Why do we commit to a 40-day practice?

How many diets or exercise routines or new year’s intentions have you decided to incorporate into your life and yet were not able to keep up?  How many of your good intentions fell to the wayside?

The number 40 has many practical and spiritual significance across the globe.  Neuroscientific and behavioural research has shown that in order to effect lasting change, to create new habits, you must first build up a strong foundation through commitment, intention, dedication, and gratitude.  

A period of 40 days is typically needed for renewal, repair, regeneration, and rebirth.  The number 40 is sacred in nearly every tradition and is usually associated with the fulfillment of promises – but only after a period of testing, trial, and reflection. 

This is the reason why your personal spiritual practice (Sadhana) in Kundalini Yoga takes a minimum of 40 days.  The purpose of the “trial” is to guide you back to your heart – to help you reconnect with your essence, your pure, authentic Self, and to help you discover what limiting beliefs you hold in your subconscious that are blocking your path to success.

Kundalini Yoga is known as the yoga of awareness because it uses physical movement, breathing and sound to directly affect your consciousness, retrain the subconscious, develop intuition (your inner teacher), increase your self-knowledge, and unleash the unlimited creative potential that exists within every human being – your life force energy or kundalini. 

Here are some examples of the significance of the number 40:

• Jesus was tested in the desert for 40 days and 40 nights to prepare for his ministry.

• Buddha fasted and meditated for 40 days before reaching “enlightenment”.

• Noah’s Ark was in the water for 40 days.

• Moses stayed on Mt Sinai for 40 days to receive the 10 Commandments.

• Muslims and Catholics perform prayers for the departed for 40 days to free the soul on its path. The 40-day period is often seen as a time for the departed's soul to complete its journey to the afterlife, seeking forgiveness, redemption, and peace.

• Judaism has a practice where you pray the same prayer request for 40 days if you want your prayers and requests to be answered.

• Hindu, Middle Eastern and Asian cultures observe a 40-day postpartum confinement period to allow the mother and baby to bond, and for the mother’s recovery and healing as she navigates significant identity changes as well as physical changes.

• In the Christian tradition, Lent is a 40-day period with specific observances before Easter – a time of rebirth.

• Our very bodies undergo changes every 40 days: our skin cells on average take 40 days to renew, our red blood cells start dying from 40 days onwards and sperm count can be increased in 40 days.

Spiritually, the 40-day period alters the subconscious wiring of your mind.  It represents a period of commitment to create lasting change and transformation. Forty days holds both a mystical and practical significance in many cultures for transformation in many areas of our lives.

So, if there is a specific area of your life that you would like to transform, embark on one of the foundational meditation practices offered by Kundalini Yoga.

Change, lasting change, is not easy.  In my experience, I have discovered that commitment and community are the key factors to success. This is why I create small communities for practitioners to act as “accountability partners”, to encourage and empower each other.  

Why not book a Discovery Call with me to discuss your journey forward? I can provide you with a 40-day countdown calendar to track your progress whether you are doing this solo or in community. 

Dip your toes in!  You will be amazed at the level of discipline you can achieve which will also translate into success in other areas of your life.

Sat Nam. May you have the courage to step out of your comfort zone, master your mind to create a life you love to live – a life of Joy, Purpose, and Love.