was very lucky to spend the weekend learning both practical uses and beautiful philosophy from her!
Marijke Bornauw- Interior Designer
I met Chitra in a workshop in Brussels to find buddhi, my Guru within. It gave me a confirmation and a clear map, where to find my inner Guru. And once again, you can't espect to hear your inner genius or higher self without opening the door, without taking time to listen. Chitra Sukhu is an inspiring woman; you can feel that she walks her words.
Anna Henne-Yoga Teacher
A great, authentic and fun spiritual teacher! I fully recommend.
Catherine Lenoir
I am so glad I followed Chitra’s two day workshop on tantra: techniques for transformation and liberation. Her spiritual wisdom is amazingly enlightening and she is a remarkable teacher.
Linda Bambi
Yoga/Reiki Practitioner
I have taken Chitra Sukhu Yoga Nidra and it has created a much needed change in me. I incorporate her teachings into my Yoga Nidra practice. I am grateful and honored I was a student of Chitra. Take her class and you to will reap the benefits of Yoga Nidra and her warm personality. Om Shanthi
Sandeepan Sharma-Mechanical Engineer
Had a pleasant and peaceful meditation experience 😇 in the Yoga Seminar held at Bochum. Learnt so many different ways to generate more positivity in life. Felt great to meet and learn so much from Chitra Ji, thank you so much, Om Shanti
Manuela Sprenger
Ayurvedic Practitioner
Chitras shared knowledge is a blessing for everyones path of life... Thank you.

Workshops
Bieke Heene -
I followed Chitra's workshop on Tantra and Law of Attraction in Brussels. She blew my mind. It spoke straight to my heart. I learned so much and thanks to Chitra I also could dive deeper into the L of A. Her approach is very hands on and accessible. I learned some very practical tools that I can now practice on a daily basis. I feel very grateful and hope to follow more workshops with her in the future.
Anne Bomans -
I had the wonderful opportunity to follow my second workshop with Chitra this weekend and it brought me exactly what I needed. She can give a loving (but firm and clear) push in the right direction, with the most beautiful smile. You can't do anything but love her and go for what you need to go... Thank you so much, Chitra!
Love
Laetitia Lorang -
It was a blessing to meet Chitra, her lecture are inspiring, she is spreading beautiful and loving energy, I had some deep revelation thanks to her.
I hope to see you again in this path. Om shantih 🙏🙏☺️
Eva von Schalscha -
I met Chitra at Yogi Hari's Nada Yoga Retreat and I was absolutely impressed by her clear, focused, loving and humorous kind of teaching. She has a beautiful way to bring her profound, deep knowledge to people in a lively, touching, bright and open style. Chitra is a wonderful person who touched me deeply in the spiritual, mental and personal level and I find listening to her an awesome benefit to my life and my spiritual development. She not only teaches wonderfully but interacts with her students in a very on-the-point way. She shows you how to bring the spiritual path and practics into your life without the need to totally withdraw from normal life or society but with integrating it. I am thrilled to see her again at the next seminar!
Manuela Sprenger -
Chitras shared knowledge is a blessing for everyones path of life... Thank you.
Thomas Hirsch - AyurvedaDetmold -
Very authentic and most inspiring teacher I ever met.
Dave Yogaaccount De Graeve -
Chitra has great knowledge and brings it in a very simple and understandable way. She uses humour and a down to earth approach to bring our spiritual evolution to next level. A true yogi that will inspire you every minute during her workshops and TTCs.
Catherine Lenoir -
I am so glad I followed Chitra’s two day workshop on tantra: techniques for transformation and liberation. Her spiritual wisdom is amazingly enlightening and she is a remarkable teacher.
Marijke Bornauw -
I met Chitra in a workshop in Brussels to find buddhi, my Guru within. It gave me a confirmation and a clear map, where to find my inner Guru. And once again, you can't espect to hear your inner genius or higher self without opening the door, without taking time to listen. Chitra Sukhu is an inspiring woman; you can feel that she walks her words.
Susanne Jäckl -
I had a very inspiring workshop in Bochum with Chitra,about meditation and law of attraction.It was great,how she dealed with the group and I got so much energy...I am still fulfilled und inspired for my own Yoga teaching.Thank you so much🙏❤️
CD
Chakra: Guided Meditations to Unleash your full Potential
Candace
Homepage: themoonmademedoit.com
I have been dabbling and working with chakra's for years and i would give up. not able to complete them all at any one time. or feel anything. last nite i had a mind blowing experience and i just had to share. I cannot wait to work with the chakra's again. Thank you so much for your priceless!!! meditations!!!!
"Dragonfly goddess" (NJ USA) Definitely one of my tops,
First, I am a massage therapist, Reiki Master and Intuitive who spends a bit of time meditating and developing my psychic senses. I mention this because I have listened to (and own) many, many cds -from New Age music, to trance, to meditation, etc. This, by far, along with a few precious other (guess I'll have to make a listmania!) is one of my favorites. Her voice, the music and the way one chakra meditation flows into the next is just perfect. When I am having a more stressed out day than I'd like, this is the cd I pick to get me back in balance...it really, really works and, unfortunately, I can't say that about many other products claiming the same.
Sometimes, guided meditations can be annoying...especially when the speaker tells you to take deep breaths, etc. and then doesn't give you enough time to follow through before he/she starts talking again and moving on to other directives. You will not find this here. Voice is beautiful and soothing. She knows her stuff, but yet she offers her guidance in a beautiful, subtle way, almost as if she's gently feeding you the information via her voice and music, and not in a pushy, "I know more than you about this" kind of way.
There are, unfortunately Reiki and Meditation and Yogi (etc!) "snobs" who have an air of self-importance about them. They certainly don't exemplify what these practices are supposed to be about. This woman has been practicing since she was a child and perhaps that is why she exudes such an air of effortlessness and unpretentiousness. I can really feel that she makes these cds in her earnestness to share with others the great gifts that she was lucky enough to be exposed to since a child. Obviously, she is able to make money at it to, but she should-this is part of her life's path. Her gift far outweighs the purchase price, I truly believe!
Another reviewer mentions she wishes that music were more different for each chakra. I don't wish that at all!-there are subtle differences which you can notice, but not to the extreme. If you are going through each chakra meditation you should not be jarred out of your progressively relaxed and inner awareness by music that keeps changing too much-I believe that would be too harsh. There are different tones and sounds (as well as colors) that are associated with each chakra-the tones change in each of the chakra meditations to coordinate the appropriate tone to the concentrated chakra. She also chants the tones in the appropriate sound, but it is again not harsh or jarring, but in a very soothing way so that it melts into the music. If you do it along with her you will feel the vibrations in your body-this is a wonderful affirmation that your work is really doing something wonderful for your body mind and spirit.
I am here online today to purchase other cds from this beautiful and talented woman! My hats off to her!
Gani (USA) If you've only one chakra CD this should be it!!!,
Chitra's voice guides you beautifully within to each chakra. She is able to explain within the guided meditation key points about the chakras which allows for you to learn in a way that is not preachy. By the end of each meditation I was very clear on what each chakra represented and understood how to use it in my life. The visualizations were colorful and creative, I also enjoyed the way she used the sounds of each chakra to tune into and balance the chakras. I have now bought this CD for a few of my friends and Highly recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about how to use the chakras in this unique way... Unleashing your full potential!
Demattei (FL USA) This CD walks you through the process of concentrating and picturing the Chakras and their location. Then she takes you to places thru meditation, and she guides you all the way. She is great, and she has a very soft voice that helps you concentrate and to follow her guidance. I recommend this if you are in the process of opening your chrakras for the first time it's a great cd to own.
Guided Meditations for Manifesting
"Gani" I was really impressed with this CD. I am now creating my life consciously!,
I have been reading a lot about "the secret" or law of attraction. This CD helped me to put it into play. Chitra's descriptive soothing voice led me to the place inside where I was able to clearly see my path. Thank you a job well done.
AquariusMusicCom (Los Angeles) It just blew me away...,
The voice in combination with the wording opened my consciousness in a way I never experienced before in 20 years of trying to achieve the state of meditation. Would recommend this to anyone who has an open heart. Thank you for putting together this outstanding experience. It definitely helps you to dissolve any blockages you might have to manifesting your ideal life. This is the LAW OF ATTRACTION put into practice.
Guided Meditations for the Soul
Rhonda Lageyre
( Tamarindo, Costa Rica )
Homepage: www.thebreezetamarindo.com
I have been meditating for the last couple years, and though I love my practice, I do find it so hard to clear my mind. I am therefore delighted to have come across Chitra's "Guided Meditation For The Soul" CD. It is focusing me, is beautiful to listen to, and though I am just starting to work with it, I know it will be a much cherished CD of mine for years to come. Chitra has such a touch with her words, tone and message, which all combined create a joyful/extremely peaceful and relaxing guided meditation to look forward to each morning. Thank you Chitra!
Konrad Westendorf
( Edmonton,Alberta,Canada )
Homepage: ve6kow.spaces.live.com
You are the first and only person that I know who plays with her mind,as I learnd to do during my lonely childhood. We are masters of our dreams,and consequently don't hear voices but have
instead thought dreams.
Guided Meditations for Children - Journey into the Elements
Helene Gatling, Kindergarten teacher, Escuela de Montessori
I'm a kindergarten teacher, and when students come into class after lunch they're pretty high with energy. This wonderful meditation CD is every teacher's prayer. It's on the student's level and it calmed them immediately and put them in a serene state. The soft voice and melodious music took the students to many lands. Guided Meditation for Children is a superb and productive investment for teachers and parents for children of all ages.
Betsy Horowitz, Art Producer, Los Angeles
When I first read about guided meditation for kids, I thought this was a fascinating idea. And when I heard the CD, it lived up to my expectations. It is magical, creative, inspirational, full of wisdom and colors...the voices are soothing to the soul and bring me immediately to that place inside myself where love already resides. I thought I was buying it for my niece. However, I was unable to let go of it. I fall asleep to it nightly and bring the mermaids and nomes into my dreams.
Ann Moore, Housewife and mother
When I purchased this CD, I didn't know what to expect. I have a 7 year old hyperactive child who can't stay focused. I thought I would give this CD a shot, I tried everything else. I want you to know he loves the wise Gnome in the forest, the guardian angel and Surya King of the Sun. He requests this CD often before bedtime and I have noticed that he is calmer, and more rested in the mornings, thank you for thinking of our children.
R. Baker, Investment Banker
"These tapes give our youth leadership principles usually never learned in life, How to Use and Obtain Peace of Mind!"
God bless and Thank you!
Mary, 4 yrs old
I like the ocean and the mermaids, they make me feel pretty, and it makes me fall asleep with nice dreams.
Tiaka, 30 yrs old
As a nervous flyer that travels frequently. I found that the CD is helpful in taking me to another place beside the airplane. I looped the CD to give me constant peace throughout my travels.
Deepak Chopra
This is a beautiful meditation CD which will help children experience restful alertness and enhance their energy and creativity.
Dennis Deja, New Leaf Distributor
"Chitra's meditations are powerful stuff. She is THE dynamic new voice! A must listen!"
Julia and my daughter Leona
I am very, very, pleased with your CD --my daughter who is six years old loves the dolphin meditation. I think it is marvelous and this kind of CD for children is well overdue. It would be good if the schools played it to the children in class.
>Love, light and many blessings to you and your family.
Elevated Mind
How refreshing!! With all of the stories of all the negative things going on in our world, (and believe me, I'm infuriated by it!) it's good to know that we can give our children tools to cope with it, and the hope that they can create the kind of world that they envision. We need more resources like this.
Lori & Chris Bain -- Design Engineer & Student
( Milford, CT )
Chris & I have been listening to the guided meditation for children non-stop since we got home, Saturday night. Just in these 2 days we are noticing a difference; we both feel very positive, calm & focused. We both have such long days, and this has become a wonderful tool, allowing us to ease through the days. Going through these adventures brings us back to the child inside, and helps us get a positive perspective on life. If only everyone, not just kids,listen to your cd's, what a peaceful world we would live in. Your messages are
so important for us to remember, and our future generations to learn.
Thank you for bringing such beautiful words and music into the world.
Lily Goldner, 8 yrs old
“This CD made me feel very calm and relaxed. Meditation is good for kids so they don’t get too excited about everything. Maybe if they’ve had a rough day, it helps them calm down. At the end of every meditation someone like the King of the Gnomes or the King of the Sun tells you something important, like the environment is part of the world and part of you, so if you hurt the environment you’re hurting yourself. It made me feel SO relaxed.”
Katherine
I love the kids CD's. The sounds and words are so comforting.
Keep making them!!!
J.L. Streett "RVGypsies" (Changes every week, United States)
My kids favorite!,
I have a few different relaxation CD's for bedtime and THIS is the one my boys ask for. Both my 4 year old and 7 year old love it and I love to listen to it while I'm cuddling with them. It's a good length for each meditation with beautiful relaxing music in between each story. Of all the bedtime CD's this is the best I've found. The whole family enjoys listening to it for bedtime for the stories, music and relaxation excercises. It's great! If you want to buy only one CD for bed time, I'd recommend this one.
Excellent,
Froodychick (East Coast USA)Excellent CD for children. My son was having trouble falling asleep, we used this CD and he is sleepng well.
"Cyber Gypsy" Perfect,
Beautiful music, lovely voice, child-friendly and uplifting for both children AND adults. I gave this to my son who is 7 and he put it on his walkman when he went to bed. Half way through he came running out exclaiming; "It's gorrrrrgeous!!! I love it!!!" We also play it in the car and on the way to school and home. I'm a fan of Waldorf philosophy and the gnome and the elements went down great with us.
"emom" Made all the difference in the world!,
My 7 year old son was suffering from insomnia. I turned to this self guided meditation but in all truth I didn't hold a lot of hope that it would work for him. It did. This CD is fantastic. My son finds it very calming and it helps him to fall asleep. We used it every night for a month or so and now we use it on occasion if he is having a difficult time falling asleep. It works like a charm. I highly reccommend.
"Waterlily" Excellent, compassionate guided meditations for children,
This cd is great! Chitra Sukhu is a kind and compassionate voice for children, especially those with sleep anxiety. I highly recommend this cd.
"Jennifer J Gentry" Welcome new part of our daily routine,
I have kids ages 6, 4, and 2. I have been doing yoga with the older two, but this is great for everybody. It is so relaxing and a really wonderful way to start the day for all of us.
"JCS" wonderful, This is a great cd for bedtime and quiet time. The narrator has a soothing voice and a nice slow rhythm. Very positive experience.
Visions of Sugarplums
Kat "Roadrunner" (Texas) Just what I was looking for...
I bought this cd to help my grandchildren fall asleep peacefully and also learn the art of meditation. We have learned peaceful breathing. The first day the cd arrived we played it and within 12 minutes they were sleeping. At first we thought they were just sleepy. However, we loaned it out to a friend and her son fell asleep promptly, also. I even use it on those stressful nights when I have trouble falling asleep.
M.M. Bahr
This CD has excellent soft music and a soft soothing voice that has helped my 8 month old stay asleep longer. Not only is an aid to his sleep but it has excellent messages for his subconscious (affirmations). I highly recommend this CD if you are looking for a sleeping aid for your children.
My children love this CD, By N.C.
While I haven't fully listend to the CD myself, my two children (ages 8 and 6) really enjoy it and fall asleep within minutes 10-15 minutes without fail. It seems to really help focus them and take their minds of their worries/thoughts so that they are able to fall asleep and feel well rested for school the next day. I would recommend this to a friend.
Chitra
Dear Chitra,
Thank you so much, I very much appreciated your workshop and help!
Wishing you all the energy you need for your coming seminars.
With my repeated thanks and love
Ursula
L. Mahros
Thank you for the very lovely course with you. It helps me to think about my way. I hope to meet you again soon, because I am on the first steps on my way to heaven and I wish to learn from a good teacher like you, who understand. Hope to meet my Buddhi and you as soon as possible! In love Layla
Pamela Barbara
I am a Depth Psychologist, having received my MA from Pacifica Graduate Institute in Southern California. We approach psychology/counseling through studies of mythology, history, religion, archetypes, image, art and anthropology as well psychology. I have travelled to a lot of corners of the world but never to India; not because of lack of interest. That interest was more deeply awoken when I met Chitra in Ojai, our daughters were at the same High School. Our friendship grew over regular lovely chats at a local coffee shop. We were both getting prepared to launch into our empty nester ‘reimagining of self’ season of our beautiful lives.
I followed her photos and writings this past year in India and was so inspired by her travels and ponderings there. I had some personal challenges in 2018. Often when healing past losses from a Depth Psychological approach I have taken a pilgrimage of sorts to ancients cultures where I find their mystical magical temples and palaces, their cultures and philosophies transform my losses into a reawakening of spirit, a rebirth of my soul. I wrote my graduate thesis on this.
I awoke one morning inn February from a dream and knew the essence of it was telling me it was time to go to India and travel with Chitra.
It was all I hoped for. I trusted her and was able to release a lot of left brain travel arrangement needs to her so I could focus on being present and absorbing the new AND old air, so to speak. From the moment I arrived I felt so relaxed and inspired. The little girl in me emerged and much laughing as well as healing was done. I was inspired by what I saw and learned. I was able to discuss, explore, laugh and be silent with Chitra as needed. The tour was well planned out and while final choices remained with me I would not have wanted to organized it myself and would not have had the level of experiences with the sites as well as the culture that I did. I felt completely confident in Chitra and was able to allow the journey to unfold without effort, processing joy and challenges that presented themselves with ease. The last 20 years of my life I prefer to travel in this manner.
It is a gift to have a journey mate who knows the journey already as well as so much about living from a centered loving place based on ancient teachings as Chitra does. It was so easy to drop into my gut, my soul, my unconscious, my imagination and keep out of my head when I wanted to. The amazing visuals, the smells, the sounds, the history, the philosophy, the music and festivals we encountered all gave me such a rich and soulful experience and many personal insights along the way.
I am blessed with many wonderful friends. Chitra is certainly one of the most steady and clear of character. We even shared a room which I can’t do with just anyone and not once did I feel unease. It was easy and fun. Much giggling was done. Chitra’s energy is relaxing and grounding to be around. I would not hesitate to recommend her for your travel or study desires in the least. I feel blessed that our paths crossed in Ojai years ago, and for this journey I just returned from. Two glorious weeks that although is finished now still resonates throughout my being. I am still seeing the sights in my waking and dreaming hours and processing this literally other world that I saw and felt. Much peace was found even from the daily challenges that inevitable arise. Thanks Chitra, may our friendship continue to grow as successfully as your work.
Maybe Northeast India next time? Or the South?
Namaste Pamela
Shruti Amin
I've known Chitra for many years as a friend, teacher, mentor and as someone I consider my soul sister. From the moment we met, it was as if we were destined to inspire each other and were definitely spiritually connected. I played her CDs for both my children, and they became part of our nightly routine. My kids absolutely loved the music and soft calming nature of her voice. They would ask for the CDs themselves. Over the years, I've been inspired by her in so many ways. She's a fantastic teacher of yoga and meditation who will go on to inspire many others on her epic spiritual journey.
Publication Reviews
ELEMENTARY ELEMENTS: Meditation specialist Chitra Sukhu produces children's CD.
by Kenya Yarbrough
Chitra Sukhu (Jul. 12, 2002) *Chitra Sukhu is introducing a new type of bedtime story for kids. Born in South America and raised in the US, the Indian actress initially planned to pursue an acting career, but now considers that her past life. Instead she's found her higher purpose - working with children and creating a new generation of well balanced healthy and creative individuals with a sense of self. Sukhu produced a CD called "Guided Meditation For Children: Journey Into the Elements" and is committed to helping children create the world they want.
"It's part of my life, this meditation, so it comes to me naturally," Sukhu says of her authority on the art of meditating. She adds that she began teaching the art to her own two children who found comfort, imagination, and joy in the exercise, so she decided to market it to others.
"It's a guided meditation CD for children and it consists of five meditations that correspond to the five elements - earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Each meditation takes you into each element, at the same time taking you deeper within," she describes.
Furthermore, Sukhu says that the CD creates a time for children to be creative and build focus and concentration at the same time.
"It helps with nightmares and hyperactivity," she adds. "That's very important now because of our schools diagnosing so many of our children with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorders). We don't have anything for our children to learn to relax, so this helps with that."
Sukhu also says that another inspiration for the project was children's reactions to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
"That made me want to do this right away," she says. "There were so many things out there for adults. I know children were having nightmares, and I think adults didn't know how to explain to children what was happening. With meditation, my children, who have been doing it since they were about three or four, were able to deal with it."
The basis of meditation for children, Sukhu explains, is not to try to "clear" their minds, or make them necessarily "settle down." In fact, Sukhu believes that being active is part of being a child and the meditation techniques aren't to stifle their activity. She suggests children use the CD just before they go to sleep.
"For the younger child it could be before nap time, but usually it's before bedtime, like a bedtime story. They can just listen to the words and go on a journey," says Sukhu. "It's like a fairy tale. It's something they can relate to."
The CD features Sukhu and a monologues of stories connected to the elements targeted at children ages four to 12. Each element has a story and its own guide, such as a gnome or mermaid, which introduces the child to their world through detailed visualization techniques. Then, after each journey, the CD has three or four minutes of instrumentation that allow the listener to imagine and create their own images and journeys in their mind. Then each story ends with a message, delivered by Mario Van Peebles, Sukhu's love interest, about the taking care of the world.
"Children will be our future leaders and I feel that this is the place to start," Sukhu says. "I think if children can learn meditation at a young age they can create the most amazing world. I think everything starts with a thought. If they're able to imagine what they want their world to be like or what they'd like to be when they grow up, they can accomplish anything. So, meditation is such an important tool in creating their world."
Guided Meditation for Children
Music Design review
By introducing a child to meditation at a young age, a parent is equipping them with important skills for developing focus and learning how to be calm. This set of inner journeys from yoga and meditation practitioner Chitra Sukhu offers an entertaining excursion into the mind for children ages 4-12. Five meditations are present, each themed after one of the five elements of our world: earth, air, water, fire and ether. To help listeners immerse themselves in these meditations, Sukhu tells whimsical stories of mermaids and friendly gnomes that impart knowledge and serenity onto their young visitors. Comforting instrumentation consisting of acoustic guitar and woodwinds underlies the recording, further enhancing the relaxing nature of the program.
Visions of Sugarplums
Music Design review
With all the guided meditation albums on the market for adults, it's refreshing to hear a program crafted with children in mind. Visions of Sugarplums features a series of guided journeys designed to help children fall asleep feeling comforted and relaxed. Narrated with the soft, captivating voice of Chitra Sukhu, the program gives children the opportunity to depart to such fantastical places as the "Forest of Dreams" and "The Lake of Enchantment" and meet mythical creatures like fairies and unicorns. In the process, young listeners will gently drift off into a rejuvenating slumber. Sukhu's voice is backed by lullaby-esque acoustic instrumentation performed on flute and guitar.
Positive Thoughts for Children
Music Design review
Just like adults, children can benefit greatly by embracing the power of positive thinking. Having an optimistic outlook can help them set goals, approach tasks with a confident, "can-do" attitude and develop into grounded, centered individuals who appreciate their many blessings in life. This program, from meditation expert Chitra Sukhu, features a total of 56 affirmations set to soothing, Asian-inspired music (tanpura/flute). The first track is done in a call and response style, here Sukhu utters the affirmations and 8-year old Makaylo Van Peebles repeats it. The second features recitation from Sukhu only and the third is an instrumental music track for the listener to form their own meditation. An example of an affirmation is "I love to learn. Every lesson I learn brings me closer to perfection."
Chakra - Guided Meditations to Unleash your Full Potential
Music Design review
An enormous amount of growth, healing and life enrichment potential lies in a person's energy system. On this program, meditation expert Chitra Sukhu offers listeners a guided tour through the chakras, and in the process helps them embrace their inner power. The meditations presented are overflowing with lush imagery, which is made even more transfixing by the calm, fluid voice of Sukhu, An example is "Vishuddha," a journey into the fifth chakra, which encourages one to imagine themselves floating on their breath like a feather blowing in the wind. Backing Sukhu is tranquil music performed on guitar, cello and keyboards.
Vedic Lullabies
Music Design Review
Devotional slokas and mantras from the ancient Vedas are transformative tools for developing a sense of inner balance and tranquility. The recitation of these verses helps one still the mind and experience uplifting bliss. On this program from Chitra Sukhu, listeners are granted a loving session of chant for use with yoga, meditation, healing arts and, as the name implies, helping one calm the mind before sleep. Sukhu's voice is velvety and mellow with a hint of sweetness, helping to create a relaxing, hypnotic atmosphere conducive to sleep and mindfulness activities. Her singing is backed by light, serene arrangements consisting of twirls of bansuri flute, sitar drones, tanpura, bells and subtle percussion to create ambience. The music also is effective for calming children and promoting an environment of gentleness and joy.
Vedanta Saraswati Guided Meditation for Children
Review by Vedanta Saraswati
This CD takes children on five different journeys with each of the elements earth, water, fire, air and ether. Each track begins with awareness of and connection to the breath, this is followed by a guided imagery to evoke the mood of the element and the children are then left with space to explore their visualization. All tracks finish with a "life enhancing message" read by Mario Van Peebles, which further connects the children to the element and gives them an environmentally friendly thought to contemplate. Each track is accompanied by music and could be used individually, taking one element at a time. or a journey through all five.
The CD is well presented with a cover that would attract children, an inspiring picture of Chitra and her children and a summary of the content of the CD. There is a text of each track, which could be read out to children if a CD player was not available, and a short explanation of meditation, its benefits and a note to parents about the practice.
Chitra has a good voice for teaching meditation. The language used is mostly positive and the journeys given during the guided imagery are excellent, caring and very appealing to children.
Teaching meditation to children requires a great deal of sensitivity and experience on behalf of the teacher. Chitra has these qualities and guides the children through meditations safely. It would be essential that the parent or caregiver is present throughout the practice and has personal experience of meditation themselves to be able to be "available" for their children to discuss the experience of meditation.
Daily OM Review May 20, 2009
Journey Into the Elements
Chitra Sukhu started practicing yoga at the age of three (her parents are both active teachers), and her practice has shaped her every step, leading her to become a guiding light in the field of meditation instruction. She's created over a dozen meditation CDs, many of them—including this one—aimed at children (though they are certainly suitable for all ages). Each of these five meditations explores a specific element and follows a similar arc: Sukhu gets us warmed up and relaxed via breathing and simple visualization exercises and then takes us deeply on a journey into the elemental kingdoms to meet mermaids, fairies, and kings.
Throughout the meditations, there is soft and gentle music—flutes, acoustic guitars, pianos, and a quietly struck tambourine—that helps keep things focused during Sukhu's frequent pauses (so our minds can create the visualizations). At the end of each meditation, no less a figure than Mario Van Peebles shows up to play the wisdom-dispensing king of each elemental kingdom, his masculine voice contrasting with the friendly hypnotic sweetness of Sukhu's voice. Playing a merman king in "Water," Peebles observes over gentle guitars and flutes that polluting the ocean is the same as polluting ourselves (and therefore vice versa): "So take care of the ocean / Take care of your ocean!" In "Fire," Sukhu takes you inside the sun where "Everything around you is golden, with golden fruit to take from the golden branches." As the king of the sun, Peebles invites you take a ride on his golden chariot as he dispenses wisdom about the fire that is "all around you."
There's nothing here from stopping you or perhaps your child or children from falling into a deep, restful dream state; meditation state; or just halfway between. This is great stuff to plant in a child's inner mind, to grow and take root, to create a place of silent contemplation within themselves: "Silence is good / Silence is peace," Sukhu notes. What better gift for a frazzled parent than a CD that teaches your children (whether inner or outer) the joy of remaining quiet and calm within themselves? Peebles and Sukhu are always waiting, in the CD player and now in your heart, to take you to places beyond the tawdry lands of anxiety and self-doubt and to deliver you to the elemental kingdoms that are so far out they're right there within us.
Daily OM Review - Chakra - Guided Meditation to Unleash your Full Potential
Born into a yogic family in Guyana, Chitra Sukhu was raised in the States and has been practicing yoga since the age of three. Since then she’s traveled, studied, and made bringing yoga and meditation to children her life’s work, teaching and creating beautiful CDs like Chakra Guided Meditations. Speaking softly in an echo-laden voice over flutes and mellow acoustic guitar melodics, Sukhu guides listeners toward releasing their blocked energies via visualizations of the seven chakras. Her softly spoken words may seem at times to dissolve in the mist of sound, but rest assured you are hearing everything she says. You just relax and let your unconscious mind and Chitra Sukhu take care of things.
With a track devoted to each chakra, Sukhu uses the mellow tempo and warm timbre of the ever-present guitar to keep a constant, even, and bio-sympathetic rhythm, rocking you into a sense of nurtured comfort. She also chants, as in the third chakra track, “Manipura.” Singing along is not necessary but certainly recommended for your practice. What’s unusual about her chanting style is the way she integrates the melodic four-chord structure of the guitar melody, inviting us to dissolve the difference between singing and chanting. She also incorporates visualization, as in “Anahata”: “Imagine yourself in a field of sunflowers. It’s a beautiful clear day. No clouds—only sunflowers as far as the eye can see. Feel the sun, as it penetrates your body.” For chakra six, “Ajna,” Sukhu presents a system for approaching life’s difficulties: “Detach yourself from the problem and the solution will find you. From this perspective, you can see the answer. You can feel it in your heart.”
This may not be the disc for the seasoned practitioner, but for children or people new to the world of the chakras, this is an ideal beginner’s session. The hypnotically repeating guitar and the elusive nature of Sukhu’s voice as it stays comfortably cloaked in the background make falling into a deep alpha-wave trance all but unavoidable. She’s not out to dazzle with her virtuoso brilliance but to comfort, heal, and guide toward affecting positive change. And her Chakra Guided Meditations succeed admirably, humbly, and with grace to spare.
Wildmind Buddhist
Wildmind Buddhist Meditation Newsletter
CD Review
Guided Meditations for Children: Journey into the Elements
There are far too few resources for teaching children to meditate, and for that reason Chitra Sukhu's CD is to be welcomed. In essence, "Journey into the Elements" is an exercise in imaginative storytelling, and therefore not at all alien or unusual (in other words, parents needn't be worried about what kind of "meditation" their children are doing) and in addition the guided journeys are accompanied by natural sound effects and very pleasant music, which is not at all childlike.
Sukhu guides us through various realms in which we are guided by the King of the Gnomes, a mermaid, the Sun King, and other characters. In each case the guide leads us (or the child) into the magical realm, and simply leaves us with an opportunity to simply enjoy the music and to use our imaginations. At the end of each meditation, the actor and director Mario van Peebles (who is Sukhu's partner) gives us an ecological message of interconnectedness.
New Age Kids Announces CD Release of Guided Meditation for Children- Journey into the Universe – An alternative to Ritalin
Video games, primetime television shows, and sugary soda are just some of the daily distractions children face from staying calm and centered. Children today are bombarded with marketing messages, internet and text message based chat, and toys that are often geared at mindless fun. All the above leads children into a state of stress and anxiety, leading to numerous problems ranging from issues with discipline to attention deficit disorder. One parent working to remedy the problems of the modern adolescent is meditation specialist Chitra Sukhu with her new mediation for children CD.
Guided Meditation for Children- Journey into the Universe has recently been released to critical acclaim. The CD is the follow up to the best-selling Guided Meditation for Children- Journey into the Elements. Created and produced by Chitra Sukhu, the new CD offers children a much needed way to center themselves, and find inner peace while getting in touch with the various dimensions of the universe which essentially are dimensions of themselves.
“Children are inherently active, this CD does not try to stop them from being active, rather it tries to focuses their creative energies on making their life their own, living from their true self. This CD is the perfect way to help a child relax before bed, or before nap time, while being constructive with their mind.” Explains Chitra Sukhu in regards to her ultra soothing new children’s meditation CD.
Sukhu’s journey into creating a meditation CD for children is as fascinating as the CD itself. After 9/11 Chitra Sukhu searched for a meditation CD for her children to help them from having nightmares. When the search turned in less than 1 result, it was evident that this market was not only underserved, but at the time nonexistent. Chitra Sukhu took the initiative to create soothing and informative meditation CD’s for children so they too can benefit from an art that has been helping adults for thousands of years.
“I grew with meditation as a daily practice in my life and I know how it benefited me. I knew I wanted to do this for my own children, so it was obvious to me that other parents would find this useful as well in helping to relax and center their children. ” Notes Chitra Sukhu.
Guided Meditation for Children- Journey Into The Universe offers listeners an intriguing look into the five koshas that envelope the body, with these meditations you are guided through the different sheaths allowing you access to your multidimensional self and because it is for children a lot is simplified. “I don’t necessarily teach the koshas per se its very descriptive and imaginative like a bedtime story” says Sukhu. The new CD focuses on the child listener rather than overcomplicated explanations, thus offering a peaceful and effective relaxation experience.