Kundalini Yoga draws from a vast array of techniques, including dynamic postures, breathwork (pranayama), mantra chanting, meditation, and more. This variety ensures that each class is a multifaceted experience, targeting physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions.
Kundalini Yoga places a strong emphasis on awakening the dormant energy within the body, known as Kundalini energy. This energy is often visualized as a coiled serpent, and the practice aims to uncoil it gently through specific postures and breathwork. The emphasis on energy activation ensures that each class is a dynamic exploration, as you learn to harness this powerful force.
When the Kundalini energy awakens, it starts to ascend, moving upwards through your spine. Picture it spiraling, until it reaches the crown of your head. This beautiful process is often seen as a journey towards spiritual awakening and a deeper connection with your higher self. It's like your own inner energy rising to meet the greater universe, and it's a fascinating part of the Kundalini Yoga experience.
Coiled three and a half times, the kundalini energy rises and spirals as it moves upward. It's like your own inner energy rising to meet the greater universe.
Kundalini Yoga isn't just about stretching and bending; it's also about sharpening the mind. Each class often includes mindfulness and meditation exercises designed to clear mental clutter and improve focus. So, while your body may be moving through various postures, your mind is also on a fascinating journey of self-awareness.
Get ready for creative sequences and kriyas. A kriya is a specific combination of postures, breath, and sound designed to achieve a particular outcome. This means that no two classes are quite the same. The teacher may craft a sequence to challenge you one day, and the next day's session may be an entirely different adventure.
Sound is an integral part of Kundalini Yoga. You'll find yourself chanting mantras and experiencing sound therapy. This adds a layer of richness to the class experience, connecting you deeply with your practice and your inner self. It's like a symphony for your soul.
Beyond the physical postures and stretches, Kundalini Yoga takes you on a spiritual journey. It's not about following a set routine but about exploring your inner landscape and finding your unique path to enlightenment. Each class offers a glimpse into this profound journey.
The transformative effects of Kundalini Yoga are undeniable. It can change your body, your mind, and your life. Each class represents another step in your transformative journey, ensuring that you're never stagnant but always evolving.
In essence, Kundalini Yoga isn't just a physical practice; it's a holistic journey of self-discovery and growth. Every class is a new chapter, offering you something different, something to challenge you, something to inspire you, and something to connect you with the essence of who you are.
Step 1. Set the space
If you haven't had a chance to explore our article on creating and setting up your sacred space at home, you'll find it here. Establishing your own special space for practice can significantly enhance your overall experience while minimizing distractions. Consider choosing a secluded spot, preferably with natural elements to make your practice even more enjoyable.
The underlying concept of crafting this dedicated practice space is to infuse it with positive energies, creating an environment that delights your senses each time you return for your session. Initially, aim for a location with minimal distractions. However, as you progress in your practice, you'll discover your ability to tune out external noise, ultimately making it a non-distracting oasis. Once you've found that perfect spot, you'll be ready to move on to the next step of setting up your space.
Props for Comfort
In Kundalini Yoga, the props you choose play a vital role in your comfort. You can use any yoga mat that suits your preference. For instance, some practitioners favor the softness of a wool mat, while others find cork and rubber mats provide excellent grip. To enhance comfort, consider adding a blanket to your setup.
When it comes to seated postures, using a cushion is highly recommended. It elevates your hips above your knees, generally resulting in a more comfortable position. Cushions and bolsters become invaluable tools for maintaining a good posture and ensuring a straight spine when you're seated in the cross-legged meditation pose.
Moreover, you might want to create a soothing ambiance by lighting a candle or incense, using essential oils, or placing a crystal near you. It's essential to remember that for Kundalini Yoga, the most important element is you! Your openness, curiosity, and dedication are the keys to a fulfilling practice. So, embrace your space and dive into your journey of self-discovery and growth.
“The idea of creating a place for practice is to fill it with positive energies and to make it appealing so that it rewards your senses every time you go back to practice."
Practice With Intention: An Inner Journey
Your yoga practice is sacred, an inner journey that unfolds between you and your higher state of consciousness. The beauty of practicing with intention is that it serves as a guiding light, not only on your yoga mat but also in setting a positive course for the remainder of your day.
Intention transforms your practice into a meaningful ritual.
Kundalini Yoga is a pathway to self-discovery and spiritual growth. When you practice with a clear intention, you infuse your yoga journey with purpose and mindfulness. It's more than just physical postures and breathwork; it's about delving deep into the realm of your inner self.
Intention transforms your practice into a meaningful ritual. Whether it's a desire for inner peace, self-love, or spiritual enlightenment, setting an intention before each session brings your focus to the present moment. It allows you to connect with your higher consciousness, align your actions with your values, and cultivate a sense of purpose.
As you carry the essence of your intention off the mat, it acts as a guiding compass for your day. It inspires you to make conscious choices, respond to challenges with grace, and navigate life with a sense of purpose. Your yoga practice becomes a powerful tool for personal growth, helping you unlock your full potential.
So, as you step onto your yoga mat or find a quiet space for your practice, take a moment to set a clear and heartfelt intention. Let it illuminate your practice, and may it continue to guide you as you embark on the beautiful journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Step 2. Tuning In - Establishing Your Connection
You're on your yoga mat and ready to begin. But before we dive into any Kundalini Yoga class, it all begins with tuning in. This is a moment of spiritual connection, and it's an essential part of your practice.
The mantra we use for tuning in is known as the Adi Mantra: "Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo." This mantra carries profound significance in Kundalini Yoga because it's the key to connecting with your higher self and your inner master teacher. Think of it like tuning a radio to find the perfect frequency; this mantra tunes you into your spiritual channel. It's a powerful bridge, connecting the "I" or "me" to the collective wisdom of all the spiritual masters who have practiced this sacred technology.
This mantra tunes you into your spiritual channel.
When you chant this mantra, you're not only establishing this connection but also becoming one with all those who have vibrated this same sound current. It's a beautiful link that transcends time and space, granting you access to the collective wisdom and guidance of those who have walked this path before you.
In Kundalini Yoga, we refer to this connection as the "Golden Chain." As soon as you start vibrating this mantra, you're tuning in to the frequency of this ancient and sacred lineage. It's like plugging into a vast network of wisdom and support that extends across generations.
So, as you begin your Kundalini Yoga practice, remember that this initial step of tuning in is about more than just vocalizing a mantra. It's about establishing a connection with the wisdom of ages and receiving guidance for your journey. You're joining the Golden Chain, and with each chant of the Adi Mantra, you're attuning yourself to the timeless frequencies of spiritual growth and self-discovery.
“I bow to the creative wisdom, I bow to the divine teacher within"
Tuning In
Ensure that you're seated comfortably with a straight spine. Your physical posture matters, as it aligns your body, mind, and spirit. Take a moment to adjust until you feel perfectly at ease.
Begin by rubbing your hands vigorously, creating friction and awakening the energy within. Feel the subtle vibrations as you do this; it's like opening the gateway to your inner self.
Once your hands are charged with energy, bring them to a place of stillness at the center of your chest. This gesture represents the unity of your heart and soul, a beautiful symbol of balance and harmony.
Take a few deep and conscious breaths. Inhale deeply, feeling the life force entering your body, and exhale, releasing any tension or distractions. This conscious breathing helps you prepare for the mantra.
When you're ready, begin chanting the Adi Mantra, "Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo." As you do, let the vibrations resonate within you, connecting you to your higher self and the profound lineage of wisdom.
Curious to know the meaning of the Adi Mantra? Continue here.
Step 3. The Kriya - The Heart of Kundalini Yoga
Now, let's explore the heart of Kundalini Yoga – the Kriya. Each Kundalini Yoga class is composed of at least one, if not all, of the following elements: pranayama (breathwork), asana (movement), mantra (chanting), mudra (hand placement), drishti (eye focus), and meditation. These carefully designed kriyas or sequences serve as the essence of your practice, targeting and influencing specific parts of both your body and mind.
A spontaneous flow emerges, unobstructed by mental or physical blocks. The inner and outer worlds merge, inner resources and outer demands meet.
The word "Kriya" means action, but it's not just any action; it's an action that leads to a profound and complete manifestation. When you engage in a Kriya, your actions become aligned with the grand patterns of your true self. It's like becoming a participant in the universal dance of existence.
As you move through a Kriya, something remarkable happens – a spontaneous flow emerges, unobstructed by mental or physical blocks. The inner and outer worlds merge, inner resources and outer demands meet. It's a moment free from doubt and hesitation, where the sense of wholeness takes over, and your mind becomes a potent projector.
This process acts as a bridge of energy, re-aligning your conscious and unconscious realms, forming a strong connection between your soul and your mind. The sequence naturally leads you to the fulfillment of the infinite within the finite moment. It's the journey of the soul meeting the self.
The sequence naturally leads you to the fulfillment of the infinite within the finite moment. It's the journey of the soul meeting the self.
Choosing the right Kriya is a personal choice, and it depends on what you wish to bring into this very moment. There are Kriyas tailored for various intentions, such as anxiety relief, improved digestion, mental clarity, enhanced creativity, and emotional resilience, among many others. With this vast variety of Kriyas, each class becomes a unique and distinct experience.
Short on time?
In our busy lives, there might be moments when you feel short on time, or practicing a full Kundalini Yoga class may seem impossible. But worry not; there are shorter classes, some lasting as little as five minutes! Sometimes, all you need is to tune in with the Adi Mantra, and perhaps add a brief meditation or a focused breath exercise. Even in those precious few minutes, you can tap into the transformative power of Kundalini Yoga, aligning your inner self with the flow of the universe. It's about making the practice work for you, no matter how much time you have to spare.
Step 4. Relaxation - The Gateway to Deep Rest
As you journey through your Kundalini Yoga practice, you'll eventually arrive at the tranquil oasis of Shavasana, also known as deep relaxation. This is the precious and extended rest we often yearn for, and it's typically practiced following the completion of a yoga set or specific postures. Shavasana holds a special place in Kundalini Yoga because it equips us with the tools to truly relax, and its significance goes beyond just a moment of rest.
Once a kriya or a set of yogic postures has been completed, our physiological and neural state often experiences a notable elevation. The purpose of Shavasana is to provide the body with the time it needs to fully integrate the energies accumulated during the practice. This integration process is profound, offering rejuvenation to our entire being, particularly to our parasympathetic nervous system.
During Shavasana, the body experiences a release of muscle tension, allowing blood to flow freely to all areas. It's a practice of deep surrender, where we learn to truly let go. As you rest in this posture, the mind and body begin to align and harmonize.
Relaxation is not just an absence of movement, but a way to consciously integrate the mind-body changes, to renew and rejuvenate.
While relaxation might sound like pure bliss, it can be a challenge for some. True relaxation is a rare state, and especially when starting out, it's common to feel boredom, discomfort, or restlessness. If you initially find it hard to surrender to relaxation, give yourself permission to enter this realm of letting go. Allow your slow, steady breath to guide you into a peaceful space. However you experience relaxation, try to find the courage to rest, even if it feels unfamiliar or difficult. With continued practice, you'll discover that relaxation becomes more accessible and enjoyable. It's a journey towards the art of true relaxation, a gateway to renewal, and a gift you offer to your mind and body.
Step 5. Tuning out - Closing With Harmony
As your Kundalini Yoga class draws to a close, we have one more essential step to explore: tuning out, or "concluding". This final stage is a beautiful way to savor the harmony you've cultivated during the class. To conclude, we use the sacred mantra "Sat Nam."
"Sat Nam" carries a profound meaning, signifying "truth in my identity." The purpose of this mantra is to ensure that as we leave the class, we carry with us the awareness of our authentic self and pure essence. It serves as a reminder of our truth, transcending the physical and temporal aspects of our existence.
As we leave the class, we carry with us the awareness of our authentic self and pure essence.
This closing mantra holds the power to help us acknowledge and appreciate all that you've experienced during the class. It's a moment of reflection on the knowledge you've gained, the awareness you've deepened, and the consciousness you've expanded. It encapsulates the essence of your practice, serving as a bridge between the wisdom you've unearthed and its integration into your daily life.
In essence, "Sat Nam" is a harmonious farewell to the class, leaving us with a lasting sense of our own truth and a profound connection to the knowledge, awareness, and consciousness we've nurtured on our yoga journey. It's a reminder that our practice extends far beyond the mat, enriching our lives in countless ways.
Step 6. Continue Your practice - The Journey Continues
With all the steps completed, you're now ready to carry the essence of your Kundalini Yoga practice forward. It's the beginning of a beautiful and transformative journey. We hope you're feeling empowered and inspired to explore more classes and dive deeper into this profound practice.
Kundalini Yoga has a unique way of meeting you from within. After a class, you may experience a sense of bliss and ease, or you might find that it stirs emotions and sensitivities. Sometimes, it's not always the blissful state we imagine, and that's perfectly okay. This is a sign of the practice working its magic, delving into the depths of your being.
Kundalini Yoga has a way of unveiling what's hidden within. It may bring to the surface unprocessed trauma or discomfort, often referred to as "dis-ease." If you find yourself feeling more emotional or sensitive than usual, it's a clear indicator that the practice is doing its transformative work. It's inviting you to heal, process, and release what no longer serves you.
Keep returning to your mat, for it's a sacred space where you can explore the depths of your soul and the vastness of your spirit.
As you continue your practice, remember that Kundalini Yoga is a journey of self-discovery, growth, and transformation. It's a path that empowers you to connect with your true self, align your body and mind, and explore the limitless potential within you. It's a practice of self-love, self-awareness, and self-empowerment.
So, embrace this journey with an open heart and an open mind. Be patient with yourself, and allow the practice to unfold at its own pace. Whether it brings you moments of bliss or moments of healing, each step of the journey is a valuable and transformative experience. Keep returning to your mat, for it's a sacred space where you can explore the depths of your soul and the vastness of your spirit. Your practice is a continuous cycle of self-discovery, and the possibilities are endless.