Kundalini Yoga

This past Summer I began taking Yoga Classes with my friend Andrea. She teaches Kundalini Yoga. At first I was skeptical about doing it, but once I got started I was hooked. I feel so relaxed after each class. I can't wait to go to class each week. It is great.

I am writing this blog to help people to understand what Kundalini Yoga is all about. There are many misconceptions about the practice and I hope that after you read this blog that those will be dispelled. Maybe you will be inspired to even try it.

What is Kundalini Yoga? It is basically about awakening the inner self. In Kundalini you awaken the energy centers in your body and learn how to use them awaken your body.

"Kundalini" is an ancient Sanskrit word that literally means "coiled snake." In early Eastern religion (long before Buddhism and Hinduism) it was believed that each individual possessed a divine energy at the base of the spine. This energy was thought to be the sacred energy of creation. This energy is something we are born with, but we must make an effort to "uncoil the snake," thereby putting us in direct contact with the divine. Kundalini Yoga is the practice of awakening our Higher Self and turning potential energy into kinetic energy.

Today's Western definition of yoga is limiting, describing a specific type of exercise. But to the ancients, yoga was a sacred spirit-body connection. Their goal was not fitness. It was direct connection with Brahman, the God-like spirit within us. No religious buffer between man and God was considered necessary. Just practice. Of the many yogas that developed over the past 5,000 years, Kundalini was considered the most sacred.

Top 5 practical reasons to do Kundalini Yoga

1) Expanding your presence expands your life.
Kundalini's connection to your core energy allows you to approach each day with a strong sense of individual truth. This presence is obvious to those around you and will result in new opportunities and an expanded reality.

2) Instant inspiration.
I walk away from each class with a clarity of mind that breaks through old mental patterns and inspires new ideas.

3) Having a community keeps you in check.
Most of us spend part of our day around negative people who drag us down. Regular contact with a positive community on a spiritual path will lift you up and remind you what is important.

4) Magic happens outside your comfort zone.
Kundalini Yoga is full of surprises. You might be stretching one day and screaming the next. The spontaneous nature of each class keeps you light on your feet and ready for anything.

5) Everyone is a teacher (yes, even you).
Yogi Bhajan said that he did not teach Kundalini to attain disciples. He taught in order to train new teachers. Kundalini reminds us that we each have an important message to share with the world. By finding your voice, and having the courage to share it, you will transform your life and the lives of those around you.

Kundalini techniques
Stretching, breathing, jumping, running, dancing, yelling, chanting, meditating. Any given Kundalini kriya contains a variety of activities. A typical class is focused on control of breath,expansion of energy and alignment of the chakras.

The typical class is 60-90 minutes, structured as follows:

• 5-10 minute warm-up (often including spiritual teachings from the instructor)
• 30-45 minute kriya (the workout itself)
• 5-15 minute Savasana relaxation (try not to fall asleep)
• 11-31 minute meditation (this could include mantras or hand mudras)

The following guidelines should be followed during each Kundalini Yoga class:

• Tune-in with the Adi Mantra: Chant Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo three times before beginning any warm-ups, kriyas, or meditation.
• Kundalini Yoga is the yoga of awareness. Listen to your body; do what works for you.
• Challenge yourself to extend just past whatever you think your limits are. For instance, if you think you can only do one minute of an exercise, then try for one minute and ten seconds.
• Follow the directions! Keep the order and type of posture. Do not exceed the stated times. If you wish to shorten an exercise, shorten all exercises in the kriya proportionally (i.e., cut all times in half or quarter).
• In a class, feel free to ask for clarification on an exercise or other aspects of the practice.
• Drink water as needed between exercises.

"May the long time sun
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on."
- Kundalini Yoga farewell blessing

In our Yoga Class Andrea does exercise on the chair and on the mat. We do lots of breathing exercises. One of the exercises that we do is called Fist of Anger. It is all about moving around the energy we have when we are angry. When I do this exercise I feel like it helps to calm me and lower my blood pressure. That is great.

Another exercise that we do is called Cat Cow. This is great for helping with back pain. It helps with your spine, digestive system, nervous system, and helps bring your emotions into check. Another exercise we do is called Downward Facing Dog. This brings the brain into focus. So if you have had a stressful day you can do this pose. We also do the Tree Pose which I am really good at.

We do another pose Warrior Pose. I love it. It is a great pose to open up your hips and your shoulders. Another pose we do that I like is called Sphinx Pose, but I have found it also called Cobra Pose. It helps open up your spine and chest.

One of the breath things that we do is called Breath of Fire or Dragon Breath. One of the ways that we do it reminds me of a dog panting in the summer heat.  A mediation that we do as part of the class is called Peace Begins With Me. I have found this useful when I am stressed. I say it and it makes me feel so much better.

During the class Andrea plays a song that I love called Long Time Sun. Then at the end of the class we say it.

May the long time sun,
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And he pure light,
Within you,
Guide your way home.