Firstly, can I just say how blown away I was by the speed of despatch and delivery of my order. Thank you Shakti.

Secondly, can I just reassure people thinking of buying a Shakti mat (and maybe the pillow as well) that the “ouchy” feeling only lasts about 30-60 seconds. Take a few slow, deep breaths, relaxing your body as you breathe out. After about a minute the “ouch” is replaced by a feeling of warmth which is incredibly relaxing and comforting. I was very sceptical of other people’s claims about this, but they were so right.

I bought the mat at the same time as buying the pillow so that I had the complete experience. I’m new to Shakti and so went with Level 1 and opted for colour Moonstone as it felt calming and relaxing to me, but there are so many colour options there’s bound to be a colour out there for everybody.

On opening the box you are presented with your mat, delicately wrapped and including a card in the box with the name of the individual who was involved with the making of your product. The mat is surprisingly weighty which only adds to the feeling of luxury. You can feel and see the quality of the product. Yes, there are cheaper alternatives out there, but I bet you the quality and finish of the Shakti products will far exceed these alternatives, especially when you consider the ethical side of Shakti products. Plus you get a 5 YEAR (limited) warranty which tells you that your are investing in a quality product.

Used together with the…

My first attempts to use this mat left me questioning the level of masochism I am willing to commit to. I was finally able to endure the searing liquid pain by using it on top of my bed, where I planned to crawl into a fetal ball and recover after my 20 minute torture session. The lava-hot stabby sensation did diminish after a few minutes - just like they say. While waiting for the excruciating discomfort to subside, I attempted to recall when something had hurt this badly. Childbirth and my first broken heart came to mind. I can now confidently add my Shakti mat to that list. I continue to wait for time to lessen the pain of the Shakti. Wish me luck and send me prayers.

Mat and pillow came promptly, was well made and lovely.

Does it hurt? YEAH!

First time was a little crazy at the start because it is sharp AF. Within 30 minutes I fell asleep and woke up really relaxed so it works for me.

Started with Level 2 because, get at it.

So glad I tried it.

I originally bought the Shakti mat based on a friend’s recommendation—she and her husband have been using it religiously every night for over two years. She spoke so highly of how amazing she felt after each use that I decided to give it a try myself.

On the first night, my husband used it with his shirt on. I was too nervous about the potential pain, so I skipped it. But he told me he really enjoyed it, so the next day I decided to give it a go—and went all in, directly on bare skin.

Lying down on it for the first time felt strange. I wasn’t sure if I liked the sensation or not, but after a few minutes, it turned into pure bliss—literally! Now, I look forward to it every evening. It helps me unwind after a long day, and instead of pain, I feel a deep sense of relaxation.

The only part I still do not enjoy is peeling myself off the mat at the end. However, I’ve found that rolling to the side instead of trying to sit up makes it much easier.

And the feeling afterwards? Even better. I absolutely love it and cannot recommend it highly enough!

From my experience, after the discomfort of the spikes subsides I find myself in a default state of meditation, enhancing my existing meditation practices.

It really does offer a break from the stresses of the day, the burdens of worries. It brings you back to your body when you've been completely occupied with your mind. What I learned from using my mat is that a tool that facilitates a momentary shift in your mental state can be the leverage you need to overcome a situation that's been bothering you -- to come back refreshed and reset. Even better if you use it before bed to carry that refreshed state into the next day.

I can see this thing having a compounding effect on my life.