Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini Yoga, alignment, activation, awakening, achieved through the breath-movement-mantra of yoga kriyas and meditations. Classes composed of essential Kundalini Yoga exercises, pelvic, core, spinal, and heart-work, that offer one an immediate awareness of ones own energy, Kundalini Shakti, and its gentle subtle ascension through the channels of the spine. All levels class for beginners-intermediates that will be sure to give you an advanced experience of your Self, mind-body-spirit united.
What is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini yoga (kuṇḍalinī-yoga) derives from kundalini, defined in tantra as energy that lies within the body, frequently at the navel or the base of the spine. In normative tantric systems, kundalini is considered to be dormant until it is activated (as by the practice of yoga) and channeled upward through the central channel in a process of spiritual perfection. Other schools, such as Kashmir Shaivism, teach that there are multiple kundalini energies in different parts of the body which are active and do not require awakening. Kundalini is believed by adherents to be power associated with the divine feminine, Shakti.[1][2][3][4] Kundalini yoga as a school of yoga is influenced by Shaktism and Tantra schools of Hinduism.[5] It derives its name through a focus on awakening kundalini energy through regular practice of mantra, tantra, yantra, yoga, laya, haṭha, meditation, or even spontaneously (sahaja).[6][7]Hatha is Sanskrit for “Force” and relates to the balance of the physical and mental body. Hatha Yoga works towards balancing these two elements in your own personal practice. By finding a consistency between the two you are achieving harmony of mind and body.
What is a Kundalini Yoga Class Like?
When it comes to practicing Kundalini Yoga, a typical Kundalini yoga class is comprised of three parts: an opening chant (known as “tuning in”) followed by a brief warm-up for your spine, a kriya (which is a sequence of postures paired with breathing techniques), and a closing meditation or song. on achieving each pose.
The Sanskrit term kundalini means “coiled serpent” and refers to the divine energy that lies dormant inside the human body. This vibrant energy is contained below the root chakra, located between the anus and genitals. It usually remains dormant and still, but there are specific Tantra Yoga and Hatha Yoga techniques that can be used to activate this energy. Once activated, it then rises from and travels upward. It moves through the susumna, the central energy channel in the center of the spine, through the seven chakras, until it reaches the crown chakra, where it becomes united with the divine consciousness.
At Yoga Now Kundalini Yoga course offers options for beginners and seasoned practitioners. Through repetition of poses, you will be able to work your way up to learning and practicing more complex poses. Our teachers present several options to attendees allowing them to challenge themselves as they see fit. This way the class can move as one while facilitating a wide range of experienced practitioners. The instructor will lead the class through each set of postures.
Kundalini yoga classes include many of the same postures as other forms of yoga, but these are mostly the seated poses which focus on spinal exercises and repetitive movements. It also focuses more on the esoteric and energizing aspects than other types of yoga. Meditation, mantra, pranayama and visualization are emphasized over alignment and the other physical aspects of Hatha Yoga.
You will see dedicated practitioners wearing white clothes in a kundalini class and using sheepskins instead or on top of yoga mats. They believe wearing white will expand their aura and project positive energy out into the world.
Benefits of Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga has many physical and mental benefits if practiced correctly. The intensity of this practice builds resilience, grit, and inner strength. Like other styles of yoga, it can increase your flexibility, strength, endurance, balance and coordination.. It reduces stress and anxiety and improves balance and coordination. The practice of Kundalini yoga can help release old patterns and habits and deepen your spiritual practice.
Kundalini Yoga can offer all of these health benefits as well as a great place to involve yourself in yoga. Whether you are just starting out or already experienced you can come to a class and find others like you.
If you are interested in a Yoga Now class in Kundalini Yoga we’d love to have you join us. For further details and inquiries, please contact us.